2023 Strategic Water Resources Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report

The Palmdale Ditch Conversion Project, led by the Palmdale Water District, involves converting a 7.2-mile open channel into a buried 48-inch diameter pipeline. The project spans approximately 84.7 acres in a corridor between Littlerock Reservoir in the Angeles National Forest and Lake Palmdale in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Due to the environmental impact on protected flora, the project is governed by Incidental Take Permit No. 1927-ITP-2024-082-05, issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). This permit authorizes the incidental take of 888 western Joshua trees, which are protected under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act and the California Endangered Species Act. To comply with regulatory requirements, the permittee paid a mitigation fee of $459,336.75 into the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund on August 26, 2025. Key operational requirements include the clear delineation of project boundaries using fencing, stakes, or flags prior to commencement, and the maintenance of fire prevention and suppression equipment. Upon completion, the permittee must submit a Project Completion Report to the CDFW within one month, featuring site photos, activity dates, and a detailed accounting of any western Joshua trees that were removed, relocated, or injured. Any non-compliance with permit conditions must be reported to the CDFW immediately, followed by a detailed written notice within 24 hours.