The iconic western Joshua tree remains in a state of bureaucratic limbo. While it was not added as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, the California Fish and Game Commission has agreed to revisit the issue when it meets in October.
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 as the tree will continue to enjoy the protected status granted eighteen months ago.
Protected status won’t put an end to development, “it just means [development] will happen under a more careful watch,” said California
Fish and Game Commission President Samantha Murry.
Between now and the 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.
