Level 4 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report Name Ken Caryl Hogback Complex Site Code S.USCOHP1*1920

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Level 4 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report Name Ken Caryl Hogback Complex Site Code S.USCOHP1*1920 Level 4 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report Name Ken Caryl Hogback Complex Site Code S.USCOHP1*1920 IDENTIFIERS Site ID 1296 Site Class PCA Site Alias Dutch Creek Ridge Site Alias Deer Creek North Site Alias Deer Creek Hogback Network of Conservation Areas (NCA) NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name - No Data County SITE DESCRIPTION Site Description The Ken Caryl hogback complex is a linear corridor formed by two parallel hogbacks that run north-south and are separated by a narrow valley. The hogback ridges provide habitat for rare plants and healthy grassland and shrub communities on the outcrops of Dakota sandstone and Niobrara shale. Two major roads, Ken Caryl Avenue and Deer Creek Canyon Road cut through the hogbacks in the north and south portions of the site. A major state highway, C-470 crosses through the northern section and is just east of the hogback complex in the southern part of the site. Several perennial streams dissect the hogbacks, although Dutch Creek is the only perennial stream not adjacent to a road. On the hogbacks xeric tallgrass prairie ( Andropogon gerardii - Schizachyrium scoparium) is found along the lower slopes with shrub communities dominated by mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), skunkbrush (Rhus aromatica subsp. trilobata) and Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) with scattered ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). Black-tail prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) communities, rare butterflies including the Ottoe skipper (Hesperia ottoe) and Arogos skipper (Atrytone arogos), northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) and a nesting Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) are also found in the valley and on the hogbacks. In addition, a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) was documented nesting in the Gambel's oak woodland associated with the hogbacks. Key Environmental Factors Physical topography including hogbacks, streams, sandstone and shale outcrops are all factors that contribute to the existing habitats that support the diversity of plants, animals and plant communities that currently exist. In addition, the surrounding large land areas that have been not been developed are also a significant factor. Climate Description The Ken Caryl hogbacks are located at the edge of the foothills on the east side of the Rocky Mountains in central Jefferson County. The climate supports more xeric vegetation due to the location in the rain shadow of the nearby mountains. The nearby weather station at Kassler, CO between 1918 and 2010 recorded an average annual precipitation of 17.6 inches. Snowfall is greatest in February through April and summer rains peak in April and May. The average annual maximum temperature is 65.9°F (18.8 °C) and the average annual minimum is 36.4°F (2.4°C, WRCC 2006). Land Use History Native Americans, homesteaders and ranchers have made use of this landscape for hundreds of years. Agriculture and ranching have impacted large areas especially the grassy valleys. Fire suppression has also been a factor in the history of this site. In 1989, the hogback areas were initially recognized as significant natural features and were given priority as high quality areas for education, recreation and conservation (Pague et al. 1993). A large portion of the land is County Open Space, private open space and lands owned by the Foothills Recreation District. The Open Space managers have provided weed and prairie dog management for over a decade that has supported the natural environment in these areas Cultural Features Several archaeological sites have been located in the area by the Colorado Archaeological Society. More than 1,000 Woodland Indian artifacts have been found. The Bradford House III archaeological site was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. New sites are being explored. Minimum Elevation 5,800.00 Feet 1,767.84 Meters Copyright © 2018. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved. Print Date 3/3/2018 1 Level 4 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report Name Ken Caryl Hogback Complex Site Code S.USCOHP1*1920 Maximum Elevation 6,540.00 Feet 1,993.39 Meters SITE DESIGN Site Map Y - Yes Mapped Date 02/24/2012 Designer Smith, P.F. and J.R. Sovell Boundary Justification The boundary includes the parallel hogbacks and their slopes. It includes all known xeric tallgrass prairie remnants located in the valley and on the lower slopes of the hogbacks and the known populations of rare plants and animals. A disjunct group of hills to the east of the hogbacks, just east of I-470, is included because of a dense population of the rare Bell's twinpod hybrid. This is a very large site and was originally drawn during the first Natural Heritage Inventory of Jefferson County twenty years ago (Pague et al.1993). The new boundaries match closely to those drawn previously