So glad these wonderful trees are being protected

I remember the first time I saw these wonderful trees. It seemed so amazing to see them in such a hostile environment. Cacti we expect.

The new law prohibits the unpermitted killing or removal of the trees. Photograph: Étienne Laurent/EPA California Joshua Trees win long term protection in environmental victory The bill, to be signed by the California governor, requires drawing up a conservation plan and creates a fund to protect the species Maanvi Singh @maanvissingh Wed 28 Jun 2023 21.47 BST California lawmakers have voted to permanently protect the iconic western joshua tree, delivering a hard-won victory for environmentalists who have warned that the climate crisis has imperilled these fixtures of the high desert. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act was passed Tuesday, as part of the state’s budget agreement. It prohibits the unpermitted killing or removal of the trees, requires the development of a conservation plan and creates a fund to protect the species. It appears to be the first California legislation focused on protecting a climate-threatened species.