California Department of Fish and Wildlife Proposes to List Foothill Yellow-legged Frog as a Threatened Species

Press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Foothill Yellow -legged frog

Foothill Yellow-legged frog [Photo provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife]

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking information relevant to a proposal to list the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog as a threatened species.The Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boylii) inhabits lower elevation creeks, streams and rivers throughout the Klamath, Coast, Sierra Nevada and formerly the Transverse ranges of California. They can be found in a variety of habitat types such as chaparral, oak woodland, mixed coniferous forest, riparian sycamore and cottonwood forest, as well as wet meadows.

In December 2016, the Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to formally list the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. The listing petition described a variety of threats to the survival of Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs in California. These include direct and indirect impacts associated with dams, water diversions and development, invasive species, disease, climate change and other activities such as marijuana cultivation, timber harvest, mining, recreation, road building and urbanization. The Commission followed CDFW’s recommendation and voted to advance the species to candidacy on June 21, 2017. The Commission published findings of this decision on July 7, 2017, triggering a 12-month period during which CDFW will conduct a status review to inform the Commission’s decision on whether to list the species.

As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information from the public regarding the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog’s ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to reproduction or survival, adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species. Comments, data and other information can be submitted in writing to:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Attn: Laura Patterson
1812 Ninth St.
Sacramento, CA 95811

Comments may also be submitted by email to [email protected]. If submitting comments by email, please include “Foothill Yellow-legged Frog” in the subject heading.

All comments received by Aug. 31, 2017 will be evaluated prior to submission of the CDFW report to the Commission. Receipt of the report will be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting of the Commission after delivery and the report will be made available to the public at that time. Following the receipt of the CDFW report, the Commission will allow a 30-day public comment period prior to taking any action on CDFW’s recommendation.

The Center for Biological Diversity’s listing petition and CDFW’s petition evaluation for the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog are available at www.fgc.ca.gov/CESA/index.aspx#fylf.

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

27 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Honeydew Bridge C.H.U.M.P.
Guest
Honeydew Bridge C.H.U.M.P.
6 years ago

Well, well, well…

This should be able to shut down marijuana production facilities, “legal” or not.

Remember that owl you weed tokers were worshipping?

Remember that kewl hippie lingo about Karma?

Let’s see how many of you lettuce heads will do the right thing!

I’m betting not a single weed grower will care, possibly even try to use them as fertilizer in their dope crops.

Shut it down to save the frog, shut it all down.

Hermit of Livry
Guest
Hermit of Livry
6 years ago

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon(pagan religions), and out of the mouth of the beast(Catholic church -fish head dress), and out of the mouth of the false prophet(fallen Protestant churches that are part of Babylon).

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Sharpen your pencil
Guest
Sharpen your pencil
6 years ago

Wow, you really need to seek help, for whatever you are self medicating with is definitely not doing the job! SEEK HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful Country
Guest
Beautiful Country
6 years ago

Lettuce heads don’t care about any stupid frogs! Take take take all the water to blow up huge scenes with more and more greenies to push out more more more product to stunt the minds of all young Americans. That’s how you win! Bling Blang and Stacks of Bennies!! They need to make as much cash as possible before it all crashes. Only then can they go to the next cool place with the next profit scheme and keep rolling through this beautiful planet- making money by reducing functioning natural habitats to fractured deserts of extinction. Then maybe they can buy a ticket on the spaceship to the Mars colony because our planet won’t be livable anymore. But they are doing it for their children! And because they care about organic kale at the Arcata Co-Op. And yoga. And being spiritually hip! I’ve never seen such a collection of destructive, selfish, greedy POS posers in one place in my life. If only the feds would come in and clean out these parasites…I would laugh so hard as they ran!!

Kermit Says Wake Up
Guest
Kermit Says Wake Up
6 years ago

Frogs are used as an indicator species. They are a window to the condition of our environmental changes and our planet’s overall health. They are telling us that we are at risk! How about the downturn in the honeybee population worldwide. Kind of like the canaries were used in the mines to detect air contamination. You might not care about the amphibians, but I’m sure you care about your own health and survival.

“With all your money, not another minute can you buy”.

Blowing it up
Guest
Blowing it up
6 years ago

Honey bees however are not native to the Americas

Thinking allowed
Guest
Thinking allowed
6 years ago

Although much, much less common than the pacific- now chorus frog I guess- frog, aren’t yellow legged frogs found all over? Is the Foothill yellow legged different than the mountain yellow legged?

Joe Mota
Guest
Joe Mota
6 years ago

The foothill and mountain varieties are different enough that herpetologists (the scientists who study frogs and reptiles) consider them to be separate species.

country bumpkin
Guest
country bumpkin
6 years ago

This is a funny Letter that went viral when Oregon fish and game requested access to one couples land to do a frog survey. I think It’s priceless and a great example of how truly ridiculous the bureaucratic state has become.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding accessing our property to survey for the yellow-legged frog. We may be able to help you out with this matter.

