NEVADA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
Rare Plant Committee Meeting
2004 MEETING NOTES
http://heritage.nv.gov/notes04.htm
The following notes were compiled by Janet Bair, Elizabeth Bergstrom, Jim Holland, and Jim Morefield during the 2004 Nevada Rare Plant Workshop, and edited by Jim Morefield. Please notify the editor (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. Except for the proposed M-List additions near the end, each taxon entry begins by repeating the item from the Workshop agenda, followed by notes on the discussion that followed, and then any consensus that was reached on that taxon. Any changes to the original version are in the same color as this sentence.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The 2004 Nevada Rare Plant Workshop convened in Reno on Thursday, 1 April 2004, at 9:00 am, in main conference room of the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Office. The meeting was co-sponsored by the Nevada Native Plant Society (NNPS) and the Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP), and was chaired by the NNPS Rare Plant Chair, Jim Morefield. Jim summarized the various handouts available in participants' packets, ending with the list of participants, after which self-introductions and brief announcements proceeded around the room.
In attendance during all or part of the day were 36 participants: Dave Anderson (Bechtel Nevada); John Anderson, Mike Dolan, Claudia Funari, Christina Nelson, and Dean Tonenna (Bureau of Land Management); Joanne Baggs, Elizabeth Bergstrom, and Shana Gross (U.S. Forest Service); Janet Bair, Tara Forbis, and Jan Nachlinger (The Nature Conservancy); Dianne Bangle, Jim Holland, and Libby Powell (National Park Service); Lori Bellis (Nevada Department of Transportation); Molly Bernegger and Alison Stanton (BMP Ecosciences); Steve Caicco and Jody Fraser (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service); David Charlet and Pat Leary (Community College of Southern Nevada); Gail Durham, Margie Klein, and Susan Stead (Nevada Division of Forestry); John Heal (Foothill Associates, Rocklin, CA); Brian Knaus (Oregon State University, Corvallis); JoAnne Michael (Resource Concepts Inc., Carson City); Jim Morefield (NNPS and NNHP); Lynda Nelson (May Arboretum & Garden, Reno); Wes Niles (University of Nevada, Las Vegas); Jackee Picciani (MacTec Inc., Carson City); James L. Reveal (University of Maryland and New York Botanical Garden); Jim Shevock (University of California, Berkeley); Frank Smith (Western Ecological Services); Arnold Tiehm (Nevada Native Plant Society).
Jim Reveal announced that Ann Fry of Wake Forest University is trying to obtain hundreds of new Polygonaceae specimens for molecular studies, and is seeking collectors willing to participate. Jim is helping to coordinate the effort, and he circulated a signup sheet.
Jim Morefield thanked all for their attendance; Jim Reveal for the extensive information he provided for Polygonaceae taxa on this year's agenda; Janet Bair, Elizabeth Bergstrom, and Jim Holland for volunteering to keep meeting notes; Gail Durham for providing refreshments; Jody Fraser for arranging the facilities; and Gail Durham, Susan Stead, and Arnold Tiehm for providing airport transportation.
Wes Niles graciously volunteered to once again host next year's meeting in Las Vegas, and it was agreed that this would be on Tuesday April 5th, with the exact location to be announced.
Jim Morefield then provided a brief overview of the day's agenda. The Nevada Rare Plant Workshop is formally a meeting of the Nevada Native Plant Society's Rare Plant Committee. The main objectives are to arrive at a consensus on the appropriate NNPS status of plant taxa on the agenda, and on recommendations of appropriate status, if any, for other agencies to consider. The regulations (NAC 527) enacting Nevada's endangered plant laws (NRS 527) require the Nevada Natural Heritage Program to convene such a workshop at least annually to consider additions and deletions to the State's List of Fully Protected Native Flora, and the Program in turn takes advantage of the NNPS Rare Plant Committee's annual workshop for this purpose, so the group's recommendations on State listing of species carry particular weight. The proposed additions to the NNPS M-list were explained. These will be up for collective approval after lunch; please review beforehand, and be prepared to provide and comments or objections to any of the proposed taxa at that time. Many of the Old Business items will have little or no new information, and we should be able to move quickly through them, leaving them open for future Workshops. Like last year, program updates and announcements will be saved until immediately following the lunch break, to better streamline the agenda. As always, the agenda will be better streamlined by keeping comments as brief, to-the-point, and non-repetitive as possible.
