CNDDB News

Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella species review - How you can help

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:40:09 GMT

Photo: Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella (Monardella sinuata subsp. gerryi). Photo by Mark Elvin.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be conducting a status review for Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella (Monardella sinuata subsp. gerryi) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species. The CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Gerry's curly-leaved monardella to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is February 2, 2026 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella is an annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that occurs in the Camarillo and Las Posas hills in Ventura County. Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella is restricted to soil derived from Las Posas sand. The species has been documented from just three occurrences with fewer than 500 individuals in total. Threats to Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella include agricultural conversion, development, land clearing and grading, maintenance and construction of roads or trails, nonnative plants, vegetation succession, and erosion.

On February 19, 2025, the California Native Plant Society submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on October 24, 2025, and as such, Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085). 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 page.

We need your help in better understanding the status of Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella. If you have ever found this species in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella.

Morro manzanita species review - How you can help

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:17:00 GMT

Photo: Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis). CDFW photo by Kristi Lazar.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be conducting a status review for Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species. The CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Morro manzanita to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is August 18, 2025 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Morro manzanita is an evergreen shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It is endemic to the Los Osos area of coastal San Luis Obispo County, California and occurs primarily on stabilized sand dunes associated with Baywood fine sand. In the early 1990s, Morro manzanita was estimated to have an area of occupancy of 340 to 360 ha (840 to 890 ac) which is a decrease from historical estimates of 800 to 1,100 ha (1,977 to 2,718 ac). Fire plays an important role in the long-term persistence of Morro manzanita. While Morro manzanita is killed by fire, the species depends on fire to stimulate the germination of viable seed in the soil seed bank in order to persist in the landscape. Present and potential future threats include clearing of habitat for development, invasive plant species, stochastic events, climate change, and sudden oak death pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum).

On July 20, 2024, Dr. Christopher Kofron and Dr. Claudia Tyler submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list Morro manzanita as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on May 16, 2025, and as such, Morro manzanita now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085). 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 page.

We need your help in better understanding the status of Morro manzanita. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the Morro manzanita.

Calistoga Popcornflower and Napa Bluegrass Species Reviews - How You Can Help

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:00:18 GMT

Left: Calistoga popcornflower (Plagiobothrys strictus) Right: Napa bluegrass (Poa napensis)
Photo credit: © Jake Ruygt, all rights reserved.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated two five-year species reviews for the state threatened Calistoga popcornflower (Plagiobothrys strictus) and the state endangered Napa bluegrass (Poa napensis) to evaluate if the conditions that led to the original listing have changed and to provide recommendations regarding the species’ status and management to the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission).

These five-year species reviews will inform the Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Calistoga popcornflower and/or Napa bluegrass to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline to submit data and comments is Friday May 16, 2025, to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Calistoga popcornflower and Napa bluegrass are annual plants that overlap in vernal pool habitat and occur exclusively in Calistoga in Napa County. There are only 3 known populations of Calistoga popcornflower and 2 known populations of Napa bluegrass left in the world. Calistoga popcornflower was listed as threatened under CESA in 1990 and Napa bluegrass was originally listed as endangered and afforded protection under the Native Plant Protection Act in 1979 and then under CESA in 1984 when plants became a part of CESA (Fish & G. Code, §2050 et seq.). The purpose of a five-year species review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing, and recommend to retain or change the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. Take of these species is prohibited without an appropriate permit for scientific, educational or management purposes. For more information on permitting, visit our CESA permits web page.

We need your help in better understanding the threatened status of Calistoga popcornflower and the endangered status of Napa bluegrass. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form.

Bear Lake buckwheat status review - How you can help

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:27:01 GMT

Bear Lake buckwheat (Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi)
CDFW photo by Kristi Lazar

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be conducting a status review for Bear Lake buckwheat to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). More details about the listing proposal and CDFW's request for public comments may be found in our CDFW newsletter. As part of this process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species. The CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Bear Lake buckwheat to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is February 10, 2025 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Bear Lake buckwheat (Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi) is a subshrub in the buckwheat family with only a single known occurrence on the south shore of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California. Bear Lake buckwheat grows on a unique substrate of gray, silty, clay soil in a Jeffrey pine and juniper woodland. Bear Lake buckwheat occupies an area of less than 0.18 acre on a parcel of private property that is being leased to the City of Big Bear Lake. The main threats to Bear Lake buckwheat are habitat modification or destruction from development of the property where the species occurs, human disturbances (off-road vehicle use, littering/trash dumping, and footpaths/trampling), effects of small population size, and fire and fuel reduction activities.

On July 16, 2024, CDFW’s Native Plant Program submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list Bear Lake buckwheat as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on October 25, 2024, and as such, Bear Lake buckwheat now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085). 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 page.

We need your help in better understanding the status of Bear Lake buckwheat. If you have ever found the species in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the Bear Lake buckwheat.

Indian Knob mountainbalm Species Review - How You Can Help

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:18:27 GMT

Indian Knob mountainbalm (Eriodictyon altissimum)
CDFW photo by Kristi Lazar

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a five-year species review (Species Review) for the state endangered Indian Knob mountainbalm (Eriodictyon altissimum) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Indian Knob mountainbalm to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email the Native Plant Program at NativePlants@wildlife.ca.gov. The deadline to submit data and comments is September 9, 2024, to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Indian Knob mountainbalm is a shrub known from only six populations in San Luis Obispo County, California. Four of those populations are located in the Los Osos area of San Luis Obispo County and two populations are located just south of the City of San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County. This species was originally listed as endangered in 1979 under the Native Plant Protection Act and then afforded protection under CESA in 1984 when endangered plants became a part of CESA (Fish & G. Code, §§ 1900 et seq., 2050 et seq.).

