A RARE PLANT SURVEY OF THE LAKE CHELAN PROJECT AREA

Final

LAKE CHELAN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC Project No. 637

September 26, 2000

Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County Wenatchee, Washington

Rare Plant Survey

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION...... 1

SECTION 2: PROJECT AREA ...... 1

SECTION 3: METHODS ...... 2

SECTION 4: RESULTS...... 11

SECTION 5: SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION ...... 16

SECTION 6: ENHANCEMENT, PROTECTION AND MITIGATION MEASURES...... 17

SECTION 7: REFERENCES...... 19

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C

APPENDIX D

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page i SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3-1: Rare plant taxa potentially present in the Lake Chelan Project Area pre-1998...... 4 Table 4-1: Known Rare Plant Populations for Lake Chelan, Pre-1998*...... 15 Table 4-2: Rare Plant Populations for the Lake Chelan Project...... 15

Table A 1: Botanical Sub-Units for the Lake Chelan Project area used for species lists...... 23 Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999...... 24

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3-1: Sheet 1 - Lower Lake...... 5 Figure 3-1: Sheet 2 - Middle Lake ...... 7 Figure 3-1: Sheet 3 - Upper Lake...... 9

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page ii September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This document summarizes two years of rare plant surveys of the shoreline of Lake Chelan which were undertaken as part of relicensing of the Lake Chelan Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 637 (Lake Chelan Project).

For the purposes of this document, a "rare plant" is defined as any plant species or variety of a species which is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), or by the state of Washington as Endangered, Threatened, or Sensitive (WNHP 1997a). Species or varieties which are on the Washington "Monitor Group 1" and "Monitor Group 2" lists are also included. Federal and state status designations may change over time.

SECTION 2: PROJECT AREA

The Project area as identified in the final Botanical Study Plan dated July 16, 1999, for the Lake Chelan Project included the entire shoreline of Lake Chelan from the existing water level to an elevation approximately 30 feet above the high water level (1,100 – 1,130 feet m.s.l.). Selected creek drainages along the lake were searched to 30 vertical feet above the level of the lake or to the lowest fish barrier. These included: Mitchell Creek, Grade Creek, Safety Harbor Creek, and Prince Creek on the north shore, and First Creek, 25-Mile Creek, and Railroad Creek on the south shore. The Project area also included the Chelan River Gorge, from the Chelan Dam downstream to the confluence with the Columbia River.

In general, the Project Area lies across an ecotone between eastern Washington shrub-steppe habitat and the cooler montane forests of the North Cascades. The north shore (south facing) portion of the lake supports open, dry-site vegetation, while the south shore (north facing) supports denser forests. Similarly, as one travels uplake and deeper into the Cascades, the montane and marine influence becomes more pronounced and a number of species which are more characteristic of western Washington become common.

The Project area includes a number of plant community types. Based on the Chelan Basin Watershed Assessment (USFS 1995), the following plant community types are found within the Project area: two forested climax plant series (a grouping of a number of forested plant community types and plant associations), five shrub community types, one deciduous community type, and "bare ground and rock".

The Lake Chelan Project area primarily supports two forested climax plant series: the Ponderosa pine series and the Douglas fir series. Shrub communities dominate the vegetated areas of the north shore of Lake Chelan downlake of Prince Creek, and occur on exposed and/or rocky sites within forested areas throughout the Project area. There are four shrub community types (as recognized by the USFS) within the Lake Chelan Project area: low elevation lush shrub communities, shrub- steppe/herbaceous communities, shrub-steppe/bitterbrush communities, and shrub-steppe/sagebrush

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 1 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey communities. These classifications are very general, and each could be subdivided into a number of plant communities based on the actual dominant species within the community. The open grasslands on the north side of Lake Chelan are considered shrub-steppe/herbaceous communities.

A large portion of the shoreline of Lake Chelan between Manson and Prince Creek, and scattered in other areas are made up of nearly bare rock and talus. Common plant species in these habitats include: selaginella, lichens, ferns, serviceberry, squaw currant, rose, alumroot, penstemon, and wild buckwheat. Plant community types have not been described for these habitats. In general, there is considerable intergradation between plant community types.

