NATIVE SOCIETY • VOL 34 / NO 3 JULY–SEPTEMBER 2004 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

Bulletinin a database with geographic coordinates, ele- Coyote Ridge Survey Completed vation, slope, aspect, soil characteristics, and Provides vital data for habitat other information. Many are conservation plan shown in a new photo library. Documentation of rare he results of a recently completed multi- . The survey project has year vegetation survey by the CNPS Veg- substantially increased our knowl- Tetation Program and the Santa Clara edge of rare plants on Valley Chapter of CNPS are already being put Coyote Ridge. Survey- to good use. The survey of the remarkable ser- ors discovered a rare pentine plant communities on Coyote Ridge in plant not previously southern Santa Clara County more than dou- known from the Hamil- bled the list of known plants in the area and ton Range, the Loma has generated data that will be vital to the new A new population of Fritillaria liliacea was found on Prieta hoita (Hoita multispecies habitat conservation plan begun Coyote Ridge. Photo: Julie Evens strobilina) and a new by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The plan tionally, the surveys provided much more spe- population of the state is required because the area has been declared cific information on the ridge, including plant and federal listed to be Critical Habitat for the Threatened bay lists, new rare plant sightings, and a map of Tiburon Indian paint- checkerspot butterfly. invasive . brush (Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta). Also Coyote Ridge is a solid block of serpentine Expanded plant database. All plant documented were new populations of Metcalf rocks two miles wide and fifteen miles long. species identified during the surveys are now continued on page 6 Although it is outside the San Jose urban growth boundary, the ridge lies adjacent to the next Species Added to Rare Plant Inventory available space for urban expansion and cries Rare Plant Program to be evaluated and revised out for preservation as open space. But how to NPS members now have some additional species to look for on botanizing forays and in sur- make the case? Before CNPS survey efforts began vey work. These are the new plants CNPS added to our CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endan- in the fall of 2001, relatively few hard scientific C gered Plants List 1B, this spring. Since 1971 the Inventory, now in its sixth edition, has data about the area existed, and collecting the served as an authoritative and up-to-date source of information vital to the protection of rare plants. additional data needed seemed beyond the scope The publication lists plants that are considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and of chapter volunteer efforts. elsewhere and is a significant aspect of the CNPS Rare Plant Program. This spring also marked the However, with the help of the staff of the CNPS beginning of a review of the program to ensure that it keeps pace with developments in conserva- Vegetation Program, which provided a data- tion biology, laws and regulations, and the science of and reflects these in its inventory gathering plan and trained several dozen chap- and other program components. ter volunteers, the chapter was able to complete The plants added to the inventory include Fritillaria gentneri (Gentner’s fritillary), a species that 111 vegetation rapid-assessment and 90 relevé is listed as Endangered by the federal government. The plant was thought to occur only in Oregon, surveys. (Relevé surveys are used to describe but Joe Molter, a Bureau of Land Management Botanist and CNPS member, discovered the first Cal- new plant communities and herbaceous-dom- ifornia occurrence in Siskiyou County last year. Recently, a second occurrence was found about a mile inated communities.) The volunteers surveyed east of the first one. This perennial herbaceous member of the lily family grows in oak woodland more than 30 different plant associations, includ- and open chaparral at 1080-1120 meters elevation. Gentner’s fritillary is particularly vulnerable to ing at least 10 new associations for California, a number of existing and potential threats because its populations are very small. The plant’s range such as those involving the Mt. Hamilton overlaps with the superficially similar F. recurva.However,F. gentneri can be distinguished by a thistle ( fontinale var. campylon), number of floral characters including its dark blood-red , which are slightly spreading rather serpentine grasslands, and shrublands. Addi- continued on page 6

