S4E32: Joshua Trees are Still Caught in the Climate Crossfire

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity, who shares his expertise on species protection under the California Endangered Species Act.

The episode provides a comprehensive update on the California Fish and Game Commission's approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This plan is required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed in 2023, seeking to protect Joshua trees threatened by climate change, development, and wildfires. Cummings, who was pivotal in initiating the process by petitioning to protect the Western Joshua Tree in 2019, offers an in-depth exploration of the process, the challenges faced, and the compromise built into the legislation.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the episode's conclusion, featuring the moving song "Joshua Tree" by Melanie Marshall, which thematically underscores the significance of preserving this desert species.

Key Takeaways:

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: The act passed in 2023 addresses climate change threats and simplifies permits for relocating or removing Joshua Trees, aiming for the species' long-term survival by 2033.

Collaboration and Compromise: The passing of protections involved compromise between environmentalists and industries, balanced by setting more straightforward processes for developers and prioritizing protection through coordinated conservational efforts.

Adapting to Climate Threats: The Conservation Plan identifies climate threats, prioritizing refugia and high-elevation areas for sustained Joshua Tree populations, with a focus on reducing invasive species and fire risks.

Community and Tribal Involvement: Engagement with local governments and Native American tribes plays a significant role in implementing conservation methods, highlighting cultural ties to the land and species.

Future Directions: By 2033, effectiveness will be reassessed, potentially reconsidering the species' threataned status if current measures do not mitigate the threats effectively.

Notable Quotes:

Brendan Cummings: "The Western Joshua Tree Conservation act signed into law in July 2023 was the first state law by California that recognized the climate threat to biodiversity."

Brendan Cummings: "The goal was to protect the species and to ensure Joshua trees continue to be a part of our desert communities."

Brendan Cummings: "The overriding threat, of course, is climate change. We also have increased fires fueled by invasive grasses, and then the most immediate threat, which is Joshua trees getting chopped down."

Robert Gomez: "I want to look at the cultural aspect of the Joshua Tree for our particular tribe… It means a lot to us."

Brendan Cummings: "We can hopefully figure out how to reduce the impacts or frequency of fire in Joshua tree habitat, but we're not going to stop it."

Resources:

Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA

Melanie Marshall's Music: https://soundcloud.com/melaniemarshallmusic

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