Wetland and riparian areas associated with Lake Chelan are of several types. The mouth of the Stehekin River supports a large emergent wetland. However, the wetland vegetation at the mouth of the river has been altered from pre-settlement times, mostly by the invasion of non-native plants, particularly reed canary-grass and other non-native pasture grasses. There may have been wetlands in the Manson area at one time, but these wetlands are no longer in existence. With the exception of the Stehekin River, riparian areas are typically very narrow, steep, and rocky. There are also numerous small (less than ½ acre) seeps adjacent the lake between Prince Creek and Stehekin on the north shore and near Lucerne on the south shore, which support a high diversity of native plants. Based on the current vegetation adjacent to the lake and the steep, rocky nature of most of the lakeshore, large areas of pre-settlement or pre-project riparian or wetland vegetation associated with the lakeshore seem unlikely.

SECTION 3: METHODS

Survey methods were as follows: for initial planning purposes a list of the known and potential rare plant species for the Lake Chelan Project area was developed based on current Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) and USFS information (WNHP 1997b). Table 3-1 summarizes this information. The timing for field surveys was based on flowering times of potential rare plant species. Some areas were visited more than one time to search for both early and late blooming rare plant species. The Project area was divided into six subunits in consultation with the USFS (Appendix A, Table A 1) and a full vascular plant species list was compiled for each subunit. A total of 452 plant taxa were identified in the Project area (Appendix A).

The entire study area was searched, though at varying intensities depending on the potential for rare plant populations (Figure 3-1, Sheets 1-3). Two primary survey intensities were utilized. In “walking surveys” multiple transects were walked across the 30 vertical feet of the Project area through habitats with a high potential for rare plants. In “boat/binocular surveys” steep areas or areas with a low potential for rare plants were surveyed by boat and binoculars. Due to the water depth, boats can get very close to the bank, and whenever higher potential habitat or unknown plants were encountered, we would switch to a “walking survey.” Areas also varied in the number of repeated surveys that took place. Areas with high potential for rare species were surveyed several times over a two year period; other areas were only surveyed once. Particular attention was given to campgrounds and state parks within the study area. Of the approximately 118 miles of

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 2 September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey shoreline in Lake Chelan, the entirety was surveyed by binocular at least once during the two field seasons, and approximately 43 miles were surveyed on foot.

A GPS unit (Trimble GeoExplorer II) was used to map rare plant populations more accurately, though populations were also mapped on USGS 7.5’ topographic maps in the field. Photographs were taken of all rare plant species. Plant collections were made when it was deemed necessary to identify a plant. A collection permit was obtained from the National Park Service (NPS). Collections from within the National Recreation Area and/or Forest Service areas will be deposited in the North Cascades National Park and the USFS herbaria, respectively. When rare plant populations were found, USFS R6 sighting forms were completed, regardless of whether the population was previously known or found for the first time during this survey (Appendix C). Some of these forms include hand drawn site maps. The rare plant survey did not extend beyond 30 vertical feet above the high water level of the lake. All forms are confidential, due to the sensitive nature of rare plant populations.

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 3 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey