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A Note from the Executive Director ational vehicle area, so designated by the Bureau of Land Management, is home to the San Ben- Almost 40, CNPS is still on track ering high-quality information that influ- ito evening primrose and a favored area for off- NPS is approaching a milestone—in ences public and governmental attitudes that road vehicle enthusiasts. Although it appears 2005 we’ll celebrate 40 years of pro- result in changed behavior among individu- possible that both the riders and the evening C tecting California’s native plants and als, agencies, and governments. The outcome primrose could coexist, this is not currently the habitats. As I leaf through past newsletters and has been increased protection for native plants case. More to come on this matter ... Fremontias, I’m struck by the foresight of CNPS and habitats. The June Chapter Council, co-hosted by founders, who—from the beginning—recog- All CNPS programs have volunteer directors the Alta Peak and Sequoia Chapters, was a nized the power of combining science, horti- who coordinate and perform the program’s terrific event. Special thanks to culture, education, and political advocacy. Today, work, along with staff and a committee of vol- Paul Mitchell, Warren and Helen we continue in their footsteps—as articles in unteers. Congratulations are in order Shaw, and Joan Stewart, who this issue demonstrate. to two new program directors—Ann organized the event. CNPS’s The founders also had guts. That’s what it Howald, rare plant program director, finest met, dined, and enjoyed the took to start CNPS with such a monumental and Peigi Duvall, horticulture pro- chapter no-host, no-alcohol bar at Sci- mission—to protect all of California’s native gram director. Ann has been working Con, the Tulare County environmental plants. Many of our plants are glamorous closely with Misa Ward, interim rare plant education camp, nestled along Bear Creek, and easy to love—the California poppy, tow- botanist, and the Rare Plant a wooded riparian area, in the southern Sierra ering oaks, redwoods and pines, spectacular Committee to rethink and plan foothills. SciCon staff went out of their way to cacti, stunning iris, lilies and orchids. But oth- for the future of one of our core make sure we were well housed and well fed. ers, well, they really can only be appreciated by programs. Peigi Duvall was Thanks to all who made the June meeting someone who loves all plants. appointed in June and is beginning so memorable! CNPS has stayed on track and maintained work this summer. We are still seek- Finally, in September the Chapter Council the focus on native plants. We continue to do ing a volunteer Education director. Please will convene in northern Marin County at the the unglamorous but important work (to quote contact me if you’d like to volunteer or suggest Walker Creek Ranch. The details on this won- two of our members) of creating and deliv- a strong candidate. derful location are on back cover. I look for- One current challenge is the continuing off- ward to seeing many of you there! CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY highway vehicle saga in the Clear Creek Man- —Pamela C. Muick, Ph.D., Executive Direc- 2707 K Street, Suite 1 agement Area in San Benito County. This recre- tor, [email protected] Sacramento, CA 95816-5113

Phone 916-447-2677 Fax 916-447-2727 E-mail [email protected] Visit www.CNPS.org CNPS Honors Volunteers Send articles to [email protected] NPS’s extraordinary volunteers are the main reason we are one of California’s premier Pamela C. Muick, Executive Director societies. The Chapter Council Volunteer Recognition Committee (VRC) took the opportu- nity to recognize some of those worthies at the June 2004 Chapter Council meeting. BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2004 C Carol Witham, President Jeanine DeHart was selected for the VRC Award. Jeanine, a tireless advocate for conservation and Sandy McCoy, Vice President a pioneer in native plant landscaping in San Diego County, is the author of Propagation Secrets for Carol Baird, Secretary California Native Plants, and propagated plants for the San Diego Chapter’s annual sale. Steve Hartman, Treasurer Joan Stewart, the Board President’s Choice winner, received her award from Carol Witham, cur- Jim Bishop, Vern Goehring, Diana Hickson, Lynn Houser, Lynne Kada, David Magney, rent CNPS board president. Joan has contributed many years of dedicated service to the CNPS state J. Spence McIntyre organization and the San Diego and Alta Peak Chapters. She is currently the Chapter Council sec- retary and helped to organize the meeting at which she received the award! CHAPTER COUNCIL Chapter Distinguished Service Awards given by chapter’s to their own members included the San Lynne Kada, Chair, Jim Bishop, Vice Chair Joan Stewart, Secretary Luis Obispo Chapter’s Robert F. Hoover Award, named for a botany professor who helped start the local CNPS chapter. This year’s recipient is Suzanne “Suzi” Bernstein, the chapter education chair, BULLETIN who has helped local schools with native plantings and organized public outreach. Michael Tomlinson, Editor Mary Johnson, Editorial Consultant The VRC welcomes nominations for future awards. Please submit them with the concurrence of Lisa Roth, Design and Production your chapter president. —Charles Blair, Chair, VRC, [email protected]

