Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: industrial projects and commercial projects.

Assembly Member Carrillo's legislation expands local authority over Western Joshua Tree conservation by allowing cities to permit tree removal for commercial and industrial development projects, while maintaining existing protections through enhanced oversight and mitigation requirements.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife may now delegate permitting authority to cities for commercial and industrial projects, adding to their existing ability to authorize tree removal for residential and public works development. Cities must adopt ordinances requiring compliance with state mitigation standards and collect fees based on tree size - ranging from $150 to $2,500 per tree depending on height and project location. These fees support conservation efforts through a dedicated fund.

The amendment maintains strict conditions on local permitting authority. Projects cannot remove more than 10 trees for residential, commercial or industrial development, or more than 40 trees for public works projects. Cities must conduct annual population assessments using standardized protocols and submit quarterly reports documenting permits issued, trees affected, and fees collected. The Department retains power to revoke local permitting authority if cities fail to properly implement or enforce requirements, or if local tree populations require additional protection.

Through this measured expansion of local control balanced with state oversight, the legislation aims to accommodate development needs while preserving Western Joshua Tree populations. The fee structure and reporting requirements create accountability and generate dedicated funding for ongoing conservation efforts.