A RARE SURVEY OF THE ROCKY REACH RESERVOIR

Final

ROCKY REACH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC Project No. 2145

December 15, 2000

Prepared by: Calypso Consulting Bellingham,

Prepared for: Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County Wenatchee, Washington

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 1

SECTION 2: STUDY AREA...... 3 2.1 Description of Existing Botanical Resources...... 3 2.2 Upland Community Types...... 3 2.3 Riparian Community Types...... 5 2.4 Wetland Community Types ...... 5 2.5 Non-Native Plant Species...... 5

SECTION 3: METHODS ...... 7

SECTION 4: RESULTS ...... 11

SECTION 5: REFERENCES ...... 23

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3-1: Rare plant taxa potentially present in the Rocky Reach project area...... 7 Table 4-1: Rare plant populations at the Rocky Reach reservoir, 1999 - 2000...... 11

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: PLANT TAXA OBSERVED IN THE ROCKY REACH PROJECT AREA, 1999- 2000

APPENDIX B: PHOTOS AND/OR LINE DRAWINGS OF RARE PLANT SPECIES LOCATED IN THE ROCKY REACH PROJECT AREA.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page i SS/2477

Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This document summarizes two years of rare plant surveys on the shoreline of the Rocky Reach reservoir. These were undertaken by Calypso Consulting for Chelan County Public Utility District (Chelan PUD) as part of FERC relicensing of the Rocky Reach Hydroelectric project.

For the purposes of this document, a “rare plant” is defined as any plant species or variety of a species which is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the U.S. Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or by the state of Washington as Endangered, Threatened, or Sensitive (WNHP 1997). This includes species or varieties which are included on the Washington “Review Group 1” list. Federal and state status designations may change over time, so the status of some of the species found within the project area may be different in the future. No rare plant survey can ever be considered 100% complete. Populations of rare are dynamic; through time, new rare plant populations can become established, and existing ones may become larger, smaller, or may shift in their location. If new project related ground disturbing activities occur in the future, a thorough, site-specific rare plant survey for known and new rare plant populations is recommended. All rare plant surveys should be conducted at the appropriate time(s) during the growing season for all of the potential rare plant species which are possible within that area and habitat.

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Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 2: STUDY AREA

The Rocky Reach reservoir and project area lies on the boundary between the Columbia Basin and the foothills of the North Cascades Mountains. It is confined to a wide canyon characterized by basalt cliffs and exposed rock outcrops. Average annual precipitation in the Rocky Reach project area is 8.5 inches, most of which occurs as snow in the winter (Chelan PUD 1991).

The project area is in the tridentata / (big sagebrush/ bluebunch wheatgrass), or “-” ecological zone, which is characteristic of the drier portions of the Columbia Basin (Franklin and Dyrness 1973). Occasional stands of (ponderosa pine) and Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain ) can also be seen in the project area.

Before European settlement, the vegetation of the area was largely shrub-steppe, which was maintained by frequent wildfires. A number of factors have altered the historic vegetation of the project area. Some of these occurred both prior to and after the inundation of Rocky Reach in 1961, and others have occurred more recently or are presently occurring. These include: grazing, fires and fire suppression, farming, residential and industrial development, and weed invasion. Before construction of the project, the area was already much altered by these factors. Although of higher quality from a botanical standpoint, the historical botanical resources of the project area closely correlates to that of existing botanical resources, where native vegetation is still present. Historical photos indicate that the Columbia River was channeled and had wide gravel bars. These were most evident in the late summer through winter when the river level was at its lowest. The area was subject to large floods that scoured much of the riparian vegetation. Historical aerial photos show little or no development of woody riparian vegetation along the shoreline prior to project construction. The project flooded most of the historical shoreline, and consequently the location, quality and size of the historical riparian and aquatic plant communities are almost entirely altered. New riparian and aquatic plant communities have subsequently developed on the present day shoreline.

2.1 Description of Existing Botanical Resources A large-scale rare plant survey of the Rocky Reach reservoir was performed in 1990 for a proposed pool raise (Caplow 1990). The areas studied included all land subject to inundation or vegetation change as a result of the proposed pool raise. Nine populations of Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine) were located during that survey. The report is on file at the Chelan PUD office.

Much of the information on existing botanical resources is taken from several reports prepared for the Chelan PUD’s pool raise proposal in 1991, particularly the rare plant survey report (Caplow 1990). The following broad categories of plant community types were identified along the reservoir banks: upland communities, riparian communities and wetland communities.

2.2 Upland Community Types Upland community types within the project area are characterized by a diversity of habitats including: forest, shrub-steppe and grassland, bare ground and rock, and disturbed habitats. Forested upland community types occupy a small portion of the project area. Occasional small stands of

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 3 SS/2477 Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) and Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) can be seen within the project area. This type occurs with greater frequency with increasing elevation outside of the project area. The vast majority of the project area is in the shrub-steppe vegetation zone. Primarily due to a history of grazing however, undisturbed shrub-steppe is uncommon along the reservoir. Disturbed and weedy shrub-steppe typically has a low cover and diversity of native plants. Common native shrub-steppe species include: (big sagebrush), Chrysothamnus spp. (rabbitbrush), tridentata (bitterbrush), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), spp. (wild buckwheat), spp. (daisy), and (Sandberg’s bluegrass).

Bare ground and rock habitat types have a number of distinctive habitats. These are typically very dry and are characterized by low vegetation cover. Bedrock outcroppings and large boulders are made up of granite, schist, gneiss and basalt. This habitat is sparsely vegetated with species like Penstemon richardsonii (Richardson’s penstemon), Thelypodium laciniatum (thick-leaved thelypody), Verbascum thapsus (mullein), and Stephanomeria tenuifolia (skeleton-weed). Steep sand and gravel slopes occur mostly in the upstream portions of the reservoir. These are typically 30 - 50 feet high and are subject to continuous erosion. They are sparsely vegetated with Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush), Eriogonum spp. (wild buckwheat), and Cryptantha celosioides (cockscomb cryptantha).

Several large, level gravel bars are present along the natural shoreline in the upstream stretches of the reservoir. These pavements of cobble-sized rocks support species such as: Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. scouleriana (northern wormwood), Gaillardia aristita, Allium spp. (wild onion) and a number of native bunchgrasses. Low sand dunes are common along the reservoir and are typically sparsely vegetated. Dominant species include: Oenothera pallida var. pallida (pale evening-primrose), Phacelia linearis (thread- leaf phacelia), Phacelia hastata var. leucophylla (white-leaf phacelia), Cymopteris terebinthinus var. terebinthinus (turpentine cymopteris), and Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush).

Disturbed, developed, and modified habitats comprise approximately half of the lands bordering the reservoir. Fruit orchards, residential and industrial developments, and recreational sites may be landscaped or more typically support a weedy, non-native vegetation. Because of the steep slopes associated with much of the reservoir, about one third of the shoreline has been stabilized with riprap (Ebasco 1991).

There are a number of islands in the reservoir, most of which are near the shoreline. They vary widely, but are generally gravelly or rocky, often with eroding margins. The dominant plant community is shrub-steppe. Most of the islands lie between Rocky Reach dam and the mouth of the Chelan River, and were part of the mainland before the initial changes in the river level. Many of the channels now present between the islands and the reservoir shoreline were once roadcuts on the original highway between Wenatchee and Chelan. Turtle Rock was also once connected to the mainland, but is now separated by a substantial channel.

