On this page
Overview
Collaboration with California Native American tribes (Tribes) and inclusion of tribal co-management principles are critical aspects of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan). The Conservation Plan provides an overview of traditional uses of western Joshua tree, as well as collective experiences and knowledge, known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), related to western Joshua trees. TEK shared by Tribes influenced management actions in the Conservation Plan and informed specific standards for co-management of the species. The management actions in the Conservation Plan establish the framework needed to guide the ongoing development, incorporation, and implementation of co-management functions and responsibilities.
The process to develop meaningful co-management will require time that extends beyond the initial publishing and approval of the Conservation Plan. CDFW is committed to maintaining a high level of collaboration with the Tribes during the implementation and subsequent updates of the Conservation Plan. CDFW encourages any Tribe requesting consultation or interested in participating in western Joshua tree conservation efforts to email WJT.TribalEngage@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tribal Engagement Meetings
- November 2023- Informational webinar on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (see video below)
CDFW and the Native American Land Conservancy (NALC) co-hosted two inter-tribal Western Joshua Tree Community Workshops:
- October 2024 in Lone Pine, CA
- February 2025 in Yucca Valley, CA
If you are a tribal representative, please reach out WJT.TribalEngage@wildlife.ca.gov to receive any available inter-tribal meeting materials.
Inter-Tribal Advisory Committee
An important topic discussed at the Inter-Tribal Community Workshops was forming an Inter-Tribal Joshua Tree Advisory Committee to:
- help develop co-management principles for the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan,
- facilitate the sharing of protected Traditional Ecological Knowledge with other tribal members,
- implement important, tribal-led projects to conserve western Joshua trees,
- find equitable funding solutions so that all interested tribes may participate, and
- other activities to be determined.
NALC has received grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board to assist in the formation of this committee through March 2028. If your tribe is interested in participating in this committee, please reach out to WJT.TribalEngage@wildlife.ca.gov or info@nativeamericanland.org.