[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37993-38011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18242]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AD39
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule for
16 Plant Taxa From the Northern Channel Islands, California
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act), for 16 plant taxa from the northern Channel Islands,
California: Arabis hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rock-cress), Arctostaphylos
confertiflora (Santa Rosa Island manzanita), Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis (island barberry), Castilleja mollis (soft-leaved
paintbrush), Dudleya
[[Page 37994]]
blochmaniae ssp. insularis (Santa Rosa Island dudleya), Dudleya sp.
nov. ``East Point'' (munchkin dudleya), Dudleya nesiotica (Santa Cruz
Island dudleya), Galium buxifolium (island bedstraw), Gilia tenuiflora
ssp. hoffmannii (Hoffmann's slender-flowered gilia), Helianthemum
greenei (island rush-rose), Heuchera maxima (island alumroot),
Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. nesioticus (Santa Cruz Island
bushmallow), Malacothrix indecora (Santa Cruz Island malacothrix),
Malacothrix squalida (island malacothrix), Phacelia insularis ssp.
insularis (island phacelia), and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus (Santa
Cruz Island fringepod). The 16 plant taxa and their habitats have been
variously affected or are currently threatened by one or more of the
following: soil loss; habitat alteration by mammals alien to the
Channel Islands (pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, cattle, deer, elk,
bison); direct predation by these same alien mammals; habitat
alteration by native seabirds; habitat alteration due to vehicular
traffic; overcollection for scientific or recreational purposes;
competition with alien plant taxa; reduced genetic viability; depressed
reproductive vigor; and the chance of stochastic extinction resulting
from small numbers of individuals and populations.
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 should be sent to the Field
Supervisor, Ventura Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493
Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, California 93003. Comments and
materials received will be available for public inspection, by
appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Benz, Assistant Field Supervisor,
Ventura Field Office (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone number 805/644-
1766; facsimile 805/644-3958).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Arabis hoffmanii (Hoffmann's rock-cress), Arctostaphylos
confertiflora (Santa Rosa Island manzanita), Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis (island barberry), Castilleja mollis (soft-leaved
paintbrush), Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis (Santa Rosa Island
dudleya), Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' (munchkin dudleya), Dudleya
nesiotica (Santa Cruz Island dudleya), Galium buxifolium (island
bedstraw), Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii (Hoffmann's slender-
flowered gilia), Helianthemum greenei (island rush-rose), Heuchera
maxima (island alumroot), Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. nesioticus
(Santa Cruz Island bushmallow), Malacothrix indecora (island
malacothrix), Malacothrix squalida (Santa Cruz Island malacothrix),
Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis (island phacelia), and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus (Santa Cruz Island fringepod) are California Channel
Island endemics. The only species in this group that is not exclusive
to the northern island group is the island rush-rose, with one
population known from Santa Catalina Island.
Located offshore and south of Santa Barbara County, the four
northern islands (from west to east: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa
Cruz, and Anacapa) are the highest points on a 130 kilometer (km) (80
mile (mi)) long seamount (Dibblee 1982). They are included within the
boundaries of the Channel Islands National Park (CINP). Anacapa Island
is the smallest of the four northern islands and is divided into east,
middle, and west islands totalling 2.9 square km (1.1 square mi); it is
the closest island to the mainland at a distance of 20 km (13 mi). East
and Middle Anacapa islands are flat-topped, wave-cut terraces largely
surrounded by steep cliffs. West Anacapa is the highest of the three,
reaching 283 meters (m) (930 feet (ft)) above sea level. Santa Cruz
Island is the largest of the California Channel Islands at 249 square
km (96 square mi) with the highest point being 753 m (2,470 ft) above
sea level and has a fault-controlled central valley that creates a dry
interior condition. Santa Rosa Island is 217 square km (84 square mi)
in area and 475 m (1,560 ft) at its highest point. San Miguel Island,
the westernmost of the northern group, is 37 square km (14 square mi)
in area and 253 m (830 ft) in height. Santa Catalina Island (south Los
Angeles County) is 194 square km (75 square mi) in area and its highest
elevation is 648 m (2,125 ft) above sea level (Power 1980).
Much of the northern Channel Islands are managed by Federal
agencies. San Miguel Island is under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Department of the Navy (Navy), but the National Park Service (NPS) has
operational jurisdiction through a Memorandum of Agreement. Anacapa
Island is managed by the NPS with an inholding for the U.S. Coast Guard
lighthouse. The western 90 percent of Santa Cruz Island is owned and
managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Almost all of the remaining 10
percent of the island is under the jurisdiction of the NPS. Except for
the City of Avalon, Santa Catalina Island is privately owned and
managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands were set aside as a National
Monument in 1938. In 1980 the U.S. Congress abolished the National
Monument and incorporated those lands, waters and interests into
National Park status, adding Santa Cruz Island and Santa Rosa Island
(at that time privately owned) within the boundaries. The NPS
acquisition of Santa Rosa Island in 1986 was accomplished by outright
fee purchase from the Vail and Vickers Ranching Company. This
acquisition included the potential option for a 25-year continuation of
cattle ranching and a subleased commercial deer and elk hunting
operation, of which 18 years remain, as long as the Secretary of the
Interior determines that the property is being used for purposes
compatible with the administration of the park or with the preservation
of its resources.
In 1769 in San Diego, the establishment of the mission system
began. Attempts to remove the native Chumash Indian populations from
Santa Cruz Island to the mainland were completed by 1814 (Hobbs 1983).
Subsequent land use practices on the islands focused on the
introduction of a variety of livestock (sheep (Ovis domesticus), goats
(Capra hircus), cattle (Bos taurus), burros (Equus asinus), and horses
(E. caballus)) and game species (pigs (Sus scrofa), deer (Odocoilius
hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti), rabbits (Oryctolagus
cuniculus), wild turkey (Melegris gallopavo), California quail
(Callipepla californica), and chukar (Alectoris chuckar)) for ranching
and hunting purposes (Hochberg et al. 1980a, Minnich 1980, Jones et al.
1989).
The introduction of domestic animals to island ecosystems has had
catastrophic effects on the vegetation. Because of the absence of
natural population controls such as disease and predation, livestock
overpopulated the islands. The ultimate control on population sizes for
livestock on islands has been starvation (Sauer 1988). Records for
Santa Cruz Island indicate that sheep had been introduced in the early
1830's; by 1875, sheep stocking was around 50,000 head (Hobbs 1983). In
1890, perhaps as many as 100,000 sheep grazed on Santa Cruz Island
(Hochberg et al. 1980a). Pigs had been released on Santa Cruz Island by
1854 (Hobbs 1983). Conditions of overgrazing combined with drought
occurred in 1864, 1870-72, 1877, 1893-1904, 1923-24, 1935, 1946-48,
1964, (Dunkle 1950, Johnson 1980) and most recently 1986-
[[Page 37995]]
91 (Halvorson 1993). These episodes resulted in livestock losses to
starvation (Johnson 1980). Manipulation of the vegetation by over 150
years of intensive grazing and browsing has resulted in the replacement
of native plant communities with non-native grasslands (Minnich 1980,
Hobbs 1983).
Several non-native weedy plant species have invaded the disturbed
habitats of the islands. One of the most obvious problem species is
fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on Santa Cruz Island. Fennel and other
aggressive non-native weed species displace native species and further
threaten the insular ecosystems (Smith 1989, Simberloff 1990). Research
methods and results to date for the control of fennel were the topics
of many presentations at the fourth Channel Islands symposium held in
March 1994 (Brenton and Klinger 1994, Dash and Gliessman 1994,
Gliessman 1994).
Some progress has been made toward eliminating alien animals from
the islands. TNC has eliminated the sheep from the western portion of
Santa Cruz Island; however, sheep from the eastern portion of the
island are reinvading westward. The NPS has recently removed all the
pigs from Santa Rosa Island. A program to control goats and pigs is
being implemented on western Santa Catalina Island. However, no action
has been taken to eliminate deer and elk from Santa Rosa Island, or
pigs and the remaining sheep from Santa Cruz Island, or bison from
Santa Catalina Island.
The main habitat types on the islands include coastal dune, coastal
bluff, grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak and ironwood
woodlands, riparian woodlands, and conifer forest; various subdivisions
of these types have been described by Dunkle (1950), Philbrick and
Haller (1977), Minnich (1980), and Clark et al. (1990). The floristics
of the islands are composed of elements that have a variety of origins.
Relictual species (wide ranging paleobotanic fossil records) such as
the endemic island ironwoods (Lyonothamnus floribundus) and species
with disjunct distributions with the mainland such as the Torrey pine
(Pinus torreyana) occur in canyons and slopes that provide higher
moisture levels than the surrounding areas. Unique insular endemics,
including all of the species in this proposed rule, have been discussed
by Raven (1967), Philbrick (1980), and Wallace (1985).
Coastal beach and associated dune habitats occur in the windiest
sandy locations on the three westernmost islands. These coastal
habitats appear to be relatively undisturbed compared to mainland sites
where development and recreation have largely eliminated them. Coastal
bluff habitat has provided a refugium from habitat elimination that
accompanies grazing by non-native animals (Minnich 1980, Halvorson et
al. 1992). The upland habitat was largely shrubland; many of the
representative species are now found only on bluff sites (D'Antonio et
al. 1992). The grasslands are largely composed of non-native annual
species and have greatly expanded at the expense of most other habitat
types (Hobbs 1983, Cole 1994). Historic photographs reveal the loss of
woody vegetation from the islands during the last 100 years (Hobbs
1980, Minnich 1980). The coastal sage scrub habitat has increased in
importance on Anacapa and San Miguel Islands where grazing effects have
been removed (Johnson 1980). There, the controlling effects of grazing
on the elimination of shrubs and the artificial maintenance of
grasslands have been reversed. The coastal sage habitat is composed of
soft-leaved, soft-stemmed plants that are palatable to browsers and
grazers. The original coastal sage scrub habitat has been reduced by
overgrazing to the extent that it persists only in locations that are
inaccessible to grazing and browsing animals, as in patches of cactus
and on bluffs (Minnich 1980, Hobbs 1983).
The pre-grazing importance of cactus in the island communities will
never be known. Overgrazing results in the spread of cactus to areas
that have been denuded by livestock. Overgrazing on Santa Cruz Island
greatly facilitated the spread of cactus to the point that over 40
percent of the ``rangeland'' was rendered useless (Hochberg et al.
1980a). Cactus habitats on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands have been
dramatically reduced to improve cattle operations by the introduction
of biological controls (Hochberg et al. 1980a).
The physical condition of the remnant chaparral habitats has been
modified by grazing and browsing such that shrubs form arborescent
(treelike) shapes. The continued browsing by deer and elk on Santa Rosa
Island has created an open ``skeleton'' community reticulated by game
trails that provide access to nearly 100 percent of the habitat
(Hochberg et al. 1980a; Tim Thomas, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), pers. obs., 1993). Historic reports of the conditions on the
islands indicate that the brushlands were impenetrable (Hochberg et al.
1980a). Island woodlands are dominated by unique endemic species and
heavily affected by grazing, browsing, and rooting animals seeking
summer shelter and food (Clark et al. 1990, Halvorson 1993). The
riparian habitats are heavily modified physically and structurally, and
in some areas they have been completely eliminated (Hochberg et al.
1980a, Minnich 1980). Normally, a canyon with year-round water will
have well-developed riparian vegetation that includes willows (Salix
spp.), sycamores (Platanus racemosa), cottonwoods (Populus spp.) and
oaks (Quercus spp.). This vegetation would typically support a rich
diversity of organisms, especially neo-tropical migratory bird species
(Paul Collins, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, pers. comm.,
1994). The riparian habitat is one of the most significant on the
islands. Years of livestock overutilization have considerably reduced
this resource-rich habitat. The pine forests that are protected from
grazing have well-developed foliar cover and pine reproduction (Hobbs
1978). In contrast, Clark et al. (1990) report that pine forests that
are subjected to grazing lack the protective nutrient layer of ground
litter and exhibit no reproduction. Pigs, cattle, deer, goats, sheep,
and bison continue to threaten and further degrade whole ecosystems on
the islands (Sauer 1988, Halvorson 1993).