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2.3 Riparian Community Types There are four riparian cover types in the project area: riparian grassland, riparian deciduous tree, riparian mixed, and riparian shrubland. The riparian zone is restricted to a narrow band along the shoreline, ranging in width from less than one foot up to 100 feet. The size of riparian areas in the project area is limited by arid conditions, steep banks that are often stabilized by riprap, and residential and agricultural development along the shoreline (Chelan PUD 1991).

Grassy riparian areas are common throughout the reservoir, generally occurring in narrow strips near the waterline. This habitat type is typically weedy, with dominant species such as: Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (oatgrass), Cicuta douglasii (Douglas’ water- hemlock), Melilotus alba (white sweet-), Carex spp. (sedge species), Juncus spp. (rush species), and Festuca pratensis (meadow fescue). Wooded riparian areas include riparian deciduous tree, riparian mixed, and riparian shrubland types. They are often in less developed areas and provide important wildlife habitat. The wooded riparian types are similar to the grassy riparian areas, but include a substantial cover of tree and large shrub species such as Populus balsamifera var. trichocarpa (black cottonwood), Salix spp. (willow), Alnus rhombifolia (white alder), Crataegus douglasii (black hawthorne), Rubus discolor (Himalayan blackberry), Cornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood), and Betula occidentalis (water birch). Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass) is common in wooded riparian areas.

2.4 Wetland Community Types Wetland habitat in the project area includes submerged aquatic vegetation beds and patches of emergent wetlands. These are typically located in protected coves or in shallow areas where sediment has accumulated. They are also often found in isolated depressions associated with the railroad and the highways which parallel much of both sides of the river (Chelan PUD 1991).

Wetland vegetation, primarily aquatic vegetation beds, are widespread within the project area (Chelan PUD 1991). Dominant native plant species of these habitat types include: Potamogeton filiformis (slender-leaved pondweed), Elodea canadensis (common waterweed), Typha latifolia (common cattail) and Scirpus validus (tule) (WDFW 1994). Non-native plant and noxious weed species of concern in aquatic vegetation beds and emergent wetlands include: Potamogeton crispus (curly pondweed), Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Iris pseudacorus (yellow iris), and Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian water-milfoil). M. spicatum control on the reservoir involves mechanical rotovation of the aquatic beds during the summer months (P. Fielder, Chelan PUD, pers. comm., 2000). Most of this is done in the vicinity of boat launches and access sites in state and county parks.

2.5 Non-Native Plant Species Weed invasion is extensive in the Rocky Reach project area, and is correlated with grazing, fire, fire suppression, and development. There is also a high cover of weedy species in the water fluctuation zone along the reservoir. Typically, a high cover of weed species decreases the cover and diversity of native species, sometimes to very low levels. The higher the level of disturbance within a habitat, the greater the probability that non-native weedy plant species will become established and potentially outcompete native and rare plant species.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 5 SS/2477 A number of Class B designate and C noxious weeds for Chelan County are known from the project area (WAC 1999). These include: Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), several species of Centaurea spp. (knapweed), Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed), Linaria dalmatica (Dalmatian toadflax), Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian milfoil), and Cardaria spp. (hoarycress). Douglas County does not have a noxious weed list.

Non-native species which are very common in the project area include: Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive), Morus alba (mulberry), Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag), Medicago spp. (alfalfa), Melilotus spp. (sweet-clover), Plantago lanceolata (English plantain), Robinia pseudo-acacia (black locust), Salix fragilis (crack willow), Convolvulus arvensis (field morning glory), Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify), Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), Salsola kali (Russian thistle), Cirsium spp. (thistle), and Ulmus pumilus (Siberian elm). A number of these non-native species are large or trees. Many are associated with riparian areas. Perhaps the most weed species is the ubiquitous upland annual grass species Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass).

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SECTION 3: METHODS

A rare plant survey was performed using commonly accepted botanical survey methods to locate and identity rare plant populations within the Rocky Reach project area. Rare plant survey methods are straightforward, and involve visually searching the project area for rare plant species. Timing for field surveys are based on flowering times of potential rare plant species. In general, upland plant species were searched for earlier in the field season than plants that occur in wetland habitats, because they typically bloom earlier. Some areas were visited twice to search for both early and late blooming rare plant species.

Table 3-1 presents rare plant species which have a reasonable potential to occur in the Rocky Reach project area (WNHP 1997). Unless otherwise noted, scientific names follow Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973). It is estimated that over 40 Washington state-listed plant species had the potential to occur within the project area. The status of all plant taxa listed in Table 3-1 reflect the most current information available; however, the status of a particular rare plant taxon is subject to change by the WNHP and/or the FWS.

The project area consists of the project boundary and areas likely to be impacted by project operations. The project boundary extends from the tailrace of Rocky Reach dam (River Mile - RM 473.5) upstream to the tailrace of Wells dam (RM 516.5). The project boundary varies in elevation along the Rocky Reach reservoir and corresponds to the water surface elevation associated with the probable maximum flood (Rocky Reach Project Periodic Safety Inspection Report 1997).

Table 3-1: Rare plant taxa potentially present in the Rocky Reach project area. Taxon Typical Habitat Status ID+ Agoseris elata meadows, open woods S 5-7 Ammannia robusta wet soil R1 7-9 Antennaria parvifolia dry open places, sandy areas, pine forests S 3-4 Astragalus arrectus shrub-steppe, grassy hillsides S 5-6 Astragalus misellus var. pauper shrub-steppe S 5-6 rocky hillsides with sagebrush E 4-5 Botrychium lunaria moist to dry areas S 6-7 Botrychium paradoxum moist to dry areas S 6-7 Botrychium pinnatum fields, shrubby slopes S 6-7 Botrychium simplex moist to dry meadows, marshes S 6-7 Camissonia pygmaea shrub-steppe; flood gravels T 5-7 Carex buxbaumii wet, marshy areas S 5-7

Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 Final Study Report SS/2477 Page 7 December 15, 2000 Taxon Typical Habitat Status ID+ Carex comosa lake margins, marshes, drainage ditches S 5-8 Carex hystericina wet areas along streams, rivers S 5-8 Chaenactis thompsonii dry open areas, serpentine slopes S 5-8 Cicuta bulbifera marshes, bogs, wet meadows S 8-9 Cryptantha leucophaea shrub-steppe, dry open sandy areas S 5-6 Cryptantha spiculifera sage steppe, dry, open slopes and flats S 5-7 Cryptogramma stelleri moist shaded cliffs, ledges, limestone S 5-8 Cypripedium fasciculatum moist to dry rocky open coniferous forest T 4-7 Eleocharis atropurpurea wet places, lakeshores EX 5-8 Epipactis gigantea streambanks, lakes, springs, seeps S 4-9 Erigeron piperianus shrub-steppe S 5-6 Githopsis specularioides Dry open places in valleys and foothills S 5-6 Hackelia hispida var. disjuncta cliffs, talus S 5-6 Hackelia venusta rocky slopes, with Ponderosa pine E 5-6 Iliamna longisepala dry open slopes, open pine forests S 5-9 Taxon Typical Habitat Status ID+ Mimulus suksdorfii open, moist to dry places S 4-6 Nicotiana attenuata dry sandy bottoms, dry open places S 6-9 Pellaea breweri rock crevices, ledges, talus slopes S 5-8 Pellaea brachyptera rock crevices, ledges, talus slopes S 5-8 Penstemon eriantherus whitedii foothills, shrub-steppe R1 5-7 Petrophyton cinerascens basalt cliffs and bluffs T 5-8 Phacelia lenta basalt cliffs T 5-7 Platanthera sparsiflora open wet areas, bogs S 6-8 Rorippa columbiae riparian shorelines, moist sandy soil T 7-10 Rotala ramosior wet, swampy places R1 6-9 Saxifragopsis fragarioides rock crevices, ledges, talus S 5-7 Sidalcea oregana var. calva moist soils, boggy meadows near streams E/PE 6-7 Silene seelyi steep talus slopes, rock crevices T 5-8 Spiranthes diluvialis rivers, floodplains, mesic and wet meadows T/LT 7-9

