First Acquisition through Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund
CDFW, in cooperation with the Native American Land Conservancy, has made its first purchase of western Joshua tree habitat using the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund. In September, CDFW acquired more than 280 acres of western Joshua tree habitat near the Kern River Valley east of Bakersfield. The acquisition will benefit local tribes through career opportunities and provide tribal access to culturally significant lands. CDFW is now working with the Conservancy on long-term protection and management of the property.
“The western Joshua tree is an important species both culturally and ecologically,” said CDFW Deputy Director Josh Grover. “CDFW hopes this is the first of many efforts to use the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund to protect western Joshua tree habitat and further cooperative working relationships with tribes.”
Western Joshua trees occur across a large portion of California’s desert. However, species distribution models suggest that over the next hundred years much of the tree’s range may no longer be viable habitat. Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s enactment of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) in July, CDFW and the California Natural Resources Agency have begun implementing the WJTCA, which includes establishment and use of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund primarily for acquiring, conserving and managing western Joshua tree conservation lands.
“We are honored to be working with the Kern Valley Indian Community, the Tübatulabals of Kern Valley and CDFW on this important project. Through the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund, we have been able to secure a site sacred to these tribes that will serve as mitigation land for the western Joshua tree. Native American Land Conservancy hopes our continued work in this area and on Joshua tree conservation will also provide career opportunities for local tribal members who must be vital contributors to the efforts to ensure this species’ survival into the future,” said Native American Land Conservancy President Michael Madrigal.
For more information on NALC visit: nativeamericanland.org
For more on CDFW’s western Joshua tree program visit: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT
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