Islands, with their many endemic species of plants and animals,
have long attracted the attention of biologists and are among the
world's most fragile and unique ecosystems. Fifty-four island endemic
plant species are known from the northern Channel Islands; 15 species
are single island endemics (Halvorson et al. 1987). Some of the most
striking examples of extinction have occurred from islands around the
world; from the Channel Islands, notable extinctions include the Santa
Barbara Island song sparrow (Melospiza melodia cooperi) and the Santa
Cruz Island monkeyflower (Mimulus brandegei). Twelve plant species have
been extirpated from various islands within the northern island group:
three from Santa Cruz (Malacothrix incana, Mimulus brandegei, and
Sibaria filifolia), three from Santa Rosa (Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis, Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis, and Helianthemum
greenei), and six from San Miguel (Grindelia latifolia, Ceanothus
megacarpus ssp. insularis, Rhamnus pirifolia, Haplopappus ericoides,
Castilleja mollis, and Dithyrea maritima) (Philbrick 1980, Halvorson et
al. 1987, Clark et al. 1990).
[[Page 37996]]
Discussion of the Taxa Included in This Proposal
Table 1 summarizes the growth habit and population distribution for
the 16 taxa in this proposal.
Table 1.--Growth Habit, Estimated Populations Within the Last Five Years, and Insular Distribution of Sixteen
Proposed Endangered Plant Taxa From the Northern Channel Islands, California; mA=middle Anacapa, wA=west
Anacapa, CR=Santa Cruz, RO=Santa Rosa, MI=San Miguel, CA=Santa Catalina, P( )=Historic Distribution But
Believed Extirpated From This Location
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Scientific name Growth habit Est. pops. Distribution
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Arabis hoffmanii.................. Perennial herb............. 3........................ (RO), CR, (wA)
Arctostaphylos confertifolia...... Shrub...................... Less than 10............. RO
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis... Shrub/Vine................. 5........................ (RO), CR, wA
Castilleja mollis................. Perennial.................. 2........................ (MI), RO
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis Succulent.................. 1........................ RO
Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point''... Succulent.................. 1........................ RO
Dudleya nesiotica................. Succulent.................. 1........................ CR
Galium buxifolium................. Sub-shrub.................. 10....................... MI, CR
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii.. Annual..................... 1........................ RO
Helanthemum greenei............... Sub-shrub.................. 7........................ (RO), CR, CA
Heuchera maxima................... Perennial.................. 27....................... RO, CR, wA
Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. Shrub...................... 2........................ CR
nesioticus.
Malacothrix indecora.............. Annual..................... 1........................ (MI), CR
Malacothrix squalida.............. Annual..................... 3........................ CR, mA
Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis. Annual..................... 5........................ MI, (RO)
Thysanocarpus conchuliferus....... Annual..................... 8........................ CR
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Hoffmann's rock-cress (Arabis hoffmannii) was first described by
Philip Alexander Munz as Arabis maxima var. hoffmannii in 1935 based on
specimens collected by Ralph Hoffmann at the ``sea cliffs east of
Dick's Harbor,'' now known as Platts Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island in
1932 (Rollins 1936). However, the first collection of this rock-cress
was made by T.S. Brandegee in 1888 from an unspecified location on
Santa Cruz Island. In 1936, Reed Clark Rollins elevated the taxon to
species status by publishing the name Arabis hoffmannii. This
nomenclature is upheld in the most recent treatment for the genus
(Rollins 1993).
Arabis hoffmannii is a slender herbaceous perennial in the mustard
(Brassicaceae) family. The one to several stems reach 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
high, and have slightly toothed basal leaves. The white flowers,
comprised of four petals 1 centimeter (cm) (0.4 inch (in)) long, are
found at the tips of the stems. The slightly curved fruits are borne on
long stalks and enclose two rows of seeds in each of two chambers. The
only other rock-cress that occurs on the islands, Arabis glabra var.
glabra, is a taller plant with cream colored flowers, and occurs as an
alien in open meadows and slopes.
Since Brandegee's collection was made in 1888, very few collections
of Arabis hoffmannii have been made. On Santa Cruz Island, Reid Moran
made a collection from the ``Central Valley'' in 1950, and Jim
McPherson collected the plant near Centinela Grade, possibly the same
location, in 1967 (Steve Junak, pers. comm. 1993). It was not until
1985 that Steve Junak relocated a population at this location (Schuyler
1986). For many decades, Hoffmann's original collection site, near
Platts Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, was in ``an area of intense feral
animal (sheep) disturbance,'' and no plants could be found (Hochberg et
al. 1980a). However, surveys conducted by TNC in 1985 were successful
in relocating two small populations, one comprising three individual
plants, near Platts Harbor (Schuyler 1986).
According to Reid Moran's field notes, he collected Arabis
hoffmannii from Anacapa Island in 1941 ``on the slopes above Frenchy's
Cove'' (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1993). However, no specimens from this
collection have been found in herbaria with known collections of island
species, and recent surveys by Junak have failed to relocate the plant
on Anacapa Island (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1993). Ralph Hoffmann reported
the plant from ``the bank above Water Canyon'' on Santa Rosa Island in
1930, but numerous recent surveys have failed to locate any plants on
that island (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1993).
Arabis hoffmannii is currently known from three small populations
that collectively cover less than 0.4 hectare (1 acre) on Santa Cruz
Island. The two populations near Platts Harbor are located on rocky
volcanic cliffs along a north-facing canyon on lands owned by TNC.
Because of their inaccessibility, and the loose structure of the
volcanic rock, the two cliff populations have not been thoroughly
surveyed. Only a few dozen plants have been directly observed, but the
cliffs may support additional individuals. The population near
Centinela Grade is growing on Santa Cruz Island volcanics and is
associated with giant coreopsis (Coreopsis gigantea), Santa Cruz Island
buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens), and coastal prickly pear (Opuntia
littoralis), on lands owned and managed by TNC. When Junak relocated
this population, approximately 30 individuals were seen. TNC has
monitored this population since 1990, with fewer than 30 plants
observed each year (Klinger 1994a). The major threats to Arabis
hoffmannii are loss of soil, habitat degradation, and predation
resulting from feral pig rooting. Because of the small numbers of
populations and individuals, the taxon is also vulnerable to stochastic
(random) extinction by such events as storms, drought, landslide, or
fire. Small numbers of isolated populations and individuals also make
the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Santa Rosa Island manzanita (Arctostaphylos confertiflora) was
first described by Alice Eastwood as Arctostaphylos confertiflora in
1934 from a collection made by Hoffmann
[[Page 37997]]
four years earlier ``in a sheltered dell south of Black Mountain'' on
Santa Rosa Island (Eastwood 1934). Abrams (1951) synonymized the taxon
with Arctostaphylos subcordata; eight years later, Munz published the
new combination Arctostaphylos subcordata var. confertiflora (Munz and
Keck 1973). However, in treatments of the genus, including the most
recent, Wells (1968, 1993) has continued to uphold the original
taxonomy.
Arctostaphylos confertiflora is a perennial shrub in the heath
(Ericaceae) family that grows 0.1 to 2.0 m (4 in to 6.5 ft) high (Wells
1993). The plant has smooth, dark red-purple bark, densely hairy
branchlets, bracts, and pedicels, and light green, round-ovate leaves.
The flowers are borne in numerous dense panicles that mature into
flattened reddish-brown fruits (McMinn 1951). The only other manzanita
that occurs on Santa Rosa Island, Arctostaphylos tomentosa, forms a
fire-resistant burl at the base of the stems; Arctostaphylos
confertiflora is not burl-forming and is considered an obligate seeder,
requiring fire for regeneration. It occurs in prostrate and upright
forms, the former most likely due to climatic and herbivorous
influences (McMinn 1951).
Arctostaphylos confertiflora is known only from two areas on Santa
Rosa Island. In the northeast portion of the island near, and east of,
Black Mountain, individual plants have been observed at scattered sites
from upper Lobos Canyon east to the Torrey pine groves along Becher's
Bay, a distance of about 5 km (3 mi). The plant occurs on sedimentary
substrates, which consist of Monterey shales and soft volcanoclastic
sediments derived from San Miguel volcanics (Weaver et al. 1969). Near
the southern tip of the island, a few individuals are scattered on the
slopes above South Point on sandstone outcrops. The taxon occurs as a
component of mixed chaparral, mixed woodland, Torrey pine woodland, and
island pine woodland communities. Junak estimated that total habitat
for the plant comprises only a few acres (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1994);
Clark et al. (1990) noted that it occurs in very low numbers. The major
threats to Arctostaphylos confertiflora are soil loss, habitat
alteration and predation caused by cattle grazing and elk and deer
browsing, which have resulted in reproductive failure. Because of the
small numbers of isolated populations and individuals, the taxon is
also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms,
drought, or fire. Small numbers of populations and individuals also
make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Island barberry (Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis) was first
described by Munz and Roos (1950) as Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis
based on a specimen collected by Carl B. Wolf in 1932 ``west of summit
of Buena Vista Grade (also known as Centinela Grade), interior of Santa
Cruz Island.'' In 1981, James Roof realigned this taxon with the genus
Mahonia because the leaves are compound, in contrast with the simple
leaves of Berberis (Roof 1981). However, Moran (1982) made the case
that this one character was insufficient to defend Mahonia as a
distinct natural group; subsequent treatments have included all North
American taxa previously referred to Mahonia as Berberis. Therefore,
this taxon has been referred to as Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis by
Munz (1974), Smith (1976), and Williams (1993).
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis is a perennial shrub in the
barberry family (Berberidaceae). The plant has spreading stems that
reach 2 to 8 m (5 to 25 ft) high, with large leaves divided into 5 to 9
glossy green leaflets. Clusters of yellow flowers at the branch tips
develop into blue berries covered with a white bloom (waxy coating).
Because new shoots can sprout from underground rhizomes, many stems may
actually represent one genetic clone (Hochberg et al. 1980b, California
Native Plant Society (CNPS) 1984, Williams 1993).
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis is found in moist, shaded canyons
on Santa Cruz and West Anacapa Island. Hoffmann found several
individuals ``in Elder canyon that runs from west into Canada de la
Casa'' on Santa Rosa Island in 1930 (California Natural Diversity Data
Base (CNDDB) 1993); however, in spite of recent surveys, no plants have
been found on the island since that time. Dunkle collected Berberis
pinnata ssp. insularis on West Anacapa Island in 1940; the plant was
not found there again until 1980. One clone is found in Summit Canyon
associated with chaparral species, including poison oak (Toxicodendron
diversilobum), monkeyflower (Diplaucus parviflorus), coyote bush
(Baccharis sp.), goldenbush (Haplopappus detonsus), island alum-root
(Heuchera maxima) and wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus). Four
populations occur on Santa Cruz Island. One population on the north
slope of Diablo Peak comprises 24 large ``stems'' and 75 small
``stems'' (Klinger 1994c); this number of stems may represent one or
several clonal individuals. In 1979, the two populations near Campo
Raton were estimated to be less than 10 individuals; in 1985, only one
plant was seen (CNDDB 1994). The size of the population at Hazard's
Canyon has not been determined due to inaccessibility.
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis is threatened by soil loss and
habitat alteration caused by feral pig rooting. Because of the small
numbers of populations and individuals, the taxon is also vulnerable to
stochastic extinction by such events as storms, drought, or fire. Small
numbers of isolated populations and individuals also make the taxon
vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Soft-leaved paintbrush (Castilleja mollis) was first described by
Francis W. Pennell as Castilleja mollis in 1947, based on material
collected on Santa Rosa Island in 1939 (Ingram 1990, Heckard and Ingram
1991). Munz and Keck (1973) and Hoover (1970) included plants of
coastal sand dunes of San Luis Obispo County in the description of this
taxon. However, Ingram (1990) has concluded that the taxon is endemic
to Santa Rosa Island.
