populations in all three states could then be more clearly 

 defined. 



II. METHODS 



This project consisted of two parts: 1) field surveys to 

 determine the distribution, abundance, and habitat of 

 Astragalus molybdenus in Montana, and to assess threats to 

 the populations; and 2) a taxonomic study to determine the 

 relationship between A. shultziorum populations in Wyoming, 

 and A. molybdenus populations in Colorado and Montana. 



A. SURVEY 



In Montana, the known site on Mt. Wright was relocated 

 and fully mapped. Additional searches were conducted 

 in potential habitat on peaks and ridges to the south 

 of Mt. Wright. These surveys were completed on 7-10 

 and 21-23 August 1989. The distribution information 

 obtained from these surveys is found in Section III. 

 C, pp. 5 and in the maps and occurrence records in 

 Section VI, pp. 25-37. Information obtained on 

 management needs and the biology of this species are 

 reported under the respective sections in the body of 

 this report. 



B. TAXONOMIC STUDIES 



A variety of approaches were used to assess the 

 taxonomic relationships among the Montana and Colorado 

 populations of A. molybdenus , and the Wyoming 

 populations of A. shultziorum . Plant leaf material was 

 collected from five Montana populations by the authors, 

 and from three sites in Colorado, and six sites in 

 Wyoming, by Hollis Marriott (Wyoming Natural Diversity 

 Data Base (WNDDB) . Leaf material was provided to Dr. 

 Matt Lavin, Montana State University, for chloroplast 

 DNA (cpDNA) analysis, and to Dr. Greg Brown, University 

 of Wyoming, for isozyme electrophoretic studies. 

 Additionally, full collections were sent to Rupert 

 Barneby of the New York Botanical Garden, an expert on 

 the genus Astragalus . Results of the taxonomic studies 

 are given in Section III. P., pp. 12-19. 



III. SPECIES INFORMATION 



A. PRESENT LEGAL OR OTHER FORMAL STATUS 

 1. FEDERAL STATUS 



a. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE: None. 



