21 



cattle and most of their populations are in primary range, they 

 are especially vulnerable to grazing. Penstemon lemhiensis 

 sometimes grows along roadsides where it may be impacted by road 

 construction and maintenance and herbicide spraying. 



Although it was not found, there remains some potential for 

 Astragalus scaphoides to occur in Bannack State Park. It is 

 mostly likely to be found to the north of Grasshopper Creek, in 

 sagebrush grassland habitats with well developed soils and 

 southerly aspects. Proposals of any future development or 

 activity which could impact these habitats should consider the 

 potential occurrence of this species. Likewise, projects 

 proposed by the park which could impact nearby populations on BLM 

 and private lands (e.g. access improvements to the east and 

 south) should be planned accordingly. 



At present, the quality of native plant habitats in Bannack 

 State Park is improving. The low level of grazing which has 

 occurred in recent years, and suspension of mining and 

 residential activity has allowed native plants to become 

 reestablished in disturbed areas. Although they have relatively 

 low species diversity, functional wetlands have become 

 reestablished over much of the Grasshopper Creek floodplain, and 

 these wetlands are generally in better condition than those 

 outside the park. The conservation of these habitats is 

 especially significant because of Bannack 's location in a basin 

 setting; the basins of Beaverhead County are most accessible to 

 cattle and humans and consequently these landscapes are often 

 degraded. Some areas of the park adjacent to roads and 

 development, however, are quite weedy and a program to control 

 aggressive species, such as spotted knapweed, is needed. The 

 loose substrate and open plant community of the limestone 

 hillside above the cemetery make this site especially vulnerable 

 to disturbance and weed invasions, although at this date it 

 remains pristine. Human activity should be minimized on these 

 fragile slopes and cattle should be kept from the park to 

 minimize disturbances and spread of weeds. 



Bannack State Park is primarily valued for its historical 

 attributes, but its natural heritage is also unique and 

 impressive. The results of this survey are an indication of a 

 the high level of plant diversity and endemism in the area. This 

 survey should not, however, be considered complete. There are 

 undoubtedly many more plant species which grow in the park 

 besides those listed in Appendix B. There is also a possibility 

 for the occurrence of additional populations of Montana plant 

 species of special concern. Conservation of Bannack ' s rare 

 plants and unique plant communities should be considered an 

 important management goal in the future. 



V 



