DENVER — Using the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a 12-month finding, determining that the Frisco buckwheat, Ostler’s peppergrass, and Frisco clover are not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Prior to making this determination, the Service completed an in-depth species status assessment for these three southern Utah plant species. This assessment provided the scientific analysis needed for the Service to make this decision.
The assessment evaluated current conditions and potential threats to all three plants. The analysis determined all three have mostly intact habitat, stable population size, and minimal disturbance by adjacent mining activity. The assessment also analyzed the future condition of these plants based on the potential impacts of two main threats: precious metal exploration and stone mining. The analysis concluded there would be minimal negative impacts to all three species if these activities occurred in and around the plants’ habitat. As a result, the assessment concluded the plants are not in danger of becoming extinct now or in the foreseeable future.
The three plant species have been candidates for listing since 2011 when it was thought that mining might negatively impact the plants. Since then, the Service has learned more about these species and their habitat and used that information to better assess potential threats.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen in the West, To learn more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch our YouTube channel at and download public domain photos from Flickr.
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