Castilleja mollis is a presumably partially parasitic perennial
herb in the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family. The plant has semi-
prostrate branches that reach 40 cm (16 in) in length, with bracts and
upper leaves that are grayish, fleshy, broad and rounded and crowded at
the apex, and the bract and calyx are yellow to yellowish green above
(Heckard and Ingram 1991). Ingram's studies outlined a number of
morphological differences between Castilleja mollis and the similar
Castilleja affinis, including the indument (covering) of distinctive
branched hairs and rounded stem leaves in the former taxon.
Two collections of Castilleja mollis were also made by F.H. Elmore
from Point Bennett on San Miguel Island in 1938 (Heckard and Ingram
1991); despite recent searches, the taxon has not been seen on the
island since then (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1994). Castilleja mollis is
known from two areas on Santa Rosa Island: Carrington Point in the
northeast corner of the island, and west of Jaw Gulch and Orr's Camp
(this location also referred to as Pocket Field) along the north shore
of the island. At Carrington Point, the plant is associated with
stabilized dune scrub vegetation that is dominated by goldenbush
(Isocoma venetus var. sedoides), lupine (Lupinus albifrons), and
Pacific ryegrass (Leymus pacificus). At the Pocket Field location, the
paintbrush is associated with the non-native iceplant (Carpobrotus spp.
and Mesembryanthemum spp.), native milkvetch (Astragalus miguelensis),
and alien grasses.
[[Page 37998]]
In 1993, the Jaw Gulch population was estimated to comprise up to
1,000 individuals covering an area of less than 2 hectares (5 acres)
(C. Rutherford and T. Thomas, USFWS, pers. obs. 1993). During Ingram's
field studies in 1990, the Carrington Point population consisted of
only 20 individuals (Ingram 1990); more favorable climatic conditions
in the past few years may have resulted in higher numbers of plants,
perhaps as many as several hundred. The Jaw Gulch population was also
used as a bedding area for deer during the fall of 1993 (Dan Richards,
CINP, pers. comm. 1994). Threats to Castilleja mollis are soil loss,
habitat alteration and predation caused by cattle grazing, deer and elk
browsing, deer bedding, and competition with alien plant taxa. Because
of the small numbers of isolated populations and individuals, the taxon
is also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms,
drought, or fire. Small numbers of populations and individuals also
make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Santa Rosa Island dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis) was
first described as Hasseanthus blochmaniae ssp. insularis by Reid Moran
(1950a) based on a collection made at ``Old Ranch Point'' on Santa Rosa
Island in 1950. Moran (1953) combined the genus Hasseanthus as a
subgenus of Dudleya; Hasseanthus had previously been segregated from
Dudleya on the basis of stem characteristics and the presence of vernal
(withering) leaves. In so doing, he published the new combination
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis (Moran 1953). A recent attempt was
made by Thompson (1993) to resegregate Hasseanthus from Dudleya;
however, because rules of nomenclature were not followed and the
morphological differences between these two groups do not appear to
merit recognition at the genus level, the taxon will be recognized in
this proposed rule under the name Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis.
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis is a small succulent perennial
in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). The plant has a corm-like root
structure, and 15 to 30 oblanceolate leaves in a basal rosette, from
which several flowering stems 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 in) long arise. The
white, five-petaled flowers and the resulting fruits are fused at the
base and wide-spreading distally. This subspecies is distinguished from
two other mainland subspecies of Dudleya blochmaniae on the basis of
the more numerous rosette leaves, shorter floral stems, more pronounced
glaucousness of young floral stems and their leaves, and the size and
shape of the lower bracts (Moran 1950a, Bartel 1993).
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis is only known from the type
locality near Old Ranch Point, also known as Marsh Point, on the east
end of the island. The taxon occupies an area of less than 1 hectare (2
acres) of an ancient marine terrace with a cobbly surface, and
associated with owl's clover (Castilleja exserta), goldfields
(Lasthenia californica), and alien annual grasses. The number of
individuals is estimated to be 2,000 (Rutherford and Thomas, pers. obs.
1993). Threats to Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis are soil loss;
habitat alteration caused by cattle, elk, and deer trampling; vehicle
access; and collecting. Because this taxon is restricted to one
population, the plant is also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by
such events as storms, drought, or fire. The single population and
restricted number of individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to
reduced reproductive vigor.
Munchkin dudleya (Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' (S. McCabe, pers.
comm. 1994)) was first collected by Reid Moran in 1950. In his
dissertation on the genus Dudleya, he included it in the description of
Dudleya greenei, but remarked upon how it differed, and described it as
``forma nana.'' Subsequent floras treated the form in synonymy with
Dudleya greenei (Munz and Keck 1973, Smith 1976). In 1993, Paul H.
Thomson illegitimately published the name Dudleya nana, based on the
description of forma nana in Moran's dissertation. Stephen McCabe has
submitted an article describing a new species of Dudleya to the journal
Madrono (S. McCabe, pers. comm. 1994).
Like Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis described above, this plant
is a small succulent perennial in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae).
The plant has a short caudex-like stem, and small, gray, ovate to
oblanceolate leaves in a cluster of up to 20 basal rosettes, from which
several flowering stems 2.5 to 7 cm (1 to 2.75 in) long arise. The pale
yellow, five-petaled flowers are fused at the base and spread only at
the tips.
Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' is known only from one population
comprising three colonies near East Point on Santa Rosa Island. The
total number of individuals in the three colonies has been estimated to
be 3,200 (S. McCabe, pers. comm. 1994). The colonies occur on a low
windswept ridge with a cobbly soil surface, which is bereft of any
other vegetation save scattered alien annual grasses. Several hundred
plants were observed uprooted with roots exposed during the spring of
1993, most likely a result of cattle grazing and trampling (S. Chaney,
CINP, pers. comm. 1993). Threats to Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' are
soil loss, habitat alteration, and predation caused by cattle and deer
trampling and grazing. Because it is restricted to one population, the
taxon is vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms,
drought, or fire. The single population and limited number of
individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive
vigor.
Santa Cruz Island dudleya (Dudleya nesiotica) was first described
by Reid Moran (1950b) as Hasseanthus nesioticus based on a specimen
collected from ``flat area near edge of sea bluff, Fraser Point,'' on
the west end of Santa Cruz Island in 1950. Three years later, Moran
(1953) transferred the species to the genus Dudleya, thereby forming
the new combination Dudleya nesiotica.
Like the two previously described dudleyas, Dudleya nesiotica is a
succulent perennial in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). The plant
has a corm-like stem with 8 to 16 oblanceolate leaves in a basal
rosette from which several flowering stems 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 4.0 in)
tall arise. The five white-petaled flowers and resulting fruits are
erect to ascending.
Dudleya nesiotica is known only from one population comprising two
colonies within 1.6 km (1 mi) of the type locality at Fraser Point on
the west end of Santa Cruz Island. Approximately 1,000 plants occupy
less than 10 acres of habitat. The colonies are situated on the lowest
marine terrace in association with iceplant (Mesembryanthemum
crystallinum and M. nodiflorum), alkali heath (Frankenia salina),
goldfields, and pickleweed (Salicornia virginica). Threats to Dudleya
nesiotica are soil loss, habitat alteration, and predation caused by
pig rooting. Like many dudleyas, Dudleya nesiotica is also threatened
by collecting for botanical or horticultural use (Moran 1979). Because
the taxon is restricted to only one population, it is also vulnerable
to stochastic extinction by such events as storms, drought, or fire.
The single population and limited number of individuals also make the
taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Island bedstraw (Galium buxifolium) was first described by E.L.
Greene as Galium buxifolium in 1886 based on specimens collected on
Santa Cruz Island (Ferris 1960). In 1958, Lauramay Dempster (1958)
described the taxon as a variety of Galium catalinense. Ferris
[[Page 37999]]
(1960) suggested that the taxon was subspecifically distinct, but still
synonymized the taxon with Galium catalinense. Thirteen years later,
Dempster (1973) reestablished the taxon as a separate species based on
differences in the nutlet hairs between it and Galium catalinense.
Galium buxifolium is a small, stout woody shrub in the bedstraw
(Rubiaceae) family. The plant grows to 12 decimeters (dm) (4 ft) in
height, and has swollen nodes bearing numerous leafy branches. The
leaves are larger than those of most other Galium taxa, and have
conspicuous lateral veins with stout hairs on the lower surface
(Dempster 1973). The relatively broad leaves and the tiny upward-curved
hairs that cover the fruits are unique characteristics that distinguish
it from the six other species of Galium that occur on the islands
(Hochberg et al. 1980b).
A putative collection of Galium buxifolium was made from the
``Torrey Pine grove, Santa Rosa Island,'' in 1941 by Reid Moran;
apparently this was a misidentified collection of Galium nuttallii
(York, in litt. 1987). Therefore no known collections of this taxon are
known from Santa Rosa Island. Galium buxifolium is currently known from
Santa Cruz and San Miguel Islands where it occurs on north-facing sea
cliffs. Eight populations occur on TNC lands on Santa Cruz Island. In
1980, Hochberg et al. (1980b) noted that 2 of these populations
comprised fewer than 50 individuals each, and the remaining populations
comprised less than 6 individuals each. Two populations were located on
San Miguel Island in 1993, 1 comprising about 200 individuals, and 1
comprising fewer than 10. Five other historical collections have been
made from the island, but none have been seen for almost 30 years.
The plant occurs on ``bluffs and rocky slopes'' (Dempster 1973) in
coastal sage scrub and island pine forest. Threats to Galium buxifolium
are soil loss, habitat alteration, and predation caused by feral pig
rooting and sheep grazing. Because of the small numbers of isolated
populations and individuals, the taxon is also vulnerable to stochastic
extinction by such events as storms, drought, or fire. Small numbers of
populations and individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to reduced
reproductive vigor.
Hoffmann's slender-flowered gilia (Gilia tenuiflora var.
hoffmannii) was first described as Gilia hoffmannii by Alice Eastwood
in 1940 based on collections made by Ralph Hoffmann ``in sandy soil at
East Point'' on Santa Rosa Island ten years earlier (Eastwood 1940).
Eastwood remarked that, although the taxon is related to Gilia
tenuiflora, no variation of the latter included the leafy stems and
terminal congested inflorescence of Gilia hoffmannii (Eastwood 1940).
Nevertheless, Jepson (1943) included the taxon in the description of
Gilia tenuiflora var. tenuiflora in his flora of California, as did
Abrams (1951) in his flora of the Pacific states. In 1959, Munz renamed
the varieties of tenuiflora as subspecies, including ssp. hoffmannii
(Munz and Keck 1973). This nomenclature has been upheld in the latest
treatment of the genus (Day 1993). Of the four subspecies of Gilia
tenuiflora, the subspecies hoffmannii is the only one that occurs in
southern California. Two other Gilia species occur on Santa Rosa
Island; Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii is distinguished from them by
the presence of arachnoid woolly pubescence at the base of the stem.
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii is a small, erect annual herb in
the phlox (Polemoniaceae) family. The central stem grows 6 to 12 cm
(2.4 to 4.7 in) tall, arising from a rosette of densely hairy, strap-
shaped, short-lobed leaves. The flowers are purplish and funnel-shaped
below, widening to five pinkish corolla lobes.
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii has only been collected from two
locations on Santa Rosa Island. A collection was made by Reid Moran
from the ``arroyo between Ranch and Carrington Point'' in 1941
(Rutherford and Thomas 1994); however, numerous surveys conducted in
recent years have failed to relocate the plant at this location. This
location most likely falls within the parcel of property, adjacent to
the ranchhouse, that has been heavily disturbed by cattle ranching
operations. The only currently extant population occurs at the type
locality near East Point on Santa Rosa Island. Here, it occurs as a
component of dune scrub vegetation with sand verbena (Abronia
maritima), silver beach-weed (Ambrosia chamissonis), saltgrass
(Distichlis spicata), miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), plantain
(Plantago erecta), and sand-dune bluegrass (Poa douglasii) (T. Thomas,
in litt. 1993). The population consists of several hundred individuals
and occupies an area of not more than 0.8 hectares (2 acres). Threats
to Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii are soil loss, habitat alteration
and predation caused by cattle grazing, and elk and deer browsing. A
sandy service road used by NPS and ranchers bisects the population.
