Hesperia does not maintain a separate 'heritage tree' registry typical of coastal California cities. Instead, Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 16.24 (Protected Plants) treats the Western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), and other native desert vegetation as the city's protected species. The Western Joshua tree is also protected statewide under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Fish & Game Code §1927 et seq.), enacted July 2023. Mature Joshua trees in the Hesperia city limits function as the local equivalent of heritage trees and cannot be removed, trimmed, or relocated without a CDFW take permit.
Because Hesperia sits in the Mojave Desert, the city's tree-preservation focus is on native desert species rather than oaks or sycamores. Chapter 16.24 of the Hesperia Municipal Code identifies protected plants and requires preservation plans during development. The Western Joshua tree is a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act and is specifically protected by the 2023 Conservation Act. CDFW issues two permit types: Hazard Management Permits (free) for dead trees or limb trimming, and Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) for development. Hesperia also follows San Bernardino County's plant protection framework for unincorporated areas adjacent to the city.
Unpermitted take of a Western Joshua tree is a violation of Fish & Game Code §1927 and subjects violators to civil penalties. Damaging protected vegetation in violation of Hesperia MC Ch. 16.24 during development can lead to bond forfeiture, stop-work orders, and required replacement.
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Hesperia, CA
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Hesperia, CA
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