2. HERBIVORY: The species is absent from areas which are grazed, and 

 grazing is widespread in its potential habitat, suggesting that it is a decreaser 

 under most conditions or that it is indirectly affected by trampling. 

 Unfortunately, potential habitat is often heavily used because it is usually 

 associated with some of the best local sources of water, shelter, and productive 

 forage. 



3. FIRE: The Cabin Creek population had burned in 1988 wildfires, where 

 crown fires killed the tree overstory. Plants appeared vigorous, perhaps in 

 response to the nutrient influx and higher light intensities. The surrounding 

 vegetation was also vigorous in 1995; thus, the long-term stability of the 

 population may be jeopardized by competition. The increased grazing activity 

 and recent salvage logging activity in this area has fostered the spread of 

 Canada thistle and has further jeopardized this plant's security. 



G. LAND OWNERSHIP (MONTANA): The 1 5 occurrences in the study area are all 

 on the Ashland District. In addition, there are three occurrences on the Sioux District 

 and two on the Crow Indian Resen.'ation. An historical collection was made near the 

 Missouri River near Highwood Canyon that could be either on BLM or on private 

 land. 



H. ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. THREATS TO CURRENTLY KNOWN POPULATIONS: Most 

 populations showed no recent signs of livestock use in the immediate vicinity. 

 The most notable exception was along Poker Jim Creek (T5S, R44E, Sec. 5, 

 SW 1/4). 



2. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND RESPONSES: This species is 

 expected to respond negatively to logging and to any changes in livestock 

 management that would increase use at its population sites. 



3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTAINING VIABLE 

 POPULATIONS: The species has similar requirements to Carex gravida for 

 maintaining viable populations. It is a potential management indicator species; 

 therefore, although sensitive species status is not warranted, recognition of 

 some form may be appropriate for management planning purposes. 



a. Proposed disturbances within or near any of these populations should 

 be mitigated to reduce or to eliminate the impacts of management 

 activities. 



b. Livestock grazing in directly adjoining native habitats should be 

 managed in a marmer that does not encourage use at the population 



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