a.) (s) ignif leant current or predicted downward 

 trends in population numbers or density," and/or 

 "b.) (s) ignif leant current or predicted downward 

 trends in habitat capability that would reduce a 

 species' existing distribution" (Reel et al . 

 1989) . Through its Inclusion on the Region 1 

 sensitive species list, P. lemhlensis has legal 

 protection under U.S. Forest Service agency 

 policies (W. Ruediger, pers. conun.). 



2. STATE STATUS: In Montana, P. lemhlensis is 

 currently ranked as S2 ("imperiled in state 

 because of rarity") by the Montana Natural 

 Heritage Program (Shelly 1989) . It was 

 recommended for listing as "threatened" (any 

 species that is likely to become an endangered 

 species within the foreseeable future throughout 

 all or a significant portion of its range in the 

 state) by the Montana Rare Plant Project (Lesica 

 et al . 1984) . These state rankings do not 

 currently provide any direct legal protection for 

 P. lemhlensis . 



B. UPDATE OF GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION (M0NT7VNA) 



1. BEAVERHEAD COUNTY: Prior to 1989, Penstemon 

 lemhlensis had been recently documented (1986- 

 1988) from 18 sites in Beaverhead County. During 

 1989, extensive surveys resulted in the discovery 

 of 12 new populations. One recent report could 

 not be verified as to Identification (Medicine 

 Lodge Creek, 022) , and one historical collection 

 (021: "West of Big Hole Battlefield," 1947, F.H. 

 Rose (3502) . MONTU) has not been relocated. 



2. RAVALLI COUNTY: Prior to 1989, two historical 

 records were known from Ravalli County (1950 and 

 1952) . It is believed that the 1989 surveys 

 resulted in the rediscovery of these populations. 

 Also, two previously unrecorded populations were 

 found. 



Thus, P. lemhlensis is now known from 34 locations in 

 Montana (30 in Beaverhead County, 4 in Ravalli County) . 

 Element occurrence print-outs for the rediscovered 

 historical sites, as well as the newly documented 

 populations, are provided in Section V, pp. 23-38. The 

 locations for all of these sites are Indicated on the 

 maps in Section V, pp. 39-51. 



C. POPULATION MONITORING AND DEMOGRAPHY STUDIES 



1. KNOWN POPULATIONS RESURVEYED IN 1989: Eight 



previously documented populations (002, 003, 005, 

 009, 012, 014, 019, 020) were revisited in 1989; 



