NORTHERN NEVADA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
Rare Plant Committee Meeting
NEVADA RARE PLANT WORKSHOP
6 April 2000, Reno

2000 MEETING NOTES
http://heritage.nv.gov/notes00.htm

The following notes were compiled by Kris Kuyper, Jim Holland, Gina Glenne, and Jim Morefield during the 2000 Nevada Rare Plant Workshop. Please notify Jim Morefield (775/684-2902, jdmore [at] heritage [dot] nv [dot] gov, 901 S Stewart Street, suite 5002, Carson City, NV 89701-5245) of any needed additions or corrections. Any changes to the original version are in the same color as this sentence. 

The 2000 Nevada Rare Plant Workshop convened in Reno on Thursday, 6 April 2000, just after 9:00 am, at the USDA Farm Service Agency across from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The meeting was co-sponsored by the Northern Nevada Native Plant Society (NNNPS) and the Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NVNHP), and was chaired by Jim Morefield. Jim thanked all for their attendance, Kris Kuyper and Jim Holland for again volunteering to keep meeting notes and for their excellent notes last year, Glenn Clemmer and Nevada Natural Heritage Program staff for their assistance with logistics and refreshments, and the USDA Farm Service Agency for allowing us to use their conference room for the day.

There was a discussion of the frequency of the meetings. This year's attendance was split about evenly between northern and southern Nevada, so it was agreed to alternate between Reno and Las Vegas each year. Next year's meeting will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday April 3^rd, and BLM and Forest Service representatives offered to host. An airport meeting room will be secured again if possible.

After setting the lunch schedule for the meeting, introductions proceeded around the room. In attendance during all or part of the day were 34 participants: John Anderson, Anne Halford, Dean Kinerson, Gayle Marrs-Smith, Randy McNatt, and Gary Schoolcraft (Bureau of Land Management); Gerrit Buma, Alexia Cochrane, Deb Couche, Teresa Prendusi, Stacy Scott, Dave Weixelman, and Karen Zamudio (U.S. Forest Service); Glenn Clemmer and Eric Miskow (Nevada Natural Heritage Program); Glenn Clifton (Eco Systems West); Gina Glenne and Debi Johnson (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service); Steve Glimp, Jim Holland, Joe Sirotnak, and Dana York (National Park Service); Kris Kuyper (EMA); Dawn Leaper (Dames & Moore); Patrick Leary (Community College of Southern Nevada); Jan Nachlinger (The Nature Conservancy); Wes Niles (University of Nevada, Las Vegas); Ann Pinzl (Nevada State Museum); Frank Smith (Western Ecological Services); Arnold Tiehm (Northern Nevada Native Plant Society); Holly Williams (Southern Nevada Water Authority); and Pete Anderson and Dan Greytak (Nevada Division of Forestry).

Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Office: Randy McNatt handed out the most recent BLM sensitive species list (updated spring 1998), which includes 98 plants. The list will be updated later this year hopefully in coordination with other state and federal agencies. This group will make recommendations during this meeting. BLM Special status species regulations: State directors may designate sensitive species when they are determined to have the potential to become threatened or endangered species; such species must be managed like any other candidate for federal listing, BLM must conserve species and habitat, and must not authorize actions that would contribute to a need to list.

Nevada Natural Heritage Program: Glenn Clemmer discussed the 2000 Scorecard meeting completed two weeks ago. Sites throughout Nevada are ranked on rarity, vulnerability, management needs, and declining populations. "Management needs" allows consideration of what can practically can be done, and setting of realistic priorities. The Precious Heritage book recently produced by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Heritage programs ($47 from Oxford University Press) featured Nevada well. The 2000 Scorecard booklet should be out in May or June. Illustrations are solicited for the published version. The draft scorecard is still available on the NNHP website, and the 86 highest-priority sites in the draft will be reduced to 67 in the final version, as a result of the scorecard meeting. The Scorecard is limited to highest priority sites. Heritage is hiring an ecologist to begin tracking communities. There is a potential for contract money from DOD to do database work.

