Sensitive and Conservation Plant Species Winn Range

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Botanical Report for Herbicide Release for Longleaf Pine Plantations 2013: Sensitive and Conservation Plant Species

Winn Ranger District Kisatchie National Forest Southern Region USDA Forest Service

Proposed Actions: Herbicide release on 535 acres in 17 separate stands of young longleaf pine trees.

Contact Person: David Moore Forest Botanist, Kisatchie National Forest 2500 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA (318) 473-7016 [email protected]

Abstract. The Winn RD is proposing an herbicide release project in 17 longleaf pine plantations encompassing 535 acres. The herbicides proposed for use are triclopyr, imazapyr, and glyphosate. The herbicides will be applied as per label instructions, and by following Forest Service regulations and guidelines. This treatment should kill the competing understory and release the newly-planted longleaf pine trees. This action will also prevent further or future damage to trees after applications have been completed. Surveys were conducted by Moore on September 20, September 21, October 17, October 19, 2012, Nov. 8, 2012, Dec. 6, 2012 and Dec. 12, 2012. No sensitive or conservation plant species were found. No significant populations of non-native invasive species (NNIS) were found. It is expected that none of the 81 sensitive or conservation plant species on the Kisatchie National Forest will occur in the project area, and no trend towards federal listing or a loss of viability is expected to result from the proposed actions.

Introduction and Proposed Management Actions

This botanical report considers the effects of herbicide release in 17 longleaf pine plantations on the Winn Ranger District, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana. Sensitive Plant Species are identified on the USFS Region 8 Intranet, at http://fsweb.r8.fs.fed.us/nr/fwr/PETS_FSWeb/ref/fs/080701_rfss_fsweb.xls. Conservation plant species are identified under the the1999 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (below called the ―Forest Plan‖) for the Kisatchie National Forest (NF).

Moore performed surveys for TESC plant species and their habitats in select stands that comprise the project area (Table 1) on September 20, September 21, October 17, October 19, 2012, Nov. 8, 2012, Dec. 6, 2012 and Dec. 12, 2012. Forest Service direction relevant to this project

1 includes the 1999 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) for the Kisatchie NF, the Environmental Impact Statement for the 1999 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, and Forest Service Manual (FSM) section 2670.32. The Forest Plan has guidelines regarding such habitats as bogs, bayhead swamps, calcareous prairies, calcareous streamside forest, glades, and barrens in Forest Wide (FW) standards and guidelines FW-677 through FW- 700 on pages 2-57 through 2-60.

Table 1. Stands that comprise the Project Area. Road#/ Miles/ Cmpt Activity** Stand# Acres 4 6 26 Herbicide Release 10 9 18 Herbicide Release 22 19 58 Herbicide Release 23 30 16 Herbicide Release 28 25 25 Herbicide Release 33 10 36 Herbicide Release 36 27 33 Herbicide Release 48 27 34 Herbicide Release 61 10 17 Herbicide Release 63 23 17 Herbicide Release 64 22 29 Herbicide Release 65 12 30 Herbicide Release 68 28 77 Herbicide Release 68 31 32 Herbicide Release 69 1 10 Herbicide Release 79 2 43 Herbicide Release 115 42 34 Herbicide Release

The forest plan also divides the Kisatchie NF into different sub-management areas, which, much like a city’s zoning plan, emphasize different goals in each sub-management area.

This botanical report will consider which sensitive or conservation plant species may be present in the project area based on their habitat requirements, which conservation plant species have been found in the project area, and which conservation plant species will be excluded from further consideration based on a lack of appropriate habitat. The effects of the proposed actions on those plant species retained for further consideration will be evaluated and a determination of effects provided.

Consultation history

No consultation with other agencies occurred with regard to plant surveys because no threatened or endangered plants are known to occur on the Kisatchie NF and the project is occurring exclusively on Forest Service land.

Conservation plant species considered and plant species evaluated

A. General Considerations

2 The conservation plant species are taken from Table 3-7 of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Forest Plan. Not all of the species on this list have suitable habitat within the project area, or they may be found in habitats that may be present, but are prohibited from disturbance under the Forest Plan. With regard to the latter, it is important to note that the Forest Plan prohibits most activities that would disturb the land within 50 feet of a stream (this zone is known as a streamside habitat protection zone or SHPZ), including timber production, regeneration by clearcutting, seed-tree, or shelterwood, salvage of single or double trees, mechanical site preparation, log decks or landings, and extraction of common variety minerals (Forest Wide standards FW-510 and FW-511 on page 2-43 of the Forest Plan.

