The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accusing the Trump administration of failing to protect the rare Clear Lake hitch.
According to the Press Democrat, environmentalists allege the agency missed a critical January deadline to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for the large minnow, which exists only in Clear Lake tributaries.
While the state listed the fish as threatened last year, advocates say federal intervention is urgent to curb water diversions that threaten spawning season. Local tribes, who consider the fish a vital cultural symbol, are joining the call for federal action to prevent the species from vanishing forever.
The lawsuit aims to force a final ruling and unlock essential funding for habitat restoration.
