Monitoring and Survey of Cymopterus Williamsii (Williams’ Springparsley), North-Central Wyoming

Monitoring and survey of Cymopterus williamsii (Williams’ springparsley), north-central Wyoming

Prepared for Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Office

by Joy Handley

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database Dept. 3381,University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 82071 July 2019

BLM Cooperative Agreement No. L16AC00389 Supplement 5

ABSTRACT

Cymopterus williamsii (Williams’ springparsley), a Wyoming endemic, was surveyed for detailed information about known occurrences and to initiate monitoring in selected occurrences 2016-2018. Specific location, population distribution, and habitat data were collected for four occurrences that were only known from specimen collections, while more extensive mapping and data were gathered for seven other known populations. One new occurrence was found by chance. Status assessment, monitoring results, and conservation concerns are provided based on prior knowledge, current and future land uses, and new understanding gained from these surveys.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Collections and taxonomic work by Ronald Hartman, of the Rocky Mountain Herbarium (RM), remains central to understanding current taxonomy and status. Collections by B.E. “Ernie” Nelson and graduate students have contributed greatly to current knowledge. The facilities and resources of RM were fundamental to this study.

Walter Fertig surveyed and addressed the species status in previous reports, and worked with Rob Thurston to develop and refine a potential distribution model for Cymopterus williamsii through Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD). Kaylan Hubbard, of WYNDD, assisted with fieldwork and photography.

Trey Davis and Josh Criswell, of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Tensleep Preserve, provided lodging and facilities, as well as logistical and vehicle assistance, during the fieldwork.

Robin Jones, of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, made recommendations for the materials site along Bighorn Mountain Road.

Robin and Sunny Taylor, owners of Flying Diamond Ranch, granted me access to Barnum Mountain Road in Johnson County, allowing me to survey an area of Cymopterus williamsii known only from a 1975 collection.

James Wolf, of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wind River/Bighorn Basin District, provided information about the Brokenback Fire. Tanya Skurski, BLM Wyoming State Office; Karen Hepp, BLM Worland Field Office; Charlotte Darling, BLM Buffalo Field Office; and Bonnie Heidel, WYNDD; provided project coordination. This project was conducted as a challenge cost-share between BLM and WYNDD.

Report citation: Handley, J. 2019. Monitoring and survey of Cymopterus williamsii (Williams’ springparsley), north-central Wyoming. Report prepared for Bureau of Land Management - Wyoming State Office by Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming

Cover photo and all other photos by the author unless labeled otherwise

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 METHODS ...... 1 2016...... 1 2017...... 2 2018...... 3 SPECIES INFORMATION ...... 3 RESULTS ...... 4 Geographical Distribution ...... 4 Habitat ...... 9 Population Biology and Demography ...... 15 MONITORING ...... 16 Transects ...... 16 Discussion ...... 28 CONSERVATION CONSIDERATIONS ...... 31 Potential Threats to Currently Known Populations ...... 31 Notes Regarding Present or Anticipated Activities ...... 33 Summary ...... 35 LITERATURE CITED ...... 36

Appendix A. Element Occurrence Records and Maps for Cymopterus williamsii and a New Element Occurrence Record and Map for Physaria didymocarpa var. lanata Appendix B. Transect Maps and Coordinates Appendix C. 2016 - 2018 Transect Datasheets Appendix D. 2017 and 2018 Censuses of EO #008 Appendix E. Deadman Butte Materials Site Correspondence

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FIGURES

Figure 1. Cymopterus williamsii in flower. Figure 2. Rangewide distribution of Cymopterus williamsii. Figure 3. Cymopterus williamsii habitat ca 2 miles southwest of Deadman Butte, ca 6 miles north of Arminto (EO #001). Figure 4. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along the E-K Trail, near the heads of E-K Creek and Cottonwood Creek (EO #003). Figure 5. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Thirty-three Mile Road (County Road 110) between Eagle Creek and Buffalo Creek (EO #004). Figure 6. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Slip/Mayoworth Slope Road (County Road 67). between Red Spring Hill and the head of Martin Draw (EO #007). Figure 7. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Barnum Mountain Road (EO #010). Figure 8. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Billy Creek Road (BLM Road 6207) (EO #020). Figure 9. Cymopterus williamsii habitat above Middle Fork Powder River, Outlaw Cave Campground (EO #032), part of the 2006 Outlaw 2 Fire. Figure 10. Cymopterus williamsii habitat on the ridge between Billy and Canyon creeks, and Bader Gulch (EO #033). Figure 11. Comparison of average temperatures (°F) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. Figure 12. Comparison of snowfall (inches) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. Figure 13. Comparison of precipitation (inches) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. Figure 14. Occurrences of Cymopterus williamsii with monitoring transects established in 2016- 2017. Figure 15. Transect at EO #001 start. Figure 16. Transect at EO #001 end. Figure 17. Transect at EO #008 start (edge of 1996 North Brokenback Fire). Figure 18. Transect at EO #008 end. Figure 19. Unburned transect at EO #020 start. Figure 20. Unburned transect at EO #020 end. Figure 21. Burned transect at EO #020 start (2003 Big Spring Fire). Figure 22. Burned transect at EO #020 end. Figure 23. Transect at EO #027 start. Figure 24. Transect at EO #027 end. Figure 25. Unburned transect at EO #032 start. Figure 26. Unburned transect at EO #032 end. Figure 27. Burned transect at EO #032 start (2006 Outlaw 2 Fire). Figure 28. Burned transect at EO #032 end. Figure 29. Transects established in 2016 and reread in 2017. Figure 30. Transects read all three years. Figure 31. Transects read in both 2017 and 2018. Figure 32. 2015 remains of the 1996 North Brokenback Fire, in the vicinity of EO #008.

Figure 33. Cymopterus williamsii in the 2016 remains of the 2006 Outlaw 2 Fire, EO #032. Figure 34. Livestock trailing and road in EO #015. Figure 35. Slash pile near EO #022, private land nearby. The Cymopterus williamsii population is principally on and around the dolomite outcrop near the center of the photo. Figure 36. EO #015 DEQ Deadman Butte Materials Site. Figure 37. Cymopterus williamsii habitat between Red Fork Powder River and North Fork Little Canyon Creek (EO #027).

TABLES

Table 1. Location information for known occurrences of Cymopterus williamsii. Table 2. Summary of 2016 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Table 3. Summary of 2017 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Table 4. Summary of 2018 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Table 5. Change in plant numbers in the EO # 020 paired transects. Table 6. Change in plant numbers in the EO # 032 paired transects.