Because the taxon is restricted to one population, it is also
vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms, drought,
or fire. The single population and limited number of individuals also
make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Island rush-rose (Helianthemum greenei) was first described by
Robinson as Helianthemum greenei in 1895 (Abrams 1951). The type
locality is described as ``a dry summit near the central part of the
island of Santa Cruz'' (Abrams 1951). This nomenclature has been upheld
in the most recent treatment for the genus (McClintock 1993).
Helianthemum greenei is a small shrub in the rock-rose (Cistaceae)
family. The plant grows to 0.5 m (18 in) tall and has alternate leaves
covered with star-shaped hairs. The reddish, glandular stalks support
yellow-petalled flowers to 2.5 cm (1 in) wide. The fruit is a pointed
capsule 0.6 cm (0.25 in) long. A more abundant species found on the
islands, Helianthemum scoparium, is similar in appearance, but is not
glandular-hairy and has greenish stalks and smaller fruits (Hochberg
1980b).
McMinn (1951) and later Thorne (1967) report seeing Helianthemum
greenei on San Miguel Island, but there are no collections in island
herbaria (Hochberg et al. 1980b, Wallace n.d.). Two collections of the
plant were made from Santa Rosa Island by Epling and Erickson and Dunn
in the 1930's (Wallace 1985); however, no collections on Santa Rosa
Island have been made since that time, despite recent surveys.
Helianthemum greenei was reported from the northeast side of Black Jack
Mountain on Santa Catalina Island by Thorne (1967) in 1966; no
collections have been made since then, but a population of three
individuals was recently reported from this location (Janet Takara,
Catalina Island Conservancy, pers. comm. 1994). Habitat for the plant
on Santa Catalina Island is being grazed by goats, mule deer, and
bison, and is being rooted by pigs.
In addition to the one population on Santa Catalina Island,
Helianthemum greenei is currently known from ten populations on Santa
Cruz Island. The taxon is found in open, exposed areas in chaparral,
coastal sage scrub, and island pine forest. In 1980, prior to sheep
removal from TNC lands on Santa Cruz Island, Hochberg et al. (1980b)
found that, of ten populations, only two comprised several dozen
individuals, and six others comprised less than six individuals.
Hochberg et al. (1980b) indicated that the plant is eliminated by
intense feral animal disturbance, and noted that the population
recorded by Abrams and Wiggins in 1930 at Pelican
[[Page 38000]]
Bay has not been relocated. The major threats to Helianthemum greenei
are soil loss, altered fire frequencies and intensities, rooting by
feral pigs, sheep grazing, and competition with other shrubs that have
increased in cover due to a release in grazing pressure. Because of the
small numbers of isolated populations and individuals, the taxon is
also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms,
drought, or fire.
Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima) was first described by E.L.
Greene (1886a) as Heuchera maxima based on collections from the
``northward slope of Santa Cruz Island.'' This nomenclature has been
upheld in the most recent treatment of the genus (Elvander 1993).
Heuchera maxima is a perennial herb in the saxifrage (Saxifragaceae)
family. The round basal leaves are up to 7 cm (2.8 in) broad on long
petioles up to 25 cm (10 in) in length. The flowering stalks are up to
6.1 dm (2 ft) long and scattered with small white-petaled flowers
(Hochberg 1980b). No other Heuchera species occurs on the islands;
however, young plants of Heuchera maxima could resemble species of
Jepsonia, Lithophragma, or Saxifraga that occurs on the islands.
Heuchera maxima can be distinguished from these other taxa by its
larger size at maturity, and flowers with ten stamens rather than five.
Heuchera maxima grows primarily on moist, shady, north-facing
canyon bottoms, walls, and seacliffs, but occurs in a few interior
localities as well. Collections of Heuchera maxima were made from Santa
Rosa Island by Hoffmann in 1929 and Dunkle in 1939; however, locality
information for these collections is vague. More recently, the plant
has been collected from four locations on Santa Rosa Island (Cherry,
Lobos, Ranch, and Windmill Canyons) (Rutherford and Thomas 1994).
Heuchera maxima is also known from 11 locations on West Anacapa Island
(Rutherford and Thomas 1994; S. Junak, in litt. 1984). On Santa Cruz
Island, 12 populations occur along the west half of the north shore.
All populations observed by Hochberg et al. (1980b) on Santa Cruz
Island comprised less than 50 individuals each, and in some cases
comprised less than 6 individuals each. Threats to Heuchera maxima are
soil loss, habitat alteration and predation resulting from cattle
grazing, feral pig rooting, and elk and deer browsing. Because of the
small numbers of populations and individuals, the taxon is also
vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms, drought,
or fire.
Santa Cruz Island bushmallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus var.
nesioticus) was first described by James W. Robinson as Malvastrum
nesioticum in Asa Gray's Flora of North America in 1897, based on
material collected by E.L. Greene in 1886 (Abrams 1951). Over the next
four decades, the taxon was placed in several different genera, as
Malacothamnus nesioticus by Abrams, Sphaeralcea nesiotica and later
Sphaeralcea fasciculata var. nesiotica by Jepson, and Malvastrum
fasciculatum var. nesioticum by McMinn (Kearney 1951). Kearney (1951)
published the new combination Malacothamnus fasciculatus var.
nesioticus. In 1993, David Bates synonymized var. nesioticus, as well
as seven other taxa, with Malacothamnus fasciculatus, a highly variable
species ``with many indistinct and intergrading local forms'' (Bates
1993). Of var. nesioticus, he notes that the taxon is essentially
indistinguishable from the mainland ``var. nuttallii.'' However, recent
studies on the genetics of Malacothamnus have determined that var.
nesioticus is a distinct variety (Swenson et al. in prep.).
Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus is a small soft-woody
shrub in the mallow (Malvaceae) family. The plant reaches up to 2 m (6
ft) tall, and has slender branches covered with star-shaped hairs. The
palmately shaped leaves are dark green on the upper surface and gray on
the lower surface. The rose-colored flowers are up to 3.75 cm (1.5 in)
broad and scattered along the ends of the branches (Hochberg et al.
1980b). It is differentiated from the mainland var. nuttallii by its
bicolored leaves and genetic distinction (Swenson et al. in prep.).
Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus is known from only two
small populations on Santa Cruz Island where it occurs within a coastal
sage scrub community. One population of less than 50 individuals (10
clones) is located on the west shore of the island near the historic
Christi Ranch. A second population was discovered in 1993 in the
Central Valley near the University of California Field Station (Swensen
et al. in prep.). Recent genetic analyses of the Central Valley
population indicated that, although there are 19 individual shrubs,
they comprise only 3 genotypes, or 3 clones. Threats to Malacothamnus
fasciculatus var. nesioticus are soil loss, habitat alteration and
predation resulting from past sheep grazing and current feral pig
rooting. Because of the small numbers of populations and individuals,
the plant is also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as
storms, drought, or fire. The small numbers of isolated populations and
restricted number of individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to
reduced reproductive vigor.
Santa Cruz Island malacothrix (Malacothrix indecora) was first
described by E.L. Greene (1886) as Malacothrix indecora based on
specimens collected from ``islets close to the northern shore'' of
Santa Cruz Island (Smith 1976). In 1957, E. Williams published the
combination Malacothrix foliosa var. indecora (Ferris 1960); Munz
(1974) subsequently synonymized the taxon with Malcothrix foliosa.
However, Ferris (1960) and others (Smith 1976, Davis 1980) continued to
recognize the taxon as a separate species with the name Malacothrix
indecora. This nomenclature is upheld in the most recent treatment of
the genus (Davis 1993).
Malacothrix indecora is an annual herb in the aster (Asteraceae)
family. The 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 in) tall stems support numerous
broadly lobed fleshy leaves with blunt tips. The greenish yellow
flowers are in hemispheric heads surrounded by linear bracts (Hochberg
1980b; Scott in Junak et al., in prep.). Two other annual species of
Malacothrix occur on the same islands as Malacothrix indecora; however,
the achenes (seeds) of Malacothrix similis are topped with 18 teeth and
1 bristle and Malacothrix squalida is topped with irregular teeth and
no bristle, whereas Malacothrix indecora has neither of these features
(Scott in Junak et al., in prep.).
Collections of Malacothrix indecora were made from several
locations along the northeast shore of San Miguel Island and on Prince
Island by Greene, and later by Hoffmann (Hochberg et al. 1979; Davis
1987). In 1978, Hochberg et al. (1979) observed three populations;
Halvorson et al. (1992) reported finding this species at one location
during surveys in 1988 and 1989, but no collections were made to
confirm identification of the taxon. On Santa Cruz Island, Malacothrix
indecora was first collected near Twin Harbor by Williams in 1939
(Davis 1987); this population has not been relocated.
Malacothrix indecora is currently known from only one population
discovered by Junak in 1980 at Black Point on the west end of Santa
Cruz Island. Several hundred individuals were observed there by Junak
in 1985 in exposed coastal flats and associated with Santa Cruz Island
buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens) and iceplant
(Mesembryanthemum nudiflorum) (CNDDB 1991). On a subsequent trip in
1989, only 50 plants
[[Page 38001]]
were observed in the same location (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1994).
Threats to Malacothrix indecora are soil loss, habitat alteration and
predation resulting from feral pig rooting and seabird activity.
Historic habitat for Malacothrix indecora on San Miguel Island and
Prince Island has been altered by seabird nesting activity. Because of
the small numbers of populations and individuals, the taxon is also
vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as storms, drought,
or fire. The small numbers of populations and restricted number of
individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive
vigor.
Island malacothrix (Malacothrix squalida) was first described by
E.L. Greene in 1886 from specimens collected above Prisoner's Harbor on
Santa Cruz Island (Davis, in litt. 1987). In 1957, E. Williams
published the combination Malacothrix foliosa var. squalida; a year
later, Roxana Ferris (1960) published the combination Malacothrix
insularis var. squalida. In 1959, Munz recognized the taxon as
Malacothrix squalida; however, 14 years later, he synonymized it with
M. foliosa (Munz 1974). In a review of insular species of Malacothrix,
Davis (1980) recognized the taxon as Malacothrix squalida.
Like Malacothrix indecora, Malacothrix squalida is an annual herb
in the aster family. However, the plant only reaches 9 cm (3.5 in)
tall, and has linear to widely lanceolate leaves that are irregularly
toothed or lobed. The light yellow flowers are clustered in hemispheric
heads 12 to 15 millimeters (mm) (0.5 to 0.6 in) long. Malacothrix
indecora is the only other annual Malacothrix that occurs on the same
island as M. squalida; however, the latter is a much larger species,
and also differs in the achene characteristics previously mentioned
(Scott in Junak et al., in prep.).
Malacothrix squalida has been collected from two locations along
the north shore of Santa Cruz Island; Greene collected it near
Prisoner's Harbor in 1886, but the species was not seen on the island
again until Philbrick and Benedict collected it in 1968 near Potato
Harbor (Rutherford and Thomas 1994). On Middle Anacapa Island, the
plant was first collected by Martin Piehl in 1963, and more recently in
1978 and 1986. The plant is known from several small colonies atop
coastal bluffs on the east end of the island. Surveys by Junak and
Davis in 1989 failed to find any individuals; however, this may have
been the result of a drought year (S. Junak, pers. comm. 1994). Threats
to Malacothrix squalida are soil loss, habitat alteration and predation
resulting from sheep grazing, feral pig rooting, and seabird nesting.
Because of the small numbers of isolated populations and individuals,
the taxon is also vulnerable to stochastic extinction by such events as
storms, drought, or fire. The small numbers of isolated populations and
restricted number of individuals also make the taxon vulnerable to
reduced reproductive vigor.
Island phacelia (Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis) was first
described by Munz as Phacelia insularis in 1932 based on plants growing
``on sand dunes at northeastern part of Santa Rosa Island'' (Munz
1932). Jepson published the new combination Phacelia curvipes var.
insularis in 1943. After examining specimens from coastal northern
California and determining their affinity to the island plants, John
Thomas Howell re-elevated the taxon to specific level, separating out
the northern California plants as Phacelia insularis var.
continentalis, leaving Phacelia insularis var. insularis to refer to
the island plants (Howell 1945). In 1951, Abrams, who did not have
access to collections of Phacelia from northern California, included
the taxon in the description of Phacelia divaricata, a taxon common in
southern California. In 1959, Munz published the new combination
Phacelia divaricata var. insularis (Constance 1979). Lincoln Constance
agreed with Howell's interpretation and has referred to the taxon as
Phacelia insularis var. insularis (Constance 1979). This nomenclature
has been upheld in the latest treatment of the genus (Wilken et al.