except that populations of what was then identified as Bell's twinpod (Physaria bellii) were not all included. The new boundary incorporates these areas because new and existing populations of the twinpod (now recognized as a hybrid) were observed in areas in between these hogbacks. The ecological processes such as hydrology, natural migration, dispersal and pollination are all supported by the surrounding habitat which is important to the long-term persistence of the occurrences. The boundary was digitized while referencing digital color orthophoto quad and a 1:24,000 digital quad. Primary Area 4,628.86 Acres 1,873.24 Hectares SITE SIGNIFICANCE Biodiversity Significance Rank B2: Very High Biodiversity Significance Biodiversity Significance Comments Most significant, are the excellent (A-ranked) and good (B-ranked) occurrences of Bell's twinpod hybrid (Physaria x1), a globally critically imperiled (G1Q/S1) plant. Currently, the only known populations in the world of this species are within this site. The hogback complex supports two fair (C-ranked) occurrences of a globally imperiled (G2?/S2) big bluestem-little bluestem (Andropogon gerardii-Schizachyrium scoparium) xeric tallgrass plant community, found in the northern and southern sections on the hogback slopes. Some of the patches include dense stands of big and little bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium) while some areas have more scattered populations forming a mosaic with other native grasses and forbs. The site also supports two occurrences of globally vulnerable and state rare butterflies, the Ottoe skipper (G3G4/S2) and Arogos Skipper (G3/S2). A rare grass, the forked threeawn (Aristida basiramea), is known from two locations along sandstone outcrops of these hogbacks. Forked threeawn is globally stable but very rare in the state (G5/S1), a fair (C-ranked) and a historical (H-ranked) occurrence have been documented on the hogbacks. A poor (D-ranked) occurrence of a globally stable but state critically imperiled species (G5/S1), red stemmed spring beauty (Claytonia rubra,) which is currently known from less than five known locations in the state (CNHP 2011), was also found on the hogbacks. Other Values Rank No Data Other Values Comments Within the site is also a historical (H-ranked) occurrence of the state vulnerable northern leopard frog (G5/S3). In addition, a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) was documented nesting in the Gambel's oak woodland associated with the hogbacks. Long-eared Owls are not tracked but are an uncommon and notable species indicative of the quality of the habitat. Note on Physaria x1: The newly identified hybrid species Physaria x1 was genetically determined to be a cross between two rare plants that are both Colorado endemics, Rydberg twinpod (Physaria vitulifera) and Bell's twinpod (Physaria bellii - Kothera et al. 2007). In the Natural Heritage Inventory conducted in 1992-93 (Pague et al. 1993), these plants were identified as Bell's twinpod ( Physaria bellii), although, different surveyors noted the plants at this site appeared to be hybrid species and noted research should be conducted on these plants. Resulting from the genetic work of Kothera (2007) and the geographical study of a local scientist, Bill Jennings (2004), the Natural Heritage Program was able to assess the new ranges of the twinpod species in Colorado. Since the 1993 report, these observations have been genetically verified from samples collected at this site. Although the hybrid has been verified, it has not yet been formally named in the literature and is currently listed in the Natural Heritage Program database as Physaria x1. ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY Element Global State Driving State ID State Scientific Name State Common Name Rank Rank Site Rank Copyright © 2018. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved. Print Date 3/3/2018 2 Level 4 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report Name Ken Caryl Hogback Complex Site Code S.USCOHP1*1920 24870 Andropogon gerardii - Schizachyrium scoparium Xeric Tallgrass Prairie G2? S2 N Western Great Plains Grassland 23792 Aristida basiramea Forktip three-awn G5 S1 N 24870 Andropogon gerardii - Schizachyrium scoparium Xeric Tallgrass Prairie G2? S2 N Western Great Plains Grassland 23792 Aristida basiramea Forktip three-awn G5 S1 N 16895 Atrytone arogos Arogos Skipper G3 S2 N 19893 Hesperia ottoe Ottoe Skipper G3G4 S2 N 18389 Lithobates pipiens Northern Leopard Frog G5 S3 N 22001 Claytonia rubra Redstem spring beauty G5 S1 N 44187 Physaria x 1 GNA S1 Y 44187 Physaria x 1 GNA S1 Y LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES Land Use Comments The majority of the lands are managed as open space with non-motorized trails throughout the area. Some of the areas are not easily accessible and are afforded more protection. A few grasslands are actively mowed for hay in the southern portion of the site on the eastern slopes. A large portion is owned by a private corporation. Residential developments are very dense in the surrounding landscape as is typical for the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Associated with the heavy residential developments are a number of very heavily used roads.
