Riverside County, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Unlike some California cities, unincorporated Riverside County does not maintain a formal heritage or landmark tree registry. However, several overlapping regulations function as heritage tree protections. Ordinance No. 559 protects native oaks 6 inches DBH or greater. The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) protects sensitive plant communities including oak woodlands, riparian areas, and coastal sage scrub, effectively covering mature trees on parcels within its boundaries. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (CA AB 122, 2023) protects western Joshua trees statewide — removal requires a California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit. Desert natives such as ocotillo, California fan palm, and Palo Verde are additionally protected under CA Desert Native Plants Act (Food & Agric. Code §80001). Trees on properties designated as historic landmarks or within historic districts may receive additional review under the Riverside County Historic Preservation Ordinance. CEQA review is often required for projects that would remove mature trees providing wildlife habitat.