43 



of the four are in the Grasshopper Study Area, including: 



Badger Pass BLM 



Bannack spanning BLM and state 



Rocky Hills BLM 



A fifth population at Black Lion Mountain on Beaverhead National Forest was described as "conamon" 

 without an estimate of population size. As a state endemic, these data represent its global populations 

 numbers. 



Most of these low elevation populations cover small areas because the outcrop habitat is limited and the 

 discontinuous nature of the outcrop habitat accounts for the discontinuous distribution pattern across the 

 landscape. 



Individuals are relatively short-lived and dependent on seed production (Schassberger 1991). The 

 populations may vary in size and extent with yearly climate shifts. The population structure and 

 dynamics appear to be very similar to that of I. carinata var. languida (Greenlee 1994, from 

 Vanderhorst 1995). 



MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS: It was recommended that this species' status be reviewed 

 after the species was published in the literature, and more complete sun'ey studies were conducted 

 (Heidel 1993). The information gathered in this study has not significantly expanded its distribution or 

 allayed concerns over potential threats. While it has similar habitat requirements to Lomatium 

 attenuatum, they are narrower and more restricted to settings with mining activity. It is also more short- 

 lived. For these reasons, it is recommended for retaining as sensitive by the BLM. 



Many of the study area population sites adjoin active mines, and most are marked with mining claims. 

 One of the largest populations is located at Bannack among four other Montana Species of Special 

 Concern, and major strides in biodiversity conservation and public education might be made by 

 protecting the areas administered by both state and federal agencies at one time. 



Noxious weed invasion has not entered this species' habitat to date, though there is potential for it to 

 encroach upon and to out-compete short-lived perennials in this setting, as is happening in the case of 

 Lesquerella carinata var. languida habitat, which is being encroached upon by Centaurea maculosa 

 (Vanderhorst 1995). 



