boundaries ( Astragalus convallarius var. convallarius and 

 Townsendia spathulata ) , while there are no similar sensitive 

 species records immediately outside national forest boundaries 

 surrounding the Big Belt Mountains. The lower floristic 

 diversity documented in the Elkhorn Mountains is interpreted as 

 reflecting the lower habitat diversity of the area as well as the 

 lesser amount of time spent there. 



Though the results of our sensitive plant survey and floristic 

 inventory of the Elkhorn and Big Belt Mountains are preliminary, 

 they lay a foundation of sensitive species information for the 

 Helena National Forest. They contribute to a floristic 

 biodiversity picture of the Helena National Forest and the state. 

 Finally, they help set and refine Helena National Forest and 

 statewide work priorities, protection priorities, and management 

 standards which address sensitive species. 



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