CALIFORNIA NATIVE SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG Bulletin CNPS Scores Victory—Temporarily—for Endangered Algodones Dunes

f you were reading the newspapers care- Other rare species found on the dunes include fully in August you may have noticed that the giant Spanish needle (Palafoxia arida var. ICNPS was a key player in getting Federal gigantea) and Wiggin’s croton (Croton wig- wildlife officials to propose designating 53,000 ginsii) found on the “flanks” of the dunes where acres in the Algodones Dunes system as criti- the vegetation is more stabilized. cal habitat for the Peirson’s milk-vetch. The Peirson’s milk-vetch serves as an umbrella Peirson’s milk-vetch is protected as threat- species. If CNPS can protect it we will achieve ened under the Federal Endangered Species Act protection for other sensitive but unlisted species due to CNPS’s efforts so, this advance in the and maintain the dune ecosystem, including protection process is good news. However, the unique animals like the flat-tailed horned and controversy swirling around this incredible the fringed-toed lizards. plant and its unique habitat is far from over. CNPS volunteers examine an endangered dunes Three weeks after the draft critical habitat was sunflower in the Algodones Dunes Photo: Ileene Anderson CNPS BEHIND PROTECTING published, the US Fish and Wildlife Service DUNE ENDEMIC PLANTS announced it would consider delisting the Peir- due to collecting, agriculture and off highway The Algodones dunes are: A) the largest dunes son’s milk-vetch. vehicles (OHVs) across its range. Historically, system in ; B) a mecca for OHV free it was eaten by indigenous peoples, hence its play; C) a botanical wonderland of endemic THE ALGODONES DUNES AND ITS common name. continued on page 5 AMAZING ENDEMIC PLANTS Geographically, this 200+ square mile sys- Gabi McLean’s San Gabriel Valley Home Native Garden tem is primarily in California, but blowing into Mexico at a rate of 3 inches per year. The Ruminations on the benefits of replacing your lawn with a native landscape moving sands and less than 3 inches of annual t’s morning. The cool air greets me as I step outside, car keys in hand, purse tucked under my rain create harsh conditions, limiting the arm, maneuvering carefully so my business suit won’t brush the carport pillar. I catch a glimpse vegetation that grows there and making the Iof the poppy blossoms still folded up in the hazy morning light. The soft breeze carries the fra- dunes home to a suite of rare plant species. grance of the white sage. My eagerness to meet my tight work schedule dissolves, and I turn toward the The dunes sunflower (Helianthus niveus wildflower patch with the promise of bright orange poppies strutting in the midday sun, butterflies ssp. tephrodes) is listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act and is “... welcome the surprises—the oak seedling planted by a scrub jay; typically found with the Peirson’s milk-vetch (Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii). Both the elderberry that grows so fast and furiously that I can’t keep up species grow in the “deep” dunes, usually in with pruning; the heart-leaf penstemon that barely survived for two “bowls” on the leeward side of tall dunes. Lit- years and now is showering us with orange-red flowers.” tle is known about the ecology of either species, but we are learning more every year. dancing on the golden sun cup blossoms, and carpenter bees buzzing in the purple sage. As I watch, a Sand food ( sonorae) is the hummingbird stops in midair and turns its attention to the woolly bluecurls and the showy penste- most unusual looking species on the dunes. It mon. For a moment, the hummer and I connect; its world is as busy as mine, and we both find reprieve is a parasitic , hosted prima- in the garden. Now I know it’s spring. Now I know I can withstand another hectic workday—when it’s rily by the dune buckwheat ( deser- over, the garden will be there and offer me a place to put my mind at peace. ticola) and coldenia ( plicata). It is It’s early Saturday afternoon and blazing hot. Stuck in the house, paying bills and answering emails, found outside the dunes, but is threatened continued on page 6