Northern Nevada Native Plant Society: Jerry Tiehm discussed the Small grants program - 5 applications were received, and 2 grants of $500 each were awarded to Gina Glenne (Penstemon bicolor) and Jason Alexander (Astragalus). Jerry anticipates information on these projects in the next NNNPS newsletter. If you have items for the NNNPS newsletter send to Jerry as email text or hard copy. Jim Morefield announced the next NNNPS meeting with Sue Donaldson as the speaker on noxious weeds. There was a discussion of whether to update the Nevada Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Plant booklet in printed or electronic form. A printed form allows a snapshot in time which is valuable to monitor trends. Line drawings are hard to put on web because of copyright issues. Line drawings probably exist for 80-90% of Nevada rare plants, with a lower percentage of photos. The desire was expressed to include habitat information in future versions. There was also a desire for both printed and electronic (on web) versions.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: Dave Weixelman and Karen Zamudio are developing a recommended list of sensitive species for the Humboldt-Toiyabe NF. The list has grown from 60 species to 156 during the last update in January 2000. The list is going to the Regional Forester for signature. They have also added a ‘Watch’ category for lower levels of threat. HTNF has purchased a license to access the NNHP database in GIS format. They are working on an electronic update of the sensitive species manuals for the Forest, which can be queried for habitat and location information. Line drawings and photographs can be added; this will keep accurate and up-to-date information available to Forest personnel. They are looking for habitat information on species that are new to the list. Also they are working on modeling habitat using geology, soils, and other electronic data, and are looking for recommendations for which species would fit into such models for the purposes of identifying potential habitat.

Plumas National Forest: Stacy Scott discussed the Sierra Nevada Framework Focal Vascular Plants List which is under development.

U.S. Forest Service, Spring Mountains: Deb Couche discussed the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) work in southern Nevada and work on developing printed material for field staff.

Death Valley National Park: Dana York is the new park botanist, and is creating a database of the full flora of the park, with access to records. There is an issue with many misidentifications in the park herbarium in the past. There are 90 special status species in the park. They are working on a field guide of these species, with color illustrations from photographs and oil paintings, and range maps. The guide will be available first for field staff, and probably eventually for the public. The corresponding database will be available online on the park website.

Great Basin National Park: Joe Sirotnak anticipates funding over the next 3-4 years to inventory vascular plants. Park Service wide databases are already set up for sensitive species and are being expanded to include complete flora and fauna data.

Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office: John Anderson discussed a large land exchange south of Kingman which enabled better protection for Penstemon albomarginatus, a special status species that occurs in both Arizona and Nevada. A Southwest rare plant conference will be held in September in Flagstaff. Three-ring rare plant book is being developed for Arizona. The 11^th wildland shrub symposium is happening June 13^th in Provo.

The Nature Conservancy of Nevada (TNC): Jan Nachlinger discussed Ecoregional Planning. TNC is close to pulling together lists of priorities for the Mojave and Great Basin ecoregions. Ecoregions are based on ecological boundaries rather than political, permitting range-wide analysis of conservation targets rather than state-wide. Since Nevada is almost all public lands, her work has involved interacting a lot with federal land management agencies. Participation has been great from agencies. Priorities will direct TNC actions (easements, water rights issues on private land). The Mojave draft is expected in the next month, and the Great Basin plan in a few months. Large scale riparian areas such as the Truckee River and Oasis Valley are targeted in the Great Basin plan, and the Muddy River is targeted in the Mojave plan.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Gina Glenne discussed the withdrawal of the proposal to list the Sodaville milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var. sesquimetralis); the recent designation of Tahoe yellow cress (Rorippa subumbellata) as a candidate for listing; and monitoring activities for Blue Diamond cholla (Opuntia whipplei var. multigeniculata). USFWS is considering publishing a proposed rule for listing Tahoe yellowcress. Blue Diamond cholla remains a candidate for listing, and they are close to signing a conservation agreement between USFWS, BLM, NDF, and James Hardie Gypsum. Taxonomic work on Blue Diamond cholla is progressing. Eriogonum argophyllum was dropped as a candidate to protect the species. Other projects include: assisting with high elevation monitoring in the Spring Mountains (Angelica scabrida, Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus, Botrychium, and spring restoration assistance), work on the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan for Clark County. For Williams combleaf (Polyctenium williamsiae), there are conservation agreements and actions on the ground, but follow-up is necessary. Work continues with BLM and Nellis on the MOU for Las Vegas bear poppy (Arctomecon californica) and the Steamboat buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae). Studies on steamboat buckwheat have shown that there is no soils correlation, that there were no specific pollinators, and that the taxon may be of hybrid origin, with cytoplasmic genes from one parent and nuclear genes from another. The buckwheat is gynodioecious, with self-compatible flowers that require pollinator visits. Species within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge may be delisted once a noxious weed management plan is developed. Research on Penstemon bicolor is continuing. She is looking for experts on plants to speak at the Southwest conference; USFWS will coordinate a response for Nevada.

Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Field Office: Gayle Marrs-Smith discussed work on finalizing the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. A web page will be created for the HCP with habitat information. They are taking an ecosystem approach to riparian and upland restoration, working on Tamarix removal in riparian areas. They are working closely with UNLV on plant surveys that cross administrative boundaries on USFWS, NPS, and USFS lands, and with Lloyd Stark on continued moss surveys. Lloyd Stark recently did survey in the Lake Mead and Newberry Mountains areas, and found two new species of interesting bryophytes (either undescribed or new state records). He will survey the Spring Mountains and have report at the end of this year.

Community College of Southern Nevada: Pat Leary and Jim Holland were contacted last year by Jim Morefield to check on Draba brachystylis in the Spring Mountains. They researched the known distribution in Clokey's flora, and were able to find the known populations plus one new site. It is a rare and localized plant, called Wasatch draba for the main part of its range. They also looked for Draba paucifructa since it is a rare and endemic ‘Watch’ species. New populations of Penstemon fruticiformis ssp. amargosae were located on the west side of the Spring Mountains, locally common in a limited area. Jim Holland discussed spring 1999 surveys that focused on Astragalus mohavensis var. hemigyrus, found previously only in the Indian Ridge area and from a site 20 miles north in the Pintwater Range located by Buddy Smith. The new work extended the range 50 miles south along the west slope of the Spring Mountains. Surveys also included var. mohavensis, and included about 70 collections. Distinction between varieties is based primarily on flower size and pod curvature; they also noted a more perennial habit for var. hemigyrus, with the previous year's fruits persisting beneath the plant but not beneath var. mohavensis. There are some intermediates between the varieties, but the extremes are very different, and they consider the varieties valid. The plants are found at the base of limestone ledges and do not appear threatened. Recent surveys also extended the range of Eriogonum corymbosum var. glutinosum in the Las Vegas Valley area.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Steve Glimp is working on mapping all sensitive species in the NRA to develop a better monitoring program.

Bureau of Land Management, Eagle Lake and Surprise Field Offices (California-Nevada): Gary Schoolcraft discussed developing a GIS database of rare plant data, updating their special status species booklet, putting their rare plant slides on CD-ROM, cleaning up their herbarium database. Gary will be retiring in 4 months.

Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Field Office (California-Nevada): Anne Halford discussed propagation of Astragalus lentiginosus var. piscinensis which required ecophysiology study and scarifying 500 seeds, work on restoring rare plant habitat that has been impacted by tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium); development of a species management guide for Phacelia monoensis, inventory of Bodie Hills rare plants spurred by pending gold mining activity, development of a rare plant seed bank in cooperation with Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, and the scanning of about 3200 plant data cards prepared by Mary DeDecker.

Nevada Division of Forestry: Pete Anderson discussed draft regulations regarding how the permit process works for state-protected flora, clarifying the purpose and intent of the law, will go out for public comment when finished in perhaps a month. The state law applies to state, federal, and private land. An informational brochure is being developed for Steamboat buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae) with section-6 money as an educational tool for landowners and the public. Last year's fire season burned over 2 million acres, green-stripping is being proposed to protect native plant communities from wildland fires.

U.S. Forest Service, Intermountain Region: Teresa Prendusi discussed progress on the Region 4 sensitive species list. The forests reviewed lists of special status species for the Region, received input in January. Currently there are 830 plants and animals on the region-wide proposed list, including originally 500+ plant species, 130 of which are proposed sensitive in Nevada, with another 24 proposed for a watch list. This is much expanded from previous lists. Final review of regional list hopefully will be complete by August; some recent staff turnover may delay things. Other big issues: forest plans will be amended during the next 4-5 years, with better direction and guides for rare plant species, grouping them into risk factors, developing a matrix. A forest roadless initiative will quantify and identify roadless areas. Increased emphasis is being placed on fire and noxious weed programs, and we need to look at the effects of these programs on rare plants. The northern forests have jointly issued a policy and moratorium on collection of medicinal plant species on forest lands, such as Ligusticum, Lomatium dissectum, etc. These policies are shared with Region 1, and a list of affected species is available from Teresa.