Table 3-1: Rare plant taxa potentially present in the Lake Chelan Project Area pre-1998. Status USFS USFWS WA I.D. Taxon Typical Habitat month Agoseris elata meadows, open woods S S 5-7 Antennaria parvifolia dry open places, sandy areas, pine forests S S 3-4 Astragalus arrectus shrub-steppe, grassy hillsides S S 5-6 Astragalus sinuatus rocky hillsides with sagebrush E 4-5 Botrychium lunaria moist to dry areas S 6-7 Botrychium paradoxum moist to dry areas S S 6-7 Botrychium pinnatum fields, shrubby slopes S 6-7 Botrychium simplex moist to dry meadows, marshes S S 6-7 Carex buxbaumii wet, marshy areas S 5-7 Carex comosa lake margins, marshes, drainage ditches S S 5-8 Carex hystericina wet areas along streams, rivers S S 5-8 Chaenactis thompsonii dry open areas, serpentine slopes S S 5-8 Cicuta bulbifera marshes, bogs, wet meadows S S 8-9 Cryptantha spiculifera sage steppe, dry, open slopes and flats S 5-7 Cryptogramma stelleri moist shaded cliffs, ledges, limestone S S 5-8 Cypripedium fasciculatum moist to dry rocky open coniferous forest S SC T 4-7 Eleocharis atropurpurea wet places, lakeshores S EX 5-8 *Epipactis gigantea streambanks, lakes, springs, seeps S 4-7 *Githopsis specularioides dry open places in valleys and foothills S 5-6 Hackelia hispida v. disjuncta cliffs, talus S S 5-6 Hackelia venusta rocky slopes, with Ponderosa pine S PE E 5-6 Iliamna longisepala dry open slopes, open pine forests S S 5-9 Mimulus suksdorfii open, moist to dry places S S 4-6 *Pellaea brachyptera rock crevices, ledges, talus slopes S S 5-8 Petrophyton cinerascens granite cliffs and bluffs S SC T 5-8 Platanthera sparsiflora open wet areas, bogs S S 6-8 Saxifragopsis fragarioides rock crevices, ledges, talus S S 5-7 Sidalcea oregana var. calva moist soils, boggy meadows near streams S PE E 6-7 Silene seeleyi steep talus slopes, rock crevices S SC T 5-8 *Spiranthes porrifolia moist to wet meadows S S 6-9 Trifolium thompsonii open areas with sagebrush, sandy soils S T 4-6 * Plant taxa historically known to occur in the vicinity of the Lake Chelan Project area. ID Month: Months during which the taxon is typically identifiable Status: USFS (US Forest Service): S = Sensitive USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service: SC = Species of Concern, PE = Proposed Endangered WA (Washington): E = Endangered, T= Threatened., S = Sensitive, EX = Extirpated Sources for information include: the Washington Natural Heritage Information System, the USFS Region 6 Sensitive Species Plant List (4/99), and the Flora of the Pacific Northwest by Hitchcock et al. (1955 - 1969). The status of all the plant taxa listed in Table 1 reflect the most current information available; however, the status of a particular rare plant taxon is subject to change by the agencies above.

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 4 September 26, 2000 IRU psq ‚i2I ƒrii„2I2E2vy‡i‚2veui veui2grivex2‚„i2€vex„ƒ e‚ieƒ2ƒ ‚†i‰ih

fsxyg ve‚2ƒ ‚†i‰ ‡evusxq2ƒ ‚†i‰

HFS H HFS I IFS P

wiles IXIHHDHHH2ƒgevi x

psq ‚i2I ƒrii„2P2E2wshhvi2veui

veui2grivex2‚„i2€vex„ƒ e‚ieƒ2ƒ ‚†i‰ih

fsxyg ve‚2ƒ ‚†i‰ ‡evusxq2ƒ ‚†i‰

HFS H HFS I IFS P

wiles IXIHHDHHH2ƒgevi x

55

psq ‚i2I ƒrii„2Q2E2 €€i‚2veui

veui2grivex2‚„i2€vex„ƒ e‚ieƒ2ƒ ‚†i‰ih fsxyg ve‚2ƒ ‚†i‰ ‡evusxq2ƒ ‚†i‰

HFS H HFS I IFS P

wiles IXIHHDHHH2ƒgevi x

Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 4: RESULTS

Table 4-1 presents the rare plant species that were known to exist in the Lake Chelan study area prior to the commencement of licensing related studies in 1998. Prior to 1998, seven populations of three rare plant species were known to exist within the Lake Chelan Project area. There were also known populations of two other species within one mile of the Project area, and a historic collection from an unknown location (“from Lake Chelan”) of the “currently presumed extirpated from Washington” species Eleocharis atropurpurea. Verification of these known populations was a high priority for the relicensing surveys.