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Ft. Irwin Tank Training Threatens Rare Plant with Extinction Lane Mountain milkvetch logical opinion that the expansion would jeop- of informational meetings. At those meetings, saga continues ardize the existence of the threatened desert the public—including CNPS—called for issues his past June, CNPS and our environ- tortoise in the Mojave Desert. The full range to be addressed in the Draft Environmental mental allies filed objections to a flawed of the Lane Mountain milkvetch was known to Impact Statement (DEIS) required by NEPA. T federal Critical Habitat ruling for the occur in the area at that time, but it was not Shortly after these meetings, presumably to endangered Lane Mountain milkvetch and a yet protected under the Endangered Species Act, hedge their bets, and despite objections voiced suite of rare desert plants. We sought to stop the so FWS didn’t have to evaluate the plant. Still, by CNPS and other environmental groups, the U.S. Army tank training facility at Fort Irwin because of the opinion related to the tortoise, Army moved its campaign to Washington, D.C. from expanding into areas harboring these the Army withdrew the proposal and regrouped. In 2001 the Army persuaded members of Con- plants and the threatened desert tortoise. If the They decided to try expanding to the gress to add a rider to an appropriations bill project goes forward, as will be determined east of the which withdrew 110,000 acres from public lands within the year, the species will be pushed to administered by the Bureau of Land Man- the edge of extinction. agement and deeded them to the The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has Army to become part of Fort Irwin. issued a “non-jeopardy biological opinion” that On January 11, 2002, President the Army’s plan will not jeopardize the exis- George W. Bush signed the Fort Irwin tence of the Lane Mountain milkvetch (or the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 2001 desert tortoise). However, CNPS fails to see into law. Now, most of the known Lane how that conclusion was reached; all areas Mountain milkvetch locations are part on the base will have some impact on the of a national tank training facility. The species. Also, the potential conservation area legislation also required a full NEPA outside Fort Irwin consists of Bureau of review prior to any ground-disturbing Land Management lands, which, certainly activities. under the current administration, will In the meantime, CNPS, with help from not limit mining in Lane Mountain the Center for Biological Diversity, was milkvetch habitat. engaged in litigation to force the FWS to The Lane Mountain milkvetch establish Critical Habitat under the FESA for (Astragalus jaegerianus) has been a number of rare plants, including the Lane listed as Endangered under the Fed- Mountain milkvetch. On April 6, 2004, the eral Endangered Species Act (FESA) draft Critical Habitat was issued and included since 1998. It is only known from a range sizeable portions within the Fort Irwin expan- 18 miles in diameter in the central Mojave sion boundaries. Unfortunately, the Critical Desert. All known populations are threatened Habitat failed to incorporate basic conserva- from dry wash mining and the potential mili- base, but this proposal did not fully meet the tion biology principles that require unfrag- tary expansion. While the Critical Habitat rul- Army’s training needs and generated outrage mented reserves. The comments of CNPS and ing sets aside some fragmented habitat, a prob- from the off-road vehicle community. other environmental groups regarding the Crit- lem in itself, CNPS has asked for further So, in the late 1990s, the Army tried again ical Habitat are being reviewed by the FWS and clarification on how tank avoidance measures with a modified southwest expansion. By this the final Critical Habitat designation is likely such as reflective stakes and ditches will pre- time, the Lane Mountain milkvetch had been to occur within the year. vent species damage when past tank training listed as an endangered species under FESA. With the Lane Mountain milkvetch’s his- has involved tanks getting lost and driving for Because of the previous opinion that found the torically limited range, the catastrophic loss of miles outside of Fort Irwin. desert tortoise to be in jeopardy, the Army reduced habitat eliminates the ability of the species to Unfortunately, this problem has been known the expansion area, noting that it would not recover to levels where it can be released from for a long time. In the late 1980s Fort Irwin meet their training exercise needs. The Army FESA protection. proposed to expand by 328,660 acres to the then began pursuing greater expansion under —Ileene Anderson, south, southwest, and southeast of the existing the process called for in the National Envi- Southern California Regional Botanist, base. At that time, the FWS issued a draft bio- ronmental Policy Act (NEPA) and held a series [email protected]

