with Montana State University to resolve whether or not the sole 

 Forest specimen is based on a misidentif ication therefore 

 warranting deletion from the sensitive list for the Helena 

 National Forest. 



3) Review the status of Carex vallicola to determine whether it 

 warrants designation as sensitive. 



4) Add Potentilla diversifolia var. multisecta to the Region 1 

 list as watch because it was historically known from the vicinity 

 of Helena National Forest. 



It is recommended that Helena National Forest incorporate 1992 

 field data in sensitive species management guidelines as 

 described in FSM 2670 and the Helena National Forest Management 

 Plan: 



1) Apply the list of target species in Appendix 4 in the 

 biological assessment process. Note: Species status in the 

 biological evaluation process depends on Region 1 designation, 

 and designation changes are recommended in the preceding text. 



2) Apply the information on documented sensitive species sites 

 in conducting biological evaluations to determine the potential 

 influence of a project on overall species viability in the 

 region. None of the work completed to date automatically serves 

 the purpose of site clearance, but is to be used judiciously in 

 the biological evaluation process on a case by case basis. 



3) Consider an RNA management unit designation for one site of 

 Lesquerella klausii . This species has its highest worldwide 

 concentration and numbers on the Helena National Forest. One of 

 its five largest populations in the Big Belt Mountains, #017, is 

 on Cabin Gulch, which has been proposed for research natural area 

 designation. This site was not included in 1992 fieldwork. 

 Additional work is needed to complete the site inventory and 

 nomination. 



It is recommended that Helena National Forest pursue study of 

 land areas, habitats and species which need more research to 

 provide information for the sensitive species program in the Big 

 Belt and Elkhorn Mountains. Some of these are already protected 

 within the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area or in the 

 vehicle closure areas. However other sites are in high use 

 areas, and might be impacted if not identified for management 

 consideration. 



1) LAND AREAS needing general sensitive species surveys include 

 much of the second and third priority level areas. In 

 particular, this includes the Dry Range, the Gates of the 



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