CDFW Crafts New Conservation Plan To Protect Joshua Trees

Here’s the Los Angeles Times with more:

A new plan by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the Joshua tree’s survival calls for limiting development in certain areas, including those where the plant may be able to thrive in a future anticipated to be warmer and drier, even as other portions of its range become uninhabitable.

The draft plan also calls on government agencies to develop strategies to mitigate and fight wildfires that threaten Joshua trees.

“It’s groundbreaking in that it’s really the most comprehensive attempt done by the state of California or really any entity I’m aware of in the United States on how to manage a species that’s clearly threatened by climate change,” said Brendan Cummings, conservation director of the Center for Biological Diversity.

At the same time, as S.F. Gate reports, Joshua Tree National Park will increase camping fees by 50 percent. From the story:

Most prices increased $10 per night, per site. Camping at the Belle, Hidden Valley and White Tank campgrounds, all previously $15 a night, now cost $25 a night. Two campgrounds that previously cost $20 per night, Jumbo Rocks and Ryan, now cost $30. The three campgrounds that previously cost $25 a night — Black Rock, Cottonwood and Indian Cove — now cost $35. Black Rock and Indian Cove campgrounds are located along the desert park’s northern edge with closer proximity to the restaurants and amenities of Highway 62, while Cottonwood is similarly accessible from Interstate 10.