Old business: open items from previous workshops (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Nevada State Listing Recommendations from the 2003 Workshop [emergency-list Eriogonum diatomaceum (Churchill Narrows buckwheat), list Eriogonum corymbosum (Las Vegas buckwheat), and de-list Astragalus mohavensis var. hemigyrus (halfring milkvetch - see comments from Dana York)] were submitted to the Nevada Division of Forestry in July 2003. Update on listing progress and/or actions? Update on taxonomic studies or description of Las Vegas buckwheat? Move Las Vegas buckwheat to the NNPS Threatened List? Move halfring milkvetch to the NNPS Watch List? General Discussion: Gail Durham provided a brief overview of the Nevada State List of Fully Protected Flora, of the Nevada Administrative Code requirements, and of the listing actions currently in process. By current policy, a recommendation to list or de-list a species by two consecutive Nevada Rare Plant Workshops will be forwarded by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program to the Nevada Division of Forestry for action. The list changes currently under consideration are being drafted by the Legislative Council Bureau, then will go through a process of public hearings and legislative review. Even after species are added (or removed) from the State list, such changes remain temporary regulations until made permanent through further agency and legislative processes. Ivesia webberi was most recently added to the list, and is about to have a 30-day notice of intent to become permanent. Specific Discussion and Consensus: see below under the above individual taxa.Astragalus lentiginosus var. stramineus (Straw milkvetch) - recommended for NNPS Watch List by 2002 Workshop, left open for Threatened list by the 2002-2003 Workshops pending surveys in the Mesquite area, where it may be impacted by development. Locally plentiful over a very restricted range in the lower Virgin River valley of Mohave Co., Arizona, and adjacent Clark Co., Nevada. Heritage ranks T2T3, S1S2, three Nevada occurrences documented by collections at UNLV. Jason Alexander (see his comments) considers the Nevada populations intermediate with the common var. fremontii, but still serving as an important conduit and component of the genetic diversity in var. stramineus. Any other new information? Add to NNPS Threatened List? Recommend for BLM Sensitive list? Is Nevada State listing yet appropriate? Discussion: by their nature, varieties do often intergrade, represent evolutionary novelties at the start of speciation. This variant could be a diverging part of a continuum. Differs morphologically from var. fremontii by larger flower and keel size. Molecular data are being gathered, preliminary chloroplast DNA results indicate differences. Recommend to leave open for future workshops pending further data. Consensus: status quo, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
Astragalus mohavensis var. hemigyrus (halfring milkvetch) - the 2003 Workshop's second recommendation to remove from the Nevada State List of Fully Protected Flora was forwarded to the Nevada Division of Forestry in July 2003. Public hearings and regulatory action are pending. Discussion: Has been found to be more common in Nevada. California's only population thought extirpated, but Dana York recently found another population at Talc Hills. BLM will add to sensitive species list, cannot be added until it is removed from the state endangered list. Recommendation that we do not remove from State list unless BLM commits to add to sensitive species list. BLM sensitive species list was recently revised, not sure when it will be revisited again, can be changed by a memo to the State Director. Seek a commitment from BLM that it will be added to the Sensitive Species List. BLM will investigate, could submit a letter to the Nevada Division of Forestry (with copy to NNPS) publicly stating such a commitment. This is the third year of this recommendation from this committee. Notice of hearing for de-listing will be sent to those in attendance at this meeting. Consensus: third consecutive recommendation for removal from the Nevada List of Fully Protected Native Flora, contingent on commitment by BLM to add to their Nevada Sensitive Species List.
Astragalus preussii var. laxiflorus (Lancaster milkvetch) - Left open by the 2002-2003 Workshops pending studies by Jason Alexander. Fewer than 20 known occurrences in Nevada and possibly globally (T2T3), perhaps fewer than 6 in Nevada (S1S2). Locally plentiful over a restricted range in the lower Muddy River and Virgin River valleys of Mohave Co., Arizona, and adjacent Clark Co., Nevada, mainly on disturbed gypsum substrates in Lake Mead NRA, with a small disjunct location near Lancaster, California. Welsh et al. (1993) report it to be common along the road south of Overton toward Lake Mead. Seven Nevada occurrences documented by specimens at UNLV. On CNPS List 1B, R-E-D- 3-3-2. The California population has recently been verified as extant on Edwards AFB, but Jason Alexander (see his comments) considers it likely to be genetically distinct from the Nevada population. Any other new information? Add to NNPS Watch List? Discussion: most of its range is in a small area of southern Nevada, within which it is locally abundant. Suggestions to either maintain as is or add to NNPS Watch List. Consensus: add to NNPS Watch List.Botrychium lineare (slender moonwort) - left open by the 2002-2003 Workshops, recommended for NNPS Watch List and Forest Service sensitive status pending confirmation of its presence in the Spring Mountains. As of January 2003, Dr. Donald Farrar's enzyme electrophoresis results indicated that plants of B. lineare in the Spring Mountains, if present at all, are atypical, different from other known populations of the species, probably tetraploid, and possibly F1 hybrids involving B. crenulatum. Botrychium lineare was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, found warranted for Threatened listing but precluded by higher priorities, and remains a Candidate for listing. Any new information? Is it yet appropriate to give B. lineare status or recommendations in Nevada? Discussion: identity of Spring Mountains plants still under investigation. Species has been added to USFS Region 4 Sensitive Species List, and there is definitely appropriate habitat across the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Spring Mountains plants are similar to forms from Alaska. Consensus: status quo, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
Botrychium sp. (Spring Mountains moonwort) - Left open by the 2003 Workshop, pending further study and formal description. As of January 2003, Dr. Donald Farrar was confident in reporting an undescribed species of moonwort based on his enzyme electrophoresis results. It is related to B. crenulatum and B. lunaria and so far is known only from the Spring Mountains. Any new information? Add to NNPS Watch List? Recommend addition to USFS sensitive species list? Discussion: see above under B. lineare. Consensus: status quo, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.Draba incrassata - Left open by 2000-2003 Workshops until Steve Rae's report of its presence on the Nevada side of the Sweetwater Mountains can be verified. Field surveys by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program and Jackee Picciani in July 2003 found no plants or potential habitat at the highest elevations in Nevada, but visually identified some low-probability habitat in a different area at somewhat lower elevation. A field visit to this area is planned for 2004. Any other new information? Leave open until 2005? Discussion: no additional information. Consensus: status quo, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
