Calculating Mitigation Fees
Mitigation fees are paid to CDFW prior to permit issuance in lieu of traditional permittee mitigation. The fee is based on the number of individual western Joshua trees taken, dead or living, and their size class as defined in Fish and Game Code section 1927.3 (d) and (e). For purposes of fee calculation, a western Joshua tree individual is defined as a stem or trunk arising from the ground, regardless of proximity to any other western Joshua tree stem or trunk.
For western Joshua trees located within the reduced fee area defined in subsection (d) (click to access an interactive map of the area(opens in new tab)) the fees are as follows:
| Tree Size Class
|
Mitigation Fee
|
| 5 m or greater
|
$1,000
|
| Greater than 1 m but less than 5 m
|
$200
|
| Under 1 m
|
$150
|
For trees located in the standard fee area defined in subsection (e) the mitigation fees are as follows:
| Tree Size Class
|
Mitigation Fee
|
| 5 m or greater
|
$2,500
|
| Greater than 1 m but less than 5 m
|
$500
|
| Under 1 m
|
$340
|
For example, a project will remove two western Joshua tree clusters both of which occur in the standard fee area. Cluster one is composed of one 5.5 m tree and 3 stems under 1 m in height. The second cluster is composed of two trees, 3.7 and 2.2 m in height. The total fee for mitigating the impact of removing these trees would be 2500+(340×3)+(500×2)= $4,520.
Applying for a WJTCA Incidental Take Permit
Review the process guide
The Application and Review Process Guide describes the process for WJTCA incidental take permits and contains submission instructions.
Perform WJT Census
The census needs to include information about and photographs of each western Joshua tree. Census instructions are available to help you provide information to CDFW that will help expedite review.
Fill out Application Form
Download the application form here (Word).
Assemble Application Package
Collect or create any supplemental documents CDFW might need to assess the project. Include documents such as:
- Completed and signed application form
- Detailed project description
- Project diagrams, drawings, design plans, construction specifications, and maps
- CEQA documents, if available
- WJT Census (data, photographs, and map)
- WJT relocation maps and figures, if applicable
Providing a complete package helps CDFW expedite the review process.
Submit Application Package
You may submit your application and materials through email (preferred) or via postal service. For application packages too large to email, please contact the regional office for assistance or submit via EPIMS opportunity “Document Repository - HREA, CESA CDs, SERP and WJTCA ITPs”.
Please DO NOT submit a check with your application. CDFW will provide an invoice for payment of mitigation fees prior to WJTCA ITP issuance.
- Region 4: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties
1234 E. Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710
reg4assistant@wildlife.ca.gov
(559) 243-4005 ext. 151
- Region 5: Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties
3883 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123
r5cesa@wildlife.ca.gov
(858) 467-4201
- Region 6: Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Riverside and San Bernardino counties
3602 Inland Empire Blvd, Suite C-220, Ontario, CA 91764
AskRegion6@wildlife.ca.gov
(909) 484-0167
Western Joshua trees are unlikely to occur outside of the above regions. If you need a permit for a tree located in Regions 1, 2 or 3, contact the regional office for more information.