INTRODUCTION

Cymopterus williamsii (Williams’ springparsley) is endemic to the southern Big Horn Mountains in north-central Wyoming and is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species (USDI BLM 2001, 2010). The status of C. williamsii was previously addressed in three reports (Fertig 1993, 1999; Handley 2016) and in a state species abstract (Fertig 2000). Need for renewed surveys in the BLM Buffalo and Casper Field Offices and initiation of monitoring were identified based on: a lack of surveys on the east side of the Big Horn Mountains since 1992; the potential for more detailed field mapping with the Global Positioning System (GPS); and lack of trend data, especially in populations with known potential threats.

METHODS

2016

At the start of this project, spatial records of Cymopterus williamsii occurrences (populations) from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) database (Biotics) were overlain onto National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) 2012 aerial imagery, together with private land boundaries, in ArcMap for producing maps. The NAIP imagery maps were printed out by 7.5- minute topographic quarter-quadrangle, along with half-quadrangle digital raster graphic (DRG) maps with the same layers, for use in the field.

Surveys and monitoring initiation of C. williamsii were conducted 23 to 30 May 2016, when the species was flowering and just starting to fruit. Surveys were performed in the BLM Buffalo and Casper Field Offices, where most populations had not been visited for decades. Populations were found using the field maps and coordinates from the spatial records in Biotics. When C. williamsii was found in a survey area, plant numbers were estimated based on observations of density on the ground and the size of the occupied area, and coordinates were recorded from GPS receivers as the occupied areas were traversed to georeference subpopulation boundaries. These boundaries were later digitized as polygons into Biotics using a combination of the recorded coordinate points and aerial photos, which clearly reveal the geology and vegetative cover of occupied areas. Information on habitat, phenology, and plant associates were documented on WYNDD plant species of concern survey forms and later entered into Biotics as permanent electronic spatial database records.

Permanent monitoring transects were established at five sites throughout the species range, following a simplified version of the protocol of Lesica (1987). Each transect consisted of a single 1 x 30 m belt, divided into 30 1 x 1 m plots. Within each cell, the number of flowering, fruiting, and vegetative plants was tallied, as was the number of reproductive inflorescences (flower heads). A cohesive tuft was considered an individual. Although some individuals have 1

branching in the crown below ground, there is no way to know if there is crown branching or separate plants without digging. Due to the difficulty in determining age-classes in C. williamsii, the monitoring intensity scheme used was Level 2 of Menges and Gordon (1996). This technique can be used to generate quantitative data on population size, density, and reproductive potential, as well as analysis of trends. Specific information on the location and placement of the transects is in Appendix B (Transect Maps and Coordinates). Baseline data from these transects are in the Monitoring Establishment section and Appendix C (2016, 2017, and 2018 Transect Datasheets).

2017

Prior to the field season, landowners were contacted for permission to cross private land to access Box Elder, A, and Narrow ridges on the east side of the Barnum Slope, as well as Barnum Mountain Road. Entry into Box Elder, A, and Narrow ridges was not granted, but Barnum Mountain Road was allowed after the permittees’ late calving season.

An internet search of SEINet (http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/collections/index.php) revealed collections that were not documented in the WYNDD database. Three specimens at the Missouri Botanical Garden Herbarium, collected along Bears Ears Trail in Fremont County, were out of the known range. James Solomon, Curator of the Herbarium, sent the hyperlinks to the images of these specimens and Ronald Hartman, Curator Emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Herbarium, determined them to be Pteryxia hendersonii (aka Cymopterus longilobus) (Henderson's wavewing), not C. williamsii. The Illinois Natural History Survey also listed a specimen, collected in 2006, from The Nature Conservancy Tensleep Preserve. The label information included GPS coordinates. Since the location was within the known range, it was arranged to survey the site on the Preserve.

Surveys and monitoring of C. williamsii were conducted 20 to 25 May and 16 to 18 June 2017, when the species was flowering and just starting to fruit. The Barnum Mountain Road population, only known from a collection in 1975, was mapped. When C. williamsii was found in a survey area, plant numbers were estimated based on observations of density on the ground and the size of the occupied area, and coordinates were recorded from GPS receivers as the occupied areas were traversed to georeference subpopulation boundaries. These boundaries were later digitized as polygons into Biotics using a combination of the recorded coordinate points and aerial photos, which clearly reveal the geology and vegetative cover of occupied areas. Information on habitat, phenology, and plant associates were documented on WYNDD plant species of concern survey forms and later entered into Biotics as permanent electronic spatial database records.

The permanent monitoring transects established in 2016 were revisited and new transects were established in the burned and unburned areas of the Outlaw Cave Campground population. Also, 2

a census of the population along BLM Road 1117 was performed. Specific information on the location and placement of the transects is in Appendix B (Transect Maps and Coordinates). Baseline data from these transects are in the Monitoring section and Appendix C (2016, 2017, and 2017 Transect Datasheets). Information on the implementation of the census is in the Monitoring section and Appendix D (2017 and 2018 Census of EO #008).

Robin Jones, District 1 Supervisor and Vegetation Ecologist of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was contacted about the C. williamsii at the Deadman Butte Materials Site observed in 2016. Robin met the surveyors at the site on 22 May 2017 to discuss the status of the site and C. williamsii at the site (Appendix E).

2018

The permanent monitoring transects established in 2016 and 2017 were revisited, with the exception of the transect at EO #027 (due to tire problems). Also, a census of the population along BLM Road 1117 was performed. Specific information on the location and placement of the transects is in Appendix B (Transect Maps and Coordinates). Baseline data from these transects are in the Monitoring section and Appendix C (2016, 2017, and 2018 Transect Datasheets). Information on the implementation of the census is in the Monitoring section and Appendix D (2017 and 2018 Census of EO #008).

SPECIES INFORMATION

This section is an abbreviated version of the information presented in Handley (2016).

Cymopterus williamsii was first described in Hartman, R.L. and L. Constance. 1985. Two new species of Cymopterus (Umbelliferae) from western North America. Brittonia 37: 88-95. Common names include: Williams’ spring-parsley, Williams’ desert-parsley, and Williams’ waferparsnip. Cymopterus williamsii is a member of the Apiaceae, Umbelliferae, or carrot family.

