Rationales for Plant Species Considered for Species of Conservation Concern

Sierra National Forest

Prepared by: Botanists and Natural Resources Specialists Pacific Southwest Regional Office and Sierra National Forest

For: Sierra National Forest

June 2019

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Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Table of Contents

Rationales for Plant Species Considered for Species of Conservation Concern Sierra National Forest ...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Species of Conservation Concern Compared to Forest Service Sensitive Species ...... 1 Procedure for Evaluation of Botanical Species of Conservation Concern ...... 2 Sierra National Forest Species of Conservation Concern ...... 4 References ...... 5 Chapter 1 –Plant Species Meeting Criteria for Species of Conservation Concern ...... 8 Allium yosemitense - Yosemite onion ...... 8 Boechera tularensis - Tulare rockcress ...... 9 Botrychium ascendens - upswept moonwort ...... 10 Botrychium crenulatum - scalloped moonwort ...... 11 Botrychium lineare – Slender moonwort...... 12 Botrychium minganense - mingan moonwort ...... 13 Botrychium montanum - western goblin or mountain moonwort ...... 14 Bruchia bolanderi - Bolander's bruchia ...... 16 Calyptridium pygmaeum - pygmy pussypaws ...... 17 Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola - Mono Hot Springs evening-primrose ...... 18 Carlquistia muirii - Muir's tarplant ...... 19 Carpenteria californica - tree-anemone ...... 20 Cinna bolanderi - Bolander's woodreed ...... 21 Clarkia biloba ssp. australis - Mariposa clarkia ...... 23 Clarkia lingulata - Merced clarkia ...... 24 Collomia rawsoniana - flaming trumpet ...... 25 Cypripedium montanum - mountain lady's slipper ...... 26 Delphinium inopinum - unexpected larkspur ...... 28 Dicentra nevadensis - Sierra bleeding heart, Tulare County bleeding heart ...... 29 Draba sharsmithii - Mt. Whitney draba ...... 31 Eriastrum tracyi - Tracy's eriastrum ...... 32 Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum - King's River buckwheat ...... 34 Eriogonum ovalifolium var. monarchense - Monarch buckwheat ...... 35 Eriophyllum congdonii - Congdon's eriophyllum, Congdon's woolly sunflower...... 36 Erythranthe gracilipes (Mimulus gracilipes) - slender-stalked monkeyflower...... 38 Erythranthe norrisii (Mimulus norrisii) - Kaweah monkeyflower ...... 39 Erythronium pluriflorum - Shuteye Peak fawn lily, manyflower fawnlily ...... 40 Fissidens aphelotaxifolius - fissidens moss ...... 41 Gilia yorkii - Boyden Cave gilia ...... 43 Horkelia parryi - Parry's horkelia...... 44 Hulsea brevifolia - short-leaved hulsea ...... 45 Leptosiphon serrulatus - Madera leptosiphon ...... 47 Lewisia congdonii - Congdon's lewisia ...... 48 Lewisia disepala - Yosemite lewisia ...... 49 Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii - Kellogg's lewisia ...... 50 Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus - orange lupine ...... 52 Meesia uliginosa – Meesia moss ...... 53 Mielichhoferia shevockii - Shevock's copper moss ...... 54 Platanthera yosemitensis - Yosemite bog orchid ...... 55 Pohlia tundrae - tundra pohlia moss ...... 56

i Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme - aromatic canyon gooseberry ...... 57 Streptanthus fenestratus - Tehipite Valley jewel-flower ...... 59 Tauschia howellii - Howell's tauschia ...... 60 Trifolium bolanderi - Bolander's clover ...... 61 Viburnum ellipticum - oval-leaved viburnum ...... 62 Chapter 2 – Plant Species not Meeting Criteria for Species of Conservation Concern ...... 64 Allium abramsii - Abram's onion ...... 64 Brasenia schreberi - watershield ...... 65 Botrychium lunaria - common moonwort ...... 66 Botrychium paradoxum – paradox moonwort ...... 67 Botrychium tunux - moosewort ...... 68 Botrychium yaaxudakeit – giant moonwort ...... 69 Carex limosa - mud sedge ...... 70 Carex tompkinsii - Tompkin's sedge ...... 72 Claytonia megarhiza - fell-fields claytonia ...... 73 Diplacus pulchellus (Mimulus pulchellus)– yellow-lip pansy monkeyflower ...... 74 Draba praealta - tall draba ...... 75 Draba sierrae - Sierra draba ...... 76 Erigeron aequifolius - Hall’s daisy ...... 77 Erigeron inornatus var. keilii - Keil's daisy ...... 78 Erythranthe filicaulis (Mimulus filicaulis)– slender stemmed monkeyflower ...... 79 Glyceria grandis – American manna grass ...... 80 Helodium blandowii – Blandow's bog moss ...... 81 Heterotheca monarchensis - Monarch goldenaster ...... 82 Ivesia unguiculata - Yosemite invesia...... 83 Lupinus lepidus var. culbertsonii - Hockett Meadow lupine ...... 84 Meesia triquetra - three-ranked hump moss...... 86 Mielichhoferia elongata - elongate copper moss ...... 87 Peltigera gowardii - western waterfan lichen ...... 89 Petrophyton acuminatum (P. caespitosum ssp. acuminatum) – marble rockmat ...... 90 Potamogeton epihydrus - Nutall's ribbon-leaved pondweed ...... 91 Sphenopholis obtusata - prairie wedge grass ...... 92 Utricularia intermedia - flat-leaved bladderwort ...... 93 Viola pinetorum var. grisea - gray-leaved violet ...... 95

Tables

Table 1. List of plant species of conservation concern for the Sierra National Forest, June 2019 .. 4

ii Rationales for Plant Species Considered for Species of Conservation Concern Sierra National Forest Introduction In coordination with the Forest Supervisor of the Sierra National Forest, and as part of the process for revising the forest plans (pursuant to responsibilities and authority under the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219.7(c)(3)), the Regional Forester has compiled a revised list of “Species of Conservation Concern.” Changes from the Regional Forester’s 2016 list of species of conservation concern for the Sierra National Forest is in response to public comments we received on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and forest plan, and a forest plan area review of documented occurrences to meet the criteria that a species in known to occur in the plan area. The public asked for a more careful look at individual species and provided species-specific information for us to review. They also pointed out species that should have been considered that were not. Work was needed to provide adequate rationale for why each species meets, or does not meet, criteria as a species of conservation concern.

The definition of SCC is found at 36 CFR 219.9(c), and criteria for identifying them are outlined in the Forest Service Handbook FSH 1909.12 Chapter 10, Section 12.52c. A species of conservation concern is a species, other than federally recognized threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate species, that is known to occur in the plan area and for which the regional forester has determined that the best available scientific information indicates substantial concern about the species' capability to persist over the long- term in the plan area (36 CFR 219.9).

Species of Conservation Concern Compared to Forest Service Sensitive Species Under the current forest plans, rare plants are provided for according to the direction for Region 5 sensitive species. During the evaluation of species of conservation concern, approximately 75 botanical species were considered, including consideration of all species on the Region 5 Regional Forester’s sensitive species list for the Sierra National Forest. The Regional Forester’s sensitive species list of plant sensitive species on the Sierra National Forest are based on the September 9, 2013 versions of the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Sensitive Animal and Plant Species by Forest (United States Department of Agriculture 2013). Of the 57 sensitive plant species that have known occurrences in the Sierra National Forest planning area, 42 are carried forward as species of conservation concern. In addition, 3 species not previously categorized as Region 5 sensitive species are added as species of conservation concern: Pohlia tundra, Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme, and Viburnum ellipticum.

The species of conservation concern lists are specific to each national forest. Each species of conservation concern must occur in the forest plan area. For that reason, some sensitive species may be identified as species of conservation concern on one forest, but not another. If sensitive species are not carried forward as species of conservation concern, it is for one or more of the following reasons, as documented in the project record, including this document:

1. It is a candidate species for listing under US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Act (e.g., white bark pine, Pinus albicaulis) Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

2. The species does not occur on the national forest. 3. Previous occurrence records were determined to be incorrect identifications of the species and/or could not be re-located. 4. Natureserve, California Natural Diversity Database, CA Native Plant Society Rare plant inventory, or other local data sources indicated the threats to the species were not substantial. 5. Recent surveys indicated the species is more common than originally thought. 6. There was no information about threats to the species. This was a relatively uncommon circumstance, because information about threats could be inferred from threats to the ecosystems upon which the species depend. Lack of information generally only limited species inclusion on the list if the species had not been observed for decades or more, leading to uncertainty about the condition of its specific habitat.

Procedure for Evaluation of Botanical Species of Conservation Concern Plant species are evaluated by following a process outlined in national directive FSH 1909.12 § 12.52c-d. Species are considered using databases, scientific studies, local information and expert knowledge. Initially, we included all known or potential rare plants within or near the administrative boundaries of the forest, providing a comprehensive list for evaluation of other criteria. The list was based on a compilation of all California Natural Diversity Database polygons from the February 2016 dataset that intersect the Forest boundaries. Some of the species included from this step were based upon over-estimated delineations of map areas, particularly from the California Natural Diversity Database dataset. Herbarium records and Forest rare plant data files were then used to identify which species have positive documentation within Forest administrative boundaries. Only species with reliable documentation for presence within the plan area, such as specimen vouchers, were carried forward for further consideration. More recent California Natural Diversity Database datasets, and other datasets, were reviewed for the updated rationales in this document as referenced.

In addition to research conducted by Forest Service specialists, the national directive requires use of threat status rankings, determined in large part through NatureServe, a non-profit organization that provides proprietary wildlife and plant conservation-related data, tools, and services. The conservation status rank of a species is represented by a letter and a number. The letter represents one of two distinct geographic scales: global (G) and state (S). The status rank number is on a scale of one to five, where a ranking of one indicates a species at the highest level of risk and a ranking of five indicates the lowest level of risk. The status rank number is preceded by the letter reflecting the appropriate geographic scale of the assessment. For example, a status rank of G5 represents a species that has an extensive range of distribution and has a low risk of extinction. Infraspecific taxa refer to subspecies, varieties, and other designations below the level of species. The status rank of infraspecific taxa (subspecies or varieties) is indicated by a supplementary T-rank, following the species’ global rank. Rules for assigning T-ranks follow the same principles outlined above. For example, the rank of a critically imperiled subspecies of an otherwise widespread and common species would be G5T1.

We also consider species listed as threatened or endangered by relevant governments (e.g. states or federally recognized Tribes) or identified as a high priority for conservation; consider species petitioned for Federal ESA listing and for which a positive “90-day finding” has been made; and consider other species as outlined in national directive FSH 1909.12 § 12.52c-d.

