Tulare, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Tulare's heritage tree ordinance (Ch 8.52) is the primary species-protection mechanism. The Parks and Recreation Department's published Notice of Intent to Remove a Heritage Tree form references 'heritage (Valley Oak) trees' as the central protected species, reflecting both the city's history and the native flora of the southern San Joaquin Valley. Other mature native trees that have achieved heritage status (sycamore, cottonwood, historic plantings) are also protected under the same ordinance. At the state level: (1) CEQA (Cal. Pub. Resources Code § 21083.4) requires lead agencies to determine whether an oak woodland conversion would have a significant effect on the environment and to mitigate via planting, conservation easements, or in-lieu fees; (2) the Oak Woodlands Conservation Act of 2001 (Pub. Resources Code §§ 1360-1372) funds conservation but does not directly prohibit removal; (3) some special-status tree species (e.g., desert native plants) have separate state protection but are not relevant in Tulare. There are no federally listed Endangered Species Act tree species native to the Tulare city footprint. Note: California's Right-to-Farm Act (Civ. Code § 3482.5) and the Central Valley's agricultural orchards (almonds, citrus, walnuts) operate under separate state Department of Food and Agriculture permits and are not 'protected' for preservation purposes.