Although C. williamsii is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), it is a Wyoming BLM Sensitive Species (USDI BLM 2001, 2010). Natural Heritage Global Conservation Rank for the species is G3 (Vulnerable) and the Natural Heritage State Conservation Rank for the species is S3 (Vulnerable). Cymopterus williamsii is a Wyoming State endemic with Very High Wyoming Contribution Rank.

Figure 1. Cymopterus williamsii in flower.

Cymopterus williamsii is a tufted, perennial herb with basal, once-pinnately compound leaves and a flowering stalk 5-10 cm tall. Leaves are usually hairless, somewhat rubbery, and distinctly bluish or greyish green. The inflorescence is a half ball-like, compound umbel of small yellow flowers (Figure 1). Fruits are hairless, broadly elliptic to oval, and slightly rounded with prominent ribs on the surface (although these are not thin and wing-like as in many other species of Cymopterus) (Hartman and Constance 1985; Fertig et al. 1994; Fertig 2000; Dorn 2001).

RESULTS

Geographical Distribution

Range: Cymopterus williamsii is endemic to the southern Big Horn Mountains of north-central Wyoming. It occurs in Big Horn, Johnson, Natrona, and Washakie counties (Figure 2).

Extant sites: There are 30 known occurrences of C. williamsii, including one new occurrence discovered during the 2016 surveys. The population indicated by the 2006 specimen from the Illinois Natural History Survey was corroborated and mapped in 2017 (Table 1; Appendix A - Element Occurrence Records and Maps for Cymopterus williamsii and a New Element Occurrence Record and Map for Physaria didymocarpa var. lanata). Also, new subpopulations expanded the mapped area of three occurrences (EO #s 004, 007 and 015), three populations

previously known only from specimen collections were mapped (EO #s 003, 010 and 022), and four populations were remapped using GPS (EO #s 001, 018, 019, 020). Charlotte Darling, Rangeland Management Specialist at the BLM Buffalo Field Office, visited several sites in southwestern Johnson County during rangeland monitoring in 2017 and 2018. She was able to record data for five known populations (EO #s 005, 007, 024, 030, and 031) and three new populations. Twenty-eight occurrences have been visited since 2009 (Appendix A). In general, occurrences are at least 1.5 miles (2 km) apart.

Historical sites: The 1900 collection by Frank Tweedy (3370) has a vague location description (“Eastern slope of the Big Horn Mountains. Headwaters of Clear Creek and Crazy Woman River.”), which may correspond to one of the mapped occurrences within the labeled vicinity. Because the exact location is not known, it is maintained as its own occurrence (EO #014).

C. williamsii populations discovered in 2015-17 C. williamsii populations surveyed in 2015-17 C. williamsii populations not visited 2015-18 C. williamsii populations visited by BLM 2017-18 Bighorn National Forest boundary BLM Field Office boundaries County boundaries

Figure 2. Rangewide distribution of Cymopterus williamsii. 5

Unverified/undocumented reports: None known.

Sites where present status not known: Robert Lichvar’s 1980 collection (2605) (“Bud Love Big Game Winter Range”) does state a Section on the specimen label, but the elevation given is too low for the features in that Section (EO #009).

Land ownership: Of the 30 known occurrences of C. williamsii, 23 of them are on BLM administered lands (Buffalo, Casper, and Worland Field Offices), three are on National Forest lands (Bighorn National Forest), five are on State lands, three are on Wyoming Game and Fish Department lands (Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area) ,one is on The Nature Conservancy lands (Tensleep Preserve), and one is on private lands, with several of these occurrences having mixed administration (Table 1).

Table 1. Location information for known occurrences of Cymopterus williamsii. Numbered rows in bold indicate occurrences surveyed and/or monitored by WYNDD in 2016-2018. EO Location County Legal Elevation USGS 7.5’ Land # Description Quad Ownership 001 Ca 2 miles Natrona T38N R87W Sec 6600- Deadman BLM Casper southwest of 11,14 7000 ft Butte, Field Office Deadman Butte, ca (2012- Badwater SE 6 miles north of 2134 m) Arminto 003 Near Cottonwood Natrona T39N R87W Sec 7500 ft Deadman Butte BLM Casper Creek, ca 2.5 miles 25 (2286 m) Field Office west of Buffalo Creek Road 004 Along Thirty-three Johnson, T40N R85W Sec 6400- First Water BLM Casper Mile Road and Natrona, 5,6,9,10, 8555 ft Draw, Field Office, West Slope Black Washakie 13,15,16; T41N (1951- Roughlock Hill, BLM Worland Rim, ca 21-25 R85W Sec 31; 2608 m) Cherry Creek Field Office, miles north- T41N R86W Sec Hill, Gordon State of northeast of 13,14,23,24, Creek, Grave Wyoming Arminto 23,25,36 Spring 005 Ridges above Washakie T41N R86W Sec 8000- Cherry Creek BLM Worland Middle Fork 2,11,12; T42N 8572 ft Hill, Gordon Field Office, Powder River along R86W Sec 36 (2438- Creek State of the Hazelton Road, 2613 m) Wyoming just north of Bar C Creek, ca 17 miles south-southwest of Big Trails 006 South and west side Johnson T45N R83W Sec 5800- Mayoworth, BLM Buffalo of Mayoworth Slip 30 6100 ft Fraker Mountain Field Office (Slope) Road, ca 4 (1768- miles west of 1859 m) Mayoworth