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Evaluating Botanical Species For plants, we include plant ranks of California Native Plant Society’s California Rare Plant Rank program. This program operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The program ranks both the rarity and threat of a species. Rarity is ranked in two manners. First, '1', '2', ‘3’ or ‘4’ are qualifiers of the geographic extent of rarity: 1 = rare in California and elsewhere; 2 = rare in California, but common elsewhere; 3 = more information is needed and typically taxonomically problematic; and 4 = plants of limited distribution and status should be monitored regularly. Second, 'A' and 'B' are qualifiers of extirpation and/or rarity: A = Presumed extirpated or extinct; and B = Rare, threatened, or endangered. Threat are ranked as: 0.1-Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat); 0.2-Moderately threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat); 0.3- Not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known). For example, a California Rare Plant Rank of 1B.3 represents plants with a California Rare Plant Rank of 1B that are “rare throughout their range”, and a threat rank of 0.3 that are “not very threatened in California” (i.e., less than 20% of occurrences threatened with low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known).

Species with a California Native Plant Society (CNPS 2015) 1B rare plant rank (rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere), or with a California Native Plants Society threat rank 0.1 (seriously threatened) were carried forward unless there is no record in the plan area or an experts observations indicate the species is more common than indicated by the rare plant rank. Since species with these ranks were categorized by botanical experts, using all available field observations and scientific literature on these species, this information was considered to be evidence for concern for these species persistence, and was thus the reasoning for carrying them forward for further consideration.

Some species that did not meet the above criteria for having substantial concern for persistence within the planning area were still brought forward based on other best available scientific information available those species. These species were brought forward due to the following:

1. specific threats documented by other sources 2. a determination that the identified threat affects the species within the planning area 3. a determination that the threat constitutes a substantial concern for species persistence within the planning area The existence of one or more of the threats did not necessarily constitute a substantial concern for species persistence. Rather, the context in which each species occurs was considered to determine if damage to individuals or to reproduction caused by the threat constitutes a substantial concern for the loss of viability for one or more populations. This determination, or viability evaluation, was a judgement, and not based on a specific threshold, like X percent of the population would be damaged by the threat.

The number of populations of each species within the planning area and extent of habitat (broad ecosystems or ecosystem types as defined in the forest plan) were important information that contributed to the judgement of whether a substantial concern existed for the persistence of a given taxon. Similar to the determinations for threats, no set number was used as a threshold, but rather the context in which each species occurs was considered. Fundamental principles of conservation biology related to minimum population sizes to maintain viable populations and on causes of rarity were considered in these determinations (e.g. Rabinowitz 1981; Shaffer 1981; Fiedler and Ahouse 1992, Wiens and Slaton 2012). Extensive literature was evaluated if and how extrinsic and intrinsic factors contribute to species rarity. Species carried forward to the list of species of conservation concern are those for which the identified

3 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern threats were considered to at least in part affect species viability, thus contributing to the substantial concern for species persistence.

If no information on threats or concern for persistence in the planning area was available, the species was determined to have ‘insufficient information available to conclude there is a substantial concern about the species capability to persist in the plan area over the long term’, and the species was not carried forward for further consideration.

Additional detail on the process used for evaluating potential plant species of conservation concern can be found in the Final Sierra National Forest assessment (USDA 2013) and accompanying topic papers completed as the first phase of plan revision. This information was considered to be evidence for concern for these species persistence, and was thus the reasoning for carrying them forward for further consideration.

Sierra National Forest Species of Conservation Concern In all, 73 plant species were considered for the Sierra National Forest plan area. Of those, 45 met the criteria of species of conservation concern for the Sierra NF (Table 1), comprising 35 flowering plants, 5 ferns, and 5 mosses. There are no changes from the 2016 list of plant species of conservation concern. This document is divided into two major sections: chapter 1 provides the rationale for all species meeting the criteria of species of conservation concern; chapter 2 provides the rationale for those species that did not to meet criteria of species of conservation concern.

Table 1. List of plant species of conservation concern for the Sierra National Forest, June 2019

Common Name (Scientific name)

Yosemite onion (Allium yosemitense) Tulare rockcress (Boechera tularensis) Upswept moonwort (Botrychium ascendens) Scalloped moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum) Slender moonwort (Botrychium lineare) Mingan moonwort (Botrychium minganense) Western goblin or mountain moonwort (Botrychium montanum) Bolander's bruchia (Bruchia bolanderi) Pygmy pussypaws (Calyptridium pygmaeum) Mono Hot Springs evening-primrose (Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola) Muir's tarplant (Carlquistia muirii) Tree-anemone (Carpenteria californica) Bolander’s woodreed (Cinna bolanderi) Mariposa clarkia (Clarkia biloba ssp. australis) Merced clarkia (Clarkia lingulata) Flaming trumpet (Collomia rawsoniana) Mountain lady's slipper (Cypripedium montanum) Unexpected larkspur (Delphinium inopinum) Sierra bleeding heart, Tulare County bleeding heart (Dicentra nevadensis) Mt. Whitney draba (Draba sharsmithii) Tracy's eriastrum (Eriastrum tracyi) King's River buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum)

4 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Common Name (Scientific name)

Monarch buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. monarchense) Congdon's eriophyllum, Congdon's woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum congdonii) Slender-stalked monkeyflower, Erythranthe gracilipes (Mimulus gracilipes) Kaweah monkeyflower, Erythranthe norrisii (Mimulus norrisii) Shuteye Peak fawn lily, manyflower fawnlily (Erythronium pluriflorum) Fissidens moss (Fissidens aphelotaxifolius) Boyden Cave gilia (Gilia yorkii) Parry’s horkelia (Horkelia parryi) Short-leaved hulsea (Hulsea brevifolia) Madera leptosiphon (Leptosiphon serrulatus) Congdon's lewisia (Lewisia congdonii) Yosemite lewisia (Lewisia disepala) Kellogg's lewisia (Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii) Orange lupine (Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus) Meesia moss (Meesia uliginosa) Shevock’s copper moss (Mielichhoferia shevockii) Yosemite bog orchid (Platanthera yosemitensis) Tundra pohlia moss (Pohlia tundra) Aromatic canyon gooseberry (Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme) Tehipite Valley jewel-flower (Streptanthus fenestratus) Howell's tauschia (Tauschia howellii) Bolander's clover (Trifolium bolanderi) Oval-leaved viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum)

References Baxter, D, S Markos, NR Morin, RL Moe, E Dean, M Nazaire. 2016. Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/[Accessed 11 Apr 2016].

California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2017. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded April 2017.

California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.38). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org[Accessed 10 April 2017].

Rabinowitz, D. 1981. Seven forms of rarity. In: Synge H, ed. The biological aspects of rare plant conservation. New York; Wiley, 205–217.

Shaffer, ML. 1981. Minimum population sizes for species conservation. Bioscience 31: 131–134.

Slaton, MR. 2015. The roles of disturbance, topography and climate in determining the leading and rear edges of population range limits. Journal of Biogeography 42: 255-266.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2013. Final Sierra National Forest assessment. Vallejo, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region

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Wiens, D, MR Slaton. 2012. The mechanism of background extinction. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 105: 255-268.

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7 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Chapter 1 –Plant Species Meeting Criteria for Species of Conservation Concern

Allium yosemitense - Yosemite onion

Type of plant: flowering plant Is there sufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Sufficient

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Mining and mine rehabilitation; trails; invasive plants

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: State Rare

Other Designations: CA SGCN; RF Sensitive Species

Allium yosemitense occurs on open, metamorphic rocky outcrops and slopes in chaparral-live oak, montane and upper montane forests in the central Sierra Nevada, at 800-2200 meters in elevation. It blooms May-June. There are 14 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) occurrences for Allium yosemitense, all but one of the 14 occurrences are found in Mariposa County. There are nine occurrences on the Sierra NF; eight of them on metamorphic rock. Two occurrences are on old barium mine sites. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Allium yosemitense in the plan area due to a limited occurrences and corresponding direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

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Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Boechera tularensis - Tulare rockcress

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel; recreation trampling; road maintenance; grazing; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Boechera tularensis is endemic to California. It has been reported from Inyo, Mono, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, El Dorado and Mariposa Counties. It grows on rocky slopes at elevations of 2400–3200 m, in upper montane and subalpine coniferous forests, with some reports from meadows. This species blooms June-July. There are many records in the Consortium of California Herbaria database, with several occurring on the Sierra NF, including at Dinkey Lakes Trailhead and Dogtooth Peak (CNPS 2016). California Natural Diversity Database shows 28 recorded occurrences for Boechera tularensis, with seven of these occurrences located on the Sierra NF. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Boechera tularensis in the plan area due to a small number of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

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Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium ascendens - upswept moonwort

Type of plant: fern Is there sufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Sufficient

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Trampling by packstock and hikers; hydrologic alteration; trail work; grazing; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Botrychium ascendens grows in moist meadows or open woodland near streams or seeps in lower montane and subalpine ecosystems; from 1500 to 3200 meters elevation in the central High Sierra Nevada and Eastern Sierra Nevada. There are 19 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) recorded occurrences, with four occurrences in the Sierra NF. Two occurrences are of just one plant, one is estimated to be approximately 100 plants, and one observation is from 1922 with no recurrence information. Trail maintenance and trampling are potential threats. There is substantial concern for the

10 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern persistence of Botrychium ascendens in the plan area due to limited occurrences found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium crenulatum - scalloped moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Recreation trampling, livestock trampling and grazing; hydrologic alteration; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; included as at-risk in NV

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Botrychium crenulatum lives on saturated hard water seeps and stream margins at 1500-3600 meters elevation in the high Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada, occurring in aquatic/riparian, upper montane and subalpine ecosystems. On watch list in NV, candidate for state listing in OR, and state-listed as Sensitive in WA. Scattered but not common anywhere in CA. Threatened by foot traffic, grazing, trampling, recreational activities, fuel reduction projects, road deconstruction, and unauthorized OHV travel. Possibly threatened by logging and hydrological alterations.

There are 125 record occurrences of Botrychium crenulatum in California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Three occurrences are in the Sierra NF, none with more than 10 plants. Unauthorized motorized travel is listed as a potential threat. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Botrychium crenulatum in the plan area due to a limited amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium lineare – Slender moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Recreation and livestock trampling; hydrologic alteration; unauthorized OHV travel; climate change

12 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Botrychium lineare grows in moist meadows from 2500 to 4000 meters elevation in the central and southern High Sierra Nevada. Aquatic/riparian, upper montane and subalpine ecosystems.

