Endangered Species Law & Policy

On August 2, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposed (pdf) listing Webber’s ivesia (Ivesia webberi) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service also proposed (pdf) designating approximately 2,011 acres of critical habitat for the species in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra Counties in northeastern California, and Washoe and Douglas Counties in northwestern Nevada.

Webber’s ivesia is a low, spreading, perennial forb in the rose family with grayish-green foliage, wiry stems, and clusters of small, yellow flowers. The species occupies vernally moist, rocky clay soils that shrink and swell upon drying and wetting. This type of soil occurs in areas with sparse vegetation associated with low sagebrush. According to the Service, the species is primarily threatened by invasive plants, wildfires, off-road vehicles, development, livestock grazing, and climate change.

The same day, the Service also proposed delisting Soldier Meadow cinquefoil (Potentilla basaltica). The Service found, based on the best scientific information available, that listing the species under the ESA was no longer warranted.

The Service will be accepting comments on the proposed rules until October 1, 2013.