Jurupa Valley, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Despite Jurupa Valley's lack of a protected species ordinance, several state and federal laws confer indirect protection to trees: (1) Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. §§703-712) prohibits take of nearly all native bird species, their nests, and eggs — meaning that trees with active nests cannot be pruned or removed during the nesting season (typically February 1 - August 31) without risk of federal violation. (2) California Fish and Game Code §3503 prohibits destruction of any bird nest or eggs. (3) Section §3503.5 specifically protects raptors (hawks, owls, eagles). (4) California Endangered Species Act (Fish and Game Code §§2050 et seq.) protects state-listed species and their habitat. (5) CEQA Public Resources Code §21083.4 triggers oak woodland mitigation for conversions of one acre or more. Property owners planning tree work in spring/summer should retain a qualified biologist to conduct a pre-construction nest survey, especially in the Jurupa Hills and along the Santa Ana River where bird activity is high. The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.) and Section 7 / Section 10 consultations apply to projects with a federal nexus, which is rare for routine residential tree work.