The California Fish and Game commission voted in September to allow candidacy to the iconic Western Joshua Tree for protection through the California Endangered Species Act. On Thursday, December 10, the commission reviewed proposed emergency provisions under which a western Joshua tree could be removed during its candidacy period. Reporter Andrew Dieleman has the results of that meeting…
After more than two hours of deliberation, clarification, and discussions with legal counsel, the commission voted unanimously to allow a provision to permit the removal of dead trees and the trimming of “hazard” trees (where the tree or a limb has fallen, is leaning against an existing structure, or creates an imminent threat to health or public safety). The commission also voted unanimously to allow The City of Palmdale, The County of San Bernardino, and the Town of Yucca Valley to establish their own pre-approved permitting process for removing trees in the development of single-family residences, accessory structures, and public works projects (such as the Hi-Desert Water District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant), all subject to specific criteria.
Through the new provisions, the three local agencies would be limited in the number of trees that can be removed: no more than 10 trees per individual project and not to exceed the overall take limit per agency (190 for the City of Palmdale, 450 for San Bernardino County, and 450 for the town of Yucca Valley) during the candidacy period. First, local agencies must each deposit $10,000 towards the western Joshua Tree mitigation fund. Developers must conduct a tree census at all development sites containing western Joshua trees, avoid and mitigate the take of any Joshua trees, and relocate as many trees as possible. Fees will range from $175 – $4,175 per tree based on the size of the tree, developed vs. undeveloped parcels, and relocation vs. removal of the tree. Local agencies must also make bi-monthly reports to the commission, bi-monthly deposits of collected mitigation fees, and submit an annual “survival” report on transplanted trees; or face automatic suspension.
Representatives from San Bernardino County, the City of Palmdale (Acting Director of Economic and Community Development Carlene Saxton), and the Town of Yucca Valley (Town Manager Curtis Yakimow) spoke in favor of the pre-approved provisions. Despite dozens of public comments from individuals vocalizing a lack of confidence in local public officials to accurately report tree removals, commission members ensured listeners that public officials have shown “good faith” in committing to the new ordinance, which is “more strenuous” than any preexisting ordinance. The commission emphasized than any removals would be subject to very specific criteria and that the process would be implemented as infrequently as possible.
