California Couple Fined $18,000 After Destroying and Burying Highly Protected Joshua Trees

A couple was fined $18,000 after removing 36 Joshua trees and burying them in a trench to create space for a residence. The fee is intended to deter others from mowing down the rare crooked-limbed plant, which is being evaluated for protection under California's endangered species statute.

In a news statement, Nathaniel Arnold, deputy chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's criminal enforcement section, said, "Most California people who live in Joshua tree habitat appreciate these iconic desert species, more so today than ever because of their deteriorated population condition." "We hope it acts as a deterrence to those who may believe it is OK to cut down Joshua trees for development."

Killing Joshua Trees

Authorities began looking into killing these Joshua trees - which are actually succulents called Yucca brevifolia - on February 11, after a local homeowner saw his neighbors felling hundreds of the plants with a tractor. According to officials and the Los Angeles Times, the neighbor reported it to the fish and wildlife tip line department.

Warned by their Neighbors

The pair were allegedly cautioned by a neighbor not to remove the plants. It is "illegal to damage, transport, transplant, or remove" the western Joshua tree since it is being evaluated for protection under the state's endangered species legislation, authorities added.

According to Douglas Poston, a prosecutor in San Bernardino County, the couple believed Joshua trees under a particular diameter could be removed. The couple owns the property and intended to build a house on it.

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Highly Protected Species

The Los Angeles Times cited Poston as adding, "But that's plainly not correct." "It doesn't matter if it's a foot tall or a 20-foot tall object; it's protected."

Fleeing from Authority

The suspects had fled the area when a state wildlife officer arrived, but "he discovered what was definitely a newly excavated and refilled hole," officials said. The wildlife officer re-dug the hole with a backhoe, where he uncovered the buried Joshua trees.

On June 7, authorities filed a 36-count misdemeanor charge against the pair, accusing them of "unlawfully removing" 36 Joshua trees. According to authorities, taking a Joshua tree may result in a fine of up to $4,100 and/or six months in prison.

According to the press statement, the pair, Jeffrey Walter and Jonetta Nordberg-Walter were "helpful in the inquiry." The pair was placed on a pre-trial diversion program by the San Bernardino County Superior Court on June 11.

Fine and Settlements

Walter and Nordberg-Walter must each pay a $9,000 fine as part of their settlement with the court. A portion of the fee has already been paid, and the pair may be able to get credit for their time by volunteering at Joshua Tree National Park or the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

The couple's case will be dropped if they fulfill all of the pre-trial diversion conditions. Officials added that if they do not meet the standards, prosecutors will pursue the case against them. The pair could not be reached for comment right away.

Joshua Trees

Joshua trees are increasingly vulnerable to a variety of threats. Park employees returned to Joshua Tree National Park after the government shutdown ended in late January 2019 to find damaged trees, graffiti, and pathways. According to a retired park official, the damage was "irreparable for the next 200 to 300 years," according to a former park official.

According to researchers, only.02 percent of the species' current habitat in Joshua Tree National Park would be sustainable due to the climate catastrophe. Joshua trees have died off due to the hot, dry weather, and there are fewer young ones left.

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