New coalition of experts to tackle conservation of imperiled Joshua trees

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. - A newly convened coalition of experts and land managers are coming together to tackle Joshua tree conservation priorities, threats from a changing climate, and increased wildfire activity. The coalition was initiated by the Mojave Desert Land Trust and funded by California’s Wildlife Conservation Board to address the need for swift action and strong partnerships in combating threats to the declining keystone species.   

Several peer-reviewed studies show that much of the Joshua tree’s habitat may be climatically unsuitable at the end of the century under shifting temperature and precipitation patterns projected by certain climate scenarios. The coalition will provide foundational structure and information necessary for efficient conservation action to effectively monitor and conserve the Joshua tree. Areas of focus will include land management, fire prevention, research, and education.

This collective action for the iconic Joshua tree will apply lessons from the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, which unites public and non-governmental organizations dedicated to conserving giant sequoia ecosystems.

The coalition’s steering committee met in Joshua Tree National Park Nov. 18-19 to adopt a mission and charter. The steering committee includes representatives of the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Native American Land Conservancy, U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

“The new coalition will promote collaboration and communication between federal and state agencies, land managers, tribes, researchers, and other stakeholders to take strategic conservation action to protect the species,” said Jane Rodgers, Superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park. “It will also centralize knowledge and build a unified structure that serves to advise and inform best conservation practices for the Joshua tree.”

California passed the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act in 2023, which mandates the creation of a conservation plan for western Joshua trees. “Cooperation between partners is essential for Joshua tree conservation. CDFW is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Joshua Tree Conservation Coalition. This partnership will be instrumental for implementation of California’s western Joshua tree conservation plan. Through research and information sharing, public education and outreach, and cooperation, the core objectives of the coalition will amplify the state’s concerted efforts to conserve the iconic Joshua tree,” said Drew Kaiser, Senior Environmental Scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“We need to take innovative, collaborative, and bold action if we want to ensure the future of one of North America’s emblematic species,” said Kelly Herbinson, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. “After many conversations with our partners envisioning what is needed to truly protect the Joshua tree, we conceptualized this collaborative coalition. We are honored to play a leadership role in the long-term protection of the Joshua tree, and all the life that calls the desert home.”

“The intrinsic beauty of the desert has captured many hearts, impacted lives, and shown many community members the importance of living in balance with the environment,” said Elizabeth Paige, Sukutt Menyil Cahuilla (Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians), Education and Stewardship Program Manager of the Native American Land Conservancy. “Though it may be seen as a symbol of the Mojave Desert landscape to many, to Indigenous people throughout these shared lands, Humwichawa, or Yucca brevifolia, is a family member who needs our protection now more than ever. The Native American Land Conservancy is proud to be an advocate and a good relative to the Joshua tree, building climate resilience and supporting the cultural traditions of the Native communities that revere them.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate across multiple agencies and interest groups to foster Joshua tree conservation,” said Scott Sobiech, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Carlsbad Office.

For more information and interviews, please contact:

Mojave Desert Land Trust

Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications and Public Engagement

Phone: 760-820-2275. Email: jessica@mdlt.org