Importance / Issues

The 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 plant are often highly idiosyncratic, general knowledge required to protect or restore these species are lacking.  Basic information in the population size(s), vigor, and population dynamics are needed to effectively manage rare and sensitive plant populations.

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.

Principal Investigator

Brian Basor
Klamath I&M Network
Ashland, OR 97520

Project Status

Completed

Objectives

The first objective of our aquatic rare plant inventory was to document 90% of each parks vascular plant flora.

The second objective of this inventory was to gather and augment existing information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics of the target species. 

The third objective of the inventory was to increase documentation of our existing plant lists for each park. 

Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park