This image posted on the Instagram account of actress and singer Miley Cyrus shows her sitting in a Joshua Tree. Photos posted on her Instagram account showing Cyrus posing in a Joshua tree have drawn criticism from people concerned about protecting the iconic desert species. Joshua trees are protected in Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve as well as under some city and county ordinances. National Park spokesman George Land expressed concern that the singer's many followers might copy her actions. (Instagram via AP)

Photos of Miley Cyrus raise concern about Joshua trees

By The Associated Press April 3, 2019 at 12:47pm

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Social media photos showing Miley Cyrus posing in a Joshua tree have drawn criticism from people concerned about protecting the iconic desert species.

The photos posted this week on Instagram were captioned “Looking down at all the petty drama like….” and “Monkey Bizzzzznassssss” but gave no specific location.

The Desert Sun newspaper reported other photos posted in the past two weeks appear to show the singer near electricity-producing windmills in the Palm Springs area of California.

Joshua trees are protected in Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve as well as under some city and county ordinances.

With their dagger-like leaves and contorted limbs, the trees are considered important to the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

There was no immediate response to an email seeking comment from a publicist for Cyrus.

Susan Burnett, who manages Mojave Sands hotel in the community of Joshua Tree, told the Desert Sun the images of Cyrus are a setback in educating the public about the trees.

“There is no way to erase the idea her image presents that climbing these endangered plants is cool,” Burnett said. “I’m counting on her to help make this right and use her platform to help us preserve these ancient beauties.”

Joshua Tree National Park spokesman George Land expressed similar concern.

“We would just remind her that she has a big following, people watch what she does, and it would be greatly appreciated by the Park Service and the people around the area if she would maybe curb that type of activity, especially posting it on her social media page,” he said.

___

Information from: The Desert Sun, http://www.desertsun.com

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

WJ Wire

The Associated Press

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter

@AP

Facebook

The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.

Location

New York City