Portland, Ore. — On Thursday, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, urging the protection of the rare Ochoco lomatium under the Endangered Species Act. This unique flower, part of the carrot family, is found in only four locations in central Oregon.
Ochoco lomatium, pronounced low-MAY-shum, grows in rocky scablands near the North Fork of the Crooked River. Its habitat faces threats from cattle grazing, recreation, invasive plants, and wildfires, which harm the local ecosystem.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the plant’s largest population has significantly declined in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for federal protection.
“These beautiful flowers bring vibrant color to a harsh landscape each spring, but they’re in serious danger and need protection under the Endangered Species Act to survive,” said Drew Baloga, a legal fellow with the Center. “Ochoco lomatium’s resilience is being overwhelmed by land management practices that are pushing it toward extinction.”
Cattle grazing, which has spread invasive grasses across the plant’s habitat, has been a major contributor to its decline. Despite this, both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have continued to lease public lands for grazing under the Trump administration.
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