Systematic survey of sensitive plant species hinges on compiled 

 information about the species targets and the study area setting. 

 This study provided an opportunity to compile the scattered 

 information and build upon it in fieldwork. 



At the time this survey was conducted, five species were known from 

 the two-county area that were also proposed by BLM as watch (USDI BLM 

 1993) : 



Geyer's milkvetch ( Astragalus geyeri ) 



Round-leaved water-hyssop ( Bacopa rotundif olia ) 



Hot spring phacelia ( Phacelia thermalis ) 



Moss phlox ( Phlox andicola ) 



Persistentsepal yellowcress ( Rorippa calycina ) 



This reflected on the paucity of botanical studies in the area as much 

 as its diversity. Eastern Montana has not been botanically well- 

 studied, so the list of target species to consider in the project was 

 developed further. The Biological Conservation Database (BCD) 

 maintained by the Montana Natural Heritage Program was queried for 

 records of Montana plant species of special concern (Heidel and Poole 

 1993), across the two-county area and from counties that directly 

 adjoining the project area, augmented by species from the eastern 

 third of the state that could have suitable habitat in the study area. 

 This composite list (Appendix 2) served in planning the focus and 

 phenology of fieldwork and helped to ensure that species were not 

 omitted which may be of biodiversity significance. The compiled lists 

 of species sought is referred to as the set of target species or 

 potentially sensitive species throughout this report. 



^'ield surveys were conducted in McCone and Garfield counties during 

 June 4-6, June 18-21, and August 15-19 of 1993. Searches were made to 

 revisit known sites to the extent that it was necessary to develop a 

 search image, and projected to potential habitats for sensitive 

 species on BLM lands. Maps showing primary travel routes are given in 

 Appendix 1. 



In the field, all vascular plant taxa identified were recorded. When 

 target species were encountered, survey forms for state species of 

 special concern were completed (Appendix 3), and the populations v;ere 

 mapped on 7.5 minute USGS quad maps. Data collected including 

 information on habitat (associated vegetation, topography, soils) , 

 demography (population numbers, flowering extent and area covered), 

 plant biology (phenology, vigor, reproductive success) , and potential 

 threats to the populations. Photographs (35 mm slides) were taken of 

 target species and their habitats. 



Voucher specimens of the target species were collected when adequate 

 material was available, and deposited at the herbaria at Montana State 

 University (MONT) and University of Montana (MONTU) . Following the 



