BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF COOK RANCH, ALBANYCOUNTY,

2002 PROJECT REPORT

Prepared by: Bonnie Heidel, Lead Botanist Gary Beauvais, Director Jason Bennett, Research Zoologist Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

The enclosed series of 5 reports details biological investigations of the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) performed by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (University of Wyoming) at the request of the Wyoming Field Office of The Nature Conservancy (Lander, Wyoming) and in cooperation with Cook Ranch owner A. Cook. These reports are intended to enhance the information presented in the 2001 project report. Five major topics are discussed:

Waterbird surveys

Amphibian surveys

Riparian small mammal surveys

Mountain plover surveys

Rare surveys WATERBIRD SURVEYS: Lake lone - Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Jason Bennett, Research Zoologist Gary Beauvais, Director

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

The Laramie River and the system of lakes found in the Laramie Valley, collectively called the Laramie Lakes, are important breeding centers for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds ( collectively referred to as "waterbirds"). These waters are also important during migration as staging and stopover sites for various waterbirds. The Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) supports a large segment of the Laramie River and several wetlands and closed-basin lakes used by waterbirds, and as such may provide critical habitat for many species during migration and the breeding season.

Zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) conducted waterbird surveys along a portion of the Laramie River and several lakes on Cook Ranch over 9 days during summer and fall 2002. Due to extreme drought, the river was low and most of the lakes on the Ranch were completely dry. The largest lake on Cook Ranch is Long Lake, which at the high water mark has a surface of about 3.5 krn2 of open water, but on average covers less, and in 2002 was completely dry. Due to irrigation efforts Lake Ione remained wet 2 and attracted many birds throughout the survey period. There was approximately 0.1 krn of open water and 2.5 k:m2 of adjacent wetland in the Lake Ione basin. This was the only lake on the Ranch that received regular waterbird surveys during 2002; this report consists of the results from only those regular surveys.

To provide a comparison to other lakes in the Laramie Valley, Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was also surveyed for waterbirds over 9 days during the same period. Hutton Lake NWR is located 18 km southwest of the town of Laramie and consists of 5 clustered lakes; 2 2 Hutton (0.8 km\ Creighton (0.8 k:m ) , Hoge (0.3 km2), Rush (0.2 km\ and George (0.1 km ). The surface areas provided are typical of wet years; in 2002 Creighton and Rush Lakes were 2 completely dry and the others were very low. There was an estimated total of 1.5 k:m of open water available at Hutton Lake NWR, and virtually no emergent vegetation, during the waterbird surveys.

A total of 32 waterbird species was observed at Lake Ione (Table 1). Of these, 22 species were confirmed or likely breeding in the immediate area. Breeding status was determined by behavior or the presence of young. The remaining species were either transient or observed during migration. Lake Ione was consistently occupied by 200-500 individual birds on the open water or shoreline, but it is important to note that a large portion of the lake's vegetated wetlands provided dense cover. The extent of the wetlands and density of the cover made it impossible to provide accurate counts. On many occasions several hundred ducks were observed in flight above the wetland while several hundred more remained on the lake surface. It is likely that the Lake Ione basin was occupied by several thousand waterbirds during survey period.

A total of24 species was observed at Hutton Lake NWR (Table 1). Of these, 14 species were confirmed or likely breeding in the immediate vicinity. Waterbird abundance at Hutton Lake NWR never approached that observed at Lake Ione, most likely due to the much greater coverage of wetland vegetation at Lake Ione. Two species were observed at Hutton Lake NWR that were not observed at Lake Ione; conversely, 10 species were observed at Lake Ione that were not observed at Hutton Lake NWR (Table 1).

