Methods 



Available information was compiled and developed into search lists and habitat search images 

 prior to fieldwork. The Biological Conservation Database maintained by MTNHP was queried 

 for known occurrences of sensitive Cypripedium species on the KNF, resulting in nine 

 occurrences of Cypripedium calceolus var. parviflorum and four occurrences of C passerinum . 

 Knowledgeable Forest personnel and other local individuals were consulted and provided leads 

 of possible Cypripedium sightings which were not entered in the database. 



Land type (Kuennen and Gerhardt 1984) and geological (Harrison et al. 1992) maps were used to 

 identify areas with high potential for hosting populations of C calceolus var. parviflorum and C 

 passerinum based on the presence of limestone formations and/or calcareous soils in conjunction 

 with wetland features. Reports on Sensitive lady's slippers in Montana were consulted to gain 

 insight into the species' biology and ecology and to identify and prioritize research needs (Chadde 

 1989, 1991, Heidel 1992, Hoitsma 1992, Shelly 1988). 



Fieldwork was conducted from late May to early July 1995. Most of the known occurrences of 

 sensitive Cypripedium were revisited to determine population trends and habitat conditions and 

 to gain a search image for the plants and their habitats. Areas throughout the Forest identified as 

 having potential for hosting the Sensitive orchids were searched for new occurrences; a list of 

 areas searched is included in section D.3.d. of the status review for C calceolus var. parviflorum . 



When new occurrences were found or known occurrences were relocated, field survey forms 

 were filled out or Element Occurrence Records updated with the new information on habitat, 

 population numbers, and populations distribution. Voucher specimens of C calceolus var. 

 parviflorum were taken from large populations, following collection guidelines established by the 

 Montana Native Plant Society (1993), and were sent to a specialist of the genus, Dr. Charles 

 Sheviak (NYS), for verification and to determine if hybridization with C. montanum is occurring 

 at one site. The first set of all collections will be deposited at the herbarium at the University of 

 Montana in Missoula (MONTU), and duplicates will be left with Dr. Sheviak at the State 

 Museum of New York in Albany (NYS) and the Intermountain Research Station (MRC). 

 Populations of C. passerinum were all too small to justify collecting (Montana Native Plant 

 Society 1993). 



Specimens of associated vascular plants and bryophytes were collected to refine the habitat 

 circumscription. Moss identifications are being determined by Joe Elliott (Conservation Biology 

 Research, Helena, MT). These moss specimens will be donated to the KNF herbarium in Libby. 

 ECODATA macroplot information, including location linkage, general field data, and plant 

 composition (U.S. Forest Service 1992) was sampled from four population sites. Photographs 

 were taken of the plants and their habitats. 



Nearest populations of Cypripedium fascicularum on the Lolo National Forest in the vicinity of 

 St. Regis were visited to gain insight on that species' habitat requirements and a limited amount 

 of time was spent searching for it in appropriate habitat on the KNF. 



