Mount Pinos Sooty Grouse and Veiny Monardella Advance to 'Candidate' Status Under California Endangered Species Act
Published Friday, October 16, 2026
The California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 13 to designate the Mount Pinos sooty grouse and veiny monardella as candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act, or CESA. Both species will receive full CESA protections while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts a 12-month review to determine whether listing them as threatened or endangered is warranted.
Mount Pinos sooty grouse: This subspecies of sooty grouse is found in mountainous conifer forests across portions of Fresno, Tulare, Inyo, Kern and Ventura counties. Its habitat generally includes mature pine-fir forests at elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. The petition identifies habitat degradation associated with timber harvesting, fire suppression and livestock grazing practices as primary threats to the species. Farmers and ranchers operating within potential habitat areas are encouraged to contact their local CDFW regional office for guidance on applicable protections and agricultural activities.
Veiny monardella: This rare annual plant in the mint family occurs in grasslands and oak woodlands with clay-rich soils in Butte, Sutter, Tuolumne and Yuba counties. Only two existing populations are currently known, both on private property. Landowners who encounter the plant should avoid disturbing it, document their observations and contact their local CDFW regional office to determine whether precautions or authorizations may be necessary for nearby agricultural activities. Candidate status provides both species with legal protections during the review period, potentially affecting agricultural and land management activities in areas where they occur.
Staff contact: Richard Filgas, rfilgas@cfbf.com.
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