1993).
Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis is a decumbent (reclining),
branched annual of the waterleaf (Hydrophyllaceae) family. The short-
hairy and glandular stems grow to 1.5 dm (6 in) high from a basal
rosette of leaves. The small lavender to violet, bell-shaped flowers
are borne in loose cymes. The other variety of Phacelia insularis, the
variety continentalis, is found on the mainland of northern California.
Phacelia insularis var. insularis can be distinguished from the other
species of Phacelia on the islands based on the hastate leaf shape with
basal lobes. The other Phacelia have pinnately divided or undivided but
ovate leaves.
Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis occurs on Santa Rosa Island and
San Miguel Island. However, the last collections from Santa Rosa Island
were made by Clifton Smith at Carrington Point in 1973; the plant has
not been observed on the island since then despite recent searches. On
San Miguel Island, Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis was collected by
Hoffmann in 1930 and by Munz in 1932. It was not collected again until
1978, when four populations were found (Hochberg et al. 1979). A fifth
population was discovered by Charles Drost on a bluff above Cuyler
Harbor in 1984 (Halvorson et al. 1992). Phacelia insularis ssp.
insularis is found within the island grassland community which is
dominated by alien grasses, including slender wild oat (Avena barbata),
wild oat (Avena fatua), ripgut (Bromus diandrus), and soft chess
(Bromus hordeaceus), with scattered occurrences of native bunchgrasses,
shrubs, and herbs (Hochberg et al. 1979). Threats to Phacelia insularis
ssp. insularis are soil loss, habitat alteration caused by cattle
grazing and elk and deer browsing. Because of the small numbers of
populations and individuals, the plant is also vulnerable to stochastic
extinction by such events as storms, drought, or fire. The small
numbers of populations and restricted number of individuals also make
the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Santa Cruz Island fringepod (Thysanocarpus conchuliferus) was first
described as Thysanocarpus conchuliferus by E.L. Greene in 1886 based
on material he and Brandegee collected where they found it ``common on
mossy shelves and crevices of high rocky summits and northward slopes''
on Santa Cruz Island (Greene 1886b). Four decades later, Jepson
published the new combination Thysanocarpus laciniatus var.
conchuliferus as one of three varieties of Thysanocarpus laciniatus
(Jepson 1925). Abrams re-elevated the taxon to species status in 1944.
Munz, however, republished the taxon as one of six varieties of T.
laciniatus in 1959 (Munz and Keck 1973). In the most recent treatment
of the genus, Reed C. Rollins re-elevated the taxon to species status
(Rollins 1993).
Thysanocarpus conchuliferus is a small delicate annual herb in the
mustard (Brassicaceae) family. The one to several branches grow 5 to
12.7 cm (2 to 5 in) high. The narrow, linearly lobed leaves alternate
along the stems, which terminate in a raceme of minute pink to lavender
flowers. While all members of this genus have round, flattened fruits
that are fringed with wings, Thysanocarpus conchuliferus is the only
species with a bowl-shaped fruit; this taxon is also smaller in stature
than T. lacianatus, which occurs in the same habitat (Rutherford and
Thomas 1994).
In 1932, Ralph Hoffmann reported that Thysanocarpus conchuliferus
was
[[Page 38002]]
``frequent. . . from the north shore to the southwest portion of the
island'' (Hochberg et al. 1980a). A total of 14 historical locations
are known from herbarium records. In 1980, eight of these populations
were relocated (Hochberg et al. 1980b); in 1991, individuals were found
at six of these locations, and none were found at five other locations
(Klinger 1994b). In 1993, no individuals were found at any of the 14
known locations. Survey reports indicate that, in addition to abundant
rainfall that may have increased competition from alien grasses,
rooting by feral pigs was observed at all 14 locations (Klinger 1994b).
Thysanocarpus conchuliferus occurs on rocky outcrops on ridges and
canyon slopes, and is associated with a variety of herbs, ferns,
grasses, dudleya, and Selaginella (Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
1994). Threats to Thysanocarpus conchuliferus are soil loss, habitat
alteration and predation resulting from feral pig rooting. In favorable
years, competition with luxuriant alien grasses may also constitute a
threat (Klinger 1994b). Because of the small numbers of isolated
populations and individuals, the plant is also vulnerable to stochastic
extinction by such events as storms, drought, landslide, or fire. The
small numbers of populations and restricted number of individuals also
make the taxon vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor.
Previous Federal Action
Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 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. In that document, Arabis hoffmannii,
Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Galium
buxifolium, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hofmannii, and Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis were considered to be endangered, and Dudleya nesiotica and
Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesiotica (as Malacothamnus
fasciculatus) were considered to be 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. On June 16, 1976,
the Service published a proposal in the Federal Register (42 FR 24523)
to determine approximately 1,700 vascular plant species to be
endangered species pursuant to section 4 of the Act. Dudleya nesiotica
was 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 portion of the June 6, 1976, proposal that
had not been made final, along with four other proposals that had
expired.
The Service published an updated notice of review for plants on
December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82480). This notice included Arabis
hoffmannii, Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis,
Dudleya nesiotica, and Malacothamus fasciculatus var. nesiotica as
Category 1 taxa. 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. Arctostaphylos confertiflora
and Galium buxifolium were included as Category 2 taxa. 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. On November 28, 1983, the Service published in the
Federal Register a supplement to the Notice of Review (48 FR 53640), in
which Arabis hoffmannii was listed as a Category 1* taxon, the asterisk
indicating that the species is believed to be extinct. In the same
notice, Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya
nesiotica, Helianthemum greenei, Heuchera maxima, Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis, Malacothamnus fasciculatus, Phacelia insularis var.
insularis, and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus were included as Category 2
candidates.
The plant notice was revised again on September 27, 1985 (50 FR
39526). In that notice, all taxa maintained their previous status. On
February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6184), the plant notice was again revised. In
this notice, Arabis hoffmannii was included as a Category 1 candidate,
as individuals of this taxon had been rediscovered since the previous
Notice of Review. Arctostaphylos confertiflora, Castilleja mollis,
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya nesiotica, Galium
buxifolium, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii, Helianthemum greenei,
Heuchera maxima, Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, Malacothamnus
fasciculatus, Phacelia insularis var. insularis, and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus were included as Category 2 candidates. Malacothrix
indecora was included in the February 21, 1990, notice for the first
time as a Category 2 candidate.
The plant notice was revised on September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144).
In this notice, Arabis hoffmannii, Arctostaphylos confertiflora,
Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Galium
buxifolium, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii, Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis, Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus, Malacothrix
indecora, Phacelia insularis var. insularis, and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus were included as Category 1 candidates. Dudleya
nesiotica, Helianthemum greenei, and Heuchera maxima were included as
Category 2 candidates; Malacothrix squalida was included for the first
time as a Category 2 candidate. Dudleya nesiotica, Helianthemum
greenei, Heuchera maxima, and Malacothrix squalida are being included
in this proposal based on a more thorough review of existing
information, and additional information that was brought to the
attention of the Service by Steve Junak, botanist at Santa Barbara
Botanic Garden. Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' is being included in
this proposal on the basis of new published information concerning its
distinctness as a taxon and a review of existing biological information
that indicates the species should be elevated to Category 1 status and
that listing is warranted.
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Secretary to make
certain 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 Arabis hoffmannii,
Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya
nesiotica, Galium buxifolium, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii,
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, and Malacothamnus fasciculatus var.
nesioticus because the 1975 Smithsonian report had been accepted as a
petition. On October 13, 1983, the Service found that the petitioned
listing of these species was warranted, but precluded by other
[[Page 38003]]
pending listing actions, in accordance with section 4(b)(3)(B)(iii) of
the Act; notification of this finding was published on January 20, 1984
(49 FR 2485). Such a finding requires the petition to be recycled,
pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act. The finding was reviewed
in October of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and
1993. Publication of this proposal constitutes the warranted finding
for these species, as well as for Arctostaphylos confertiflora,
Helianthemum greenei, Heuchera maxima, Malacothrix indecora,
Malacothrix squalida, Phacelia insularis var. insularis, and
Thysanocarpus conchuliferus.
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
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 Arabis
hoffmannii (Munz) Roll., Arctostaphylos confertiflora Eastw., Berberis
pinnata Lag. ssp. insularis Munz, Castilleja mollis Penn., Dudleya
blochmaniae (Eastw.) Moran ssp. insularis (Moran) Moran, Dudleya
nesiotica (Moran) Moran, Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' (S. McCabe),
Galium buxifolium E. Greene, Gilia tenuiflora Benth. ssp. hoffmannii
(Eastw.) A.& V. Grant, Helianthemum greenei Rob., Heuchera maxima E.
Greene, Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Nutt.) E. Greene ssp. nesioticus
(Rob.) Kearn., Malacothrix indecora E. Greene, Malacothrix squalida E.
Greene, Phacelia insularis Munz var. insularis, and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus E. Greene are as follows:
A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment
of Its Habitat or Range
The single most important loss of resources to insular ecosystems
is the loss of soils, as the soils are the foundation for the unique
island ecosystems and the insular endemic species found within them.
This loss of soils is the result of historic grazing and browsing by
sheep, goat, cattle, deer, elk, and bison, and rooting by pigs on the
various islands starting in the early 1800's, and in certain cases,
continuing today.
The increased loss of soils and the resulting change in vegetation
have been documented from sediment and pollen records in a soil core
dating back 5,200 years from the Old Ranch Canyon marsh on eastern
Santa Rosa Island (Cole 1994). Rates of sedimentation prior to the
introduction of livestock averaged 9 mm/year (yr) (0.35 in/yr),
increasing to 58 mm/yr (2.28 in/yr) after the introduction of grazing
(Cole 1994). Pollen records demonstrate that the conversion of
brushland to grassland occured with the onset of ranching in the early
1800's. This change in vegetation is reflected by an increased
abundance of grass pollen, a decrease in pollen from the mint and pea
families, and a massive increase in sediment (Cole 1994). The potential
for large sediment loads is also illustrated by the recent attempts to
stabilize soils at Johnson's Lee on the south side of Santa Rosa
Island; rice straw wattles placed along hillside contours trapped large
volumes of sediment after only one season of rains (Sellgren 1994).
A comparison of historical descriptions of island vegetation with
current conditions indicates that large-scale alteration of habitats
caused by large numbers of non-native mammals on the islands resulted
in significant loss of soils as well as changes in plant communities in
terms of structural composition, species richness, species composition,
and absolute cover. In 1883, Thompson and West described the effects of
sheep grazing on Santa Cruz Island: ``The island becomes at some times
overstocked, and may be said to be in that condition much of the time.
The result is that the grasses, being cropped so close, die out, and
allow the loosened soil to be removed by wind and rain'' (Hochberg et
al. 1980a). However, at that time, vegetation elsewhere on the island
was still relatively intact; Greene described mixed forests of large-
leaved maple (Acer macrophyllum), live oak (Quercus agrifolia), black
cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and willow (Salix laevigata) thriving
in the canyons (Hochberg et al. 1980a). Another account was given by
Delphine Adelaide Caire in 1933, who reflected on the conditions of
Santa Cruz Island: ``Its present natural beauty does not come up to
that of the past. The bed of the stream that skirts the Main Ranch on
its way from Pacacho Diablo was much narrower than it is today;
mountain slopes were heavily wooded and centuries-old oaks were
numerous. In the course of years, rains have accomplished their ruinous
work, carrying off a great amount of topsoil, the innumerable trails
cut by sharp sheep trotters having been a contributing factor in such
devastation'' (Hochberg et al. 1980a).
