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CDFW had a big year in 2023 helping to protect the iconic western Joshua tree! The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) was introduced in California Legislature in February 2023 and signed by the Governor in July 2023, to ensure western Joshua tree protection while offering a path forward for cohabitation and economic development that will help California meet its 100 percent clean energy goal by 2045. CDFW expeditiously began implementing the requirements prescribed by the Act.
In August 2023, CDFW started implementation of the WTJCA hazard management permit to authorize the removal of dead trees or the trimming of living trees that pose a risk to public health and safety. To date, 137 hazard permits have been issued.
In September 2023, the WJTCA incidental take permit (ITP) was released and CDFW began receiving applications to authorize the removal and relocation of WJT for approved projects. To assist data collection for these projects and facilitate the application process, CDFW created a form in the Geographic Information System mapping tool Survey123 to help applicants record important census information including size class and photographs for each tree in their project area. To date, 44 applications have been received and are being evaluated to determine appropriate actions to avoid or minimize impacts to the species.
Fees for impacting WJTs from WJTCA ITPs are deposited into the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund (WJTCF). Its purpose is to acquire, conserve and manage WJT conservation lands and complete other activities to conserve the species. In October 2023, CDFW made its first land acquisition using the WJTCF. The WJT habitat acquired has great significance to the Native American tribes of the Kern Valley and is an example of the co-management principles supported by the WJTCA. CDFW is working with the Native American Land Conservancy, Kern Valley Indian Community, and Tübatulabals of Kern Valley to steward the land and protect both cultural resources and the iconic tree.
Other uses of WJTCF are in the works. In September 2023, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, who manages fund, announced a Request for Qualifications to find consultants that will help CDFW direct the expenditure of the fund in order to acquire, conserve and manage conservation lands. Proposals are currently being evaluated and final selections will be announced in February 2024.
The WJTCA allows CDFW to enter into agreements with any county or city or incorporated town to delegate the ability to authorize the taking of the protected western Joshua tree under certain conditions. CDFW has begun to meet with interested counties, cities, or incorporated towns and is looking forward to working further with these parties.
Lastly, the WJTCA directs CDFW to develop a Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan by December 2024. CDFW are in the planning phases of the Conservation Plan and will hold several meetings and webinars over the next six months with California Native American tribes, governmental agencies, and the public to gather input and develop management actions to conserve the species. CDFW began outreach to 92 Native American tribes to gather interest in co-management activities and traditional ecological knowledge needed to conserve the iconic tree.
For updates on CDFW western Joshua tree conservation efforts and upcoming outreach meetings, please subscribe to our email/SMS message announcement system.
 Have you seen the new CDFW WJT website??? 👀 We recently updated our website to make it more user-friendly and help you find important information quicker! Let us know what you think by emailing comments to WJT@wildlife.ca.gov.
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