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Taxon Typical Habitat Status ID+ Spiranthes porrifolia moist to wet meadows S 6-9 Teucrium canadense vicidum moist low ground S 6-9 open areas with sagebrush, sandy soils T 4-6

+ Months during which the taxon is typically identifiable. E Endangered. Taxa that are in danger of becoming extinct in the state within the near future if factors contributing to their decline continue. T Threatened. Taxa that are likely to become Endangered in the state within the near future if factors contributing their decline continue. S Sensitive. Taxa that are vulnerable or declining, and could become Endangered or Threatened in the state without active management or removal of threats. R1 Review Group 1. Taxa in need of additional field work before a status can be assigned. EX Extirpated. Taxa possibly extirpated from Washington. PE Proposed Endangered. Any taxon which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and which has been proposed for listing as such in the Federal Register pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act. L Listed by the FWS.

Sources for information include: the Washington Natural Heritage Information System, of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock et al. (1955 - 1969) and The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California edited by J. Hickman (1993). The status of all the plant taxa listed in Table 1 reflect the most current information available; however, the status of a particular rare plant taxon is subject to change by the WNHP and/or the FWS.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 9 SS/2477 In general, the area surveyed included lands with a riparian influence adjacent the reservoir and the immediate adjacent upland area. If the shoreline was steep, the band surveyed was very narrow; likewise if the shoreline was relatively flat, the band may have been over a hundred feet wide. Areas searched for rare plants in 1999 - 2000 included the roughly the same areas surveyed during the 1990 rare plant survey.

Rare plant survey strategies included: searches of the shoreline during periods when rare plants were identifiable, visits to known occurrences of rare plants, literature review, and herbarium research for additional information and species verification. Shoreline surveys were conducted by walking and motorized boat.

The entire project area was searched as rare plant species were potentially present in all of the habitat types at the Rocky Reach reservoir. A GPS unit was used to accurately map rare plant populations. Photographs were taken of rare plant species (close-ups of individual plants and more general habitat shots). Plant collections were made when it was deemed necessary to identify a plant. A complete list of all plant species observed in the project area was compiled.

Depending on the habitat, survey intensities employed in the field were either moderate or complete, as defined below:

Moderate: moderate search intensity through an area, with higher intensity surveys in the portions of the areas which appear unique or which appear to have a high potential for rare plant populations.

Complete: close searching in areas with rare plant populations or with habitat with a very high potential of having rare plant populations.

Most of the project area received moderate survey intensity.

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SECTION 4: RESULTS

During the course of fieldwork in 1999 - 2000, 14 populations of six rare plant species were found or relocated within the Rocky Reach reservoir, including four state-listed species: Carex hystericina (porcupine sedge), Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine), Ophioglossum pusillum (adder’s-tongue), and Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies’-tresses) (Table 4-1). One of these, S. diluvialis, is also federally listed as a Threatened species. Due to their rarity in the state, two other species located during the course of surveys can be expected to be added to the WNHP list and tracked in the future: Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) and Sisyrinchium montanum (blue-eyed grass). Each plant taxon of interest is described and summarized below. Siting forms and maps for each rare plant population are available to authorized agencies. Population data will be included into a specific GIS mapping layer. Appendix 1 contains a complete list of all plant taxa observed in the project area during the 1999 - 2000 survey. Over 400 taxa are listed. It should be considered a working list to be added to over time. APPENDIX B:Appendix B contains photos and/or line drawings of rare plant species. Voucher specimens collected during the course of the survey will be deposited at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Prior to the 1999 - 2000 rare plant survey, the only rare plants known from the Rocky Reach project area were nine occurrences of Epipactis gigantea. These are now considered subpopulations of one much expanded population that includes much of the Columbia River. Rare plant species known from near (but not in) the project area include: Petrophytum cineracens (Chelan rockmat), Trifolium thompsonii (Thompson’s clover), Phacelia lenta (sticky phacelia), and Camissonia pygmaea (dwarf evening-primrose). None of these were located within the project area. A population of Cryptantha leucophaea (gray cryptantha) was last seen on Turtle Rock in the project area in 1975. This state listed Sensitive species was not relocated during the 1999 - 2000 survey. No plant communities within the Rocky Reach project area have currently been identified or designated as a Habitat of Special Concern by any agency.

Table 4-1: Rare plant populations at the Rocky Reach reservoir, 1999 - 2000. Taxon Common Name WA FWS Number of Status Status populations Carex hystericina porcupine sedge S 4 Epipactis gigantea giant helleborine S 4 Ophioglossum pusillum adder’s-tongue T 1 Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem + 1 Sisyrinchium montanum blue eyed grass + 1 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies’-tresses T T 3 Total number of populations 14 Status: FWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WA - Washington S - Sensitive T - Threatened + - new to state, may be tracked by WNHP in the future

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 11 SS/2477 Carex hystericina (porcupine sedge) Carex hystericina is a distinctive yellowish-green sedge with nodding spikes. Its range extends from eastern Canada to Washington, south to Virginia, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and California. Its habitat includes wet depressions, wet areas along streams and rivers, floating wood debris, and hillside seeps. It is identifiable May through September. In Washington, it is known from 29 scattered stations, mostly in eastern Washington (WNHP 2000). It is Sensitive in Washington (WNHP 1997).

Four new populations of Carex hystericina were found during the 1999 - 2000 survey. One population is associated with a lake in the project area, one is associated with several sloughs, and the remaining two populations include all C. hystericina plants found directly along the Columbia River. These range from Rocky Reach dam to an area 22 miles upriver, near Dover Flat. The two Columbia River populations are sparse, with a combined total of 30 to 40 plants. The lake and slough populations are more vigorous consisting of 400 and 275 plants, respectively. C. hystericina seems to prefer habitat adjacent sloughs and lakes where water moves than it does directly along the Columbia River. The plants grow in a narrow margin several inches below water level to several inches above water level. Most locations are subject to inundation at various times during the year during high water. Several populations were found growing with Epipactis gigantea.

No Carex hystericina populations were found during the 1990 survey, suggesting that the species has only recently colonized the project area. It is likely that C. hystericina populations in the project area are actively expanding and plants will continue to colonize nearby suitable habitat in the future. Individuals that become successfully established may be relatively long-lived due to the rhizomatous, tussock-forming nature of the species (WNHP and BLM 2000).

Portions of Carex hystericina populations may be threatened by their proximity to Highway Alt. 97, Highway 97, and the railroad, where they could be affected by herbicide spraying, runoff, road repair, or construction. They could also be affected by recreational activities such as fishing, hiking and swimming at Daroga State Park, Entiat Park and along the river generally. The on-going trend of conversion of riparian habitat to residential, commercial and industrial development along the river’s edge may destroy some portions of populations. Some plants might eventually be outcompeted by non-native species, such as Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag) and Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife). Because the species does not seem to tolerate much shade, invasion of woody vegetation in the vicinity of populations may be a threat. Because C. hystericina populations appear to be expanding, potential habitat for this species may also be affected by the above mentioned threats.

Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine) Epipactis gigantea is a large, showy member of the orchid family with long sprays of greenish- purple flowers. Because it is short-rhizomatous, a single plant may have several hundred flowering stems and cover a large area. It typically grows on streambanks, lake margins, springs, seeps, and other wet areas. Its range includes British Columbia south to Baja California and most of the western U.S. to the . It is known from 47 sites in scattered counties in Washington (WNHP 2000). The majority of its occurrences are located along the Columbia River. E. gigantea

Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 Final Study Report SS/2477 Page 12 December 15, 2000 Rare Plant Survey is identifiable in eastern Washington from June to September. It is Sensitive in Washington (WNHP 1997).

During the 1999 - 2000 survey, a total of four Epipactis gigantea populations were located in the project area. Two populations are associated with lakes, one is associated with a slough, and the remaining population includes all E. gigantea plants found directly along the Columbia River. The two lake and one slough populations are limited in size. In general, the species seems to prefer habitats that have a slightly slower current, such as locations near inlets, backwater areas, and islands directly along the Columbia River. The river population includes and greatly expands upon the nine occurrences located during the 1990 rare plant survey. In 1990, these nine E. gigantea occurrences ranged in size from nine to more than 250 stems, with an estimated total of 700 stems. These were located along the lowest 16 miles of the reservoir between Rocky Reach dam and Navarre Coulee. Currently, the Columbia River population consists of approximately 60 subpopulations and many thousands of stems. These range from Rocky Reach dam to 30 miles upriver near Beebe Bridge. Subpopulations consist of one or several patches of stems in a locality. Patches may range from four to over 1000 stems, and are probably, in most cases, made up of a single rhizomatous plant. Some patches are in close proximity to each other, while others are small and/or isolated. Because of seasonal water fluctuations, most locations are likely to be inundated during high water events.

Most plants/subpopulations grow in the lowest three vertical feet above the reservoir level, typically within four feet of the water’s edge, in open, lush, grassy, somewhat wet habitats. Some subpopulations grow in moist but not wet backwater areas up to 30 feet from the water’s edge. These subpopulations often have an open to closed canopy cover and are not usually visible from the river. Common associates include: Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (oatgrass), Equisetum laevigatum (horsetail), Mentha arvensis (field mint), Carex spp. (sedge species), Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), and Cicuta douglasii (Douglas’ water- hemlock). In the project area, E. gigantea is found with several other rare plant species: Carex hystericina, Ophioglossum pusillum, and Spiranthes diluvialis.

It is unknown why the Columbia River Epipactis gigantea population has expanded so dramatically since 1990. Although there are a number of possible explanations, the most likely explanation is that it was just prior to the 1990 survey that of the species first reached the area and started rapidly colonizing suitable habitat. Another possibility might be that the species was slow to respond after the initial project inundation. It can be expected that E. gigantea populations in the project area are still expanding and that under current hydrologic conditions, new subpopulations will appear and existing subpopulations will increase in size.

Portions of Epipactis gigantea populations may be threatened by their proximity to Highway Alt. 97, Highway 97, and the railroad, where they could be affected by herbicide spraying, runoff, road repair, or construction. They could also be affected by recreational activities such as fishing, hiking and swimming at Daroga State Park, Entiat Park and along the river generally. The on-going trend of conversion of riparian habitat to housing and other developments is perhaps the largest threat to the species. Because E. gigantea populations appear to be expanding, potential habitat for this species may also be affected by the above mentioned threats. Ownership of E. gigantea habitat is varied, including private landowners, county parks, state parks, and Chelan PUD. The largest

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 13 SS/2477 subpopulation in the project area is located near and may in part be threatened by a very large stand of the noxious weed Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife). Some plants may eventually be outcompeted by non-native species, such as Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag).

Ophioglossum pusillum (adder’s-tongue) Ophioglossum pusillum is an unusual fern species with an upright fertile spike and a single undivided basal frond. Its typical habitat is moist meadows, woods and boggy areas. It is identifiable May through September, but can be difficult to see growing in the dense vegetation. It is a circumboreal species known from Alaska to the east coast, and many states and Canadian provinces in between. In Washington, O. pusillum is included on the Threatened list (WNHP 1997). O. pusillum is known from 12 sites in scattered counties in Washington (WNHP 2000).

In the project area, one Ophioglossum pusillum population with 150 plants was located on Chelan PUD-owned land in a moist, herbaceous meadow adjacent a small pond near the Columbia River. The pond is essentially a revegetated borrow pit which was created when Highway Alt. 97 was built in the early 1980’s. While the pond is not directly hydrologically connected to the Columbia River via surface water, there is almost certainly a groundwater connection through the gravelly substrate between the pond and the river. Old aerial photographs and topographic maps show a large backwater area where the pond is now. The wetland associated with the pond may be a remnant of a larger wetland or may have formed after the digging of the borrow pit. The moist meadow and pond appear to be in relatively good ecological condition despite their recent creation and location very near a major highway. The O. pusillum population was found with two other rare plant species: Spiranthes diluvialis and Epipactis gigantea.

The location of the moist meadow (and the Ophioglossum pusillum population) adjacent Highway Alt. 97 makes it vulnerable to any disturbances or activities associated with the highway. Plants could be affected by construction, road repair, herbicide spraying or runoff from the highway. Disturbance upslope of the pond may affect its hydrology. The population is in danger from a number of non-native weeds, including: Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed), Melilotis alba (white sweet-clover), Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass). The rhizomatous weedy species Centaurea repens (Russian knapweed) is present between the population and the highway. The general area in the vicinity of the population seems to have experienced a significant amount of disturbance over the years. In Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973), the synonym for this species is Ophioglossum vulgatum var. pseudopodum.

Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies’-tresses)

General Information Spiranthes diluvialis is federally listed as a Threatened species. It is an attractive, perennial white- flowered member of the orchid family. It is known from , , , Nebraska, , and . The preferred habitat of S. diluvialis is low elevation wetland and riparian areas, including spring habitats, mesic to wet meadows, river meanders, and floodplains. Ute ladies’-tresses seem to require “permanent sub-irrigation”, indicating a close affinity with floodplain areas where the water table is near the surface throughout the growing season and into the late

Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 Final Study Report SS/2477 Page 14 December 15, 2000 Rare Plant Survey summer or early autumn (FWS 1995). S. diluvialis occurs primarily in areas where the vegetation is relatively open and not overly dense or overgrown (FWS 1995). Populations tend to decline if trees and shrubs invade the habitat (FWS 1995).

Spiranthes diluvialis is a late-blooming species. The species is only recognizable when it is blooming. Within the project area, the plants are in bloom from mid-July to mid-August. Despite their white flowers, blooming plants can be extremely difficult to see in the dense herbaceous vegetation they are associated with. Plants not yet blooming, plants past bloom, and vegetative plants are virtually impossible to distinguish from background vegetation. Because different plants come into bloom at different times within a single population, a larger population must be visited several times during the growing season for an accurate count. The peak blooming time of a population probably varies somewhat from year to year due to microsite and climatic conditions. Research has shown that Spiranthes diluvialis can remain dormant for several growing seasons, or produce only vegetative shoots (FWS 1995). Because of the preceding factors, the number of visible plants in a population may vary drastically from year to year, complicating inventory efforts and an understanding of population structure. Like most orchids, the species probably requires a symbiotic association with mycorrhizal fungi for germination. It also requires insect pollinators to set (Sheviak 1984). It appears to have a very low reproductive rate (Coyner 1991).