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CNPS FELLOW JO KITZ NAMED AWARD FOR SAN DIEGO CHAPTER wildflower habitat. “However, some areas are ‘WOMAN OF THE YEAR’ The San Diego Chapter of the California Native simply too fragile and too valuable to be exposed Plant Society, and project partner RECON Envi- to ORV (off-road vehicle) damage.” ronmental, received an EARTH Award (Envi- Keeping vehicles out of plant reserves would ronmental And Restoration That Helps) from also protect hikers from toxic dust kicked up San Diego EarthWorks for their work creating by spinning tires, Roberson said. “The dust is native plant gardens in ten area schools. RECON just as bad for wildflower watchers as it is for donated 2,000 plants and the Chapter provided motorcycle riders,” she said. “We want to use funding and volunteers to assist in the creation these lands, too.” of the native plant gardens and ensure that the In a 1998 plan, the BLM agreed that 4,000 native plant garden is a success. EarthWorks of Clear Creek’s 50,000 acres would eventu- noted that the gardens will provide a learning ally be set aside for habitat research and largely resource for the students who will be able to learn closed to recreational traffic. But the plan has on site the value and benefit of our unique native never been implemented, and only 1,880 acres flora and wildlife. The Chapter has made a com- are currently off limits. mitment on an annual basis to schools through- — From an article in the out San Diego County. The EARTH Awards pro- Chronicle, Sunday, June 13. The article exam- CNPS stalwart Jo Kitz with Assemblywoman Fran gram acknowledges sensitive daily actions that ined the issues surrounding ORV use in the Pavley. Photo courtesy of the office of Assemblywoman Fran Pavley add up over time. The awards were presented by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Clear Creek Mayor Dick Murphy at a special ceremony. Management Area (CCMA) including naturally o Kitz, CNPS Fellow, long-time Los Angeles- occurring asbestos that is kicked-up into the Santa Monica Mountains Chapter board CNPS QUOTED ON ORV AREA air by ORV use and CNPS’s actions to get the Jmember, a committed weed warrior, and “The California Native Plant Society has no BLM to come into compliance with federal laws director of the Mountains Restoration Trust, desire to close all public lands to off-road vehi- governing management and conservation of was recently selected by California State Assem- cle use,” said Emily Roberson, senior policy ana- the threatened San Benito Evening Primrose. blywoman Fran Pavley as her 2004 Woman of lyst with the society, which threatened to sue in Donations in support of legal actions like these the Year. March after an off-road event roared through are always welcome. Each Assembly member selects a woman from his or her district who has contributed GO TO WWW.RENYSWILDFLOWERS.COM significantly to the community.“Jo Kitz’s friends Web-surfing botanists can call her an extraordinary treasure hidden in now explore nature’s beauty, get the Santa Monica Mountains,” said Pavley when gardening ideas, or plan trips she presented the award at a ceremony on the with an expert CNPS guide. Reny floor of the legislature in Sacramento. Parker, Milo Baker Chapter pres- Jo helped establish the Santa Monica Moun- ident, has launched a free wild- tains National Recreation Area and has made website with more than it her life-long commitment to preserve and 1,300 images. Visitors can search protect thousands of acres of the Santa Mon- by family, botanical or common ica Mountains. She is active in efforts to restore name, color, or location. Thou- the oak savannah at Malibu Creek State Park, sands more of Reny’s photos will often leading groups of at-risk youth and other be added to this ongoing proj- A photo of blue eyed grass from volunteers in planting and invasives removal ect. Go to www.renyswild www.renyswildflowers.com Photo: Reny Parker projects in the park. .com.