Recommended publications
  • Colorado Wildlife Action Plan: Proposed Rare Plant Addendum
    Colorado Wildlife Action Plan: Proposed Rare Plant Addendum By Colorado Natural Heritage Program For The Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative June 2011 Colorado Wildlife Action Plan: Proposed Rare Plant Addendum Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative Members David Anderson, Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Rob Billerbeck, Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) Leo P. Bruederle, University of Colorado Denver (UCD) Lynn Cleveland, Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs (CFGC) Carol Dawson, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Michelle DePrenger-Levin, Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) Brian Elliott, Environmental Consulting Mo Ewing, Colorado Open Lands (COL) Tom Grant, Colorado State University (CSU) Jill Handwerk, Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Tim Hogan, University of Colorado Herbarium (COLO) Steve Kettler, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Andrew Kratz, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Sarada Krishnan, Colorado Native Plant Society (CoNPS), Denver Botanic Gardens Brian Kurzel, Colorado Natural Areas Program Eric Lane, Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Paige Lewis, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Ellen Mayo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mitchell McGlaughlin, University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Jennifer Neale, Denver Botanic Gardens Betsy Neely, The Nature Conservancy Ann Oliver, The Nature Conservancy Steve Olson, U.S. Forest Service Susan Spackman Panjabi, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Jeff Peterson, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Josh Pollock, Center for Native Ecosystems (CNE) Nicola Ripley,
    [Show full text]
  • CONPS Fall Newsletter.Indd
    Aquilegia Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society “. dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora” Volume 30 Number 4 WORKSHOP EDITION September - October 2006 2006 - 2007 COLORADO NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WORKSHOP PROGRAM Workshops will be held each month from September through May Microscope Fund along the Front Range. Most workshops will be held in Boulder New microscopes for CONPS workshops are desperately needed! but we are actively seeking members from the West Slope, Fort Learning about plants is much more enjoyable when you can see Collins, Denver and Colorado Springs who would be willing to each trichome, pollinium or involucre. The increase in registra- coordinate one or two workshops a year in those areas. Contact tion fee (from $12 to $20) goes directly to the Microscope Fund. Mary Ellen Ford if you are interested ([email protected] or You can also contribute to the Microscope Fund by mailing con- 303-449-7334). tributions (payable to CONPS) to Mary Ellen Ford. Registration Information Workshops Registration is mail-in only and requires payment at the time of registration. The fee for attending a workshop is $20 per session COLORADO WILDSCAPES: for members only. Non-members must join CONPS to register BRINGING CONSERVATION HOME for a workshop. The registration fee is non-refundable. Leader: Connie Holsinger of Audubon Colorado Location: Foothills Nature Center, Boulder Participation is often limited and registration is processed in the Only Session: September 23, 2006 Time: 9 am to noon order received. If the workshop has already been filled, you will be notified, your check will not be deposited, and you will be Using the beautiful and practical guidebook, Colorado added to the waiting list if that is what you desire.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolutionary Dynamics of Genes and Genomes: Copy Number Variation of the Chalcone Synthase Gene in the Context of Brassicaceae Evolution
    The Evolutionary Dynamics of Genes and Genomes: Copy Number Variation of the Chalcone Synthase Gene in the Context of Brassicaceae Evolution Dissertation submitted to the Combined Faculties for Natural Sciences and for Mathematics of the Ruperto-Carola University of Heidelberg, Germany for the degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences presented by Liza Paola Ding born in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Oral examination: 22.12.2014 Referees: Prof. Dr. Marcus A. Koch Prof. Dr. Claudia Erbar Table of contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 18 1 THE MUSTARD FAMILY ....................................................................................... 19 2 THE TRIBAL SYSTEM OF THE BRASSICACEAE ........................................... 22 3 CHALCONE SYNTHASE ........................................................................................ 23 PART 1: TROUBLE WITH THE OUTGROUP............................................................ 27 4 MATERIAL AND METHODS ................................................................................. 28 4.1 Experimental set-up ......................................................................................................................... 28 4.1.1 Plant material and data composition .............................................................................................. 28 4.1.2 DNA extraction and PCR amplification ........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Devil's Backbone Management Plan Update