Spiranthes diluvialis was first located in Washington in 1997 on an alkaline lake near Tonasket (WNHP 2000). The Tonasket occurrence was the only Washington locality prior to the discovery of the three Rocky Reach populations. This species was described in 1984, is not contained in the flora for this region (Sheviak 1984). The use of a technical key is necessary for accurate identification due to the difficulty of distinguishing it from others in its genus.

Spiranthes diluvialis is listed by the FWS as Threatened due to a variety of factors including habitat loss and modification, and hydrological modifications of existing and potential habitat areas (FWS 1992, FWS 1998). Hydrology change, urban, residential, and agricultural development, grazing, increasing water demand, and recreational uses are threats to the species throughout its range. It is listed as Threatened in Washington (WNHP and BLM 2000).

Rocky Reach Populations of Spiranthes diluvialis Three Spiranthes diluvialis populations were found north of Beebe Bridge along a 4.5 mile section of the Columbia River. Two of the populations were found in floodplain wet meadows adjacent the river. A third population was located in a wetland associated with a revegetated borrow pit near the river and in a moist, partially wooded area along the river nearby. The closely related and slightly earlier blooming species S. romanzoffiana (hooded ladies’-tresses) is present in two and possibly all three of the populations. Rocky Reach plants were verified by Dr. Charles Sheviak. At 720 feet in elevation, the Rocky Reach populations are considerably lower than other S. diluvialis populations, which range from 1500 feet to 7000 feet in elevation.

These populations and their associated riparian plant communities appear to have persisted because they are located at the upper end of the project where only a narrow margin of habitat was flooded when Rocky Reach dam was raised (graph of backwater profiles of the Rocky Reach Hydroelectric power project, 1962). These upriver populations are, however, more affected by water releases from

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 15 SS/2477 Wells dam upstream than water storage by Rocky Reach dam downstream. During the growing season of the plant, water releases from Wells dam create diurnal water level fluctuations substantially greater in the area above Beebe Bridge than those in the vicinity of Rocky Reach dam; 3 - 5 feet compared to 0.5 - 1 feet, respectively (G. Donabauer, Chelan PUD, pers. comm., 2000). Diurnal fluctuations in this area are also larger than pre-project fluctuations. These large diurnal water level fluctuations create conditions that favor the invasion of weedy species. In general, a high level of disturbance within a habitat such as this increases the probability that non-native weedy plant species will become established and eventually outcompete native and rare plant species. In other portions of its range, S. diluvialis plants do not compete well with aggressive species that form dense monocultures such as Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass), Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive), or Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) (FWS 1995). The species is also not tolerant of permanent standing water in other portions of its range (FWS 1995).

Two of the Spiranthes diluvialis populations were found in floodplain wet meadows in the upper inundation zone near the shore of the Columbia River. These populations had a combined total of 60 to 70 plants in 2000. These floodplain wet meadows are typically inundated until early summer and occasionally throughout the growing season. They are essentially flat and wide, so plants are between one and 100 feet from the river’s edge. Scattered patches of plants grow in moist, dark soil, 1 - 3 feet above the high water level of the river.

One of the floodplain wet meadow populations is privately owned, and is made up of 50-60 plants growing in a narrow ¼ mile long area. The other is located on Washington Department of Transportation (WDT) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) land which is a dispersed recreation site. In 2000, there were only nine S. diluvialis plants present in this population. Since the rare plant survey in 1990, this meadow has become drier and significantly weedier (particularly with Hypericum perforatum), and thus a less favorable habitat for S. diluvialis. The habitat is also threatened by the invasion of the native shrub species Salix exigua (coyote willow). It is unknown why the habitat quality of this locality is declining or unknown if this marginal population is increasing, decreasing or remaining constant.

The third Spiranthes diluvialis population is comprised of two subpopulations and is located on Chelan PUD owned land. The subpopulations have a combined total of approximately 185 plants. The first subpopulation is located in a moist, herbaceous meadow adjacent a small pond near the Columbia River. The pond appears to be a revegetated borrow pit which was created when Highway Alt. 97 was built in the early 1980’s. While the pond is not directly hydrologically connected to the Columbia River via surface water, there is almost certainly a groundwater connection through the gravelly substrate between the pond and the river. Old aerial photographs and topographic maps show a large backwater area where the pond is now. The wetland associated with the pond may be a remnant of a larger wetland or may have formed after the digging of the borrow pit. The moist meadow and pond appear to be in relatively good ecological condition despite their recent creation and location very near a major highway. The wetland associated with the pond supports two other rare plant species: Ophioglossum pusillum and Epipactis gigantea.

The second subpopulation is near the pond, but is adjacent to the river in a partially wooded fringe area just above high water level. Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood) is actively colonizing both

Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 Final Study Report SS/2477 Page 16 December 15, 2000 Rare Plant Survey the riparian area and the wet meadow adjacent to the pond, though beaver are keeping most black cottonwood trees small along the river. An increase in the canopy cover of P. trichocarpa and other woody species may eventually cause a decline in Spiranthes diluvialis populations because they cannot tolerate deep shade (FWS 1995).

The location of the moist meadow, pond, and S. diluvialis subpopulation adjacent Highway Alt. 97 makes them vulnerable to disturbances and activities associated with the highway. Plants could be affected by construction, road repair, herbicide spraying or runoff from the highway. Disturbance upslope of the pond may affect its hydrology. The general area seems to have experienced a significant amount of disturbance over the years.

The following weed species occur near and within Spiranthes diluvialis populations and may pose a direct threat them: Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Melilotus alba (white sweetclover), Plantago lanceolata (English plantain), Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag), Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass), Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed), Asparagus officinalis (asparagus), Verbascum thapsus (mullein), Rubus discolor (blackberry), Centaurea repens (Russian knapweed), and Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed). Although it may be more feasible to control some weedy species than others, noxious weeds such as L. salicaria, and L. latifolium in particular, should be controlled. Any weed control in S. diluvialis populations should be carefully monitored.

Spiranthes diluvialis is a species which requires a very particular hydrology. Periods of long inundation or drying during the growing season has the potential to severely impact these populations.

Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) Schizachyrium scoparium is a large, tufted to short-rhizomatous, perennial grass. It is a widespread species ranging from Alberta to Quebec, and in the U.S. from southeast Idaho, Utah and Arizona, east throughout the remaining states. It is a major component of the prairie plant communities of the Great Plains. Its typical habitat is dry places, canyons and rocky slopes (Cronquist et al. 1977). In Utah, its habitat includes watercourses (Welch et al. 1987). The Rocky Reach population is the second one to be located in Washington. Because of the rarity of this taxon in Washington, it can be expected that the WNHP will add this species to their rare plant list the next time it is revised. In Washington, S. scoparium starts blooming in mid-July. In Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973), the synonym for this species is Andropogon scoparius.