Due to irrigation efforts and immediate proximity to the Laramie River the Lake Ione basin remained wet while most other lakes in the Laramie Valley in general, and Cook Ranch in particular, were low or dry. In this context, Lake Ione can be seen as an ecological refuge for waterbirds during times of extreme drought, as was experienced in 2002. During periods of more normal precipitation the Laramie River corridor and other wetlands and lakes on the Cook Ranch would undoubtedly attract multitudes more waterbirds, maintaining the position of the Ranch as one of the most productive waterbird centers in the Laramie Valley. WYNDD recommends continued survey for waterbirds in upcoming seasons, with an emphasis on documenting rare and sensitive taxa. Table 1. Species of waterbirds observed on Cook Ranch (Lake Ione) and Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Albany County, Wyoming, summer 2002. Status: C = confirmed breeder, L = likely breeder, T = transient, M = migrant, X = not observed. Abundance: A = abundant, C = common, U = uncommon, R = rare, X = not observed. Species shown in bold were unique to Cook Ranch (Lake Ione); species shown in italics were unique to Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Status Abundance Status Ab undance Common Name Cook Hutton Cook Hutton Common Name Cook Hutton Cook Hutton Pied-billed Grebe L X u X Ring-necked Duck M X R X Eared Grebe C L A C Lesser Scaup M T R u Western Grebe M X R X Common Meraanser M T u R lAmerican White Pelican M T u R Ruddv Duck T L u C Black-crowned Niaht Heron L X R X Sora L X R X Great Blue Heron X T X R !American Coot C X A X !White-faced Ibis L X R X Killdeer C L A C Canada Goose C C C A American Avocet C L A A Gadwall L L C C Lesser/Greater Yellowlegs M M u R American Widqeon L L A C Willet C L A C Mallard C C A C Spotted Sandoioer L X C X Blue-winaed Teal L L A C Unidentified Sandoioer (Baird's? M M R R Cinnamon Teal L L A C Common Snipe L X C X Northern Shoveler L T u R !Wilson's Phalarooe L L A A Northern Pintail L T u C California Gull T M R R Green-winqed Teal L L C C Black Tern M X R X Canvasback T T R u Forster's Tern X R X R Redhead L L C C AMPIDBIAN SURVEYS: Lake Ione - Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Gary Beauvais, Director Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

Lake Ione and its surrounding wetland (Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming) represent a large and potentially very high-quality habitat for various species of amphibian. Common taxa such as boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) and tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) almost certainly occur here. Rarer and more sensitive taxa such as northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) are also likely occupants. This site is within the historic range of the Wyoming toad (Bufo baxteri), which was documented on the Laramie River only a few miles upstream of Lake Ione in 1941 and again in 1963. Subsequent surveys for this extremely rare (listed Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, May 1973) toad in this area have failed to document its presence. Free-ranging Wyoming toads are now thought to be restricted to a small and highly­ managed population at Mortensen Lake approximately 35 mi south-southwest of Lake Ione.

The USDI Fish and Wildlife Service has recently committed to re-introductions of Wyoming toads into several wetlands within their historic range in the Laramie Valley. Captive-bred toads will be released into as many as 5 new sites in summer 2003. The segment of the Laramie River crossing Cook Ranch, along with large associated wetlands such as Lake Ione, may be suitable for the establishment of additional free-ranging populations of Wyoming toads. The Ranch supports an order-of-magnitude more contiguous habitat than other sites currently being considered for reintroduction; it could potentially support a very large number of free-ranging toads. Thus establishment of Wyoming toads here would contribute substantially to the species' recovery.

Zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) surveyed Lake Ione and the surrounding wetland for amphibians on 2 days in summer 2002. The purpose of this survey was to (1) document amphibian species inhabiting the area, and (2) capture individual amphibians to submit to diagnostic laboratories for an analysis of chytrid fungus presence. Chytrid fungus was a major cause of Wyoming toad decline and continues to be the main obstacle to recovery of this species. Lake Ione has been suggested as a possible reintroduction site for Wyoming toads; its value as such will be largely determined by whether or not chytrid fungus is present. One half-day-long survey was conducted in late July, and another in mid-August. Each survey involved foot searches by 2 teams of 2 observers each, with each person equipped with waders and capture nets. Only one species, the boreal chorus frog, was documented in the wetland, with many individuals seen and heard. Two individuals were captured, sacrificed, and submitted for analysis of presence of chytrid fungus. Preliminary results suggest that Lake Ione is free of chytrid fungus, but confirmation of this will depend on more intensive analyses using genetic identification techniques and amphibian species other than chorus frogs (P. triseriata are highly resistant to chytrid infections).

