Overview
The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) was developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in collaboration with the Fish and Game Commission (Commission), governmental agencies, California Native American tribes, and the public as required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The Conservation Plan provides a comprehensive set of management actions necessary to conserve the western Joshua tree in California. The management actions include guidance to avoid and minimize direct and indirect impacts to western Joshua trees, land conservation and management strategies, tribal co-management objectives, research and information gathering that will help inform future conservation, and an approach to provide public education and awareness on western Joshua tree conservation issues. The Conservation Plan was approved by the Commission on August 13, 2025.
Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (current version):
Previous versions
Amendments to the Conservation Plan
Beginning in 2026, and at least every two years thereafter, the Commission shall review the status of the western Joshua tree and the effectiveness of the Conservation Plan in conserving the species at a public meeting to be held prior to August 31. Concurrent with each review, CDFW shall make recommendations to the Commission, as necessary, for amendments to the Conservation Plan to ensure the conservation of the western Joshua tree.
Throughout the life of the Conservation Plan, CDFW will consider all comments and new information for recommended amendments. Comments on the Conservation Plan or new information on western Joshua tree may be submitted to CDFW at any time via:
- Email: WJT@wildlife.ca.gov, or
- Mail: Habitat Conservation Planning Branch, P. O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Comments may be submitted to the Commission during open comment periods when the Conservation Plan is a Commission meeting agenda item via:
- Email: FGC@fgc.ca.gov
- Mail: California Fish and Game Commission, P. O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090, or
- Meeting: In person or via teleconference at a Commission meeting when the Conservation Plan is an agenda item anticipated to be August 12-13, 2026. The August 2026 meeting details, including the location and online link, will be posted on the Commission’s 2026 Meetings page(opens in new tab).
Comments Received on the Conservation Plan
CDFW Public Outreach Meeting Recordings
Watch previous western Joshua tree public meetings and informational videos on our YouTube Channel (opens in a new tab).
Commission Meeting Recordings
Watch previous Commission western Joshua tree public meetings.
Tribal Engagement
For more information on Tribal engagement for the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, please visit our Tribal Engagement page.