Three closely situated subpopulations of Schizachyrium scoparium were located on the upper end of Rocky Reach reservoir three miles below Wells dam. Over 1000 plants are located above and just below high water level in a linear distribution along both sides of the Columbia River shore in low elevation riverine habitat. The substrate is gravel and cobbles. Together the three subpopulations grow in a 1.25 mile long area. Two of the subpopulations are on private lands, and the third subpopulation is on Chelan PUD owned land.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 17 SS/2477 The Schizachyrium scoparium population is located in a riparian plant community with Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) and a number of other native bunchgrasses like: Aristida longiseta (threeawn), Sporobolus cryptandrus (sand dropseed) and Poa juncifolia (alkali bluegrass). The population and its associated riparian plant community is located at the upper end of the project where only a narrow margin of habitat was flooded when Rocky Reach dam was constructed (G. Donabauer, Chelan PUD, pers. comm., 2000). According to historic photos, broad, low elevation cobbley riparian habitat of this sort was once common along both the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This type of riparian habitat has high wildlife value. There are a number of threats to the Schizachyrium scoparium population including competition with weedy species which seem to thrive in the zone where the river level has high daily fluctuations. S. scoparium plants are sparse to non- existent where weeds are most dense within its population. Nearby potential habitat which is almost completely dominated by weeds such as Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), has no S. scoparium plants. Dominant weed species in S. scoparium populations include: Melilotus alba (white sweet- clover), Poa compressa, Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort), Plantago lanceolata (English plantain), and Verbascum thapsus (mullein). Lythrum salicaria is present in some populations. Another significant threat to this species is conversion of native habitat into orchards and residential developments. Portions of the population are very near orchards. While it appears that the area was grazed by cattle in the past, there is no on-going grazing.

Sisyrinchium montanum (blue-eyed grass) Sisyrinchium montanum is a perennial blue-flowered member of the iris family. It ranges throughout the Rocky Mountain states mostly east of the continental divide, north to B.C. and Alberta (Henderson 1976). Its habitat includes moist meadows, prairies, and streamsides. Because this taxon is difficult to distinguish from others in its genus, the use of a technical key is necessary (Henderson 1976). S. montanum is not in the Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and Cronquist 1973).

One small population of approximately 50 Sisyrinchium montanum plants was located north of Beebe Bridge, six miles below Wells dam, just above the high water level of the Columbia River. This is the first known population of this taxon in Washington. Plants are growing in a mossy, vernally moist seep on the side of a hill in a silt loam substrate. This is the only known habitat of this sort on the Rocky Reach reservoir. The population is on BLM land. Plants were verified by Anita Cholewa, author of the Flora of treatment of Sisyrinchium. Because of the rarity of this taxon in Washington, it can be expected that the WNHP will add this species to their rare plant list when it is revised. The Rocky Reach population represents a substantial range extension from the nearest known S. montanum population in northern Idaho near the B.C. border.

Although the seep is small, the Sisyrinchium montanum plants there may be reasonably protected because there is no highway, railroad or development nearby. Any disturbance of the natural seep with which these plants are associated might have negative effects on this population. The area was grazed by livestock in the past, but does not appear to have been recently. Weedy species in and near the population such as Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), and Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort) might be able to outcompete S. montanum over time.

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SECTION 5: SUMMARY

During the 1999 - 2000 rare plant survey of the Rocky Reach project area, 14 populations of six rare plant species were found or relocated within the Rocky Reach reservoir, including four state listed species: Carex hystericina (porcupine sedge), Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine), Ophioglossum pusillum (adder’s-tongue), and Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies’-tresses) (Table 2). One of these, S. diluvialis, is also federally listed as a Threatened species. Due to their rarity in the state, two other species located during the course of surveys will probably be added to the WNHP list and tracked in the future: Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) and Sisyrinchium montanum (blue-eyed grass).

A brief, simplified discussion of the effects of the dam on river levels and fluctuations follows in order to understand why and where these rare plant species have been located on the reservoir. Prior to upstream storage projects, the river peaked in June and July and then subsided. These peak events left little vegetation along the shores. The Columbia River was channeled, and had wide gravel bars, backeddies and sloughs. These were most evident in late summer through winter when the river level was at its lowest. Historic aerial photos taken prior to project construction show very little dense woody riparian areas. River levels were highest in the late spring and summer. In general, upstream storage projects regulate flows, causing higher autumn and winter water levels, and lower spring and summer water levels than the pre-project regime (G. Donabauer, Chelan PUD, pers. comm., 2000). Historic riparian plant communities are gone near lower and middle portions of reservoir where the pool is widest and where most development has occurred. Since construction of the project, the location, species composition, species diversity, and size of the historical riparian and aquatic plant communities have changed. A new riparian fringe formed along the new river edge, with many of the same native species which were present before the dam. The new riparian area has a different substrate, slope profile, and plant species composition than the historical riparian area. There is a higher proportion of both woody species and weedy species. Rocky Reach dam has had the least effect on native plant communities and rare plants at the northern portion of the reservoir (above Beebe Bridge), because only a narrow margin of habitat was flooded at the upper end of the reservoir when the dam was raised.

Present day diurnal water level fluctuations are controlled by both Wells dam upstream and the Rocky Reach dam downstream (G. Donabauer, Chelan PUD, pers. comm., 2000). The lower and middle portions of the reservoir have reduced current and a year-round moderated vertical water level fluctuation promoted by the water storage capacity of the dam. In contrast, the upriver portion of the reservoir is more affected by water releases from Wells dam than by water storage and release by Rocky Reach dam. During the growing season, water releases from Wells dam create diurnal water level fluctuations which are substantially greater in the area above Beebe Bridge than pre- project diurnal fluctuations (they are also greater than present day diurnal fluctuations at the lower end of the project). The zone where the river level fluctuates daily during the growing season is dominated by weeds that thrive in this regime. Many of these weeds compete with native and rare plant species.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 19 SS/2477 Schizachyrium scoparium, Spiranthes diluvialis, and Sisyrinchium were unknown in Washington until the late 1990’s. The Washington populations of these three species are widely disjunct from their main ranges in the Rocky Mountain states. Much of the specialized habitat the first two of these species require has been flooded in Washington. Populations of all three of these rare plants, in addition to Ophioglossum pusillum, are located at the upper end of the reservoir (above Beebe Bridge) where the historic shoreline has been least affected by the Rocky Reach project and by development. In addition to supporting rare plant populations, this low-elevation riverine habitat is known to have high wildlife value. Threats to these species could include loss of habitat through development of the shoreline, competition with weeds, hydrologic changes, and grazing.

In particular, the habitat requirements and life history features of the federally Threatened species Spiranthes diluvialis make it vulnerable to the combined impacts of land conversion, changes in hydrology, invasions of weedy species, loss of pollinators, and diminishing potential habitat. It is not known if the Rocky Reach S. diluvialis populations are increasing, decreasing or remaining constant. Long-term monitoring and studies would help establish a credible baseline from which to make future comparisons.

There appears to be an on-going expansion of Epipactis gigantea and Carex hystericina populations within the project area. While habitats associated with the river pre-project may not have been particularly favorable to species like E. gigantea and C. hystericina, the reduced current and moderated vertical water level fluctuation promoted by the dam have provided an expansion of suitable habitat, particularly at the lower and middle portions of the reservoir. Populations of these two species vary greatly in size and are widely distributed in the lower and middle portions of the project area. In 1990, nine patches of E. gigantea and no populations of C. hystericina were found within the project area. In comparison, in 1999 - 2000, over 60 subpopulations of E. gigantea and four populations of C. hystericina were located along the river and in sloughs and lakes associated with the reservoir. It appears that E. gigantea and C. hystericina populations have been expanding in the project area and that under current hydrologic conditions, they will continue to increase in size as new plants colonize suitable habitat within the project area. Threats to these species may include: loss of habitat through development of the shoreline and riparian area, competition with weeds, and park maintenance and recreation activities in state and county parks.