EO Location County Legal Elevation USGS 7.5’ Land # Description Quad Ownership 007 North end of Gardner Johnson T45N R84W 7360- Fraker BLM Buffalo Mountain, Snow Cave Sec 4,5,8,16, 8400 ft Mountain, Field Office, Ridge, Red Spring Hill, 17,21,26,27, (2243- Packsaddle State of and edge of the 34,35 2560 m) Canyon Wyoming Mayoworth Slope Road 008 Along BLM Road 1117 Big T49N R87W 7600- Brokenback BLM Worland (Hyattville Road), ca Horn Sec 19 8600 ft Narrows, Field Office 7.3 miles west- (2316- Pierce Draw northwest of Tyrrell 2621 m) Ranger Station 009 Bud Love Big Game Johnson T52N R83W 6000 ft Stone Mountain State of Winter Range Sec 36 (1829 m) Wyoming, Bud Love WHMA 010 Barnum Mountain Johnson T43N R85W 6760- Turk Springs BLM Buffalo Road Sec 25,33; 7850 ft Field Office T42N R85W (2060- Sec 4,5 2393 m) 011 North Fork Crazy Johnson T49N R83W 6600- Klondike State of Woman Creek in the Sec 21,22,28 7500 ft Ranch Wyoming, vicinity of Crazy (2012- Bighorn Woman Mountain 2286 m) National Forest 014 "Headwaters of Clear Johnson T50N R84W? 7000- Hunter Mesa Bighorn Creek and Crazy 9000 ft National Woman River” (2134- Forest? 2743 m) 015 Bighorn Mountains Natrona T39N R86W 7100 ft Deadman BLM Casper Road, ca 2.5 miles Sec 8,9 (2164 m) Butte Field Office northwest of the junction with the Buffalo Creek Road 018 Peak 8741, ca 0.5 miles Natrona T40N R86W 8300- Grave Spring BLM Casper east of Bighorn Sec 29,30,31; 8600 ft Field Office Mountains Road, ca T40N R87W (2530- 15.5 miles north of Sec 25 2621 m) Arminto 019 Along Baker Natrona T39N R86W 6340- Three Buttes BLM Casper Cottonwood Road Sec 25 6490 ft Field Office (County Road 108), (1932- between North Fork 1978 m) Cottonwood Creek and the Gray Wall 020 Poison Creek Canyon Johnson T48N R83W 6600- Robinson BLM Buffalo and Billy Creek Access Sec 32,33 7640 ft Canyon Field Office Road (2012- 2329 m)

EO Location County Legal Description Elevation USGS 7.5’ Land # Quad Ownership 022 East side of Billy Johnson T48N R83W Sec 7700- Robinson BLM Buffalo Creek Road (BLM 19 7760 ft Canyon Field Office Road 6207), at sharp (2347- southeast bend along 2365 m) divide between Billy Creek and Poison Creek 023 East rim of North Fork Johnson T46N R84W Sec 6240- Packsaddle BLM Buffalo Powder River, and 14,15,20, 8190 ft Canyon Field Office north and south of 21,22,23,25, (1902- Packsaddle Canyon and 26,27,28,33, 34,35; 2496 m) Pass Creek especially T45N R84W Sec along rims 3,4 024 Box Elder, A, and Johnson T44N R84W Sec 6080- Barnum BLM Buffalo Narrow ridges on the 29,30,31; T44N 6840 ft Field Office east side of the Barnum R85W Sec 36 (1853- Slope 2085 m)

025 Ridge east of Firebox Johnson T51N R84W Sec 6700- Stone Bighorn Park, between North 1,12 7400 ft Mountain National Fork Sayles Creek and (2042- Forest, Bud Stone Mountain 2256 m) Love WHMA 026 Slopes and rims north Johnson T51N R83W Sec 5850- Stone Bud Love and west of trail #051 6,7 6100 ft Mountain WHMA trailhead (North Fork (1783- Sayles Creek), ca 1.5 1859 m) miles southeast of Stone Mountain 027 Peak 7922 between Washakie T43N R86W Sec 2 7900- Horse Butte BLM Red Fork Powder 7922 ft Worland River and North Fork (2408- Field Office Little Canyon Creek 2415 m) 028 Ridge between Sullivan Washakie T42N R86W Sec 8200- Cherry BLM Worland Creek and Hazelton 14,23,24 8330 ft Creek Hill Field Office Road, ca 12 miles west- (2499- southwest of Barnum 2539 m) 029 Along Cherry Creek Washakie T41N R87W Sec 6700- Lost Creek, BLM Worland Stock Drive (County 6,7; T41N R88W 7200 ft Cornell Field Office Road 80), ridges and Sec 1,2 (2042- Gulch slopes east and west of 2195 m) Deep Creek, ca 15.5 south of Big Trails 030 The V, peak 6778 and Johnson T44N R84W Sec 6700- Fraker BLM Buffalo ridge ca 1 mile above 18; T44N R85W 7380 ft Mountain, Field Office (west-northwest) Sec 13 (2042- Tabletop 2249 m) 031 Slopes north of Fraker Johnson T44N R84W Sec 7380- Fraker BLM Buffalo Pass and south of The 5,8 7700 ft Mountain Field Office Arch (2249- 2347 m)

EO Location County Legal Elevation USGS 7.5’ Land # Description Quad Ownership 032 Outlaw Cave Johnson T42N R84W 6000-6160 Poker Butte BLM Buffalo Campground and Sec 21,28 ft Field Office vicinity (1829-1878 m) 033 Ridge between Billy Washakie T47N R86W 7000 ft Onion Gulch TNC and Canyon creeks, Sec 29 (2134 m) Tensleep and Bader Gulch Preserve New Slope between Blue Johnson T42N R84W 5760 ft Barnum BLM Buffalo A and Sheep Creeks , just Sec 4 (1756 m) Field Office southwest of Buckbrush Butte New Gardner Mountain, Johnson T44N R83W 6380-6560 ft Mayoworth, BLM Buffalo B south of Dull Knife Sec 20, 29,32 (1945-1999 Red Fork Field Office Pass m) Powder River New Johnson T45N R85W Private C

Habitat

This section is an abbreviated version of the information presented in Handley (2016).

Figure 3. Cymopterus williamsii habitat ca 2 miles southwest of Deadman Butte, ca 6 miles north of Arminto (EO #001).

Cymopterus williamsii is found primarily on open ridgetops and upper slopes (Fertig 1993, 2000) at 5850-8700 ft (1783-2652 m) (Figures 3 and 4). Rocky outcrops, surface gravel, and shallow 9

bedrock are common, and limestone and dolomite are components of the outcrops and gravel (Figures 5 and 6). Cymopterus williamsii is typically found in windswept areas with high solar radiation (Figure 7). These settings are conducive to early snowmelt and early start to the growing season compared to surrounding habitats. Soils in C. williamsii habitat tend to be thin, rocky, and loam or sandy loam. Dominant plant species in C. williamsii habitat range from cushion plants to grasses, shrubs, or conifers (Figure 8). Competing species are usually sparse, with much open soil, rocky ground, or duff between plants (Fertig 1993, 2000; Handley 2016). Many C. williamsii occurrences are in sparsely vegetated habitats with low probability of carrying fire. However, occurrences in forested habitats are vulnerable to fire (Figures 9 and 10).

Figure 4. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along the E-K Trail, near the heads of E-K Creek and Cottonwood Creek (EO #003).

Figure 5. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Thirty-three Mile Road (County Road 110) between Eagle Creek and Buffalo Creek (EO #004).

Figure 6. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Slip/Mayoworth Slope Road (County Road 67) between Red Spring Hill and the head of Martin Draw (EO #007).

