Rare 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 plant species 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. 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. Principal InvestigatorDr. Erik Jules Inventory Leader Dr. Daniel Sarr |
 ObjectivesThe first objective of our 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 this inventory was to increase documentation of our existing plant lists for each park. ParksCrater Lake National Park Project StatusCompleted |
ReportsSmith, S., Filipski, J., Basor, B., Sarr, D., and E. Jules. 2004. Annual Report for the Klamath Network Inventory & Monitoring Program: FY2003 Rare Plant Inventory. This report contains locations of rare and sensitive plants and can be obtained at the Klamath Networks Intranet web site. | |
ResultsCrater Lake National Park: After consultation with park staff, two main habitats were selected for survey: pumice slopes near the caldera rim and mid-elevation seeps, springs, and riparian areas. In the pumice zones, target species were Botrychium pumicola and Arabis suffrutescens var. horizontalis. In wet environments, the target species were Mimulus jepsonii and Collomia mazama. Three known rare species were located: Collomia mazama, Carex simulata, and Carex crawfordii. Schistostega pennata and Drosera x obovata was found and have been added to the park list. Lassen Volcanic National Park: After consultation with park staff, wetland and aquatic environments were highlighted as under-sampled habitats and a park priority for botanical inventory. At LAVO, we visited 20 lakes and ponds that had been determined by the park botanist to contain potential aquatic plant habitat (littoral emergent vegetation) through aerial photography. New species resulting from the survey included Rhynchospora alba and Carex aquatilus var. aquatilus. Horseshoe Lake was determined to be a site with high potential for rare plant species and a potential focal point of future inventories. A second survey conducted by park staff in late August recorded another new species to the park, Sisyrinchium elmeri. Lava Beds National Park: We implemented quantitative belt samples in various habitats within the monument, along with targeted surveys. Neither survey type located any rare plant species or new taxa for the monument. Future inventories focusing on unique microhabitats (lava flows, lava tube mouths) may be the most fruitful for locating unrecorded rare species. Oregon Caves National Monument: Park staff desired inventories in target habitats to detect new populations of species known to occur within the park as well as any previously undetected taxa. The targeted surveys focused on riparian areas and shale/granite outcrops. Two species were observed that were new to the park:, Cardamine nuttalli var. covilleana in the riparian zone of Upper Cave Creek and Linanthus ciliatus on a south-facing granite outcrop. Redwood National Park: The park botany staff desired surveys of two recently acquired and under sampled areas in the northern part of the park: (1) the Little Bald Hills (LBH) land acquisition and (2) the Tracy Property. Both of these areas have high potential for rare species. We used both targeted searches and quantitative belt samples to maximize information gained. Rare plants found at the Little Bald Hills site included Sanicula peckiana, Calystegia atriplicifolia ssp. buttensis, Perideridia gairdneri, Iris innominata, Iris tenax ssp. klamathensis (may have been misidentified in field, specimen not collected), Senecio bolanderi var. bolanderi, Arnica spathulata, and Horkelia sericata. Rare plants found on the Tracy Property included Arnica spathulata, Castilleja miniata var. elata, Coptis laciniata, Iris innominata, Senecio bolanderi var. bolanderi, Calystegia atriplicifolia ssp. buttensis, Veratrum insolitum, Pityopus californicus, and Lillium bolanderi. For future inventories in these two locations, we recommend more targeted searches in wetland and rocky outcrop habitats. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: We focused on relocating sites of historic plant populations and collecting current data on species presence and abundance. Rare plants were found at some but not all of the existing historic sites in the park. We recorded populations of Allium sanbornii var. sanbornii, Trillium ovatum ssp. oettingeri, Sambucus mexicana, and Arnica venosa. The Arnica venosa population was more extensive than previously recorded, suggesting the population may be expanding. |
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