There are two known California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) occurrences in the Sierra NF, one is directly next to a trail and the other in a grazed meadow. Threatened by recreation trampling, grazing, fire suppression, mining, invasive plant species, and vegetation treatments. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Botrychium lineare in the plan area due to an extremely limited amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and several immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium minganense - mingan moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

13 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Recreation trampling, livestock trampling, hydrologic alteration; grazing; trails; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Botrychium minganense grows in meadows and open forest along streams or around seeps from 1500 to 3100 meters elevation in the High Sierra Nevada. Occurring in aquatic/riparian, upper montane and subalpine ecosystems. Two of the 128 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) known occurrences are on the Sierra NF, one in Round Meadow (BLRD) was composed of < 10 plants in 2013 and the meadow was heavily grazed. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Botrychium minganense in the plan area due to an extremely limited amount of occurrences (one) found on the Sierra NF and several immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium montanum - western goblin or mountain moonwort

14 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Recreation trampling, livestock trampling, hydrologic alteration; conifer encroachment; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Botrychium montanum grows in shady conifer woodlands, especially under Calocedrus along streams at 1500-2100 meters elevation in the high Sierra Nevada. Occurring in aquatic/riparian, montane and upper montane ecosystems. There are 69 occurrences of Botrychium montanum in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), with three located on the Sierra NF, including in John Muir Wilderness, Kaiser Wilderness, and a small occurrence having <10 individuals in a meadow north of Grizzly Meadow on the Bass Lake Ranger District. In the latter, heavy grazing was observed in 2013.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Botrychium montanum in the plan area due to an extremely limited amount of occurrences (one) found on the Sierra NF and several immediate direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

15 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Bruchia bolanderi - Bolander's bruchia

Type of plant: moss Is there sufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Sufficient

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Hydrologic alteration, grazing, roads, trails, restoration projects

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Bruchia bolanderi is an ephemeral moss which colonizes organic or mineral soil along stream banks in and around meadows, springs, and fens at 3800 to 8200 ft. elevation. The species is opportunistic, taking advantage of disturbed sites where there is minimal competition from other vegetation. Aquatic/riparian, montane and upper montane ecosystems. This species is also found in OR, NV, and UT but is rare where it occurs. There are 28 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) recorded occurrences for Bruchia bolanderi. Seven of these occurrences are found on the Sierra NF with one additional known occurrence for a total of eight occurrences on the Sierra NF. Each site consists of 1 or 2 small patches, < 1x1 meter.

There is concern for the persistence of Bruchia bolanderi in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

16 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Calyptridium pygmaeum - pygmy pussypaws

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Climate change; trail work; recreational pack stock trampling

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Calyptridium pygmaeum grows in sandy to gravelly soils and rock outcrops, usually dry, on flats or slopes at 6500-10200 ft. in elevation in the central and southern High Sierra Nevada. Blooms June-July. Upper montane and subalpine ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 11 recorded occurrences for Calyptridium pygmaeum with only one of these known from the Sierra NF, a re- documented historic population in Blaney Meadow in the John Muir Wilderness. The occurrence is in a heavily used recreation area. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Calyptridium pygmaeum in the plan area due to the very limited amount of occurrences (one) found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to that occurrence.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

17 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola - Mono Hot Springs evening-primrose

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasive plants; road and trail work; recreational trampling (campers and backpackers)

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3T2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola grows on shallow soil on granite rock outcrops in Ponderosa pine forests; 2000-2350 meters elevation; blooms May-July: montane and upper montane ecosystems.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 21 recorded occurrences for Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola with 18 of them known from the Sierra NF. Threats include unauthorized vehicle travel, recreation trampling, invasive species, and erosion from parking fascilities that redirected water flow.

18 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

There is concern for the persistence of Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Carlquistia muirii - Muir's tarplant

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Roads and road construction; timber harvest; fuels reduction; hydroelectric infrastructure

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; CA BLM Sensitive

19 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Carlquistia muirii grows on dry, open sites on granitic soils and rock outcrops at 1100-2500 meters in elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada. It blooms June-October. Montane and upper montane ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 21 recorded occurrences for Carlquistia muirii, with 8 from the Sierra NF that are often adjacent to roads or hydroelectric infrastructure. There is concern for the persistence of Carlquistia muirii in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Carpenteria californica - tree-anemone

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasive plants; altered fire regime; climate change; and trampling by livestock, fuels treatments, road maintenance, recreation, and unauthorized OHV travel.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G1?

State Rank: S1?

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

20 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Other Designations: CA State Status: State Threatened; CA-SGCN; R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Carpenteria californica occurs in chaparral-live oak, black oak and montane ecosystems and is endemic to an area between the Kings and San Joaquin Rivers in Fresno and Madera Counties, California. It grows along streambanks in chaparral and oak woodlands, at 340-1340 meters elevation, where it blooms from May through July. It is a post-fire stump-sprouter and also reproduces by seedling establishment following burns, so has been impacted by altered fire regimes.

Carpenteria californica is a paleoendemic with current range limited to Fresno and Madera County foothills. This species benefits from periodic fire. California Native Plant Society describes it having fewer than 20 occurrences. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 13 recorded occurrences for Carpenteria californica, with eight from the Sierra NF. One of the populations is partially included within Backbone Creek Research Natural Area (Pacific Southwest Research Station), which was established in 1970 due to the presence of this rare and taxonomically unique species. Researchers had observed livestock trampling impacted seedling survival and their recruitment to larger sizes.

There is concern for the persistence of Carpenteria californica in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Cheng, Sheauchi. tech. ed. 2004. Forest Service Research Natural Areas in California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-188. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 338 p.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Cinna bolanderi - Bolander's woodreed

21 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Livestock grazing and trampling; recreation trampling; soil compaction; hydrologic alteration; mechanical/fuel treatments activities.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Cinna bolanderi inhabits moist to wet meadows and stream sides in the montane ecosystem of the western Sierra Nevada, at 1850-2400 meters in elevation, and blooms June-October. Soil parent material varies from granitic to metamorphic. Many sites in Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon are near groves of big trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum).

Cinna bolanderi is endemic to the southern and central Sierra Nevada, ranging from Tulare County to Mariposa County. Cinna bolanderi is found on the Sierra National Forest plan area. This species was known from fewer than 20 populations within the Sierra and Sequoia NFs, Yosemite NP, and Sequoia- Kings Canyon NP. Most of these occurrences are from Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. No records exist for the Mariposa or Madera County parts of the Sierra NF. There are currently 20 occurrences recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), with three on the Sierra NF that located in Fresno County at Huntington Lake and Rancheria Creek. The occurrences at Huntington Lake may be subject to livestock grazing and trampling, since they are in an active allotment, and may also be subject to trampling where recreation activity is high along streams. The following disturbances have been observed by Yosemite National Park botanists: Bear trampling, deer browsing, and social trails with trampling. Soil compaction and denuding of vegetation is occurring at the most popular spots. Hydrologic alteration and fuels treatments are also of concern. There is substantial concern for the capability of Cinna bolanderi to persist over the long term in the Sierra NF due to extremely limited distribution and identified threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

22 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Slaton, Michele. 2016. Sierra National Forest Plants SCC Rationale Addendum 1. June 2016. Available in the Project Record for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Revision of the Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Clarkia biloba ssp. australis - Mariposa clarkia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasive plants; road maintenance & construction; (Ferguson, Slide).

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4G5T2T3

State Rank: S2S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Clarkia biloba ssp. australis grows in chaparral-live-oak woodlands at 300-500 meters elevation in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. Blooms May-June. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 119 recorded occurrences for Clarkia biloba ssp. australis, with three of them known from the Sierra NF. It is a neoendemic, limited to < 12 occurrences in Merced and Tuolumne River drainages. Threats include road maintenance herbicide spraying. There is concern for the persistence of Clarkia biloba ssp. australis in the plan area due to the very limited amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

23 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Clarkia lingulata - Merced clarkia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasive plants; road maintenance and construction (Ex. Ferguson Slide)

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G1

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: State Endangered

Other Designations: CA SGCN; R5 RF SS

Clarkia lingulata grows in open chaparral and on steep north-facing slopes at 400-450 meters elevation in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. Blooms May-June. Chaparral-live oak ecosystem.

24 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

It is extremely rare. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 2 recorded occurrences for Clarkia lingulata, both from the Sierra NF that are adjacent to a Hwy 140. Potential threats include road maintenance herbicide spraying (posted no spray by CALTRANS), fire, grazing, and invasive plant species. Plant populations fluctuate from year to year.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Clarkia lingulata in the plan area due to the extremely small amount of occurrences (2) with limited distribution on the Sierra NF, and the immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Collomia rawsoniana - flaming trumpet

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Altered fire regime (high canopy cover; fuel buildup, catastrophic wildfire); impacts from fuels reduction treatments

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

25 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Collomia rawsoniana grows in shaded areas near streams in woodlands in the central Sierra Nevada at 1000-2200 meters elevation. Blooms June-September. Found in aquatic/riparian (rivers and streams) and Montane ecosystems. Endemic to Bass Lake Ranger District (Madera County). The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 24 recorded occurrences for Collomia rawsoniana, with 22 from the Sierra NF. Threats include recreation trampling, cattle grazing and trampling, herbicide, and road maintenance. Potential threats include hydrologic development and vegetation management treatements.

There is concern for the persistence of Collomia rawsoniana in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences and limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Cypripedium montanum - mountain lady's slipper

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

26 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Relevant Threats to Species Altered fire regime (lack of fire), vegetation treatments, and invasives species. Possibly threatened by horticultural collection, recreational activities and grazing.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4

State Rank: S4

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Cypripedium montanum is an orchid, occurring at high elevation in open woods and subalpine slopes. Meriwether Lewis noted this species during his expedition while in western Montana. It is reported from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Alaska.

Cypripedium montanum grows in moist areas, on dry slopes in montane and upper montane forests at 200-2200 meters elevation. Cypripedium montanum is of local conservation concern on the Sierra NF where the southern distributional limit for the Sierra Nevada occurs in a giant sequoia grove, at Nelder Grove. Local expert knowledge indicates the NatureServe and CNPR rare plant ranking are not reflective of the species situation on the Sierra NF. The 2017 Railroad Fire burned through a large section of the grove.

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) shows occurrences in Sierra NF, on the White Chief and Fish Camp quads: White Chief Mtn. (418A) 3711945, Fish Camp (418B) 3711946. There is concern for the persistence of Cypripedium montanum in the plan area due to the very limited occurrence and threats, which is at the southern end of its distributional limit and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

27 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Delphinium inopinum - unexpected larkspur

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Potential threats from recreation trampling, unauthorized OHV travel, vegetation and fuels treatment activities, and invasive species. In the plan area, the three occurrences may be under threat from invasive species following the 2015 Rough fire.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Delphinium inopinum inhabits dry, rock outcrops and open, rocky ridges in pine and red fir forests (upper montane ecosystem), at approximately 7200 to 8800 feet elevation and blooms June-August. Delphinium inopinum is found in the southern Sierra Nevada from Fresno County to Kern County. On National Forest System lands in the Sierra Nevada (Sequoia NF), Delphinium inopinum faces threats from recreational activities including unauthorized OHV travel, and from logging and mining. It is found in disjunct populations mostly in the Sequoia NF, with the majority along Monarch Divide (including the Sierra NF), Slate Mountain, and the Piute Mountains, as well as in Sequoia NP and on BLM land (near Lamont Peak) from Fresno County through Tulare, Inyo, and Kern Counties. In the Sequoia NF, it is often found in association with FS sensitive species Eriogonum twisselmannii, E. breedlovei var. breedlovei, and Oreonana purpurascens. The more rugged sites along the Monarch Divide are relatively stable, but the saddle along the top of Slate Mountain and the Piute Mountain habitats are more vulnerable to disturbances. The Summit National Recreation Trail (31E14) runs through the middle of the Slate Mountain occurrences, putting them at some risk of adverse impact from mountain bikes (non-motorized traffic) and trail erosion/maintenance. The Piute Mountain occurrences also have potential threats from vegetation and fuels treatment activities, mining, and dirt bikes.

