Yucca brevifolia (Joshua tree) is a Nevada protected native species. Removal requires Nevada Division of Forestry permit. Henderson developments in McCullough Range foothills must inventory and salvage Joshua trees before grading.
Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 527 protects Joshua trees, mesquite, ironwood, and other native desert species on private land. Removal for development requires a permit from Nevada Division of Forestry, typically conditioned on salvage or relocation to a state-approved nursery. Henderson hillside development in Anthem, Cadence, and Inspirada must inventory mature Joshua trees before grading and either preserve them in place or transplant. Climate stress and the 2020 Dome Fire devastated wild populations, intensifying enforcement. Penalties for unpermitted removal are significant.
Unpermitted Joshua tree removal can carry NRS Chapter 527 penalties up to thousands of dollars per tree, plus restoration requirements. Developers face stop-work orders.
See how Henderson's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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