The importance of soils in maintaining habitat for the proposed
taxa is found not only in their physical properties, but in their
biotic properties as well. Healthy soils play host to a complex matrix
of soil organisms, including fragile microbial components, that assist
in such processes as water-holding capacity, soil fertility, and
nutrient cycling. These processes have been adversely affected by the
activities of alien mammals. For instance, the loss of leaf litter from
trampling and rooting changes soil temperatures, increases the loss of
moisture, reduces the humus layers, and results in a reduced soil fauna
(Bennett 1993). The breakdown of organic material, transport of fungal
spores, and nutrient recycling have been documented for soil mites on
Santa Catalina Island (Bennett 1993). Soil mite diversity decreased
with increased disturbance, creating impoverished nutrient levels in
the soil (Bennett 1993). A feature of arid-land soils (typical of the
island soils) is the presence of a cyanobacterial-lichen crust that
facilitates stabilization of steep slopes and nutrient cycling (Belnap
1994). The crusts are extremely brittle during the dry summer months
and can be eliminated by the shattering influences of trampling by non-
native herbivores (Belnap 1994). The historic and current presence of
non-native herbivores and pigs has reduced leaf litter and compacted
and degraded the soil structure, resulting in accelerated rates of
erosion (Klinger et al. 1994, Nishida 1994).
Even after the agents that initiated erosion have been removed,
loss of soils continues (Clark et al. 1990, Halvorson 1993). Because
both the biotic and physical properties of the soils have been degraded
or lost altogether, the soils that remain behind provide poor
conditions for seedlings to germinate and establish. On Santa Rosa
Island, a grove of island oaks (Quercus tomentella), a Category 2
candidate for Federal listing, has shown few signs of regeneration on
soils severely affected by erosion even after an exclosure was built to
eliminate cattle, elk, and deer (Danielsen 1989a, 1989b). All 16 taxa
in this proposed rule are threatened with habitat instability due to
the loss and degradation of soils on all islands.
Several historic accounts include specific references to the
abundance and distribution of several of the proposed taxa, which can
be compared to current abundance and distribution information. In a
letter to Hoffmann in 1932 concerning Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis,
Munz remarked that,
[[Page 38004]]
``Brandegee says of B. pinnata, that it is `common' on S.C.'' (S.
Junak, in litt. 1994); Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis is currently
known from three small populations. In 1890, Brandegee wrote that
Heuchera maxima was ``not uncommon throughout Santa Cruz Island''
(Hochberg et al. 1980a); it is currently reduced to 12 populations on
that island, and 11 populations on West Anacapa Island. Apparently,
Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus was already rare by the turn
of the century; Greene wrote that the plant was ``rare; only two bushes
seen, and these under the protection of large opuntias; perhaps thus
kept from the sheep'' (Hochberg et al. 1980a).
Seabirds have altered historic habitat for Malacothrix indecora on
San Miguel Island and Prince Island, and known sites for Malacothrix
squalida on Anacapa Island. CINP has been monitoring certain seabirds,
including the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), the
pelagic cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), the federally endangered
brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), the western gull (Larus
occidentalis), and Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), on
islands within CINP since 1985. Many of these bird species experienced
severe population declines in the late 1960's and early 1970's as a
result of DDT-related reproductive failures (Ingram 1994). However,
monitoring results indicate that populations of most of these birds
have increased over the past decade. Seabirds use local vegetation to
construct nests on cliff and blufftop sites, create localized soil
disturbances that facilitate establishment of alien plant species, and
promote erosion of coastal bluffs. Seabird activity has been noted on
Middle Anacapa Island within habitat for Malacothrix squalida (S.
Junak, pers. comm. 1994).
In 1990, seabirds on Prince Island included 10,000 Cassin's auklets
and 240 double-crested cormorants (Ingram 1994); other seabirds that
nest on the island but were not monitored include the ashy storm-petrel
(Oceanodroma homochroa), Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma lencorhoa),
Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), pelagic cormorant,
brown pelican, western gull, pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba), and
Xantus' murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleuca). Due to the degree of
protection afforded this nesting activity by CINP, surveys for
Malacothrix indecora within historic habitat have not been done since
the taxon was last seen there in 1978. Given the size of the island (24
hectares (60 acres)) and the number of nesting birds, habitat for
Malacothrix indecora has likely been affected.
Compaction of soils and crushing of plants resulting from vehicle
traffic is a potential threat to three of the proposed taxa on Santa
Rosa Island: Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya sp. nov.
``East Point,'' and Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii. Populations of
all three taxa occur at sites where vehicles were historically or are
currently used. The only known population of Gilia tenuiflora ssp.
hoffmannii is bisected by a road.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or
Educational Purposes
Unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes
and excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants
constitutes a potential threat to certain of the taxa in this proposal.
In particular, the collection of whole plants or reproductive parts of
those annual or herbaceous perennial taxa with fewer than 100
individuals, including Arabis hoffmannii, Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis, Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus, Malacothrix
indecora, Malacothrix squalida, and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus, could
adversely affect the genetic viability and survival of those taxa. In
the horticultural trade, Dudleya species have, in particular, been
favorite collection items. Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point'' was
collected and introduced into the horticultural trade long ago as
``white sprite.'' Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis and Dudleya
nesiotica, though not in the trade, have been cultivated by Dudleya
enthusiasts. The limited distribution of these three taxa makes them
vulnerable to such enthusiasts. Heuchera maxima is also found in
cultivation; the threat of collection for this taxon is unknown.
C. Disease or Predation
In 1875, when sheep stocking on Santa Cruz Island was around 50,000
head, botanist J.T. Rothrock reported that the island was so overgrazed
that ``it was with difficulty that I could get even a decent botanical
specimen'' (Hobbs 1983). Although sheep grazing has been removed as a
current threat, the decades of overgrazing by sheep have had long-term
effects in reducing the reproductive capabilities and distribution of
many of the taxa included in this proposal. A review of literature
pertinent to effects of sheep on island vegetation is included in
Hochberg et al. (1980a). Feral pigs, feral goats, sheep, deer, elk,
horses, and bison currently occur in habitats that support populations
of most of the taxa included in this proposal. In addition to modifying
habitat through altering the structure and composition of plant
communities, altering hydrologic and soil characteristics, and
increasing the potential for erosion as discussed under Factor A, non-
native mammals also affect the proposed plant taxa through direct
herbivory. The effects of defoliation on plants include decreased
aboveground biomass, fewer stems, less seed, reduced height of leaves
and stems, decreased root biomass, reduced root length, decreased
carbohydrate reserves, and reduced vigor (Heady in Willoughby 1986).
The effects of grazing animals on plants can be demonstrated by
studies on oaks and pines on the Channel Islands. On Santa Cruz Island,
oak groves are more numerous and in better condition than those on
Santa Rosa Island, but still show no signs of recruitment due to pig
rooting. A recent comparison of fenced and unfenced sites under live
oak (Quercus agrifolia) tree canopies showed a significant number of
oak seedlings within the fenced sites (Peart et al. 1994). On Santa
Cruz Island, the removal of feral sheep has been credited with allowing
the reestablishment of native woody perennials including the Bishop
pine (Pinus muricata) (Wehtje 1994). On Santa Rosa Island, the Bishop
pine continues to display low recruitment and high older-tree mortality
caused by deer browsing, placing the population ``at risk'' (of
extirpation) under present conditions (Viers and Halvorson 1994). The
Santa Cruz Island ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp.
asplenifolius), a Category 2 candidate for Federal listing, is
similarly lacking in recruitment on Santa Rosa Island.
Clark et al. (1990) noted that most individuals of Santa Rosa
Island manzanita suffer from severe browsing by elk and deer. The shape
of individual shrubs has been modified as a result of browsing. Short-
statured shrubs have been hedged to the point that they do not grow
above a certain height; in shrubs that attained a taller stature before
browsing pressure became severe, all lower limbs and leaves have been
stripped, resulting in a ``lollipop'' or tree-shaped shrub. Apparently,
the browsing pressure on Santa Rosa Island manzanita has affected its
ability to reproduce; Clark reported not seeing a single seedling
during a survey in 1988 (Ronilee Clark, ecologist, California Park
Service, pers. comm. 1994).
The widespread effects of grazing on island vegetation have been
illustrated through the above examples; similar effects on the proposed
taxa are inferred. However, specific examples of
[[Page 38005]]
browsing or grazing by alien mammals on certain proposed taxa have been
observed, including Castilleja mollis, Gilia tenuiflora ssp.
hoffmannii, Arabis hoffmannii, and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus. In
1993, perhaps as much as 20 percent of the Carrington Point populations
of Castilleja mollis were consumed by deer. Individual plants were
excavated, leaving depressions in the sandy soils where plants had been
observed five months earlier (Sarah Chaney, CINP, pers. comm. 1993).
Grazing can completely eliminate plants and prevent the supplement
of seed to the seed bank. Of the six collections of Gilia in the
herbarium at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, only two collections
made during April 1941 show no signs of browsing. The remaining four
collections were made between the months of May and June between 1963
and 1978, and all show signs of having been browsed (Rutherford and
Thomas, in litt. 1994). In 1993, Thomas visited the Gilia population
twice; during the first visit in April, the Gilia had not been browsed,
but by the second visit in May, the Gilia had been browsed (Thomas, in
litt. 1993). In response to such browsing, the annual Gilia forms
multiple side branches; an individual plant may produce a greater
number of flowers, but this does not necessarily increase the fecundity
of the plant (Painter and Belsky 1993). Flowers produced later in the
season out of synchrony with pollinator activity lowers seed
productivity.
The Nature Conservancy has been monitoring population sizes for
Arabis hoffmannii on Santa Cruz Island since 1990. In 1993, only 19
individuals were observed in the Centinela population; this represented
a net loss of 13 individuals from the previous year, with mortality of
9 of those plants ``directly attributed to pig rooting'' (Klinger
1994a). Pigs also ``rooted up entirely'' 6 out of 14 populations of
Thysanocarpus conchuliferus that were monitored in 1993 (Klinger
1994b).
All of the taxa included in this proposal, with the exception of
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, have populations that are subject to
predation by one or more non-native mammals. Apparently, the roots of
Berberis species are often toxic (Williams 1993), making consumption by
feral pigs unlikely.
The response of plant communities to the removal of grazing depends
in part on the degree of disturbance that has already been caused by
grazing. Lightly grazed areas may return to pregrazing conditions more
quickly. In areas that have been more heavily grazed, the loss of soils
and their physical and biotic properties may favor the recovery of
certain species over others once grazing has been eliminated. If
ecosystem processes have been reduced or eliminated through heavy and/
or long-term grazing, pre-grazing conditions may never be attained
during the recovery process. The effects of the removal of grazing from
the proposed taxa are unknown. While populations of other island taxa
have increased once grazing pressure has been removed (Peart et al.
1994, Wehtje 1994), other taxa, such as the insular form of Torrey pine
(Pinus torreyana), may decrease with a reduction in grazing pressure
(Viers and Halvorson 1994). Junak observed that after sheep were
removed in 1989, Helianthemum greenei populations increased in size for
several years, most likely in response to the release of grazing
pressure. However, with grazing pressure removed, other shrub taxa also
increased in cover, leading to increased competition for resources, and
a subsequent decline in Helianthemum greenei population sizes (S.
Junak, pers. comm. 1994).
Diseases are not specifically known to threaten any of the taxa
included in this proposal.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
Under the Native Plant Protection Act (sec. 1900 et seq. of the
Fish and Game Code) and the California Endangered Species Act (sec.
