U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service MosquitoMosquito RangeRange MustardMustard EutremaEutrema penlandiipenlandii

Mosquito Range mustard / USFWS When Congress passed the Endan- mustard family. Though the mus- gered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, it tard family itself is large, Mosquito recognized that many of our Range mustard is one of only two nation’s native plants and animals species within its genus (Eutrema) were in danger of becoming extinct. found in North America. During The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service June through August, Mosquito administers the ESA to preserve Range mustard can be seen bloom- these imperiled species and their ing; the clusters of white, four pet- habitats for future generations. alled flowers topping each stem. Leaves are shiny and oval along On July 28, 1993, Mosquito Range the stem but shovel-shaped at the mustard was listed as a threatened base of the plant. Plant height species (58 FR 40539). ranges from 1/2 to 6 inches.

What does the Mosquito Range Where does Mosquito Range mustard look like? mustard occur? Mosquito Range mustard (also Mosquito Range mustard was first Alicia Langton / USFWS known as “alpine fen mustard”) is a collected near Hoosier Pass in small perennial plant species in the professor of botany at Colorado 1935 by C. William T. Penland, a College. The species occurs only in alpine meadows at elevations above 11,800 feet in the Mosquito Range of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Plants are most often found along east facing, gen- tle slopes and basins that are fed moisture by slow-melting snow- fields above. However, they can also be found in drier locations. In either habitat, they are often root- ed in tufts of mosses or hidden among short-bladed grasses. This harsh alpine environment is also home to many other rare plant species known only to the Rocky Mountains.

Why does Mosquito Range mustard need protection? Mosquito Range mustard is threat- ened by activities that damage its

Mountain-Prairie Region Region 6

 Help private landowners, and State and Federal organiza- tions to conserve the species and its habitat.  Conduct education and out- reach in the community.

What can you do to help conserve Mosquito Range mustard?  “Stay the trail!”  Spread the word about this local treasure!  Contact us and network with others working to conserve the Mosquito Range mustard habitat, Andrew Kratz / USFS species.  Participate in recovery plan- sensitive habitat or alter local tat and seed germination re- ning and conservation efforts. hydrology. Because of the Mosqui- quirements. Scientific infor-  Funding and assistance may be to Range’s spectacular views and mation forms the backbone of available to help conserve the scenery, it is a draw for recreation, all conservation and recovery species and its habitat on pri- especially in the summer months. efforts. vate and local government Recreation activities such as off- lands. Funding opportunities road vehicle use (including winter What do we need to do to recover could include costs for fencing, travel), camping, hiking, and roads Mosquito Range mustard? tax credits, or assistance with pose a great threat to Mosquito We will finalize our Recovery Plan conservation easements. Range mustard and its habitat. for Mosquito Range mustard in the Land development, including min- next few years. Actions necessary ing, also have an impact on the spe- to achieve the recovery of the spe- cies. In addition, the effects of cli- cies will include: mate change are likely to endanger  Establish a management plan the survival of Mosquito Range to address threats and protect mustard, as well as many other the species in perpetuity. plant and animal species adapted to  Further inventory locations alpine ecosystems. and habitat of Mosquito Range mustard. What have we done to recover  Establish permanent popula- Mosquito Range mustard? tion monitoring for the species. We have collaborated with our  Incorporate protections into Mosquito Range mustard fruits Federal, State, and private part- existing management plans. Andrew Kratz /USFS ners to implement these recovery  Establish conservation areas on efforts, which include: Federal lands for Mosquito  Designating areas to protect Range mustard and its habitat. Western Colorado Field Office the species and its habitat, in-  Develop propagation and trans- 764 Horizon Drive cluding the Mosquito Pass Ar- plantation protocols for future Grand Junction, CO 81506 ea of Critical Environmental restoration or reintroduction (970) 243-2778 Concern (BLM), Hoosier Ridge efforts. http://www.fws.gov/coloradoes Research Natural Area (USFS), and Treasurevault Mountain Natural Area U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Colorado Natural Areas Pro- Region 6 gram). PO Box 25486  Trail restoration and re- Denver Federal Center routing to mitigate and mini- Denver, Colorado 80225 mize recreation impacts to the species. June 2012  Surveying for and inventorying the species to better document its range.  Funding research endeavors to understand the species includ- Mosquito Range mustard close-up ing genetic research, and habi- Sheila Lamb / USFS

Mountain-Prairie Region Region 6