All observations indicate that Lake Ione is a productive site for chorus frogs and could possibly support other amphibians. WYNDD recommends repeated amphibian searches at Lake Ione in 2003 and in the future during periods of more normal precipitation, with emphasis on documenting tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Also, amphibian searches along the Laramie River corridor on the Ranch are advised to gain a more complete picture of the amphibian community here. If further laboratory analyses confirm the absence of chytrid fungus, Lake Ione should be considered as a premier reintroduction site for Wyoming toads. RIPARIAN SMALL MAMMAL SURVEYS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Gary Beauvais, Director Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is a riparian-associated rodent that was listed as Threatened by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service in 1998, and is suspected to inhabit wetlands throughout southeastern Wyoming. There is significant uncertainty surrounding the distribution and taxonomic identity of this subspecies. The Laramie Valley supposedly lies outside of the range of Preble's mouse, yet no clear ecological barriers exist between apparently suitable habitat in the Laramie Valley and occupied range to the north and east. Furthermore, in 2000 the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) documented Zapus spp. in riparian habitats on the floor of the Laramie Valley, and morphological analyses of captured specimens indicated that some individuals here may be more similar to Preble's mouse than the more common western jumping mouse (Z. princeps). Additional specimens of Zapus spp. from the Laramie Valley are needed to more completely resolve species identity and to better delineate the range of the listed taxon. To this end, zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) trapped small mammals along the Laramie River corridor on the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) in summer 2002.

Trapping crews from WYNDD captured 5 individual Zapus spp. during 100 trap-nights (19 June 2002) on the Laramie River near Lake Ione, and another 4 individual Zapus during 200 trap-nights (20, 21 June 2002) approximately 5 mi upstream. This is one of the highest capture rates reported for Zapus spp. anywhere near the suspected range of Z. h. preblei. In fact, on Cook Ranch WYNDD crews captured more Zapus spp. than deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), which is typically the most commonly captured small mammal in the region.

Four individual Zapus spp. were sacrificed and sent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for taxonomic analysis. Preliminary results indicate that although 3 of these specimens are more similar to the common western jumping mouse, one appears to be a Preble's mouse. More intensive analyses are in progress and results will be reported as soon as they are received by WYNDD. Given the preliminary results it is likely that museum analysts will request more specimens of Zapus spp. from this site to more conclusively outline the taxonomic identity ofjumping mice in the Laramie Valley. If further analyses confirm the presence of Preble's mouse here, riparian areas on the Cook Ranch would represent one of the largest contiguous blocks of suitable habitat in the region, and as such could contribute substantially to the recovery of this subspecies in Wyoming. MOUNTAIN PLOVER SURVEYS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Gary Beauvais, Director Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

Grasslands of the Laramie Valley produce relatively high numbers of mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus), a species that has been proposed for listing as Threatened by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. During a reconnaissance tour of the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) in late summer 2001, zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) noted large expanses of apparently high-quality mountain plover habitat on the property. These observations were supported by a spatially-explicit habitat model for mountain plover developed by WYNDD; when extrapolated across the Ranch, this model predicted a large amount of high-quality habitat that was contiguous with other suitable habitat across the Laramie Valley (Figure 1).

Also, Cook Ranch owner A. Cook reported commonly seeing mountain plovers on many portions of the Ranch. His sightings included not only single birds and pairs observed throughout the breeding season, but also larger (>4 individuals) groups of mountain plovers seen both prior to and immediately after the breeding season (Figure 2). Such groups could represent migratory flocks stopping over on the Ranch before proceeding to other regions. Alternatively, birds arriving in large groups early in the season could disperse to breed locally on the Ranch, and large groups late in the season could be locally breeding birds staging together prior to fall migration.

WYNDD zoologists performed a formal call-survey on 5 June 2002 in what was predicted to be some of the best habitat on the Ranch. No plovers were observed during this survey, but it was noted prior to the survey that the survey date was rather late in the season. Mountain plovers attending nests are cryptic and unresponsive to broadcasted breeding calls, so this survey technique is unproductive during the nesting period. Call surveys are most effective during the spring (late April and May) when plovers are seeking mates and respond actively to calls. We therefore concluded that the failure to document plovers during the call-surveys was due to the late date. This was supported by the fact that 3 individual mountain plovers were opportunistically observed along the survey route during this time period by WYNDD personnel performing other duties. These individuals were observed on 4 June, 5 June (survey date), and 20 June 2002.

