California Desert Tortoise Natural Area

Although desert tortoises appear to be sturdy creatures, they have special needs that require special attention. In response to these needs, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with assistance from the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Inc., established the Desert Tortoise Natural Area (DTNA) in 1976. This is a special place, a traditional home for a species now threatened with extinction. The Natural Area is managed to protect this unique habitat in its natural state, free from conflict with other land uses. The total area encompasses over 21,000 acres of public land.