PORTLAND, Ore.– After a litigation by the Center for Biodiversity, US Fish and Wildlife Service offer today to protect the endangered dune phacelia under the Endangered Species Act. Only 26 populations of this rare plant remain in the coastal sand dunes of southern Oregon and northern California.
The service also proposes to designate 252 acres of critical habitat in Coos and Curry Counties in Oregon and Del Norte County in California.
“This is an encouraging advance for this beautiful plant that only exists in Oregon and the fragile coastal sand dunes of California,” said Quinn Read, Oregon Policy Manager at the Center. “Dune fibers simply cannot exist without the protections under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal is a hopeful and long-term step towards ensuring this species does not disappear. “
The dune fibers are threatened by terrain vehicles, invasive species such as beech grass and European seahorses, and sea level rise due to climate change. Its small population size makes it even more susceptible to these stressors.
Sand dune phacelia belongs to the Forget-Me-Not flowering plant family and grows up to 18 inches tall. Its white flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for native bees. The number and diversity of bee species in dune vegetation was higher than where mycelium grew. The plant’s silver hairs – which are adapted to harsh coastal environments – trap salt on the leaves, reducing water loss and reflecting excess light.
The name “Pacelia” is from the Greek “phakelos,” meaning cluster, for its lovely, clustered flowers, and “argentea” in Latin, meaning “silver,” for the appearance of the leaves. . The sandalwood flowers bloom from March to September.
The Center’s lawsuit against the Service is aimed at forcing the agency to make timely assessments and protection decisions for 241 species of flora and fauna that are thought to be endangered, including the dune fungus. .
The lawsuit took place in 2014 petition to protect species. That petition was filed by the Center and seven other conservation groups: Oregon Wild, Friends of Del Norte, Oregon Coast Alliance, Native Plant Society of Oregon, Native Plant Society California, Center for Environmental Protection Information and Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Centre.