We have divided our 2.26 acres into 75 equal survey units with a draw tag for each unit. Application fees are only $8.00 per unit after you purchase the “Frog Survey License” ($120.00 resident / $180.00 Non-Resident). You will also need to obtain a “Frog Habitat” parking permit ($10.00 per vehicle). You will also need an “Invasive Species” stamp ($15.00 for the first vehicle and $5.00 for each add’l vehicle) You will also want to register at the Check Station to have your vehicle inspected for non-native plant life prior to entering our property. There is also a Day Use fee, $5.00 per vehicle.

If you are successful in the Draw you will be notified two weeks in advance so you can make necessary plans and purchase your “Creek Habitat” stamp. ($18.00 Resident / $140.00 Non-Resident). Survey units open between 8am and 3pm but you cannot commence survey until 9am and must cease all survey activity by 1pm.

Survey Gear can only include a net with a 2″ diameter made of 100% organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18″ handle, non-weighted and no deeper than 6′ from net frame to bottom of net. Handles can only be made of BPA-free plastics or wooden handles. After 1pm you can use a net with a 3″ diameter if you purchase the “Frog Net Endorsement” ($75.00 Resident / $250 Non-Resident). Any frogs captured that are released will need to be released with an approved release device back into the environment unharmed.

As of June 1, we are offering draw tags for our “Premium Survey” units and application is again only $8.00 per application. However, all fees can be waives if you can verify “Native Indian Tribal rights and status.

You will also need to provide evidence of successful completion of “Frog Surveys and You” comprehensive course on frog identification, safe handling practices, and self-defense strategies for frog attacks. This course is offered online through an accredited program for a nominal fee of $750.00.

Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you. Otherwise, we decline access to our property but appreciate your inquiry.

Jungle Girl
Guest
Jungle Girl
6 years ago

😭

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
6 years ago

LOVE it!!!!!!

BigDinyourface
Guest
BigDinyourface
6 years ago

This will not be the only frog or species that will make way for progress!

Anon Forrest
Guest
Anon Forrest
6 years ago

Many years ago, I started deepening and enlarging a natural swale in an “open” meadow. From the first rains on, I started hearing frogs announcing the first puddle. (And the resident mosquito population came under control, too.)
Today, an occasional egret pops in to have a frog-snack, and I’ve seen osprey hovering above it. It is a real joy to have my puddle. Treat yourself to a little shovel work, and you can have one, too.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Anon Forrest

O man you better hope it wasn’t a wetland you disturbed BIG fine, and you are gona need a permit too, maybe an engineer or two. But don’t worry just pay off the county and you will be fine.

FISHCOP
Guest
FISHCOP
6 years ago
Reply to  Anon Forrest

whats your location? this should be inspected by BLM DFW Humboldt planning and building department and environmental Nazis from the SACTOWN waterboard. was this work engineered? if so by whom? was this work permitted if so what is your permit number?
where are you now and whats the location?
treat yourself to some big fines and possible jail time for the environmental damage you caused! a natural swale you desecrated? location please? permit number?

BonnieBlueSky
Guest
BonnieBlueSky
6 years ago
Reply to  Anon Forrest

Puddle or pond, frogs and water birds are glorious to hear and see. Nature is awesome, and we are blessed to live in these surroundings.

Thinking allowed
Guest
Thinking allowed
6 years ago

The yellow legged is unlikely to be in a meadow puddle. I see them around the local stream heading down a rocky ravine. I have seen a red legged in my house pond I think but never a yellow legged.

Stop HSU
Guest
Stop HSU
6 years ago

Another Fish and Wildlife power move to turn your entire private property into a sensitive protected wetland. Using frogs as leverage for stream re-classification. They want all water to fall under their jurisdictional rule and they’re Doing it right under your noses. Where are all the civil liberty hippies on these issues?? Defund HSU – Defund F&W. This is out of control.

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
6 years ago
Reply to  Stop HSU

Defund ignorant Rednecks blathering on about things they don’t have clue about, They are what’s out of control!!!! Particularly the biggest Redneck A$$hole troll w/ some kind of Orange Animal pelt affixed to the top of his pointed head, that is what needs to defunded or better still Impeached for willful stupidity, not to mention inability to distinguish between Truth & Lies!!!!

Beautiful Country
Guest
Beautiful Country
6 years ago

I think that any marijuana grow getting permits should need to have a registered professional survey their land for existence of this endangered frog and sign off for the permit to be legal. This is what logging companies have to do for every THP and it should be applied equally to any and all marijuana grows. If a marijuana grow permit is being sought out for a location necessary for the endangered species to survive then that area will be denied the permit. And huge fines will be levied against the landowner if marijuana is grown there. There should be a serious effort made by government to track and hold financially responsible the partners in any LLCs that are involved. Perhaps new laws need to be passed in regards to these scam LLCs that are obviously set up to avoid legal responsibility. Step Into The Light suckers!!

