[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 148 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39314-39326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18812]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AD36
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed
Endangered Status for Nine Plants from the Grasslands or Mesic Areas of
the Central Coast of California
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to list
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis (Sonoma alopecurus), Astragalus
clarianus (Clara Hunt's milkvetch), Carex albida (white sedge), Clarkia
imbricata (Vine Hill clarkia), Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense
(Pitkin Marsh lily), Plagiobothrys strictus (Calistoga allocarya), Poa
napensis (Napa bluegrass), Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida (Kenwood marsh
checkermallow), and Trifolium amoenum (showy Indian clover) as
endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
(Act). These nine species grow in a variety of habitats including
valley grasslands, meadows, freshwater marshes, seeps, and broad-leaf
upland forests in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties on the central coast
of California. Habitat loss and degradation, competition from
aggressive plant species, elimination through plant community
succession, grazing, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, collection for
horticultural use, and hydrological modifications to wetland areas
threaten the continued existence of these plants. This proposal, if
made final, would implement the Federal protection and recovery
provisions afforded by the Act for these plants.
DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by October
9, 1995. Public hearing requests must be received by September 25,
1995.
ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be
sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Sacramento Field Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1803, Sacramento,
California 95825-1846. Comments and materials received will be
available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business
hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Pierce, Assistant Field
Supervisor, Sacramento Field Office (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone
916/979-2710; facsimile 916/979-2723).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Populations of the nine plant species in this proposed rule are
found in Sonoma County and east as far as Napa Valley, California.
Alopecurus aequalis
[[Page 39315]]
var. sonomensis (Sonoma alopecurus), Carex albida (white sedge),
Clarkia imbricata (Vine Hill clarkia), Lilium pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense (Pitkin Marsh lily), Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida (Kenwood
Marsh checkermallow), and Trifolium amoenum (showy Indian clover) are
found in mesic areas mostly within 33 kilometers (km) (15 miles (mi))
of the central coast of California. Astragalus clarianus (Clara Hunt's
milkvetch), Plagiobothrys strictus (Calistoga allocarya), and Poa
napensis (Napa bluegrass) are found up to 70 km (32 mi) inland in a
variety of habitats around the City of Calistoga in the Napa Valley,
California. Urbanization, road construction, a possible water storage
project, airport construction, development of hot springs into
commercial resorts, agricultural land conversion, wetland drainage,
waste disposal, competition with aggressive plant species, collection
for horticultural use, and livestock grazing have destroyed much of the
habitat and numerous populations of these nine plant species.
Historically, these nine species have not been known to occur outside
of Alameda, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma
counties.
Discussion of Inland Species
The habitats in which Plagiobothrys strictus and Poa napensis can
be found include meadows near small thermal hot springs underlain by
gravelly loams mixed with clays that are associated with high water
tables. High concentrations of boron, arsenic, and sulfates, which are
usually toxic to plants, are found in thermal pools and meadows. A few
unique plants have evolved under these normally adverse conditions,
including P. strictus and P. napensis. Astragalus clarianus occurs in
openings within valley grasslands or in broad-leaf upland forests.
Astragalus clarianus, P. strictus, and P. napensis have only been found
in Napa and Sonoma counties. Large amounts of habitat have been lost to
urbanization, road construction, lake building, airport construction,
and development of hot springs into commercial resorts.
Willis Jepson (1925a) first described Astragalus clarianus in 1909
from specimens collected by Clara Hunt in the Conn Valley near St.
Helena, Napa County, California. Axel Rydberg (1929) and Willis Jepson
(1936) treated this taxon as Hamosa clariana and Astragalus rattani
var. clarianus, respectively. Rupert Barneby (1950) re-established
Astragalus clarianus as a full species. Astragalus clarianus is a low-
growing annual herb belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). Astragalus
clarianus, a slender, sparsely leafy plant, is sparingly covered with
sharp, stiff, appressed hairs. The simple single or few basally
branching, ascending stems reach 7 to 20 centimeters (cm) (3 to 8
inches (in.)) in height. The leaves are alternate, 1.5 to 6.0 cm (0.5
to 2.5 in.) long, with 5 to 9 uncrowded leaflets 2 to 10 millimeters
(mm) (0.1 to 0.4 in.) long. The leaflets are oblong to obovate, narrow
at the base, and notched at the tip. Small, pea-like flowers appear
from March through April. The petals are bicolored, with the wings
whitish and the banner and keel purple in the upper third. The keel is
longer and wider than the wings. The horizontal to declining seed pods
are narrow, linear, slightly curved, pointed at both ends, and occur on
a 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.06 to 0.10 in.) long slender stalk. Astragalus
rattanii var. jepsonianus looks similar to A. clarianus, but grows 10
to 36 cm (4 to 14 in.) tall, has larger flowers, and seed pods that are
not elevated on a seed stalk.
Astragalus clarianus is found on thin, rocky clay soils derived
from volcanic substrates in foothill grasslands, in openings in
Arctostaphylos (manzanita), and in openings in Quercus douglasii (blue
oak) woodlands over an elevational range of 75 to 225 meters (m) (240
to 750 feet (ft)). Historically, six populations were known from Napa
and Sonoma counties. Two historical populations have been extirpated by
urbanization and viticulture (California Natural Diversity Data Base
(CNDDB) 1993). The population at the type locality was reduced in size
by the creation of Lake Hennessey in the 1940s. Currently, three
populations are found in northwestern Napa County and one on the
eastern side of adjacent Sonoma County. Collectively, the four
populations of A. clarianus are scattered over approximately 16
hectares (ha) (40 acres (ac)) (CNDDB 1994). ``The trend for Clara
Hunt's milkvetch is one of decline as a result of habitat destruction
and modification'' (California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG
1991)). The four populations of A. clarianus are variously threatened
by urbanization, recreational activities, airport maintenance,
elimination due to plant community succession, competition from
nonnative weed species, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, stochastic
events, and a possible future water storage project. One population
occurs in the Bothe Napa Valley State Park. Another population occurs
on the shore of Lake Hennessey and is owned by The City of Napa. Two
remaining populations occur on private land.
Edward Greene (1892) and Willis Jepson (1901) treated Plagiobothrys
strictus as Allocarya stricta and Allocarya californica var. stricta,
respectively, before Ivan Johnston (1923) assigned the present name,
Plagiobothrys strictus, to specimens collected on alkaline flats near
sulphur springs at Calistoga, Napa County, California. Plagiobothrys
strictus is a small, erect, annual herb belonging to the borage family
(Boraginaceae). Plagiobothrys strictus grows 1 to 4 decimeters (dm) (4
to 15 in.) in height. The nearly hairless plant has either a single
stem or branches from near the base. The linear lower leaves are 4 to 9
cm (1.5 to 4 in.) long. Small, usually paired, white flowers appear in
March to April in a slender, unbranched inflorescence. The fruit is an
egg-shaped nutlet about 1.5 mm (0.6 in.) long, keeled on the back, with
wart-like projections without any prickles. Plagiobothrys greenei, P.
lithocaryus, P. mollis var. vestitus, P. stipitatus, and P. tener occur
in vernal pools and have ranges that overlap with the range of
Plagiobothrys strictus, but they do not resemble P. strictus.
Plagiobothrys strictus is found in vernal pools adjacent to and fed
by hot springs and small geysers in foothill grasslands at an
elevational range of 90 to 160 m (300 to 500 ft). Three historical
populations occurred within a 3 km (2 mi) radius of Calistoga, Napa
County, California. One population has been extirpated by urbanization
and agricultural land conversion. One remaining population of P.
strictus occurs at a small, undeveloped thermal hot spring. The other
population occurs at the Calistoga Airport in the center of the city of
Calistoga. The combined area of the two remaining populations in Napa
County is less than 80 square (sq) m (900 sq ft) (California Native
Plant Society (CNPS) 1990). Most of the thermal hot springs in Napa
County have been developed. The remaining undeveloped hot springs
occupy very few acres (Dave Steiner, Napa County Soil Conservation
Service, pers. comm. 1993). ``The overall trend for Calistoga
popcornflower (Plagiobothrys strictus) is one of decline'' (CDFG 1991).
The species is threatened by recreational activities, airport
maintenance, urbanization, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and
stochastic events. Both populations occur on private land and neither
is protected.