PAGE 1 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

From the Desk of the Executive Director ... out the state to meet with Chapters and donors hese are some of the toughest political Fundraising is at the heart of maintaining to discuss our programs. Please contact me if times for plants and our environment and expanding CNPS programs. Our first Major you have suggestions or would like to plan a T that I’ve experienced in my adult life— Donor Campaign is underway. Please encour- visit to your chapter. Finally, CNPS is fortunate to be working with Fundraising is at the heart of maintaining two accomplished photographers, Marcus and Rosalie Wardell, who have put together a stun- and expanding California Native ning native plant photo exhibit that will be show- Plant Society programs. ing in museums across California for the next two years. The back cover has the particulars on sadly reminiscent of the James Watt era. To meet age plant loving folks you know to give or the exhibition’s opening in Yuba City. these challenges CNPS is working harder increase their gift—a donation of $250 or more than ever to be more strategic. However, we also earns you the distinction of being a major donor! Pam Muick, Executive Director, simply need to do more. To make this possible, Over the coming months I will travel through- [email protected] CNPS volunteers, board and staff are focused on program planning and fund raising this fall. It may seem strange to get excited about plan- Conservation Director Speaks Out ning—but you should have been at the meet- n August the Conservation Program held a retreat of staff and volunteer leaders to assess needs and ings! The retreats are dynamic think tanks where program design for 2004. It hasn’t been an easy year for the environment, both from Washing- volunteers and staff share insights and identify Iton’s policies and California’s budget crisis, so you would think we’d be in a pretty black mood, opportunities. All of CNPS’s programs—Con- but not so! There are so many signs that the public is about to force the proverbial pendulum back in servation, Vegetation, Horticulture and Educa- the opposite direction. tion, Rare Plant / Local Flora—have convened I am very happy with the work done by staff, so our plans are to pretty much stay the course in retreats to set goals and priorities for the com- 2004. If we can find more financial resources we may hire staff to help with Central Valley and Bay ing year. I’ll collect the results and draft a single Area conservation work. We will produce more tools for chapters—such as a Coastal Act Tool Kit— plan which will be the basis for next year’s budget. and post them on the CNPS web page. I am creating a ‘dog-and-pony show’ that will tour the chapters to show you the full range of things we are doing. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY Back to pushing on the pendulum ... On page seven Dr. Emily Roberson, our Senior Policy Ana- 2707 K Street, Suite 1 lyst, tells why CNPS has joined with other organizations in a letter protesting the federal govern- Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 ment’s failure to support critical habitat designation for a number of plants, poor science in deci- Phone 916-447-2677 Fax 916-447-2727 sions to essentially dismantle the Sierra Framework, and many other federal issues. E-mail [email protected] Visit www.CNPS.org On page one Ileene Anderson, Southern California Regional Botanist, outlines our difficult strug- Send articles to [email protected] gle to protect rare endemic plants from off highway vehicles in the Algodones Sand Dunes. Ileene is BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2003 also giving informed scientific input to BLM on three giant desert plans that cover the Mojave and Sue Britting, President working to come to an agreement on the protection of limestone-endemic plants in the San Bernardino Sandy McCoy, Vice President Mountains. Lori Hubbart, Secretary Steve Hartman, Treasurer Volunteer Greg Jirak, having done a wonderful job of setting up the forest program, is handing the reins to Jen Kalt. Greg shepherded our amicus brief to support the Department of Forestry in a DIRECTORS suit by a timber producer (the “Weburg Case”) who thought that rare plant surveys should not be Carol Baird, Lynne Kada, Betsey Landis, David Magney, Patt McDaniel, required prior to a timber harvest. The Department recently prevailed. J. Spence McIntyre, Carol Witham Unfortunately, pendulums being what they are, you need the shoving power of a lawsuit or two as “a good rap upside the head” to those trashing our state’s natural heritage. One never likes to CHAPTER COUNCIL spend resources that could be used for all kinds of positive things, but we must invest in holding Lynne Kada, Chair Lori Hubbard, Vice Chair back the bad stuff. The story on page three is an example: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Joan Stewart, Secretary recently proposed a Critical Habitat plan for vernal pool species that left out entire counties, and in doing so failed to designate a single acre of critical habitat for two rare vernal pool plants. BULLETIN Michael Tomlinson, Editor Lisa Roth, Design and Production —David Chipping, Conservation Director, [email protected]

