Success: Iconic Joshua Tree Receives Endangered Species Protections

Target: Melissa Miller-Henson, Executive Director of the California Fish and Game Commission

Goal: Applaud protections for Joshua trees.

The Joshua tree is one of nature’s most resilient survivors, but climate change-fueled drought and urban sprawl have put this storied plant at imminent risk of extinction. This ForceChange petition called on the state of California to preserve the precious natural commodity. It seems such committed calls to action have finally paid off with recent actions.

The California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to grant these important carbon-absorbing yucca plants endangered species protections status for a year, with the high probability of making the protections permanent. Cutting down or otherwise damaging Joshua trees without state permission will be forbidden by law. This development marks the first time a California plant species has earned classification under the California Endangered Species Act because of climate change. In an additional shield for a plant in danger of losing over 99 percent of its habitat, a massive conservation effort will ensure protections for wildlife corridors in and near Joshua Tree National Park. This move will help safeguard both western Joshua trees and the many types of wildlife that roam freely in this park.

Sign the petition below to commend the agency that helped get the ball rolling on these crucial protections for an iconic plant species.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Miller-Henson,

Thank you for recognizing the importance of the Joshua tree to California and to the world. This plant has been a consistent fixture in California’s landscape for millions of years. Your recent decision to grant it endangered species protections will help facilitate its survival for many more to come.

We fully support the complete and permanent inclusion of endangered plant species in this state’s fight against climate change.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: David Lamfrom