Additionally, WYNDD personnel observed a concentration of mountain plovers on the Ranch on 15 July 2002. Six individuals were observed along a stretch of road approximately 0.5 miles long. This density of individuals, along with the late date of the observation, suggests that this was either a recently-fledged brood or a group of birds staging for fall migration.

All observations suggest that Cook Ranch is an important site for mountain plovers in Wyoming in general, and the Laramie Valley in particular. WYNDD strongly recommends performing call surveys and density estimates prior to the nesting period in May 2003, and also documenting mountain plover presence and abundance during spring arrival and fall staging periods. Figure 1. Mountain plover habitat suitability in the Laramie Valley (A) and on the Cook Ranch (B and C). In each figure, blue = waterways, yellow lines = major roads, orange lines = approximate Cook Ranch boundaries. In (A) and (B), the darkness of background color indicates probability of mountain plover occurrence in 10% gradations (lightest pink= 1 - 10%, darkest red = 90 - 99%) . In (C), white = 1 - 80% probability of mountain plover occurrence; black = 8 1 - 99% probability of mountain plover occurrence. Probabilities calculated via [[Beauvais, G.P. and R. Smith. 2003. Model of breeding habitat of the Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) in western Wyoming. Western North American Naturalist 63:88-96)).

(A)

(B) ......

.. . i. ,,.f , Figure 1· co n t·mu ed.

(C) Figure 2. Photographs of mountain plovers taken on Cook Ranch by ranch owner A. Cook. Red circles indicate individual mountain plovers. Figure 2. continued. Figure 2. continued. RARE PLANT SURVEYS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Bonnie Heidel, Lead Botanist Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

25 March 2003

Botanists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) conducted field surveys for Wyoming plant species of special concern in select areas of the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) during 3 days in summer 2002 (13, 21 June; 15 July). Based on previously known occurrences and knowledge of habitat preferences, 10 globally rare plant species were targeted for survey; of these, 2 were confirmed, and 3 others were ruled out, as occurring on the Ranch (Table 1).

A running list of species was also compiled, consisting of 152 species in its preliminary form, and including several new county records and interesting documentation of species outside of their characteristic settings (Table 2). Most of the new county records involved wetland species; records of uncharacteristic species involved typically montane species found on the Ranch in a basin setting.

WYNDD recommends continued survey effort for at least the pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum), in addition to the two species that have potential habitat on the Wall Creek Allotment, if this tract is appropriate to consider. Documentation and description of vegetation communities occurring on the Ranch is also appropriate. Table 1. Rare vascular plant taxa confirmed, ruled out, and still in quesbon as occurring on the Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming. Preliminary field observations were made in summer 2001; more targeted field surveys were performed in summer 2002.

Confirmed: Ward's goldenweed (Oonopsis wardii) [G3 S3] - There is an "A" rank occurrence above southern reaches of the Laramie River, representing the 16th record for this species in the state.

Slender-leaved buckwheat (Eriogonum exilifolium) [G3 S2] - There is an unranked (drought-affected) occurrence on a ridge rim south of Wheatland Reservoir No. 2, representing the 9th record for this species in the state.

Ruled out: Laramie columbine (Aquilegia laramiensis) [G2 S2] -Restricted to granite outcrops. There appears to be no potential habitat on the Ranch.

Laramie false sagebrush (Sphaeromeria simplex) [G2 S2] - Restricted to limestone outcrops. There appears to be no potential habitat on the Ranch.

Persistent sepal yellowcress (Rorippa calycina) (G3 S2S3] - Restricted to fine­ textured flats around rivers and wetlands. Surveys for this taxon in a drought year are ideal, and it was not found on the Ranch despite extensive surveys along the Laramie River, Long Lake, two upland wetlands, and some canals.

Unresolved: tansy-aster (Machaeranthera coloradoensis) [G2T2? Sl] - WYNDD botanists will review newly-collected records from other sites, revise habitat descriptions, and re-consider the appropriateness of survey on the Ranch.

Giant cinquefoil (Potentilla ambigens) [G3 SH] - Originally collected in a sandstone canyon. WYNDD botanists will review maps and soils data before ruling out this species as possibly occurring on the Ranch.