28 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

There are three documented occurrences (herbarium specimens for EO 29, 30 and 31) of Delphinium inopinum within the Sierra NF (straddling the Sequoia NF) in the remote Monarch Divide/Junction Ridge area (Slaton 2016); they are remote, extremely difficult to get to and had been noted as having no threats with habitat in excellent condition in 1990 (Shevock, 1990). However, in the fall of 2015, the Rough Fire burned through at least part of the area; the fire perimeter includes EOs 29 and 30, but not 31. Because the habitat is rocky/gravelly, it is possible that the occurrences were not burned, however, the BAER botany report indicates that these occurrences may be at risk from invasive weed incursion. In addition, climate change could potentially affect this high elevation species in the future.

There is substantial concern for the capability of Delphinium inopinum to persist over the long term in the Sierra National Forest due to small occurrence numbers and limited distribution as well as the potential for the spread of invasive non-native weeds into habitat after the Rough Fire (Young & Linton, 2015) or other future fires, along with other identified threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Slaton, Michele and Joanna Clines. 2016. Sierra National Forest Plants SCC Rationale Addendum 1. June 2016. Available in the Project Record for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Revision of the Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan

Dicentra nevadensis - Sierra bleeding heart, Tulare County bleeding heart

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

29 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel, invasive species, and climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S4

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Dicentra nevadensis is a regional endemic which inhabits sandy, gravelly crevices, depressions and openings in usually dry, granitic soils in lodgepole pine forest. It is found at approximately 7,500 - 10,000+ ft. Habitat is potentially sensitive to disturbance.

Three occurrences are now known on the Sierra NF, these constitute the northern distributional limit for the species as currently known (see Addendum, Slaton 2016, for collection information). All 3 are within 2 miles of each other in the vicinity of Garlic Meadow, Rodgers Ridge, and Spanish Mountain. Small occurrence numbers and limited distribution make Dicentra nevadensis extremely rare for the Sierra NF. Southward within Tulare County, there are about 40 occurrences on the Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument. There are no occurrences for Dicentra nevadensis recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), since it does not track species with a rank of 4.3.

All 3 Sierra NF locations are within the perimeter of the Rough Fire, which burned in summer/fall of 2015. The Dicentra nevadensis site on the north slope of Spanish Mountain was last seen by Jim Shevock and Dana York in 1995, 21 years ago. The occurrence site to the west has no survey visit information since Helen Sharsmith collected a specimen in 1969. The site adjacent to Garlic Meadow was discovered in 2011 by Forest Service botanist Sam Young, and though it was not flowering, experts familiar with the species confirmed the ID based on specimens and photographs. Whether or not the Rough Fire affected the 3 populations is unknown, but a dozer line was constructed to the rock slope where the Garlic Meadow population grows.

When the SCC list was first drafted in 2014, the 3 Sierra NF occurrences appeared to have few to no threats aside from the unknown effects of climate change on high elevation species. Since that time, the Rough Fire occurred in summer and fall of 2015, and all three Sierra NF occurrences of Dicentra nevadensis are within the fire perimeter. Soil burn intensity maps indicate that the sites were either burned at low intensity, or not burned (Takenaka, 2015), probably due to the rocky habitat with little fuel to carry a fire. A six mile dozer line terminates adjacent to the rocky habitat of the Garlic Meadow occurrence making fire suppression a relevant threat. The potential for invasive weeds to spread and alter habitat for Dicentra nevadensis is now more likely due to the dozer activity. In addition, although the Spanish Lakes OHV route is shown on official maps as terminating at the John Muir Wilderness boundary, unauthorized OHV travel into the wilderness does still occur, against regulation. Developed recreation and road maintenance are also identified as possible threats.

The other two Sierra NF occurrences further to the east are small and subject to stochastic events (extreme weather, avalanches, climatic conditions) that could alter sites unfavorably for persistence of Dicentra nevadensis). There is substantial concern for the capability of this species to persist over the

30 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern long term in the Sierra National Forest due to small occurrence numbers and limited distribution as well as the potential for the spread of invasive non-native weeds into habitat after the Rough Fire (Young & Linton, 2015) or other future fires, along with other identified threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Draba sharsmithii - Mt. Whitney draba

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Climate; recreation (trail maintenance and foot trampling)

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

31 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Draba sharsmithii occurs in rock crevices and slopes in alpine ecosystem at 3300-3800 meters elevation in the southern High Sierra Nevada alpine ecosystem. It blooms July-August. There are 8 occurrences in CNDDB, none of them are on the Sierra NF. However, it is known from one Consortium of California Herbaria location in the Sierra NF at Mt Givens (Watkins collection 2989).

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Draba sharsmithii in the plan area due to the extremely small amount of occurrences one) found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Eriastrum tracyi - Tracy's eriastrum

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Threatened by unauthorized OHV travel; competition from invasive species; development; grazing; campground expansion; road maintenance, grading or widening; sand or salt buildup from snow removal; fuels reduction and fuelbreak maintenance.

32 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3Q

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 3.2

CA State Status: State Rare;

Other Designations: CA-SGCN; R5 RF SS

Eriastrum tracyi occurs in the lower elevations of the eastern side of the southern Cascade Range, and also in the northern and southern Sierra Nevada foothills in blue oak interior, live oak woodland and chaparral-live oak ecosystems. It has populations on the Shasta-Trinity, Lassen, Sierra, and Sequoia National Forests. There is some taxonomic uncertainty regarding Eriastrum tracyi with E. brandegeeae or undescribed taxa. Even if taxonomic uncertainty (“Q” and 3.2 in Rank were resolved, E. tracyi would be subsumed into a rare species with 1B Rank (E. brandegeae). Previously a 1B.2; plants with a California Rare Plant Rank of 3 lack the necessary information to assign them to one of the other ranks or to reject them. Nearly all of the plants constituting California Rare Plant Rank 3 are taxonomically problematic (CNPS online inventory). Plants from COL, GLE, THE, and southern SHA Counties may be attributable to E. brandegeeae or an undescribed taxa. Plants from the southern Sierra Nevada differ slightly from northern California plants and may belong to an undescribed taxon. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 90 recorded occurrences for Eriastrum tracyi with seven labeled from the Sequoia NF, some of which are in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Herbarium specimens include the following: Hill just east of Bodfish Gap, Ernest C. Twisselmann, 1966; Ten Mile Creek, James R. Shevock, 1981; Breckenridge Mountain, C B Hardham, 1957; Piute Mountain Road, R. Shevock, 1979.

In the southern Sierra Nevada, Eriastrum tracyi occurs in Fresno, Tulare and Kern Counties, with the majority of occurrences in Kern County. E. tracyi inhabits chaparral, cismontane woodland; elevation 315 – 1645 meters; often along roads and growing in gravelly shale above compacted clay soil, gravelly loam, coarse granitic sand, stony clay loam, or adobe. There is only one known occurrence of Eriastrum tracyi on the Sierra NF. It is next to a fuelbreak in Fresno County.

Even if taxonomic uncertainty (“Q” and 3.2 in Rank were resolved, E. tracyi would be subsumed into a rare species with 1B Rank (E. brandegeae). Plants with a California Rare Plant Rank of 3 lack the necessary information to assign them to one of the other ranks or to reject them. Nearly all of the plants constituting California Rare Plant Rank 3 are taxonomically problematic (CNPS online inventory). Previously on List 1B.2. Plants from COL, GLE, THE, and southern SHA cos. may be attributable to E. brandegeeae or undescribed taxa. Plants from the southern Sierra differ slightly from northern California plants and may belong to an undescribed taxon; needs further study.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Eriastrum tracyi in the plan area due to the small amount of occurrences (one) found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

33 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum - King's River buckwheat

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasive plants; slope failure; trail rerouting

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5T2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum grows on gravel in rock outcrops of chaparral-live oak woodlands in the southern Sierra Nevada Foothills at 200-600 meters elevation. It blooms August-November. The single occurrence of this species is found on steep limestone slopes.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 5 recorded occurrences for Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum with three of them known from the Sierra NF. The Sierra NF has one occurrence recorded next to Kings River trail. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum in the plan area due to the small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

34 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Eriogonum ovalifolium var. monarchense - Monarch buckwheat

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species One location threatened by stochastic event (e.g. landslide), invasives, and potentially climate change.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5T1

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Eriogonum ovalifolium var. monarchense is known from a sole population consisting of fewer than 30 individuals in eastern Fresno County (CNPS, 2016; York, 2002, CDFW, 2016), in the vicinity of the Monarch Divide, 1.5 miles NNW of Boyden Cave. It grows in cracks and ledges of a rock outcrop of limestone (carbonate) formation, forming mats in sandy soil pinyon-juniper at about 6030’ elevation. The

35 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern site appears to fall on both the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests within the Monarch Wilderness on the north side of the Monarch Divide, just below the ridge top. Only 30 individual mats of this buckwheat were observed in 1995 & 2002 at this one documented site. Each mat had only a few widely spaced inflorescences.

The primary threat to the continued existence of this taxon is that so few individuals are known to exist over a small area of a few thousand square meters. A landslide or other stochastic event could potentially destroy the population (and thus the species), or leave so few genetic individuals that persistence is affected by a genetic bottleneck. The effects of climate change on this buckwheat are unknown, but if conditions at the only known location change significantly, the habitat may no longer support a vigorous, self-perpetuating population. In addition, the presence of the non-native, somewhat invasive red brome (Bromus madritensis var. rubens) could indicate encroachment of invasive non-native plants into the habitat. There is substantial concern for the persistence of this species in the plan area due to the limited occurrence and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Eriophyllum congdonii - Congdon's eriophyllum, Congdon's woolly sunflower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

36 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasives; mining and mining rehabilitaton; trails

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: State Rare

Other Designations: CA SGCN; R5 RF SS

Eriophyllum congdonii is endemic to the Merced River drainage in Mariposa County. It occurs in rocky outcrops of open, chaparral-live oak woodlands and yellow-pine forests at 500-1900 meters elevation in Mariposa Co. It blooms March-June. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 21 recorded occurrences for Eriophyllum congdonii with eight of them known from the Sierra NF. One occurrence is along an established trail. There is concern for the persistence of Eriophyllum congdonii in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

37 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Erythranthe gracilipes (Mimulus gracilipes) - slender-stalked monkeyflower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasives (e.g., yellow starthistle and non-natives grasses); road maintenance and construction; improperly timed fuels or timber treatments; altered fire regime, unauthorized OHV travel. Invasive non- native grasses appear to becoming more prevalent in Erythranthe gracilipes habitat, particularly after a fire.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Erythranthe gracilipes inhabits open sandy and gravelly flats associated with decomposed granitic rock outcrops in chaparral, foothill woodland, and lower mixed conifer forest, as well as burned or disturbed areas in these same vegetation types. Elevation ranges from 1500 to at least 4500 feet in the central Sierra Nevada. It blooms April-May. Complex early seral habitats, blue oak interior, live oak woodland, chaparral-live oak, and montane ecosystems.

