Mojave Desert Land Trust Activities Involving Western Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

Summary

SCH Number
2024100229
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning (CDFW)
Document Title
Mojave Desert Land Trust Activities Involving Western Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/7/2024
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a permit to MDLT (Permit No. 2081(a)-24-010-RP) pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2081(a) for a project to: (1) preserve genetic diversity of western Joshua tree (WJT) populations; (2) build an inventory of seed and plants that can be used for research, restoration, and recovery efforts; (3) collect, maintain, and share data on the long-term viability of WJT seeds; and (4) minimize habitat disturbance by vertically mulching dead and detached WJT limbs. Seed collection is expected to take place following a mast seeding event, which does not happen every year. Fruit collection will typically occur between June and August. Fruit will be carefully dislodged from trees and will be temporarily stored in paper bags. Each collection will be given a unique accession number. Information including latitude and longitude, population size, number of individuals sampled, and associate species will also be recorded. Collected seed will be processed at MDLT headquarters. Fruits will be spread out on screens or left in open paper bags to air dry for a minimum of two weeks. Fruits will then be cleaned to remove chaff using sieves and a seed blower. Collected seed will be stored in air-tight containers in refrigerators. An estimated 10,000-20,000 seeds per collection may be dried, sealed in foil packets and stored in cold storage for long term conservation purposes. Germination testing will be conducted on each collection. Approximately 20-50 seeds will be germinated and data on number of seeds that germinate, and percent viability will be recorded. Seeds that germinate may be transplanted into pots with sterilized growth medium and housed in a shaded greenhouse at the MDLT nursery to be irrigated regularly and used for conservation and recovery purposes. MDLT will also use dead and detached WJT limbs to construct vertical mulch piles to block access to, obscure, and restore denuded and compacted areas caused by unauthorized vehicle or foot traffic.

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

Name
Patrick Emblidge
Agency Name
Mojave Desert Land Trust
Job Title
Seed Program Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project

Location

Cities
Joshua Tree
Counties
Kern, San Bernardino
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Other Location Info
The Project will take place in San Bernardino and Kern counties on several properties owned by Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT). Seed processing, storage, and propagation will occur at MDLT headquarters in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County.

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306, Class 6, and 15307, Class 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of basic research, data collection, and management activities to aid conservation and recovery efforts of western Joshua tree. The permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Project includes measures to ensure that existing populations of western Joshua tree are adequately protected.
County Clerks
Kern, San Bernardino

Attachments

Notice of Exemption

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