Mountain-loving sedge (Carex oreocharis) [G3 Sl] -The only potential habitat appears to be on the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch.

Pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum) (G2G3 S2S3] - This species is probably restricted to springs, seeps, and select groundwater discharge zones. WYNDD botanists need to review plant phenology and habitat maps to plan any field efforts.

Rocky Mountain phacelia (Phacelia denticulata) [G3? S2] - The only potential habitat appears to be on the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch. Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Family Species Scientific Name Common Name Synonym GRank SRank Life Form Biome Laceae]

Aster Achillea millefolium var. lanulosa Common yarrow Incl. var. alpicola & GS SS FORS RMF occidentalis Poa Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass Oryzopsis hymenoides; GS SS GRASS IDS Stipa hymenoides Poa Achnatherum lettermanii Letterman's ricegrass Stipa lettermanii GS S4 GRASS RMF [Letterman's needlegrass] Poa Achnatherum lettermanii Letterman's ricegrass Stipa letlermanii GS S4 GRASS RMF [Letterman's needlegrass] Alli Allium textile White wild onion [Textile onion] GS? SS FORS IDS

Poa Alopecurus aequalis Meadow-foxtail G? SS GRASS Poa Alopecurus arundinaceus Creeping meadow-foxtail G? SE GRASS Amaranth Amaranthus albus Tumbleweed GS SE A-FORS GRS Aster Ambrosia acanthicarpa Flat-spine burr-ragweed Franseria acanthicarpa GS S3 A-FORS GRS Ros Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila Dwarf serviceberry Amelanchier pumila GST? S3S4 SHRUB RMF Cyper Amphiscirpus nevadensis Nevada bulrush Scirpus nevadensis G4 S2 GRASS WET Aster Antennaria dimorpha Cushion pussytoes GS SS FORS IDS Aster Antennaria microphylla Small-leaf pussyoes G4GS SS FORS RMF Aster Artemisia biennis var. biennis Biennial wormwood GST? S4 FORS IDS Aster Artemisia cana var. cana Coaltown sagebrush Seriphidium canum GST4? S4SS SHRUB GRS [Silver sagebrush] Aster Artemisia frigida Prairie sagebrush GS? SS SHRUB IDS [Fringed sagebrush) Aster Artemisia nova Black sagebrush Artemisia arbuscula var. GS S4 SHRUB IDS nova Aster Artemisia pedatifida Bird-foot sagebrush Oligosporus pedatifidus G4 S4 SHRUB IDS Aster Artemisia tridentata var. wyomingensis Wyoming big sagebrush Seriphidium vaseyanum GST? SS SHRUB IDS Asclepiad Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed GS S4 FORS WET Fab Astragalus bisulcatus var. bisulcatus Two-groove milkvetch GSTS SS FORS GRS Fab Astragalus flexuosus Pliant milkvetch GS S3 FORS GRS Fab Astragalus pectinatus Narrow-leaf milkvetch A. pectinatus var. Gs· S4 FORS GRS pectinatus Fab Astragalus spatulatus Tufted milkvetch [Spoonleaf milkvetch] GS SS FORS GRS

Fab Astragalus tenellus Loose-flower milkvetch GS SS FORS RMF Chenopodi Atriplex gardneri var. gardneri Gardner's saltbush Atriplex nuttallii GSTS SS SHRUB IDS Chenopodi Atriplex gardneri var. utahensis Basin saltbush Atriplex tridentata GST? S3 SHRUB IDS Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Chenopodi Atriplex heterosperma Two-scale saltbush Atriplex micrantha G5 SE A-FORB Poa Beckmannia syzigachne American sloughgrass G5 S4 A-GRASS WET Scrophulari Besseya wyomingensis Wyoming coraldrops [Wyoming kittentails) G5 S5 FORB RMF

Aster Bidens cernua Nodding burr-marigold G5 S3 A-FORB WET Brassic Boechera fendleri var. spatifolia Fendler's rockcress Arabis fendleri var. G5T4 S2 FORB IDS spatifolia Poa Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama G5 S5 GRASS GRS Poa Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass G? SE A-GRASS Campanul Campanula rotundifolia Bluebell-of-Scotland [Harebell] G5 S5 FORB RMF

