CNDDB News Blog

The CNDDB program is embarking on a robust process to assess functionality of the CNDDB system, tools and products, with the end goal of making our system more relevant and current. As the entity that houses data on California’s rare plants and animals, the CNDDB program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. CNDDB staff use rigorous methodology to provide users with accurate data. However, we realize there is always room for improvement. The CNDDB Program would like to invite our external partners and subscribers to participate in this assessment effort. A short survey will be sent out tomorrow, July 21, to external partners and subscribers. The survey results will help us assess processes and functionality. If you receive this email, we would very much appreciate you providing us your thoughts. If you don't receive the email and would like to provide input, please email us. The deadline for the survey is August 12, 2022. We are looking forward to seeing your input!

Lime Ridge eriastrum (Eriastrum ertterae)
Photo credit: Jeb Bjerke, CDFW

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a status review for Lime Ridge eriastrum (Eriastrum ertterae). Lime Ridge eriastrum is a low-growing herbaceous annual plant that was first discovered in 2003. It is currently only known to occur within Lime Ridge Open Space in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, and has a California Rare Plant Rank of 1B.1 (rare, threatened, or endangered throughout its range).

Lime ridge eriastrum is now a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and will therefore receive the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species. As of March 4, 2022, take of this species is prohibited without an appropriate permit for scientific, educational or management purposes. For more information on permitting, visit our CESA permits web page.

During the first part of this status review process, CDFW will accept any data on the species' ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, and threats, as well as comments on current and future management of the species. The call for data ends on August 12, 2022. CDFW will review the petition, evaluate the available information, and report back to the Fish and Game Commission on whether the petitioned action is warranted. For more specifics on the process and timing, please read our Eriastrum public notice letter (PDF).

If you have any questions or can provide us with any information, please email us at nativeplants@wildlife.ca.gov.

The following Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) documents have been updated:

• Natural Communities List Arranged Alphabetically by Life Form (PDF)
• Natural Communities List Arranged Alphabetically by Life Form (Excel)
• Sensitive Natural Communities Only by Life Form (PDF)
• Sensitive Natural Communities Only by Life Form (Excel)
• Recent changes in Natural Communities (PDF)
• Recent changes in Natural Communities Rarity (PDF)

These documents are updated twice a year and reflect VegCAMP's current lists of vegetation Alliances, Associations, and Special Stands, as well as their global and state rarity ranks. Sensitive communities are marked with a "Y" under the "Sensitive" column in the lists. Links to the Natural Communities lists can be found on the VegCAMP Natural Communities web page. If you have any questions about these lists, please email us at VegCAMP@wildlife.ca.gov.