Western Joshua trees gained candidate status for California's threatened and endangered species list and received protections under a new conservation law two years ago. Private landowners in desert regions now face rigorous permitting requirements, fees for removing or disturbing trees and even for collecting fallen branches. Routine or future projects such as adding a pool, building an accessory dwelling unit, or replacing sewage lines can trigger repeat permitting and additional charges. One buyer in Yucca Valley who planned to remove eight Joshua trees was billed $32,961.75 after regulators said his project could affect 63 trees. Some owners consider abandoning or selling land rather than comply.
But before you can get a shovel into the ground, everything changes. Joshua trees become candidates for the state's threatened and endangered species list and are then protected by an unprecedented conservation law. You must now apply for permits and pay fees - not just for removing the plants, but in some cases for disturbing the land around them. You must even get permits to pick up fallen branches.
You have two options: You can pay tens of thousands of dollars and navigate a morass of policies. If you want to someday add a pool or an accessory dwelling unit or even replace a sewage pipe, you'll have to do the same thing again, potentially paying for work performed near the same trees. Or you can walk away.
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