Desert landscape with sun setting behind a western Joshua tree near Saddleback Butte State Park, east of Lancaster, California. Photo: angeldibilio (Adobe Stock #454626260)
Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Delegation Agreements
The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) allows CDFW to enter into agreements with cities and counties to delegate to those local jurisdictions the ability to authorize the taking of western Joshua trees that are hazardous (by way of Hazard Management Permits). CDFW may also enter into agreements with cities and counties to allow those local agencies to authorize the taking of western Joshua trees to allow for the development of certain single-family and multifamily residences, accessory structures, and public works projects (by way of WJTCA Incidental Take Permits).
Incidental Take Permits issued by cities and counties will be eligible for the reduced mitigation fee rate, provided the trees are not within 2 miles of Joshua Tree National Park or any unit in the California State Parks system.
The delegation agreements for Hazard Management Permits are now available and the delegation agreements for WJTCA Incidental Take Permits will be available soon. Cities and counties wishing to enter into WJTCA delegation agreements with CDFW should contact WJT@wildlife.ca.gov.
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