An important consideration for determining which plant species to consider further is their habitat requirements. Plants whose habitats are not found in the project area do not need to be considered further. Different authors have used different terms to describe the same habitats, which can cause confusion. To make the terminology more uniform, the habitat terms used below are taken from the habitat types recognized by the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program, in particular the terms used in their surveys of the Kisatchie National Forest, such as Martin and Smith (1991).

Table 2 below indicates which of the species considered were excluded from further analysis and the reasons for their exclusion. In the sections below the effects of the proposed project on the species that were not excluded will be evaluated.

Table 2. Sensitive and Conservation plant species, their habitats, and whether or not these species are retained for further consideration. Considered Scientific name Common name Status Habitats found in further?

Mixed hardwood/loblolly forest, small Amsonia ludoviciana Vail Louisiana bluestar S No stream forest

Andropodon liebmannii Mohr’s bluestem C Western upland longleaf pine forest No Hack.1

Narrow-leaved Asclepias stenophylla Gray C Cook Mountain/ Jackson Calcareous Priarie No milkweed Black-stemmed Asplenium resiliens L. C Limestone outcrops No spleenwort

Asplenium trichomanes L. Maidenhair spleenwort C Limestone outcrops No

Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt. var. trichocalyx (Nutt.) Ground-plum C Cook Mountain/ Jackson Calcareous Priarie No Barneby Astragalus soxmaniorum Soxman's milkvetch C Western xeric sandhills Yes Lundell

1 Andropogon liebmannii is now referred to as Andropogon mohri (Hachk.) Hack. Ex. Vases according to the USDA Plants database at http://plants.usda.gov

3 Burmannia biflora L. Northern burmannia C Forested Seep, Bayhead Swamp No

Calopogon barbatus (Walt.) Bearded grass-pink C Western Hillside Seepage Bog No Ames Calopogon oklahomensis Oklahoma grasspink C Western Hillside Seepage Bog No D.H. Goldman Camassia scilloides (Raf.) Wild hyacinth C Calcareous Forest No Cory

Carex decomposita Muhl. Epiphytic sedge S/C Baldcypress Swamp, Bayhead Swamp No

Cook Mountain/ Jackson Calcareous Prairie, Carex meadii Dewey Mead’s sedge C No Coastal Prairie

Carex microdonta Torr. & Cook Mountain/ Jackson Calcareous Prairie, Small-toothed sedge C No Hook Coastal Prairie

Carex stricta Lam. Tussock sedge C Small stream forest No

Ceanothus herbaceous Raf. Prairie redroot C Cook Moutain/ Jackson calcareous prairie No Cheilanthes alabamensis Alabama lip-fern C Limestone Outcrop No (Buckl.) Kunzes Cheilanthes lanosa (Michx.) Sandstone outcrops in Western Upland Hairy lip-fern C No D. C. Eaton Longleaf Forest

Cyperus grayioides Mohlenbrock's S Sandy woodland Yes Mohlenbr. Umbrella-sedge

Cypripedium kentuckiense Southern Lady's Bottomland forest, Hardwood slope forest, S No C.F. Reed slipper Mixed hardwood/loblolly forest

Hardwood Slope Forest, Mixed Hardwood- Dodecatheon meadia L. Shooting star C No Loblolly Forest, Calcareous Forest

Draba cuneifolia Nutt. ex T. Wedge-leaved Western xeric sandhill, Calcareous Prairie, C Yes & G. Whitlow grass Cheniers Echinacea purpurea (L.) Purple coneflower C Calcareous prairie, Calcareous forest No Moench Long-leaved wild Eriogonum longifolium Nutt. C Western xeric sandhills Yes buckwheat Euphorbia discoidalis Summer Spurge S Mixed Harwood-Loblolly Forest No Chapm. Mixed Harwood-Loblolly Forest, Hardwood Geranium maculatum L. Wild geranium C No Slope Forest

Hedyotis purpurea L. var. Purple bluet C Cook Mountain/ Jackson calcareous prairies No calycosa Gray

Heliotropium tenellum (Nutt.) Cook Mountain/ Jackson calcareous prairie, Slender heliotrope C No Torr.2 beech ridges with shelly-sand substrate

2 This taxa is incorrectly referred to as Lithospermum tenellum (Nutt.) Torr. in the Environmental Impact Statement to the 1999 Forest Land Management and Resource plan for the Kisatchie NF.

4 Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Mixed Hardwood-Loblolly Forest, Crested coral-root C No Barnh. Calcareous Forest, Hardwood Slope Forest Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) June grass C Calcareous Prairie No Schult.

