What started as a small group of concerned local citizens has grown into an organization known for successfully protecting your beautiful California desert.

In 1969, residents of the Morongo Basin were threatened by a plan to bring a large electrical transmission line through the Basin. Enormous towers and large cable would have obstructed the view and taken away the natural beauty and healthy ecosystems of our desert surroundings. Thousands of desert dwellers joined in protest by appearing at meetings, sending letters of appeal, and filing petitions.

The leading residents behind this successful campaign against transmission lines became the founders of the Morongo Basin Conservation Association. The activism of Susan Luckie Reilly of Twentynine Palms was key to the effort’s success. She is considered our founder and wrote her own history of MBCA through the mid-1990s. 

MBCA has continued to play an active role in preserving the Mojave Desert's natural elements and the rural lifestyle desired by Basin residents. To celebrate MBCA’s 50th Anniversary in 2019, a historic retrospective book was published. Enjoy reading MBCA’s history by clicking on the book cover below (it links to the Issuu website to view as a flipbook) or view or download the PDF version.