Figure 7. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Barnum Mountain Road (EO #010).

Figure 8. Cymopterus williamsii habitat along Billy Creek Road (BLM Road 6207) (EO #020).

Figure 9. Cymopterus williamsii habitat above Middle Fork Powder River, Outlaw Cave Campground (EO #032), part of the 2006 Outlaw 2 Fire.

Figure 10. Cymopterus williamsii habitat on the ridge between Billy and Canyon creeks, and Bader Gulch (EO #033).

Regional climate: A representative weather station for the southern Big Horn Mountains is Ten Sleep 16 SSE (488858), about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) northeast of Big Trails, at 4680 ft (1426 m).

Big Trails Average Temperatures 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

MEAN 2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 11. Comparison of average temperatures (°F) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. (Western Regional Climate Center 2018)

Data at this station are from 1955-2018. Mean annual temperature is 42.5° F (5.8° C), with a mean January temperature of 16.0° F (-8.9° C) and a mean July temperature of 69.5° F (20.8° C). Mean annual precipitation is 13.40 in. (34.04 cm), with the highest monthly precipitation in May at a mean of 2.14 in. (5.44 cm) (Western Regional Climate Center 2018).

Big Trails Snowfall 25

0 JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN

MEAN 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Figure 12. Comparison of snowfall (inches) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. (Western Regional Climate Center 2018)

Big Trails Precipitation 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

MEAN 2015 2016 2017 2018

Figure 13. Comparison of precipitation (inches) at Ten Sleep 16 SSE weather station. (Western Regional Climate Center 2018)

Overall, the average monthly temperatures 2015-2018 followed the usual pattern of the mean for 1956-2018 (Figure 11). However, December 2016, January 2017, and February 2018 were colder and had greater snowfall than the mean, while March 2017 was warmer than the mean (Figures 11 and 12). Also, the autumn (especially September) of 2016 and spring (especially April) of 2017 had more precipitation than average and than the previous respective years (Figure 13).

Population Biology and Demography

This section is an abbreviated version of the information presented in Handley (2016).

Cymopterus williamsii flowers from May to mid-June. Fruiting occurs from June to July. During the 2016 surveys (23 to 30 May), most of the populations observed were in peak flower (Figure 1). The proportion of vegetative plants ranged from 10% to 70% (Appendix A; Table 2). During the 2017 surveys (20 to 25 May and 16 to 18 June) populations were in flower and fruit. The proportion of vegetative plants ranged from 19% to 53% (Appendix A; Table 3). During the 2018 surveys (11 to 13 July) populations were in fruit, or had already past fruiting, and noticeably dry, making it difficult to discern this year’s already dried reproductive stalks from last year’s dried reproductive stalks. The proportion of vegetative plants ranged from 28% to 74% (Appendix A; Table 4). Cymopterus williamsii reproduces sexually, by seed. There is no evidence of vegetative reproduction. Populations surveyed in 2016 and 2017 ranged from approximately 50 to approximately 50,000 individuals (Appendix A).

Pollination biology: Small Carabidae beetles and Phthiria flies were collected from C. williamsii flowers during the 2016 surveys. The beetles had a great deal of pollen on them, while the flies had less (Wilmot pers. comm.).

Pathogens: A rust was present on some plants in the North Fork Wilderness Study Area in 2015 (Heidel pers. comm.; Tronstad et al. 2017). A rust was also on some of the plants in transect 20A in 2016, 2017, and 2018 (Handley pers. obs.).

MONITORING

Transects

As of 2017, a total of seven 1 x 30 m monitoring transects have been established throughout the range of Cymopterus williamsii. Transect sites were chosen to represent a range of geographic distribution, habitats, and past and potential disturbances (Tables 2 and 3; Figure 14; Appendix B).

 EO #001: The southernmost known population, ca 6 miles north of Arminto, is on an open, limestone ridge with cushion plants and bunchgrasses (Figures 3, 15, and 16). The transect is at 7030 ft (2145 m).  EO #008: This is the type collection population and the northwesternmost known population, ca 12.5 miles east-southeast of Hyattville. It is a small population on limestone caprock outcrops in mixed conifer, on the edge of a 1996 forest fire burn area (Figures 17 and 18). The transect is at 7640 ft (2330 m).  EO #020: This partially burned forest population, ca 6.5 miles east of Hazelton, has one transect in the unburned portion (Figures 8, 19, and 20), at 7640 ft (2330 m), and another transect in the burned portion (Figures 21 and 22), at 7520 ft (2290 m). The population is in the northeastern part of the species’ range.  EO #027: This population was discovered in 2015 (Handley 2016), ca 9 miles southeast of Big Trails. A gravel pit was proposed in the vicinity, but the plans were cancelled. The transect is at the top of the limestone “butte” in an open, bunchgrass and cushion plant community (Figures 23 and 24), at 7920 ft (2415 m). The population is in the western foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, in the central part of the species’ range.  EO #032: This population was discovered in 2016, at the Outlaw Cave Campground and vicinity (Figure 9). It is on the eastern slopes of the Big Horn Mountains, somewhat south of the central part of the species’ range. This partially burned population has one transect in the unburned portion of a Cercocarpus ledifolius (curl-leaf mountain mahogany) community (Figures 25 and 26), at 6160 ft (1880 m), and another transect in the burned portion (Figures 27 and 28), at 6120 ft (1865 m).

Overall, there were more plants in the transects in 2017 than 2016, both more reproductive plants and more vegetative plants. Also, the reproductive plants were more phenologically advanced, even though transects in EO #s 001, 008, and 027 were read 1 to 6 calendar days earlier than in 2016. Many plants in all transects were in fruit in 2017, were as only the burned transect in EO #020 had plants in early fruit in 2016 (Appendix C).

In 2018, six of the seven transects were read. Transects in EO #s 001, 008, and 020 were read all three years. All of those transects had an increase in the number of plants between 2016 and 2018, but some had decreases between 2017 and 2018. The transects in EO # 032 both had decreases in the number of plants, but the decreases were relatively small. The transects were read later in the growing season, and plants were in in fruit or past fruiting. In order to quantify reproduction, reproductive stalks were counted, whether they still had fruit on them or not. The trend in the number of reproductive plants per transect closely follows the trends in total number of plants. Because it was so late in the season, some of the reproductive stalks may have dried so much that they broke off.