    Devil’s Backbone Management Plan Update 1 2 Adoption of the Resource Management and Implementation Plan for Devil’s Backbone Open Space The Resource Management and Implementation Plan for Devil’s Backbone Open Space was recommended for adoption by the Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board on January 22, 2015 and adopted by the Larimer County Manager and City of Fort Collins Manager. Linda Hoffmann, Larimer County Manager Date I I Darin Atteberry, Fort Collins City Manager Date 3 The Larimer County Natural Resources Department celebrated our 60th Anniversary in 2014. During this period, the help preserve open spaces sales tax was passed and one of the first open spaces we developed for public access was Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Today, approximately 70,000 people per year visit the Backbone to hike, mountain bike and horseback ride. Devil’s Backbone Open Space continues to be one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas near Loveland and we expect visitation to rise. Devil’s Backbone Open Space is popular because it provides something for everyone. The rock feature is a local icon and hundreds of students come from Larimer, Boulder and Weld counties to study the geology. The scenery and views from the open space are fantastic, whether you look west through the Keyhole feature or hike through Indian Creek valley. Wildlife is abundant and visitors are likely to see deer, golden eagles, songbirds, butterflies and flowering plants throughout the open space. Hikers rave about these natural features and mountain bikers love to ride the technical terrain through Laughing Horse Loop or the gentle sections along the north end of the Blue Sky Trail.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Assessment for White Adder's Mouth Orchid (Malaxis B Brachypoda)
    Conservation Assessment for White Adder’s Mouth Orchid (Malaxis B Brachypoda) (A. Gray) Fernald Photo: Kenneth J. Sytsma USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region April 2003 Jan Schultz 2727 N Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI 49829 906-786-4062 This Conservation Assessment was prepared to compile the published and unpublished information on Malaxis brachypoda (A. Gray) Fernald. This is an administrative study only and does not represent a management decision or direction by the U.S. Forest Service. Though the best scientific information available was gathered and reported in preparation for this document and subsequently reviewed by subject experts, it is expected that new information will arise. In the spirit of continuous learning and adaptive management, if the reader has information that will assist in conserving the subject taxon, please contact: Eastern Region, USDA Forest Service, Threatened and Endangered Species Program, 310 Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203. Conservation Assessment for White Adder’s Mouth Orchid (Malaxis Brachypoda) (A. Gray) Fernald 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..............................................................................................................2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................3
    [Show full text]
  • 4 Linda Courter Revised Research Plan October 27, 2003 Physaria
    Genetic Structure & Assessment of the ~h )--- I OSMP Studies tl Courter. Linda ~~~~~/~\[// Linda Courter /1 4 Revised Research Plan Genetic structure, and assessment of the threat from hybridization in the Colorado endemic Physaria bellii (Bell's Twinpod) October 27, 2003 Physaria bellii Mulligan (Bell's Twinpod) is a Colorado endemic which has been classified as I "imperiled" due to rarity (G2 S2) by the Natural Heritage Program ranking system (Colorado Natural I Heritage Program (CNW) 1999). Physaria bellii is a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family) and I is a self-incompatible perennial (Mulligan 1966a). It occurs on open shale and sandstone washes of the t Niobrara and Pierre formations in Larimer, Boulder and Jefferson Counties. These formations occur in the foothills of the Front Range, and the plant is found between 5,200' and 5,800' elevation (CNHP Physaria bellii has probably never been common due to its particular habitat preferences, although most populations are currently considered relatively stable. On the other hand, P. bellii faces t threats which include habitat fragmentation, competition fiom exotic species, grazing and potential hybridization with a closely related congener. Although some ecological studies have been conducted (Supples 200 1, Jennings 1989, Popp 1983, and Peterson and Harmon 1981), there are two important I I areas of research that have yet to be addressed. First, because P. bellii is a narrowly-distributed endemic, there is a need to study the genetic variation present in this species and how that variation is distributed within and among populations to determine their relative health. Secondly, because there have been reports of P.