PAGE 2 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

CNPS Joins Vernal Pool Lawsuit

n September 2003, the CNPS Board of Direc- of spring, vernal pool flowers create vibrant rings, the Interior in support of maintaining Federal tors voted to join the Butte Environmental carpets and ribbons of yellow, white, pink, and Endangered Species Act protection for four shrimp ICouncil and Defenders of Wildlife in a new purple. The displays change from week to species found in vernal pools. At that time, the lawsuit against the Department of Interior chal- week as pools dry and one species gives way to Building Industry Association (BIA) was trying to lenging the final rule on critical habitat for 11 the next in a floral kaleidoscope. remove protected status through the courts. After vernal pool plants and four shrimp repeatedly winning the listing case species and requesting that a new in favor of the shrimp, BEC sued rule be prepared. Interior in April 2000 over a point The lawsuit is in response to the initially brought forward by the BIA: August 2003 US Fish and Wildlife the need to designate the critical Service final rule designating habitat that is legally required for 740,000 acres as critical habitat for all listed species.In 2001,the court these species.This designation drops ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife nearly 1 million acres of critical Service to complete a final critical habitat that had originally been Photo: Carol Witham habitat rule.BEC,with CNPS assis- proposed for protection in 2002.The original pro- tance,was able to get a settlement agreement that posal was based on the best scientific information HISTORY OF THE LAWSUIT expanded the critical habitat rule to include 11 available on the locations and habitat require- Over 200 plant species grow in vernal pools. plants.A requirement for a final recovery plan for ments for these species.Five entire counties (Sacra- Half of these are rarely found outside this unique the species by 2005 and two vernal pool research mento, Madera, Merced, Butte and Solano) and habitat. A given pool typically supports only 15 projects examining Butte County Meadowfoam large portions of several others were eliminated to 20 species, in an unpredictable array of com- and grazing impacts were also added during set- from the rule. Two plants originally covered by binations. In that way vernal pools are a lot like tlement negotiations. this designation will now have no protection because snowflakes—botanically speaking, no two are their home counties were dropped. Butte County WHERE CNPS STANDS meadowfoam (Limnanthes floccosa ssp. cali- Vernal pools CNPS supports the designation of critical fornica) occurs only in Butte County and Sacra- habitat when such designation provides better mento Orcutt grass (Orcuttia viscida) occurs only are a lot like protection of endangered species, as is the case in Sacramento County. snowflakes— with vernal pool endemic species. Vernal pools The rule is based on a highly flawed economic are wetlands. Wetlands are regulated under analysis that did not address any potential eco- botanically speaking, the federal Clean Water Act. And the Endangered nomic benefits of protecting these species and their no two are alike. Species Act prohibits federal agencies from habitats. This includes the fact that vernal pools adversely modifying critical habitat. Adequate and other wetlands are critical to maintaining They are also critical habitat designation for the vernal pools water quality and supply and the very real impor- disappearing. would greatly improve land use planning in the tance of wildflower viewing to local economies. rapidly urbanizing Central Valley.Excluding the Vernal pools are miraculous ecosystems. Ver- alike. They are also disappearing—California most rapidly growing areas from the designa- nal pools are temporary wetlands that fill with has already lost 90% of its vernal pools. tion based solely,as Department of Interior offi- water each rainy season, dry in the spring and Native plant lovers have long been drawn to cials have frankly stated, on a (false) premise remain dry for six to eight months awaiting the these unique habitats. In October 1976 and Jan- that housing and wetlands cannot coexist is next winter rains. The unique plants and ani- uary 2000, CNPS published special issues of Fre- illogical, contrary to the intent of the Endan- mals that have adapted to these extreme annual montia devoted to vernal pools. In 1998 we pub- gered Species Act and exposes vernal pools in cycles of flood and drought create a seasonally lished a volume of scientific articles resulting these areas to extreme risk. changing mosaic of life through each year. from a conference on the ecology, conservation —Carol Witham, CNPS Board In winter, vernal pools teem with aquatic life. and management of vernal pool ecosystems. Member, [email protected] Many plants and animals such as fairy shrimp In 1995,the Butte Environmental Council (BEC) Emily Roberson, Senior survive only in vernal pools. With the coming intervened in a lawsuit against the Department of Policy Analyst, [email protected]

