Western Joshua Tree Video Recordings – Watch

The purpose of this meeting was to share information about CDFW's regulatory update to mitigation fees outlined in the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Act). CDFW share the potential approaches, factors contributing to analysis of fees needed to conserve the western Joshua tree, and the fee regulation package process and timeline for 2026. Please submit comments related to the fee adjustment to WJTRegulations@wildlife.ca.gov by March 1, 2026 for document consideration. Please note, there will be more opportunities to comment on the fee adjustment process throughout 2026.

The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) was released in August 2025. As required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) CDFW must make Conservation Plan recommendations to the Commission by August 31, 2026. During this meeting CDFW will go over the Conservation Plan requirements as outlined by the WJTCA and the Conservation Plan timeline for 2026.

Overview for proposed WJTCA Permitting Program to provide a streamlined mechanism of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for qualifying projects such as property owners engaging in actions with the potential to result in limited take of western Joshua tree.

Overview of three projects and their timelines for 2026. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan Amendment, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Permitting Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Fee Adjustment and Implementation (WJT Fees)

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA), Incidental Take Permits under the WJTCA and California Endangered Species Act, and the draft Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) released to the public on November 22, 2024

Draft Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan overview and potential management actions in development

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act CDFW implementation update