Astragalus beatleyae and Primula capillaris state de-listing recommendations: the 1999 workshop recommended removing these two species from the Nevada Critically Endangered list. The Nevada Division of Forestry is proposing regulations that will require consensus at two consecutive Rare Plant Workshops before adding or removing species from this list (except in emergency circumstances). Regarding state listing on federal lands, there were thoughts that the two levels support each other, and that there was value in having species listed on both levels. Astragalus beatleyae populations on Nevada Test Site are well protected, monitored regularly, and new ones have recently been discovered. Nellis AFB populations are also protected and will continue to be. Steve Anderson has discovered more Primula capillaris populations in the Ruby Mountains, in wilderness areas that are not grazed, and is not concerned that the plant is in any danger since the areas are fairly inaccessible to recreationists. Some populations are included in an RNA. The species occurs on soils that move when saturated. CONSENSUS: without objections, the group again recommends delisting Astragalus beatleyae and Primula capillaris.

Astragalus robbinsii var. occidentalis - now known from 37 occurrences in the Ruby Mountains, mostly on Forest Service lands, some in Wilderness. The variety is endemic to Nevada, but widespread in the Ruby Mountains. The habitat is high-elevation riparian and aspen groves. Currently protected by USFS sensitive status. Population sizes tend to be small. Steve Anderson probably has the best understanding of this taxon. CONSENSUS: without objection, because of incomplete knowledge of species, move from NNNPS Threatened to Watch status contingent on concurrence by Steve Anderson. NOTE ADDED after workshop: Jim Morefield discussed this with Steve Anderson, and he concurred with Watch status.

Draba sphaeroides - now endemic to Elko County, since Draba cusickii var. pedicellata was removed to a separate taxon. Little detailed information exists for this species. Jerry Tiehm will research its distribution at the New York Botanical Gardens. Known from the Jarbidge Mountains, Ruby Mountains, and East Humboldt Range at high elevations, Jan Nachlinger has seen it in riparian areas in the East Humboldt Range, and it may be a habitat generalist at high elevations. Some collections from the Snake Range are labeled D. sphaeroides, probably represent specimens of D. cusickii. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS Watch list.

Eriogonum holmgrenii - currently on the NNNPS Threatened list, protected in Great Basin National Park, grazing has been removed from 60% of the park. Its range is small, but it seems to be doing well where it is. Its populations are not far from existing trails and could be impacted by visitor use. The Park has not been able to close the Mount Washington Road to help protect the higher elevations. Amazon.com purchased the mining claim at Mount Washington. CONSENSUS: without objection, move from NNNPS Threatened to Watch status.

Frasera pahutensis - has been synonymized with Frasera albicaulis var. modocensis of northeastern California in the current North American checklist. Participants who knew the two taxa considered them quite different, and thought the synonymy "ridiculous." No one was aware of any published or unpublished support for such synonymy, which appears to be without merit. CONSENSUS: without objection, the group recognizes Frasera pahutensis as a valid taxon.

Lepidium montanum var. nevadense - Added to NNNPS watch list in 1999. Occurs near Denio in Pueblo Valley of Humboldt County and adjacent Oregon, in a narrow band of Sarcobatus alkali flat habitat stretching about 25 linear miles, on private and BLM lands. It is a glabrous perennial that flowers in August. BLM should add it to their sensitive list because a regional endemic, although there are no known threats to it. Noel Holmgren has been working on it for the Intermountain Flora project, and might have more information on distribution. Winter livestock use may be a threat, as may agricultural conversion, fire, and recreation. BLM needs documentation of threats, then species will be recommended for inclusion on sensitive species list. CONSENSUS: without objection, recommend that BLM add this taxon to its sensitive species list.

Lesquerella goodrichii - is a sensitive species in Utah, has been recommended for the Utah watch list. Occurs in the west desert of Utah at high elevations, no information on Nevada distribution or rarity, unknown if larger portion of range is in Utah or Nevada. Jerry Tiehm has probably collected the species in Nevada, and will review his notes. The species is a conservation target for TNC's Great Basin Ecoregional Plan. NO CHANGE: leave open for discussion at future workshops pending more information.

