The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act was enacted last July with the aim of protecting the culturally and ecologically important tree while supporting the state’s renewable energy and housing development priorities. Part of this effort is preparation of a conservation plan for the iconic tree. Public input is being sought as one component of the plan.
When the California Department of Fish and Wildlife holds its virtual meeting on Thursday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to noon they will briefly overview the act, give a status update on its implementation, and discuss ideas for conservation strategies now in development. The act requires collaboration with Native American tribes, governmental agencies and the public for development and implementation of the conservation plan and that’s where you come in.
Your input and inquiries are welcome before and after this meeting and may be submitted via email to [email protected]. You may also submit feedback here or remotely attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jpz9KpQOSWuq4UgF0Pp_7A
Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is an iconic species in California that is both ecologically and culturally important. Western Joshua trees occur across a large portion of California’s desert. Yet, species distribution models suggest that by the end of the 21st century, much of the species’ range may no longer be viable habitat.
The WJTCA creates a streamlined permitting framework for certain development activities and collects mitigation fees for the acquisition and conservation of western Joshua tree habitat and other actions to conserve western Joshua Tree. This will offset the impacts of permitted projects that negatively impact western Joshua trees and help to conserve the species on a landscape scale.