Lachnocaulon digynum Western hillside seepage bog, pine flatwoods Pineland bogbutton S No Koern. Bayhead swamp

Jackson calcareous prairie, Western upland Liatris tenuis Shinners Slender gay feather S No longleaf pine forest, Sandy woodland Lyonia mariana (L.) D. Don Staggerbush C Mixed Hardwood-Loblolly No

Marshallia trinervia (Walter) Broadleaf Barbara's S Small stream forest No Trel. buttons

Mayaca aubletii Michx. Bog moss C Bayhead swamp No

Shortleaf Pine-Oak-Hickory Forest, Mixed Monotropa hypopithys L. American pinesap C No Hardwood-Loblolly Forest

Orobanche unfilora L. Broomrape C Western upland longleaf pine forest No

Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Nodding clubmoss C Wet depressions and ditches in pinelands No Vasconcellos & Franco3

Panicum flexile (Gatt.) Scrib. Wiry witch grass C Calcareous prairie No

Panicum rigidulum Nees var. Comb’s redtop panic combsii (Scribn. & Ball) C Western upland longleaf pine forest No grass Lelong

Panicum strigosum Muhl. Var. leucoblepharis (Trin.) Roughhair panic grass C Pine flatwoods, savannahs, and bogs No Lelong4

Largeleaf Grass of Parnassia grandifolia DC C Western hillside seepage bog No Parnassus

Paronychia drummondii T. & Drummond’s nailwort C Western xeric sandhill Yes G. Pellaea atropurpurea (L.) Purple cliff-brake fern C Limestone rock outcrop No Link

Penstemon murrayanus Cupleaf beardtongue C Western xeric sandhill Yes Hook.

Phacelia strictiflora (Engelm. Robbin’s phacelia C Western xeric sandhill Yes & Gray) Gray

3 This taxon is referred to as Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pichi Sermolli var. cernua according to the Plants Database (USDA NRCS 2011), at: http://plants.usda.gov/.

4 This taxon is now known as Dichanthelium strigosum (Muhl. ex Ell.) Freckmann ssp. leucoblepharis (Trin.) Lelong according to Allen, Newman, and Winters (2004).

5 Platanthera blephariglottis White-fringed orchid C Eastern Longleaf Flatwoods Savannah No (Willd.) Lindl.

Platanthera integra (Nutt.) A. Yellow fringeless Western hillside seepage bog, Pine S No Gray ex Beck orchid flatwoods

Polanisia erosa (Nutt.) Iltis Clammy weed C Western xeric sandhill Yes

Polygonella americana Southern jointweed C Western xeric sandhill Yes (Fisch. & Mey.) Small

Polygonella polygama October jointweed C Western xeric sandhill Yes (Vent.) Engelm. & Gray

Bottomland forest, Small stream forest, Prenanthes barbata (Torr. & Barbed rattlesnakeroot S Hardwood slope forest, Mixed hardwood- No A. Gray) Milstead loblolly pine forest

Psilocarya scirpoides (Vahl) Shortbeak baldsedge C Margins of lakes and ponds, ditches No Wood5

Psoralea subulata Bush6 Awl-shaped scurf-pea C Western upland longleaf pine forest No

Pteroglossaspis ecristata (Fernald) Rolfe (=Eulophia Giant Orchid S Western upland longleaf pine forest. No ecristata)

Rhynchospora macra (C.B. Western hillside seepage bog, Pine Large beakrush S No Clarke ex Britton) Small flatwoods

Rhynchospora miliacea Bald Cypress Swamps, Blackgum Swamps, Millet beakrush C No (Lam.) Gray Bayheads, Forested seeps

Rudbeckia scabrifolia L.E. Western hillside seepage bog, Bayhead Sabine coneflower S No Brown swamp

Bottomland forest, Small stream forest, Schisandra glabra (E.P. Bay starvine S Hardwood slope forest, Mixed No Bicknell) Rehder hardwood/loblolly forest

Schoenolirion wrightii Texas sunnybell S Sandstone glade No Sherman

Selaginella arenicola ssp. Western xeric sandhill, riddellii (Van Eselt.) R. Riddell’s spikemoss C Yes Sandstone Glade Tyron

Transition zone from upland longleaf forest, Silene subciliata B.L. Rob. Scarlet Catchfly S or from sandhill, to small stream forest or Yes bayhead swamp

5 This taxon is now known as Rhynchospora scirpoides (Torr.) Gray according to NatureServe Explorer at: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/.

6 This taxon is now referred to as Pediomelum hypogaeum (Nutt ex. Torr & Gray) Rydb.var. subulatum (Bush) J. Grimes according to the Plants Database (USDA NRCS 2011), at: http://plants.usda.gov/.