Cyper Carex athrostachya Slender-beak sedge G5 S3 GRASS W ET Cyper Carex brevior Short-beak sedge G5? S3 GRASS GRS Cyper Carex douglasii Douglas' sedge G5 S5 GRASS RMF Cyper Carex filifolia Thread-leaf sedge G5 S5 GRASS RMF Cyper Carex nebrascensis sedge G5 S5 GRASS WET Cyper Carex pensylvanica var. digyna Pennsylvania sedge Carex heliophila, C. G5T5 S4 GRASS GRS inops ssp. heliophila Cyper Carex retrorsa Retrorse sedge G5 S2 GRASS WET Cyper Carex stenophylla Spike-rush sedge Carex eleocharis, C. G5 S5 GRASS GRS (Narrow-leaved sedge) duriuscula Cyper Carex utriculata Northwest Territory Carex rostrata (sensu G5 S5 GRASS WET sedge [Beaked lato) sedge] Cyper Carex vallicola Valley sedge G5 S4 GRASS RMF Caryophyll Cerastium arvense Field mouse-ear Includes ssp. fueginum G5 S5 FORB RMF chickweed & strictum Aster Chaenactis douglasii var. montana Dusty-maiden Chaenactis douglasii G5 S5 FORB RMF [Hoary dusty-maiden] var. douglasii Aster Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus var. Green rabbitbrush Includes var. G5T? S5 SHRUB RMF viscidiflorus stenophyllus Aster Cirsium arvense Canadian thistle Includes vars. horridum G5 SE FORB (Canada thistle] & integrifolium Aster Cirsium flodmanii Flodman's thistle G5 S3S4 FORB GRS Cappar Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain G5 S5 A-FORB GRS beeplant Santai Comandra umbellata var. pallida Bastard toadflax G5T? S5 FORB IDS Chenopodi Corispermum villosum Hairy bugseed G4? S2S3 A-FORB IDS Boragin Cryptantha affinis Quill cat's-eye G4 S3 A-FORB RMF Boragin Cryptantha ambigua Basin cat's-eye G4 S3 A-FORB RMF Poa Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrass Deschampsia caespitosa G5 S5 GRASS WET Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Brassic Descurainia sophia Herb-sophia [Flixweed] G? SE A-FORB

Poa Distichlis stricta Coastal saltgrass Distichlis spicata var. GS SS GRASS GRS [Alkali saltgrass] stricta Cyper Eleocharis palustris Common spike-rush Eleocharis GS SS GRASS WET macrostachya Hydrocharit Elodea canadensis Canadian waterweed GS S2 FORB WET Poa Elymus lanceolatus var. lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass Agropyron GST5 SS GRASS RMF dasystachyum var. dasystachyum Poa Elymus smithii Western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii; GS SS GRASS GRS Pascopyrum smithii Poa Elymus spicatus Bluebunch wheatgrass Agropyron spicatum; GS SS GRASS IDS Pseuodroegneria spicata; includes ssp. inermis & spicata Equiset Equisetum hyemale var. affine Tall scouring-rush GST5 S4 FERN WET Caryophyll Eremogene hookeri var. hookeri Hooker's sandwort Arenaria hookeri var. GSTS S5 FORB IDS hookeri Aster Ericameria nauseosa var. nauseosa Rubber-rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus G5TS SS SHRUB GRS nauseosus var. nauseosus Aster acris var. kamtschaticus Bitter fleabane Includes ssp. debilis & GST4TS S5 FORB RMF politus Aster Erigeron canus Hoary fleabane G4 S3 FORB GRS Aster Erigeron compositus var. discoideus Dwarf mountain fleabane [Cut-leaved fleabane] GST? SS FORB RMF

