Carlsbad, Calif. – A successful partnership between the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and others, has helped recover Hidden Lake bluecurls to the point at which Endangered Species Act protection is no longer needed. Accordingly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is delisting the tiny plant, which only occurs along the perimeter of a montane vernal pool within Mount San Jacinto State Park.
“California has one of the highest concentrations of geographically restricted plants in the United States,” says Paul Souza, Director of the Service’s Pacific Southwest Region. “We are fortunate to have an array of dedicated partners to help ensure species like the bluecurls can be conserved for future generations.”
“California State Parks fully endorses the decision to delist Hidden Lake bluecurls and remains committed to the conservation of the species. The outstanding collaborative work between our team of experts within State Parks as well as with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden will continue as we take the next step to implement the post de-listing monitoring plan for the plant at Mount San Jacinto State Park,” said Ken Kietzer, Senior Environmental Scientist in the Inland Empire District for California State Parks.
“Hidden Lake bluecurls is an example of a true conservation success story. This species benefits from conservation decisions and land management actions that are informed by the best available scientific research,” says Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. “Population surveys, monitoring and seed banking efforts conducted with our partners will continue to ensure that future generations will know and appreciate this little gem of a California native plant.”
Hidden Lake bluecurls is a member of the mint family that grows about four inches high, and produces dark blue flowers. It was first collected by Martha Luella Hilend in 1941, but was not described until 1945.
The Service is actively working with diverse partners to conserve imperiled species and to remove them from the ESA once they have fully recovered. When species have met their recovery goals and no longer require federal protections, we are committed to removing them from the ESA. This reduces unnecessary regulation and helps the Service and partners ensure we are using our limited resources to protect the most at-risk species.
A copy of the final rule is on view today at the Federal Register and will officially publish on June 1. The delisting goes into effect July 2. The final rule and Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan can be viewed at Regulations.gov. In the Search box enter Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2016–0127 and click the “Search” button.
Photos of the plant and its habitat can be downloaded from our Flicker page at – https://flic.kr/s/aHsmaxBNR9
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. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
-FWS-
