Penstemon lemhiensis , currently one cf the more sensitive vascular 

 plant species in Montana, is endemic to extreme southwestern 

 Montana and adjacent Idaho (J. S. Shelly, pers. comm.). In 

 Montana, its distribution is primarily low to m id-elevation sites 

 scattered along the south and east periphery of the Pioneer 

 Mountains. The locality nearest the Beal Project area is a recent 

 (1986) record from the northern East Pioneer Mountains, Beaverhead 

 County by 3. S. Shelly (pers. comm.). Lesica et al . (1984) 

 recommended the taxon for threatened status in Montana, since most 

 populations are small and threatened by crazing and roaj 

 maintenance. The distribution was described as sagebrush 



grasslands at mid-elevations (6,000 - 7,000 feet) in Beaverhead 

 and Ravalli Counties. Historic records from Ravalli County have 

 not been relocated despite recent field investigation. A recent, 

 detailed report on the status of Pensteron lenhiensis in Montana 

 (Shelly* 1987) summarizes current knowledge of its distribution 

 end habitat requirements. 



Agoseris sp. nov. has been recorded near the Bee! Project area at 

 the head cf Jerry Creek in HE/A Section 18 at 7760 feet 

 elevation. There is therefore potential for its occurrence in 

 subalpine meadows in the permit area. The taxon will be formally 

 named Agoseris 1 ecKschewitzi i (J.S. Shelly, pers. comm.). 



55 