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CNPS Names New Volunteer Program Chairs North Coast Chapter to Buy

NPS recently named two new volun- throughout California. She is now finishing a Home of Two-Flowered Pea teer program chairs. Longtime CNPS degree in environmental horticulture and will The two-flowered pea (Lathyrus biflorus) is C member Ann Howald is the new vol- take the test for her Landscape Contractor’s known from a single occurrence on privately owned unteer rare plant program director. Ann is cur- license this fall. Peigi tells us that in conversa- land in central Humboldt County. The site was orig- rently works a consultant with Garcia & tions with others in her industry, she hears fel- inally discovered by Tom Nelson in 1983, and has Associates, San Anselmo, a natural and cul- low designers, contractors, landscape architects, since been monitored by members of the North tural resources consulting firm. She is an active nursery and maintenance people as well as Coast Chapter. Members of the Chapter are in the member of the Milo Baker Chapter of CNPS, homeowners express the desire and need to bet- process of purchasing the 40 acre parcel that is where she is a frequent field-trip leader. In ter understand native flora.She notes that ques- home to half of the two-flowered pea population. recent years, Ann has also taught biology at tions, myths and misunderstandings about native CNPS stewardship of the site would give botanists Santa Rosa Junior College, and for eight years flora abound. And, she says, who better than continued access to study the plant, monitor the she was a plant ecologist with the California CNPS, with its treasure trove of answers and wis- effects of logging done in 1995, and ensure the long- Department of Fish and Game in Sacramento dom, to provide opportunities to promote, sup- term survival of the species. The land may even- and Yountville. Ann says she looks forward to port and encourage the appropriate horticul- tually be transferred to the Six Rivers National For- working closely with Misa Ward, CNPS Interim tural use of California native plants? A native of est, which manages the adjacent Lassics Botanical Rare Plant Botanist, and helping lead the plan- the Monterey Peninsula, Peigi grew up playing and Geological Area. ning process for the Rare Plant Program. among the Vaccinium ovatum, Pinus radi- —Jen Kalt, Ann can be reached at [email protected]. ata on Carmel Hill, watching bunnies in spring Forestry Program Coordinator The new volunteer horticulture program scurry among the coastal strand at River Beach, [email protected] director is Peigi Duvall, a member of the Santa welcoming the waves of bloom of Lupine and Clara Valley Chapter. Peigi volunteered for the Eschscholzia californica in the fields near State Finance Committee last year, offering skills Marina, as well as learning Girl Scout campfire and experience gained from her previous life in songs among the sycamores and willows in business financial management to help with Carmel Valley. Peigi can be reached at indig the broad scope of work carried out by CNPS [email protected].

FWS REBUFFS CHALLENGE TO STATUS OF PEIRSON’S MILKVETCH Algodones Dunes vs. off-road vehicles Those of you who have been following the saga of the Algodones Dunes and their suite of endemic plant species versus off-read vehicle groups will be glad to know that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has reached a decision based on good science. The FWS reviewed the data provided by the off-road groups trying to remove federal protections for the Peirson’s milkvetch (Astragalus magdalanae var. peirsonii) and determined that the activity of off- road vehicles in the area in Imperial County continue to threaten its existence. While this determination may be challenged in court, it is encouraging to know that this time, the FWS has not allowed science to be subjugated by politics. The continued pro- tection of the Peirson’s Milkvetch through Critical Habitat land management plans will help to ensure conservation for the other endemic plants (and animals) in the area, as well. These include the a number of rare CNPS List 1B species, and Wiggin’s croton (Cro- ton wigginsii), a CNPS List 2 species. Ultimately, CNPS supports activities that would recover and sustain the Peirson’s Milkvetch and other Algodones Dunes species at levels that will make Endangered Species Act protection unnecessary. Please contact California Senators Dianne Feinstein (http://feinstein.senate.gov/email.html) and Barbara Boxer (http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm) and your local state representative to express support of the FWS decision. A 40-acre parcel in Humboldt contains half of the two-flow- —Ileene Anderson, Southern California Regional Botanist, [email protected] ered pea population. Photo: J. Kalt, 2004.