Mimulus ovatus - annual found mostly in the valleys along Sierra Front in western Nevada, perhaps mostly in the Steamboat Springs (where it blooms in mass) and lower Geiger Grade areas. Considered by monographer David Thompson to be a hybrid taxon between M. mephiticus and M. cusickii, but may be stable and independently reproducing. Has been reported also from the foothills of the Warner Mountains. Much habitat in private ownership and vulnerable to development, 6 distinct occurrences known so far. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to the NNNPS watch list.

Penstemon pudicus - Limited but locally common in rock crevices at upper elevations of Kawich Range, isolated and remote, no known active impacts or threats. Eden Creek Canyon population may be threatened by mining and recreational cabin development. NO CHANGE: leave on NNNPS Threatened list.

Phacelia inundata - Added to NNNPS watch list in 1999. Highly sensitive in Oregon and California. Gary Schoolcraft is going to recommend for BLM sensitive in California. Limited distribution in northwestern Nevada, hard to find, habitat playa margins. Typically found in August. Known from the Washoe Lake area. May not be on USFS lands, not on their regional list. Incompletely surveyed in Nevada, there is a lot of habitat. CONSENSUS: without objection, recommend addition to the BLM sensitive species list.

Pinus washoensis - recent studies have demonstrated fairly conclusively that Washoe pine is identical to the "North Plateau Race" of Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa, which occurs mainly in Washington, Montana, and southwestern Canada. The Nevada populations appear to be relict stands, but not part of a globally rare taxon. They occur at higher elevations than the more common Sierra Nevada race of P. ponderosa, as would be expected. David Charlet reserves judgement, however, and thinks there may still be a cone difference separating Washoe pine from ponderosa pine. Literature citations are on the NNHP web site. Washoe pine is currently on the BLM and USFS sensitive lists, its harvest is regulated by state law, but it has NNNPS delisted status. There are 6 known sites in Nevada. If it is Pinus ponderosa, it is very disjunct from other populations - could it be protected as a disjunct community? A few stands also occur in northeastern California, in the Warner Mountains, and in Oregon. On Mount Rose it grows with Jeffrey pine and white fir, and has variable cones. NO CHANGE pending further investigation by David Charlet.

Scutellaria holmgreniorum - Gary Schoolcraft reports 44 populations in NV at least 1/4 mile apart, with 30 California occurrences, no known threats except minor noxious weed problems. It has been synonymized with S. nana, but there is some disagreement with this, because of differences in habitat and in location of flowers in the inflorescence. It has been moved to List 4 by the California Native Plant Society. Assuming it is a distinct taxon, it there is still a lot of it with no significant threats. CONSENSUS: without objection, remove from NNNPS watch list. Heritage rank will be changed to G3Q S3.

Ash Meadows taxa - Centaurium namophilum, Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata, Grindelia fraxino-pratensis, and Ivesia kingii var. eremica are doing relatively well in Ash Meadows, and might be candidates for moving to NNNPS watch list and removing from state endangered list. Noxious weeds are still a problem, mainly Russian knapweed, Malta starthistle, and Tamarix. Jim Reveal said do not change status of C. namophilum because of taxonomic issues (misnamed in Death Valley). Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata is probably the least threatened by weeds of the four taxa. No weed treatment programs are yet in place, but an exotic species plan is under development. NO CHANGE until weed management plan is in place.

Astragalus lentiginosus var. kernensis - Known only from the Kern Plateau in the southern Sierra Nevada of California, where rare (S2) and of conservation concern, and the Charleston Peak area of the Spring Mountains. Probably one occurrence in the Spring Mountains, not seen since 29 July 1937, but it is likely protected. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to the NNNPS watch list.

Draba brachystylis - Wasatch draba, rare (S1) in the Wasatch Range of UT, otherwise known only from a disjunct area in the Spring Mountains, where the known populations plus one new site were recently located. It is a rare and localized plant in the Little Falls drainage and Peak Spring area. Suggest adding to NNNPS Watch List. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to the NNNPS watch list.

