White forms of ClaYtonia lanceolata var. f lava had been collected in 

 the earlier sensitive plant study (Western Engineering and Technology 

 1989) , and taxonomic research had been in progress to verify help 

 determine whether white forms are the same variety as the more 

 widespread yellow forms of C. 1. var. flava . This taxon represents 

 unique biological and conservation status circumstances (described on 

 p. 12). 



BlJ-I-administered lands in the Sweetgrass Hills were surveyed for 

 sensitive species on 29-30 May, 9-11 June and 7-11 July. The area was 

 traversed on foot in relocating known sensitive species, searching for 

 other potentially suitable habitat for these species, and visiting all 

 major habitat types and the range of environmental conditions as 

 potentially harboring other sensitive species. Appendix A is a map 

 showing principle travel routes. 



Sensitive plant information was collected on sensitive plant survey 

 forms documenting population size, setting, location, and conditions. 

 Photographs (35 mm slides) were taken of the plants and their habitats 

 as weather permitted. Lists were made of all vascular plant taxa 

 which could be identified. Specimens of sensitive species and other 

 collections will be deposited at the herbarium at the University of 

 Montana (MONTU) . Identification was made using Hitchcock and 

 Cronquist (1973) and Dorn (1984). Identification questions were 

 pursued in the office using a dissecting scope. Verification by 

 taxonomic experts was sought for Claytonia lanceolata var. flava , 

 verified by J. Stephen Shelly (U.S. Forest Service - Regional Office, 

 Missoula) and for both Ranunculus cardiophyllus and R. pedatifidus , 

 verified by Ron Hartman (Rocky Mountain Herbarium, University of 

 Wyoming, Laramie). 



Landowners were contacted for access permission. All but one access 



point from county roads involved crossing private property, so private 



lands were traversed though there was no systematic survey done on 



them. 