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Coyote Ridge Survey continued from page 1 by sharing information, lending equipment, and joining our survey crews as volunteers. Canyon jewel-flower (Streptanthus albidus efit from the survey work is that CNPS is becom- subsp. albidus), dudleya ing widely recognized as a significant science- A SCIENCE-BASED ORGANIZATION (Dudleya setchellii), most beautiful jewel-flower based conservation organization. The survey The Nature Conservancy and the Santa Clara (Streptanthus albidus subsp. peramoenus), demonstrated that CNPS is not only concerned Valley Water District have requested our data, smooth lessingia (Lessingia micradenia var. about conservation biology, but also able to gen- and we’ve been more than pleased to share. erate valid and useful data about the ecosystems Public agencies have responded to this work We’re hopeful that in the area. CNPS has presented the survey results with respect and trust, making us hopeful our conservation to the Santa Clara County Open Space Author- that our conservation recommendations will recommendations will ity, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recre- be taken seriously. ation Commission, the Santa Clara County Weed — Don Mayall, CNPS Co-Rare Plant be taken seriously. Management Area, and environmental advo- Coordinator, Santa Clara Valley, seleve glabrata), San Francisco wallflower (Erysi- cacy organizations and private groups. All have @ix.netcom.com, and Julie Evens, CNPS mum franciscanum), fragrant fritillary (Frit- complimented our work and supported our efforts Vegetation Ecologist, [email protected]. illaria liliacea), and grand linanthus (Linan- thus grandiflorus). CNPS has reported the continued from page 1 findings to the California Natural Diversity Data- Rare Plant Inventory base and relevant land managers. than strongly recurved at the tips. Thanks, Joe, for Plotting of Invasive species. The sur- your excellent field work and to all those who helped veyors also plotted new weed populations review this exciting new addition. such as pampas grass, yellow star-thistle, and Other species added to List 1B in the inventory the very invasive barbed goat grass. CNPS noti- include the following: Collinsia antonina (San fied the county’s Weed Management Area of Antonio collinsia) , which is these findings and discussed control strategies known only from Monterey with the private land owners. The vegetation County; Harmonia gug- surveys also have provided data on the per- golziorum (Guggolz’s harmo- cent cover of invasive annual rye grass, which nia), a species that has been is threatening the plant habitat of the bay check- recently described as new to science; erspot butterfly and several other listed insect Prunus eremophila (Desert plum), species. Further, the surveys have documented which is known only from the south- areas of overgrazing and feral pig damage that ern Mojave Desert; are affecting rare plant populations. (Latimer’s woodland ), another newly described species; and Sisyrinchium hitch- NEW ACTIVITY FOR MEMBERS cockii (Hitchcock’s blue-eyed grass), which is known Another benefit of the vegetation surveys is from only one collection in Humboldt County. Changes to the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered that they provided a new activity for chapter mem- Major changes to the inventory include not only Plants, like adding Fritillaria gentneri (Gentner’s fritil- bers. While surveying requires that one team new additions like the species mentioned above, lary), are reviewed by hundreds of botanists organ- member identify the plants, it also provides oppor- but also deletions and changes in CNPS List sta- ized into seven regions: Central West (CW), East Side / tunities for those who have other skills such as tus and in scientific name. Since the publication Deserts (ES/D), Great Valley (GV), Modoc Plateau photography, orienteering, record-keeping, and of the sixth edition of the inventory in 2001, (MP), North West (NW), Sierra Nevada (SN), and data entry.One survey stalwart, Ben Hammett, a more than 100 major changes have been identi- South West (SW). Photo credit: Joe Molter retired Stanford professor, acted as volunteer plant fied. Another 300-plus possible additions were post- photographer and also ferried survey crews up poned until after publication of the sixth edition because of a lack of consensus in review meet- to the ridge in his Explorer. Tom Cochrane, ings. Most of these plants are taxonomically questionable or lack distribution information. also known as “trail traveler,” has a full-time job To address this large volume of changes, the Rare Plant Program, of which the inventory is an impor- but nonetheless spent many weekends leading tant product, has shifted to a continuous data development and dissemination process and developed field trips, working on plant lists, and surveying. an efficient and timely process for ensuring adequate review of major changes. In the Santa Clara Valley an important ben- continued on page 7