Alan Beetle (1947) first described Poa napensis in 1946 from
specimens that he collected in a meadow moistened by seepage from hot
springs, 3 km (2 mi)
[[Page 39316]]
north of Calistoga at Myrtledale Hot Springs, Napa County, California.
Poa napensis is an erect, tufted perennial bunchgrass belonging to the
grass family (Poaceae) that grows to 1 dm (4 in.) in height. Leaves are
folded, stiffly erect, 1 mm (0.04 in.) wide, with the basal leaves 20
cm (8 in.) long and upper stem leaves to 15 cm (6 in) in length. A few
stiff, erect flowering stems appear in May and grow 7 dm (27 in) in
height. Flower clusters occur as a pale green to purple, condensed,
oblong-oval panicle 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long and 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to
2.0 in) wide. Poa napensis most closely resembles P. unilateralis
(ocean bluff bluegrass) but differs in leaf and panicle form as well as
habitat.
Poa napensis is found in valley grasslands and moist, alkaline
meadows fed by hot springs. The elevational range of this plant is 100
to 120 m (340 to 400 ft) within a radius of 6 km (4 mi) of Calistoga.
Historically, the range of this plant has been diminished by the
development of recreational hot springs and the growth of the town of
Calistoga. The larger population of P. napensis near Myrtledale Hot
Springs occurs in a 100 sq m (1,100 sq ft) area, with an additional
small population of 100 plants just across an adjoining road (CDFG
1979). Both remaining populations of P. napensis are dependent on
moisture derived from adjacent hot springs or overland runoff. Any
development that would alter the hydrology or flow from these hot
springs would be detrimental to these populations (CDFG 1979). ``The
trend for Napa bluegrass is one of decline'' (CDFG 1991). Poa napensis
is threatened by recreational activities, airport maintenance,
urbanization, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and stochastic events.
The two extant populations are on private land and are not protected.
Coastal Species
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis, Carex albida, Lilium
pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, and Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida are
restricted to permanent freshwater wetlands in or near Pitkin Marsh,
north of San Francisco Bay, California. Clarkia imbricata is restricted
to a very narrow range in open grasslands near Pitkin Marsh. The Pitkin
Marsh area, in which several disjunct and restricted species are found,
is contained in the Franciscan area, described by Jepson (1925b) as a
portion of the Coast Ranges that supports a high degree of plant
endemism. The Coast Ranges in this area, south of the city of
Healdsburg, are lower in elevation in comparison to areas north of
Healdsburg, thus increasing the exposure of this inland area to the
influence of cool, moist ocean air currents. Many species in this
region reach their southernmost limit and are often separated by long
distances from the major portions of their ranges (Rubtzoff 1953).
Historically, these five species were not known to occur outside Sonoma
and Marin counties (CNDDB 1993). Carex albida occurs in a sphagnum bog
in Lower Pitkin Marsh, Sonoma County. Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis, L. pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, and S. oregana ssp. valida
are restricted to moist soils in permanent freshwater marshes in Sonoma
and Marin counties. Clarkia imbricata occurs on acid sands and has not
been found outside a very restricted range in Sonoma County.
Historically, the widest ranging of the nine species is Trifolium
amoenum, which occurred from Mendocino County south to Sonoma, Marin,
Alameda and Santa Clara counties and east to Napa and Solano counties.
Trifolium amoenum typically was found in low, wet swales and
grasslands. This species was considered extinct until 1993, when a
single plant was discovered in Sonoma County. Seeds from this
individual were collected and T. amoenum currently exists only in
cultivation. The land that most recently supported this taxon is
privately owned. Habitat of this species has been lost to land
conversion for urbanization or agriculture, livestock grazing, wetland
drainage, waste disposal, and competition with aggressive species.
On May 7, 1955, Peter Rubtzoff (1961) collected Alopecurus aequalis
var. sonomensis in Guerneville Marsh, Sonoma County, California. He
described the species in 1961. Specimens of this taxon collected as
early as 1880 in Sonoma and Marin counties had been identified as
Alopecurus aequalis Sobol., a circumboreal foxtail grass found as far
south as Mendocino County. These specimens, however, deviated
considerably from typical A. aequalis and were identified by Rubtzoff
as A. aequalis var. sonomensis.
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis is a tufted perennial in the
grass family (Poaceae) that reaches 30 to 75 cm (12 to 30 in.) in
height. The stems are mostly erect and either straight or weakly bent
near the base. The leaf blades are up to 7.5 mm (0.3 in.) wide. The
panicle is 2.5 to 9.0 cm (1.0 to 3.5 in.) long and 4 to 8 mm (0.1 to
0.3 in.) wide. The spikelets are usually tinged violet-gray near the
tip. The awn is straight, and exceeds the lemma body by 1.0 to 2.5 mm
(0.04 to 0.1 in.). This variety is distinguished from A. aequalis var.
aequalis by a more robust, upright appearance, generally wider panicle,
violet-gray tinged spikelets, and longer awn (Rubtzoff 1961; W. Crins,
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, in litt. 1993).
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis is currently known from only
five natural populations. The three sites in Sonoma County are
privately owned and the two sites on the Point Reyes National Seashore,
in Marin County, are federally owned (CNDDB 1993; V. Norris, Marin
CNPS, pers. comm. 1993). The elevational range of the species is from 6
to 210 m (20 to 680 ft). The total number of plants is estimated at 200
(B. Guggolz, CNPS, pers. comm. 1993). Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis was known historically from 16 populations. The historical
range was approximately 48 km (30 mi), reaching north from Point Reyes
Peninsula to Guerneville and east to Cunningham Marsh. Although fewer
sites are now present, the range of the species has changed little. The
numbers of populations of this species are declining due to competition
from nonnative plant species, trampling and grazing by cattle, and low
regeneration. The species is also threatened by inadequate regulatory
mechanisms. Two attempts to reintroduce the species in the Point Reyes
National Seashore failed. One attempt was destroyed by a flash flood
(CNDDB 1992; V. Norris, pers. comm. 1993).
John Bigelow collected the type specimen of Carex albida in 1854 on
Santa Rosa Creek, Sonoma County, California. Liberty Bailey described
the species in 1889. Specimens of the plant subsequently collected by
John T. Howell and John W. Stacey in 1937 in Pitkin Marsh were
described by them as C. sonomensis (Stacey 1937). Howell (1957) later
stated that the herbarium specimen of C. albida had been misinterpreted
by Stacey and others and that C. sonomensis is a synonym of C. albida.
Carex albida is a loosely tufted perennial herb in the sedge family
(Cyperaceae). The stems are triangular, 4 to 6 dm (1.3 to 2.0 ft) tall,
erect, and longer than the leaves. The leaves are flat and 3 to 5 cm (1
to 2 in.) wide with closed sheaths. The inflorescence consists of 4 to
7 ovoid or obovoid to oblong spikelets 8 to 18 mm (0.3 to 0.7 in.)
long. The achenes (fruits) are three-sided when mature. The sacs
(perigynia) surrounding the achenes are light green to yellow-green
when mature and 3.0 to 4.5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) long. Several traits
distinguish C. albida from other closely related sedges. Carex albida
has inflorescences with staminate flowers
[[Page 39317]]
above the pistillate flowers, especially on the terminal inflorescence,
lateral spikelets, and leaves that are shorter than the stems and 3 to
5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) wide.
Carex albida, which was thought to be extinct, is currently known
from only one population, discovered in 1987. The population contains
approximately 800 to 1,000 plants on privately owned property in Sonoma
County (CDFG 1993a, CNDDB 1993). Carex albida was known historically
from four other locations: the type locality on Santa Rosa Creek, one
site in Perry Marsh, and two sites in Pitkin Marsh, all in Sonoma
County. The marsh habitat containing C. albida at the Santa Rosa Creek
site was destroyed in the 1960s by channelization and other alterations
to Santa Rosa Creek (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993). The Perry Marsh site
has been used for cannery waste disposal beginning in 1971, causing the
probable loss of the population (CNDDB 1993). One of the Pitkin Marsh
populations has not been seen since 1951. Permission for access to the
second Pitkin Marsh site has been denied since 1976. The occurrence has
not been confirmed since that time. Pitkin Marsh, which has become
drier in recent years because of the addition of wells and other
construction that have altered marsh hydrology, likely no longer
supports the species (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993). The known remaining
population of C. albida is found in a sphagnum bog near Pitkin Marsh,
between 45 and 60 m (150 and 200 ft) in elevation. The original habitat
of all populations occurred within an area of approximately 10 sq km (4
sq mi). The species occurs in conjunction with Lilium pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense, spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), rush (Juncus spp.), and
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor). Carex albida is threatened by
potential alteration of hydrology from changes in land use or potential
disturbance from a proposed wastewater treatment project, inadequate
regulatory mechanisms, competition from nonnative species, stochastic
events, small population size, and potential disturbance from repair or
alteration of a nearby State highway.