PAGE 3 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG NEWS BRIEFS INPUT ON CNPS CONSERVATION MOSSES, LIVERWORTS, AND ative article, please contact me. Remember, it POLICIES NEEDED HORNWORTS UP NEXT can take over a year to develop an idea into a CNPS has some very strong policies that can We are catching up! By the January 2004 issue, published Fremontia article. be used when writing comment letters or speak- dates on your Fremontia should match the dates —Linda Ann Vorobik, Fremontia Editor, ing at meetings to encourage agencies to pro- you receive your copies. The production team is [email protected] tect native plants and their habitats. The poli- very thankful for your patience and hope you are cies cover topics such as vernal pool mitigation, enjoying your Fremontia reading. VEGETATION DESCRIPTIONS invasive species, and conducting rare plant sur- NEEDED veys. At its September meeting, the Chapter We are still soliciting feedback for the sec- Council agreed that many of these policies ond edition of A Manual of California Vege- should be combined or updated. tation, for 2004 publication. Any new descrip- The Conservation Program would like to tive or quantitative information, field forms, or know 1) which of the policies you use the most reviews of the alliances (series) should be sub- and so should be updated first; 2) policies you mitted ASAP to Todd Keeler-Wolf, Chair, Vege- would like CNPS to adopt; and 3) specific com- tation Committee at [email protected]. ments about any of the current policies. A com- plete archive of the approximately 25 policies CNPS BECOMES AFFILIATE OF is on the CNPS State website at http:// CALIFORNIA GARDEN CLUBS www.cnps.org/archives/archives.htm. If you CNPS recently became an Affiliate of the Cal- have any comments, please forward them in ifornia Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI), providing writing to [email protected]. chapters with an opportunity to interact with other local plant folks and cross-advertise edu- SUPPORT CNPS THROUGH EARTH cational and horticultural events in CGCI pub- SHARE AT WORK! lications. Plant sales, outings, etc. can now be Did you know you can donate to CNPS advertised in the CGCI newsletter and on the through Earth Share of California if your Haircap moss (Polytrichum commune), an image CGCI website. employer has a workplace charity campaign? from the bryophyte issue of Fremontia (Volume 31 CGCI is composed of individual clubs that By setting aside a few dollars per paycheck No.3). Photo: M. & K. Hutten. affiliate with districts and the statewide organ- monthly you can support CNPS and 86 Cali- ization. The twenty-eight CGCI Districts roughly fornia environmental and conservation char- This winter, when most wildflowers lay coincide with the thirty-two CNPS chapter bound- ities. Visit www.earthshareca.org for more info dormant, you might be tempted to learn more aries. CGCI clubs are active in flower shows, or ask your campaign manager. about non-vascular plants after reading the the flower arranging, and the more decorative plants. upcoming issue on bryophytes. This special As CNPS encourages the use of local native SLO PLANT SALE issue, devoted to mosses, liverworts, and horn- plants in home, school gardens, and com- November 1, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. San Luis worts, has been edited by two of our state’s mercial settings, we can share knowledge and Obispo Chapter annual native plant sale. Her- best bryologists: Dan Norris and Jim Shevock, resources in these areas. Local and regional itage Oaks Bank, 297 Madonna Rd. Take and is copiously illustrated with photographs habitat conservation concerns are other poten- Madonna exit from 101 north or south, head by Mark and Karen Hutten along with those tial mutual interests. Both groups value native west. Only pure California native plant sale of John Game. flora—especially wildflowers, conservation, on the central coast. Also seeds, books, tee-shirts, The number of quality manuscripts being and are active in education. More information: etc. Expert advice with a friendly smile. Call submitted continues to increase, but if there is CaliforniaGardenClubs.org John at 805-464-0717 for details. Heavy rain an article that you would like to see, or you —Charles Blair, San Luis cancels. know someone who could contribute an inform- Obispo Chapter VP, [email protected]

PAGE 4 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

The Year at the Capitol in Review In Memoriam: NPS started the legislative year with an ently don’t want to lose the ability to write EIRs Wayne Roderick, Assembly Select Committee on Wetlands for local governments. CNPS Stalwart Cbeing created (at our request), intro- Two important bills supported by CNPS will duction of a package of forestry bills supported hopefully be pursued in January 2004: AB 406 s the Bulletin was going to press we by a good report from Senator Kuehl, and intro- and SB 711 (Kuehl) regarding establishing were saddened to learn of the pass- duction of AB 406 by Hannah-Beth Jackson mitigation standards for oak woodland con- A ing of Wayne Roderick, CNPS found- regarding Environmental Impact Reports. It versions even as a result of agriculture prac- ing member, CNPS Fellow, and Director Emer- seemed that something big might happen. tices. CNPS members and I spent significant itus of the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic However, the Select Committee’s work soon time lobbying both bills. We will continue our Garden in the Bay Area. These titles only hint faded due to budget constraints (no money to support and coordination with the authors and at how much Wayne did to increase aware- investigate wetlands issues and no money for sponsors of the bills (Planning & Conserva- ness and appreciation of native plants— new protections). Forestry bills ran into a saw tion League and California Oak Foundation, countless CNPS members can attest to this. mill of opposition and had their provisions respectively). It seems like everyone who met him, even chopped back or they were killed outright. AB Updates on the status of key bills followed once or twice, has a delightful”Wayne story” 406 survived two legislative committee hear- by CNPS are on www.cnps.org to tell. He conveyed a great sense of fun and ings but hit a brick wall of developer opposi- —Vern Goehring, adventure—sorely needed in today’s world. tion on the Assembly floor—developers appar- Legislative Advocate, [email protected]

