METHODS 



Prior to fieldwork, the Biological Conservation Database 

 maintained by the Montana Natural Heritage Program was queried 

 for occurrences of plant species of special concern known from 

 the study area. This resulted in eleven populations of five 

 species known from BLM land in the study area: Astragalus 

 scaphoides (2 populations), Astragalus terminalis (1), Delphinium 

 bicolor ssp. novum (1), Penstemon lemhiensis (6), and 

 Sphaeromeria capitata (1). In addition to these, plant species 

 of special concern found by surveys of nearby areas with similar 

 habitats (Heidel 1993, Vanderhorst and Lesica 1994, Vanderhorst 

 1994a and 1994b) were considered primary targets to guide timing 

 and selection of habitats to be searched. 



I conducted surveys for proposed and prospective sensitive 

 and watch plant taxa on BLM lands in the study area in June, 

 July, and August of 1994. Specific survey dates were June 13, 

 June 16-22, June 27-July 1, July 5, and August 13. Maps in 

 Appendix A show the principle survey routes. Surveys were made 

 on foot in both known and potential habitats for target species, 

 representing many of the typical and unusual habitat types found 

 in the study area. Attempts were made to relocate most of the 

 populations of species of special state concern previously known 

 from the area, but most time was spent searching for new 

 occurrences. 



When populations of Montana plant species of special concern 

 were encountered, standard field survey forms were filled out and 

 the populations were mapped. Information was recorded on habitat 

 (associated vegetation, landscape position, soils), demography 

 (population numbers and area covered), plant biology (phenology, 

 vigor, reproductive success), and potential threats to the 

 populations. Photographs (35 mm slides) were taken of the plants 

 and their habitats. 



In order not to overlook prospective sensitive species and 

 to begin compilation of a floristic list for the area, all 

 vascular plants encountered were identified whenever possible. 

 The primary references used to key out plants in the field were 

 Dorn (1984, 1992) and Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973). Specimens 

 were collected when field identification was difficult and to 

 document populations of sensitive and other notable species. A 

 first set of all collections will be deposited at the herbarium 

 of Montana State University (MONT). 



