Cushenbury Mine Project (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) Incidental Take Permit No. 1927-ITP-2024-083-06 (ITP)

The Cushenbury Mine Project, authorized under Incidental Take Permit No. 1927-ITP-2024-083-06, allows Mitsubishi Cement Corporation to develop two limestone quarries, the South Quarry and West Pit, across 278.2 acres in San Bernardino County, California. The scope of work includes clearing, grading, excavation, vegetation removal, blasting, and the construction of both temporary and permanent haul roads. The project is characterized by a long-term operational timeline, with the South Quarry expected to be mined over 120 years and the West Pit development continuing for several decades. Issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 1927.3 of the Fish and Game Code, the permit specifically authorizes the incidental take of 2,896 western Joshua trees, which are protected under the California Endangered Species Act and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. To ensure environmental compliance, the project is subject to a Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan and additional mitigation measures adopted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project site is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, east of State Highway 18 and north of Marble Canyon Road, and has been determined to have no significant environmental effect within the jurisdiction of the department.