Antelope Valley Press

City can issue Joshua tree removal permits

- By JULIE DRAKE Valley Press Staff Writer

PALMDALE — The City will be able to process permit applicatio­ns for the take of western Joshua trees under specific circumstan­ces.

The California Fish and Game Commission voted to list the western Joshua tree as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act for one year as officials look at how best to protect the plant from climate change and industrial developmen­t. During that year it will be illegal to cut down, damage, or remove a Joshua tree without a permit to do so.

Palmdale will be able to issue permits for the take of dead Joshua trees and for projects such as single-fami

ly home additions, accessory structures, patios, and pools, Carlene Saxton. Acting Director of Economic and

Community Developmen­t, said during a presentati­on at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.

“These projects are able to be processed over the counter here at the city vs having our residents and our small contractor­s have to go through the cumbersome process of getting the applicatio­n through the state,” Saxton said.

The California Fish and Game Commission unanimousl­y approved Palmdale’s special order at its Dec. 10 meeting.

A dead tree can be removed only if it is within 30

us know the District is serious about our underserve­d African American students and their families.”

The director of equity will be responsibl­e for coordinati­ng and guiding efforts to define, understand, assess, foster and cultivate diversity, according to a job descriptio­n, The position will also serve as a liaison between the community and the District in the developmen­t of relationsh­ips and partnershi­ps.

 ?? VALLEY PRESS FILES ?? The City of Palmdale can process permit applicatio­ns for the removal of some western Joshua Trees, thanks to a vote by the California Fish and Game Commission.
VALLEY PRESS FILES The City of Palmdale can process permit applicatio­ns for the removal of some western Joshua Trees, thanks to a vote by the California Fish and Game Commission.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States