Appendix E. DRAFT Section 7 Guidelines for Spiranthes diluvialis in Montana 



The following text represents new information for consideration in Section 7 consultation guidelines 

 for Spiranthes diluvialis in Montana, added to existing draft guidelines (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service 1995). 



Recommendations and Guidelines for Section 7 Consultation 



Category 1 : Surveys Required 



In Montana, it is recommended that the conditions for requiring surveys be narrowed to include only 

 those counties from which the species is documented (Beaverhead, Gallatin, Jefferson and 

 Madison), and only those soil series (Neen, Villy, Saypo and the Fairway-Threeriver-Rivra 

 complex) from which it is documented. Published and unpublished soil series data is to be used 

 until such time as a multi-county soil series map representing potential habitat is prepared. It is 

 appropriate to narrow down the conditions to include only landscapes with wetland/riparian habitat. 



Category 2: Surveys Encouraged 



In Montana, there are no historical records, but surveys are recommended within the counties, 

 watersheds, and intermontane valley settings not otherwise meeting the soil survey criteria above. 

 They include the following watersheds, between 4000-5000 feet: 



1002002-050 and 070 Lower Beaverhead River 

 10020003-050 Lower Ruby River 

 10020005-010 and 040 and 080 Jefferson River 

 Possibly 10020007-170 Lower Madison River 

 and 10020008-1 10 Lower Gallatin River 



Category 3. Surveys Optional 



In Montana, there is little basis for setting standards outside of southwestern Montana, and no 



optional survey standards are proposed. 



Survey procedures 



In Montana, the ftill extent of shallow meandered channels and swales occupied by the species 

 cannot be reliably discerned on the ground without aerial photographs, which are necessary for 

 systematic survey. Survey must be conducted during flowering (second week of August thru first 

 week of September) to be considered effective. 



Disqualified habitat 



Comment: The 1995 Section 7 criteria for ruling out habitat as potential habitat do apply in 

 Montana, though it is to be stressed that these criteria refer to the actual wetland habitat and not to 

 the surrounding uplands. This is important because all of the surrounding uplands are in soil series 

 that are characterized in their profile descriptions as "salt-affected." 