2050 et seq.), the California Fish and Game Commission has listed
Dudleya nesiotica and Galium buxifolium as rare and Berberis pinnata
ssp. insularis and Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. nesiotica as
endangered. The remaining taxa included in this listing proposal,
excepting Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point,'' are on List 1B of the
California Native Plant Society's Inventory (Smith and Berg 1988),
indicating that, in accordance with sec. 1901, chapter 10 of the
California Department of Fish and Game Code, they are eligible for
State listing. Though both the Native Plant Protection Act and the
California Endangered Species Act prohibit the ``take'' of State-listed
plants (sec. 1908 and sec. 2080 of the Fish and Game Code), State law
appears to exempt the destruction of such plants via habitat
modification or land use change by the landowner. After the California
Department of Fish and Game notifies a landowner that a State-listed
plant grows on his or her property, State law requires only that the
landowner notify the agency ``at least 10 days in advance of changing
the land use to allow salvage of such plant'' (sec. 1913). Privately
owned lands that support populations of the taxa in this proposal
include most of Santa Cruz Island, 90 percent of which is owned by TNC;
the remaining 10 percent is owned jointly by NPS and a private
landowner. On Santa Catalina Island, habitat for Helianthemum greenei
occurs on land managed by the Catalina Conservancy, a private
conservancy owned by the Catalina Island Company. In general, these
State regulatory mechanisms would not likely be invoked, because major
changes in land use, such as development projects, are not likely to be
proposed on these properties. Furthermore, without such proposed
changes in land use, the State is unlikely to take regulatory action
over ongoing activities, such as cattle, sheep, goat, and bison
grazing, and deer browsing.
The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) also regulates
hunting on private and public lands by issuing permits for the take of
a specified number of animals and taking measures to manage herd sizes.
The Commission issues permits for deer hunting on Santa Catalina
Island. In 1993, the Commission issued 300 tags for deer hunting on the
island; due to an increasing herd size, the Commission may grant a
request from the Catalina Island Company to issue a larger number of
tags in 1994 (Ken Mayer, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG),
pers. comm. 1994). Pigs are considered livestock if they are fenced or
marked, but considered wild game if they are unfenced and unmarked. The
Catalina Island Company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with CDFG to allow eradication of feral pigs on Catalina Island
(Mayer, pers. comm. 1994). A similar MOU between CDFG and TNC exists
for the removal of pigs from Santa Cruz Island. Bison, which occur on
Santa Catalina Island, are considered livestock and therefore not
regulated by any agency. Apparently, the Commission has no regulatory
authority over hunting or herd size of deer and elk on Santa Rosa
Island, because these ungulates were originally transported there under
a game breeder's permit in the early 1900's.
Several Federal laws, Department of the Interior policies, and
National Park Service policies and guidelines apply to the management
of NPS lands. These laws and guidelines include the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, NPS
guidelines for natural resources management (NPS 1991), and the CINP
Statement for Management (NPS 1985). The 1980 Congressional legislation
enabling purchase of Santa Rosa Island
[[Page 38006]]
as a national park from the Vail and Vickers Company stated that the
owner ``may retain for himself a right of use and occupancy of all or
such portion of the property as the owner may elect for a definite term
of not more than twenty-five years, or ending at the death of the
owner, or his spouse, whichever is later. The owner shall elect the
term to be reserved. Any such right retained pursuant to this
subsection with respect to any property shall be subject to termination
by the Secretary upon his determination that such property is being
used for any purpose which is incompatible with the administration of
the park, or with the preservation of the resources therein, and it
shall terminate by operation of law upon notification by the Secretary
to the holder of the right of such determination and tendering to him
the amount equal to the fair market value of that portion which remains
unexpired'' (Public Law 96-199, 94 Stat. 67, March 5, 1980). The
legislation also directed the Secretary to complete a natural resources
study within two years that would supply an inventory of all
terrestrial and marine species, indicating their population dynamics,
and probable trends as to future numbers and welfare, and to recommend
action that should be adopted to better protect the natural resources
of the park.
Under this legislation, the former owners, the Vail and Vickers
Company, chose to retain the rights to occupy 3.1 hectares (7.6 acres),
to continue the cattle ranching operation, and to continue a commercial
deer and elk hunting operation. To allow such continued use, NPS issues
Special Use Permits (SUP) for five-year terms. The first SUP that was
issued to Vail and Vickers Company included a condition that a range
management plan be developed within five years. The plan, however, does
not address protection of the proposed taxa (USFWS 1991, 1992, 1993).
Due to unresolved NEPA issues (the apparent need to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for the first SUP), the Record of
Decision for the document has not been signed.
In a recent review of the range management plan, the Service found
that measuring residual dry matter, the proposed means of determining
appropriate stocking rates, is inadequate to monitor other indicators
of ecosystem health, including composition and diversity of species,
and the condition of candidate plant species (USFWS 1993). The
monitoring of sensitive resources within grazed areas is commonly
recommended (NPS 1991, Ruyle 1987, Willoughby 1986), but in this case
has not been included in the range management plan. Currently, the
condition of the vegetation on Santa Rosa Island is monitored by
assessing the residual dry matter of grassland vegetation, which is
composed primarily of non-native species (NPS 1993).
San Miguel Island and adjacent Prince Island (a small islet) are
under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy (Navy), but NPS
assists in the management of natural, historic, and scientific values
of San Miguel Island through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) originally
signed in 1963, an amendment signed in 1976, and a supplemental
Interagency Agreement (IA) signed in 1985. The MOA states that the
``paramount use of the islands and their environs shall be for the
purpose of a missile test range, and all activities conducted by or in
behalf of the Department of the Interior on such islands, shall
recognize the priority of such use'' (Department of the Navy 1963). In
addition to San Miguel Island, four other islands including Anacapa,
Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa lie wholly within the Navy's
Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) Sea Test Range. The 1985 IA provides
for PMTC to have access and use of portions of those islands, for
expeditious processing of any necessary permits by NPS, and for
mitigation of damage of park resources from any such activity
(Department of the Navy 1985). Should the Navy no longer require use of
the islands, NPS would seek authorization for the islands to be
preserved and protected as units within the NPS system (Department of
the Navy 1976). To date, conflicts concerning protection of sensitive
resources on San Miguel Island have not occurred; however, protection
and management for the three proposed taxa that occur on the island,
Galium buxifolium, Malacothrix squalida, and Phacelia insularis ssp.
insularis, have not been addressed, leaving in question which agency
has ultimate responsibility to do so.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence
Several species of non-native aggressive plant species are
considered problematic invaders, including Australian fireweed
(Erechtites glomerata), several species of iceplant (Carpobrotus spp.,
Mesembryanthemum spp.), several thistle species (Centaurea spp.,
Cirsium spp., Silybum sp.), German ivy (Senecio mikanoides), hoary
cress (Cardaria draba), and Russian thistle (Salsola iberica). Over 180
species of non-native plant species have been documented from the
northern island group (Hochberg et al. 1979, Halvorson et al. 1987).
Displacement of native habitats and species has been a concern for the
natural resource managers on the islands.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has apparently become widespread since
the removal of sheep from Santa Cruz Island. Fennel was noticed as a
pest species prior to the removal of sheep as reported in Hobbs (1983).
Sheep kept the plant from growing to its full height of 2 m (6 ft);
since their removal, the plant has ``appeared'' over large areas of the
island. Several papers were presented at a recent (1994) symposium on
techniques used to control fennel (Brenton and Klinger 1994, Dash and
Gliessman 1994, Gliessman 1994), which, when left unchecked, completely
dominates the habitats it occupies to the exclusion of other species.
Fennel apparently contains a chemical that prevents other species from
competing for occupied sites (Gliessman 1994).
Incidental introductions of seed to the Channel Islands occur
constantly; sources include wind-blown seed from the mainland,
introductions from restocking non-native animals, and operational
equipment (vehicles and construction materials). Deliberate
introductions of seed also occur; during the 1960's, one pilot recalled
scattering bags of commercial wildflower and grass seed on most of the
northern Channel Islands (Rutherford, in litt. 1994). When new
introductions and established seed sources occur in areas with
consistent disturbance resulting from grazing, browsing, and rooting by
non-native mammals, the invasions can become overwhelming. These
invasive species have a high probability of preventing recruitment and
causing habitat displacement of all taxa in this proposed rule.
TNC acquired nine-tenths of Santa Cruz Island from the previous
landowner in 1987. TNC's general goals for preserve management include
the preservation, protection, restoration, and understanding of the
natural resources (Rob Klinger, TNC, Santa Cruz Island, pers. comm.
1994). Although a specific management plan for the Santa Cruz Island
Preserve has not been developed, certain management activities have
already been undertaken. These activities include long-term monitoring
of specific plant communities and rare plant populations; trial
programs in feral pig removal, herbicide treatment of alien plant
species, and controlled burns in grassland and island pine communities;
and research on specific species, and response of plant communities to
[[Page 38007]]
removal of non-native mammals. A five-year trial feral pig removal
program was successful in removing all but a few pigs from a 2,400-
hectare (6,000-acre) exclosure on the south side of the island. The
number of pigs has begun to increase. TNC also took immediate steps to
remove sheep upon acquiring the property, but has been unable to manage
the apparent rapid invasion of alien fennel that resulted from the
release of grazing pressure. TNC is exploring options for implementing
island-wide feral pig removal and other management activities; these
options may include developing an agreement with NPS for that agency to
manage the island.
The species that occupy insular habitats, like those found on the
nearby mainland, have characteristics that enable them to recover from
fire events. These characteristics include the production of seeds that
respond favorably to fire temperatures and chemical products (charates)
and root burls that resprout following a fire (Carroll et al. 1993).
Tree ring histories from island Torrey pines with fire scars reveal
that pre-livestock fire events occurred at 20 to 30 year intervals
(Viers and Halvorson 1994). Since little evidence exists that lightning
fires occur at these frequencies (Carroll et al. 1993), man is
implicated as the principal agent of ignition (Timbrook et al. 1982).
Fire has been removed as a functioning ecological process on the
islands for over 150 years. The absence of fire has created an
imbalance in recruitment and regeneration of ecosystem components,
including many of the proposed species. Therefore, the current
distribution of island vegetation does not represent prehistoric
conditions (Minnich 1980). Many of the brushland species will not
regenerate without fire and with age will die back. Browsing and
grazing animals reduce the probability of survival for these fire-
adapted species by removing seed and seedlings. This could be
devastating to recruitment following a fire event. Seedling consumption
could effectively terminate the subsequent generation necessary to re-
establish the seed bank.
The fuel load (the amount of standing and downed vegetation) has
been dramatically altered from heavy (brush) to light (grass) through
the agents of ranching and sport hunting management. The characteristic
fire intensities and durations shifted from long duration and high
intensity with brush fuels to short duration and light intensities with
grass fuels. The life history requirements of most taxa in this
proposed rule (Arabis hoffmannii, Arctostaphylos confertiflora,
Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, Castilleja mollis, Galium buxifolium,
Helianthemum greenei, Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus,
Malacothrix indecora, Malacothrix squalida, Phacelia insularis ssp.
insularis, and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus) are based upon the
occurrence of fires to promote reproduction and reduce competition with
other species.
Many of the known pollinators on the islands are ground-nesting
insects (Miller 1985, Miller and Davis 1985). The habitat of these
ground-nesting insects has been and is being degraded by trampling and
serious loss of soils to active erosion on all of the islands.
The small numbers of isolated populations and individuals of most
of these taxa increase the potential for extinction from stochastic
events. Five of the proposed taxa, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis,
Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point,'' Dudleya nesiotica, Gilia hoffmannii,
and Malacothrix indecora, are known from single populations. Six other
proposed taxa, Arabis hoffmannii, Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis,
Castilleja mollis, Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. nesioticus,
Malacothrix squalida, and Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis, are known
from only two to five populations.
Species with small numbers of populations and individuals are
subject to the threat of stochastic extinction in several ways. First,
the loss of genetic diversity may decrease the species' ability to
maintain fitness within the environment, and is frequently manifested
in depressed reproductive vigor. From the genetic analyses conducted
for the two populations of Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus,
Swenson et al. (in prep.) concluded that the two genotypes represented
in each of the two populations ``probably represent only a portion of
the diversity once present in var. nesioticus.'' Elisens (1994)
documented reduced levels of genetic diversity in Galvesia speciosa, a
Channel Islands endemic plant and Category 2 candidate for Federal
listing, and noted that the levels were ``likely the result of
decreased population sizes initiated by human activities and herbivore
introductions.''
Secondly, species with low numbers of populations or individuals
may be subject to forces that affect their ability to complete their
life cycle successfully. Arctostaphylos confertiflora, like a host of
other perennial shrub and tree taxa that are candidates for Federal
listing on the northern Channel Islands, provides an excellent example
of this type of threat. The only remaining individuals of this species
are of moderate to old age, and the establishment of new individuals is
completely lacking. The effects of browsing animals on critical
portions of the species' life cycle has resulted in the inability of
the species to establish new individuals to replenish the population.