In the course of fieldwork in 1998 and 1999, 14 populations of five rare plant species were found or relocated within the Lake Chelan Project area: Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine), Githopsis specularioides (common bluecup), Pellaea brachyptera (Sierra cliffbrake), Silene seelyi (Seeley's silene), and Spiranthes porrifolia (western lady's tresses) (Table 4-2). The confidential map in Appendix B shows all of the populations found in the course of fieldwork. These plants are not specifically associated with riparian habitat within the Project area.

Many of these populations are associated with Crupina vulgaris (crupina), a federal and Washington state Class A weed which was discovered in the Lake Chelan area in the late 1980’s. The Lake Chelan population is the only known population of crupina in Washington and has been subjected to intensive control measures. Knapweed species (Centauria species) were found along roads and within campgrounds, and pose a potential threat to the rare plant populations of the Lake Chelan Project area.

In addition to the WNHP state-listed rare plant species, two species of interest were also found within the Lake Chelan Project area: Pectocarya pusilla, a small native annual in the borage family, that was found in the Prince Creek area. This species is only known in Washington from a few collections in Klickitat County. The north shore also supports a population of unusually large shrubs in the manzanita genus. We made a collection from these and sent the collection to Jon Keeley of the USGS Biological Resources Division, who is the expert on the genus. He feels that the Lake Chelan plants are Arctostaphylos patula, which is not widely distributed in Washington. His letter of determination is in Appendix D.

Each rare plant species found in the Lake Chelan Project area is described in greater detail below.

Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine) Epipactis gigantea is a large, perennial member of the orchid family, which is known from scattered sites west of the Rockies. It grows up to three feet tall in favorable sites and has long sprays of greenish-purple flowers. Within the Project area it is generally identifiable from late June through September, although only seed capsules remain in late summer. E. gigantea is included on the Washington list of Sensitive plant species (WNHP 1997). It is not included on the USFS Region 6 Sensitive Plant List (USFS 1999).

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 11 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey

Epipactis gigantea is known from 48 scattered populations throughout the state, generally in moist environments (WNHP 2000). Within the Lake Chelan Project area, E. gigantea is known from one small population on the north shore of the lake within the North Cascades National Recreation Area (NRA). This population was known prior to the commencement of relicensing studies but was revisited and mapped in 1998. The 85 stems of the population cover an area less than 8 ft. by 8 ft. in a seep at the base of small cliffs and immediately adjacent to the Lakeshore Trail. It is approximately 15-20 vertical feet above high water level. There do not appear to be either historic or on-going effects from the Project on this population. However, the location of the population makes it highly vulnerable to damage from trail work and even casual collecting. The 1984 surveyor of the population noted that approximately half of the stems had apparently been browsed by deer (WNHP 2000). Increased browsing pressure may be an indirect effect of the trail, since deer use trails as routes through the area.

Sighting forms and maps for the population of Epipactis gigantea found within the Project area are included in Appendix C.

Githopsis specularioides (common blue-cup) Githopsis speculariodes is an inconspicuous blue-flowered annual in the harebell family, which is known from scattered sites from California to British Columbia. Its habitat is open places in valleys and foothills. It is included on the Washington list of Sensitive plant species (WNHP 1997), but is not on the current Region 6 USFS Sensitive list (USFS 1999).

Although sources suggest that Githopsis specularioides can be up to 12” high (Lillybridge et. al. 1995), the plants in the Lake Chelan Project area were generally under 3” high and in poor sites individual plants were less than 1” high. The very small, bluish-lilac flowers were only visible for a few weeks from mid-May through the end of May. In dry years, there may not be any plants at known population sites, due to poor germination of annual species in low precipitation years. Also like many annuals, populations may not occur in precisely the same locations from year to year.

Prior to these surveys, Githopsis specularioides was known from 26 populations, mostly in eastern Washington, but also in dry, open habitats in Puget Sound (WNHP 2000). Six of those known populations were within the greater Lake Chelan area.