Erythranthe gracilipes is known from Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno counties. It is confirmed in the Sierra NF and Yosemite National Park and in several locations downslope in the vicinity of Bootjack and Ahwahnee. There is an occurrence near Dunlap close to the Fresno/Tulare county line near the Sequoia NF. Herbarium specimens: Miramonte, Robert G. Linderman, 1960; San Jose Basin, S. E. Schoenig, 1998; East of Tollhouse, Dana York, 1998. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 13 recorded occurrences for Erythranthe gracilipes with three of them known from the Sierra NF.

Size of occurrences varies dramatically in relation to disturbance and rainfall. In years of abundant precipitation, populations can many thousands of robust, large-flowered plants. Erythranthe gracilipes responds to wildfire by producing masses of plants, often larger than normal with more abundant, showy flowers.

Threats to species include residential development on private land; competition from noxious weeds such as yellow starthistle and non-natives grasses (even more so after a fire); road maintenance and

38 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern construction; improperly timed fuels (sensitive to fuels management) or timber treatments; lack of fire, since Erythranthe gracilipes appears to behave as a "fire follower" (fire annual) and unauthorized OHV travel. Invasive non-native grasses appear to be more prevalent in Erythranthe gracilipes habitat, particularly after a fire. There is concern for the capability of Erythranthe gracilipes to persist over the long term in the plan area due to its very small occurrence numbers and identified threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Erythranthe norrisii (Mimulus norrisii) - Kaweah monkeyflower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Competition from Bromus madritensis rubens and other invasive annual grasses.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

39 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Erythranthe norrisii grows in limestone and marble crevices at 600-1300 meters elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills and blooms March-May. Rock outcrop, blue oak interior, live oak woodland and chaparral-live oak ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 8 recorded occurrences for Erythranthe norrisii with only one occurrence known from the Sierra NF; located 0.6 mile northeast of confluence of Kings River and Fox Canyon. Prior to the discovery of three plants observed in this area in 1994, the taxon was only known from the Kaweah River drainage. The site is a marble ledge with southern exposure and associated species include Erysimum capitatum capitatum, Astragalus congdonii, Bromus madritensis rubens, Yucca whippleyi, and Dudleya cymosa cymosa.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Erythranthe norrisii in the plan area due to limited occurrences (1) with limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Erythronium pluriflorum - Shuteye Peak fawn lily, manyflower fawnlily

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel; road maintenance; invasives; climate change

40 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Erythronium pluriflorum is a paleoendemic with current range limited to Chiquito Ridge in Madera County. It grows in open, rocky places at 2300-2550 meters elevation in the central High Sierra Nevada and blooms May-July. It is found in upper montane and subalpine ecosystems.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains only 6 recorded occurrences for Erythronium pluriflorum all of which are known from the Sierra NF.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Erythronium pluriflorum in the plan area due to the small amount of occurrences with limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Fissidens aphelotaxifolius - fissidens moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

41 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Extreme rarity; hydrologic alteration

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Fissidens aphelotaxifolius grows among rocks in stream channels and on waterfalls in aquatic/riparian montane and upper montane coniferous forests. F. aphelotaxifolius ranges from British Columbia to California with only two know locations in California, one in Siskiyou County and one in Madera County on the Sierra NF. Bryologists have looked and not found any occurrences since 2000. This species should be a G1 or G2 as < 20 occurrences are known globally. According to CNDDB, one of only two occurrences known to CA is found on the Sierra NF.

There is substantial concern for the persistence of Fissidens aphelotaxifolius in the plan area due to the extremely small amount of occurrences (1) with limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

42 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Gilia yorkii - Boyden Cave gilia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Gilia yorkii is a very narrow endemic that inhabits sunny to semi-shaded, coarse, sandy soil in rock outcrops and cracks of limestone (carbonate) formation with intense exposure to sun and wind causing xerophytic habitat conditions in a canyon live oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands. It is found at 1290- 1830 meters elevation in the southern High Sierra Nevada and blooms May-July.

Gilia yorkii is known from only three occurrences in eastern Fresno County (CNPS, 2016; Shevock & Day, 1998; CDFW, 2016). One of these three occurrences straddles the Sierra and Sequoia NFs on a limestone/marble formation of the Monarch Divide near Boyden Cave within the Monarch Wilderness and is the only occurrence known from the Sierra NF. The other two occurrences are to the south on the Sequoia NF. See Sierra Rationale Addendum 1, Slayton 2016, for collection information & other references.

The primary threat to the continued existence of Gilia yorkii is its extreme rarity. The Sierra/Sequoia NFs population is on ultra-steep slopes on the Monarch Divide far removed from trails and so difficult to access that few human-caused threats are likely. The effects of climate change on this annual plant adapted to extremely harsh conditions are unknown, but with warmer average temperatures and possibly less average annual precipitation, the habitat may no longer support a self-perpetuating population over the long term. In addition, the somewhat invasive red brome (Bromus madritensis var. rubens) could encroach on G. yorkii habitat. Fire suppression activities also pose a threat to the Sierra/Sequoia NF’s occurrence (effects from the Rough Fire helitak).

There is substantial concern for the capability of Gilia yorkii to persist over the long term in the plan area due to the extreme rarity of the species, only one occurrence on the Sierra NF which predisposes it to extirpation by stochastic events – e.g. severe weather, and immediate direct threats to that occurrence.

43 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Horkelia parryi - Parry's horkelia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Overstocked conditions and lack of disturbance, invasive plant species; unauthorized OHV travel, improperly timed mechanical treatments.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Horkelia parryi is endemic to Sierra Nevada, found in open areas in chaparral and foothill woodland on metamorphic soils, 80-900 meters in elevation. It blooms April-September and is distributed across Amador, Eldorado, Calaveras and Mariposa Counties. Three of the 44 California Natural Diversity

44 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Database (CNDDB) occurrences for Horkelia parryi are the Sierra NF, occurrences are in the far northwest corner of the plan area. New information indicates that this species benefits from disturbance of vegetation treatments that maintain an open canopy. Horkelia parryi was first discovered on the Sierra NF in 2002 along a road where clearing on either side during suppression of the 2001 Briceburg Fire had occurred. This seemed to facilitate emergence and vigorous growth of 100s to 1000s of plants that had not been visible during previous field surveys along this road by Sierra NF botanists. Subsequent mastication treatments in 2010 and 2011 similarly appeared to benefit the occurrence. By 2011 plants were so abundant that patches appeared merged and Horkelia parryi was the primary ground cover over possibly several acres.

There is concern about the capability of Horkelia parryi to persist within the plan area because there are only 3 known occurrences. Threats include dense stand conditions, lack of natural disturbance events, invasive weeds, and unauthorized OHV travel. References

Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Hulsea brevifolia - short-leaved hulsea

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Road maintenance, recreation (trampling); hazard tree removal after 4-year drought; altered fire regime; invasive nonnative plants

45 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Hulsea brevifolia occurs in coarse granitic or metamorphic (volcanic) soils in openings in montane, upper montane, and subalpine forests. It blooms June-August. Often abundant after fire (appears to benefit from fire) and other disturbance that reduces canopy cover temporarily. H. brevifolia occurs in Tuolumne County to Tulare County, in Sierra National Forest, and on adjacent Forests and in Yosemite National Park, totaling ~70 occurrences. Short-leafed hulsea is documented on the Sierra National Forest and the Forest is in the process of compiling and updating records for this species. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 64 recorded occurrences for Hulsea brevifolia with 31 of them known from the Sierra NF.

There is concern for the capability of Hulsea brevifolia to persist over the long term in the plan area due to small plant numbers in known occurrences and relevant threats. The species often thrives after fire and along road cuts. The extreme tree mortality between 3000 and 6000 feet on the Sierra National Forest in 2015 and 2016 brought the additional threat of largescale snag falling and removal of dead trees in habitat of Hulsea brevifolia due to hazard tree removal.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

46 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Leptosiphon serrulatus - Madera leptosiphon

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Invasives; road maintenance; livestock overuse

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Leptosiphon serrulatus is known from west slope of the southern Sierra Nevada from Mariposa County south to Kern County, occurring in blue oak interior, live oak woodland, chaparral-live oak and lower to upper montane ecosystems. Found on dry slopes in cismontane woodland and lower montane coniferous forest or chaparral, mostly in decomposed granite soils, with at least one found in serpentine soils. Sites vary from well-vegetated areas in blue oak woodland to more open, rocky sites. Although most occurrences are documented from blue oak woodland at lower elevations of 300-1300 meters (below 3500 feet) elevation, at least 2 occurrences are known from mixed conifer forest above 5,000 feet where winter snow remains for several months. Blooms April-May.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 27 recorded occurrences for Leptosiphon serrulatus with 6 of them occurring in the Sierra NF. Sierra NF botanists have been unable to find several historic occurrences listed in CNDDB or CCH. Herbarium specimen locations include 5 occurrences documented in the vicinity of Mariposa outside the Sierra NF (1890 – 1957 (CCH 2016, CNDDB 2016)), field work is needed to confirm the presence of these occurrences; 5 occurrences (1889-1932 (CCH 2016)); herbarium specimens at the California State University, Fresno (not yet in CCH) include a Madera County specimen made by Quibell in 1930 (FSC 1888) south of Fish Camp, along the “Fresno-Madera- Wawona Road” near Sugar Pine. The Quibell occurrence likely falls within the Sierra NF, but it needs field work to confirm. A 1935 collection (UC 623394) from the San Joaquin Experimental Range, if extant, would occur on lands managed by US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and CSU Fresno. At least 10 occurrences are documented from Fresno County (CCH 2016). Most are historic and need current fieldwork. About 5 fall within the Sierra NF: Chris Winchell discovered an occurrence of Leptosiphon serrulatus on Cripe Road (south of Peterson Road) near Tollhouse in 2005 (EO 24, CNDDB, 2016). He noted about 100 plants and rated the site as in “good” condition. Winchell also discovered a

47 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern population of about 400 plants along Forest Road 8S05 (“Million Dollar Mile”), primarily managed by Southern California Edison Co. This site was also deemed in “good” condition (EO 25, CNDB, 2016). Forest Service botanists looked specifically for plants in the area described in EO 12, along Trimmer Springs Road, and have been unable to relocate it to date. Other than the recent occurrences found by Chris Winchell, all Fresno County collections are from 1923-1960. Dana York made a specimen in 1997 of an occurrence that appears to correspond with CNDDB EO No. 11 (JEPS119148), in the vicinity of Haslett Basin (Sierra NF). He didn’t state number of plants, but wrote that they occurred in a “clump” along Forest Road 10S69 (York 1999, CCH 2016). Thus 3 extant populations are known in Fresno County in the Sierra NF.