Eriogonum corymbosum (Las Vegas buckwheat) - the 2003 Workshop's second recommendation to add to the Nevada State List of Fully Protected Flora was forwarded to the Nevada Division of Forestry in July 2003. Public hearings and regulatory action are pending. Discussion: Common name should be Las Vegas wild buckwheat. Publication of new scientific name being prepared by Jim Reveal for submission, tentatively in July 2004, could still be changed or withdrawn based on genetics results. USFWS contracted for reports from Paul Wolf and James Reveal, Wolf's studies not yet finalized. Paragraph from Peter Wolf, read by Jody Fraser, did not specify which populations he was working with, but indicated that the Nevada populations grouped together based on discriminant analysis, showing separation from other populations. Characters break down as you move up the Colorado River into Arizona and Utah, where it merges with E. corymbosum var. glutinosum. That name will continue to apply to the Nevada plants unless and until they are given a new name. Plant is subject to extirpation in the Las Vegas Valley. BLM did a survey in White Basin, about 6,000 plants documented there, including occasional white flower-color forms. Listing this species in Las Vegas Valley will have major political repercussions. Encourage BLM to re-acquire lands in the White Basin, there is an application to acquire in Round 5 of the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, U.S. Borax is a willing seller, the threat to the species there is OHV use not mining, BLM only allows a permitted competitive event every three years in this area. Need to develop strong penalties for illegal off road activity (Southern California confiscates all equipment if used in closed area). Seeking confirmation from Paul Wolf for the designation of this variety, molecular character breakdown could require the publication to be recalled. Jim Reveal recommends we not list in the Las Vegas Valley because of political and economic concerns, work on species rather than varieties, focus on populations that can be managed by BLM, Nellis AFB, and other public agencies, similar to Arctomecon californica (listed but largely written off in the Las Vegas Valley). The State Fully Protected List has benefited Arctomecon californica in southern Nevada. Does this species occur on State or Federal lands in the Las Vegas Valley? Yes, on Nellis AFB and some areas at the head of Las Vegas Wash. State law does not allow selective list of populations, only entire taxa. Has there been a die off on federal lands? They look dead, long term drought may be an issue. BLM requires 100 percent salvage (Las Vegas Springs Preserve), plants are really not salvageable, need a better salvage protocol, root system can be extensive on perennial Eriogonum – salvage is difficult and unlikely. Nevada, Kane County and Mohave County is the entire range of the proposed variety. NNHP recommended adding to list as species, as it is the only variety of this species in the state. Questionably a good variety, may be better to try to save the other populations. Even by permit, it will disappear in the Las Vegas valley even if listed. - May give some regulatory leverage to list it. Distribution of var. glutinosum includes Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Listing will cause Clark County MSHCP to prepare a management plan, that in itself would be useful. There is support for maintaining the status quo to list as E. corymbosum. Jerry Tiehm recommends we change recommendation to list only if it is formally named as a distinct variety. Wes Niles and Pat Leary recommend it be listed and regulated in southern Nevada, it is striking and is rare in southern Nevada. Even if sampling reveals no genetic differences with other varieties, the known morphologic differences still suggest that genetic differences exist in the unsampled portions of the genome. Part of a suite of plants that occur on gypsum substrates, difficult to protect in southern Nevada, BLM needs to do a better job of this. Consensus: status quo, no agreement on suggested change to existing recommendation (to list unconditionally as Eriogonum corymbosum).
Eriogonum diatomaceum (Churchill Narrows buckwheat) - the 2003 Workshop's recommendation to add to the Nevada State List of Fully Protected Flora as an emergency listing was forwarded to the Nevada Division of Forestry in July 2003. Public hearings and regulatory action are pending. Discussion: The proposed emergency listing was a first for the Nevada Rare Plant Workshop. 50,000 tons are proposed for mining, appropriate for State emergency listing, would go through Governor. These concentrations of diatomaceous earth have many potential uses. Recommend today for permanent listing instead? BLM is aware of plant and potential mining impacts, Plan of Operations has been filed for an area immediately adjacent to a known population. BLM trying to determine whether or not materials at this site are unique – if not unique, will encourage mining company to go elsewhere. Otherwise will develop mitigation. General soil type is relatively common in Nevada. Species recently described by Jim Reveal, only a few populations, 15 small patches on about 85 acres in Lyon County managed by BLM, 38,000 known plants, 12 occurrences in Natural Heritage database, 4 occurrences if minimum 1-km separation is applied. BLM has proposed ACEC status with minerals withdrawal for this area in the Pine Nut Mountains plan amendment. Expected to be included on next USFWS Candidate Notice of Review for federal listing when published. State listing provides better level of protection than a federal listing. NDF concerned about issuing permits for taking on public lands. Consensus: second recommendation for addition to the Nevada List of Fully Protected Native Flora, recommend permanent listing.
Lathyrus grimesii and Trifolium leibergii - any new information on status or monitoring of population(s) infested by leafy spurge or other noxious weeds? Discussion: monitoring performed again last year. Recent landslides took out some monitoring plots for the Lathyrus. The remaining plots are doing well with no leafy spurge invasion. Control for leafy spurge continues in theMimulus ovatus - Steamboat monkeyflower. Considered by past Workshops for State listing recommendation,
and left open pending better definition of the taxonomy and range. Is an NNPS Threatened species.
The population at Steamboat Springs, known to mass-flower in some years, has not
been seen for the past three years. Incidental surveys in 2001 and 2003 have
documented the continued presence of a very small population just north of
Carson Hot Springs in Carson City, but another larger population south of there
has been extirpated by residential and freeway construction. Specimens annotated by Noel Holmgren in the RENO herbarium
range from northern Douglas County to the Red Rock area of Washoe County. Any further
information on the taxonomic status and possible hybrid origin of this taxon, or it's geographic range beyond the Steamboat Springs area? See 2002 comments from Noel Holmgren. Is a State listing recommendation yet appropriate? Discussion:
may be stabilized hybrid originating between Mimulus cusickii and M. nanus
var. mephiticus, but present
taxonomic status uncertain. Further field work and taxonomic study is needed. Consensus: status quo, no new information,
no changes recommended, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
Petalonyx thurberi ssp. gilmanii - Death Valley sandpaper plant. Left open at the 2001-2003 Workshops, pending verification of a Nevada report from southern Nye County, Nevada. Any new information? See comments
from Dana York. Add to NNPS watch list? Discussion: Possible occurrence
at Big Dune, Brian Knaus will check this year. Subspecies based on coarseness of
the hairs. Consensus: status quo, no changes recommended, leave
open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
Phacelia laxiflora (nodding scorpionflower, =P. perityloides var. laxiflora) - left open by the 2002 Workshop pending further information on its Nevada range. Known only from sheltered, sometimes moist carbonate rock crevices in the Virgin River gorge, Washington Co., Utah, Emory Falls in the Grand Canyon, Mohave Co., Arizona, and the Virgin Mountains, Clark Co., Nevada. Ranked G2G3, S1? in Nevada. Any new information? Add to NNPS Watch or Marginal List?
