the element occurrence print-outs, containing 

 revised location and population data, are included 

 in Section V, pp. 15-22. Of these eight, drastic 

 decreases in population size were noted in three 

 of them (Badger Pass (005), Red Butte (012), 

 Ermont Gulch (014)). At Badger Pass, 190 plants 

 were counted in 1986, approximately 75 of which 

 were within an exclosure constructed to protect 

 part of the population. During 1989, however, 

 only 5-10 plants were observed, most of them on a 

 roadbank; none were found within the exclosure. 

 Similarly, 142 plants were counted in the main 

 subpopulation at Red Butte in 198 6; no plants were 

 found there in 1988, and only ca. 12 plants were 

 seen in 1989. Seventy-six plants were counted in 

 the Ermont Gulch population in 1986, but only one 

 plant was observed in 1989. The reasons for these 

 declines are unknown; many of the plants may have 

 been dormant in 1989, or they may have actually 

 been extirpated. Monitoring of these sites should 

 be continued, to determine whether these observed 

 declines are permanent. 



An increase in population size was noted at the 

 Dutch Creek (035) site; during 1987, only one 

 plant was observed there, on an open roadbank; 

 searches in undisturbed habitat on slopes above 

 the road did not reveal any other plants. In 

 1989, approximately 28 plants were located in the 

 same area. This information suggests that 

 obseirved population size may fluctuate from year 

 to year if the plants can in fact be periodically 

 dormant. 



2. NEW AND HISTORICAL POPULATIONS LOCATED IN 1989: 



Details regarding population size for the 14 newly 

 discovered occurrences, and the two historical 

 records believed to have been rediscovered, are 

 summarized in Table 1. 



3. DEMOGRAPHIC MONITORING TRANSECTS: During 1989, 

 three permanent monitoring transects were 

 established on the Beaverhead National Forest. 

 The purpose of these transects is to provide more 

 detailed data on the life history and population 

 dynamics of P. lemhiensis . Data on survivorship 

 and reproduction are important for understanding 

 the biology of rare plant species, and undertaking 

 measures to ensure their long-term preservation 



(Massey and Whitson 1980) . These data may also 

 provide information pertaining to the small 

 average population size of P. lemhiensis 

 throughout its range in Montana, and the impacts 

 that management activities (livestock grazing, 

 mining, road maintenance) may be having on the 



