Hi Folks. I lurk here A LOT and haven’t written a diary in years, and I rarely comment. I do feel compelled to let you know that today, the California Fish and Game Commission is meeting to consider listing the Joshua Tree as a threatened species. This would help greatly in limiting development in the fragile desert ecosystems that the Joshua Tree and many other species depend on. From the agenda:
Consider the petition, the Department’s status review report, and comments received to determine whether listing western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is warranted. (Pursuant to sections 2075 and 2075.5, Fish and Game Code)
The more people who join the Zoom meeting and speak out in support of this threatened status, the better! You can join the call on Zoom link here, and “raise your hand” when the agenda item #5 is brought up. You’ll get a minute or two (depending on how many people are there to speak) to express your support of the Joshua Tree. The desert ecosystem is delicate and greatly impacted by climate change and development. Anything we can do to protect the Joshua Tree, I believe we should do!