    [Show full text]
  • Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Strategy
    Plants have too long been hidden in plain sight. The prospect of continued threats to the nation’s plant life, coupled with the large proportion of the flora already at risk, argues that now is the time to bring plants out from COLO R A D O RA R E P L A nt the background, and to put the conservation needs of our nation’s flora COnsERVATION StrATEgy squarely into view. -Stein and Gravuer, NatureServe, 2008 Printed on recycled paper. BY: THE RARE PLAnt COnsERVATION InITIATIVE | MAY 2009 Plants are essential to both wildlife and humans through provision of key services such as food, shelter, fiber, and medicine ... protecting our wild flora goes to the heart of the human condition. Yet without focused conservation attention to the growing plight of the nation’s plant species, we are at risk of losing significant portions of our wild heritage, and the ecological resilience that comes with that diversity. -Stein and Gravuer, NatureServe, 2008 North Park phacelia © Frank Weston RECOMMENDED CITATION Neely, B., S. Panjabi, E. Lane, P. Lewis, C. Dawson, A. Kratz, B. Kurzel, T. Hogan, J. Handwerk, S. Krishnan, J. Neale, and N. Ripley. 2009. Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Strategy. Developed by the Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative. The Nature Conservancy, Boulder, Colorado. 117 pp. AUTHORS Carol Dawson, Bureau of Land Management Jill Handwerk, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Tim Hogan, University of Colorado Herbarium Andrew Kratz, U.S. Forest Service Sarada Krishnan, Colorado Native Plant Society and Denver Botanic Gardens Brian Kurzel, Colorado Natural Areas Program Eric Lane, Colorado Department of Agriculture Paige Lewis, The Nature Conservancy Jennifer Neale, Denver Botanic Gardens Betsy Neely, The Nature Conservancy Susan Spackman Panjabi, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Nicola Ripley, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens COLORADO RARE PLANT CONSERVATION INITIATIVE MEMBERS David Anderson, Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Rob Billerbeck, Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) Leo P.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountain Region
    Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountain Region (VERSION 3) NEIL SNOW Herbarium Pacificum Bernice P. Bishop Museum 1525 Bernice Street Honolulu, HI 96817 [email protected] Suggested citation: Snow, N. 2009. Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountain Region (Version 3). 316 pp. Retrievable from the Colorado Native Plant Society (http://www.conps.org/plant_lists.html). The author retains the rights irrespective of its electronic posting. Please circulate freely. 1 Snow, N. January 2009. Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountain Region. (Version 3). Dedication To all who work on behalf of the conservation of species and ecosystems. Abbreviated Table of Contents Fern Allies and Ferns.........................................................................................................12 Gymnopserms ....................................................................................................................19 Angiosperms ......................................................................................................................21 Amaranthaceae ............................................................................................................23 Apiaceae ......................................................................................................................31 Asteraceae....................................................................................................................38 Boraginaceae ...............................................................................................................98
    [Show full text]
  • Criteria for Designating Plant Species of Special Concern and Significant Natural Communities
    Criteria for Designating Plant Species of Special Concern and Significant Natural Communities As described in the recently updated Goals and Policies of the Environmental Resources Elements (the ERE) of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, Species of Special Concern include the flora and fauna in the county whose populations may be threatened or endangered, locally rare, experiencing long-term non-cyclical population declines, isolated or restricted to distinct local habitat types, or native species which have ceased to exist within Boulder County. As provided for in Goal B.2 of the ERE, the Boulder County Species of Special Concern List (SSC List) includes this compilation of rare plants and significant natural communities of special status that warrant protection in order to prevent population or habitat loss. The list was developed through consultation with botany and plant ecology professionals in federal, state, and local governmental agencies, non- governmental conservation organizations, local universities, and private consultants, as well as Boulder County conservation experts. The majority of species and communities appearing on this list are recognized by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). CNHP is a non-profit organization sponsored by Colorado State University that tracks and ranks Colorado’s rare and imperiled species and habitats. The list comprises species CNHP ranks as critically imperiled, imperiled, or vulnerable to extirpation globally (G1-G3) or statewide (S1-S3). Species ranked as more secure or secure (G4-G5, S4-S5) are excluded from the list. The SSC List is intended to comprehensively document Boulder County species and communities as they exist today. To be listed on the SSC List, a species/community must meet at least one of the required or two or more of the conditional criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of Physaria Saximontana Var. Saximontana (Rocky Mountain Twinpod) in Central Wyoming
    Status of Physaria saximontana var. saximontana (Rocky Mountain Twinpod) in Central Wyoming, Fremont, Hot Springs, and Park counties Prepared for the Bureau of Land Management – State Office, Lander and Worland Field Offices By Bonnie Heidel Wyoming Natural Diversity Database Dept. 3381, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 6 June 2014 Cooperative Agreement No. L12AC20036 ABSTRACT Systematic surveys of Physaria saximontana var. saximontana (Rocky Mountain twinpod) were conducted in Fremont, Hot Springs and Park counties, central Wyoming of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lander and Worland Field Offices. The taxon is a state endemic that is now known from 32 occurrences in three counties. Three very extensive occurrences are in Fremont County. Two records from two additional counties remain unresolved and the phenomenon of sympatry between species also warrants work. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Victoria Pennington, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) helped conduct Physaria saximontana var. saximontana field surveys, contributed many preparations for 2013 field surveys, and helped in all facets of compiling results. Consultation with Dr. Steve O’Kane is acknowledged with thanks. The Rocky Mountain Herbarium facility (University of Wyoming) and personnel are integral to this and all species studies. Specimens and photos were taken by Rosemary Grinnan and the availability of those specimens was made possible by Tanya Skurski, BLM Lander Field Office, contributing to this study. The support and interest of Adrienne Pilmanis in the BLM Wyoming Office and colleagues in BLM Lander and Worland field offices is greatly appreciated. This work built on the extensive collecting of earlier WYNDD botanists including Hollis Marriott and Walter Fertig.