Frank H. Lewis and Margaret Lewis (1953) described Clarkia
imbricata from specimens they collected on July 10, 1951, along the
roadside of Vine Hill Road, near Pitkin Ranch. Searches for this plant
at the type locality have been made since 1974, but no plants have been
observed (CNDDB 1994). Currently, C. imbricata is known from two
populations in southern Sonoma County.
Clarkia imbricata is an erect, annual herb in the evening-primrose
family (Onagraceae). The stems grow to 6 dm (2.5 ft) tall, unbranched
or with numerous short branches in the upper parts. This plant is
densely leafy, with entire, lanceolate leaves 2.0 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1.0
in.) long and 4 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in.) broad that are ascending and
overlapping. The showy inflorescences appear from June through July.
The flowers are grouped closely together and each flower has a
conspicuous funnel-shaped tube at its base. Each flower has four fan-
shaped, lavender petals 2.0 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1.0 in.) long with a V-
shaped purple spot extending from the middle to the upper margin of the
petal. Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea is the only other Clarkia taxon
with which C. imbricata can be confused. Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea
has a much shorter, funnel-shaped tube and does not have the relatively
broad, ascending, overlapping leaves of C. imbricata.
Historically, Clarkia imbricata has never been common. This taxon
is only known from two populations found in grasslands on acidic sand
in Sonoma County. The type locality is presumed to have been extirpated
by changing land uses (CNDDB 1994, B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993). The
remaining natural population was the source population for cuttings
that were transplanted into a preserve in 1974. The elevational range
for the two extant populations is 60 to 75 m (200 to 250 ft). The two
populations are 1.2 km (0.75 mi) apart and occur on privately owned
land. The natural population contains 2,000 to 5,000 plants and occurs
on an open, flat grassland surrounded by a variety of introduced trees
and shrubs. The planted population, located in a 0.6 ha (1.5 ac)
preserve, has fluctuated between 200 and 300 plants. The preserve is
owned and managed by the California Native Plant Society. The planted
population recently has expanded its range onto the adjacent private
parcel east of the preserve, where 70 to 100 plants were found in 1993.
Both populations are threatened variously by agricultural land use
conversion, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, stochastic events, and
damage associated with trespassers collecting other rare plants found
in the preserve (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993).
Lawrence Beane and Albert M. Vollmer first collected Lilium
pardalinum ssp. pitkinense on July 20, 1954, in Pitkin Marsh, Sonoma
County, California. Beane (1955) described the plant as Lilium
pitkinense. The plant subsequently was treated as a subspecies of L.
pardalinum (Skinner 1993).
Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense is an herbaceous, rhizomatous
perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae). The slender, erect stems
reach 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) in height. Leaves are yellow-green, up to 14
cm (5.5 in.) long, and 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in.) wide. The leaves are
generally scattered along the stem, but in some plants occur in 2 or 3
whorls of 3 to 6 leaves near the middle of the stem. The inflorescence
is a terminal raceme. The flowers are large, showy, and nodding. The
petals, which are reflexed from the middle, are red at the outer edge
changing to yellow at the center with small, deep maroon dots mostly
within the yellow zone. Anthers are purple-brown. The fruit is an
elliptical capsule containing many rounded seeds (CDFG 1993b). The
species flowers from June to July. Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense is
distinguished from L. pardalinum ssp. pardalinum by generally shorter
petals and anthers.
Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense grows only in permanently
saturated, sandy soils in freshwater marshes and wet meadows that are
35 to 60 m (115 to 200 ft) in elevation. Only three populations of L.
pardalinum ssp. pitkinense were recorded historically. All the sites
are found in Sonoma County on privately owned land. The three
populations, located over a distance of 13 km (8 mi), are presumed
extant. Since 1975, access to one of the sites has been denied by the
landowner (CNPS 1988a). As a result, the status of this population has
not been confirmed. Currently, 200 individual plants remain on the two
known sites (CDFG 1993b; B. Guggolz, pers. comm. 1993). The extent of
the two populations has declined from loss of habitat from urbanization
and competition with blackberries (Rubus spp.) (CDFG 1993b). Collection
of plants, seeds, and bulbs for horticultural use, competition from
invasive plant species, potential disturbance from a proposed
subdivision, grazing, stochastic events, inadequate regulatory
mechanisms, and low plant numbers threaten this species (Lynn Lozier,
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in litt. 1990).
Edward L. Greene (1897) first described Sidalcea oregana ssp.
valida in June, 1894, based on material he collected from Knight's
Valley, Sonoma County, California. Since then, this taxon has been
known as S. maxima (Baker), S. oregana var. spicata (Jepson), S. eximia
(Baker), and S. spicata ssp. valida (Wiggins) (CNPS 1988c). Charles
Hitchcock (1957) treated the genus Sidalcea and recognized four
subspecies, including S. oregana ssp. valida.
[[Page 39318]]
Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida is a perennial herb in the mallow
family (Malvaceae). The plants are 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) tall. The
leaves are rounded. Lower leaves have 5 to 7 shallow lobes; upper
leaves are generally smaller and divided into 3 to 5 entire, lanceolate
segments. The compound inflorescence consists of densely flowered,
spike-like racemes 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2.0 in.) long. Petals are 1.0 to
1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long, notched at the apex, and deep pink-mauve.
The flowers appear from late June to September. Sidalcea oregana ssp.
valida differs from S. oregana ssp. eximia in having a hairless calyx.
Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida has never been recorded as abundant
and only two occurrences, both located on privately owned land, have
ever been known. Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida inhabits freshwater
marshes approximately 150 m (490 ft) in elevation, at Kenwood Marsh and
Knight's Valley, Sonoma County, California. The two sites are located
approximately 29 km (18 mi) apart. The Knight's Valley population
covers less than 0.1 ha (0.25 ac). This population was reported to have
fewer than 100 plants in 1979 (CDFG 1987) and approximately 60 plants
in 1993 (N. Wilcox, State Water Resources Control Board, pers. comm.
1993). The Kenwood Marsh population contained approximately 70
individuals in 1993 (A. Howald, CDFG, pers. comm. 1993). Both
populations are adversely affected by trampling and reduced seed set
resulting from cattle grazing. Potential alteration of the hydrology of
Kenwood Marsh due to urbanization and water withdrawal threatens the
species (A. Howald, pers. comm. 1993). The plants may also suffer from
competition by common tule (Scirpus acutus) and yellow star-thistle
(Centaurea solstitialis), and from periodic maintenance of the Sonoma
Aqueduct located in Kenwood Marsh (A. Howald, pers. comm. 1993). This
species is also threatened by stochastic events and inadequate
regulatory mechanisms.
Edward L. Greene described Trifolium amoenum in 1891 from specimens
that he collected near Vanden, Solano County, California, in 1890.
Historically, this species has been found in a variety of habitats
including low, wet swales, grasslands, and grassy hillsides up to 310 m
(1,020 ft) in elevation. This annual plant, which is a member of the
pea family (Fabaceae), is hairy, erect, and grows to 1 to 6 dm (4 to 27
in.) in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, widely obovate, and
2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in.) long. The flowers, which are purple with
white tips, are 12 to 16 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in.) long and occur in dense,
round or ovoid heads, 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in.) long. Flowers appear
from April to June. Trifolium amoenum is similar in appearance to T.
macraei, but is generally larger and the flowers lack subtending
bracts.
In 1993, Peter Connors, Bodega Marine Laboratory, discovered a
single Trifolium amoenum plant in Sonoma County. The species was
previously considered extinct. The land on which this plant was found
is privately owned and is currently for sale (P. Connors, Bodega Marine
Laboratory, pers. comm. 1994; CNDDB 1994). This property currently is
not being used. If it is sold, it may be converted to residential use,
similar to other land parcels surrounding this site (P. Connors, pers.
comm. 1994). In 1994, Dr. Connors grew 18 plants in cultivation from
seed produced by the single plant found in 1993 (Connors 1994). These
plants were grown to produce seed for later reintroduction efforts (P.