There is substantial concern for the capability of Leptosiphon serrulatus to persist over the long term in the plan area due to the small number of occurrences documented on the Sierra NF and the existence of threats such as the increase of invasive non-native species, unauthorized OHV use, and the possibility that some of the 6 occurrences are extirpated.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Lewisia congdonii - Congdon's lewisia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Mining; mine-site rehabilitation; road maintenance

48 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: State Rare

Other Designations: CA SGCN; R5 RF SS

Lewisia congdonii grows on granitic or metamorphic outcrops, crevices and rock slides in chaparral-live oak, montane and upper montane ecosystems; found at 500-2800 meters elevation in the central Sierra Nevada; blooms April to June. Lewisia congdonii is restricted to six occurrences in Merced and Kings river drainages with some Sierra NF sites occuring next to roads and mines. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 10 recorded occurrences for Lewisia congdonii with 5 of them known from the Sierra NF. Threats include herbicide use and road widening. There is concern for the persistence of Lewisia congdonii on the Sierra NF due to relevant threats and a limited amount of occurrences found on the Forest.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Lewisia disepala - Yosemite lewisia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

49 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel at lower elevation sites; recreation trampling; fuels reduction treatments

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Lewisia disepala grows in sand or granite of exposed mountain summits and knobs in subalpine conifer forest or alpine fell-fields; also found in rock outcrops in montane and upper montane ecosystem types; found at 1340-3500 meters elevation in the central and southern High Sierra Nevada; blooms February- June. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 22 recorded occurrences for Lewisia disepala with seven of them known from the Sierra NF. Observed threats include unauthorized OHV travel and trampling. There is concern for the persistence of Lewisia disepala in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii - Kellogg's lewisia

50 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel, especially dirt bikes.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4T2T3Q

State Rank: S2S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 3.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii grows in decomposed granite, volcanic ash, rock outcrops and rubble in conifer forests at 1370-2360 meters elevation in the central and southern Sierra Nevada. It blooms May- July. Montane and upper montane ecosystems. In the Sierra NF, Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii is found only in the Shuteye Peak area in Madera County (see Wilson et al., 2015). These occurrences appear genetically different from the rest of the subspecies. There is concern for the persistence of Lewisia kelloggii ssp. kelloggii on the Sierra NF due to a very limited amount of occurrences (1) found on the Sierra NF Forest an immediate direct threat.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Wilson, Barbara L.; Hipkins, Valerie D.; Rey-Vizgirdas, Edna; and Kaye, Thomas N. 2005. Variation in

51 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Lewisia kelloggii (Portulacaceae) with description of a new species endemic to Idaho. Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 65: No. 3, Article 6. Available at: http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol65/iss3/6

Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus - orange lupine

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Unauthorized OHV travel; road maintenance; invasives; climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2T2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS; California BLM Sensitive

Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus grows in granitic soils in open yellow-pine forests at 600-1700 meters elevation in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. It blooms April-July. Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus is also found in rock outcrops, blue oak interior, chaparral-live oak, and montane ecosystems. It is endemic to a small are of centraol Sierra Nevada, occurring on the Sierra NF and environs in heavily managed areas of the Forest. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 57 recorded occurrences for Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus, with 44 of them known from the Sierra NF. There is concern for the persistence of Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

52 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Meesia uliginosa – Meesia moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Climate change; hydrologic alteration

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Meesia uliginosa is found in aquatic and riparian montane and upper montane ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 46 recorded occurrences for Meesia uliginosa with one found from the Sierra NF. Surveys by bryologists and Sierra NF botanists have resulted in one documented occurrence of this species on the Sierra NF, found in John Muir Wilderness in 1996 in the Kings River Drainage, between Wet Meadows and Spanish Lake. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Meesia uliginosa in the plan area due to the small amount of occurrences (1) found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to the known occurrence.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

53 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Mielichhoferia shevockii - Shevock's copper moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Road maintenance, rarity

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Mielichhoferia shevockii occurs from chaparral to montane and subalpine forests. Occurs on rocks along roads, in same habitat as Mielichhoferia elongata. Threatened by road widening. Often on metamorphic rock, usually acidic, usually vernally mesic, often on roadsides, and sometimes on carbonate. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 6 recorded occurrences for Mielichhoferia shevockii with one known occurrence from 1998 from the Sierra NF. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Mielichhoferia shevockii in the plan area due to its one known occurrence found on the Sierra NF and imposing threat to that occurrence.

54 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Platanthera yosemitensis - Yosemite bog orchid

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Livestock grazing; hydrologic alteration; invasive plants

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

55 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Platanthera yosemitensis occurs in fens at 2100-2285 meters elevation in the central High Sierra Nevada and blooms July-August. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 7 recorded occurrences for Platanthera yosemitensis with two of them known from the Sierra NF. The Sierra NF notes three small occurrences in fens grazed by livestock. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Platanthera yosemitensis in the plan area due to small amount of occurrences with limited individuals found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Pohlia tundrae - tundra pohlia moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Livestock trampling; hydrologic alteration

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

56 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Other Designations: None

Pohlia tundrae inhabits aquatic/riparian meadow, upper montane and subalpine ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 8 recorded occurrences for Pohlia tundrae with one occurrence known from the Sierra NF. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Pohlia tundrae in the plan area due to an extremely small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to that occurrence.

References California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. 2017. Special vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens list, April 2017. Available at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109383&inline/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. 2017. Special vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens list, April 2017. Available at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109383&inline/ [Accessed 10 April 2017]. California Native Plant Society (CNPS), Rare Plant Program. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.38). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [Accessed 10 April 2017]. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2017. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded April 2017. NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme - aromatic canyon gooseberry

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Fire suppression activities (e.g. dozer line construction) are likely the primary threat on NFS lands to this species. Additional threats are unauthorized OHV travel which occurs in the area of Sacate Ridge, and competition from non-native invasive weeds such as Italian thistle and tocalote which are common in the general area of Haslett Basin and Sacate Ridge. Seedling establishment with invasives is a concern as well as increased weed species being introduced during fire suppression for the Rough Fire.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4T2

State Rank: S2

57 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme ranges from the foothills of the Kings River drainage on the Sierra NF in Fresno County southward through Tulare and Kern counties. None of the Tulare or Kern county sites appear to be on NFS lands, though they are near the Sequoia and Los Padres NFs. At least one site is in Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Parks. Habitat is foothill chaparral/oak woodland in the southern Sierra Nevada < 1000 m. Approximately 9 occurrences are known from Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties based on tabulating herbarium and CNDDB Rarefind records and accounting for apparent duplicates. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 6 recorded occurrences for Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme. Three occurrences have been documented on the Sierra NF (USGS Trimmer and Sacate Ridge quads). Information from 1980, 1977 and 2008 on these occurrences follow:

The 1980 information from Dan Hamon in Rarefind (CDFW, 2016) stating that plants were seen from Haslett Basin to Bob’s Flat takes in a large area spanning about 6 miles from east to west.

The area from Haslett Basin to Bob’s Flat encompassing the “north base of Cat’s Head Mountain” along Road 10S04 is recorded with a May 12, 1977 collection by Rubtzoff (RSA800269).

In September 2008, Chris Winchell documented an additional population south of Haslett Basin along the northeast end of Sacate Ridge, on both sides of Forest Road 11S04.

The following information was provided by Chris Winchell to Joanna Clines via text message on March 20, 2016: at lat/long 36.92080; -119.20724; observed several RIMEI shrubs on both sides of road 11S04; in bud while nearby Ribes roezlii was already fruiting. He noted that some horizontal stems of RIMEI close to the ground were layering, producing roots from buried stems. This is the occurrence that was affected by the Rough Fire when an unknown number of plants were bulldozed (Young and Linton, 2015). Sierra National Forest botanists Joanna Clines and Anne Russell visited the Sacate Ridge population on the Sierra National Forest on April 29, 2016 along Road 11S04 near a wide dozer line created for the Rough Fire in 2015. About a dozen shrubs were observed, in full bloom with a few fruits beginning to form in sunnier spots.

All occurrences to the south of the Sierra NF are outside NFS lands, one is on NPS lands, the others are not on federal lands and protection is unknown. There is threat from unintentional mortality of shrubs during fire suppression, and increased threat of invasive species following fire, as occurred during and following the 2015 Rough Fire. There is also potential damage from unauthorized OHV travel. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme in the plan area due to an extremely small amount of occurrences (1) found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to that occurrence.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

58 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Streptanthus fenestratus - Tehipite Valley jewel-flower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Recreation trampling; invasive species

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Streptanthus fenestratus occurs in chaparral, live oak, montane and upper montane ecosystems, growing on granite ledges or sand, at 1050-1800 meters elevation, in the southern Sierra Nevada. It blooms May- June. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 11 recorded occurrences for Streptanthus fenestratus with one of them known from the Sierra NF; EOndx 31061 was mapped by Shevock in 1979 and located in the Monarch Wilderness near the border with Kings Canyon National Park. This species is restricted to Tehipite Valley and environs, and has not been observed beyond this area despite extensive surveys in the last 30 years. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Streptanthus fenestratus in the plan area due to the very small amount of known occurrences (2) with limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

59 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Tauschia howellii - Howell's tauschia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Impacts from special uses (communications site); fire suppression activities, rarity

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2G3

State Rank: S2S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Tauschia howellii grows in granitic gravel on ridgetops in fir forests at 2000-2500 meters elevation in the High Sierra Nevada. It blooms June-July. Rock outcrop, montane and upper montane ecosystems. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 6 recorded occurrences for Tauschia howellii with only one occurrence known from the Sierra NF. This species is extremely rare on the Sierra NF and

60 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern disjunct from northern CA populations. There is substantial concern for the persistence of Tauschia howellii in the plan area due to the very small amount of occurrences (1) with limited distribution found on the Sierra NF and immediate direct threats to those occurrences.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Trifolium bolanderi - Bolander's clover

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Livestock grazing; hydrologic alteration; hydro power

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

61 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Trifolium bolanderi inhabits aquatic/riparian meadow and upper montane ecosystems. It is endemic to meadows in Sierra NF and Yosemite NP within a narrow elevation band of 6800-7300 feet. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 32 recorded occurrences for Trifolium bolanderi with 24 of them known from the Sierra NF. There is concern for the persistence of Trifolium bolanderi in the plan area due to the relatively small amount of occurrences found on the Sierra NF and associated direct threats.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Viburnum ellipticum - oval-leaved viburnum

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Yes

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern Yes

Relevant Threats to Species Stochastic event and climate change are relevant threats. Warmer temperatures, less moisture, and more frequent fire could make the colder refugia inhospitable for Viburnum ellipticum. This species is also threatened by roads, habitat alteration from vegetation management projects, fuels reduction activities, fire suppression and invasive nonnative plant species.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4

State Rank: S3?