    [Show full text]
  • Nuclear DNA Amounts in Angiosperms: Targets, Trends and Tomorrow
    Annals of Botany Page 1 of 124 doi:10.1093/aob/mcq258, available online at www.aob.oxfordjournals.org Nuclear DNA amounts in angiosperms: targets, trends and tomorrow M. D. Bennett* and I. J. Leitch Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK * For correspondence. E-mail: [email protected] Received: 25 August 2010 Returned for revision: 18 October 2010 Accepted: 24 November 2010 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 Extending the range of genome sizes encountered in angiosperms 3 The need for reference lists 4 TARGETS IN GENOME SIZE RESEARCH 4 Downloaded from Meeting targets for species representation 4 Progress towards targets for familial representation 5 Improved systematic representation for genera 6 Improved representation of other groups 6 TRENDS IN TECHNIQUES USED TO ESTIMATE GENOME SIZE 7 The rise in flow cytometry as the technique of choice for genome size estimations 7 http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/ Development of different isolation buffers for flow cytometry 7 The application of flow cytometry to plant systematics 8 Recent developments in the application of flow cytometry to genome size studies 8 (i) The use of seeds 8 (ii) Ease of access to methodological data 8 (iii) New equipment 8 Are there any new techniques for estimating genome size on the horizon? 9 (i) Can real time PCR be used for estimating plant genome sizes? 9 (ii) Will ‘complete’ genome sequencing give useable genome size estimates? 9 TOMORROW 13 at NIH Library on December 30, 2015 Uncovering and collating genome size data from diverse published sources 14 Screening ex situ and in situ collections as sources of target taxa 15 DEDICATION 15 LITERATURE CITED 16 APPENDIX 19 Notes to the Appendix 19 Original references for DNA values 121 † Background and Aims The amount of DNA in an unreplicated gametic chromosome complement is known as the C-value and is a key biodiversity character of fundamental significance with many practical and predictive uses.
    [Show full text]
  • Reynolds Colostate 0053A 15621.Pdf (2.999Mb)
    DISSERTATION ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SELENIUM HYPERACCUMULATION ON PLANT COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SELENIUM CYCLING Submitted by Ray Jason Bixler Reynolds Department of Biology In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Summer 2019 Doctoral Committee: Advisor: Elizabeth Pilon-Smits David Steingraeber Joseph von Fischer Mark Paschke Copyright by Ray Jason Bixler Reynolds All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SELENIUM HYPERACCUMULATION ON PLANT COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SELENIUM CYCLING Areas of high selenium (Se) in soils of the Western United States harbor plant species with the capacity to tolerate and then benefit from Se at very high concentrations (1,000-15,000 mg Se/kg dry weight (DW)). The main form of Se in these 2- soils is SeO4 (selenate). Its solubility and chemical similarity to sulfate (a plant nutrient) lead plants to take up and assimilate selenate via sulfate transporters and assimilatory enzymes. Selenium is not essential for plants, but can be beneficial at tissue levels below 5 mg Se/kg DW, by reducing oxidative stress. At elevated tissue concentration, Se accumulation can lead to detrimental effects. The levels at which plants begin to experience negative effects from Se is species-dependent and extremely variable, even between and within populations. The fact that hyperaccumulators contain high levels of a potentially toxic element may have a large effect on their interactions with their community. The central questions in my research were: How does the presence of hyperaccumulators, as repositories and cyclers of Se, affect their plant community, and how may hyperaccumulators affect Se cycling in their local environment and at larger scales? Understanding how Se hyperaccumulators affect their ecological partners and local Se cycling may serve as a model for how other types of hyperaccumulators are affecting community assembly and elemental cycling in their ecosystems.
    [Show full text]