Connors, pers. comm. 1994). The soil seed bank in the remaining natural
habitat within the species' historical range may contain T. amoenum
seed. Should T. amoenum be found in these areas, the species would
likely be threatened by urbanization, competition with nonnative
plants, land conversion to agriculture, livestock grazing, stochastic
events, and inadequate regulatory mechanisms.
Previous Federal Action
Federal government actions on these nine species began as a result
of section 12 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (Act) which directed the Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on those plants considered
to be endangered, threatened, or extinct in the United States. This
report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to
Congress on January 9, 1975, and included Astragalus clarianus, Carex
albida, Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense (as L.
pitkinense), Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa napensis, and Trifolium
amoenum as endangered and Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida as threatened.
The Service published a notice in the July 1, 1975, Federal Register
(40 FR 27823) of its acceptance of the report of the Smithsonian
Institution as a petition within the context of section 4(c)(2)
(petition provisions are now found in Section 4(b)(3) of the Act) and
its intention thereby to review the status of the plant taxa named
therein. The above eight taxa were included in the July 1, 1975,
notice. On June 16, 1976, the Service published a proposal in the
Federal Register (41 FR 24523) to determine approximately 1,700
vascular plant species to be endangered species pursuant to section 4
of the Act. The list of 1,700 plant taxa was assembled on the basis of
comments and data received by the Smithsonian Institution and the
Service in response to House Document No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975,
Federal Register publication. Astragalus clarianus, Carex albida,
Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Poa napensis, and
Trifolium amoenum were included in the June 16, 1976, Federal Register
document.
General comments received in relation to the 1976 proposal were
summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR
17909). The Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1978 required that all
proposals over 2 years old be withdrawn. A 1-year grace period was
given to those proposals already more than 2 years old. In the December
10, 1979, Federal Register (44 FR 70796), the Service published a
notice of withdrawal of the June 6, 1976, proposal, along with four
other proposals that had expired.
The Service published a Notice of Review for plants on December 15,
1980 (45 FR 82480). This notice included Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis, Astragalus clarianus, Carex albida, Clarkia imbricata,
Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa
napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and Trifolium amoenum as
Category 1 candidate species. Category 1 taxa are those for which the
Service has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability
and threats to support preparation of listing proposals. On November
28, 1983, the Service published a supplement to the Notice of Review in
the Federal Register (48 FR 53640). This supplement changed Alopecurus
aequalis var. sonomensis, Astragalus clarianus, Plagiobothrys strictus,
Poa napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and Trifolium amoenum from
Category 1 to Category 2 candidates. Category 2 taxa are those for
which data in the Service's possession indicate listing is possibly
appropriate, but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability
and threats are not currently known or on file to support proposed
rules.
The plant notice was revised again on September 27, 1985 (50 FR
39526). The candidate status of eight of the plant species remained
unchanged in this notice. Trifolium amoenum was included as a Category
2* candidate, indicating that the Service had evidence that the species
might be extinct. Another revision of the plant notice was
[[Page 39319]]
published on February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6184). In this revision,
Astragalus clarianus, Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa napensis, and
Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida were returned to Category 1 status. The
Service made no changes to the status of any of the nine species in the
plant notice published on September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144). The Service
approved Category 1 status for Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis on
August 26, 1993. However, the status change was inadvertently not
published in the plant notice published on September 30, 1993. Since
the publication of that notice, additional information has been
received on the status of Trifolium amoenum, indicating its
rediscovery. The Service, therefore, believes that sufficient
information is now available to support the listing of these nine
species.
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make
findings on pending petitions within 12 months of their receipt.
Section 2(b)(1) of the 1982 amendments further requires that all
petitions pending on October 13, 1982, be treated as having been newly
submitted on that date. This was the case for Astragalus clarianus,
Carex albida, Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense,
Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and
Trifolium amoenum because the 1975 Smithsonian report had been accepted
as a petition. The Service found that the petitioned listing of those
eight taxa was warranted but precluded by other higher priority listing
actions. The finding was reviewed annually in October from 1983 through
1993. Publication of this proposal constitutes the final finding for
the petitioned action for these eight species.
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act and regulations (50 CFR
part 424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act
set forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists. A
species may be determined to be an endangered or threatened species due
to one or more of the five factors described in Section 4(a)(1). These
factors and their application to Alopecurus aequalis Sobol. var.
sonomensis Rubtzoff (Sonoma alopecurus), Astragalus clarianus Jepson
(Clara Hunt's milkvetch), Carex albida Bailey (white sedge), Clarkia
imbricata Lewis and Lewis (Vine Hill clarkia), Lilium pardalinum
Kellogg. ssp. pitkinense (Beane and Vollmer) M. Skinner (Pitkin Marsh
lily), Plagiobothrys strictus (Greene) I.M. Johnston (Calistoga
allocarya), Poa napensis Beetle (Napa bluegrass), Sidalcea oregana
(Nutt.) Gray ssp. valida (Greene) C.L. Hitchcock (Kenwood Marsh
checkermallow), and Trifolium amoenum Greene (showy Indian clover) are
as follows:
A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment
of Their Habitat or Range
Habitat destruction, including urbanization, land use changes, and
alteration in hydrology of springs poses the most serious threat to the
survival of most of these nine plant species.
Inland Species
Astragalus clarianus is known currently from three populations in
Napa County and one in Sonoma County (CNDDB 1993, CNPS 1989). The four
populations face a variety of threats to their continued existence.
Historically, one population in Napa County occupied a larger area but
the creation of Lake Hennessey in the 1940s inundated much of the site
(Lynn Lozier, pers. comm. 1993). The city of Napa owns the lake and
uses Lake Hennessey as a water source for the town. Recently, the city
of Napa conducted a feasibility study that considered raising the
elevation of the dam as part of a project to increase water storage for
the city. Such an elevation change would have raised the lake level,
submerging the population of A. clarianus (Jake Ruygt, CNPS, in litt.
1993). This increased water-storage project at Lake Hennessey has been
determined by the city of Napa to be too costly (Don Ridenhour, Public
Works Dept., city of Napa, pers comm. 1993). Any future water storage
project that would involve increasing the height of the dam and raising
the level of Lake Hennessey would constitute a threat to the population
of A. clarianus due to its proximity to the lakeshore. In December
1990, this remnant population was nearly destroyed when dredge spoils
from the lake were placed on top of it (A. Howald, pers. comm. 1993).
Eight plants of A. clarianus were counted at this site in 1991, 325
plants in 1992, and 156 plants in 1993 (CDFG 1989; J. Ruygt, in litt.
1993). The city of Napa, in cooperation with CDFG, removed most of the
dredge spoils and fenced the 1 ha (2 ac) area, placing a gate in the
fence for fishing access to the lake. Disturbance associated with
dredge spoils removal resulted in proliferation of nonnative weeds that
further threaten the site, as discussed below under Factor E. The
fenced and gated area remains a favorite fishing access to the lake and
receives significant use by the public (CDFG 1989). The city of Napa
has repaired damage to the fence several times (A. Howald, pers. comm.
1993).
Another population of Astragalus clarianus exists in Bothe Napa
Valley State Park. Plant numbers have ranged from 8 plants in 1988 to
101 plants in 1993 on a 1 ha (2 ac) monitoring site (J. Ruygt, in litt.
1993). The larger portion of the population of A. clarianus outside of
the monitoring zone occurs sparsely on a 6 ha (15 ac) area. This area
has been historically protected by placing brush piles next to a foot
trail to divert people away from the population (Bill Grummer, Bothe
Napa Valley State Park, California Dept. of Parks and Recreation, pers.
comm. 1993). Although the general plan for the park indicates a
campground to be placed over the larger portion of A. clarianus, the
Service does not consider this plan as an imminent threat because of
lack of funding and possible revisions to the park plan (B. Grummer,
pers. comm. 1993). Although the campground development may be relocated
away from the population of A. clarianus, the Service considers that
increased recreational use from an additional campground in this park
constitutes a potential threat.
