Bill > AB1089

This bill amends the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to expand and clarify regulations around the removal and protection of western Joshua trees. The bill allows the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter into agreements with cities to delegate authority for removing western Joshua trees associated with commercial and industrial projects, in addition to existing provisions for residential and public works projects. It removes previous distinctions between dead and live trees, enabling permits for removing or trimming any western Joshua tree. The bill simplifies permitting by allowing tree removal without fees or additional mitigation when the tree is within 100 feet of a single-family home and removal is necessary for meeting defensible space requirements. The legislation also requires detailed documentation for tree removal permits, including photographs and information about the tree's size and condition. Importantly, the bill maintains protections for western Joshua trees by requiring minimization of impacts, mitigation for tree removal, and potential relocation of trees when feasible. The department must develop guidelines for successful tree relocation by July 1, 2024, and retain oversight to suspend local permitting authority if tree populations are at risk.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1089