Discussion: Pat Leary plans to survey in May and June. Consensus: status quo, no new information, no changes
recommended, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Jim Reveal: side note on Ash Meadows, Dodecatheon pulchellum material in Ash Meadows is not variety pulchellum, may be D. spilantherum Eastwood (or as var. of D. pulchellum). Jim Morefield collected at the north end of Fish Lake Valley. Same form known from Sunnyside and Monitor Valley (Diana's Punchbowl), Railroad Valley, other locations. Someone needs to look at this. Found in wet saline areas, where it can be common.We proceeded into a Q&A session on buckwheat relatives with Jim Reveal. Jerry Tiehm noted that Pterostegia thurberi has been collected in Washoe County. Clarification of reasons for USFWS dropping Eriogonum argophyllum as a candidate for Federal listing: was on private land, worked with land owner to build a fence to protect the population, the generic justification "additional populations found or reduction in threats" was made, in this case there were reduced threats, but no new populations found. Are there intermediate plants of E. microthecum? Two varieties found within 0.9 miles of each other, did you consider separate species for Schoolcraft buckwheat? No, there are other varieties like simpsonii that can be tall. Schoolcraft buckwheat occurs in Wyoming sagebrush vegetation type, no variation found. Known as Native American "spirit plant," they probably aided its dispersal. Taxonomy of yellow-headed matted species (Eriogonum crosbyae, E. desertorum, E. lewisii) unresolved, needs molecular work, may belong under a single name. Plants from the Independence and Jarbidge ranges now considered either E. crosbyae or E. desertorum (including E. lewisii). Should any of these taxa still be of conservation concern? Will wait to make recommendations. Invitation extended to Dr. Reveal to visit UNLV herbarium and annotate collection. Jim Reveal will be a panelist at KUNR for Lewis and Clark’s Green World on National Public Radio's Science Friday program tomorrow from 12-1 pm.
The Nature Conservancy of Nevada: Tara Forbis is continuing Margaret Williams grant work on population viability analysis for Frasera gypsicola with matrix models, looking for other populations, 3-year study. Someone noted that is has been rediscovered in Utah (although Arnold Tiehm stated that he knew where it was in Utah all along). Jan Nachlinger noted that she is working on Conservation management strategies for 9 low elevation plant species through the Clark County MSHCP.
Bureau of Land Management: Christina Nelson (Las Vegas) noted that there is a contract for mapping rare plants for the new disposal boundary EIS in the Mesquite area. Mike Dolan (Alturas) announced that a new, more comprehensive and consolidated Resource Management Plan for Susanville Resource Area is in progress, will drive management more specifically. John Anderson (Arizona) looked for Penstemon bicolor var. roseus last year on Wilson Ridge, road up to the east from check point at milepost 9, found in peoples' yards in Nelson, this year still there, but significant die off, only 5 plants instead of hundreds. Reported discovery of new populations of Opuntia whipplei var. multigeniculata in the Kingman area (Black Mountains, etc.), considers it widespread from Blue Diamond to Meadview. Claudia Funari and Dean Tonenna (Carson City) working on Land Use Plan amendments for the Pine Nut Mountains, opportunities for OHV route designations, plan has two ACECs proposed for Eriogonum diatomaceum and Polyctenium williamsiae. Churchill Plan will hopefully include Sand Mountains ACEC. Working on collecting seed at Sand Mountain for propagation of Eriogonum nummulare.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Jody Fraser noted that they are still working with the Eriogonum argophyllum landowner on a conservation easement. For Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae, working with geothermal company on management strategy, conservation easement, acquisition of small parcel with 20 percent of known plants. For Castilleja salsuginosa, looking at conservation easement possibilities at Monte Neva site. Mark Baker's analysis of Opuntia whipplei var. multigeniculata suggests it is not a hybrid, but a species separate from O. whipplei based on fruit spine number. He will recognize two varieties under each of the species.
BMP Ecosciences: Alison Stanton and Molly Bernegger are working with Bruce Pavlik on Rorippa subumbellata out-plantings, 65 percent overall survivorship so far. Also working with USFWS on a Polyctenium williamsiae management plan and helicopter surveys last summer, and Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae tasks. Also participating in update of TRPA vegetation thresholds.
Jim Shevock: Mosses: Utah and the West, has been reprinted in paperback by Blackburn Press, www.blackburnpress.com. Continuing work on mosses of Nevada, John Spence of Glen Canyon NRA has joined work, many people are now sending collections, first paper submitted to Madroño with 39 species new to Nevada, will submit additional papers over time, about 100 species left to document. The new Keys to Mosses of California (Shevock and Norris, in Madroño) works for most mosses in Nevada, to species, also provides references to best illustrations. Fremontia has an entire issue devoted to mosses, Lloyd Stark has article on desert mosses, see www.cnps.org. A 2-volume illustrated set of Mosses of Mexico is available for about $50. Also check out the Mosses of Nevada section on the Nevada Natural Heritage Program web site.
U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Shana Gross noted that they are working to resurvey all plants in basin, recently rediscovered the moss Meesia triquetra on Mt. Rose. They are also working on Draba asterophora.
Brian Knaus: funded by NNPS Margaret Williams grant to study Astragalus lentiginosus, 40 varieties, focused in Nevada on vars. sesquimetralis, kernensis, scorpionis, kennedyi, molecular work to determine how varieties are related.
Jackie Picciani: – will be in Clark County to monitor transplants at North Las Vegas Airport. Due to drought and lack of watering, most plants did not survive, whole source area has been graded. In 1995 the area within the fence was dense with Arctomecon, now hundreds of large dead rosettes. North Las Vegas Airport, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas Springs Preserve are the 3 islands proposed for Conservation in Las Vegas Valley. Need to understand there is a large area needed to protect populations, based on tropical literature. Bearpoppy employs hydraulic lift, strategy for getting water from below the caliche layer.
