Experimental Introduction of Palmate-bracted Bird’s-beak at Lin Livermore Conservation Area (Project)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a California Endangered Species Act and Native Plant Protection Act scientific, educational, or management permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (a), and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 786.9, subdivision (c) to the Center for Natural Lands Management (Permit No. 2081(a)-26-0004-RP for a project to conduct an experimental introduction of palmate-bracted bird’s-beak into suitable habitat within the LLCA with the goal of establishing a new self-sustaining population. If successful, the Project would increase the number of known populations and contribute to the conservation and recovery of the species by supporting the Population Stability criterion identified in the species’ recovery plan (USFWS 2009). Up to five percent of donor seed may be collected between September and November 2026 from occupied habitat on two parcels located approximately two miles south of the LLCA. Collected seed will be dispersed into suitable habitat on LLCA following the onset of seasonal rains. Seasonal grazing occurs in a portion of the area proposed for seed distribution. Managed grazing is considered compatible with palmate-bracted bird’s-beak and will continue after introduction events. Weed management within the introduction site may be incorporated into existing habitat management plans and may include weed control by hand or hand tools, weed whackers, mowers, and, if necessary, herbicide application. Seeded areas will be monitored for germination and abundance in the summer following introduction, and any established population will be mapped. If the introduction is successful, monitoring is expected to continue annually for the duration of the permit.