estimated. These, too, were vigorous individuals 

 of unknown age. 



2. REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY: Salix species may reproduce 

 vegetatively via rooting of decumbent stems, or 

 sexually by seeds. Although fruits were present on 

 some plants, no seedlings were observed. Seedlings 

 could easily have been overlooked, but the age 

 structure of the population was characterized by at 

 least 90% mature plants, with about 10% of these 

 showing partial senescence. Occurrence of suitable 

 sites for germination is ephemeral, and most likely 

 varies from year to year; conditions in some years 

 may result in little or no sexual reproduction. 



G. LAND OWNERSHIP: Salix wolf ii var. wolf ii at the 



Cinnamon Creek site (003) occurs wholly on Gallatin 

 National Forest lands. It is probable that the species 

 also occurs on private lands along the river. Along the 

 Gallatin River near Snowflake Springs (004), it occurs 

 on both Gallatin National Forest lands and State of 

 Montana lands (Gallatin Wildlife Management Area) . 



II. ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



A. POPULATION CONDITION: Both documented populations of 

 Salix wolf ii var. wolf ii appear to be stable at this 

 time. 



B. THREATS TO POPULATIONS: Threats to these two 

 populations of Salix wolf ii var. wolfii appear to be 

 minimal at this time. Horse pasturing immediately 

 behind the Cinnamon Creek Ranger Station may cause some 

 damage to individuals at that site, but is not likely to 

 severely threaten the viability of the population. 



C. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT: It is likely 

 that Salix wolfii var. wolfii occurs more extensively in 

 the northern regions of the Gallatin National Forest and 

 its extent should be assessed. Surveys should be 

 conducted at the most likely time of fruiting (mid-June 

 through July) , as the vestiture of the capsules is 

 diagnostic of the variety. 



D. SUMMARY: Salix wolfii var. wolfii is a southerly 

 variety of the species which extends into southwest 

 Montana. In the Gallatin National Forest it is 

 documented from two sites, both in the Gallatin Canyon. 

 Further surveys are likely to reveal that the variety 

 occurs more extensively in the northern regions of the 

 Gallatin National Forest. 



