2.0 METHODS 



Tasks ccnpleted prior to the field inventory included: 



1. Search of Montana Natural Heritage Program data base to 

 determine rare plants previously identified in the area. 



2. Review of local and regional literature regarding rare plants 

 and plant ccmmunities pertinent to the area. 



3. Cbtain USGS topographic iraps and outline PACEC boundaries. 



4. Ccxitact landc^,Ters and obtain acosss across private lands. 



Field work was ccrducted June 13-14, 1989 ard July 18-21, 1989. The 

 range of vegetaticxi types en West, East and Middle (Gold) Buttes was 

 surveyed by pedestrian reccxinaissance. Species lists v^ere made at 

 selected locations; taxa not readily identified in the field were 

 collected and pressed for verification in the office. Photograjiis were 

 taken of representative plant ocnnmunities . 



The site previously recorded for Ranunculus cardic^yllus Hock. 

 (Thcnpscn and Kuijt 1975b) was intensively surveyed, although it is 

 located outside the PACEC boundary. Likely habitats for R. 

 cardicphyllus within the PACEC were also inventoried. 



Plant specimens \-^£re identified in the office using a stereozocm 

 dissecting microscope. Taxonomic manuals used for plant 

 identification included Hitchcock and Crcnquist (1973), Hitchcock et 



