They happen to be in the area of protected habitat for the desert tortoise.
This turtle prevents our military from fully utilizing its land at Ft Irwin, prevents residential development, and required a reduction in herd size for ranchers on federal lands (Bundy Ranch). Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important than that turtle.
Except a solar plant :)
Its for the children though - Harry Reid’s children.
I believe the tortoise is also protected at Pendleton. Spot one and the whole mission is shut down. Can’t let the bugger pee or it’ll die.