The proposal excludes vernal pools in Orange and San Diego counties' developer-funded conservation areas, Hogan said. The tiny Riverside fairy shrimp was discovered in 1985 and listed as endangered in 1993. Its life span is only a few months. Attempts to reach Navy officials familiar with the species were unsuccessful. The proposal also includes 185 acres on two Marine Corps bases in San Diego County, which will probably fuel the controversy over the U.S. Navy's request for exemption from a proposed critical habitat for a threatened songbird.
Activists say the military has a poor track record with endangered species.
The fairy shrimp lawsuit is one of dozens of clashes between environmental groups and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Officials say the designations are time-consuming, costly efforts that provide little if any extra protection. You will not be charged to look for stories, only to retrieve one.