39 



reproduce by the sexual production of seeds. 

 Single seeds are enclosed in achenes with 

 persistent pappuses, which aid in airborne 

 transport. The plants collected at the Haystack 

 and Monument Peaks site were small, with unbranched 

 caudices and single flowering stems. This suggests 

 a relatively young age for the individuals 

 collected, but may not reflect the age structure of 

 the whole population. 



G. LAND OWNERSHIP: Both populations of Aqoseris sp. nov. , 

 as represented by the 1980 and 1989 collections, occur 

 wholly on Gallatin National Forest lands. 



II. ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



A. THREATS TO KNOWN POPULATIONS (GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST) : 

 The meadows containing Aqoseris sp. nov. in the Haystack 

 and Monument Peaks area lie just north, and outside, of 

 the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area boundary. The 

 area is frequented by trail bikers, who access the site 

 via primitive roads leading to the abandoned 

 Independence Mine. 



B. FURTHER ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT NEEDS: More detailed 

 information regarding the occurrence and distribution of 

 Aqoseris sp. nov. in Montana is needed. Little is known 

 of the range and abundance of this species. Further 

 surveys of likely mountain habitats could indicate 

 whether Aqoseris sp. nov. is a typical subalpine meadow 

 element, or whether it is truly rare, and restricted in 

 both range and abundance. The Aqoseris sp. nov. 

 population in the Haystack and Monument Peaks vicinity 

 should be revisited for more detailed documentation. At 

 the same time the impact of off-road vehicle use on the 

 population should be assessed. 



C. SUMMARY: Aqoseris sp. nov. is a species being newly 

 described. Its extent and abundance in Montana, and on 

 the Gallatin National Forest, is poorly known. Based on 

 its occurrence in Lemhi County, Idaho and in counties of 

 southwest and southcentral Montana, it could, at this 

 time, be designated as a regional endemic' Aqoseris sp. 

 nov. is known from two sites on the Gallatin National 

 Forest. The size and condition of these populations is 

 not fully documented at this time. Detailed 

 documentation of both sites, and further surveys in 

 other likely areas on the Gallatin National -Forest, are 

 needed. 



