Aquatic Plant Inventory
Importance / IssuesThe Klamath region is noted for high proportions of rare species and local endemics. These species are often poor competitors with widespread native and non-native plant species and often occur in areas where competition is limited by unique conditions of local hydrogeology, substrate fertility, or disturbance. Since the controls on the rare plants are often highly idiosyncratic, general knowledge required to protect or restore these species is lacking. Basic information in the population size(s), vigor, and population dynamics is needed to effectively manage rare and sensitive plant populations. In other cases, specific habitats or taxonomic groups have received less attention in past botanical surveys. Wetland and riparian habitats are under sampled in most of the Klamath parks. Problematic plant taxa, such as sedges (Carex spp.) and other aquatic vascular plants, are understudied in most parks. Surveys of aquatic plants in LAVO have been highlighted as a possible weak point in that park's vascular plant checklist. The recent discovery of a globally rare new plant species, Howell’s alkali grass (Puccinellia howellii), in a roadside seep of WHIS suggests that these habitats may be harboring biological diversity which is presently undocumented. Thirteen species of nonindigenous aquatic plants have been identified through the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species list as potentially present in our parks. Five of the species (Cotula coronopifolia, Egeria densa, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton crispus, and Spirodela punctata) have been identified from three of the parks (LAVO, REDW, and WHIS). The same three parks have public recreational boating (LAVO, REDW, and WHIS), the most common method for the distribution of nonindigenous aquatic species. In conjunction with the herpetofauna and neotropical bird survey, we intend to generate a greater understanding of the biological diversity of wetland, riparian, and lacustrine habitats. |
 ObjectivesThe first objective of our aquatic vascular plant inventories was to document 90% of each parks vascular plant flora. The second objective of the inventory was to gather and augment existing information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics of the target species. The third objective of this inventory was to increase documentation of our existing plant lists for each park. ParksWhiskeytown National Recreation Area Project StatusCompleted Principal InvestigatorDr. Daniel Sarr |
ResultsWhiskeytown National Recreation Area In the summer of 2003, 17 sites were randomly selected from a possible 67 locations for field sampling. These sites were sampled using shoreline survey, snorkeling, and benthic tow techniques. Presence and abundance of all aquatic plant species were recorded and specimens were collected. Specimens were identified using standard regional sources and questionable identifications were verified by Richard Hales of Oregon State University and Lawrence Janeway of California State University, Chico. Findings were documented in the NPS NPSpecies database and vouchers were presented to the park staff for inclusion into the park herbarium. | |