Another population of Astragalus clarianus occurs nearer to the
city of Santa Rosa in eastern Sonoma County. This population, scattered
over 6 ha (15 ac), is on privately owned land under a voluntary
protection agreement with TNC. Upslope and adjacent to this population
is the 454 ha (1,350 ac) approved subdivision, Saddle Mountain
Development. Soil erosion from proposed road and pad construction for
house lots potentially threatens this population of A. clarianus (J.
Ruygt, in litt. 1993).
Over 70 percent of the original habitat of Plagiobothrys strictus
has been destroyed by urbanization and viticulture (CNPS 1990). The two
remaining populations of P. strictus are threatened by urbanization
(CNDDB 1994, CNPS 1990). One population site occurs at the Calistoga
Airport. The construction of the airport fragmented and reduced this
population to fewer than 100 plants. Further development at this site
could potentially threaten this population (J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993).
Another population of P. strictus is scattered over a 4 ha (10 ac) area
of private land near Myrtledale Hot Springs. This population has been
bisected by an asphalt road. The landowner has proposed to build a
convalescent community on this site, but has been unsuccessful due to
current zoning status (CDFG 1988; J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993).
[[Page 39320]]
Historically, the habitat of each of the two remaining populations
of Poa napensis has been reduced by the development of health spas and
resorts in the city of Calistoga and other construction activities at
the Calistoga Airport (CNPS 1987). The remnant population of P.
napensis at the Calistoga Airport was thought to be extirpated as a
result of construction activities in 1981, because no plants were found
that year. By 1987, however, 500 plants were counted at the airport
location (CDFG 1979; J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993). Because Poa napensis and
Plagiobothrys strictus co-occur at the Calistoga Airport and another
site in the city of Calistoga, the threats from urbanization, including
construction of a hospital, are similar for both species at these sites
(CNPS 1987, 1990; J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993).
Coastal Species
The single known population of Carex albida is located
approximately 46 m (150 ft) from State Highway 116, which is a
potential source of disturbance. Any change in hydrology of the area
resulting from highway construction or maintenance or change in land
use would adversely affect the population. Draining the wetland would
not only directly impact the species, but would encourage the spread of
blackberry (Rubus spp.). Invading blackberry vines have become dominant
in other parts of Pitkin Marsh that have been drained (CNDDB 1993; B.
Guggolz, in litt. 1993).
A wastewater treatment project for the cities of Forestville and
Graton, Sonoma County, is proposed to be built 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from the
single extant population of Carex albida. Potential impacts from this
project include application of recycled wastewater and temporary or
permanent removal of wetlands, riparian vegetation, and special status
plants and their habitats (Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
1993). From 1,200 to 4,900 cubic m (1 to 4 ac-ft) of wastewater per
year would be applied on approximately 14 to 27 ha (35 to 60 ac) of
land. Although the population of C. albida would not be directly
impacted, the application of this volume of wastewater could result in
the alteration of the remaining habitat within the historical range of
C. albida through modification of surface drainage patterns (ESA 1993).
The historical ranges of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense and
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis also occur within the project
boundaries.
The type locality of Clarkia imbricata along the roadside at Pitkin
Ranch was extirpated prior to 1974, as a probable result of changes in
land use or roadside maintenance (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993). Another
population of C. imbricata in Sonoma County has been extirpated as a
result of Christmas tree farming and weed control activities (B.
Guggolz, in litt. 1993). The larger of the two extant populations of C.
imbricata is threatened by changing land use such as agricultural land
conversion (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993).
One population of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense was largely
destroyed by urbanization in 1961; however, approximately 200 plants
remain (CDFG 1993b; B. Guggolz, pers. comm. 1993). Although a
subdivision is currently planned for the area surrounding a portion of
this population, the landowner has agreed to place the L. pardalinum
ssp. pitkinense habitat area in a conservation easement. The agreement
between CDFG and the landowner places all sensitive natural resource
areas in a conservation easement for long-term management, with CDFG as
easement holder (A. Buckmann, CDFG, in litt. 1993). Wetland fills at
Pitkin Marsh have lowered the water table and resulted in drier soil
conditions, which has negatively affected L. pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense. This change in habitat quality is considered an ongoing
threat to the population at Pitkin Marsh, since there are only two
plants remaining (CDFG 1993b).
The two populations of Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida are threatened
by permitted and apparently unauthorized water diversions from the
unnamed stream that feeds Kenwood Marsh. In the past, unauthorized
diversions have removed all water from the stream channel, eliminating
one source of surface water to the marsh (A. Howald, pers. comm. 1993).
Plant census data from 1991 indicate that the eastern subpopulation in
Kenwood Marsh declined by approximately 40 percent and the western
subpopulation declined by approximately 30 percent compared to 1989 and
1990 data. These figures suggest that the Kenwood Marsh population may
be experiencing a delayed response to a drought. The effects of the
drought may be exacerbated by effects of increased surface water
diversion and result in a further decline in the population (John
Turner, CDFG, in litt. 1993).
Trifolium amoenum has been extirpated from all of its 24 historical
occurrences in 7 counties. Loss of this habitat resulted primarily from
urbanization and land conversion to agriculture (Zoe Chandik, CNPS, in
litt. 1993). The most recently discovered occurrence, found in 1993 in
Sonoma County, consisted of one plant located on privately owned
property that is currently for sale (CNDDB 1994). If this property is
developed or altered, it may no longer contain suitable habitat for T.
amoenum. In addition, the human population of Sonoma County is expected
to grow by 21.4 percent by the year 2000 (California Department of
Finance 1992), and any remaining T. amoenum habitat may be converted to
urban use.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or
Educational Purposes
One of the two populations of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense has
been nearly extirpated by uncontrolled collection of plants, seeds, and
bulbs for horticultural use. This species was abundant historically at
the Pitkin Marsh site, but the removal of plants and bulbs for
horticultural use has reduced this population to two plants (CDFG
1993b). Similar activities at the remaining site, containing only 200
plants, would result in the extinction of the species (B. Guggolz,
pers. comm. 1993). Of the two remaining populations of Clarkia
imbricata, one population is found in a preserve owned by the
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Although CNPS has attempted to
discourage unauthorized collection by fencing the preserve and by not
publicizing the exact location of the site, trespassers have damaged
the fence, trampled the vegetation, and collected seed of C. imbricata
on several occasions (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993). Any occurrences of
Trifolium amoenum that may be discovered in the future also may attract
collectors of plants or seed because the species was previously
considered to be extinct. Overutilization is currently not known to be
a factor for the remaining six species, but unrestricted collecting for
scientific or horticultural purposes or excessive visits by individuals
interested in seeing rare plants could result from increased publicity
as a result of this proposal.
C. Disease or Predation
All five populations of Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis are
grazed by cattle (CNDDB 1993), but only two populations in Sonoma
County, containing a total of 50 plants, are currently threatened by
cattle grazing (CNDDB 1993). One population on the Point Reyes National
Seashore was fenced in 1987 to stop cattle from overgrazing (V. Norris,
in litt. 1993). The species presently consists of only 200 known
plants.
Carex albida is currently not grazed, although cattle graze other
portions of the parcel on which the species is
[[Page 39321]]
located. A change in management of the site to allow grazing near C.
albida may adversely affect the species (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993).
The associated trampling and disturbance of the wet soils would also be
detrimental to the species (J. Mastrogiuseppe, Washington State Univ.,
pers. comm. 1993).
Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida is adversely affected at both of its
locations by trampling and reduced seed set resulting from cattle
grazing (CNDDB 1993). Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense has been
enclosed with 2 m (6 ft) high wire fencing at both locations to prevent
grazing by cattle, horses, and deer. In spite of this effort, the
plants continue to suffer herbivory resulting in loss of flowers and
seeds (L. Lozier, in litt. 1990).