6 Smilacina racemosa (L.) Moist deciduous woods, shady woods in False Solomon’s seal C No Desf. moist rich soil

Spartina pectinata Link Prairie cordgrass C Wet saline prairie No

Giant spiral ladies’- Pine flatwoods, Jackson calcareous prairie, Spiranthes longilabris Lindl. S No tresses Western upland longleaf pine forest Spiranthes magnicamporum Great Plains ladies’- C Calcareous prairie No Sheviak tresses

Sporobolus ozarkanus Fern.7 Ozark dropseed C Prairies & disturbed sites No

Taenidia integerrima (L.) Yellow pimpernel C Calcareous Forest No Drude Calyciphilic flame Talinum calycinum Engelm.8 C Glades No flower Small-flowered flame Talinum parviflorum Nutt.9 C Sandstone glade, Saline Prairie No flower Tetragonotheca ludoviciana Western xeric sandhill , Western upland Louisiana squarehead C No (T. & G.) Gray longleaf pine forest

Shortleaf pine/ oak-hickory forest, Mixed Tridens carolinianus (Steud.) Carolina fluffgrass S hardwood/loblolly forest, Western upland No Henr. longleaf pine forest

No good habitat description known – dry or Triosteum perfoliatum L. Feverwort C No open woods

Baldcypress Swamp, Bottomland Forest, Triphora trianthophora (Sw.) Nodding pogonia C Small Stream Forest, Hardwood Slope No Rydb. Forest

Uvularia sessilifolia L. Sessile-leaved bellwort C Bayhead Swamp, Forested Seep No

Verbesina walteri Shinners Carolina crownbeard S Small stream forest No

Xanthorhiza simplicissima Yellowroot C Small stream Forest No Marsh.

Drummond's Xyris drummondii Malme S Western hillside seepage bog, pine flatwoods No yelloweyed grass

Xyris louisianica Bridges & Louisiana yellow-eyed Western hillside seepage bog, Pine S No Orzell grass flatwoods

Harper's yelloweyed Xyris scabrifolia Harper S Western hillside seepage bog, pine flatwoods No grass

7 This taxon is now known as Sporpbulus vaginiflorus (Torr.) Wood var. orzarkanus (Fern.) Shinners, according to Allen, Newman, and Winters (2004).

8 This taxon is now known as Phemeranthus calycinus (Engelm.) Kiger according to the Plants Database (USDA NRCS 2011), at: http://plants.usda.gov/.

9 This taxon is now known as Phemeranthus parviflorus (Nutt.) Kigger according to the Plants Database (USDA NRCS 2011), at: http://plants.usda.gov/.

7 Pineland yellow-eyed Western hillside seepage bog, Eastern Xyris stricta Chapm. C No grass Longleaf Flatwoods Savannah

Zigadenus densus (Desr.) Black snakeroot C Western Hillside Seepage Bog No Fern.

Zornia bracteata (Walt.) Western xeric sandhill, Eastern Xeric Viperina C Yes Gmel. Longleaf Pine.

B. Why some species were not retained for further analysis.

68 Sensitive or Conservation plant species were excluded from further analysis. The reasons for their exclusions are given below.

1. Amsonia ludoviciana Vail is excluded from further consideration because consideration because its habitats, pine flatwoods, small-stream riparian forests, and higher-position bottomland forests, do not occur within the project area.

2. Andropodon liebmannii Hack. is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

3. Asclepias stenophylla Gray is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairies, does not occur within the project area.

4. Asplenium resiliens L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, limestone outcrops, does not occur within the project area.

5. Asplenium trichomanes L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, limestone outcrops, does not occur within the project area.

6. Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairies, does not occur within the project area.

7. Burmannia biflora L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, forested seeps and bayhead swamps, do not occur within the immediate project area.

8. Calopogon barbatus (Walt.) Ames is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Western hillside seepage bog, does not occur within the project area.

9. Calopogon oklahomensis D.H. Goldman is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Western hillside seepage bog, does not occur within the project area.

10. Camassia scilloides (Raf.) Cory Wild is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Shortleaf Pine Oak-Hickory Forest on calcareous clay soils, does not occur within the project area.

8 11. Carex decomposita Muhl. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, bayhead swamp, does not occur within the project area.

12. Carex meadii Dewey is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Cook Mountain/Jackson calcareous prairie and coastal prairie, do not occur within the immediate project area.

13. Carex microdonta Torr. & Hook is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, calcareous prairie and coastal prairie , do not occur within the immediate project area.

14. Carex stricta Lam. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, small stream forest, does not occur within the project area.

