A six-month extension has been granted for the preparation of a recovery strategy for the crowded wormseed mustard, a herb that was designated a provincial endangered species in 2007.

"There are no immediate threats to this species over the next six months and it should not be put at further risk because of this delay," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. "The recovery team has not been able to finalize the report within the specified time frame because of unforeseen circumstances, and it is important that due diligence be done for this unique and extremely rare part of our native biological diversity."

The recovery team was struck in February 2008. Pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, the team had approximately nine months to complete the recovery plan. As this timeframe could not be realized, a six-month extension has been given by the minister. Such an extension may be permitted for up to six months, if the recovery plan for an endangered species is not completed within the timeframe specified. The act also states that the minister must notify the public of the reason for the delay.

The crowded wormseed mustard is a herb of the mustard family which can grow up to 75 centimetres in height, and is generally found on cliffs and gravels. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the last estimate from the mid 1990s was about 100 mature plants. The species, as a whole, is also believed to have medicinal properties.

For more information on the Endangered Species Act or the protection and recovery of endangered species, please visit www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/default.htm or call 709-637-2026.

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