Eriogonum corymbosum var. glutinosum - rare, disjunct, and rapidly declining in southern Nevada, suggested as a candidate for recommendation to the State for listing as critically endangered. Species forms limited populations, apparently with generalist pollinators, in same habitat and often associated with Arctomecon californica. We are lacking knowledge of the species' range extent in Arizona and Utah. The disjunct Nevada populations could be genetically or taxonomically distinct, but regardless of taxonomy, they are rapidly disappearing. Within 10 years, 80% of the Las Vegas area populations may be lost from development. Eriogonum corymbosum var. glutinosum is being considered in the Clark County Multiple Species HCP. We need to know if this is a distinct variety from what occurs outside of Nevada. If we are facing this large a loss, it meets the definition of a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Would be protected on private lands if it is listed by the state, but may still be taken with a permit. State listing process: Natural Heritage Botanist takes information supporting listing or delisting to NDF, will not do that until NNNPS and this workshop concurs for two years in a row on a recommendation, unless there is an emergency situation. Must be common in Utah and Arizona because it is not tracked. Suggestion to find a developer to help fund a study of the taxon, would be a good candidate for a genetic study. Suggestion to get James Reveal to see if there is any morphological separation, if so then ask Stan Welsh if he thinks that there is a genetic difference. Because this is a spectacular fall-flowering shrub, its loss from southern Nevada would have an emotional impact. The question was raised whether a recommendation from this group would influence USFWS funding or priorities. Moving to NNNPS threatened status not yet warranted because we do not know extent of range outside Nevada - we might have only 5% of the total. This situation is similar to that of Eustoma exaltatum which we considered last year (that site is being fenced), in that we have traditionally not spent much time on state-specific rarity or endangerment issues, but if we are going to loose a species from Nevada, maybe we should not just focus on those plants that are globally rare. Preservation of Nevada flora is at issue: how do we protect the biodiversity of Nevada. The NDF law's intent was to protect native species within the state from extinction. Pat Leary and Jim Holland volunteered to do study on degree of differentiation from populations in Arizona and Utah. CONSENSUS: recommend for state listing as critically endangered only if southern Nevada populations are found distinct from the Utah and Arizona populations, or are found to represent a large portion of the species' range. Do not change to NNNPS threatened status.

Eriogonum phoeniceum - recently described from the type location in Utah, and from two sites in eastern Lincoln County on BLM and private lands, last seen in Nevada in 1987. Found in shallow soils with near-surface bedrock, and Jerry Tiehm thinks there is a lot of potential habitat, particularly near Deer Lodge in pinyon-juniper in the Highland Mountains. The two Nevada populations are separated by more than 20 miles. This is a high priority species to get survey funding from NNHP. The species flowers in June and July, and Jerry Tiehm and Jan Nachlinger will visit the sites this summer. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list, do not recommend BLM sensitive species status until more is known on occurrences.

Ivesia webberi - a recent status survey and report by Carol Witham found that Nevada had fewer populations than previously thought, perhaps 5-7, and that most are threatened by urban expansion and residential development in the Reno area. One of the largest Nevada populations is adjacent to Raleigh Heights residential development area in northern Reno. Not being found in California, where it is on highest-priority list with only 4 populations known. The species may be on a ranch previously owned by Webber in Sierra Valley, which will be checked later this year. Present in Long and Sierra Valley in California. Missing from a lot of potential habitat. Population near Raleigh Heights protected by USFS, and they will monitor populations they are aware of this year. Question raised whether number of individuals in a population matters more than number of populations. CONSENSUS: without objection, move to NNNPS threatened status, recommend listing under state law, do not yet recommend for USFWS candidate status.

Senecio pattersonensis - rare in high-altitude talus, scree, and gravel in the White, Sweetwater, and adjacent Sierra Nevada ranges in CA, reported in Nevada only from the Wassuk Range around Mount Grant. Threats probably minimal. Currently a List 4 in California. Wes Niles will check for Katherine Bell specimens in UNLV herbarium. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list contingent on confirmation that it occurs in Nevada.

Stipa shoshoneana - recently described, known in Nevada from only one site on Nellis AFB at the base of a cliff in the Belted Range, also found in Idaho, where common with no threats. Nevada population is disjunct and could be genetically distinct. Adding to the watch list might attract attention and interest for further surveys. We could also recommend for BLM sensitive status. NO CHANGE: no status recommendations.

Arenaria congesta var. charlestonensis - Known only from CA (where very rare), and the Spring Mountains, and possibly in the Sheep Range as well. Rarity in Nevada has not been assessed. Common in Red Rock area, Bridge Mountain location is remote and not threatened. Jan Nachlinger does not recall seeing it (so therefore not common?). Is also in Sheep Range where protected. Jerry will search UNR herbarium for records. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list.