62 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Viburnum ellipticum occurs in openings in west side Sierra chaparral-live oak, black/Brewers oak woodland, and lower mixed conifer forest (ponderosa pine) in montane ecosystems. Viburnum ellipticum is found mostly in the transition zone between chaparral and lower mixed conifer forest. Herbarium specimen records include Delilah Springs Road, James R. Shevock, 1981; Top of Tollhouse Grade, Arthur Menzies and Barbara Menzies, 1970; Beal Fire Road – Tollhouse Grade, Chas. H. Quibell, 1959; Tollhouse Grade, J. R. Shevock, 1980; Highway 168, H. L. Buckalew, 1956. Recent monitoring includes Tollhouse Road occurrence, 10 plants seen 2011, and Delilah Springs Road occurrence, several plants in 1981.

This is a wide ranging species of the western U.S, from the Cascades in Washington State to the southern Sierra Nevada in California. This is a species of local conservation concern, there is one occurrence on the Sierra NF near the southern extent of its range. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) contains 29 recorded occurrences for Viburnum ellipticum with only one of them shown from the Sierra NF. There is concern for the persistence of Viburnum ellipticum on the Sierra NF due to the very limited amount of occurrences (one) found on the Forest, limited distribution and relevant threats to this occurrence.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

63 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Chapter 2 – Plant Species not Meeting Criteria for Species of Conservation Concern

Allium abramsii - Abram's onion

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Allium abramsii is a very distinctive species (McNeal1992), endemic to the central Sierra Nevada, where it occurs in lower and upper montane coniferous forest, often found in granitic sand habitat. It is found in Fresno, Madera and Tulare Counties at elevations of 1400 – 2000 m. The NatureServe G and S ranks recently changed from G2 and S2 to G3 and S3. There are 22 occurrences of this species recorded in CNDDB, with 9 occurring on the Sierra NF. Joanna Clines, Sierra Forest botanist, field observations indicate this species is much more common than CNPS rank. There is insufficient information on a substantial concern for the capability of Allium abramsii to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

64 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

McNeal, D.W. a revision of the Allium fimbriatum (Alliaceae) complex. Aliso 13(3):411-426.

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Brasenia schreberi - watershield

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species There is potential for climate change and/or a stochastic event as threats, but not immediate.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

One large occurrence is known from Crater Lake on the Sierra NF (Quad: Mt. Givens (416D) 3711931, Tulare County). Currently there are no known threats for this occurrence. There is insufficient information on a substantial concern for the capability of Brasenia schreberi to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

65 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Botrychium lunaria - common moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Grazing is listed as a possible threat (CNPS, 2016), as is loss of its open habitats to successional overgrowth (Natureserve, 2016).

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S2? (CA); SNR (NV)

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: FS RF Sensitive

Botrychium lunaria occurs in moist meadows, at 2300-3400 m elevation. It is found in North and South America, Eurasia, Australia, and New Zealand. In North America it occurs from Newfoundland and Labrador west to Alaska, and south to Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Saskatchewan, New Mexico, Arizona, and California (Natureserve, 2016).

There are a total of 4 herbarium specimens entered in the Consortium for California Herbaria, and none occur in the Sierra NF plan area. There is high genetic complexity in this taxon (Clines 2009). Field or even herbarium identification appears highly unlikely without genetic verification, taxonomic research for this species is strongly needed. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this

66 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Baxter, D, S Markos, NR Morin, RL Moe, E Dean, M Nazaire. 2016. Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/. [Accessed 25 April 2016].

Clines, Joanna. 2009. Conservation Assessment for Botrychium in California National Forests. Compiled from technical reports prepared by Donald Farrar and Cindy Johnson-Groh.

CNDDB. California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2016. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded February 2016.

Laeger, Eve. 2002. Botrychium surveys in California. Prepared for the Sierra Nevada Frameworks. Bodfish, CA.

Natureserve. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Botrychium paradoxum – paradox moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Potentially threatened by hydrological alterations caused by logging activities (CNPS 2018)

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.1

CA State Status: None

67 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Other Designations: FS RF Sensitive

Botrychium paradoxum was discovered in California by Alison Colwell in the vicinity of Yosemite NP. There are no occurrence records in the Sierra NF plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Baxter, D, S Markos, NR Morin, RL Moe, E Dean, M Nazaire. 2016. Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/. [Accessed 25 April 2016].

Clines, Joanna. 2009. Conservation Assessment for Botrychium in California National Forests. Compiled from technical reports prepared by Donald Farrar and Cindy Johnson-Groh.

CNDDB. California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2016. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded February 2016.

Laeger, Eve. 2002. Botrychium surveys in California. Prepared for the Sierra Nevada Frameworks. Bodfish, CA.

Natureserve. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Botrychium tunux - moosewort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species No threats identified

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

68 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: FS RF Sensitive

Botrychium tunux was discovered in California in 2008 by Alison Colwell; known only from Mt. Hoffman in Yosemite NP. There are no occurrence records in the Sierra NF plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Baxter, D, S Markos, NR Morin, RL Moe, E Dean, M Nazaire. 2016. Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/. [Accessed 25 April 2016].

Clines, Joanna. 2009. Conservation Assessment for Botrychium in California National Forests. Compiled from technical reports prepared by Donald Farrar and Cindy Johnson-Groh.

CNDDB. California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2016. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded February 2016.

Laeger, Eve. 2002. Botrychium surveys in California. Prepared for the Sierra Nevada Frameworks. Bodfish, CA.

Natureserve. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Botrychium yaaxudakeit – giant moonwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

69 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Relevant Threats to Species Climate change

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S1

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: FS RF Sensitive

Botrychium yaaxudakeit was discovered in California in 2007 by Alison Colwell; known only from Virginia Canyon in Yosemite NP. There are no occurrence records in the Sierra NF plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Baxter, D, S Markos, NR Morin, RL Moe, E Dean, M Nazaire. 2016. Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/. [Accessed 25 April 2016].

Clines, Joanna. 2009. Conservation Assessment for Botrychium in California National Forests. Compiled from technical reports prepared by Donald Farrar and Cindy Johnson-Groh.

CNDDB. California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2016. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded February 2016.

Laeger, Eve. 2002. Botrychium surveys in California. Prepared for the Sierra Nevada Frameworks. Bodfish, CA.

Natureserve. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Carex limosa - mud sedge

70 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species May be threatened by grazing and vehicles, and potentially threatened by logging (CNPS 2019).

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

This sedge is an aquatic plant that is most often found in peat bogs in mountains. It is widely distributed across North America and northern Eurasia, occurring in bogs and fens, lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps, upper montane coniferous forests. There are three occurrences on the Sierra NF. California Native Plant Society states it is possibly more widespread in the Sierra Nevada. In areas, it is threatened by grazing and vehiclesand and potentially threatened by logging. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2019. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 21 March 2019].

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

71 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Carex tompkinsii - Tompkin's sedge

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Trail maintenance, herbicide spraying, and development.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4

State Rank: S4

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.3

CA State Status: State Rare

Other Designations: CA SGCN

Carex tompkinsii is a California endemic known from over 50 occurrences, with nearly all occurring in national parks or national forests. Occurs in loose sand or rock in partially shaded, south-facing walls of steep river canyons; chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, upper montane coniferous forest; 420 to 1800 m (NatureServe 2017). Damage from trail maintenance, herbicide spraying, and development has been observed.

This species was removed from R5 sensitive species list in 1998 based on abundance documented by James Shevock, former Regional Botanist and Sierra Nevada botanical expert. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

72 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Claytonia megarhiza - fell-fields claytonia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Claytonia megarhiza occurrences have not been verified for the Sierra NF. There is no substantial concern for the capability of Claytonia megarhiza to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

73 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Diplacus pulchellus (Mimulus pulchellus)– yellow-lip pansy monkeyflower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Threatened by unauthorized vehicle travel, logging, non-native plants, and grazing, and potentially threatened by development

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

There are no known occurrences of D. pulchellus in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

74 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Draba praealta - tall draba

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Draba praealta is known from Alaska and NW Territories, British Columbia and Alberta, south through the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and through Cascades to California and Nevada. It occurs in meadows and seeps. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

75 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Draba sierrae - Sierra draba

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Draba sierrae is endemic to California, occurring in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. Five of the 14 CNDDB occurrences are on Sierra NF. Found in alpine boulder and rock field (granitic or carbonate) habitat, most occurrences are above 11,000 feet elevation and located in wilderness. No threats are known due to the inaccesible habitat. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

76 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Erigeron aequifolius - Hall’s daisy

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF Sensitive; California BLM Sensitive

Erigeron aequifolius occurs in steep rocky granitic ledges and crevices with little or no competition from other species. It is generally found on dry ridges, 5200-8000 feet in elevation, in mixed conifer forests. It blooms July-August. Erigeron aequifolius inhabits the southern High Sierra Nevada. About 13 occurrences have been reported, primarily on the Sequoia National Forest and in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. There are 14 collections for Erigeron aequifolius in the Consortium (Baxter et al., 2016), none from the Inyo NF, several from the Boyden Cave vicinity of the Kings River Canyon. There is one CNDDB occurrence of Erigeron aequifolius from the Sierra NF. It is based on a field survey by Dana York, reporting about 200 plants in 1995 (CNDDB occurrence #9). It is located on Junction Ridge of Monarch Divide, about 1.5 miles west of Wren Peak, in Monarch Wilderness. There are no known threats other than climate change. Dana York reported, “most species on limestone are native; rugged mountainous terrain with no trails; no threats.” There is insufficient scientific information available to

77 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Erigeron inornatus var. keilii - Keil's daisy

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5T2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

78 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Historic (1940) site is unclear, may be on Sierra National Forest but needs survey, no evidence of threats. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area..

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Erythranthe filicaulis (Mimulus filicaulis)– slender stemmed monkeyflower

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Threatened by logging and reforestation with herbicides. Possibly threatened by grazing and foot traffic.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

79 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

There are no known occurrences of E. filicaulis in the plan area. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Glyceria grandis – American manna grass

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Threat may be competition from exotic annual grasses and disturbance associated with fire suppression activities.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

CA State Status: None

80 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Although there is a single occurrence within the administrative boundary, it is a historic occurrence on private land, with no status or threat information available. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Helodium blandowii – Blandow's bog moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Possibly threatened by grazing and hydrological alterations

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.3

81 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF-SS

Helodium blandowii is very distinctive due to abundant minute leaf-like structures borne on the stems or branches among the leaves. There are no known occurrences of Helodium blandowii in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Heterotheca monarchensis - Monarch goldenaster

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species The only discernible threat may be competition from exotic annual grasses and disturbance associated with fire suppression activities.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G2

State Rank: S2

82 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Heterotheca monarchensis is found scattered on south-facing slopes of limestone in cracks, ledges and flats, with higher densities of plants seen in the coarse sandy flats at the base of cliffs, from 3650 - 6000 feet elevation. Growing with mountain mahogany, canyon live oak and pinyon pine, on SE-facing crevices and gravel of carbonate formation. It is known only from near Boyden Cave in the Kings River Canyon, found in the limestone cliffs at about 5100 feet elevation along with a few other rare local endemics. The plant was described as a new species in 1996. Known from three occurrences on the Windy Cliffs limestone formation northeast and southwest of the Horseshoe Bend of the Kings River (both sides of the Kings) near Boyden Cave. All three locations documented in Rarefind (CDFW, 2016) and the California Consortium of Herbaria (Baxter et al., 2016) are in the Sequoia National Forest; with two found in Giant Sequoia National Monument and one on the Sequoia National Forest plan area and at least 0.4 miles from the Sierra National Forest boundary.