The purpose of a Species Review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing, and to recommend retaining or changing the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-Year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. 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.

We need your help in better understanding the endangered status of Indian Knob mountainbalm. If you have ever found the species in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form.

Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop Species Review - How You Can Help

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:51:59 GMT

Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop (Gratiola heterosepala)
Photo credit: © Carol Witham, all rights reserved

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a five-year species review (Species Review) for the state endangered Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop (Gratiola heterosepala) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline to submit data and comments is June 30, 2024, to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop is an annual plant with 99 known populations located across California’s Central Valley, inner north coast range, Sierra Nevada foothills, Lassen National Forest, and the Modoc Plateau. This plant was originally listed as endangered and afforded protection under the Native Plant Protection Act in 1978 and then under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) in 1989 when plants became a part of CESA (Fish & G. Code, §2050 et seq.). The purpose of a Species Review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing, and recommend to retain or change the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-Year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. 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.

We need your help in better understanding the endangered status of Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form.

Greater Sage-Grouse Status Review- How You Can Help

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:23:34 GMT

Greater sage-grouse near Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Tom Koerner/USFWS, Public Domain

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting a status review for the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). More details about the listing proposal and CDFW's request for public comments may be found in our CDFW newsletter. As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed greater sage-grouse to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Wildlife Diversity Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is April 12, 2024 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

The greater sage-grouse is found in sagebrush habitat throughout two distinct areas of California. The bi-state sage grouse population consists of birds from Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties, while the northeastern California population occurs in Modoc, Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties. Greater sage-grouse are lekking birds, which means males perform elaborate displays to attract mates at communal breeding sites.

The birds’ primary food source is sagebrush, but they also eat a variety of other plants, including chicory, dandelion, clover, buckwheat, yarrow and milk-vetch. Insects like grasshoppers, beetles and ants are an important food source for chicks and hens. Threats include the loss, modification and fragmentation of habitat, as well as predation, climate change, loss of genetic diversity and disease.

As of June 30, 2023, the greater sage-grouse is considered a candidate species under CESA and will therefore receive the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species. 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.

We need your help in better understanding the status of the greater sage-grouse. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the greater sage-grouse.

Mohave Ground Squirrel 5-Year Species Review - How You Can Help

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:34:29 GMT

Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis).
Photo credit: Mark Allaback, Biosearch Environmental Consulting

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has initiated a five-year species review for the state threatened Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Mohave ground squirrel to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email the Wildlife Diversity Program and include “Mohave ground squirrel” in the subject line. The deadline to submit data and comments is October 28, 2023, to allow sufficient time for evaluation.

The Mohave ground squirrel is a small rodent endemic to the western Mojave Desert of California and has one of the smallest geographic ranges of any North American ground squirrel. It was listed under the original enactment of CESA in 1971. The purpose of a five-year species review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing and recommend retaining or changing the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-Year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. 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.

Lake County Stonecrop Species Review – How You Can Help

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:55:40 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a five-year species review (Species Review) for the state endangered Lake County stonecrop (Sedella leiocarpa) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to retain or change the status of the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Lake County stonecrop to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline to submit data and comments is October 20, 2023, to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Lake County stonecrop is an annual plant with only six known populations located approximately 10-24 km (6-15 mi) southwest of Clearlake, CA. This plant was originally listed as endangered and afforded protection under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) in 1989 (Fish & G. Code, §2050 et seq.). The purpose of a Species Review is to use the best scientific information available to determine if the conditions that led to the original species listing are still present or have changed since listing, and recommend to retain or change the status of the species (Fish & G. Code, §§ 2072.3 & 2077). Process information, along with recently completed reviews, are available on our web page for Five-Year Reviews of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. 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.

We need your help in better understanding the endangered status of Lake County stonecrop. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form.

Inyo rock daisy status review: How you can help

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:51:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Kristi Lazar, CDFW

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be conducting a status review for the Inyo rock daisy (Perityle inyoensis) to inform the California Fish and Game Commission's decision on whether to list the species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). More details about the listing proposal and CDFW's request for public comments may be found in our CDFW newsletter. As part of this process, the CNDDB would like to encourage anyone who has observed Inyo rock daisy to submit their findings to us. People who have questions or comments about the review process should email our Native Plant Program. The deadline for both data submission and comments is December 1, 2022 to allow us sufficient time for evaluation.

Inyo rock daisy is a perennial subshrub in the sunflower family that is endemic to the high elevation areas (2,019-2,774 m/6,623-9,100 ft) of the southern Inyo Mountains of Inyo County, California. It is restricted to rock outcrops high in calcium carbonate in pinyon woodlands, Joshua tree woodlands, and sagebrush shrublands. Inyo rock daisy is known from 26 occurrences with a global population estimate in the low thousands. The main threat to Inyo rock daisy is modification and/or destruction of habitat due to mineral exploration and mining activities. Other potential threats include invasive plant species, climate change, small population size, and tourism related to the development of the Cerro Gordo ghost town.

As of September 2, 2022, the Inyo rock daisy is considered a candidate species under CESA and will therefore receive the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species. 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.

We need your help in better understanding the status of the Inyo rock daisy. If you have ever found them in the wild, submit your findings to us through our Online Field Survey Form. Together, we can help the Fish and Game Commission make an informed decision on the listing proposal for the Inyo rock daisy.