A new interpretive, walking trail will allow visitors to enjoy up-close views of Joshua Trees along the path where UniSource power lines used to sit.
UniSource is assisting with the Friends of Arizona Joshua Tree Forest project by removing old power lines, which are no longer in use, and providing financial contributions for the mile-long trail in Mohave County. Our company’s participation aligns with our focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The Friends group is creating the trail in Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest, designated as a National Natural Landmark and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The new trail, supported with a $3,000 donation, is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
North of Kingman and near the community of Meadview, the forest is a popular destination for tourist buses and other visitors to stop on their way to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
While about 3,500 people come to the forest each month, they typically only stay for a few minutes to read the informational kiosk and admire the Joshua Trees, which are spindly yuccas that can grow up to 40 feet. In this area, Joshua Trees’ average lifespans are between 200 and 300 years.
“We want to help increase the usage of the visitors who go through that area,” said Leslie Carpenter, UniSource Senior Environmental and Land Use Planner.
UniSource lines were previously in service through the forest, under a Bureau of Land Management agreement, along three miles of access road. But the wires were no longer needed when a new transmission line was built nearby and energized in early 2024.
During initial discussions, UniSource and Friends group members imagined using the remaining access road for a trail, extending accessibility into the forest and allowing further enjoyment of the desert. UniSource was able to remove the lines without disturbing any of the trees.
After the cable company removed its wires, UniSource crews in September started removing poles. Some of the poles are being cut to be reused for benches and barricades at the location. The new interpretive trail will have signs, as well.
UniSource has collaborated on three projects, including this most recent trail, with the Friends group, said Pam Steffen, President of the Friends group.
In 2022, Friends worked with UniSource crews in rescuing about 21 Joshua trees from the site of a new substation in 2022.
Last year, UniSource donated $3,000 to help make an existing 1/10-mile trail compliant with the Americans with Disability Act, along with adding a gate and other improvements. That project is expected to be completed by winter 2025, Steffen said.
“The Friends of Arizona Joshua Tree Forest would like to thank all of the UniSource employees involved with the development and implementation of all three collaborative projects,” said Pam and Chuck Steffen, founding members of the Friends’ group. “We have high praise for the commitment by UniSource to protect and preserve our beautiful and unique Joshua Tree Forest.”