Table 2. Summary of 2016 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Transect (EO #) Flowering Fruiting Vegetative Total plants Flowering heads Fruiting heads 1 85 (70%) 0 36 (30%) 121 200 0 8 36 (78%) 0 10 (22%) 46 204 0 20A (unburned) 50 (28%) 0 131 (72%) 181 70 0 20B (burned) 41 (87%) 1 (2%) 5 (11%) 47 195 1 27 391 (77%) 0 118 (23%) 509 1200 0

Table 3. Summary of 2017 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Transect (EO #) Flowering Fruiting Vegetative Total plants Flowering heads Fruiting heads 1 28 (9%) 174 (56%) 109 (35%) 311 593 597 8 19 (26%) 41 (55%) 14 (19%) 74 368 129 20A (unburned) 41 (20%) 72 (35%) 92 (45%) 205 82 115 20B (burned) 0 43 (80%) 11 (20%) 54 23 190 27 628 (49%) 220 (17%) 434 (34%) 1282 2895 417 32A (unburned) 2 (1%) 73 (50%) 71 (49%) 146 20 211 32B (burned) 4 (7%) 23 (40%) 31 (53%) 58 21 57

Table 4. Summary of 2018 transect data for Cymopterus williamsii. Transect (EO #) Stalked Vegetative Total plants Stalks 1 148 (48%) 161 (52%) 309 396 8 41 (72%) 16 (28%) 57 222 20A (unburned) 70 (28%) 182 (72%) 252 89 20B (burned) 36 (51%) 35 (49%) 71 127 32A (unburned) 36 (26%) 101 (74%) 137 60 32B (burned) 14 (30%) 33 (70%) 47 45

C. williamsii populations with monitoring transects Localities Bighorn National Forest boundary BLM Field Office boundaries

Figure 14. Occurrences of Cymopterus williamsii with monitoring transects established in 2016-2017.

Figure 15. Transect at EO #001 start. Figure 16. Transect at EO #001 end.

The transect at occurrence #001 (Figures 15 and 16) was established on 24 May 2016. It is placed on top of a ridge, at the northeast end of the polygon mapped in 2016 (Appendix A). In order to ascertain any change in the edge of the population, the transect extends from occupied into unoccupied habitat. Twenty-five of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. A few of the stems did not have a flower head, as if they had been nipped off by an animal, such as a rabbit. The stems lacking flower heads were not included in the reproductive count, as they could no longer reproduce. Ca 70% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 0% were in fruit, with an average of about 2.4 flower heads per reproductive plant (Table 2). Associates include: Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush), Astragalus purshii (woollypod milkvetch), Astragalus spatulatus (tufted milkvetch), Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides (musk phlox), and Stenotus (mock goldenweed).

This transect was reread on 23 May 2017. Twenty-five of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 9% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 56% were in fruit, with an average of about 5.9 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3).

In 2018, this transect was read on 11 July. Twenty-five of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 48% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of 2.7 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4).

Figure 17. Transect at EO #008 start Figure 18. Transect at EO #008 end. (edge of 1996 North Brokenback Fire).

The transect at occurrence #008 (Figures 17 and 18) was established on 30 May 2016. This small population is on two limestone caprock outcrops on the edge of the 1996 North Brokenback Fire burn area. These outcrops are narrow and the most practical place for the transect was on the eastern outcrop. This transect also extends from occupied into unoccupied habitat. Eight of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 78% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 0% were in fruit, with an average of 5.7 flower heads per reproductive plant. Associates include: Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), Pinus flexilis (limber pine), Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany), Mahonia repens (creeping barberry), Poa secunda (Sandburg bluegrass), and Pseudoroegneria spicata.

In 2017, this transect was read on 24 May. Eight of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 26% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 55% were in fruit, with an average of 8.3 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 2).

Since the inhabited areas on these outcrops are fairly well defined by the topography, a census of the occurrence was initiated on 24 May 2017 (Appendix D). Cymopterus williamsii plants on each outcrop were counted three times and the tallies were averaged. The eastern outcrop had an average count of 302 plants, while the western outcrop had an average count of 553 plants. Therefore, the total population was approximately 855 plants (Table 3).

This transect was reread on 13 July 2018. Eight of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 72% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of about 5.4 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4).

The census was performed again on 13 July 2018 (Appendix D). Cymopterus williamsii plants on each outcrop were counted three times and the tallies were averaged. The eastern outcrop had an average count of 364 plants, while the western outcrop had an average count of 360 plants. Therefore, the total population was approximately 724 plants.

Figure 19. Unburned transect at EO #020 start. Figure 20. Unburned transect at EO #020 end.

The transects at occurrence #020 were established on 28 May 2016, in burned and unburned areas of the forest for comparison.

A) The unburned transect is in needle duff of Pinus ponderosa and Juniperus communis (common juniper) (Figures 19 and 20), near the middle of the polygon mapped in 2016, on a gentle south- to southwest-facing slope. Twenty-five of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 28% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 0% were in fruit, with an average of about 1.4 flower heads per reproductive plant (Table 2). One plant in the transect had an orange rust (Handley pers. obs.). Associates include: Pinus ponderosa, Juniperus communis, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Lupinus (lupine), and Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida (cutleaf anemone).

B) The burned transect is in a very small polygon (as mapped in 2016), on thin soil over a limestone outcrop (Figures 21 and 22), on a southeast-facing slope in the 2003 Big Spring Fire burn area. Thirteen of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 87% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 1 plant (ca 2%) was in early fruit, with an average of about 4.7 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 2). Associates include: Pseudoroegneria spicata, Pinus ponderosa seedlings, and Astragalus miser (timber milkvetch).

Figure 21. Burned transect at EO #020 start (2003 Big Spring Fire).

Figure 22. Burned transect at EO #020 end.

These transects were reread 18 June 2017 (on 21 May 2017 these plots were covered in snow).

A) Twenty-three of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 20% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 35% were in fruit, with an average of about 1.7 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3). Four plants in the transect had an orange rust (Handley pers. obs.).

B) Fifteen of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. None of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 80% were in fruit (some fruiting plants did have flowering heads, as well as fruiting ones), with an average of about 5.0 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3).

In 2018, these transects were read on 12 July.

A) Twenty-three of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 28% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of about 1.3 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4). Plants in two of the plots in the transect had black spots, which may have been the orange rust (Handley pers. obs.).

B) Fifteen of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 51% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of about 3.5 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4).

The change in plant numbers in the transects between years was similar, with the burned transect having greater changes (Table 5).

