Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

In written testimony submitted by staff today at a field hearing in Merced, Cardoza said that the Service’s plan is flawed because the listing process has been rushed and the designation is not backed by credible scientific evidence. The proposal will have a detrimental economic impact on the Central Valley and produce minimal environmental benefit to the species.

"Even assuming confirmation of the scientific accuracy of the Service’s findings, I believe that it defies logic that the tiger salamander would be considered as threatened if it can be found on over 1.1 million acres," Cardoza said. "The facts simply do not warrant a listing in this situation, nor do they warrant consideration of this species as a national priority under the Service’s own guidelines."

The Service is considering a radius between 1.1-2.0 miles beyond the vernal pools, stock ponds, and seasonal pools in which the species is assumed to breed. Cardoza stressed that the Service must inform landowners about these areas that are potential critical habitat for the species. He also urged the Service to perform a peer-review on their data and consult with county governments and other agencies to obtain more accurate information about the species’ habitat.

Cardoza noted that the vernal pool conservation program in eastern Merced County has already protected over 22,000 acres of vernal pool habitat. An additional $15 million has been dedicated to purchase almost twice that amount in conservation easements. The Service should consider these conservation programs as justification that the species is not threatened.

In addition, Cardoza cited the Service’s exemption for routine ranching activities as too narrow because it prohibits ranchers from more intensive farming and basic ranching activities, such as raising a barn or other structures.

"I recommend that the Service not list the California Tiger Salamander as threatened," Cardoza said. "In the event that the Service intends to proceed, however, it is essential that the issues I’ve raised be addressed."