The iconic western Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert are now receiving enhanced protections in accordance with California law. However, not everyone is pleased with this development.
The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act has been integrated into Assembly Bill 122 and its counterpart, Senate Bill 122, which are part of the state budget agreement. This marks the first time that California has implemented a permanent law to safeguard these trees.
Under this legislation, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife must establish a conservation plan for the trees. Additionally, development projects are required to avoid the trees whenever possible, and developers must engage a specialist in desert native plants to oversee tree relocations or contribute to the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the merged budget bill on June 27, solidifying permanent protections for the trees. Temporary safeguards have been in effect since September 2020 under the California Endangered Species Act.
At present, California is home to less than 10 million Joshua trees, occupying a land area larger than the state of Connecticut. However, they reproduce slowly and require specific conditions that are rapidly disappearing due to climate change.
A research paper by UC Riverside’s Center for Conservation Biology, published in June 2019, predicts that at least 80% of the Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park will be lost by 2100. In the worst-case scenario, only 37 acres of the park’s 160,000 acres capable of supporting these iconic trees would remain.
“I’m grateful the Newsom administration and lawmakers agree that western Joshua trees are an irreplaceable part of California’s natural heritage that has to be protected,” said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity. This organization had previously called for Joshua trees to be listed under California’s Endangered Species Act.
Cummings added, “This groundbreaking law will help ensure these wonderful trees remain part of California’s Mojave Desert landscape forever.”
While environmentalists have celebrated the new law, officials representing Mojave Desert communities have expressed frustration regarding its potential impact on economic development in the region.
“San Bernardino County greatly values the Western Joshua tree as an iconic symbol of the Mojave Desert and actively supports efforts to protect and preserve the species,” stated the county in an unsigned news release. However, it believes that the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act fails to strike a proper balance between protecting the species and meeting the needs of the county’s residents and business community.
The city of Hesperia, which features a western Joshua tree on its logo, opposed the legislation and requested amendments to allow local governments to permit multifamily, commercial, and industrial projects. It also proposed adjusting the number of trees that could be impacted for public works projects.
Opponents of the act argue that it will permanently affect development in the desert community, potentially impacting the availability of affordable housing. Assemblymember Tom Lackey stated, “There’s never been a bill that’s been more impactful to my desert community.”
On the other hand, Assemblymember Juan Carrillo believes that the Western Joshua Tree Preservation Act strikes a balance between safeguarding the natural heritage and fostering sustainable development. He argues that listing the tree under the California Endangered Species Act would have greater economic impacts.
The Mojave Land Trust’s joint executive director, Cody Hanford, believes concerns over the law are exaggerated. Hanford pointed out that the tree received a higher level of protection under the California Endangered Species Act for the past two years, yet significant development took place during that time. He emphasizes the importance of considering various factors, such as water, health, safety, and environmental impact, in desert development assessments.
In conclusion, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act represents California’s effort to protect these iconic trees amidst dwindling numbers and the threat of climate change. While some express concerns about the economic implications, others believe that a balance between conservation and sustainable growth has been achieved.
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