Joshua Tree Volunteers Step Up as Rescues Rise
The national park is increasingly turning to volunteer Search & Rescue workers to keep up with a jump in emergencies.
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Five years ago, Joshua Tree National Park’s volunteer Search & Rescue team used to pitch in on emergencies about three times a month. Now, amid a huge jump in visitation and a corresponding increase in rescue incidents, they respond up to three times per week, providing critical help to the park. Some rescuers think visitors are also taking more risks, requiring even more help than in the past.