LISTEN TO THIS STORY HERE:
The iconic western Joshua tree will not be added as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act after the state Fish and Game Commission failed to reach agreement on how best to protect the tree from increasing threats. The four-member commission did, however, agree to revisit the issue when it meets in October. Here’s reporter Mike Lipsitz with more on what this means for developers and others…
For environmental groups, failure to add the western Joshua tree to those protected under the California Endangered Species Act is far from the defeat it may first appear to be. That’s because the tree will continue to enjoy the protected status that has been in place for the last 18 months. Those opposed were also neither big winners nor losers.
Protected status doesn’t put an end to development, “it just means [development] will happen under a more careful watch,” said commission president, Samantha Murry.
So between now and an October decision, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will work on a conservation plan for the species. Hopes are that such a plan can help mitigate the species’ primary threats of wildfire, development, and climate change.
Reporting for Z107.7 News, this is Mike Lipsitz.
