JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Twentynine Palms, California - Due to recent thefts and closed area violations at Keys Ranch, the park is stepping up monitoring and enforcement of those in violation of no entry areas in and around the ranch site. Four citations have been issued in recent weeks, in two separate incidents. Removing property from a national park is a federal offence punishable by imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Superintendent David Smith said, "It is sad that a small percentage of people lack the social conscience that most visitors have. Anyone caught in a closed area is subject to be cited and they will be prosecuted."
Keys Ranch is a 19th century homestead which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a significant window into what life was like in the southern California desert a century ago. Information for ranger led tours of Keys Ranch can be obtained by calling 760-367-5522. Come out and Find Your Park.