Trifolium amoenum may have disappeared from some of its former
locations due to grazing (Connors 1994). This species is a large clover
that blooms when many grassland plants have already turned brown,
likely making it attractive to grazing herbivores. Most recent
sightings of the plant were located outside of fences along roadsides,
suggesting that the species survived for a period where it was
protected from grazing (Connors 1994). Although no naturally occurring
populations of this species are currently known, any populations that
are subsequently discovered on pasture land may be subject to the same
grazing pressure as historical populations.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
The California Fish and Game Commission has listed Carex albida,
Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Poa napensis, and
Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida as endangered species under the California
Endangered Species Act (Division 3, Chapter 1.5 section 2050 et seq. of
the California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 California Code of
Regulations 670.2). The California Fish and Game Commission has also
listed Astragalus clarianus and Plagiobothrys strictus as threatened
species. Listing by the State of California requires individuals to
obtain a memorandum of understanding with CDFG to possess or ``take'' a
listed species. Although the ``take'' of State-listed plants is
prohibited (California Native Plant Protection Act, Division 2, Chapter
10, section 1908 and California Endangered Species Act, Division 3,
Chapter 1.5, section 2080), State law exempts the taking of such plants
via habitat modification or land use changes by the owner. After CDFG
notifies a landowner that a State-listed plant grows on his or her
property, State law only requires that the landowner notify the agency
``at least 10 days in advance of changing the land use to allow salvage
of such a plant'' (Native Plant Protection Act, Division 2, Chapter 10,
section 1913).
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a full
disclosure of the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects.
The public agency with primary authority or jurisdiction over the
project is designated as the lead agency, and is responsible for
conducting a review of the project and consulting with the other
agencies concerned with the resources affected by the project. Section
15065 of the CEQA Guidelines requires a finding of significance if a
project has the potential to ``reduce the number or restrict the range
of a rare or endangered plant or animal.'' Species that are eligible
for State listing as rare, threatened, or endangered, but are not so
listed, are given the same protection as those species that are
officially listed with the State or Federal governments. Once
significant effects are identified, the lead agency has the option to
require mitigation for effects through changes in the project or to
decide that overriding considerations make mitigation infeasible. In
the latter case, projects may be approved that cause significant
environmental damage, such as destruction of endangered species.
Protection of listed species through CEQA is, therefore, dependent upon
the discretion of the agency involved.
Hot spring areas and perennial freshwater emergent marshes are
generally small and scattered, and treated as isolated wetlands or
waters of the United States for regulatory purposes by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (Corps) under section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
However, this law by itself does not protect Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis, Carex albida, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Poa
napensis, Plagiobothrys strictus, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and
Trifolium amoenum. Nationwide Permit No. 26 (33 CFR part 330 Appendix B
(26)) was established by the Corps to facilitate issuance of permits
for discharge of fill into wetlands up to 4 ha (10 ac). For project
proposals falling under Nationwide Permit 26, the Corps has been
reluctant to withhold authorization unless a listed threatened or
endangered species is known to be present, regardless of the
significance of other wetland resources. Section 404 regulations
require an applicant to obtain an individual permit to fill isolated
wetlands or waters greater than 4 ha (10 ac). In either case, candidate
species receive no special consideration. Additionally and equally
important, the upland watersheds that contribute significantly to the
hydrology of marshes are not provided any direct protection under
section 404. Disturbance to or loss of seep or marsh habitat and
alteration of hydrology have damaged populations and habitat as
discussed previously under Factor A. Reductions in water volume or
inundation of the sites have the potential to adversely affect the
seven plant taxa listed above. Thus, as a consequence of the small size
of these marsh, meadow, and hot spring areas and lack of protection of
associated uplands, these types of habitats receive insufficient
protection under section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
The Sonoma County Department of Planning has designated Pitkin,
Cunningham, and Kenwood Marshes as ``critical habitat'' (Sonoma County
1989). The streams within these marshes are designated as ``riparian
corridors.'' It is not likely that these designations will adequately
protect the species involved. County policies for ``critical habitat''
designation include 15 m (50 ft) setbacks of construction from wetland
boundaries and preparation of biotic resource assessments for
development of mitigation measures, if the planning director determines
that a ``critical habitat'' area will be impacted (Sonoma County 1989).
A setback may be waived, however, if the setback is determined to make
the parcel unsuitable for construction. The single population of Carex
albida and the larger population of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense
occur within 15 m (50 ft) of streams in Sonoma County (CNDDB 1993). The
Sonoma County policy for ``riparian corridors'' allows the removal of
riparian vegetation as part of a pest management program administered
by the County Agricultural Commissioner, as well as construction of
roads and summer dams (Sonoma County 1989). In addition, agricultural
projects that may involve removal of native vegetation, including the
proposed species or alteration of their habitats, are considered in
Sonoma County to be ``ministerial'' (K. Ellison, Sonoma County
Department of Planning, pers. comm. 1993). Ministerial projects are
those projects that the public agency must approve after the applicant
shows compliance with certain legal requirements. They may be approved
or carried out without undertaking CEQA review.
Only a few measures have been taken to protect some of the species
in this proposed rule. In 1989, the landowners of the two confirmed
populations of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense
[[Page 39322]]
entered into voluntary protection agreements with TNC (CDFG 1993b).
Since that time, TNC and the California Conservation Corps have jointly
built and maintained cattle exclosures in an attempt to protect the
plants at both sites. Some plants, however, continue to suffer
herbivory from livestock and wildlife, resulting in loss of flowers and
seeds (L. Lozier, in litt. 1990). A Memorandum of Understanding is
currently in effect between CDFG and the Berry Botanic Garden,
Portland, Oregon, for research on germination and recovery of this
species (CDFG 1993b). Additionally, TNC obtained a voluntary agreement
in 1990 with private landowners to protect one population of Astragalus
clarianus. CDFG is proposing to purchase approximately 37 ha (90 ac) of
the Kenwood Marsh as an ecological preserve (A. Howald, pers. comm.
1993). The date for acquisition of the preserve, however, is dependent
on cooperation with the current landowners. The owner of one parcel,
which contains approximately one half of the Kenwood population, has
declined to sell her property to the State (N. Wilcox, pers. comm.
1994). Purchase of the land as a preserve would prevent grazing on the
site and would allow direct management of the plant population with
possible opportunities to expand the population (A. Howald, pers. comm.
1993). The preserve would be comprised of only a small portion of the
watershed, however, limiting the protection that the preserve could
afford to the hydrology of the marsh (N. Wilcox, pers. comm. 1994). TNC
also has entered into a verbal conservation agreement with a landowner
for the protection of one of the two populations of Clarkia imbricata.
However, this larger population of C. imbricata was mowed before seed
set in 1989 and 1991, reducing the seed production and number of plants
in the years following mowing (B. Guggolz, in litt. 1993).
Seed from cultivated Trifolium amoenum plants is currently being
collected for future reintroduction efforts (P. Conners, pers. comm.
1994). In addition, half of the seed that was recovered from the single
plant in 1993 was deposited for long-term storage at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture National Seed Storage Laboratory in Fort
Collins, Colorado (Conners 1994).
Although Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) is part of the
National Park system, 17 cattle and dairy ranches are contained within
the Seashore boundaries. Grazing and ranching, which have occurred on
the peninsula for more than a century, have been determined to be
``consistent with the purpose for which the Seashore was authorized''
(Clark and Fellers 1987). Fowler and Fellers (1985) state that grazing
has been a serious threat to Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis
occurrences located on the Seashore.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Their Continued Existence
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis suffers from competition from
aggressive emergent wetland species, including rushes (Juncus spp.) and
sedges (Cyperus spp.) at one location. These wetland plants have nearly
extirpated A. aequalis var. sonomensis from that site (V. Norris, in
litt. 1993; CNDDB 1993). Additionally, A. aequalis var. sonomensis is
not readily propagated. Two attempts to reintroduce the species from
seed to suitable habitat within its range have failed. Naturally
occurring floods also may be an ongoing threat. One reintroduction
failed due to a flash flood in 1993 (V. Norris, pers. comm. 1993).
The population of Astragalus clarianus located on the north shore
of Lake Hennessey has an infestation of an aggressive and dominating
nonnative weed, yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). This
nonnative weed infestation was a direct result of ground disturbance
associated with the removal of dredge spoils that were placed on top of
this population as discussed under Factor A (A. Howald, pers. comm.
1993). Competition from this nonnative annual weed is also considered a
threat to the population of A. clarianus at the Bothe Napa Valley State
Park (J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993). A proposed application to build two
small agricultural water storage reservoirs along a creek in Napa
County would avoid direct impacts to another population of A.
clarianus, but ground disturbance would most likely introduce this same
nonnative aggressive weed (A. Howald, pers. comm. 1993). Establishment
of yellow star-thistle from this proposed activity is considered a
threat to this population.
