The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has designated 5,755 acres in Santa Barbara County as critical habitat for the Vandenberg monkeyflower under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This unique plant is found only within a series of low, flat-topped hills known as the Burton Mesa between the Purisima Hills to the north and the Santa Ynez River to the south.
The continued presence and expansion of non-native plants, as well as habitat destruction and fragmentation have contributed to the species’ decline, leading the Service to list the Vandenberg monkeyflower as federally endangered in August 2014.
Under the ESA, critical habitat identifies geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management considerations or protections.
“The benefit of designating critical habitat for a listed plant or animal is that it informs government agencies, landowners and the public of the specific areas that are important to the conservation of the species,” said Steve Henry, Field Supervisor for the Service’s Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. “Identifying this habitat helps focus the conservation efforts of our partners such as state and local governments or non-governmental organizations or individuals.”
The Vandenberg monkeyflower, known for its unique petal formation and markings, grows amidst maritime chaparral and coastal scrub mixed with patches of native grasslands and oak woodlands, and is almost exclusively found on thin layers of wind-blown sand. The small annual herb grows up to 10 inches tall, and produces one to several yellow flowers on purple-tinted stems.
Of the approximately 5,755 acres designated as critical habitat, 4,674 acres are on state lands within the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve and La Purisima Mission State Historical Park. The remaining areas designated as critical habitat consist of 820 acres on private lands, 38 acres on local agency lands, and 223 acres on Department of Justice lands.
Critical habitat is determined by examining the physical and biological features needed for life processes and successful reproduction of a species. Designating critical habitat helps ensure that federal agencies and the public are aware of the species’ needs.
The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge and has no impact on private landowners taking actions on their land that do not require federal funding or permits.
Federal agencies that undertake, fund or permit activities that may affect critical habitat are required to consult with the Service to ensure such actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.
Identification of critical habitat areas is based on the best scientific information available, and considers all relevant information provided by the public, government agencies, the scientific community, industry and other interested parties through a public comment period. The Service offers willing landowners a number of voluntary and non-regulatory conservation programs to help these plants survive as they live and work on their lands.
The Service’s decision will appear in the August 11, 2015 Federal Register. The public may view materials concerning this final rule at http://www.regulations.gov, using the docket numbers FWS–R8–ES–2013–0049; RIN 1018-AZ33. The document is available for viewing on August 10, 2015 in the Federal Register reading room at
https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.
Photos of Vandenberg monkeyflower are available at the Service’s Flickr site at https://flic.kr/s/aHsk1Pjg6V
-- FWS --
Established in 1987, the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office works to conserve and protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants across the central and southern California coast, collaborating with communities and conservation partners to build a future that supports both people and our unique and diverse natural resources. For more information, visit http://www.fws.gov/ventura or find us on Facebook.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/cno.
