CDFW News

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Gerry’s Curly-Leaved Monardella

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:13:51 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella (Monardella sinuata subsp. gerryi) under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

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 (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).

As of October 24, 2025, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as endangered under CESA. As part of the status review 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.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before February 2, 2026, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Submit comments and general information on the petitioned action to CDFW’s Native Plant Program by email at NativePlants@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella” in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Native Plant Program, Attn: Kristi Lazar, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. If you have occurrence data on Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data for data submission instructions or contact CDFW’s California Natural Diversity Database at CNDDB@wildlife.ca.gov. Please note that any information you submit (including your contact information) will become part of the public record and may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request.

CDFW will produce a peer-reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website for at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission — which is a legally separate entity from CDFW — is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission webpage for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Kristi Lazar, CDFW Native Plant Program, (916) 594-5425
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to CESA Candidate Morro Manzanita

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list Morro manzanita under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis) is an evergreen shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It is only found in 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 occupy 840-890 acres, which is a decrease from historical estimates of 1,977 to 2,718 acres.

Present and potential future threats to Morro manzanita include clearing of habitat for development, invasive plant species, climate change and sudden oak death pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum).

Fire plays an important role in the long-term persistence of Morro manzanita in the landscape. While Morro manzanita is killed by fire, the species depends on fire to stimulate the germination of viable seed in the soil seed bank.

As of May 16, 2025, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list Morro manzanita as endangered under CESA. As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance and habitat, as well as the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species.

On July 20, 2024, Dr. Christopher Kofron and Dr. Claudia Tyler submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission (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).

CDFW requests that data and comments be submitted before Aug. 18, 2025, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Please submit data and comments to CDFW by email at NativePlants@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Morro manzanita” in the subject line. Data or comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Native Plant Program, Attn: Kristi Lazar, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

CDFW will produce a peer-reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list Morro manzanita as endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition.

Please note, the Commission — a legally separate entity from CDFW — is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission page for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Kristi Lazar, CDFW Native Plant Program, (916) 594-5425
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Western Burrowing Owl

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 10:54:26 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list the western burrowing owl under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) faces threats that include habitat loss due to urban and suburban development, ground squirrel population decline, changes in agricultural practices, pesticide poisoning and predation.

The species was historically found broadly across California in wide lowland valley bottoms, flat coastal lowlands and interior deserts. Currently, the western burrowing owl population is most abundant in the Imperial Valley and parts of the Central Valley.

Burrowing owls are small owls that breed and roost in underground burrows. These burrows are primarily created by ground squirrels, so a population of ground squirrels is generally present in high quality burrowing owl habitat. They live in grasslands, shrublands and deserts, but also occur in human-altered landscapes like agricultural lands, golf courses and cattle pastures. Burrowing owls need areas of short vegetation in which to hunt for insects and small rodents.

On March 5, 2024, the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Burrowing Owl Preservation Society, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Urban Bird Foundation, Central Valley Bird Club and the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list the western burrowing owl as a threatened or endangered species under CESA. The Commission published the findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing on October 25, 2024, and as such, the western burrowing owl now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085).

As of October 25, 2024, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list western burrowing owl as threatened or endangered under CESA. As part of the status review 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.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before February 15, 2025, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Submit data and comments to CDFW by email at wildlifemgt@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Western Burrowing Owl” in the subject line. Data or comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Program, Attn: Anne Hilborn, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

CDFW will produce a peer reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list western burrowing owl as threatened or endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website for at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission — which is a legally separate entity from CDFW — is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission webpage for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Anne Hilborn, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 207-5637
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Fish and Game Commission Approves White Sturgeon as a Candidate Species for Listing as Threatened

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:14:20 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) approved white sturgeon as a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) on June 19. The Commission found sufficient scientific evidence in a petition to determine that listing may be warranted.

Notice of the Commission decision is expected to be published by the Office of Administrative Law on July 12. At that point, fishing for white sturgeon will close as candidate species for listing under CESA are granted full protections while the candidate review process takes place.

However, recreational fishing for white sturgeon remains open until July 11 under emergency regulations adopted last year.

Also, the Commission recognized the significant recreational and economic impact a fishing closure will have and requested the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to explore options to allow recreational fishing for white sturgeon to continue during the status review process, which may be permitted under California Fish and Game Code Section 2084.

CDFW will bring potential white sturgeon fishing regulations under Fish and Game Code Section 2084 to the Commission at its Aug. 14-15 meeting in Fortuna, Humboldt County. Fish and Game Code Section 2084 allows the Commission to authorize take by hook and line for any sport fish that is listed as an endangered, threatened or candidate species under provisions that ensure protection of the species under CESA.

The Commission’s action initiated CDFW’s comprehensive status review of the species to determine if listing under CESA is warranted. A final decision could be made by the Commission as early as late 2025.

CDFW recommends anglers with 2024 Sturgeon Fishing Report Cards hold onto their cards and anglers considering purchasing a nonrefundable 2024 Sturgeon Fishing Report Card wait until the Commission decides on any Section 2084 regulations that could allow white sturgeon fishing to resume.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief, (916) 212-3164
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

Public Invited to Comment on Petition to List Southern California Steelhead as Endangered

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:43:12 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a status review for Southern California steelhead and invites data or comments on a petition to list Southern California steelhead as an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

Southern California steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are found in streams from the Santa Maria River at the southern county line of San Luis Obispo County down to the U.S.-Mexico border. Southern California steelhead as defined in the CESA petition include both anadromous (ocean-going) and resident (stream-dwelling) forms of the species below complete migration barriers in these streams.

Major threats to Southern California steelhead include destruction, modification and fragmentation of habitat due to anthropogenic water use (i.e., dams or diversions for the purposes of providing water for human use) and climate change impacts like increased stream temperatures and intensified drought conditions. Southern California steelhead represent an important steelhead diversity component in California due to their unique adaptations, life histories and genetics.

On June 14, 2021, California Trout submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list Southern California steelhead as an endangered species under CESA. On April 21, 2022, the Commission accepted that petition for consideration. On May 13, 2022, the Commission provided public notice that Southern California steelhead is now a candidate species under CESA and as such, receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species. The listing petition and CDFW’s petition evaluation report are available on the Commission website.

CDFW invites data or comments on the petitioned action, including Southern California steelhead ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management or recommendations for management of the species. Data or comments may be submitted via email to SCSH@wildlife.ca.gov. Please include “Southern California Steelhead” in the subject line. Submissions may also be sent to:

CDFW Fisheries Branch
Attn: Southern California Steelhead
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, California 94244-2090

Submissions must be received by Sept. 30. CDFW has 12 months to review the petition, evaluate the best available scientific information relating to Southern California steelhead and make a recommendation to the Commission. The Commission will then place receipt of the report on the agenda for the next available Commission meeting. The report will be made available to the public for that meeting, where the Commission will schedule the petition for further consideration.

For more information on the petition, please visit the Commission website.

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Media Contact:
Kirsten Macintyre, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Photo: Southern California steelhead, CDFW photo by Kyle Evans