The next opportunity to learn about and comment on Western Joshua Tree rules is at Assemblymember Greg Wallis' Community Forum which features presentations and a Q&A by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Wednesday, October 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Yucca Valley Community Center
RSVP required >

We've heard 75 people are signed up so far, please sign-up to attend and share with friends and neighbors. CDFW staff will answer any and all questions and we'll see how clear and reasonable the answers are. One thing to keep in mind, local CDFW staff just implement rules, they're not in charge of creating the rules. That's Sacramento HQ.

Because of our advocacy letter, we've been invited to meet with legislative offices to share our experiences and solutions:

• Assembymember Greg Wallis
• Office of Senator Ochoa Bogh 
• Office of Assembymember Bauer-Kahan (the Act's original author) has asked CDFW on our behalf to meet with our residents association

All thanks to the letter you signed, so thank you!

This month, CDFW also released new FAQs including details on permitting:

• "Local arborists and biologists may help propose protective zones or avoidance plans. If a project may result in take, project proponents should reach out to CDFW with any avoidance..." "If projects are designed in a way that fully avoids impacts to WJT, a (ITP) permit from CDFW would not be required." A side not heard by permit applicants, internal CDFW staff guidelines supersede local arborist protection plans and take decisions.
• Can CDFW providence guidance on fireproofing properties when it comes to Joshua Tree rules? "It is not CDFW’s role to issue guidance on fire hardening of homes and communities." Sidenote - considering today's fire, a focus on supporting fire safety should be everyone's priority.
• How do buffers project Joshua trees? "WJT depend on their roots to survive. Activities such as trenching or creating impermeable surfaces on top of root systems." Further info from permit applicants - CDFW staff has decided work such as driveways and foundations within 25' of medium trees and 50' of large trees will kill the trees so they charge a take fee for each Joshua tree within those buffers. 
• If you know of other interesting details, please let us know.

If you'd like to stay involved and receive email updates from our resident's association, please fill out the form at www.WesternJoshuaTrees.com.

We are also looking for property owners considering or attempting projects and concerned about Joshua tree permit costs. Please reach out and share your story!  The stories get legislators attention for sure.

Thank you again for signing the letter to legislators, the fight for property rights continues!

Sincerely,

Morongo Basin Residents for Reasonable Western Joshua Tree Regulations

Contact info: alectrojan@gmail.com