15. Ceanothus herbaceus Raf. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairie, does not occur within the project area.

16. Cheilanthes alabamensis (Buckl.) Kunzes is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, limestone rock outcrops, does not occur within the immediate project area.

17. Cheilanthes lanosa (Michx.) D. C. Eaton is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, sandstone outcrops, does not occur within the immediate project area.

18. Cypripedium kentuckiense C.F. Reed is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, bottomland forest, hardwood slope forest, and mixed hardwood/loblolly forest, does not occur within the immediate project area.

19. Dodecatheon meadia L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Shortleaf Pine Oak-Hickory Forest on calcareous, clay soils, does not occur within the immediate project area.

20. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, calcareous prairies and forest, do not occur within the immediate project area.

21. Geranium maculatum L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Shortleaf Pine Oak-Hickory Forest on calcareous, clay soils, does not occur within the immediate project area.

22. Hedyotis purpurea L. var. calycosa Gray is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairie, does not occur within the project area.

23. Heliotropium tenellum (Nutt.) Torr. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous substrates, does not occur within the immediate project area..

24. Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairie, does not occur within the immediate project area.

9 25. Lachnocaulon digynum Koern. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog and pine flatwoods, Western hillside seepage bog, and bayhead swamp, do not occur within the immediate project area.

26. Liatris tenuis Shinners is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

27. Lyonia mariana (L.) D. Don is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Shortleaf Pine Oak-Hickory Forest on calcareous, clay soils, does not occur within the immediate project area.

28. Marshallia trinervia (Walter) Trel. is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

29. Mayaca aubletii Michx. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, bayhead swamp, does not occur within the immediate project area.

30. Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Vasconcellos is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, hillside seepage bogs, does not occur within the immediate project area.

31. Panicum flexile (Gatt.) Scrib. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairie, does not occur within the immediate project area.

32. Panicum rigidulum Nees var. combsii (Scribn. & Ball) Lelong is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

33. Panicum strigosum Muhl. Var. leucoblepharis (Trin.) is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, pine flatwoods, savannahs, and bogs, do not occur within the immediate project area.

34. Parnassia grandifolia DC is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Western hillside seepage bog, does not occur within the immediate project area.

35. Pellaea atropurpurea (L.) Link is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, limestone outcrops, does not occur within the immediate project area.

36. Platanthera blephartiglottis (Willd.) Lindl. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Eastern longleaf flatwoods savannah, does not occur within the immediate project area.

37. Platanthera integra (Nutt.) A. Gray ex Beck is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Western hillside seepage bog, does not occur within the immediate project area.

38. Prenanthes barbata (Torr. & A. Gray) Milstead is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

10 39. Psilocarya scirpoides (Vahl) Wood is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

40. Psoralea subulata Bush is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

41. Pteroglossaspis ecristata (Fernald) Rolfe is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

42. Rhynchospora macra (C.B. Clarke ex Britton) Small is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog, and Pine flatwoods, do not occur within the immediate project area.

43. Rhynchospora miliacea (Lam.) Gray is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, bayhead swamps and forested seeps, do not occur within the immediate project area.

44. Rudbeckia scabrifolia L.E. Brown is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog and pine flatwoods, do not occur within the immediate project area.

45. Schisandra glabra (E.P. Bicknell) Rehder is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range for this species.

46. Schoenolirion wrightii Sherman is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, sandstone glades, does not occur within the immediate project area.

47. Silene subciliata B.L. Rob. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, transition zone from upland longleaf forest, or from sandhill, to small stream forest or bayhead swamp, do not occur within the immediate project area.

48. Smilacina racemosa (L.) Desf. is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

49. Spartina pectinata Link is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, wet saline prairie, does not occur within the immediate project area.

50. Spiranthes longilabris Lindl. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, pine flatwoods, Jackson calcareous prairie, and Western upland longleaf pine forest, do not occur within the immediate project area.

51. Spiranthes magnicamporum Sheviak is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairies, does not occur within the immediate project area.

52. Sporobolus ozarkanus Fern. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous prairies, does not occur within the immediate project area.

11 53. Taenidia integerrima (L.) Drude Sheviak is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, calcareous forest, does not occur within the immediate project area.

54. Talinum calycinum Engelm. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, sandstone glades, does not occur within the immediate project area.

55. Talinum parviflorum Nutt. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, sandstone glades, does not occur within the immediate project area.

56. Tetragonotheca ludoviciana (T. & G.) Gray is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

57. Tridens carolinianus (Steud.) Henr. is excluded from further analysis because the project area is outside the known range of this species.

58. Tridens carolinianus (Steud.) Henr. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western upland longleaf pine forest, do not occur within the immediate project area.

