Foothill Yellow-legged Frog: Pierre Fidenci
Help protect Burrowing Owls
Last March, our chapter with other organizations submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list the Western Burrowing Owl as a threatened or endangered species under CESA. In October 2024, the commission provided the owls with a Candidate for listing status, providing the Western Burrowing Owl with the same legal protection given to an endangered or threatened species. This action opened a 12 month period for The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to conduct a status review prior to the commission’s final decision. As part of the status review process, CDFW wants to receive information about the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival; the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for species management.
Now, CDFW is seeking public input on a petition to list the western burrowing owl under the California Endangered Species Act. The owl, which inhabits grasslands and agricultural areas, faces threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, predation and recreation. CDFW will review data on the species’ ecology, threats, and management to produce a status report by October 2025, aiding the Fish and Wildlife Commission in its decision. Submit comments by email to wildlifemgt@wildlife.ca.gov by February 15, 2025. Please include “Western Burrowing Owl” in the subject line and express how important it is to save the Burrowing Owls of California from extinction.
Palo Alto residents: birds and nature need your help!
Palo Alto is making progress towards the adoption of ordinances to reduce light pollution, protect birds from flying into windows, protect waterways, and integrate more nature and less plastic in Palo Alto's landscape. Palo Alto residents have several opportunities to participate in shaping these important local environmental policies at upcoming public meetings this February:
Monday February 3: The City Council will discuss the proposed Dark Sky Ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution.
Thursday February 6: An in-person community meeting will focus on the development of a Creek Protection Ordinance to safeguard local waterways (Creek Protection Project Page). Please join us to help protect our waterways. Register here.
Monday February 24: The City Council will discuss the proposed Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance to help reduce risks to local and migratory bird populations.
Tuesday February 25: The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the City’s Tree and Landscaping Manual. Let’s ask that the manual promotes locally native plants and habitat and reduces the use of plastic in landscaping!
Please watch your inbox for our action alerts! And please contact Shani at Advocate@scvbirdalliance.com if you are able to participate (in person or on zoom) in any of the meetings listed above - we need to show the city that we care about birds and nature!
Help Protect the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes designating 760,071 acres in California as critical habitat for four distinct population segments of the foothill yellow-legged frog. The species is threatened by habitat degradation, climate change, and invasive species. Critical habitat includes streams and upland areas essential for survival and recovery, with half on federally managed lands. Efforts to balance conservation with wildfire risk reduction and water infrastructure operations are ongoing.
Please comment by March 17, 2025