In general, it is necessary to protect native vegetation communities and their habitat in order to protect rare plant populations. The best way to maintain healthy rare and native plant populations is to avoid direct and indirect disturbance of plants and their habitat, and to avoid disturbance of the hydrology at and upslope of the site. Agricultural, residential, and commercial development, land clearing, grazing and hydrologic manipulation are all detrimental to rare and native plant populations and their habitat. There is an on-going and increasing trend of these kinds of developments in the riparian area and shrub-steppe within the project area, particularly on private land. These actions cumulatively impact native vegetation communities, rare plant populations and wildlife populations that utilize riparian areas. The majority of these actions are not project related.

Many of the rare plant populations in the project area are on privately owned lands. There is no legal protection for rare plants on private land. BLM, WDFW, WDT, state park, county park, and FS lands included in the project area were surveyed. Some of these have rare plant populations.

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Populations of five out of six rare plant species located during the survey are found on Chelan PUD lands.

Besides the direct destruction of habitat, increases in weedy plant species probably poses the highest threat to rare plant populations and native plant communities. The higher the level of disturbance within a habitat, the greater the probability that non-native weedy plant species will become established and potentially outcompete native and rare plant species. Ultimately, successful management and control of non-native and noxious weeds will require coordination among agencies and private landowners. Noxious weeds such as: Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Centaurea repens (Russian knapweed), Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed), Centaurea spp. (knapweeds), and Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s-wort) pose a particular risk to native and rare plant populations in the project area. Other weeds such as Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag), and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass) may also be problematic in the project area.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 21 SS/2477

Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 6: REFERENCES

Caplow, F.E. 1990. A botanical inventory and rare and sensitive plant survey of the Rocky Reach Reservoir. Unpublished report prepared for the Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County.

Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) Number 1. 1991. Application for raising the pool elevation from 707 feet to 710 feet, Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project Number 2145.

Coyner, J. 1991. Spiranthes diluvialis supplemental status report. Report for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Lake City, Utah. 29 pp.

Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, J.L. Reveal and P.K. Holmgren. 1977 - 1994. Intermountain flora: Vascular plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Columbia University Press.

EBASCO Environmental (EBASCO). 1991. Wildlife habitat evaluation of the Rocky Reach pool raise study. Final Report. Prepared for Public Utilities District No. 1 of Chelan County, Wenatchee, Washington. Prepared by EBASCO Environmental, Bellevue, Washington.

Franklin, J.F., and C.T. Dyrness. 1973. Natural vegetation of and Washington. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW 8. USFS, Portland.

Henderson, D.M. 1976. A biosystematic study of Pacific Northwestern blue-eyed grasses (Sisyrinchium, Iridaceae). Brittonia 28: 149 - 176.

Hickman, J.C. ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: higher plants of California. University of California Press. Berkeley, California.

Hitchcock, C.L. and Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington.

Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist, M. Owenby and J. W. Thompson. 1955 - 1969. Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest, Volumes 1 - 5. University of Washington Press, Seattle.

Rocky Reach Project Periodic Safety Inspection Report. 1997.

Sheviak, C.J. 1984. Spiranthes diluvialis (Orchidaceae), a new species from the western United States. Brittonia 36(1): 8-14.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 23 SS/2477 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final rule to list the plant Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies’-tresses) as a threatened species. Federal Register 57(12):2048-2054.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, CO. 46 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Section 7 guidelines for Spiranthes diluvialis, 2/4/98. Snake River Basin Office, Boise, Idaho.

WAC, Chapter 16-750. 1999. State noxious weed list and schedule of monetary penalties. Olympia, Washington.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 1994. Letter from T. Cooney, Administrator, Columbia River Program, to L. Cashell, Secretary, FERC. September 7, 1994.

Washington Natural Heritage Program. 1997. Endangered, threatened, and sensitive vascular plants of Washington - with working lists of rare non-vascular species. Department of Natural Resources. Olympia, WA. 62p.

Washington Natural Heritage Program. 2000. Species accounts. Unpublished.

Welch, S.L., N.D. Atwood, S. Goodrich and L.C. Higgens, eds. 1987. A Utah Flora. Naturalist Memoirs No. 9. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. 894p.

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APPENDIX A: PLANT TAXA OBSERVED IN THE ROCKY REACH PROJECT AREA, 1999-2000

Rare Plant Survey

Taxon WA Non- status native Acer douglasii Acer macrophyllum Acer negundo x Agastache urticifolia Agoseris heterophylla Agropyron cristatum x Agropyron smithii Agropyron sp. Agrostis alba x Agrostis sp. Agrostis tenuis x Allium cernuum Allium schoenoprasum Alnus incana Alnus rhombifolia Alnus sinuata Alopecurus aequalis Alopecurus pratensis x Ambrosia acanthicarpa Amelanchier alnifolia Amsinckia lycopsioides Amsinckia retrorsa Amsinckia sp. Anaphalis margaritacea x Antennaria dimorpha Antennaria microphylla Apocynum androsaemifolium Apocynum cannabinum Arabidopsis thaliana x Arabis holboellii Arabis microphylla Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Arenaria serpyllifolia x Aristida longiseta Arrhenatherum elatius x Artemisia campestris var. scouleriana Artemisia douglasiana

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 27 SS/2477 Taxon WA Non- status native Artemisia dracunculus Artemisia ludoviciana var. incompta Artemisia ludoviciana var. latiloba Artemisia ludoviciana var. ludoviciana Artemisia rigida Artemisia tridentata Asclepias speciosa Asparagus officinalis x Aster occidentalis var. intermedius Astragalus purshii Athyrium felix-femina Balsamorhiza cf hirsuta Berberis aquifolium Betula occidentalis var. occidentalis Betula papyrifera Brassica campestris x Brodiaea douglasii Bromus carinatus Bromus inermis var. inermis Bromus tectorum x Callitriche sp. Calochortus lyalii Calochortus macrocarpum Cardamine oligosperma Cardaria chalapensis x Cardaria draba x Cardaria sp. x Carex amplifolia Carex aperta Carex aquatilis Carex athrostachya Carex bebbii Carex brevior Carex douglasii

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Taxon WA Non- status native Carex hystericina S Carex lanuginosa Carex nebrascensis Carex retrorsa Carex scopulorum Carex sitchensis Carex sp. Carex utriculata Carex vulpinoidea Castilleja thompsonii Centaurea diffusa C Centaurea repens C Centaurea sp. x Cerastium nutans x Chaenactis douglasii Chrysanthemum leucanthemum B Chrysopsis villosa var. villosa Chrysothamnus nauseosus Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Cichorium intybus x Cicuta douglasii Cirsium arvense C Cirsium vulgare x Clematis ligusticifolia Coldenia nuttallii Collinsia parviflora Collomia grandiflora Collomia linearis Comandra umbellata Convolvulus arvensis x Conyza canadensis Coreopsis atkinsoniana Cornus stolonifera Crataegus columbiana Crataegus douglasii Crepis atrabarba Crepis intermedia Cryptantha celosioies Cryptantha fendleri Cryptantha pterocarya Cryptantha torreyana

