Environmentalists are applauding a new law to protect western Joshua trees in California which bans tree removals without a permit and funds conservation efforts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act into law when he signed the revised state budget for fiscal year 2023–24 June 27. The law took effect July 1.
The act’s proponents say the new law will protect the western Joshua Tree by requiring the state to develop a conservation plan, minimizing cutting the trees down. It also includes a fee of up to $1,000 for every tree that is felled payable to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife….