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 climate change. Commissioners were deadlocked on whether to list the species under the act, and decided to reconsider at their October meeting. In the meantime, the tree will continue to enjoy the same protections that have been in place since October 2020. The commission directed the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on a conservation plan for the species as they gather additional information.