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 29 SS/2477 Taxon WA Non- status native Cuscuta sp. x Cymopteris terebinthinus Cyperus aristidus Cystopteris fragilis Dactylis glomerata x Delphinium nuttallianum Delphinium xantholeucum Descurainea pinnata Descurainea richardsonii Dipsacus sylvestris x Dodecatheon sp. Draba verna Elaeagnus angustifolia x Elatine cf californica Eleocharis acicularis Eleocharis palustris Elodea canadensis Elymus canadensis Elymus cinereus Elymus glaucus Epilobium angustifolium Epilobium glaberrimum Epilobium minutum Epilobium sp. Epipactis gigantea S Equisetum arvense Equisetum hyemale Equisetum sp. Erigeron annuus x Erigeron divergens Erigeron filifolius Erigeron linearis Erigeron philadelphicus Erigeron poliospermus Erigeron pumilus Eriogonum compositum Eriogonum elatum Eriogonum strictum var. anserinum

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Taxon WA Non- status native Eriophorum lanatum Erodium cicutarium x Erucastrum gallicum x Erysimum asperum Festuca campestris Festuca pratensis x Filago arvensis x Fritillaria pudica Gaillardia aristida Galium aparine Galium boreale Galium cymosum Galium sp. Gayophyton diffusum Gilia aggregata Gilia sinuata Glyceria borealis Glyceria elata Gnaphalium chilense Gnaphalium palustre Gratiola neglecta Grindelia columbiana Gypsophila paniculata C Hackelia arida Hackelia ciliata Halimolobos whitedii Haplopappus resinosus Helenium autumnale Helianthus annuus Heuchera cylindrica Holodiscus discolor Holosteum umbellatum x Hydrophyllum capitatum Hypericum perforatum C Iris pseudacorus x Juglans regia x Juncus articulatus Juncus balticus var. balticus Juncus bufonius Juncus effusus

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 31 SS/2477 Taxon WA Non- status native Juncus nodosus Juncus tenuis Juncus torreyi Juniperus scopulorum Koeleria cristata Lactuca pulchella Lathyrus latifolius x Leersia oryzoides Lepidium latifolium B Lepidium virginicum Leptodactylon pungens Lesquerella douglasii Limosella acaulis W Limosella aquatica Linaria dalmatica C Linaria vulgaris x Lindernia dubia Lithophragma parviflora Lithospermum arvense x Lithospermum ruderale Lomatium canbyi Lomatium dissectum Lomatium grayii Lomatium macrocarpum Lomatium triternatum Lotus purshiana Lupinus lepidus var. serieus Lycopus americanus Lycopus asper Lysimachia ciliata Lysimachia thyrsiflora Lythrum salicaria B Machaeranthera canescens Medicago sativa x Medicago sp. x Melilotus alba x Melilotus officinalis x Mentha arvensis Mentha piperita Mentzelia albicaulis

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Taxon WA Non- status native Mentzelia laevicaulis Microseris troximoides Microsteris gracilis Mimulus floribundus Mimulus guttatus Mimulus lewisii Mimulus moschatus Mimulus ringens x Monardella odoratissima Montia perfoliata Morus alba x Myosotis arvensis x Myosotis sp. Myriophyllum spicatum B Nepeta cataria x Oenothera biennis Oenothera pallida Ophioglossum pusillum T Opuntia polyacantha Orobanche fasciculata Orobanche sp. Oryzopsis hymenoides Panicum capillare Panicum occidentale Panicum scribnerianum Panicum sp. Penstemon deustus var. deustus Penstemon humilis Penstemon pruinosus Penstemon richardsonii Penstemon speciosus Perideridia gairdneri Phacelia heterophylla Phacelia linearis Phacelia ramosissima Phalaris arundinacea C Philadelphus lewisii Phleum pratense x Phlox caespitosa Phlox hoodii Phlox longifolia

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 33 SS/2477 Taxon WA Non- status native Phlox speciosa Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides Physocarpus malvaceus Pinus ponderosa Plagiobothrys tenellus Plantago lanceolata x Plantago major x Plantago patagonica Plectritis macrocera Poa bulbosa x Poa compressa x Poa juncifolia Poa nevadensis Poa pratensis x Poa secunda Polygonum aviculare x Polygonum cuspidatum C Polygonum douglasii var. douglasiii Polygonum lapathifolium x Polygonum majus Polygonum persicaria x Polygonum sp. Polystichum sp. Populus alba x Populus balsamifera Populus nigra var. italica x Populus tremuloides Populus trichocarpa Potamogeton crispus x Potamogeton sp. Potentilla anserina Potentilla biennis Potentilla norvegica x Potentilla sp. Potomogeton filiformis Prunus emarginata Prunus virginiana Pseudoroegneria spicata Pseudotsuga menziesii Psoralea lanceolata

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Taxon WA Non- status native Purshia tridentata Ranunculus pennsylvanicus Ranunculus repens x Ranunculus sp. Rhus glabra Rhus radicans Ribes cereum Robinia pseudo-acacia x Rorippa curvisiliqua Rosa nutkana Rosa woodsii Rubus discolor x Rubus leucodermis Rubus parviflorus Rumex crispus Rumex occidentalis Rumex sp. Rumex venosus Salix amygdaloides Salix babylonica x Salix exigua Salix fragilis x Salix lasiandra Salix rigida var. mackenzieana Salsola kali x Salvia dorrii Sambucus cerulea Saponaria officinalis x Saxifraga ferruginea Schizachyrium scoparium + Schoenocrambe linifolia Scirpus acutus Scirpus americanus Scirpus microcarpus Scirpus sp. Scutellaria angustifolia Scutellaria galericulata Sedum stenopetalum Senecio canus Senecio eremophilus Senecio integerrimus var.

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 35 SS/2477 Taxon WA Non- status native exaltatus Senecio pauperculus Silene sp. Sisymbium altissimum x Sisyrinchium montanum + Solanum dulcamara x Solanum nigrum Solidago canadensis Solidago occidentalis Spergularia rubra x Spiraea betulifolia Spiraea douglasii var. menziesii Spiranthes diluvialis T Spiranthes romanzoffiana Sporobolus cryptandrus Stellaria calycantha Stellaria sp. x Stephanomeria tenuifolia Stipa comata Stipa occidentalis Stipa thurburiana Symphoricarpos albus Symphoricarpos occidentalis Tamarix parviflora x Tanacetum vulgare x Taraxacum officinale x Tetradymia canescens Thelopodium laciniatum Thlaspi arvense x Tragopogon dubius x Trifolium dubium Trifolium pratense x Trifolium repens x Typha latifolia Ulmus pumila x Urtica dioica Verbascum thapsus x Verbena bracteata Verbena hastata Veronica americana Veronica longifolia x

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Taxon WA Non- status native Veronica peregrina var. xalapense Vicia americana Vicia villosa x Vulpia microstachys Vulpia octoflora Vulpia sp. Woodsia oregana Xanthium strumarium Zigadenus venenosus

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Rare Plant Survey

APPENDIX B: PHOTOS AND/OR LINE DRAWINGS OF RARE PLANT SPECIES LOCATED IN THE ROCKY REACH PROJECT AREA

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Rare Plant Survey

Figure B-1: Spiranthes diluvialis

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 41 SS/2477 Figure B-2: Spiranthes diluvialis habitat (wet riverine meadow)

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Figure B-3: Ophioglossum pusillum

Final Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 December 15, 2000 Page 43 SS/2477 Figure B-4: Spiranthes diluvialis

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Figure B-5: Spiranthes diluvialis habitat

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