U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: Elizabeth Bergstrom (Carson Ranger District) mentioned various rare plant surveys for trails and fuel and projects. There is an MOU between Forest Service, ski resorts and TRPA for Draba asterophora var. asterophora propagation, seed-banking, some genetic work. Joanne Baggs noted that upcoming new planning regulations will change the way they do business with regard to sensitive species, so sensitive species lists will not be revised until planning regs are in place. Conservation strategy close to completion for Ivesia webberi, need to check 4 sites this summer. HT Forest Plan revision, proposed action one year out. Monitoring is ongoing in Spring Mtns NRA. A new status report on Phacelia monoensis is under review.
Joanne Michael: new with Resource Concepts and the Nevada Flora, will be working on vegetation and rare plant surveys around Las Vegas.
Arnold Tiehm: will be out looking for buckwheats for Jim Reveal this year.
Pat Leary and Wes Niles: working on floristic survey of the Black Mountains for Lake Mead NRA. Making good progress on a new Spring Mountains Flora.
Frank Smith: preparing status report for Penstemon bicolor vars. roseus and bicolor, revisiting old sites, looking for new sites. Andrea Wolf's initial findings indicate that there are no genetic differences between two color phases. There has been about 80% mortality in Gina Glenne’s plots. Interested in locating new sites in Clark County.
Bechtel Nevada: Dave Anderson noted that they have had a lot folks do surveys. There is a species monitoring program in place for 2 species per year, last year worked on Astragalus funereus and Phacelia beatleyae. This year will work on Eriogonum concinnum and Astragalus funereus.
National Park Service, Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Libby Powell noted that seven Arctomecon californica transects are showing decline (probably drought-related) after a big recruitment event in 2001. Further documentation will likely show that populations come and go. Eriogonum viscidulum is now returning to shoreline below high water, after disappearing several years ago. Not many plants of Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus in Sandy Cove this year, about 200. Busy battling Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) in all sandy areas. Surveyed Cirsium virginensis last year. Dianne Bangle will be surveying Pediomelum castoreum and Astragalus preussii var. laxiflorus this year. Still trying to verify the record of Perityle congesta in the Newberry Mountains.
Nevada Department of Transportation: Lori Bellis is working on Highway rare plant list, job is to keep highway projects away from rare plants such as Eriogonum viscidulum. Resurveying old materials sites, creating avoidance areas. NDOT is funding part of Nevada Natural Heritage Program.
New business: review and status of high-priority taxa (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Anulocaulis leiosolenus var. leiosolenus (sticky ringstem) - this gypsum endemic has long been on the NNPS Dropped ("D") list, presumably because it is much more widespread outside Nevada, and there are also several known occurrences in Clark County. It is, however, a Covered Species under the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, for reasons perhaps some members of the Workshop can help us understand. As treated in Flora of North America, vol. 4 (2003), several varieties are recognized, only the most widespread of which occurs in Nevada. It occurs in the lower Grand Canyon area and adjacent Nevada, with an isolated occurrence in north-central Arizona, and then is disjunct to the largest part of its range in southeastern New Mexico and extreme west Texas. Should this species be of greater conservation concern in Nevada than it has been for the past 20 years? Add to NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Recommend for BLM sensitive species list? Discussion: per Janet Bair, was included in Clark County MSHCP because of relative rarity and uniqueness, rather than threat to species as a whole. Coverage under the CCMSHCP in theory affords it conservation attention, and affords the opportunity to highlight the need to protect gypsum habitats. It is uncommon in Nevada and not well documented. High level of threat in Clark County. Has hovered in the background as a species of concern. It is part of a suite of plants found on gypsum soils, rarer than Arctomecon californica, requires more concentrated gypsum soil type. Per the Southwestern Rare Plant Conference, the New Mexico variety is being listed. Large areas separate populations in other states, may warrant some additional genetic work. Remnant populations? May be disjunct population – rare in Nevada but more common outside Nevada, wide disjuncts have potential for genetic separation. Eustoma exaltatum - may be extirpated from the state - is on watch list. Any knowledge of distribution in Grand Canyon National Park? - no. Included in a conservation strategy being developed by David Charlet, should be available by next meeting. Recommendation to add to Watch List to support Clark County’s efforts. Seven collections in the UNLV Herbarium. Most of its occurrence is in Lake Mead NRA, ORV and burro impacts are an issue even for Lake Mead NRA. Population pressures in Clark County also justify Watch List. It does occur at Rainbow Gardens, also north of Bitter Springs. Has the same threats as Arctomecon californica and Eriogonum corymbosum. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List. No recommendation to add to the BLM sensitive species list, pending results of conservation strategy.Astragalus anserinus
(Goose Creek milkvetch) - recently petitioned to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service for emergency listing under the Endangered Species Act, apparently based
on increased impacts and threats to the Idaho (and Utah?) populations. In
Nevada, we have 4 small patches in the Goose Creek area of extreme northeastern
Elko County. The recent disjunct collection reported from about 200
km to the west in the Owyhee Desert of northwestern Elko County is no longer
thought to represent this species, and is apparently A. purshii instead. The Nevada
populations were last surveyed in 1992. Any more recent information on
conditions of the Nevada sites? Any need to recommend status changes at this
time? Discussion: field surveys are scheduled this spring in all three
states. Currently on NNNPS watch list, should we move it to the NNNPS threatened
or endangered plant list? It is on the BLM sensitive plant list in Utah also,
may need to consult with Ben Franklin. What is driving the petitioners on this
species? Based on observations of a significant decline in numbers? Gina Glenne
is organizing field surveys out of lead USFWS office in Boise. Consensus: status quo, no status changes recommended,
leave open for future Workshops to consider as further information develops.
Calochortus panamintensis (Panamint Mountains mariposa lily) - recently confirmed in Nevada from a single collection in Phinney Canyon (Grapevine Mountains, Death Valley National Park), otherwise known only from the Panamint Mountains of Inyo County, California. Nevada Heritage ranks G3 S1, on CNPS List 4, R-E-D code 1-2-3. Threats relatively low. Add to NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Discussion: - Last year we placed a Galium with similar distribution on the Marginal List. It occurs in a portion of the Park that gets almost no visitor use. Consensus: add to NNPS Marginal List.
