Rare Plant Program

How to Add, Change or Delete a Species in the CNPS Inventory

The 6th edition of the book version of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS Inventory) was published in September 2001. Since this date, a number of major changes to the taxon entries (scientific name changes, list changes, additions, deletions) have been identified. The Rare Plant Program continually receives requests for such changes. For example, botanists may request that a species be added to CNPS List 2 or that a List 1B species be downgraded to a List 4 species. For such changes, the Rare Plant Program researches, compiles and summarizes necessary supporting information and then sends that information to experts for review.

CNPS Review Process

In order to obtain a consensus opinion about major changes, we use a formal review process whereby we consult with the knowledgeable experts in the appropriate region of the state, primarily via e-mail, about a species under review. Experts are separated into seven regions: North West, Modoc, Sierra Nevada, Great Valley, Central West, South West, and East Side Deserts (following the similar regions in The Jepson Manual). The Rare Plant Program also holds “in person” meetings to discuss Inventory changes as needed.

If you wish to be added to the Plant Status Review group, please contact Nick Jensen at njensencnps.org or 916/324-3816.

CNPS Inventory Sponsorship Package

In order to expedite the review and processing of major changes (additions, deletions, or list changes), we ask that requesters formally request or “sponsor” proposed changes by using our new sponsorship package. This new procedure is more efficient because it specifies the type of data we need, organizes the information in a standard format, and makes it easier to identify data gaps. The sponsorship package requests supporting data and rationale for a proposed major change and consists of 4 documents, which can be downloaded using the links below:

• Instructions Memo (Word, 40k)
• Status Change Request (Word, 439k)
• New Addition / List Upgrade Data Form (Word, 136k)
• Glossary (Word, 57k)

We encourage those who would like to propose new major changes to the Inventory, as well as those who have previously requested changes, to try out the new sponsorship forms and submit them via e-mail or regular mail.

Rare Plant Program Contact

Nicholas Jensen, Rare Plant Botanist
2707 K Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 324-3816
Fax: (916) 324-0475
E-mail: njensencnps.org