Slender mouse-ear-cress (Canadian Forces Base Suffield and Pairie): critical habitat description

The Slender Mouse-ear-cress (Halimolobos virgata) is a biennial plant listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. In Canada, the Slender Mouse-ear-cress is found in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan on sandy to loamy soils ranging in moisture from dry to vernally moist, in short to mixed-grass prairie on terrain that is flat to very gently undulating. It is often found in low depressions or at the base of slopes and sand dune edges in areas that have been lightly disturbed by grazing.

The Recovery Strategy for the Slender Mouse-ear-cress (Halimolobos virgata) in Canada identifies critical habitat for the species in a number of areas, including federally protected areas.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, subsection 58(1) of that Act applies, 90 days after publication of this notice, to the critical habitat of the Slender Mouse-ear-cress, as identified in the recovery strategy for that species that is included in the Species at Risk Public Registry, within the following federally protected areas: Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area and Prairie National Wildlife Area (unit number 20), the boundaries of which are described in Schedule I of the Wildlife Area Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Wildlife Act.

Interested parties are invited to contact Environment Canada to request clarification regarding the location, biophysical attributes and protection of this species’ critical habitat. However, some details may be withheld to protect the species and its critical habitat.

June 19, 2015

SARAH COSGROVE
Acting Director
Species at Risk Management
Canadian Wildlife Service