Eriogonum douglasii var. nov. (Sunflower Flat buckwheat) - soon to be described by James Reveal, this isolated Nevada endemic is known only from 2-3 distinct occurrences in the Sunflower Flat area north of Wildhorse Reservoir in Elko County. How confident are we in the taxonomy (distinctiveness) of this variant? Could it have been missed in other places, or is it likely restricted to this area? Add to the NNPS Watch List? Recommend for addition to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest sensitive list? Discussion: very limited geographic ranges, requires additional field work. Jerry’s [Tiehm] collections were in the sunflower Flat areas north of Wildhorse Reservoir, population is isolated but subjected to grazing use, grazing fairly well managed in area. Suggest more study and survey prior to making recommendations for status. Confident it is a good variety, will be formally published later this year. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List. Recommend for Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Sensitive Species List. [Editorial note: formally published as Eriogonum douglasii var. elkoense in late 2004.]Eriogonum microthecum var. nov. (Schoolcraft buckwheat) - a tall, robust variant of the species, soon to be described by James Reveal from one occurrence in the Seven Lakes Mountain area of Washoe County, Nevada, and within about a 10-mile radius of Doyle in adjacent Lassen County, California. How confident are we in the taxonomy (distinctiveness) of this variant? Could it have been missed in other places, or is it likely restricted to this area? Add to the NNPS Watch List? Recommend for addition to the BLM sensitive species list? Discussion: Jerry Tiehm's and Jan Nachlinger's Nevada collection to be the type. Gary Schoolcraft made California collections last year. Main threat is wildfire in its tall sagebrush habitat, but it does seem to recover well after fire. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List. Recommend for BLM Sensitive Species List in Nevada and California. [Editorial note: formally published as Eriogonum microthecum var. schoolcraftii in late 2004.]
Eriogonum nutans var. glabratum (Deeth buckwheat) - apparently endemic to Elko County, Nevada, in the corridor near Interstate 80 and the railroad from Halleck (northeast of Elko) to Deeth to Wells to Montello, where it is known to the Nevada Natural Heritage Program from 8 collections representing about 5 separate occurrences, all from before 1975. In his draft treatment for Flora of North America north of Mexico (posted January 2003), Reveal states that the variety "occurs naturally only in Elko Co., Nevada. It was inadvertently introduced into the Truckee area of Nevada Co., California, probably as a result of truckers stopping to put chains on their truck tires before crossing the Sierra Nevada. The variety was gathered by Gordon True [there] from 1965 until 1970, but the plant apparently failed to persist." The habitat is "Clayey flats and slopes in saltbush, greasewood and sagebrush communities, 750-1300 m," which in this area can be subject to heavy grazing pressure and other disturbances. Add to the NNPS Watch List? Recommend for addition to the BLM Sensitive Species List? Discussion: - James Reveal has only seen along the edge of the road in highway right-of-way, also known along railroad tracks. No objection to NNPS Watch List, should not recommend agency status until it is found away from a right-of-way. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.Horkelia hispidula (White Mountains horkelia) - one collection reported from Nevada by Dean Taylor (Taylor 15283, 20 July 1995) in the White Mountains, ridge 1 mile NE of Trail Canyon Saddle north of Boundary Peak, 11,000 ft. Otherwise endemic to the White Mountains in California. On CNPS List 1B, R-E-D 3-1-3. Heritage ranks G2, S1. On Inyo National Forest Sensitive Species List. Add to NNPS Watch List? Discussion: Inyo National Forest Botanist suspects it is more common in the White Mountains, vulnerability is low, especially in Bristlecone Botanical Area. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.
Imperata brevifolia (satintail - Poaceae) - Mark L. Gabel's treatment in Flora of North America, vol. 25, p. 621, states: "Once known from wet or moist sites in the southwestern deserts from southern California, Nevada, and Utah to western Texas, Imperata brevifolia is currently known only from populations in Grand Canyon National Park. It was last collected outside the park in the early 1970s at a site that is now under Lake Powell. Most collections were made before 1945, in sites that are now used for housing or agriculture." The accompanying map includes Clark and Nye counties in the historic range, along with most of the Mojave Desert and scattered counties in Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and on adjacent portions of the Colorado Plateau. Can anyone corroborate these statements, or provide any other new information? Add to the NNPS Endangered, Threatened, or Watch list? Recommend other agency status? Discussion: UNLV collections from Ash Meadows in Nye County, and Juanita Springs on west side of Virgin Mountains in Clark County. Historical records say it is not in Nevada but it is. Ash Meadows population is probably well protected along Collins Ranch creek. Status at Juanita Springs unclear, few plants, growing in a culvert, protected from burros. Heritage Program will start compiling more information. Recently collected at 3 historic locations in southern Mohave County, Arizona. Plant has a wide range overall, but restricted in Nevada. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.Meesia triquetra (three-ranked humpmoss) - confirmed to be present in boggy habitats at two localities in the Mount Rose area. Heritage ranks G5 S1, but considered to be a sensitive wetland indicator in the Sierra Nevada. Add to the NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Recommend for addition to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest sensitive species list? Discussion: Habitat is very rare in Nevada, in Ophir Creek drainage and on Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit [USFS]. USFS Region 5 has both Meesia species as sensitive, Sierra Framework assumed it was sensitive in Region 4 also. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.
