In the heart of the desert, where the sun paints the landscape with hues of warmth and resilience, every plant is a testament to nature's ingenious adaptation. In the arid embrace of the sands, botanical wonders thrive against all odds, whispering tales of tenacity and beauty. The desert, a living testament to the poetry of survival, unfolds its secrets to those who pause to listen, revealing that even in the harshest environments, life finds a way to bloom.
EXAMPLE LETTER FOR CDFG
COMMENT PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED.The next DFG commission meeting that will meet over the WJT will occur in 10/12 or 10/13. The exact date has not yet been announced.
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Below is an example letter that can be copied/pasted, emailed or mailed to CDFG commission. You may take bullet points and reword the letter. Mailing address and email address is listed below.
Date: (Please add)
VIA EMAIL: fgc@fgc.ca.gov
Ms. Samantha Murray, President California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Re: Western Joshua Tree CESA protection Dear President Murray:
I am writing today in support of listing the Western Joshua Tree as a threatened species and giving it full protection under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).
The range of the Western Joshua Tree has been shrinking because of climate change, wildfires, and mass clearing by the solar energy and construction industries. Extended periods of extreme heat and prolonged drought are affecting the health of Joshua Trees such that their ability to bloom and successfully reproduce is also imperiled. Additionally, the Western Joshua Tree can only be pollinated by a specific yucca moth that co-evolved with it. Literally: one can’t exist without the other.
The elevation range where the Western Joshua Tree currently lives and where its scientifically projected climate refugia are located are very limited. Large fields of solar panels can go anywhere—they are not limited to a narrow elevation range.
Renewable energy like solar power is very important to combat anthropogenic climate change, but it can’t be at the expense of the keystone Western Joshua Tree species and its co- dependent yucca moth. In this case, we have a single chance to save our beautiful desert sentinels, known and loved the world round: our Western Joshua Trees. So, too, can solar energy thrive and grow as it absolutely should, but without impacting the Western Joshua Tree.
Understandably, the California Fish and Game Commission must weigh the decisions it makes, taking into consideration the impact on all parties involved. I ask you to please embrace this singular opportunity to protect the Western Joshua Tree and its mutually dependent Yucca moth.
Respectfully,
(Name)
(Affiliation if so desired) (Address)
