So great that these wonderful trees are now protected

"After years of attempts to protect the western Joshua tree with designation under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, the iconic and gangly high desert plant finally will receive permanent protections through a less-typical route: a trailer bill passed as part of the state’s budget. California lawmakers passed the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act on Tuesday as part of the state budget agreement, which also includes $5 million for environmental organizations to participate in conservation efforts for the species. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the state budget agreement sometime this week. The bill prohibits any person or public agency from importing into the state, exporting out of the state, or taking, possessing, or selling within the state, a western Joshua tree or any part or product of the tree, with some exceptions."