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Rare Plants from page 6 Why We All Can Just Get Along A NEW UPDATE PROCESS Editorial: “Greens” vs. Development Now, at the beginning of each quarter, the inventory updates are added to the CNPS Rare rguments waged over environmental issues and nature is rumbled off.After all,you can’t build Plant Program web page http://www.cnps.org/ invariably pit the “greens” against devel- houses without first cutting trees, mining, smelt- rareplants/inventory/changes/index.htm and A opment, often casting local activists as anti- ing steel, cutting roads, and carving out buildable disseminated via the online Inventory. CNPS development, anti-progress, anti-people, and so sites.New homes demand water,electricity,and other also shares the major changes and supporting on. While a few activists may be “anti” this or resource-consuming services,yielding rivers of efflu- information with the California Natural Diver- that, most, in fact, are extraordinarily “pro.” ent and full trash containers in return. sity Database, a repository of rare plant infor- In polls over the past several decades, some 85% If the situation is that simple, why the conflicts? mation maintained by the California Depart- of Americans identify themselves as “environ- Why oppose what seems inevitable and necessary? ment of Fish and Game, so that they can update mentalists.” Surely that many people don’t feel Most environmentalists don’t oppose development their dataset and publish new versions of their negative about everything happening around them. or services. They simply want to ensure that new Special Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. When people join hands across a river or in front development, infrastructure, and services are sit- To learn more about the steps of the data of a bulldozer, maybe there’s a good reason. uated where they will do the least harm to our development and review process, visit That Americans voice near-unanimous pro- remaining resources. They want to protect our http://www.cnps.org/rareplants/inven- environment sentiments shows an increasing water, prevent our air from becoming a filthy soup tory/changes/process.htm. awareness that we are not a species—or nation— of exhaust gases, and preserve enough open space apart from nature. The struggle to triumph over so everyone living here—old and new residents RARE PLANT PROGRAM REVIEW nature is evolving into a gentler quest to live in alike—can continue to enjoy the quality of life The Rare Plant Program, of which the inven- harmony with it. The 15% of Americans who don’t that enticed them to California in the first place. tory is a major product, was the first program regard themselves as environmentalists likely Does anyone really think that the 85% of Amer- created within CNPS and remains one of our haven’t given much thought to what that might icans who are pro-environment spend their evenings core endeavors. The inventory has served as a mean. If you are not pro-environment, then what fretting about a toad or gnatcatcher? Battles waged key information source for the protection of do you favor? Smog and sewage? over seemingly obscure sensitive species being over- rare plants for more than three decades. But of Every living organism on earth shares one big looked or overrun aren’t about those species alone, course, the world of conservation biology, bowl of water, one atmosphere, one earth on which they are about all species together. The potential laws and regulations, and the science of tax- to grow food and families For the most part, the environmental threats are very real, and the demands onomy have all changed dramatically since the earth’s natural systems supply the resources needed made for honesty and integrity in reporting are early days of the program. As we approach the free of charge, but with limits. The earth is incred- made in behalf of all of you, who deserve to know 40th anniversary of CNPS, the time is ripe to ibly resilient, but not invulnerable, and resources the truth about future impacts on your quality of evaluate our current program and make plans take time to produce. If one of these “free serv- life. Face value is not good enough when our col- to improve it where necessary. ices” is overtaxed by our use, and fails to renew lective future is at stake. If a report seems flawed Under the leadership of Ann Howald, new direc- itself, everyone and everything loses equally.Being or its conclusions ring false, the critical issues must tor of the CNPS Rare Plant Program, this process pro-environment, then, means being aware and be resolved before granting permits or approvals. is already well underway. CNPS is assessing how working to protect earth’s promise from abuses Sound projects should proceed, but dangerous ones we provide rare plant information and species that jeopardize our future. must be denied.Drawing the line at a toad’s doorstep protection through a series of ad-hoc working When environmentalists are portrayed as anti- is a lot smarter than waiting until it comes to yours. groups focused on the following topics: inventory development and pilloried in the press for obstruct- So, when environmentalists voice concern ranking system, rare plant monitoring, inventory ing progress, it’s a communication failure. Both over poorly-prepared biological reports or con- data dissemination, state and federal listing, locally sides may be speaking, but who’s listening? Devel- flicting assessments of water supplies don’t roll rare species, and conservation and research plans. opers and politicians are family people with lives your eyes and dismiss them as anti-progress Working group recommendations and products just like the rest of us—car payments, mortgages, extremists. In trying to protect the resources of will be used to shape the program’s priorities dur- leaky plumbing, orthodontia for the kids. They do California, they aren’t just pro- birds, beetles and ing the CNPS planning process for 2005. their jobs with the same aspirations as everyone badgers—they are pro-you. — Misa Ward, else,trying to keep the boss happy and rise through —Frank Hovore CNPS Rare Plant Botanist, the system. Bearing no particular malice for that (note: this article first appeared in [email protected] which lies in their paths, the bulldozers rumble in The Signal News, www.the-signal.com)