Opuntia whipplei var. multigeniculata (Blue Diamond cholla) - reported from several large new populations in the La Madre Mountains and elsewhere outside the Blue Diamond Hills by Marc Baker and others. Previously known only from the Blue Diamond Hills. Current Heritage ranks T1 S1, on the State of Nevada list of fully protected species, on the BLM Special Status Species list, and on the NNPS Threatened list. Has the taxonomic identity of these new populations been further studied or confirmed? Volume 4 of Flora of North America treats it as the nothotaxon Cylindropuntia x multigeniculata, putatively a hybrid between C. whipplei and C. echinocarpa. Are any changes in status yet warranted? Discussion: Mark Baker has done analysis and status survey. Development pressures on habitat are heavy, there should “absolutely not” be any change in status yet. We should wait until Baker report is peer-reviewed and published next year. Consensus: status quo, no new information, no changes recommended, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.Pinus washoensis (Washoe pine) - Placed on the NNPS Watch List by the 2003 Workshop. David Charlet (2000, 2001) was planning to further investigate the relationship of the Nevada populations to the northern race of Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa. He still believed they might be distinct at some level and worthy of continued conservation status (see the 2001 comments by David Charlet). A recent DNA study (Patten and Brunsfeld. Madroño 49: 189-192. 2002) confirms a close and perhaps reticulate relationship between the two taxa. Informal observations by Jim Morefield during a family vacation found cones indistinguishable from those of Mt. Rose P. washoensis just east of Lowman in central Idaho, and some cones intermediate to "typical" P. ponderosa at Superior, Montana, suggesting possible varietal status under the latter. Any status changes or recommendations? Discussion: David Charlet indicated that needle and other tree-form characteristics need to supplement cone characteristics for positive ID. Jim Reveal predicts it will eventually have varietal status. Consensus: recognize taxon at varietal [or subspecific] level. Otherwise status quo, no changes, leave on NNPS Watch List.
Polygonaceae sp. nov. (Lunar Crater buckwheat) - James Reveal will soon be placing Eriogonum puberulum in a separate genus named for the late John Thomas Howell, who had long noted its distinctiveness within Eriogonum. At the same time, the plants from black cinder soils in a small area of northeastern Nye County, Nevada, near US Highway 6 northeast of Lunar Crater, formerly included in Eriogonum puberulum, are being recognized as a separate endemic species. How confident are we in the taxonomy (distinctiveness) of this species? Could it have been missed in other places, or is it likely restricted to this area? Add to the NNPS Watch or Threatened List? Recommend for addition to the BLM sensitive species list? Discussion: will be formally described in 3rd issue of this year’s Brittonia. Occurs on pumice flats, not threatened, it does well along highway. Not widespread, but where it occurs it does quite fine. Only found in small areas old highway 50. James Reveal recommends to not take any action at this time – may find a lot in a good year. Similar to Eriogonum viscidulum in distribution. Others concur that it should go on NNPS Watch List. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List. Recommend for BLM Sensitive Species List. [Editorial note: formally published as Johanneshowellia crateriorum in late 2004.]
Senecio pattersonensis (Mono ragwort) - Added to the NNPS Watch List by the 2003 Workshop. Known in Nevada from a single specimen southeast of the summit of Mt. Grant in the Wassuk Range. Heritage ranks G2 S1. Recommend for the BLM sensitive list? Discussion: should also be looked for in the Sweetwater Mountains in Nevada. Consensus: status quo, no change.Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies'-tresses) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a petition to de-list this threatened species based mainly on the much larger geographic range discovered since it was listed in 1992. The species is now known from small populations in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. In Nevada it is known only from a single historic population in the outflow of Panaca Spring in Lincoln County, where the habitat may still persist but is inaccessible for surveys due to landowner restrictions. The species is on the State of Nevada's list of fully protected species, and is on the NNPS Threatened list. Any recommendations for status change at this time? Discussion: skipped. Consensus: no time, to be addressed later.
New business: review and status of lower-priority taxa (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Astragalus pulsiferae var. coronensis (Rams Horn Spring milkvetch) - segregated from var. suksdorfii by Welsh et al. (2002), and now considered endemic to eastern Plumas, Lassen, and Modoc counties, California, and northern Washoe County, Nevada. Already on NNPS Watch List (as var. suksdorfii). New Heritage ranks: T2?, S1. Suggested at the 2003 Workshop for possible transfer to the NNPS M-list. Any further information or recommendations? Discussion: skipped. Consensus: no time, to be addressed later.Dermatocarpon luridum (stream stippleback lichen) - just added to BLM's sensitive species list for Nevada. This aquatic lichen is known in Nevada only from a spring in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area of the Spring Mountains, Clark County. The D. luridum population in Nevada appears to be a relictual disjunct with the species core range in North America being located in the northern Rockies and eastward. A scattering of sites are reported in the southern Rockies, 4 sites in Arizona, 15 sites in Washington and Oregon, and about 7 sites in California including Alpine County. The Spring Mountains site is certainly the most arid site known for the species in North America. The species is thought to be vulnerable to changes in water chemistry, clarity, and temperature. In Nevada, recreation and grazing both by livestock and wild horse or burrow constitute significant threats. Add to NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Discussion: Hesitation to add to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest sensitive species list yet, perhaps better handled through Conservation Agreement / Strategy. Would help highlight distribution by assigning to NNPS Watch List. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.
Echinocereus engelmannii var. armatus (armored hedgehog cactus) - known from 5 sites, two east of Victorville, San Bernardino Co., CA, one in the Argus Range of Inyo County, CA, and two from the Pahute Mesa area on the Nevada Test Site of Nye Co., all in granite boulder areas. Recognized by Benson (1982) but not in Jepson Manual treatments (1993, 2002). Its taxonomy has been questioned because of its spotty distribution amidst other variants of Echinocereus engelmannii, and it is not recognized in Volume 4 of Flora of North America. Heritage ranks T2?Q, S1?. Add to NNPS Watch List? Discussion: skipped. Consensus: no time, to be addressed later.Eriogonum heermannii var. floccosum (Clark Mountain buckwheat) - until recently thought to be endemic to the desert mountains of eastern San Bernardino and southern Inyo counties, California, where it is on CNPS List 4, R-E-D code 1-1-3, heritage ranks G5T3, S3.3. It is now known from two occurrences in the adjacent McCullough Mountains of southern Clark County, Nevada, and from adjacent northwest Arizona and disjunct in central Arizona. Does this have the potential to be much more widespread in southern Nevada? Add to the NNPS Watch List or Marginal List? Recommend for BLM sensitive species list? Discussion: collected in southern Spring Mtns near Primm (south of Green Monster Mine), 2-3 locations in McCullough Mountains, probably more widespread in southern Nevada than previously believed. Threats low from mining, ORV use. Consensus: add to NNPS Marginal List.
