California has approved an unprecedented plan to protect the iconic Joshua tree from climate change and development. … It recommends limiting development, taking steps to reduce wildfire risk like culling invasive grasses and introducing Joshua trees with genetic variations that make them more resilient to warming temperatures. … The conservation plan has drawn criticism from a coalition of local water agencies, a residents’ organization and trade groups representing realtors and farmers, who last month sent a letter to the state. The letter demanded changes in the implementation of the plan, including exemptions or expedited permitting for projects like water distribution system repairs and maintenance.

Other endangered species news:

• Mongabay: There’s hope for sunflower sea stars, with their killer unmasked and reintroductions pending
• LAist: Could a bumblebee derail a decades old housing project? Advocates say there’s a chance