Scott’s Valley polygonum a Candidate for the State he Fish and Game Commission voted on June 19, 2003 to designate Scott’s Valley polygonum (Polygonum hickmanii) as a Candidate species under the California Endangered Species TAct. The polygonum is a very rare plant. It was described new to science in 1995, and is known from only two small occurrences in Scott’s Valley, Santa Cruz County. Occupying less than an acre of habitat in the entire world, no more than 3,500 total individual plants have ever been located in a single year. The species is seriously threatened by urban development and associated disturbances, non-native grasses, and lack of appropriate ecological management. The small numbers of plants and limited habitat also make it vulnerable to stochastic (chance) extinction. As a Candidate species, it is protected by state law during a one-year review period, after which a final listing decision will be made. Dr. Grey Hayes of the Santa Cruz Chapter submitted the listing petition. Thanks are also due to Vince Cheap for his hard work on the petition development. Wayne Roderick in July 1997 standing in front —David Tibor, Rare Plant Botanist, [email protected] of the “alpha” Bristlecone Pine tree while leading an East Bay Chapter trip to California’s White Mountains. Photo: John Game Endangered Algodones Dunes Plants continued from page 1 Wayne was an internationally recognized species; or D) All of the above? The answer is “D) all of the above” and that is where the intrigue horticulturist and bulb expert, winner of begins. numerous awards, and a superb all-around Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the dunes are also known as the Imperial native plantsman. For many years he was Sand Dunes Recreation Area or Glamis. The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 established in charge of the native area at the Univer- 32,000 acres (23%) in the northern area of the dunes as wilderness, theoretically eliminating the sity of California Botanical Garden. After use of anything mechanical, including OHVs. At that time, 118,000 acres of the dunes (77% of the he retired from the Tilden Park botanical system) were still managed as open OHV recreation area. garden in 1983, Wayne continued to be very In the mid 1990’s CNPS volunteer Steve Hartman amped up our involvement in conservation busy with fieldwork, mentoring young peo- issues here when he recognized that the BLM was not living up to their commitment to monitor ple, enjoying every aspect of horticulture, the rare plants on the dunes. At Steve’s insistence, in 1998 the BLM started monitoring plant popu- and improving the quality of life for every- lations of all of the sensitive dunes species (see www.ca.blm.gov). However, the BLM has used a one with an interest in native plants. continued on page 6 PAGE 5 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

