Western Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) Management and Research at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Summary
SCH Number
2024051249
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
Western Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) Management and Research at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/29/2024
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a permit to Dr. Juniper Harrower (California Endangered Species Act Permit No. 2081(a)-24-008-RP) pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081(a) for a project involving western Joshua tree seed collection, propagation, invasive species removal, and outplanting for a habitat restoration project at PDWP. Additional project activities include non-destructive root excavation research to improve understanding of western Joshua tree root spread. Between April and November 2025, up to 100 western Joshua tree seed pods will be collected from PDWP for propagation and outplanting. Information on seed collection location, seed pod size, parent plant size and number of branches, number of seeds per pod, germination rates, seedling growth rates, and transplant survival will be collected each year in December, May, and August. The Project will also investigate root spread by carefully hand excavating western Joshua tree roots following the root from the base of the tree outward, measuring full length and mapping root branching patterns through sketches and photos. A total of three main roots will be excavated per tree using hand trowels and mixed bristle brushes. Any rhizomatous sprouts detected from the base will also be tracked. After measurements and photo documentation, roots will be re-covered with soil. No negative impacts to western Joshua tree are expected from the root excavation research.
Contact Information
Name
Joanne Heraty
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning Branch
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist- Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Lancaster
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project will take place in Los Angeles County at the City of Lancaster’s Prime Desert Woodland Preserve (PDWP) located at 43201 35th Street West in Lancaster, California (34.66829, -118.19637).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306 and 15307, Classes 6 and 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of experimental management and resource evaluation activities to ensure the maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of an existing population of western Joshua tree. The permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Project includes measures to ensure existing populations of western Joshua tree are not impacted.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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