Joshua Tree Conservation Coalition and Monitoring - Augmentation

The Joshua Tree Conservation Coalition and Monitoring Augmentation project, identified by WCB Project Tracker ID 2025078-2023241, is an extension of an existing grant managed by the Wildlife Conservation Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project extends the conservation coalition for an additional two years to facilitate the drafting of strategic plans and documents essential for the effective conservation of the western Joshua tree. A primary objective of this augmentation is to increase the number of monitoring plots by 100, ensuring a robust analysis of species trends and providing comprehensive baseline demographic data through long-term, range-wide monitoring. The scope of work involves planning for future actions and basic data collection and research across both private and public lands. Performance is centered in California, specifically within Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, with key study areas including Ridgecrest, Barstow, and Joshua Tree. The project is administered by Rebecca Fris, Deputy Executive Director of the WCB. A Notice of Exemption was issued on August 29, 2025, citing categorical exemptions for planning and research activities that do not cause major environmental disturbance.