activities. Gold mining has increased in the vicinity 

 of York. In 1987 two mine claim posts were observed at 

 the Bull Run Gulch site (EOR# 016) . The preceding 

 material was obtained from Shelly (1988) . The current 

 status of the mining threat to these sites is not known 

 (adapted from Shelly 1988) . 



Several populations (EOR#s 003, 006, 007, 008, and 012) 

 are either adjacent to roads or colonization from 

 nearby native habitat. Further road maintenance or 

 future construction might threaten these populations 

 (adapted from Shelly 1988) . 



Noxious weeds are noted as present at several sites, 

 which call for special attention in the noxious weed 

 control program of the Helena National Forest. In most 

 cases, the noxious weeds become established outside of 

 Lesquerella klausii habitat in more fertile substrate 

 before invading that habitat, so that preventative 

 control is to possible. 



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND RESPONSE: Lesquerella klausii 

 is tolerant of disturbance, as evidenced by its 

 ecological preference for more open habitats (steep 

 shale barrens and rocky slopes) , and its ability to 

 colonize altered sites such as open roadbanks. Surface 

 modification of small areas adjacent to larger 

 populations in natural habitat may not have an adverse 

 effect on the long-term viability of such sites. 

 However, large-scale habitat destruction such as that 

 from mining, could potentially result in the 

 extirpation of populations. Other types of land use 

 which might occur in L. klausii habitat such as 

 moderate livestock grazing, do not seem to impose a 

 serious threat to the species (adapted from Shelly 

 1988) . 



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAINTAINING VIABLE POPULATIONS: 



Several populations of Lesquerella klausii are within 

 the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area (EOR#s 013, 

 014, 018, 032 and 033) or wholly or partially within 

 the vehicle closure area along its southern boundary 

 (EOR#s 001, 007, and 015). These populations should be 

 regarded as protected. However any plans regarding 

 recreational development (for example, hiking and pack 

 trails) , should take L. klausii into account, and avoid 

 or at the least minimize impacts to these sites. 

 Maintenance of L. klausii in its natural habitat will 

 enhance the long-term persistence of the species 

 (adapted from Shelly 1988) . 



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