U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Innovation in Conservation FWS Effort in Georgia to Protect Imperiled Plant Species

Botanical Diversity in Georgia Few places in the Nation can boast more about plant biodiversity than Georgia. And it’s no secret why. Glacial ice never crossed our state boundaries that stretch from the sub-tropical climate on our island-studded coast to the rugged Appalachian mountains. For century- upon-century complex landscape and geology, sweeping fires, and other forces provided a patchwork-quilt of habitats for unique and rare plant species. In Georgia, over 650 species of plants are considered of “special concern,” 25 of those species are protected by the Endangered Species Act and 130 species are protected by state wildlife protection laws. Conservation Through Research ■ Research on the endangered harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum) in 2006-2007 completely re-interpreted this species life-history, leading to new implications for habitat requirements and management. ■ Genetic studies on the endangered ■ fringed campion (Silene polypetala) Prescribed burning on public and provides for scientifically-guided private lands through the Service-led management decisions for recovery, in initiative, the Interagency Burn cooperation with the University of Team, a cost-share agreement that Georgia. pools the resources of government agencies, non-profit groups, and ■ Research on the global status of three volunteer organizations to re- granite outcrop plants (Amphianthus introduce the important dynamics of pusillus, Isoetes tegetiformans, I. fire into natural habitats. melanospora), in cooperation with ■ The State Botanical Garden of Georgia Field Office, in cooperation Georgia. with Georgia Department of Conservation Through Habitat Protection Transportation, is leading a ■ In 2005-2006, Georgia Field Office and Management safeguarding effort for an imperiled discovered four, new-to-science ■ Partners for Fish and Wildlife population of Georgia aster. A populations of endangered relict Program funding to restore sensitive roadside population of the trillium (Trillium reliquum), endangered species habitat, through species will be relocated to a state endangered fringed campion, and invasive plants removal and Wildlife Management Area, where it candidate-for-listing Georgia aster replanting of native and endangered can be appropriately managed and (Symphyotrichum georgianum). species, in cooperation with the Macon remain self-sustaining. Museum of Arts and Sciences. ■ Botanical research partnership, under Contact Information section 6 of the ESA, with Georgia ■ To ensure the sustainability of a Georgia Ecological Services Department of Natural Resources. newly-discovered population of relict Field Office: 706/613 9493 trillium, Georgia Field Office assisted ■ Propagation of endangered fringed the USDA Forest Service in campion. To benefit the public, plants modifying their Forest Management will be donated to Southeastern Plan. botanical gardens.