Supporting the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan
The California Fish and Game Commission will be holding a meeting on April 16 and 17 to discuss, among other topics, the draft conservation plan for the western Joshua tree.
We’re asking for your help to speak in support of the state’s plan! You can send a message to the Commission ahead of the meeting or call or Zoom in during the meeting. Details for both methods are provided below.
How to email the Fish and Game Commission
Email comments provided by April 11 will be shared with commissioners at the meeting. MDLT has made it easy to share email feedback with this simple form.
How to call in to the Fish and Game Commission meeting
When: April 16, beginning at 8:30am*
Contact Method: Zoom or phone
Instructions: The Commission provides guidance for calling in and leaving comments. You can find that here.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87637042947
Phone Line: +1 (408) 638-0968 or +1 (669) 900-6833 | Conference code: 848 9069 4237
*Note that if there is a high volume of callers, it is possible that the item continues into the second day of the meeting, April 17th.
Example talking points
Need some help crafting your message? You can use the talking points below! Feel free to incorporate your personal experience and relationship with the Joshua tree in your message.
I am speaking today in support of the draft conservation plan for the western Joshua tree, which is imperiled by climate change, wildfires, and development.
Studies published by University of California Riverside and Northern Arizona University concluded that without interventions, current climate and carbon emission trends would lead the western Joshua tree to vanish from its namesake national park and southern range by the end of the century.
The draft conservation plan provides the collaborative and science-based intervention needed to address the threats facing the species.
The plan’s creation of a process for monitoring and reporting on Joshua tree populations will help the state identify the best habitat for conservation and strengthen the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
To date, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act has led to few land acquisitions for development mitigation, as was intended. Ideal habitat for acquisition will be more easily identified thanks to monitoring and reporting procedures outlined in the plan.
With our warming climate, the plan’s identification of climate refugia ensures an adaptable conservation plan based on the latest science.
At a time when bedrock environmental and climate laws are at risk, California needs to take bold action to preserve this iconic species.
I respectfully ask that you vote in favor of the draft conservation plan when it is up for vote before June 30. Thank you for your work to conserve California’s wild spaces!
