On June 27, 2023 California lawmakers voted to pass the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, a bill that will permanently protect the endemic keystone species, Yucca brevifolia, Wetsern Joshua Tree.

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This bill prohibits the unpermitted take (killing/removal) of the WJT. The bill requires the development of a conservation plan and creates a fund to protect the species. 

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The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act bill is the first California bill that focuses on the conservation of a species threatened by climate change.

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A win for conservation, environmentalist but more importantly protecting not only a species but the preservation of an ecosystem and biodiversity. This has been a long battle filled with emotion from both sides, those for conservation and those against the protection of the WJT.

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I will leave all of my prior posts up of our journey in conservation so that folks who are unaware of the threats posed to the WJT can read more on the battle to get an imperiled species protected. 

 

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On June 16, 2022 the California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG) commission had a tie vote, in regards to warranting CESA listing of the Western Joshua Tree. The candidacy period has been extended until October 12 - 12, 2022.
 
Public comment has been opened once again, deadline is October 5th for the Western Joshua Tree. If you have already signed petitions or written DFG, please do so again. If you have not done so, please do so now! There is an example letter HERE 

MAIL TO 

EMAIL: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Ms. Samantha Murray, President California Fish and Game Commission 

P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

We have a new website dedicated to the Western Joshua Tree, we will continue to update on this website but please visit PROTECT THE JOSHUA TREES


While it is illegal to take (kill, remove) the Western Joshua Tree, we still find Joshua Trees being illegally removed and disposed of. 

If you witness the removing, cutting, or transplanting of the WJT, report the incident to CDFW - CalTIP at 1-888-334-2258. If the incident occurs in Yucca Valley or Palmdale, report it to code enforcement. In addition contact the local non-emergency law enforcement agency.  

Yucca Valley code enforcement
(760) 369-6575.
 
Palmdale
(661) 267-5233 
 
Fish & Wildlife 
1-888-334-CalTIP
(888-334-2258)