CONCLUSIONS 



One function of the MTNHP is the development of a statewide 

 database of plant community occurrences. A major limitation is the 

 current lack of a comprehensive grassland/shrubland community 

 classification. This study represents a step towards achieving 

 such a comprehensive classification. 



Another function of the MTNHP is to provide information 

 regarding communities and sites for conservation. A classification 

 such as this is necessary to define and identify key elements and 

 sites in southwestern Montana for potential long-term preservation. 

 Similarly, government agencies could use the classification for the 

 identification and design of natural areas. 



This classification can be usefully applied in stratifying 

 vegetation/environmental variation to assess management options and 

 results. The classification can also assist in minimizing impacts 

 from intensive management by identifying sensitive plant communi- 

 ties (e.g. , Aqropyron dasystachyum/Phacelia hastata) . The classi- 

 fication also provides a tool for baseline monitoring and pre- 

 dicting long-term vegetation responses to management activities. 

 This capability would also assist agencies in meeting regulatory 

 mandates (e.g., requirements of FLPMA) . 



Even following this study, existing classifications and data 

 inadequately describe the grassland and shrubland communities of 

 Montana. Major additional field sampling is necessary before a 

 comprehensive grassland/shrubland community classification can be 

 developed. Additional grassland/shrubland studies are planned in 

 Montana over the next two years. This effort will provide addi- 

 tional knowledge regarding community patterns, processes, and 

 physical environment relations. Such knowledge will be invaluable 

 towards developing full capability to inventory Montana communities 

 and to increase predictive capability (e.g., build vegetation and 

 biodiversity models) . 



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