Aster Erigeron pumilus var. pumilus Shaggy fleabane GST? SS FORB GRS Polygon Eriogonum acaule Single-stem wild buckwheat G3 S3 FORB IDS Polygon Eriogonum exilifolium Drop-leaf wild G3 S2 FORB IDS buckwheat Polygon Eriogonum flavum var. flavum Yellow buckwheat GST4TS SS FORB GRS Polygon Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum Cushion wild buckwheat G5T5 S5 FORB IDS Brassic Erysimum inconspicuum Shy wallflower G4G5 S4SS FORB RMF Poa Festuca saximontana Rocky Mountain fescue Festuca ovina var. GS S4SS GRASS RMF rydbergii Myrsin Glaux maritima Sea-milkwort GS S3 FORB WET Poa Glyceria grandis American mannagrass GS S3S4 GRASS WET Fab Glycyrrhiza lepidota var. lepidota American licorice [Licorice-root] GS SS FORB GRS

Aster Grindelia squarrosa var. squarrosa Curly-cup gumweed Includes var. serrulata GST? SS FORB GRS Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Aster Gutierrezia sarothrae Kindlingweed [Broom snakeweed] GS SS SHRUB GRS

Aster Helenium autumnale var. montanum Fall sneezeweed GST? S2 FORB GRS Aster Heterotheca villosa var. villosa Hairy false golden-aster Chrysopsis villosa var. GS S3 FORB GRS villosa Poa Hierochloe odorata Northern sweetgrass Hierochloe hirta G4GS S3 GRASS RMF Hippurid Hippuris vulgaris Common mare's-tail GS S3 FORB WET Poa Hordeum jubatum Fox-tail barley GS SS GRASS GRS Polemeni lpomopsis spicata var. spicata Spiked skyrocket Gilia spicata var. spicata G4?TU S4 FORS IDS !rid Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris GS S4 FORS W ET Aster Iva axillaris var. robustior Deer-root [Poverty-weed] GST? S4 FORS IDS

WET June Juncus balticus var. montanus Baltic rush Juncus arcticus var. GST? SS GRASS balticus June Juncus bufonius Toad rush J. bufonius var. bufonius GS S4 A-GRASS WET June Juncus compressus Round-fruit rush GS SE GRASS June Juncus tenuis var. dudleyi Slender rush Juncus dudleyi, Includes GS S3S4 GRASS W ET J. tenuis (sensu stricto) Poa Koeleria macrantha Prairie Koeler's grass Koeleria cristata; K. GS SS GRASS GRS [Prairie junegrass) pyramidata Chenopodi Krascheninnikovia lanata Winterfat Ceratoides lanata, GS SS SHRUB IDS Eurotia lanata Brassic Lepidium latifolium Broad-leaf pepperwort G? SE FORS Scrophulari Limosella aquatica Awl-leaf mudwort GS S3 FORS WET Polemeni Linanthus pungens Granite prickly-phlox Leptodactylon pungens GS SS SHRUB RMF Fab Lupinus argenteus var. argenteus Silver-stem lupine GS?T? SS FORS RMF Aster Machaeranthera grindelioides Rayless tansy-aster Haplopappus nuttallii GS SS FORS GRS [Gumweed aster] Poa Muhlenbergia richardsonis Matted muhly GS S3S4 GRASS RMF Ranuncul Myosurus apetalus var. borealis Bristly mouse-tail GST? S1S2 A-FORS WET Halorag Myriophyllum sibiricum Siberian water-milfoil Myriophyllum GS S3 FORS WET exalbescens; M. spicatum var. exalbescens GRS Poa Nassella viridula Green tussock grass Stipa viridula GS S4 GRASS [Green needlegrass) Onagr Oenothera cespitosa var. cespitosa Tufted evening-primrose Oenothera caespitosa GSTS SS FORS IDS var. caespitosa Aster Oonopsis wardii Ward's false goldenweed Haplopappus wardii G2G3 S3 FORS IDS Caci Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha Hair-spine prickly-pear [Plains prickly-pear] GSTS SS FORS IDS