Endangered Algodones Dunes Plants continued from page 5 tion. Considering the current federal administra- tion’s environmental record (see www.cnps.org), survey methodology that was not designed to the temporarily closed areas was made spring CNPS is gravely concerned about the future of evaluate impacts to sensitive plants from OHV 2003. CNPS calculations suggest the “limited the Pierson’s milk-vetch. Fish and Wildlife will activities. Instead the methodology evaluates area” could be completely driven over on a sin- have another year to review the data and make trends in populations so they can be compared gle weekend by the proposed number of vehi- the final determination on both the delisting and to a 1977 survey. Because of this, the 1998 cles. Furthermore, enforcement is impossible the critical habitat designation. We support using survey results showed little change in the num- and trespass into these areas has been docu- the best available science to determine the impacts bers or distribution of the species and no mented every time monitoring occurred. to native species, and we continue to watch closely additional protection measures were deemed that science, not politics, is the driving force in necessary. WHERE ARE WE NOW? species conservation. Conservationists recognize the logarithmic CNPS is generating comments on the August —Ileene Anderson, Southern increase in OHV activity as a threat to all dune 2003 “critical habitat” proposal, supported by California Regional Botanist, vegetation. In the past, the vastness and uni- the best available science and the delisting peti- [email protected] formity of the dunes, made navigation chal- lenging, but with the advent of low-cost global Gabi McLean’s Native Garden continued from page 1 positioning units, repeat travel to remote regions of the dunes is more feasible and less life-threat- I am bursting to stretch my legs. The air conditioner is in high gear but I step outside anyway. The hot ening...to humans at least. air engulfs me and I feel my blood vessels expand and my joints loosen up. Our dog has dug a hole in the shade, between the elderberry and the holly-leaf cherry, enjoying the coolness of the soil. As I stroll AS IF LIVING ON A SAND DUNE over to him I discover a drop in temperature so dramatic that I startle. Are the leaves stirring in the WASN’T HARD ENOUGH ALREADY ... breeze? No, it is still. The shift in temperature comes from the elderberry, cherry, and myrtle trees In November of 2000, some of our environ- forming a green, thick but airy mental allies successfully sued the BLM and got insulation from the glaring light. a settlement agreement that temporarily closed Now I understand why the dog an additional 49,000 acres in the non-wilder- hasn’t begged to come in the ness areas of the dunes to provide additional house. I join him in a siesta on protection for the Peirson’s milk-vetch until a the garden bench. The buzz of full environmental review was done. busy pollinators reminds me that The OHV community was outraged at the this is summer and I don’t need additional temporary closure. One group, the to hide in the house. I’ve found American Sand Association (ASA) hired a con- my refuge. sultant to conduct studies of the Peirson’s milk- We sit on the porch after din- vetch. The study estimates more than 100,000 ner. The last rays of sun fall on plants in the survey area—less than one plant The plants in the McLean's front yard include: California sun cups, woolly a patch of scarlet monkey flow- per acre, and not evenly distributed over the bluecurls, common phacelia, black sage, white sage, purple sage, mallow, ers near our table.The blossoms dunes. Based on this data, ASA submitted the holly-leaf cherry, California poppy, California buckwheat, and California rose. are small but shine like beacons. de-listing petition in 2000. Photo: Gabi and Cliff McLean There, our daily visitor is back; Then, in 2002, the BLM produced a required a female hummingbird visiting Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the the bright beauties, and then settling at a safe distance in a neighbor’s tree. Not for long though, as soon Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP). as we get our binoculars, she disappears. I look around hoping she’ll return. No luck, but I am not The EIS/RAMP proposed that the temporary alarmed.I know she’ll be back.In winter and spring, the tiny but plentiful rosy flowers of our corral bells closures be re-opened. A “limited area” would attract her, in late spring and early summer, the hummingbird sage is her favorite. Now the scarlet be set up for OHV activity around the densest monkey flowers attract her attention. Peirson’s milk-vetch locations. The Fish and Some of the shrubs have already changed from the bright green of spring to the muted colors of sum- Wildlife Service issued a “no-jeopardy” opin- mer and fall.Others have shed their leaves, exposing an intricate structure of branches.It’s time to prune ion—the proposed action would not jeopard- shrubs resting in summer dormancy, just as gardeners in moderate climates prune in winter dormancy. ize the species—and a final decision to open continued on page 7

