Fight to protect Joshua trees faces stiff local opposition in California

Campaigners who say the striking desert plant is endangered hope the state will act but officials complain of red tape'

Efforts to win endangered species protections for the imperiled Joshua tree in California are encountering entrenched opposition from local officials, who say the added protections may prevent real estate development and economic growth.

On Thursday, the California fish and game commission (FGC) will vote on a petition that, if approved, will grant the yucca plants temporary protected status for a year while the agency conducts a study.