Table 5. Change in plant numbers in the EO # 020 paired transects. Transect 2016-2017 2017-2018 2016-2018 20A (unburned) +13.3% +22.9% +39.2% 20B (burned) +14.9% +31.4% +51.1%

Figure 23. Transect at EO #027 start. Figure 24. Transect at EO #027 end.

The transect at occurrence #027 (Figures 23 and 24) was established on 28 May 2016. It is near the center of the polygon mapped in 2015, at the top of the “butte.” All of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 77% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 0% were in fruit, with an average of about 3.1 flower heads per reproductive plant (Table 2). Associates include: Astragalus spatulatus, Phlox (phlox), Zigadenus (deathcamas), Poa (bluegrass), Erigeron (fleabane), and Pseudoroegneria spicata.

In 2017, this transect was read on 25 May. All of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 49% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 17% were in fruit, with an average of about 3.9 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3). Many very small seedlings were observed.

This transect was very difficult to read in 2017 due to the wind, cold, and the large number of plants.

Due to vehicle problems, this transect was not read in 2018.

Figure 25. Unburned transect at EO #032 start. Figure 26. Unburned transect at EO #032 end. Photo by Kaylan Hubbard. Photo by Kaylan Hubbard.

The transects at occurrence #032 were established on 21 May 2017, in burned and unburned areas of a Cercocarpus ledifolius community for comparison.

A) The unburned transect (Figures 25 and 26) is on the western edge of the southwest end of the north polygon (mapped in 2016), on flat, rocky ground near the cliff edge. Twenty of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 1% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 50% were in fruit, with an average of about 3.1 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3). Associates include: Cercocarpus ledifolius, Petrophytum caespitosum (mat rockspiraea), Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Pinus ponderosa seedlings.

B) The burned transect (Figures 27 and 28) is on the eastern edge of the southwest end of the north polygon in the 2006 Outlaw 2 Fire burn area. Twenty-one of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 7% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in flower and 40% were in fruit, with an average of about 2.9 reproductive heads per reproductive plant (Table 3). Associates include: Pseudoroegneria spicata, Cerastium arvense (field chickweed), and Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides.

Figure 27. Burned transect at EO #032 start Figure 28. Burned transect at EO #032 end. (2006 Outlaw 2 Fire).

In 2018, these transects were read on 12 July.

A) Twenty-two of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 26% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of about 1.7 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4).

B) Eighteen of the 30 1 x 1 m plots were occupied. Ca 30% of C. williamsii plants in the transect were in fruit or past fruiting, with an average of about 3.2 reproductive stalks per reproductive plant (Table 4).

The change in plant numbers in the transects between years was similar, with the burned transect having a greater change (Table 6).

Table 6. Change in plant numbers in the EO # 032 paired transects. Transect 2017-2018 32A (unburned) -6.2% 32B (burned) -19.0%

Total plants in transects 1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0 1 8 20A 20B 27

2016 2017

Figure 29. Transects established in 2016 and reread in 2017.

Total plants in transects 350

300

250

200

150

100

0 1 8 20A 20B

2016 2017 2018

Figure 30. Transects read all three years.

Total plants in transects 350

300

250

200

150

100

0 1 8 20A 20B 32A 32B

2017 2018

Figure 31. Transects read in both 2017 and 2018.

Discussion

The increase in numbers and reproduction of plants seen in the transects between 2016 and 2017 was unexpected, especially in EO #s 001 (157%) and 027 (152%) (Figures 29 and 30). Cymopterus williamsii is a perennial, although its population ecology is not well known. Many temperate members of Apiaceae germinate after a period of cold stratification (Baskin and Baskin 1993; Hoyle et al. 2014; Necajeva and Ievinsh 2013; Phartyal et al. 2009; Saeidnejad et al. 2013; Scholten et al. 2009; Vandelook et al. 2009), indicating they usually germinate in the spring. The amount of moisture a seed receives during embryo development is important for germination (Hoyle et al. 2014; Scholten et al. 2009), as well as for seedling and mature plant survival.

There were more reproductive plants in 2017 than total plants in 2016 in the transects at EO #s 001, 008 and 027. This raises some questions about the possibility of a seedbank and particularly good conditions for C. williamsii reproduction in 2016-2017 with perhaps some or mostly fall germination and/or germination very early in spring with some first year plants becoming reproductive. One or a combination of the following may have happened:

1) Some 2015 seeds (or seedbank reserves) emerged as seedlings in 2016 after 2016 transect establishment, and some of these seedlings became reproductive by the 2017 reread. 2) Some 2016 seeds (or seedbank reserves) emerged as seedlings in the fall of 2016, and some of these seedlings became reproductive plants by the 2017 transect reread (other phenology was observed to be further advanced). 3) Some 2016 seeds (or seedbank reserves) emerged as seedlings early in spring 2017, contributing to the vegetative plant numbers at the time of the 2017 transect reread.

The weather patterns portrayed in Figures 11, 12, and 13 may provide some clues into the reasons for the increases in plants and reproduction between 2016 and 2017. Snowfall timing and amount, snowmelt timing, and growing season precipitation timing and amount influence soil moisture. Snowfall in the winter of 2015-2016 was below average, while snowfall in December 2016 and January 2017, as well as precipitation in March and April of 2017, were above average. It is difficult to know what the ideal combination of soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors are ideal for the reproduction of any particular species, but soil moisture going into the 2017 growing season was probably much better than soil moisture going into the 2016 growing season. In 2018, plant numbers were up in some plots and down in others, but none of the changes were as remarkable as the increases in EO #s 001 and 027 between 2016 and 2017 (Figures 29, 30, and 31). Monitoring was conducted later in the season in 2018, and the “normal” range of death and seedling emergence over the course of a growing season is unknown.

