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44 



it is doubtful that populations of P. 

 lemhiensis could recover from such major 

 alterations. 



The response of P. lemhiensis to herbicide 

 spraying is currently unknown. Though it is 

 likely that established plants would be 

 destroyed by such treatment, it is possible 

 that the species may be fairly tolerant if 

 populations in native habitats are left 

 carefully untreated. The plants in these areas 

 may then be able to serve as a seed source for 

 recolonization of treated sites. 



The sensitivity of the primary pollinators 

 ( Pseudomasar is vespoides , Osmia brevis ) to 

 management practices (i.e., herbicide or 

 insecticide spraying) should also be carefully 

 considered. Impacts on these insects, 

 especially Pseudomasaris . may have a 

 detrimental influence on seed production in 

 Penstemon lemhiensis . 



Areas recommended for protection: In Montana 

 the largest known population, which accounts 

 for approximately 4 0% of the known individuals 

 in the state, is in the French Creek drainage 

 (009) . This site has been impacted by past 

 mining activities, and portions of it are no 

 longer in pristine condition. However, because 

 it represents a large, viable population, 

 management actions should provide for 

 maintenance of the 13 subpopulations comprising 

 the site. 



Other sites that appear to support viable 

 populations of P. lemhiensis in predominantly 

 native habitat include: Argenta (001) , Lemhi 

 Pass (003), Big Hole National Battlefield 

 (006), Quartz Hill Gulch (010), Echo Gulch 

 (012), Black Mountain Road (013), Roberts Gulch 

 (015) , Kearns Creek (018) , and Badger Pass 

 North (019) . 



Management and recovery recommendations: 

 Additional research on the propagation of P. 

 lemhiensis is needed, especially regarding seed 

 germination requirements. This information 

 would be useful in any future attempts to 

 recover populations impacted by mining and 

 other surface disturbances. Also, studies of 

 the population at the Big Hole National 

 Battlefield, in areas that were burned, would 



