California Department of Fish and Wildlife Western Joshua Tree Seed Collection Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026010864
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Western Joshua Tree Seed Collection Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/27/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and its agents will collect and store western Joshua tree seed to provide source material for the long-term maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of western Joshua tree habitat. Project activities directly support conservation and recovery activities as outlined in the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan (August 2025). CDFW and its agents will attempt to collect from at least 110 locations throughout the range of western Joshua tree in California between 2026 and 2033. Only a very small percentage (not to exceed 10%) of available fruit will be collected. At each collection site, CDFW and its agents will harvest approximately 20,000 - 30,000 seeds, roughly 10 gallons of ripened fruit, from at least 50 individuals. Collections will only occur in “mast” years (i.e., when many western Joshua trees within a region flower and produce fruit synchronously) and will follow Center for Plant Conservation standards. Staff will use telescoping poles with a hooked attachment or long trash grabbers to gently remove fruit from trees. Site information will be recorded for each collection location. Seed will be processed and placed into long-term storage using standard seed banking practices at a CDFW storage facility. Seed will be used for future restoration, enhancement, or research projects.
Contact Information
Name
Andrew Kaiser
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning Branch
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Counties
Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project will occur throughout the range of western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) in Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, Kern, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15306, Class 6, and Section 15306, Class 7
Reasons for Exemption
This Project will advance conservation of western Joshua tree by ensuring that seed is available for critical research, conservation, restoration, and recovery related projects. The Project consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. The Project follows collection standards and methods that ensure the existing populations of western Joshua tree are protected.
County Clerks
Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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