Plant succession may be excluding or reducing the population of
Astragalus clarianus at one site (J. Ruygt, in litt. 1993) where A.
clarianus grows sparingly in the interspaces of the developing
manzanita plant community. As new manzanita seedlings emerge and grow
and the existing plants grow larger, less and less interspace between
plants is available for A. clarianus. Fire suppression has reduced fire
occurrences in the manzanita community. Periodic fire is needed to
reduce manzanita cover and create interspaces for this plant. This
species, therefore, is vulnerable to habitat loss from advancing plant
succession. Another population of A. clarianus is threatened by
competition from French broom (Genista monospessulana), a nonnative
aggressive shrub (CNDDB 1993).
The potential for loss of the Kenwood Marsh population of Sidalcea
oregana ssp. valida from stochastic events, because of the small
population size, is exacerbated by drought and water diversions. In
addition, this population is being encroached upon by aggressive weeds,
including yellow star-thistle and blackberry (Rubus spp.) (A. Howald,
pers. comm. 1993). One of the Kenwood Marsh subpopulations was driven
over by Sonoma County personnel during maintenance of the Sonoma
Aqueduct, which passes through Kenwood Marsh. The maintenance activity
occurred late in the season when the soil was relatively dry, resulting
in minimal damage to the plants. If maintenance activities occur during
a time when the soil is saturated, they pose a threat to the plants (A.
Howald, pers. comm. 1993).
Because it is unlikely that Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense is
self-pollinating, single plants or widely separated plants in sparse
populations may not set viable seed (Mark Skinner, CNPS, pers. comm.
1993). The two remaining plants at Pitkin Marsh are monitored closely
by CNPS volunteers and have not been observed to have set seed for
several years (M. Skinner, pers. comm. 1993). Much of Pitkin Marsh has
been invaded by blackberry vines that compete with L. pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense for space, light, and nutrients (CDFG 1993b).
Grass mowing, vehicle traffic, and parking have impacted and
continue to threaten one population of Poa napensis at the Calistoga
Airport site (CNPS 1990; Robert Soreng, Cornell Univ., in litt. 1993).
Grass mowing is done at regular intervals through the spring and summer
growing season to reduce fire and aircraft safety hazards. The airport
is used by a spray plane service, recreational gliders, and associated
tow planes. The service vehicles for the planes and private vehicle
traffic of the customers impact this population of P. napensis,
especially during the spring and summer when airport use increases.
The extirpation of all historical populations of Trifolium amoenum
may have partially been a result of competition with weedy, nonnative
plant species. A recent germination study of other Trifolium species
from historical T. amoenum habitat in Sonoma County suggested that some
annual Trifolium species germinate in late November, well after many
introduced species, including redstem storkbill (Erodium cicutarium),
ripgut
[[Page 39323]]
brome (Bromus diandrus), and California burclover (Medicago polymorpha)
(Connors 1994). By germinating and growing earlier, it is likely that
nonnative species have reduced the numbers of T. amoenum plants by
occupying available space (Connors 1994).
Small numbers of populations and small population size threaten
most of the plants proposed herein. There are 5 populations of
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis with a total of 200 plants. There
are 2 populations of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense with a total of
200 plants. There are 2 populations of Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida
with fewer than 100 plants. These three species may be subject to
increased genetic drift and inbreeding as a consequence of their small
population sizes (Menges 1991, Ellstrand and Elam 1993). The increased
homozygosity results in a loss of genetic fitness (Ellstrand and Elam
1993). The reduction in genetic fitness affords less chance of any
species to successfully adapt to any environmental changes. The very
small numbers make them extremely vulnerable to extirpation from
stochastic events.
In addition to the 3 species listed above, there are only 4
populations of Astragalus clarianus with fewer than 2,000 plants; 1
population of Carex albida with 800 to 1,000 plants; 2 populations of
Clarkia imbricata with fewer than 6,000 plants; 3 populations of
Plagiobothrys strictus with fewer than 10,000 plants; and 3 populations
of Poa napensis with fewer than 1,000 plants. Fewer than 18 Trifolium
amoenum plants exist in cultivation. The combination of a few small
populations, very narrow range, and restricted habitat makes these nine
species susceptible to destruction of all or a significant portion of
any population from random natural events, such as flood, drought,
disease, or other natural occurrences (Shaffer 1981, Primack 1993).
Such events are not usually a concern until the number of individuals
or geographic distribution become as limited as is the case with the
species discussed herein. Once a plant population is reduced due to
habitat destruction and fragmentation, the remnant population has a
higher probability of extinction from random events. Thus, all nine
taxa are threatened by potential loss of genetic fitness associated
with their small populations or damage and destruction by random
natural events across the entire range of each taxon.
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by these species in determining to propose this
rule. Cattle grazing or competition with aggressive plant species
threatens 3 of the 5 remaining populations of Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis, totalling approximately 200 plants. Efforts to reintroduce
this species to sites within its range have failed. Alopecurus aequalis
var. sonomensis is susceptible to extinction due to small numbers of
populations and individuals and is threatened by inadequate regulatory
mechanisms. If combined, all four populations of Astragalus clarianus
could fit into a 0.5 ha (1 ac) area and are threatened variously by a
potential water storage project, a potential subdivision, competition
from nonnative plant species, recreational activities, airport
maintenance, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, stochastic events, and
elimination through plant community succession. The single Carex albida
population, totaling approximately 800 to 1,000 plants, is located 46 m
(150 ft) from a State highway and is threatened by potential changes in
the site's hydrology resulting from wetland drainage or fill,
competition from aggressive plant species, changes in land management
by the owner, highway construction or maintenance, potential
disturbance from a proposed wastewater treatment project, inadequate
regulatory mechanisms, and stochastic events. The two remaining
populations of Clarkia imbricata are threatened by changing land use,
unauthorized collection, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and
stochastic events. The 2 remaining populations of Lilium pardalinum
ssp. pitkinense, totalling approximately 200 plants, suffer from
uncontrolled collection of plants, seeds, and bulbs for horticultural
use, and by grazing. One population is potentially threatened by a
proposed wastewater treatment project; the other population is
potentially threatened by a proposed subdivision. Lilium pardalinum
ssp. pitkinense also is threatened by nature of its small populations,
stochastic events, and inadequate regulatory mechanisms. If combined,
the remaining populations of Plagiobothrys strictus and Poa napensis
would occupy an area of less than 0.5 ha (1 ac) each and are surrounded
by hot springs resorts or housing. Plagiobothrys strictus and Poa
napensis co-occur at two sites and both species are threatened by
airport activities, including traffic and vehicle parking on the
plants, grass mowing, and potential development of remnant habitat,
including the construction of a hospital at this site. Additionally,
all populations of the two species are threatened by potential
alteration of hot springs hydrology, stochastic events, and inadequate
regulatory mechanisms. The two populations of Sidalcea oregana ssp.
valida are threatened by trampling and reduced seed set resulting from
cattle grazing, aqueduct maintenance, competition from nonnative plant
species, potential loss of normal hydrology from urbanization,
inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and stochastic events and reduced
genetic fitness because of the small number of individuals and
populations.
Trifolium amoenum has been extirpated from all 24 historical
occurrences in 7 counties; the species currently exists as 18 plants in
cultivation. This species is threatened by stochastic events due to the
small number of plants, competition with aggressive plant species, loss
of habitat from urbanization, livestock grazing, and inadequate
regulatory mechanisms.
These nine species are imminently threatened by extinction
throughout all or a significant portion of their range by the factors
summarized above and therefore meet the definition of endangered in the
Act. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list
Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis, Astragalus clarianus, Carex
albida, Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense,
Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and
Trifolium amoenum as endangered.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) the
specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at
the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found
those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation
of the species and (II) that may require special management
consideration or protection and; (ii) specific areas outside the
geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon
a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of
the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and
procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing
under the Act is no longer necessary.
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time
the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service
finds that designation of critical habitat is not
[[Page 39324]]
prudent for these nine plant taxa at this time. Service regulations (50
CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that designation of critical habitat is not
prudent when one or both of the following situations exist--(1) The
species is threatened by taking or other human activity, and
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the
degree of threat to the species, or (2) such designation of critical
habitat would not be beneficial to the species.
