03/28/2026
Great news for the Morongo Basin as finally the California legislature is trying to repair the mess Newsom made regarding Joshua trees. Here is letter from our local committee chair:
Dear members of the Morongo Basin Residents for Reasonable Joshua Tree Regulations,
Fantastic news, our local legislators are working hard in Sacramento and just introduced FIVE bills to fix some of the problems within the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
Below is a list and summary of those bills. Feel free to ping me, Art, or Ruieta with any questions.
Urgent action - Please review two comment letters attached and let me know if you want to add your name to the letters. Please reply by 4/1.
SB 1062 (Ochoa Bogh) - Reduces the costs for Western Joshua Tree permits for public utility and water projects.
Fact sheet | Bill text and status
SB 1063 (Ochoa Bogh) - Would create an expedited pathway for residents to obtain a permit for the taking of a Western Joshua tree, without required fees or mitigation measures, so long as the taking is related to infrastructure that provides electricity, gas, water, sewer, or telecom service or work related to wildfire hardening.
Fact sheet | Bill text
Comment letters being drafted, we'll get those out soon
AB 1663 (Wallis) - Exempts projects and parcels from the permit fees if the land was continuously owned by the same person on or before July 10, 2023 (the effective date of the Act). Owner must comply with applicable local ordinances.
Fact sheet | Bill text and status
AB 1808 (Carrillo) - Would authorize a delegated city to authorize taking of a tree for commercial or industrial development, and permit without fees or other mitigation, removal or trimming of a tree in proximity to a residence (30’) or accessory structure (15’) or for a public works project (15’).
Bill text and status
SB 1061 (Ochoa Bogh) - Narrows the definition so that the unintentional or accidental death of a Western Joshua tree is not considered a take. It also exempts the relocation of trees within or between commonly owned parcels from permitting requirements. Helps with the definition of take.
Bill text and status | Fact sheet
Looking ahead, action items coming up:
There's a CDFW Zoom meeting today at 11:30 am, we'll report out on that.
Zoom meeting on April 8th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. with staff members representing Assemblymember Wallis and Sentator Ochoa Bogh. I'll send out the Zoom invite soon.
Share our website with neighbors, now is the time to get involved.
www.WesternJoshuaTrees.com
We need to gather project case studies and stories and those can be anonymous.
2-4 people may need to go to Sacramento in April. I've already gone so better some other people go to testify and meet with legislators. We have a powerful partner in Community Water Systems Alliance who supports us every step of the way during a visit. Just show up and share your story, they make it so easy.
A lot of activity is happening very quickly this spring. Please let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions.
Happy Friday,
Alec Mackie
Morongo Basin Residents for Reasonable Joshua Tree Regulations
818.261.3399
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