The California Department of Fish and Wildlife acquired 640 acres of western Joshua tree habitat northwest of Pioneertown in San Bernardino County on Aug. 24, the agency said. The property will be co-managed by the state and California Native American tribes.
According to the agency's research, the site is highly likely to provide the best future suitable western Joshua tree habitat in Southern California based on environmental factors and climate projections.
The purchase is the second acquisition under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund, which has now protected 923 acres total. The department is currently evaluating an additional 2,500 acres for potential acquisition.
The western Joshua tree is a slow-growing succulent facing threats from wildfire, land development, and climate change. The species holds cultural significance to Native American tribes and serves as a keystone species in desert ecosystems.
The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund, which receives permit mitigation fees, has accumulated more than $23.5 million. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with the Native American Land Conservancy on long-term protection and co-management plans.