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September 10, 2026

Photo credit: Native American Land Conservancy

Western Joshua Tree Property Acquisition and Conservation Fund Webpage

CDFW Acquires High-Quality Western Joshua Tree Habitat Using the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund

CDFW has made a significant purchase of western Joshua tree habitat using the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund. On August 24, CDFW acquired 640 acres of western Joshua tree habitat northwest of Pioneertown. According to research, this habitat represents some of the highest quality climate refugia in Southern California. It will also contribute to meeting the conservation targets in the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. CDFW is now working with Native American Land Conservancy (NALC) on long-term protection and co-management of the property with California Native American Tribes.

 “I will never forget the first time I went to this new preserve. It is such an amazing place with some of the largest Joshua trees I have ever seen. We are so blessed to be able to steward this place into the future.” – Michael Madrigal (Cahuilla), President, Native American Land Conservancy

New Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund Webpage

CDFW is pleased to announce a new “WJT Conservation Fund” webpage that shows revenue and expenses related to the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund. Fees collected under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act are deposited into the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund solely for the purposes of acquiring, conserving, and managing western Joshua tree conservation lands and completing other activities to conserve the western Joshua tree.

CDFW is actively working with landowners, conservancies, and consultants on other properties and conservation actions not yet reflected in the funds spent, committed, or reserved on the website. This page will be updated regularly to reflect the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund balance and expenses.    

• “WJT Conservation Fund” webpage: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA/Fund

Other WJT Questions? 

Please visit our WJT Contact page to find the email that can best answer your WJT question. 

Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to participate in public meetings or other CDFW activities are invited to contact CDFW's Accessibility Coordinator in the CRO Office at (916) 902-5577, or send an email to CivilRights@wildlife.ca.gov. Reasonable Accommodation requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be received at least 21 days prior to the event. Requests for American Sign Language Interpreters should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event, and requests for Real-Time Captioning at least four weeks prior to the event. These timeframes are to help ensure that the requested accommodation is met. If a request for an accommodation has been submitted but due to circumstances is no longer needed, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator immediately.