PAGE 7 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 34 / NO 3 JULY–SEPTEMBER 2004 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

Planned Giving All Are Welcome at For the future of California flora Chapter Council Meeting Planned gifts to CNPS are about planning for the future: September in Marin yours and that of California’s native plants. For instance, by Please plan to attend the CNPS Chapter Council Meeting and associated including CNPS in his estate plans, Wayne Roderick, CNPS activities on Saturday, September 11, at the Walker Creek Ranch in Marin Fellow and a founding member, ensured that CNPS will County. At the meeting, we’ll share valuable information and enjoy inter- have the means to look after the flora he loved. actions among chapters. We’ll engage in discussion and make decisions A planned gift to CNPS is a simple and flexible means that are critical to CNPS. We need your input! The close of the meeting will to combine philanthropy with financial planning, per- include dinner and a presentation by a speaker to be named. We are also haps helping you give more to California’s native plants planning field trips around the meeting. All are welcome, including than you thought possible while still providing finan- interested members, families, and friends. For information about cial and tax benefits. booking rooms and meals and for directions, contact the state When you make a planned gift to CNPS office at 916-447-2677. you join a growing number of special sup- porters who are committed to helping Cal- ifornia’s native plants and their habitats flour- East Bay Chapter Plant Sale ish in perpetuity. Please contact the CNPS State Office to ask how The East Bay Chapter will hold its 38th annual native plant sale on Sat- planned giving can help you accomplish your goals. If CNPS urday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, October 3, from 9 a.m. is already in your estate plans please let us know so we honor to 1 p.m., at the Horticulture Grounds of Merrit College in Oakland. For more your exceptional commitment. information, contact the East Bay Chapter at http://www.ebcnps.org/,or

[email protected], 925.376.4095 or 510.525.6614.

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Membership is open to all. to open is Membership

preserving California’s native plants. plants. native California’s preserving

common interest in learning about and about learning in interest common

amateurs and professionals with a with professionals and amateurs

state-wide, nonprofit organization of organization nonprofit state-wide,

The California Native Plant Society is a is Society Plant Native California The

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