Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Nine Plants from the Grasslands or Mesic Areas of the Central Coast of California

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