The degree of pollination success for manzanita flowers is unknown;
however, the presence of alien grazing and browsing animals has most
likely depressed the number of native pollinators available to the
native plants. Even if pollination occurs and results in successful
fruiting, the fruits are eaten by browsing animals. Even if fruits
escape predation and seeds do germinate, the seedlings are either
trampled or eaten by those same animals. All of the species in this
rule that occur on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Catalina Islands
are similarly affected.
Thirdly, catastrophic environmental events, such as storms,
drought, fire, or landslides, could destroy a significant percentage of
a species' individuals, or the only known extant population. Arabis
hoffmannii and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus are examples of species that
could sustain losses of individuals and populations through landslides
and soil sloughing as a result of storm events.
In summary, stochastic events can affect species on three different
levels: through loss of genetic diversity, through chance events in
survival and reproduction, and through catastophic environmental
events. When numbers of populations and individuals reach critically
low levels, more than one of the three types of stochastic events may
combine to cause extinction. For instance, a species that has had low
reproductive success due to grazing or browsing pressure during a
critical portion of its life cycle may subsequently be subject to a
severe drought or storm event that eliminates any remaining individuals
or populations. Stochastic extinction constitutes a major threat to all
of the taxa being proposed.
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by these taxa in determining to propose this rule.
Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to propose Arabis
hoffmannii, Arctostaphylos confertiflora, Berberis pinnata ssp.
insularis, Castilleja mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis,
Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point,'' Dudleya nesiotica, Galium buxifolium,
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii, Helianthemum greenei, Heuchera
maxima, Malacothamnus
[[Page 38008]]
fasciculatus ssp. nesioticus, Malacothrix indecora, Malacothrix
squalida, Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis, and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus as endangered. Threats to the 16 taxa include soil loss,
habitat alteration by mammals alien to the Channel Islands (pigs,
goats, sheep, donkeys, cattle, deer, elk, horses, bison) and direct
predation by these same alien mammals, habitat alteration by native
seabirds, habitat alteration due to vehicular traffic, overcollection
for scientific or horticultural purposes, and competition with alien
plant taxa. The 16 taxa also have an increased vulnerability to
extinction due to reduced genetic viability, depressed reproductive
vigor, and stochastic environmental events resulting from small numbers
of individuals and populations. Because these 16 taxa are in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges,
they fit the definition of endangered as defined in the Act. Critical
habitat is not being proposed for these taxa for reasons discussed in
the ``Critical Habitat'' section of this proposal.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined by 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
considerations 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 any protected species to the point at which
the measures provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary (50
CFR 424.02(c)).
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 specify critical habitat at the time a
species is proposed for listing. The Service finds that designation of
critical habitat is not prudent for Arabis hoffmannii, Arctostaphylos
confertiflora, Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, Castilleja mollis,
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Point,''
Dudleya nesiotica, Galium buxifolium, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii,
Helianthemum greenei, Heuchera maxima, Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp.
nesioticus, Malacothrix indecora, Malacothrix squalida, Phacelia
insularis ssp. insularis, and Thysanocarpus conchuliferus 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 such threat to the species, or (2) such
designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species.
The National Park Service, the Department of Defense, The Nature
Conservancy, and other pertinent parties have been notified of the
location and importance of protecting these species' habitat. Because
protection of these species' habitat will be addressed through the
recovery process and through the section 7 consultation process as a
result of listing these species, there would be little additional
benefit to designating critical habitat. Therefore, the Service finds
that designation of critical habitat for these plants is not prudent at
this time as such designation would provide little additional benefit
beyond that provided through the section 7 consultation process.
Available Conservation Measures
Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions,
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain
practices. Recognition through listing encourages and results in
conservation actions by Federal, State, and private agencies, groups,
and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and
cooperation with the States and requires that recovery actions be
carried out 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 designated. Regulations implementing this
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) requires Federal agencies to confer
informally with the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of a proposed species or result in destruction
or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a species is
subsequently listed, 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 such a species or to
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.
The Service and NPS have recently agreed to pursue development of a
Conservation Agreement under the Secretary of the Interior's directive
for Federal agencies to cooperate in the conservation of species for
which listing may be appropriate (U.S. Dept. of Interior 1994). The
Conservation Agreement would focus on the prelisting recovery needs of
the other plant and animal candidate taxa from the northern Channel
Islands, such that listing for some of those taxa may be avoided, and
would also serve as a template for the future development of a recovery
strategy for the 16 taxa included in this proposal. In addition, if
threats to these 16 taxa can be reduced or eliminated, final listing of
some or all of the proposed taxa may be precluded.
Of the 16 proposed taxa, all except 3 (Dudleya nesiotica,
Malacothamnus fasciculatus ssp. nesioticus, and Thysanocarpus
conchuliferus) have populations or historical habitat located on
Federal lands. Three of the taxa (Galium buxifolium, Malacothrix
indecora, and Phacelia insularis ssp. insularis) have populations or
historical habitat on San Miguel Island, which is owned by the Navy and
managed by NPS through a Memorandum of Agreement and Interagency
Agreement. Navy activities that could potentially affect these taxa and
their habitats include military exercises and equipment testing and
retrieval carried out under the Executive Order that established the
Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) Sea Test Range, which includes
Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa Islands
and their environs.
Three of the taxa (Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis, Heuchera
maxima, and Malacothrix squalida) have populations or historical
habitat on Anacapa Island, which is owned and managed by NPS. Eleven of
the 16 taxa have populations or historical habitat on Santa Rosa
Island, which is owned and managed by NPS. Five of those 11 taxa are
single island endemics (Arctostaphylos confertiflora, Castilleja
mollis, Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. insularis, Dudleya sp. nov. ``East
Point,'' Gilia tenuiflora ssp. hoffmannii). NPS activities that could
potentially affect these taxa and their
[[Page 38009]]
habitats include specific management plans, including those that
address expansion of park facilities; expansion of visitor services;
range management plans, including those that address cattle ranching
and deer and elk hunting; alien plant removal programs; and other
ecosystem restoration programs. Other activities include the issuing of
permits, including Special Use Permits, that authorize continued
ranching and hunting operations on Santa Rosa Island. Also included are
permits that authorize activities by other agencies or organizations,
including rights-of-way to the Department of Commerce to access
lighthouse and communication facilities. The enabling legislation that
authorized NPS purchase of Santa Rosa Island also provides a mechanism
to ensure protection of the island's natural resources. Sections
202(d)(1) and 202(d)(2) of Title II, Public Law 96-199, state that if
the Secretary of the Interior determines the property is being used for
any purpose that is incompatible with the administration of the park or
with the preservation of its resources, the Secretary shall terminate
the retained right and use of occupancy by the former owner.
As mentioned above, there are four taxa that occur wholly on lands
owned and managed by TNC. Future management of Santa Cruz Island may
involve NPS as a cooperator, since the island is within National Park
boundaries. NPS has already developed a keen interest in the
conservation of the proposed taxa on Santa Cruz Island, and the Service
would anticipate coordination with NPS on issues affecting those taxa.
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 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, the Act prohibits the
malicious damage or destruction on areas under Federal jurisdiction and
the removal, cutting, digging up, or damaging or destroying of such
plants 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.
It is the policy of the Service, published in the Federal Register,
(59 FR 34272) on July 1, 1994, to identify to the maximum extent
practicable at the time a species is listed those activities that would
or would not be likely to constitute a violation of section 9 of the
Act. The intent of this policy is to clarify the potential impacts of a
species' listing on proposed and ongoing activities within the species'
range. Nine of the 16 taxa in this proposed rule are known to occur on
lands under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service or Department
of Defense; an additional 4 taxa historically occurred on these same
Federal lands, and potential habitat may still exist. Collection,
damage, or destruction of listed species on these lands is prohibited.
However, authorization to incidentally remove or destroy such species
on Federal lands may be granted by the Fish and Wildlife Service for
any otherwise legal action funded, authorized, or implemented by a
Federal agency through section 7 of the Act. The removal and reduction
to possession of listed species on Federal lands for research
activities may be authorized by the Service under section 10(a)(1)(B)
of the Act.
Section 9 of the Act prohibits removal, cutting, digging up,
damaging, or destroying listed species on Federal or non-Federal lands
in knowing violation of any law or regulation of any State or in the
course of any violation of a State criminal trespass law. As an
example, if individuals of a listed plant species were grazed or
trampled by cattle while the livestock was trespassing on either
Federal or non-Federal land, a violation of section 9 may exist.
However, if the livestock grazing occurred under the authority of a
local permit on non-Federal land or under a section 7 consultation on
Federal land, section 9 would not be violated. Questions regarding
whether specific activities would constitute a violation of section 9
should be directed to the Field Supervisor of the Service's Ventura
Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).
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 plants under certain circumstances. Such permits are
available for scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or
survival of the species. Requests for copies of the regulations
regarding listed species and inquiries about prohibitions and permits
may be addressed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered
Species Permits, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
(telephone 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 these species;
(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 as provided by 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 the 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 a public hearing 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
Office Supervisor of the Ventura 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, as well as others,
is available upon request from the Ventura Field Office (see ADDRESSES
section).
Authors: The primary authors of this proposed rule are Constance
Rutherford and
[[Page 38010]]
Tim Thomas, botanists, Ventura 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 Regulations 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
* * * * * * *
Arabis hoffmannii....... Hoffman's rockcress..... U.S.A. (CA)............. Brassicaceae--Mustard.. E NA NA
* * * * * * *
Arctostaphylos Santa Rosa Island U.S.A. (CA)............. Ericaceae--Heath....... E NA NA
confertiflora. manzanita.
* * * * * * *
Berberis pinnata ssp. Island barberry......... U.S.A. (CA)............. Berberidaceae--Barberry E NA NA
insularis.
* * * * * * *
Castilleja mollis....... Soft-leaved Indian U.S.A. (CA)............. Scrophulariaceae E NA NA
paintbrush. Figwort.
* * * * * * *
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. Santa Rosa Island U.S.A. (CA)............. Crassulaceae--Stonecrop E NA NA
insularis. dudleya.
* * * * * * *
Dudleya sp. nov. ``East Munchkin dudleya........ U.S.A. (CA)............. Crassulaceae--Stonecrop E NA NA
Point''.
* * * * * * *
Dudleya nesiotica....... Santa Cruz Island U.S.A. (CA)............. Crassulaceae--Stonecrop E NA NA
dudleya.
* * * * * * *
Galium buxifolium....... Island bedstraw......... U.S.A. (CA)............. Rubiaceae--Bedstraw.... E NA NA
* * * * * * *
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. Hoffmann's gilia........ U.S.A. (CA)............. Polemoniaceae--Phlox... E NA NA
hoffmannii.
* * * * * * *
Helianthemum greenei.... Island rush rose........ U.S.A. (CA)............. Cistaceae--Rockrose.... E NA NA
* * * * * * *
Heuchera maxima......... Island alumroot......... U.S.A. (CA)............. Saxifragaceae--Saxifrag E NA NA
e.
* * * * * * *
Malacothamnus Santa Cruz Island bush- U.S.A. (CA)............. Malvaceae-- Mallow..... E NA NA
fasciculatus ssp. mallow.
nesioticus.
[[Page 38011]]
* * * * * * *
Malacothrix indecora.... Santa Cruz Island U.S.A. (CA)............. Asteraceae--Aster...... E NA NA
malacothrix.
* * * * * * *
Malacothrix squalida.... Island malacothrix...... U.S.A. (CA)............. Asteraceae--Aster...... E NA NA
* * * * * * *
Phacelia insularis ssp. Island phacelia......... U.S.A. (CA)............. Hydrophyllaceae........ E NA NA
insularis. --Waterleaf............
* * * * * * *
Thysanocarpus Santa Cruz Island U.S.A. (CA)............. Brassicaceae--Mustard.. E NA NA
conchuliferus. lacepod.
* * * * * * *
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Dated: July 7, 1995.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 95-18242 Filed 7-24-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P