a. COMPETITION: In several study area settings that seemed suited for 

 Carex gravida. Kentucky bluegrass {Poa pratensis) was dominant. 

 This rhizomatous exotic grass outcompetes many native cespitose 

 graminoids. 



b. HERBIVORY: No signs of herbivory were observed. The species is 

 located in secondary range for livestock. Likely impacts are direct 

 affects of grazing, indirect shift in vegetation, or competition fostered 

 by grazing. 



c. FIRE: The Hay Creek site was in a valley with old-growih ponderosa 

 pine. There were fire scars on the trees, and the distinctively open 

 condition of the stand suggests that there have been ground fires within 

 recent decades. We do not have information on the affect of crown 

 fires, but removal of overstory cover is likely to promote a high 

 competition situation in which Carex gravida may not survive. 



F. LAND OWNERSHIP (MONTANA) 



1. U.S. Forest Senice: 



Hay Creek (002) Note: this occurrence is near a private inholding boundary; 

 hence, ownership may be split. 

 East Fork Beaver Creek (004) 



2. Crow Indian Resenation: 



Bar V Ranch (001) 

 Corral Creek (003) 



G. ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. THREATS TO CURRENTLY KNOWN POPULATIONS: No imminent 

 threats were identified, though the small existing populations are xoilnerable. 

 Local livestock water developments and fencing patterns have attracted the 

 livestock to other draws or draw segments. Any major changes in livestock 

 distribution within these allotments may affect the species. 



2. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND RESPONSES: This species is 

 expected to respond negatively to logging and any changes in livestock 

 management that would increase use at its population sites. 



3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTAINING VIABLE 

 POPULATIONS: 



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