The Mojave Desert is worth the most to California both economically and ecologically as an intact and vibrant landscape, said Mike Skuja, California representative for Defenders of Wildlife. We want Economic Oasis to illustrate to Californians in the areas around the Mojave exactly what this amazing desert has to offer as a protected sanctuary for some of the most unique animals and plants on the planet. As it turns out, it is worth more than even we were expecting!

The report, based on an analysis by Defenders, has identified six ways that the Mojave contributes to the overall economy of the region:

- $230 million in outdoor recreation spending in 2003, resulting in $338 million in total regional sales;

- An estimated $363 million pumped into the local economy by the Twentynine Palms Marine base, generating over $690 million in total regional sales, and almost $1.5 billion per year in total regional sales in the entire state from Edwards Air Force Base;

- $100 million in Antelope Valley alone from filming movies, commercials, music videos, television shows as well as shoots for print ads and still photography of the landscape, $3.3 million of which was pumped directly into the local economy from 2002 to 2003;

- More than $450 million in real estate value in Inyo and San Bernardino counties alone according to a 2004 study

- More than $520 million from the sale of renewable energy generated from solar, geothermal and wind sources. The renewable energy industry also directly or indirectly employs over 1,100 area residents;

- Other irreplaceable benefits such as clean air (saving Inyo, Riverside and San Bernardino counties an estimated $20 million in healthcare costs per year), clean water (estimated to be worth between $90 and $110 million per year), research and education.

Many locals, including Brian Brown, owner of Death Valleys China Ranch Date Farm, recognize the relationship between a healthy Mojave and strong communities. Brown says, People come to our region now specifically to see untrammeled desert, trackless expanses and, per chance, wildlife. We are a tourism economy, and a healthy wild desert is what we have to offer. Without that, we would literally dry up and blow away.

The Mojave brings so much to this region in terms of money for local communities, recreation, unique wildlife and protected open spaces, said Skuja. It is our sincere hope that civic leaders, policy-makers and citizens will take this new information and make a long-term commitment to protecting this valuable land for the benefit of current and future residents and visitors.

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