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Native Garden from page 6 Comments on Sierra Nevada Frame- I wonder how these shrubs will do in the next sea- son—if I’ll do the right thing by pruning them work and Old Forest Species Plans now and by how much. I am just not sure - each plant seems to be developing differently.One CNPS has submitted comments on proposed the original plan, but in fact focused on per- black sage has grown taller than I am. Should I revisions to two important Forest Service plans. mitting (i) more logging, (ii) more road build- trim it down? Another black sage is a tender lit- One would dismantle the Survey and Manage ing, (iii) more grazing, and giving agency tle thing, three feet around. How can I make it Program that had been designed to study and bureaucrats apparently unlimited discretion more robust? The barberry is growing straight up conserve old for- to assess ecosys- and hasn’t branched out at all. Should I top it? est associate tem health and Why isn’t it blooming? I wonder and worry. A species (more design their own thought comes to my mind that makes me smile. than 300 ani- rules. The pro- My questions remind me of a mother’s worries mals, plants, posal violates sev- about her offspring, her search for the balance fungi, lichens, eral laws and dis- between letting them grow wild and reining them bryophytes) in cards the 10 years in to fit the mold of expectations. the national for- of work by over Watching the garden grow is a little like watch- ests of western 100 scientists and ing children grow. We learn that things don’t northern Califor- agency specialists turn out as perfectly as we’d like. I decide to let nia, Oregon and (and more than go of wanting perfect control and welcome the Washington. Like $20 million in surprises—the oak seedling planted by a scrub so many Bush taxpayers’ jay; the elderberry that grows so fast and furi- Administration money) that went ously that I can’t keep up with pruning; the heart- initiatives, this into the original leaf penstemon that barely survived for two years one proposes to Framework. CNPS and now is showering us with orange-red flow- remove the pro- comments will be ers. Each season finds a different way of pleas- gram and replace posted on the ing the eye, providing for our feathered visitors, it with ... noth- “Eye on the Bush and making a home for our insect friends. I dis- ing! The viability Administration” cover the richness of life in the perfect imper- of dozens of page of the CNPS fections of nature, the surprises and disap- species would be Meadows like this on the eastern side of the Sierra are among the ecosys- website. pointments that make the web of life so interesting. at risk if the pro- tems that would be affected by management changes under the Sierra I deeply enjoy today and yearn for tomorrow’s gram is removed, Nevada Framework. Photo: Emily Roberson ”BUSH VS. wonders in my native garden. and despite the CALIFORNIA” —Gabi McLean, [email protected] acknowledgment that there are insufficient data CNPS is working to develop and distribute to asses viability risk for several dozen others, information on the Bush Administration’s envi- Gabi and Cliff McLean of the San Gabriel Moun- the Administration proposed no specific pro- ronmental and public health agenda, focus- tains Chapter have created a program—We tections and no monitoring to replace the Pro- ing on its effects on California. We have devel- Took Out the Lawn and You Can Too! that details gram. CNPS comments can be viewed by click- oped a web site (www.cnps.org/federalissues) their suburban re-landscaping project: how they ing on “Comments and Testimony” at that provides information and tools to help the did it, how much work it took, what has been www.cnps.org/NPCC. public, the media, and policymakers learn and the result, how the neighbors have taken to it The second comments were on the never- speak out about the Bush Agenda. The site and what it takes to maintain it. The McLean’s ending Sierra Nevada Framework. The Frame- includes summaries of federal policies and are also working on a field guide on CD: Com- work is a science-based compromise manage- plans with mechanisms for commenting, pol- mon Plants of Eaton Canyon and the San Gabriel ment update for 11 national forests in California icy analyses by CNPS and others, and sample Foothills which will be released at the chap- and Nevada. It was approved, but never imple- letters to the editor that make it easier and ter’s Fundraiser and Native Plant Sale event mented by the Forest Service. The Bush Admin- faster to express your views and concerns. Under The Oaks, November 15, 2003 at the istration released a proposed “revision” of the —Emily Roberson, Senior Policy Analyst, Eaton Canyon Nature Center. plan which purported to retain “the goals” of [email protected]

PAGE 7 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • VOL 33 / NO 4 OCTOBER– DECEMBER 2003 • WWW.CNPS.ORG

CNPS Annual Banquet and December Poppy to Prickly Pear: Chapter Council/Board Meeting California’s Native Plants EDUCATION AND HORTICULTURE ARE MEETING FOCUS Photo Exhibit Traveling the Please plan to attend the 2003 Berkeley Meeting on Decem- State ber 5 and 6. The Board of Directors will meet Friday evening and the Chapter Council will meet Saturday. Our Annual Ban- FIRST EXHIBITION OCTOBER 9– quet will be Saturday evening and will include din- NOVEMBER 30 IN YUBA CITY ner and an excellent presentation (final speaker The photography exhibition “Poppy to Prickly selection is underway from a field of candidates). Fri- Pear: California’s Native Plants” showcases the day evening will offer a pleasant and entertaining spectacular beauty of the Golden State’s native happening for delegates and guests that arrive early plants. The show will travel around the state (remember last year’s great Friday evening event at the through 2006. Jepson Herbarium). Fifty vivid, color images, by photographers Rosalie and The main themes of this Chapter Council meeting will be Marcus Wardell, CNPS members, capture our native plants Education and Horticulture. There will be much valuable in exquisite detail. The show explores specific regions— information shared, good interactions between chapters, and from high country meadows through rain forests, deserts, important discussions and decisions that need your input. Come and urban areas—where native plants have evolved for mil- to Berkeley, the birthplace of CNPS, and also a history-making fount lions of years. of scientific knowledge. All are welcome, not just Delegates, but fam- Wildflowers from the Sutter Buttes will be included in the open- ilies, friends and interested members. ing exhibition at the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter

Contact the state office at 916-447-2677 in the weeks to come for more details. County, 1333 Butte House Road, Yuba City—(530) 822-7141.

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