Astragalus bisulcatus var. nevadensis - Palisade skunkweed, previously overlooked Nevada endemic, apparently fairly widespread in Eureka, Lander, and Nye counties, ranked G5T3 S3 based on range descriptions, but there is very little supporting information. Too common to put on watch list. NO CHANGE, no status recommended.

Astragalus jejunus - currently ranked G3, most common in WY, rare in ID, rarest in UT and NV with two known areas in Elko and White Pine counties. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list.

Astragalus lemmonii - Common in Sierra Valley, California, but threatened by agricultural use. Only one known Nevada site, east of highway 395 along Red Rock road on west edge of Silver Lake playa northwest of Reno, an area impacted by housing developments. May be a globally imperiled species. Recommended in California for CNPS list 1B, which means they consider it to be rare outside of California. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list.

Brickellia knappiana - not currently of conservation concern in Nevada, where known from a Vern Bostick collection in the McCullough Mountains in Clark County. CNPS dropped it from their lists. CONSENSUS: without objection, drop from NNNPS watch list.

Carex buxbaumii - of conservation concern in Idaho and Utah, but not in California, where known from Point Reyes area. In Nevada collected in the Snake Range and at Ruby Marsh. Should this be of conservation interest in Nevada? NO CHANGE.

Draba incrassata - Does this species get into the Nevada portion of the Sweetwater Mountains? Steve Rae in CA says so. No other participant could confirm or deny the report, and Glenn Clifton may be able to find Steve Rae and get more information. NO CHANGE: leave open pending confirmation in Nevada.

Eriogonum salicornioides - rare in extreme northern Humboldt Co., G3 and of concern in the rest of its range in Oregon and Idaho. Jerry Tiehm wonders if it even occurs in Nevada, as the occurrence is based on one questionable collection by Percy Train from northern Humboldt County. The species is a fall-flowering annual. NO CHANGE pending confirmation from Nevada.

Lomatium roseanum - Jerry Tiehm and Jan Nachlinger found it to be common on Sheldon National Antelope Range, about a million plants or more in 9 populations, with no threats. The species is similar to L. hendersonii. Currently on the NNNPS watch list. NO CHANGE.

Pediomelum castoreum - threatened in Utah, not really threatened in Arizona. In Nevada 11 occurrences separated by at least 1 km are reported. There is some uncertainty about the identity of the Nevada plants, and the difference between them and P. mephiticum. Jim Morefield will check the sources of Nevada's taxonomy. NO CHANGE.

Penstemon sudans - Reported from Nevada in various floras, and is on CNPS List 1B, giving it highest priority and conservation concern in California. Jerry Tiehm will check for it at the New York Botanical Garden and will talk with Noel Holmgren about it. NO CHANGE: leave open for next workshop, pending information on Nevada occurrence(s).

Plagiobothrys salsus - Rare in OR and CA, occurs on alkaline playas. Described from Twin Springs in northern Nye County, widespread in Nevada, but with patchy distribution, just here and there. Doesn’t come up every year. Buddy Smith will check at Utah State for collections. Premature to recommend for BLM sensitive species status until more known about its distribution. CONSENSUS: without objection, add to NNNPS watch list.

Polyctenium fremontii var. bisulcatum - recent surveys and collections indicate that the reports of this taxon in Nevada are based on misidentified specimens. Jerry Tiehm and Noel Holmgren have determined the specimens to be Polyctenium fremontii var. fremontii. Jerry only knows var. bisulcatum from the type locality in Oregon. CONSENSUS: without objection, moved from the NNNPS watch list to the absent list.

Sphaeromeria argentea - Rare and scattered in e.-c. Idaho, sw. Wyoming, nw. Colorado, sw. Montana, and two areas of Nevada in Elko and Nye counties. Currently ranked G3?, S2 in Montana, S1 in Nevada. Widespread in overall range although rare in Nevada. Habitat is low-elevation P-J, in shallow soils over flat volcanic bedrock, similar to Astragalus beatleyae habitat. Idaho added it to the special status species lists for BLM and USFS. Looks like Artemisia arbuscula when not in flower. Jerry Tiehm has not seen it (therefore uncommon?) Teresa will send info to Jim on status in Idaho. NO CHANGE, not recommended for NNNPS watch status, but leave as open agenda item.