Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Polygonum hickmanii (Scotts Valley polygonum)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended, for Polygonum hickmanii (Scotts Valley polygonum). Polygonum hickmanii is restricted to two sites in northern Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California. The plant is threatened by alteration of habitat due to urban development and associated disturbances, displacement by nonnative grasses, and the increased chance of extinction due to the small numbers of individuals and limited amount of habitat occupied by this species. The effects of these threats are exacerbated by the inadequate design of preserves meant to protect the species. This proposed rule, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to this plant.