Three of the populations visited in 2016 had previously been affected by fire. The 1996 North Brokenback Fire (Wolf pers. comm.) burned the section that included the type location of C. williamsii (EO #008) (Figure 32). This population was surveyed for the first time in 2015, having been only known from specimen label information with the location only narrowed down to the square mile section and with no population estimate. This was part of the impetus for monitoring C. williamsii in general, particularly this population (Figures 17 and 18). The 2003 Big Spring Fire burned part of the forest in EO #020, leaving a portion of the population in unburned forest, and a portion in the burned area. This left ideal conditions for comparing trends, so monitoring plots were placed there as well (Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22). Although the subpopulation in what is now the burned area was mapped in 1992, it is difficult to determine how much damage the fire had done to the C. williamsii plants due to the length of time since the fire and the fact that the population estimates for the two subpopulations were combined in 1992. The Outlaw Cave Campground area was burned by in the Outlaw 2 Fire in 2006 (Figures 9, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 33). This population (EO #032) was discovered incidentally in 2016 (Appendix C) while the author was camping at the site. Heidel (2002) found that survivorship of another Cymopterus, C. evertii (Evert's springparsley) seemed to vary depending on the local severity of the fire and the size of individual plants. Differences in survival and/or reestablishment of C. williamsii in the Outlaw 2 Fire area also seemed to be associated with differences of fire severity within the burn (Handley pers. obs.). Based on the paired plot comparisons, reduction in tree or shrub canopy due to fire may expose C. williamsii populations to greater annual fluctuations due to weather (Tables 5 and 6).

Figure 32. 2015 remains of the 1996 North Brokenback Fire, in the vicinity of EO #008.

Figure 33. Cymopterus williamsii in the 2016 remains of the 2006 Outlaw 2 Fire, EO #032.

It is interesting that, in both sets of paired transects, the change in plant numbers over the years of monitoring were similar when comparing the unburned and burned transects. This indicates that the annual weather conditions at the occurrences is important to reproduction and attrition, whether or not a particular part of the population was recovering from fire. However, the changes in the burned transects was larger in either direction than the changes in the unburned transects. Burned areas may be more sensitive to both positive and negative weather conditions due to lack of cover. Populations that are naturally without cover may also be more sensitive to both positive and negative weather conditions (Tables 5 and 6).

CONSERVATION CONSIDERATIONS

Potential Threats to Currently Known Populations

Grazing: Signs of livestock trailing were seen along Big Horn Mountains Road (County Road 109) in EO #015 (Figure 34) between First Water Creek and Baker Creek. The only observed sign of grazing of Cymopterus williamsii plants was in EO #001 in 2016, where a few flower heads had been snipped off, possibly by rabbits.

Figure 34. Livestock trailing and road in EO #015.

Surveys in the area of EO #010 were conducted on 17 June 2017. Although cattle had been out on the allotment for several weeks, and sheep were being trailed through at the time of surveys, no signs of grazing of C. williamsii plants was observed.

Logging: Timber harvest had occurred on the northeast side of Billy Creek Road in the area of EO #022 (Figure 35). Because the previous surveys in 1992 and 1999 were only described by quarter and quarter-quarter sections, respectively, the extent of the population was not truly defined. Some of the plants may have been impacted by mechanical damage from logging activities, but that cannot be determined. Based on the paired plot comparisons, reduction in forest canopy may expose C. williamsii populations to greater annual fluctuations due to weather (Tables 5 and 6).

Roads: There are roads nearby or going through several C. williamsii occurrences (Figure 34). Road maintenance, changes in road margins, and recreational use of adjacent habitat could affect the species.

Weeds: Non-native species are rarely present. In general, the ridges, outcrops, and cushion plant communities that make up much of C. williamsii habitat seem to be too harsh for weedy species, as found by Jones (2004, 2005) in southern Wyoming at elevations of 6931-8966 ft (2057-2660 m).

Figure 35. Slash pile near EO #022, private land also nearby. The population is principally on and around the dolomite outcrop near the center of the photo.

Other: Cymopterus williamsii occurs on limestone bedrock and quarrying may be possible in potential habitat. In 2015, there were plans for a gravel pit in the vicinity of EO #027, but those plans were cancelled (Hepp pers. comm.). A monitoring transect was established in the population (Figures 23 and 24).

Wyoming DEQ’s Deadman Butte Materials Site is in EO #015 (Figure 36). The rock at this site is used by Natrona County to improve the nearby county roads. On 22 May 2017, the authors met with Robin Jones, District 1 Supervisor and Vegetation Ecologist at Wyoming DEQ – Land Quality Division, at the materials site. A memo and email from this discussion are in Appendix E.

Also, potential habitat is often at prominent points in the landscape, which may be suitable for telecommunications, radio, microwave, or beacon towers (Figure 37). Several occurrences have cairns, indicating cultural and recreational use. There is an informal campsite along BLM Road 1117 in EO #008.

Outlaw Cave Campground is in the middle of EO #032 (Figure 9; Appendix A). The area does not seem to be heavily used, and the campsites are in the unburned ponderosa pine with relatively deep soil and little to no C. williamsii.

Figure 36. EO #015 DEQ Deadman Butte Materials Site.

Notes Regarding Present or Anticipated Activities

Notification of BLM personnel of locations on BLM lands: To prevent inadvertent impacts to known populations, all appropriate BLM personnel involved in planning and on-the-ground management activities, including: travel planning, grazing, weed control, prescribed burning and logging, should be provided with location data for Cymopterus williamsii. Toward this end,

Geographic Information System (GIS) files of all currently known occurrences are provided with this report.

Information on locations of known populations and potential habitat near roads should be provided to weed management personnel, including County Weed and Pest districts and other contractors.

Status summary: Wyoming BLM continues to recognize C. williamsii aa a designated BLM Sensitive Species to ensure that agency actions do not contribute to the further endangerment of the species and the subsequent need for listing under the ESA (USDI BLM 2001, 2010). The new occurrence and expanded documentation of previously known occurrences reduce the endangerment of this species on the one hand, but the awareness of the chance of fire in some populations signifies a previously unspecified potential threat.

Figure 37. Cymopterus williamsii habitat between Red Fork Powder River and North Fork Little Canyon Creek (EO #027).

Prior to the 2015 surveys, C. williamsii was ranked as S2S3 and G2G3 (State and Globally Imperiled) by WYNDD and NatureServe. Evaluation of the status of C. williamsii in 2015 included the use of the Rank Calculator (NatureServe 2015). The Rank Calculator determined a rank of S3 and G3 (State and Globally Vulnerable) based on the number of occurrences, known population size, perceived viability of populations, range extent and area of occupied habitat, and threat scope and severity. WYNDD has decided to update the rank to S3 and G3 due to the Rank Calculator’s recommendation.

Summary

2016 and 2017 surveys and 2016-2018 monitoring produced new information about Cymopterus williamsii distribution patterns, habitat, population estimates, reproduction, threats, and area of occupancy. The new occurrence and expanded documentation of previously known occurrences increase knowledge and management awareness of the species. Questions are raised about potential vulnerability to livestock trailing, and timber harvest in or adjoining occupied habitat.

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