That allowed Newcastle Gold Ltd. of Canada to proceed with plans to excavate 10 million tons of ore from its 8,300-acre parcel through 2025. Castle Mountains National Monument was not on the list of 27 sites proposed for status modification or elimination. The firm’s recommended solution: Reduce the size of Castle Mountains National Monument by 50%. Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times Joshua trees are silhouetted against the setting sun in Castle Mountains National Monument in Southern California's eastern Mojave Desert. Joshua trees are silhouetted against the setting sun in Castle Mountains National Monument in Southern California's eastern Mojave Desert.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 28, 2017 14:15 UTC