Yucca Valley, CA
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Western Joshua Tree
All involvement with the Western Joshua Tree is under the direction of the State of California. Effective October 9, 2020, the Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) became a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). CESA prohibits the take and possession of any species, or any part or product of a species that is designated by the California Fish and Game Commission as an endangered, threatened, or candidate species.
With respect to the western Joshua tree, removal of a tree, or any part thereof, or impacts the seedbank surrounding one or more trees may result in "take" of the species which is prohibited by State law unless otherwise authorized.
As of May 10, 2022, the Town of Yucca Valley cannot issue a permit to take (by removal, transplant, trimming or impacting any part of) any Western Joshua Tree.
All inquiries about the protected status and take permits should be directed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: AskRegion6@wildlife.ca.gov