59. Triosteum perfoliatum L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, hardwood slope forests on calcareous soils, does not occur within the immediate project area.

60. Triphora trianthophora (Sw.) Rydb. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, baldcypress swamp and hardwood slope forest, do not occur within the immediate project area.

61. Uvularia sessilifolia L. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, bayhead swamps and forested seeps, do not occur within the immediate project area.

62. Verbesina walteri Shinners is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the range of this species.

63. Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marsh. is excluded from further consideration because the project area is outside the range of this species.

64. Xyris drummondii Malme is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog and pine flatwoods, do not occur within the immediate project area.

65. Xyris louisianica Bridges & Orzell is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog and pine flatwoods, do not occur within the immediate project area.

66. Xyris scabrifolia Harper is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside seepage bog and pine flatwoods, do not occur within the immediate project area.

12 67. Xyris stricta Chapm. is excluded from further consideration because its habitats, Western hillside bog and Eastern longleaf flatwoods savannah, do not occur within the immediate project area.

68. Zigadenus densus (Desr.) Fern. is excluded from further consideration because its habitat, Western hillside seepage bog, does not occur within the immediate project area.

Evaluated Species Survey Information

A. General Considerations

Sources consulted include Martin and Smith (1991) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer files (―layers‖) on rare plant occurrences and plant habitats maintained by the Kisatchie National Forest.

SURVEYS

Moore performed surveys for TESC plant species and their habitats in the project area on September 20, September 21, October 17, October 19, 2012, Nov. 8, 2012, Dec. 6, 2012 and Dec. 12, 2012. He used Digital Ortho Quarter Quads (DOQQs), which are aerial photographs digitized and projected for use with GIS files, as well as Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs), which are topographic maps, to survey the pertinent stands. No TESC plant species were found during this survey.

EFFECTS TO SENSITIVE AND CONSERVATION PLANTS

1. Astragalus soxmaniorum Lundell

Soxman’s milkvetch (Astragalus soxmaniorum) is a short-lived, perennial herb that blooms from March to April. It grows in xeric sandhills, abandoned fields, and roadsides, and populations on the KNF have been found in sandy woodlands. Soxman’s milkvetch has a narrow range, having been found in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. It has recorded occurrences in four Louisiana parishes. There are two records of this species on the Forest, both at the Winn Ranger District.

Soxman’s milkvetch was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Soxman’s milkvetch may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Soxman’s milkvetch may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

2. Cyperus grayioides Mohlenbr.

Mohlenbrock’s umbrella sedge (Cyperus grayoides) is an herbaceous perennial that blooms and fruits from May to August. This species grows in deep, sandy soils in areas that are subject to regular disturbance, including sandy woodlands, prairies, and dunes (Yatskievytch 1999). In Louisiana, this plant has been found growing in Xeric Sandhill and in Xeric Upland Longleaf Pine Forest.

Mohlenbrock’s umbrella sedge has recorded occurrences in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. It has been found in five Louisiana parishes. This plant has twenty-five recorded occurrences on the KNF, fourteen of them on the Winn RD, ten on the Kisatchie RD, and one on the Calcasieu RD. This species is threatened mainly by a loss of natural wind and fire disturbance. Planting of vegetation for windbreaks and lack of fire allows the encroachment of shrubs and other weedy species in its habitat. While grazing by native ungulates benefits this species, grazing by domesticated animals appears to harm it. Other threats include conversion of land to agriculture and residential development.

Mohlenbrock’s umbrella sedge was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Mohlenbrock’s umbrella sedge may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Mohlenbrock’s umbrella sedge may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the

14 project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

3. Draba cuneifolia Nutt. ex T. & G.

Wedge-leaf whitlow grass (Draba cuneifolia) is a small annual herb that blooms from February to March and bears fruit from March to July. It tends to grow in sandy or gravelly soils, usually calcareous, and is also found in prairies (Diggs et al. 1999). This species has been found in Xeric Sandhill and Calcareous Prairie in Louisiana. Wedge-leaf whitlow grass is widespread in the continental US. In Louisiana, this plant is rare, with recorded occurrences in only four parishes. There is one historic occurrence of this species on the Winn RD in gravelly soil near a stream. Shading due to woody encroachment may be a threat to this species.

Wedge-leaf whitlow grass was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, wedge-leaf whitlow grass may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, wedge-leaf whitlow grass may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

4. Eriogonum longifolium Nutt.

Long-leaved wild buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium) is a tall, perennial herb that flowers from June to August (Diggs et al. 1999). It grows in dry, usually sandy soils, but can also be found growing in calcareous clay soils. This plant has been found in Xeric Sandhill in Louisiana. Long-leaved wild buckwheat’s range is primarily in the lower two-thirds of states in the central US, but also includes Florida. It has been recorded in four Louisiana parishes. There are three known occurrences of this species on the KNF, all on the Winn RD.

