23 



D. Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms: 

 There are currently no state laws that provide 

 protection for rare or endangered plants in 

 Montana. 



E. Other natural or man-made factors: None known. 

 II. ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



12. General assessment of vigor, trends, and status: 



Lesquerella humilis is known from only three sites in a 

 small area of the Bitterroot Mountains in western 

 Montana. The total rangewide population size is about 

 2400 plants. Based on limited observations, the 

 populations appear to be stable. Recreational use by 

 hikers is probably affecting the St. Mary Peak 

 population to some extent. No other threats are 

 currently apparent. 



13. Recommendations for listing or status change: 



A. Recommendations to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 



On the basis of current information contained in 

 this status report, it is recommended that 

 Lescpjerella humilis be retained in Category 2. 

 Although the populations are not under immediate 

 threat, the three populations are in a small area 

 and the total rangewide population size (2400 

 plants) is not large. Population trends are not 

 clear and continued monitoring is needed. 



B. Recommendations to other U.S. federal agencies: 



Lescmerella humilis has been placed on the 

 sensitive species list for Region 1 of the U.S. 

 Forest Service. This designation should be 

 retained. The proposal for the botanical Special 

 Interest Area on St. Mary Peak should be approved 

 as soon as possible. Trail location and use on 

 St. Mary Peak should be evaluated in terms of its 

 impact on the populations of Lesquerella humilis , 

 as well as the associated populations of Penstemon 

 flavescens and Draba daviesiae . 



C. Other status recommendations 



1. Counties and local areas: No 



recommendations . 



States: Lescpjerella humilis should be 

 retained on the Montana Natural Heritage 

 Program list of plant species of special 