Eriogonum mensicola (Pinyon Mesa buckwheat) - This distinctive taxon has until recently been synonymized with, or treated as a variety of, Eriogonum panamintense. On the basis of this synonymy, CNPS considered it too common to warrant conservation concern. As a distinct species, it is known only from infrequent encounters in the Panamint, Inyo, and Coso ranges of California, and disjunctly from about 3 occurrences in the Sheep Range of Clark County, Nevada. How rare or common is this species in California? Add to the NNPS Watch or Marginal List? Discussion: check with Wes Niles first to determine known abundance in Nevada. Consensus: status quo, no new information, no changes recommended, leave open for future Workshops to consider as better information develops.Eriogonum ovalifolium var. eximium (Slide Mountain buckwheat, brown-margined buckwheat) - apparently endemic to the Carson Range of Douglas and Washoe counties, Carson City, and adjacent California in the Jobs Peak area. On CNPS List 4, R-E-D code 1-1-1. Heritage ranks G5T3, S3.2 in California though apparently restricted to a very small area, S2S3 in Nevada where known from about 20 collections. Doesn't seem to belong on the NNPS Marginal List, since the bulk of its range is in Nevada. Occurs in an area of increasing recreational and residential uses. Add to NNPS Watch List? Recommend for Forest Service sensitive species lists (LTBMU and HTNF)? Discussion: Jim Reveal suggests whole complex needs to be "rehashed." Varieties of Eriogonum ovalifolium are recognizable, but are they real? Should be looked for on Freel Peak, California should reevaluate – may not be as widespread.. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.
Eriogonum pharnaceoides var. cervinum (Deer Lodge buckwheat) - In his draft treatment for Flora of North America north of Mexico (posted January 2003), Reveal states that the variety is "rare to infrequent in its limited range of eastern Lincoln Co., Nevada, southwestern Iron and western Washington counties, Utah, and northeastern Mohave Co., Arizona. As such, the variant is totally disjunct from the typical expression." In Nevada the variety is known from 4 collections representing 3 distinct occurrences, and the species appears to be about equally rare in adjacent Utah and Arizona, suggesting a heritage rank of G4G5T2. Its habitat, "sandy or gravelly slopes in sagebrush and mountain mahogany communities, and in oak, pinyon-juniper and montane conifer woodlands, (1400-)1800-2300 m," is not highly vulnerable. Add to the NNPS Watch List? Recommend for addition to the BLM Sensitive Species List? Discussion: Jim Reveal says definitely should be on Watch List. Recommend agency awareness to focus funding efforts. Need more information on threats, Tara Forbis will try to look for this year. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.Eriogonum umbellatum var. vernum (spring sulphurflower) - known from 23 collections representing fewer than 20 occurrences in the Pahute Mesa region of south-central Nye County north to near US Highway 6. ENDEMIC to Nevada, habitat "sandy to gravelly, often volcanic flats and slopes in saltbush and sagebrush communities; 1400-1950(-2200) m". Widespread and secure enough not to warrant conservation concern? Do more than 20 occurrences likely exist? Add to NNPS Watch List? Discussion: too common and secure for conservation concern. Consensus: status quo, no change, do not consider for any conservation status.
Goodmania luteola (yellow spinecape) - collected from only one site in Nevada, at Alkali Lake in Mineral County, this monotypic genus is otherwise known from adjacent Mono County, the southern San Joaquin Valley, and the northwestern edge of the Mojave Desert in California. According to Reveal, the species is rapidly becoming rare and frequently locally extirpated throughout its range. Heritage ranks G3, S1 in Nevada, S3.2 in California. On CNPS List 4, R-E-D code 1-2-2. Add to the NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Recommend for addition to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest sensitive species list? Discussion: rapidly declining rangewide according to Reveal, was common west of highway by Lancaster, CA, but now covered by housing developments. TNC preserves in Central Valley protect it, but gone outside those sites. In grazed pastures around Crowley Lake. On BLM lands along the southern Sierra Nevada front. Alkali Lake area in Nevada remote, but there is OHV habitat on the lake bed, similar habitat and threats as Williams combleaf (Polyctenium williamsiae). Blooms mid-summer. On USFS lands, Bridgeport Ranger District? Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List. Recommend for Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Sensitive Species List.Hackelia brevicula (Poison Canyon stickseed) - one collection reported from Nevada by Dean Taylor (Taylor 15236, 18 July 1995) in the White Mountains, Queen Canyon near Albert Mine, 8200 ft. Otherwise endemic to the White Mountains in California. Identity may be questionable, as this species is difficult to distinguish from H. floribunda, also reported from the same general vicinity. On CNPS List 3 (needing more information), R-E-D ?-1-3. Heritage ranks G2Q, S1. On Inyo National Forest Watch List. Any need to add to NNPS Watch List yet? Discussion: skipped. Consensus: no time, to be addressed later.
Solorina spongiosa (fringed chocolate chip lichen) - a relictual, disjunct population of this was recently discovered in the Spring Mountains, Clark County, that would shock the cortex off most vascular plant biogeographers. This lichen's core range runs from the Arctic Ocean down the Canadian Rockies to the Yellowstone area and Cascades to Washington State, with two previously known disjunct populations in central Colorado and near the New Mexico/Texas boarder. The Nevada population is more than 800 km from the nearest (Colorado) population. Two locations for the species are known in the Spring Mountains, both adjacent to water sources with high recreational impact. Add to NNPS Watch or Marginal list? Recommend for addition to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest sensitive list? Discussion: wider disjunct than Dermatocarpon luridum. Consensus: add to the NNPS Watch List.Taxa recommended for addition or transfer to the NNPS "M" List (Marginal and/or disjunct occurrence in Nevada, more widespread elsewhere):
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