15 Threats to this species are woody encroachment of its habitat, herbicide use in roadside maintenance, and off road vehicle damage.

Long-leaved wild buckwheat was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, long-leaved wild buckwheat may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, long-leaved wild buckwheat may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

5. Paronychia drummondii T. & G.

Drummond’s nailwort (Paronychia drummondii) is an annual herb that flowers and fruits from May to September (Diggs et al. 1999). It grows in dry, sandy soil in sandy woodlands, roadsides, and clearings (Correll & Johnston 1979). This plant grows in Western Xeric Sandhill in Louisiana, and in xeric sandylands and Sandy Woodlands on the KNF. Drummond’s nailwort has been found in three states in the US—Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. It occurs in five Louisiana parishes. There are ten records of this plant on the KNF, all on the Winn RD Drummond’s nailwort was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Drummond’s nailwort may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Drummond’s nailwort may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

6. Penstemon murrayanus Hook.

Cupleaf beardtongue (Penstemon murrayanus) is a perennial herb that blooms from April to May. It grows in sandy soils in open woods (Correll & Johnston 1979, Diggs et al. 1999). This plant has been found in Western Xeric Sandhill in Louisiana. Cupleaf beardtongue has recorded occurrences in four US states—Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It has been found in three Louisiana parishes. There are three recorded occurrences of cupleaf beardtongue within the boundaries of the Winn RD, two on private land and one on Forest Service land.

Cupleaf beardtongue was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, cupleaf beardtongue may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, cupleaf beardtongue may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

7. Phacelia strictiflora (Engelm. & Gray) Gray

17 Robbin’s phacelia (Phacelia strictiflora var. robbinsii) is an annual herb that blooms from March to May (Correll & Johnston 1979). It grows in sandy soils of woods and fields (Correll & Johnston 1979, Diggs et al. 1999). In Louisiana, this species grows in Western Xeric Sandhill. Robbin’s phacelia has been found in the south central US, ranging from Alabama west to Oklahoma and Texas. It has been recorded in four Louisiana parishes. There are two occurrences of this species on the KNF, both on the Winn RD.

Robbin’s phacelia was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Robbin’s phacelia may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Robbin’s phacelia may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

8. Polanisia erosa (Nutt.) Iltis

Large clammy weed (Polanisia erosa) is an annual herb that flowers and fruits from late May to October. It grows in dry, exposed sandy soils (Diggs et al. 1999, and Hyatt & Moore). In Louisiana this plant has been found in Xeric Sandhill and in Xeric Upland Longleaf Pine Forest. Large clammy weed has a limited range with occurrences in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It has been found in five Louisiana parishes. There are eight recorded occurrences of this plant on the KNF, four on the Kisatchie RD and four on the Winn RD. Large clammy weed was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, large clammy weed may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area,

18 which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, large clammy weed may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

9. Polygonella americana (Fisch. & Mey.) Small

Southern jointweed (Polygonella americana) is a perennial subshrub that flowers from June to September and bears fruit from August to November. It grows in sandhills and other sandy soils along roads and fields, as well as in scrub forests. Southern jointweed is found in most southern states of the US except the far west, from North Carolina to Georgia west to New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, including Missouri. In Louisiana, this plant has been recorded in five parishes. There is one occurrence of this species on the KNF, on private land within the boundaries of the Winn RD.

Southern Jointweed was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Southern Jointweed may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Southern Jointweed may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore,

19 implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

10. Polygonella polygama (Vent.) Engelm. & Gray

Jointweed (Polygonella polygama) is a perennial subshrub that flowers and fruits from June to October. It grows in sandy soils in sandhills and pinelands (Correll & Johnston 1979). In Louisiana this plant has been found in Xeric Sandhill and Xeric Upland Longleaf Pine Forest. Jointweed grows in the southeastern coastal plain states of the US, ranging from Virginia south to Florida, and then west to Texas. This plant is recorded in two Louisiana parishes. There are six occurrences of this species on the Forest, all on the Winn RD.

