Lugo-Victorville Transmission Line Upgrade Project (Project) (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) Incidental Take Permit No. 1927-ITP-2025-071-06 (ITP)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has authorized the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to conduct a transmission line upgrade project near Victorville, California, under an incidental take permit for the western Joshua tree, a species protected under state law. The project involves raising two transmission towers, Tower 2-2 and Tower 4-1, by approximately 25 feet using staged cranes and boom lifts, with steel segments added at their base. Construction will require designated work areas of 50 feet by 50 feet to the east and west of each tower and 100 feet by 50 feet to the north and south, accommodating the necessary equipment and operations. Although the project is designed to minimize environmental impact, it is expected to result in the incidental take of two western Joshua trees, which is permitted under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act and the California Endangered Species Act. The project is being managed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, with environmental oversight coordinated through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Point of contact for environmental compliance is Steven Recinos, Environmental Scientist at CDFW, and Eduardo Cuevas, Environmental Supervisor at LADWP, who serve as the primary liaisons for permit-related matters. The permit was issued under ITP No. 1927-ITP-2025-071-06, and the project was publicly forecasted on June 23, 2026, with all activities focused within Victorville, California. The authorization specifically ties the take of western Joshua trees to the necessary construction activities and imposes no additional restrictions beyond the approved scope of work and mitigation measures outlined in the permit.