As required for proposals to designate critical habitat, the
publication of maps and the precise locations of involved plant
populations could contribute to the further decline of the nine taxa
proposed herein and increase enforcement problems, particularly in the
case of Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense. This taxon, which is
threatened primarily by uncontrolled collection for horticultural use,
is especially at risk from additional publicity. Two of the three
privately owned populations of Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis are
found in close proximity to L. pardalinum ssp. pitkinense. Although A.
aequalis var. sonomensis is not collected for horticultural use, any
increase in publicity of A. aequalis var. sonomensis could lead to
collection or destruction of that species, as well as increased
collection of L. pardalinum ssp. pitkinense. One of the two populations
of Clarkia imbricata in a preserve owned by the California Native Plant
Society has experienced unauthorized collection, despite a deliberate
decision not to publicize the preserve's exact location. Thus, the
Service finds that designation of critical habitat for Alopecurus
aequalis var. sonomensis, Clarkia imbricata, and Lilium pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense is not prudent because of potential vandalism and
uncontrolled collection for horticultural use. No Trifolium amoenum
plants are currently known to exist in the wild, but designation of
critical habitat could encourage vandalism and preclude recovery
efforts for the species.
The single Carex albida population and a portion of one of the two
populations of Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida are adjacent to State
highways. Any specific locality information could subject these species
to activities that would jeopardize their survival. Thus, the Service
finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for Carex
albida and Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida because of potential vandalism.
Because Astragalus clarianus, Plagiobothrys strictus, and Poa
napensis have very specific known habitat requirements and occur at
very few locations in or near cities, any activity that would adversely
modify habitat or destroy plants would likely jeopardize the continued
existence of each of these species. Therefore, the Service finds that
designation of critical habitat is not prudent for Astragalus
clarianus, Plagiobothrys strictus, and Poa napensis because it would
not provide additional benefit beyond that provided by listing for the
conservation of the species.
Additionally, publicity that might result in public trespass on
privately owned sites by individuals seeking the plants could reduce
the landowners' willingness to cooperate with public or private
agencies in their protection efforts for the involved taxa (B. Guggolz,
pers. comm. 1993). Designation would provide no additional benefit to
any of these nine species beyond the benefit received by virtue of
their designation as endangered species. Protection of these nine
species will be addressed through the recovery process and through the
section 7 consultation process.
Available Conservation Measures
Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,
recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions
against certain practices. Recognition through listing results in
public awareness and conservation actions by Federal, State, and local
agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The Act provides for
possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and requires
that recovery plans be developed for all listed species. The protection
required of Federal agencies and the prohibitions against certain
activities involving listed plants are discussed, in part, below.
Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to
confer with the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of a species proposed for listing or result in
destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a
species is listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) requires Federal
agencies to ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out
are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or
destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action
may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible
Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
All nine plant species may be affected by Federal mortgage
programs, including those managed by the Veterans Administration and
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Federal Home
Administration loans). Since six of the nine taxa proposed herein exist
in or near marshes, meadows, perennial streams, or thermal hot springs,
the Corps may become involved in regulating fill of these wetland areas
through jurisdiction of section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.
1344 et seq.). The plants may also be affected by road and highway
construction by the Federal Highway Administration. The National Park
Service may become involved through section 7 consultation because of
potential grazing impacts to Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis at
Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore). The Seashore has twice
attempted to reintroduce A. aequalis var. sonomensis using seed
collected within the Seashore. In 1987, the Seashore erected a cattle
exclosure fence to protect this species from grazing (V. Norris, in
litt. 1993).
Listing Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis, Astragalus clarianus,
Carex albida, Clarkia imbricata, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense,
Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and
Trifolium amoenum would provide for development of a recovery plan (or
plans) for them. Such plan(s) would bring together both State and
Federal efforts for conservation of the plants. The plan(s) would
establish a framework for agencies to coordinate activities and
cooperate with each other in conservation efforts. The plan(s) would
set recovery priorities and estimate costs of various tasks necessary
to accomplish them. It also would describe site-specific management
actions necessary to achieve conservation and survival of the nine
plant species. Additionally, pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the
Service would be more likely to grant funds to affected states for
management actions promoting the protection and recovery of these
species.
The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered
plants. All prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by
50 CFR 17.61, apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it
[[Page 39325]]
illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
to import or export, transport in interstate or foreign commerce in the
course of a commercial activity, sell or offer for sale in interstate
or foreign commerce, or remove and reduce the species to possession
from areas under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for plants listed
as endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or destruction of
any such species on areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal,
cutting, digging up, or damaging or destroying of such plant species in
knowing violation of any State law or regulation, including State
criminal trespass law. Certain exceptions to the prohibitions apply to
agents of the Service and State conservation agencies.
The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 and 17.63 also provide for the issuance of
permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving
endangered plant species under certain circumstances. Such permits are
available for scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or
survival of the species. The Service anticipates that few permits would
ever be sought or issued for eight of the species because they are not
common in cultivation or in the wild. Lilium pardalinum ssp.
pitkinense, however, is collected for horticultural use.
It is the policy of the Service, published in the Federal Register
on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent
practicable at the time a species is listed those activities that would
or would not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent
of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of the
listing of the nine plant species on proposed and ongoing activities
within the species' range. The Service believes that activities such as
landscape maintenance, clearing vegetation for firebreaks, and
livestock grazing on privately owned lands, not under Federal funding
or authorization, would not be considered a violation of section 9 of
the Act. Questions regarding whether specific activities would
constitute a violation of section 9 should be directed to the Field
Supervisor of the Service's Sacramento Field Office (see ADDRESSES
section). Requests for copies of the regulations regarding listed
plants and inquiries about prohibitions and permits may be addressed to
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Endangered
Species Permits, 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (phone
503/231-2063, facsimile 503/231-6243).
Public Comments Solicited
The Service intends that any final action resulting from this
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore,
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments
particularly are sought concerning:
(1) Biological, commercial, trade, or other relevant data
concerning any threat (or lack thereof) to Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis, Astragalus clarianus, Carex albida, Clarkia imbricata,
Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Plagiobothrys strictus, Poa
napensis, Sidalcea oregana ssp. valida, and Trifolium amoenum;
(2) The location of any additional populations of these species and
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be
critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act;
(3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and
population size of these species; and
(4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their
possible impacts on these species.
Final promulgation of regulations on these species will take into
consideration the comments and any additional information received by
the Service, and such communications may lead to a final regulation
that differs from this proposal.
The Endangered Species Act provides for one or more public hearings
on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be received by September
25, 1995. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to the
Field Supervisor, Sacramento Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).
National Environmental Policy Act
The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental
Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, as defined under the
authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be
prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section
4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice
outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in
the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon
request from the Field Supervisor, Sacramento Field Office (see
ADDRESSES section).
Authors
The primary authors of this proposed rule are Elizabeth Warne and
Kenneth Fuller, Sacramento Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
Proposed Regulation Promulgation
Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,
subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
as set forth below:
PART 17--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500, unless otherwise noted.
2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in
alphabetical order under FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered
and Threatened Plants to read as follows:
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species
--------------------------------------------------- Historic range Family name Status When listed Critical Special
Scientific name Common name habitat rules
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
* * * * * * *
Alopecurus aequalis Sonoma alopecurus....... U.S.A. (CA)............. Poaceae................ E ........... NA NA
var. sonomensis.
[[Page 39326]]
* * * * * * *
Astragalus clarianus Clara Hunt's milkvetch.. U.S.A. (CA)............. Fabaceae............... E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Carex albida........ White sedge............. U.S.A. (CA)............. Cyperaceae............. E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Clarkia imbricata... Vine Hill clarkia....... U.S.A. (CA)............. Onagraceae............. E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Lilium pardalinum Pitkin Marsh lily....... U.S.A. (CA)............. Liliaceae.............. E ........... NA NA
ssp. pitkinense.
* * * * * * *
Plagiobothrys Calistoga allocarya..... U.S.A. (CA)............. Boraginaceae........... E ........... NA NA
strictus.
* * * * * * *
Poa napensis........ Napa bluegrass.......... U.S.A. (CA)............. Poaceae................ E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Sidalcea oregana Kenwood Marsh U.S.A. (CA)............. Malvaceae.............. E ........... NA NA
ssp. valida. checkermallow.
* * * * * * *
Trifolium amoenum... Showy Indian clover..... U.S.A. (CA)............. Fabaceae............... E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: July 5, 1995.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 95-18812 Filed 8-1-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