Jointweed was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Jointweed may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Jointweed may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

11. Selaginella arenicola ssp. riddellii (Van Eselt.) R. Tyron

Riddell’s spikemoss (Selaginella arenicola ssp. riddellii) is mat-forming, perennial herb that produces spores rather than seeds. It grows in open areas in dry, sandy or gravelly soils and on granite outcrops (Diggs et al. 2006). In Lousiana, it has been found in Xeric Sandhill and Sandstone Glade. Most populations on the KNF have are located in sandy woodlands and glades. Riddell’s spikemoss has been found in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. It has recorded occurrences in six Louisiana parishes. There are twenty- two recorded occurrences of this plant on the Forest, eleven each on the Kisatchie and Winn Ranger Districts.

20 Riddell’s spikemoss was not found during field surveys for the project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Riddell’s spikemoss may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Riddell’s spikemoss may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

12. Silene subciliata B.L. Rob.

Louisiana catchfly (Silene subciliata) is perennial herb that flowers and fruits from July to October (Correll & Johnston 1979). It grows in well-drained, sandy soils, usually between fire- maintained upland longleaf pine forests and mesic ravine forests (NatureServe accessed December 16, 2012). In Louisiana it has been found in Longleaf Pine Forest and Sandy Woodland near bogs or streams.

Louisiana catchfly has a small range, occurring only in East Texas and western Louisiana. It has been found in six Louisiana parishes. Two occurrences of this plant are known on the KNF, both at the Calcasieu RD.

Louisiana catchfly was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, Lousiana catchfly may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline

21 significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, Lousiana catchfly may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species.

13. Zornia bracteata (Walt.) Gmel.

Viperina (Zornia bracteata) is a perennial herb that blooms from April to June. It grows in sandy, open woods and in other open, sandy areas (Diggs et al. 1999). In Louisiana, this plant has been found in Western Xeric Sandhill and Eastern Xeric Longleaf Forest. Viperina is endemic to the southeastern coastal plain of the US, ranging from Virginia south to Florida, then west to Texas. It has been found in six Louisiana parishes. There are two recorded occurrences of this plant on the KNF, both on private land within the boundaries of the Winn RD. Viperina was not found during field surveys for this project.

Effects Analysis & Determination of Impacts

If Alternative 1 is implemented, viperina may be affected. There should be no direct effects. Sites with suitable habitat for this species are located in stands managed for longleaf that will be maintained to some extent by continued prescribed burning. There could be adverse indirect effects. Fire alone is not adequate to preserve suitable habitat within the project area, which is overgrown with pines, hardwoods, and brush. There could be adverse cumulative effects. Habitat for this plant is rare and shrinking. It numbers could continue to decline significantly. Therefore, implementation of this alternative is likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability.

If Alternative 2 is implemented, viperina may be affected. There could be adverse direct effects. If plants are present within the project area, they may be damaged or destroyed by herbicide use. There could be both adverse and beneficial indirect effects. Reproduction could be temporarily reduced in injured plants. However, the proposed action would restore and maintain sandy woodland and xeric longleaf pine forest habitat within the project area, thus increasing suitable habitat for this species. There should be beneficial cumulative effects. A substantial amount of suitable habitat for this plant would be improved. Therefore, implementation of this alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability for this species. .

22 SUMMARY OF DETERMINATION OF IMPACTS

Table 3. Summary of Proposed Longleaf Release Impacts to TES Species

Scientific name Common name Action Alternative may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 1 Astragalus soxmaniorum Lundell Soxman’s Milkvetch trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 2 Cyperus grayioides Mohlenbr. Mohlenbrock's Umbrella-sedge trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 3 Draba cuneifolia Nutt. ex T. & G. Wedge-leaved Whitlow grass trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 4 Eriogonum longifolium Nutt. Long-leaved wild buckwheat trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 5 Euphorbia discoidalis Chapm. Summer Spurge trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 6 Paronychia drummondii T. & G. Drummond’s nailwort trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 7 Penstemon murrayanus Hook. Cupleaf beardtongue trend to federal listing or a loss of viability Phacelia strictiflora (Engelm. & Gray) may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 8 Robbin’s phacelia Gray trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 9 Polanisia erosa (Nutt.) Iltis Clammy weed trend to federal listing or a loss of viability Polygonella americana (Fisch. & Mey.) may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 10 Southern jointweed Small trend to federal listing or a loss of viability Polygonella polygama (Vent.) Engelm. may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 11 October jointweed & Gray trend to federal listing or a loss of viability Selaginella arenicola ssp. riddellii (Van may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 12 Riddell’s spikemoss Eselt.) R. Tyron trend to federal listing or a loss of viability may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a 13 Zornia bracteata (Walt.) Gmel. Viperina trend to federal listing or a loss of viability

Mitigation Measures

None.

Signatures

Date: January 8, 2013 /s/ David Moore Title: Forest Botanist

References

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