Currently there are no confirmed plants or populations within the Sierra National Forest plan area. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Ivesia unguiculata - Yosemite invesia

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

83 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Threatened by foot traffic, grazing, trampling, and vehicles (CNPS 2017).

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Ivesia unguiculata is endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, where it grows in upper montane and subalpine meadows. Removed from R5 Sensitive species list in 1998 due to surveying that indicated large populations that tolerate or thrive with disturbance. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Lupinus lepidus var. culbertsonii - Hockett Meadow lupine

84 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5T3

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Lupinus lepidus var. culbertsonii occurs on rocky slopes, 2500-3000 m elevation in the southern High Sierra Nevada (Baldwin et al., 2012); meadows and seeps in upper montane coniferous forest (mesic, rocky) (CNPS, 2016). It blooms July through August. More than 20 collections are recorded in the Consortium (Baxter et al., 2016), though many identifications are questionable (2014 Howald email reference below). See Slayton (2016) for collection information & other references.

CNDDB (2016) maps five occurrences, with three on National Park Service lands, and two on the border of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP. Occurrence #3 information includes the “only source of information a 1904 collection by Culbertson and a 1959 collection by Hardham. Needs fieldwork.” Occurrence #5 is based on the Ferris & Lorraine 10695 collection, with no additional information since 1942. Teresa Sholars in an email to S. Weis 2/17/2010: “I have looked for this taxon but have not seen it. According to Cox who did his PhD on the group, this taxon is only found in a narrow region along the Kaweah River in Tulare Co. and at Farewell Gap.” Farewell Gap is in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Ann Howald email to S. Weis 11/4/2014: “…Lupinus lepidus varieties are a complicated group… identification of many individual collections seem somewhat random, when you look through the folders. Hardly any specimens have been annotated, and none by Teresa Sholars, who wrote the key. I found out that most specimens labeled as L. l. var. c. at RSA and UCR, definitely aren’t that variety… I did not find any specimens from Mono Co. that looked exactly like var. culbertsonii.”

No collections could be verified to be this species, and no occurrences have been relocated in over 30 years. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

85 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

References California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2017. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded November 2017.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Cox, B. J. 1974. Taxonomy of Lupinus sellulus (Papilianceae). The American Midland Naturalist 91(1):214-223.

Howald, A. 2014. Email from Ann Howald to Sue Weiss. 11/4/2014.

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Scholars, T. 2010. Email to Sue Weiss, botanist, Sequoia National Forest. 2/17/2010.

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Meesia triquetra - three-ranked hump moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species No known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S4

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Meesia triquetra occurs in meadows and seeps in subalpine and upper montane forests. Removed from R5 Sensitive SP. List in 1998 for the Sierra National Forest with over 40 occurrences many of which are large and vigorous. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial

86 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Mielichhoferia elongata - elongate copper moss

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Many populations are roadside and could be impacted from road realignment or highway expansion projects. Mining could have impacts to this species, given its affinity for substrate rocks high in heavy metals. However, no threats to this species on the Sierra NF are known at this time.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4G5

State Rank: S4

87 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF SS

Mielichhoferia elongata grows on metamorphic (usually acidic), sedimentary, limestone (carbonate), granite and serpentine rock outcrops that often contain copper or other heavy metals and that are seasonally moist or, less commonly, on moist soil. Occurrences are generally small and isolated, and often found on roadsides. Habitat is from foothill woodland habitats dominated by oaks or chaparral to montane and subalpine forests. The species grows from sea level to 3550 feet in elevation.

In California, Mielichhoferia elongata is known from three disjunct portions of the state: the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Mariposa, Placer, Fresno, Tulare counties; the Siskiyou Mountains in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity counties; and the central coast in Santa Cruz County. Out of the 41 occurrences in California, 14 are from National Forest System lands, including three occurrences on the Sequoia NF in the Kings River Gorge, Fresno CA. Within the plan area, two occurrences are known from the Sierra National Forest. Herbarium specimen records are: Windy Gulch, J. R. Shevock, 1995; Boyden Cave, J. R. Shevock, 1996; Camp 4 – Kings River, J. R. Shevock, 1996; Secate Ridge, J. R. Shevock, 1996; Big Creek, J. R. Shevock, 1996. This species previously had a California rare plant rank of 2B.2, which was changed to a 4.3 because it is more common than originally known. There are no occurrences in CNDDB, since it does not track species with a rare plant rank of 4.3, and there are no NRM-TESP-IS records for the Sierra National Forest. There are no known threats in the plan area.

It appears to be stable and has a circumboreal distribution. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

88 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Peltigera gowardii - western waterfan lichen

Type of plant: lichen Is there sufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? Insufficient

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Natureserve identifies climate change as a threat; as trees move upward, habitat for this species may become unfavorably shaded. Potentially threatened by hydrological alterations, recreational activities, erosion, logging, and vehicles.

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 4.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF-SS

Peltigera gowardii is found on rocks in cold water creeks in upper montane to alpine environments. Its distribution is nine counties in the Sierra Nevada in California including the Mt. Dana area in Mono County. A records search found no records in the Consortium of California Herbaria (http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/) and a single record from Larson (2005) about an occurrence in the “hanging meadow” of Mt. Dana (INF). However CNDDB (2016) reported that the hanging meadow location on Mt. Dana (INF) could not be identified, so the population was mapped as a best guess.

Nine occurrences are mapped for the Sierra National Forest in California Natural Diversity Database (2016), however the Sierra National Forest has at least 40 locations. In some cases what had been thought to be two occurrences turned out to have the lichens present continuously, thus 2 were combined into one extensive occurrence. The Sierra has additional specimens to submit to UC/Jepson and will soon provide a shapefile and photographs of some occurrences to California Natural Diversity Database. After teaching field survey crews (botany, timber markers, wildlife, hydrology) to recognize this lichen, many new reports began coming in to Sierra National Forest botanists (since 2009) and were confirmed. Very few field botanists are trained in lichen identification.

Numerous additional occurrences have been discovered in the last few years, bringing the SNF total to at least 40, several of which are extensive and vigorous (Sierra NF data to be supplied to CDFW and CNPS). These recent surveys indicate this lichen is more common and robust than originally thought in

89 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Sierra National Forest. Potentially threatened by hydrological alterations, recreational activities, erosion, logging, and vehicles. Additional surveys and collection will better document the distribution of this species in the plan area, and potential threats to persistence.

There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Petrophyton acuminatum (P. caespitosum ssp. acuminatum) – marble rockmat

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

90 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5 (T2)

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: R5 RF-SS

There are no known occurrences of P. acuminatum in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Potamogeton epihydrus - Nutall's ribbon-leaved pondweed

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known. Possibly threatened by recreational activities, water contamination, and unauthorized vehicles.

91 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S2S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Potamogeton epihydrus is a perennial aquatic plant native to much of North America, where it grows in water bodies such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams. For the Sierra NF, there is one collection by Taylor in 1994, marked as being from a pond along Sky Ranch Rd, Sierra National Forest. More fieldwork is needed.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

Sphenopholis obtusata - prairie wedge grass

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

92 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S2

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Sphenopholis obtusata is native to North America where it is widespread across southern Canada and the United States. It occurs in many types of habitat, including prairie, marshes, dunes, and disturbed areas.

CNDDB includes a Herbarium collection from 1953 in the Mono Hot Springs areas. There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. 2015. California State Wildlife Action Plan. A Conservation Legacy for California, 2015 Update. Volume II, Table C-7. Available at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/SWAP/Final. September 2015. California Native Plant Society (CNPS), Rare Plant Program. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.38). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [Accessed 10 April 2017]. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California Department of Fish and Game, Biogeographic Data Branch. 2017. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Data downloaded November 2017. NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

Utricularia intermedia - flat-leaved bladderwort

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

93 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species None known

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G5

State Rank: S3

CA Rare Plant Rank: 2B.2

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Sierra NF occurrences are in good condition (Clines 2017). There is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

Clines, J. 2018. Personal communication of Joanna Clines, forest botanist with Kim Earl, acting botanist with the Regional Office. 12/7/2017.

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].

94 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Viola pinetorum var. grisea - gray-leaved violet

Does the best available science indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area? No

Proposed Species of Conservation Concern No

Relevant Threats to Species Possibly threatened by overgrazing, recreation trampling, and unauthorized OHV travel

Rationale for Species NatureServe Global and Taxa (subspecies) Rank: G4G5T3?

State Rank: S3?

CA Rare Plant Rank: 1B.3

CA State Status: None

Other Designations: None

Viola pinetorum var. grisea occurs in meadows and seeps, subalpine coniferous forest, and upper montane (lodgepole forest, subalpine forest, red fir forest) coniferous forest. It is reported in Alpine, El Dorado, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Moterey, Placer, San Bernardino, Sierra, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Ventura Counties. It is considered difficult taxonomically, which contributed to the Regional Forester removing the species from the 2013 sensitive species list for the Region. The California Native Plant Society rare plant rank changed from 1B.3 to 1B.2 on 2017-10-06, however, no additional information on threats was added.

Of the 90 occurrences recorded in CNDDB, there are 7 reported from 1907 through 1953 from the Sierra National Forest plan area, including from the eastern slope of Mt. Hooper, in John Muir Wilderness. Many of those records are also Consortium of California Herbaria vouchers within the plan area. There are no occurrences documented in the NRM-TESP-IS database for the Sierra National Forest. No threats are reported in CNDDB. Due to the taxonomic uncertainty, there is insufficient scientific information available to determine if there is substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long term in the plan area. Based upon the evidence and supporting best available science, this species does not meet the established criteria at CFR 1909.12 chp. 10, 12.52 (c-d) as a species of conservation concern in the plan area.

References Calflora. 2018. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org.

95 Sierra NF Rationales Species of Conservation Concern

Consortium of California Herbaria. 2017. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Website ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. [Accessed 24 November 2017].

NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Available at: http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [Accessed 10 April 2017].

USDA Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resource Manager; Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Plant (NRM-TESP-IS) Database [Accessed 24 November 2017].