Friends Of The Desert Mountains Feel Impact Of Federal Government Shutdown

PALM DESERT, CA — The ongoing federal government shutdown has impacted programs and daily operations at Friends of the Desert Mountains in Palm Desert, officials said Tuesday.

"Shutdowns have happened before, but this is the first time we have had to leave the campus," Friends Executive Director Tammy Martin said in a statement. "While some of our work can be done remotely, many of our upcoming programs and events undoubtedly will be impacted by the shuttering of our office."

The federal shutdown has forced cancellation of several free public programs, including Tortoise Talks, Star Parties, lectures and bird walks, and staff temporarily vacated their offices on Oct. 2 at the Monument Visitor Center at 51-500 Highway 74.

Officials said that should the shutdown extend past Oct. 17, they will need to either cancel or reschedule dates of upcoming events.

The 25th anniversary of the monument event on Oct. 23 and the 25th anniversary of the monument youth event on Oct. 25 were canceled, with an annual fundraiser slated for Nov. 12 set to continue.

Canceled programs would mean fewer donations and less income to the nonprofit.

The organization will look for nearby locations to host its volunteer training events.

"This is very unfortunate and we do not know how long it will last," officials said.

Friends of the Desert Mountains is a nonprofit partner of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.