Honeydew Bridge C.H.U.M.P.
Guest
Honeydew Bridge C.H.U.M.P.
6 years ago

Yes…

Their time approaches, it’s going to be so awesome to pick up the pieces.

Every day is one day closer to them leaving, every day.

Liz
Guest
Liz
6 years ago

wikipedia.org/wiki/Foothill_yellow-legged_frog

The foothill yellow-legged frog has a gray, brown, or reddish dorsum, or the back of the frog. It is commonly spotted or mottled, but occasionally is plainly colored. Adults have yellow coloration under their legs, which may extend to their abdomens, but this characteristic is faint or absent in young frogs.

A triangular, buff-colored patch occurs on the snout, and, unlike other frogs in the genus, there is no eye stripe. The throat and chest are often boldly mottled; and the species has indistinct dorsolateral skin folds and granular skin. Males of this species develop nuptial pads on their thumb bases during the breeding season. These frogs can be identified by their rough skin, horizontal pupils, fully webbed hind feet, and their habit of jumping into moving water.[4]

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
6 years ago

Dear Peter Galvin, Center of Biological Diversity (CBD),

Could never figure out why CBD did not want to make comments or arguments against the Southern Humboldt Community Park (SHCP) development project (EIR), on the South Fork Eel River; other than they are friends of yours. But it does seem CBD could have made a valid argument, given the fact; Foothill Yellow-legged frog is observed and documented in the South Fork Eel and in the SHCP project area. How would diverting 2 to 3 million gallons of water per month during the summer for sports fields effect the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog habitat in the South Fork Eel?

And it was CBD that filed a petition with CDFW around the same time the SHCP project EIR was taking public and agency comments:

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/CESA/Foothill_Yellow-Legged_Frog/FYLFpetition.pdf

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/CESA/Foothill_Yellow-Legged_Frog/fylffindingscandidacy.pdf

Here’s what it states in the SHCP EIR, the same one I sent you back in April 2016:

“Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii). The Foothill yellow-legged frog is found in coastal and foothill habitats throughout northern California. Its preferred habitat is along perennial streams and rivers, especially where riffles are present. The yellow-legged frog escapes into the water and hides among vegetation or in the bottom when disturbed. It is less likely to use the riparian forests and other adjacent habitats than other frogs. Breeding takes place later in the spring, when high water flows have subsided. Eggs are laid in a masses attached to rocks in shallow, flowing water. Larvae transform into frogs during the summer. This species is considered a SSC by the CDFW. Yellow-legged frogs most likely occur along the South Fork Eel River in the site vicinity, but the absence of perennial flows in the seasonal creeks precludes their occurrence on the site. A single frog was observed along the South Fork Eel River during the field surveys conducted as part of the SSWSR (see Figure 4.4-2)”

EIR page 4-4-9 http://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/54894

And by the way; how is in-stream gravel extraction effecting the Foothill Yellow-legged frog; like on the 86 acres of river bar owned by the SHCP along the South Fork Eel and leased to Randall Sand & Gravel?

Frogs Rule
Guest
Frogs Rule
6 years ago

About time this species got some protection. Now, how about stopping the people who drive through the riverbed and destroy egg masses of this species?

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
6 years ago
Reply to  Frogs Rule

Randall does it on a regular basis with some of their tracked equipment almost every year, they cross in the river from the shale pit above the bridge and then cross the river just below the bridge to their main operation, all on the Community Park property. I’m sure they would justify everything they do, i.e. sacrifice the few to save the many fallacy.

I wonder what Reggae will do, with all those people distubing the river for 4 days, on top of Northern Nights the month before. They have allot down there too.

Beautiful Country
Guest
Beautiful Country
6 years ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Them perverts “love” the river. They will kill the heck out of it and every living thing there while they are having some “spiritual community” experience that they paid top dollar for. Parasites and idiots they are I tell ya. Cognitive dissonance. They can’t make a simple connection between their own actions and the destruction of resident species…although they will tell you that everything is connected and we are all one and here try some more molly. Selfish, stupid parasites who should not be let out of the cities.

gunther
Guest
gunther
6 years ago

“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 2074.2 of the
Fish and Game Code, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission), at its
June 21, 2017, meeting in Smith River, California, accepted for consideration the
petition submitted to list foothill yellow-legged frog as a threatened species. Pursuant to
subdivision (e)(2) of Section 2074.2 of the Fish and Game Code, the Commission
determined that the amount of information contained in the petition, when considered in
light of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (Department) written report, the comments
received, and the remainder of the administrative record, would lead a reasonable
person to conclude there is a substantial possibility the requested listing could occur.”

So, they want public comments? What could a regular citizen who goes to work every day and has never even heard of a foothill yellow-legged frog possibly say to prevent the listing? Outside of the people who come up with this garbage, no one is qualified to dispute their study and recommendations. But…..they have a required public comment period.