State Wildlife Agency visits CNLM’s Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

THOUSAND PALMS, CA — On April 1, 2025, representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) joined staff from the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) for a visit to the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve—a preserve that spans over 800 acres of diverse intact ecosystems in the Coachella Valley. CNLM has owned the Preserve since 2013 and manages it primarily for the protection of rare and endangered native species.  CDFW representatives included Deputy Director Kevin Thomas, Regional Manager Heidi Calvert, Environmental Program Managers Kim Freeburn and Brandy Wood, Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor Ashley Rosales, and Senior Environmental Scientist Jacob Skaggs. The meeting focused on the conservation efforts at Simone Pond—a  restored desert wetland that serves as one of the few remaining places that can provide suitable conditions for the endangered desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius).

The desert pupfish is a small but remarkable fish that has adapted to survive in the harsh, saline waters of desert environments. Once widespread in the Salton Sink Basin and lower Colorado River, the pupfish has faced significant population declines due to habitat loss and invasive species such as crayfish. With only a few vulnerable wild populations remaining, its recovery depends on establishing new populations within its native range to compensate for the major losses.

The visit began with a guided tour of the Preserve led by CNLM’s Regional Preserve Manager for Riverside County, Kim Klementowski; Conservation Analyst, Lee Ann Carranza; and Coachella Valley Preserve Manager, Christian Nordal, who highlighted ongoing adaptive management activities to maintain habitat suitable for the pupfish. CDFW biologists and CNLM staff discussed the history and successful rehabilitation of Simone Pond, which had been compromised years ago by non-native species like tilapia and crayfish. In collaboration with CDFW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and financial support from several sources including the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, CNLM staff worked for a decade applying stepwise, science-based control methods for these invasive species. These efforts resulted not only in preparing the pond to serve as an important refugium for the pupfish but in much information gain towards pupfish management.  Then, before an introduction of pupfish could be implemented by the wildlife agencies and CNLM, some pupfish were released into the pond by unidentified members of the public.

During the meeting, the group reviewed data on water quality, pupfish population trends, and potential threats. They also explored strategies to enhance public awareness while minimizing human impact on the fragile habitat. The Preserve’s trails, which attract hikers and birdwatchers, are managed to protect sensitive areas like Simone Pond.

As the visit concluded, both CDFW and CNLM reaffirmed their commitment to long-term monitoring and habitat protection. Plans for future meetings include expanding community engagement and exploring new technologies to manage pupfish populations. For now, Simone Pond stands as a testament to what’s possible when dedication and science converge in the heart of the desert.

CDFW and CNLM staff at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve: L-R: Heidi Calvert, Ashley Rosales, Kevin Thomas, Kim Freeburn, Brandy Wood, Jacob Skaggs, Christian Nordal (Present but not in photo: Kim Klementowski and Lee Ann Carranza, CNLM) Photo credit: L. Carranza, CNLM.