7 Packera cana Silver-woolly groundsel Senecio canus GS SS FORB RMF Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Caryophyll Paronychia sessiliflora Low nailwort GS S4 FORS GRS Scrophulari Penstemon laricifolius var. exilifolius Larch-leaf beardtongue G4T2 S2 FORS IDS Scrophulari Penstemon laricifolius var. laricifolius Larch-leaf beardtongue G4T? S4 FORS IDS Poa Phalaris canariensis Common canarygrass G? SE A-GRASS Polemeni Phlox muscoides Moss phlox Phlox hoodii ssp. GST4 S4 FORS IDS muscoides Boragin Plagiobothrys leptocladus Alkali popcorn-flower G4 S1S2 A-FORS WET Plantagin Plantago eriopoda Red-woolly plantain GS S4 FORS GRS Gs· RMF Poa Poa alpina Alpine bluegrass S4 GRASS WET Poa Poa glaucifolia Pale-leaf bluegrass Included in Poa arida by G? S2 GRASS some authors Poa Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poa agassizensis G? SE GRASS GRASS ALP Poa Poa secunda var. incurva Curly bluegrass Poa incurva GST? S3S4 WET Polygon Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed Persicaria pensylvanica GS S1 A-FORS [Pennsylvania smartweed] GRS Polygon Polygonum ramosissimum Bushy knotweed Includes var. prolificum GS S3 A-FORS & ramosissimum WET Salic Populus angustifolia Narrow-leaf cottonwood GS S4SS TREE RMF Ros Potentilla concinna var. concinna Red cinquefoil GS?T? S4 FORS Poa Puccinellia nuttalliana Nuttall's alkali-grass GS S4 GRASS GRS WET Aster Pyrrocoma lanceolata Lance-leaf goldenweed Haplopappus G4? S3S4 FORS lanceolatus WET Ranuncul Ranunculus gmelinii Lesser yellow water buttercup GS S2 FORS FORS Brassic Rorippa sinuata Spreading yellowcress GS S4 FORS Polygon Rumex salicifolius var. triangulivalvis Willow dock Rumex mexicanus, R. GS SS FORS RMF salicifolius var. mexicanus WET Salic Salix bebbiana Gray willow [Bebb willow] GS SS SHRUB

Salic Salix exigua var. exigua Narrow-leaf willow [Coyote willow, GS SS SHRUB WET Sandbar willow] SHRUB WET Salic Salix lasiandra var. caudata Shining willow Salix lucida ssp. caudata GST? S4 [Whiplash willow] Sarcobat Sarcobatus vermiculatus Greasewood GS SS SHRUB IDS GRASS GRS Poa Schizachyrium scoparium Little false bluestem Andropogon scoparius GS S4 (little bluestem] Crassul Sedum lanceolatum Lance-leaf stonecrop Includes ssp. GS SS FORS RMF lanceolatum & subalpinum Elaegn Shepherdia argentea Silver buffaloberry GS S4 SHRUB WET Brassic Sisymbrium loeselii False London rocket G? SE A-FORS Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Aster Sphaeromeria capitata Clster-head chicken- Tanacetum capitatum G3 S3 FORB IDS sage Poa Sporobolus airoides Alkali sacaton G5 S4 GRASS GRS Poa Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed G5 S4 GRASS GRS Brassic Stanleya pinnata Golden prince's-plume Includes vars bipinnata G4G5 S4 w FORB & pinnata Aster Stenotus acaulis Stemless mock Haplopappus acaulis G5 S5 FORB RMF goldenweed Potamogeton Stuckenia pectinata Sago false pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus; G5 S3 FORB WET Coleogeton pectinatus

Caprifoli Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry G5 S4 SHRUB RMF Aster Symphyotrichum frondosum Leafy american-aster Aster frondosus; G4 S3 A-FORS WET Brachyactis frondosa Aster Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion G5 SE FORS Aster Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis Stemless four-nerve- Hymenoxys acaulis var. G5T? S5 FORS GRS daisy acaulis Aster Townsendia hookeri Hooker's Townsend- G5 S4 FORB RMF daisy Fab Trifolium dasyphyllum Thickleaf clover Includes ssp. G4G5 S3 FORB RMF anemophilum, dasyphyllum, & uintense Nyctagin Tripterocalyx micranthus Small-flower sandpuffs Abronia micrantha G5 S3 FORS GRS Valerian Valeriana edulis Tobacco-root G5 S4 FORB RMF Aster Xylorhiza glabriuscula Smooth woody-aster Machaeranthera G4 S4S5 FORB IDS glabriuscula. Includes vars glabriuscula & villosa Melanthi Zigadenus venenosus var. gramineus Meadow deathcamas G5T5 S5 FORB RMF