B. PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE STUDIES 



The first three studies listed below are recommended 

 for continuation during the next two field seasons. In 

 addition, other detailed studies regarding the biology 

 and ecology of p. lemhiensis are suggested. 



1. Demographic monitoring studies in the permanent 

 transects should be continued in 1992 and 1993. 

 Upon evaluation of population trends after the 

 1993 season, a plan for continued periodic 

 monitoring should be developed. 



2. Field checks of known populations should be 

 continued, especially in those that have declined 

 recently, such as Badger Pass (005) , Red Butte 

 (012), Erroont Gulch (014), and Kearns Creek (018). 

 These population surveys, coupled with the 

 demographic studies, will provide an ongoing 

 measure of population levels in Montana. 



3. Continue field surveys for new populations in 

 areas of potential habitat in southwestern 

 Montana. 



4. Detailed, sophisticated studies are needed 

 regarding the life history and ecological 

 requirements of £. lemhiensis . Such information 

 is required for the development of sound 

 conservation strategies (Massey and Whitson 1980) . 

 In conjunction with the Center for Plant 

 Conservation and the Denver Botanic Gardens, 

 aspects of seed germination behavior and seed bank 

 dynamics could be studied. These organizations 

 are actively pursuing studies of threatened and 

 endangered plants in the northern Rocky Mountain 

 region, and are collecting seeds of such species 

 for inclusion in the national endangered plant 

 seed bank. Owing to the recent, severe population 

 declines, it is recommended that P. lemhiensis be 

 included in these efforts. 



5. Recent field surveys in Idaho (Moseley et al. 

 1990) suggest that an additional factor 

 contributing to population declines may be 

 advancing vegetation succession, i.e., as a result 

 of ongoing fire suppression. Further studies 

 addressing this hypothesis, perhaps coupled with 

 some experimental burns in occupied habitats, may 

 provide further information regarding the 

 influence of plant community dynamics on known 

 populations of £. lemhiensis. 