Githopsis specularioides occurs in four small populations within the Lake Chelan Project area. All of the populations were found on the north shore of Lake Chelan between Prince Creek and Moore Point. Two of the populations were found close enough to populations that were known prior to the relicensing surveys to be included within them (WNHP Element Occurrences 010 and 017). WNHP Element Occurrence 022 was not re-found during the relicensing surveys, but two new populations were found within the Project area during the course of the survey. Populations outside the Project area were not re-surveyed.

Githopsis specularioides occurs within the Lake Chelan Project area on flat to gently sloping, sandy or rocky, open sites. It is commonly found with bitterbrush, manzanita, bluebunch wheatgrass, and cheatgrass. The noxious weed crupina occurred within or near all four populations.

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 12 September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey

Sighting forms and maps for the populations of Githopsis specularioides found within the Project area are included in Appendix C.

Pellaea brachyptera (Sierra cliff-brake) Pellaea brachyptera is a dry-site, tufted perennial fern. It is included on the list of Washington Sensitive plant species (WNHP 1997), and is also considered Sensitive by Region 6 of the USFS (USFS 1999). It is mostly known from southwestern Oregon and northern California. The Lake Chelan populations are considered “disjunct”. Disjunct populations are isolated populations located far from the main range of a species.

Pellaea brachyptera is easy to identify by its bluish-green color, distinctive inrolled fronds, and preference for dry habitats. It is identifiable throughout the growing season.

Prior to these surveys, there were seven known populations of Pellaea brachyptera in Washington, all on the north shore of Lake Chelan within or near the Project area. In the course of fieldwork, two of the known populations were merged (WNHP Element Occurrences 001 and 004) and one new population was found in the Project area, also on the north shore. A total of approximately 350 plants occur within the Project area. All of the known and new populations occur between Prince Creek and Hunts Bluff. The populations outside the Project area were not re-surveyed.

Pellaea brachyptera occurs in open, often rocky habitats within the Project area. It is found with Ponderosa pine, bitterbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, podfern (another dry-site fern), and selaginella. The noxious weed crupina occurred near and within one of the two populations within the Project area.

Sighting forms and maps for the populations of Pellaea brachyptera found within the Project area are in Appendix C.

Silene seeleyi (Seeley’s silene) Silene seeleyi is perennial, white-flowered herb in the pink family. It is a “local endemic” to the Wenatchee Mountains. A local endemic is a species with a highly restricted range. It prefers cliff crevices in basalt or granitic cliffs, and is most well known from Icicle and Tumwater Canyons in the Leavenworth area. It is included on the list of Washington Threatened plant species (WNHP 1997) and is also considered Sensitive by Region 6 of the USFS (USFS 1999).

Silene seeleyi is much-branched perennial herb that can be as much as 12 inches high. Identification of S. seeleyi requires the use of technical keys, though it is identifiable throughout much of the growing season.

Prior to the 1998 field season, there were 20 known populations of Silene seeleyi in Washington (WNHP 2000). One very small population of three plants was found within the Lake Chelan Project area on the south shore of Lake Chelan uplake of Lucerne. In addition, a number of new populations were found in the Leavenworth area in 1999 (Malkin 2000).

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 13 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey

Silene seeleyi within the Lake Chelan Project area occurs in an open, rocky habitat on a recent alluvial fan, in a gravelly area between two stream channels. This population is atypical, since it occurs on an alluvial fan rather than on cliffs. We hypothesize that these plants or seeds of these plants may have been carried downstream by a catastrophic flood event within the last decade, and are persisting in this habitat (in association with a number of other atypical species for the shoreline). This population is unlikely to persist as vegetation succession continues on the alluvial fan. There are no other populations known from the greater Lake Chelan area.

Sighting forms and maps for the populations of Silene seeleyi found within the Project area are in Appendix C.

Spiranthes porrifolia (western lady’s-tresses) Spiranthes porrifolia is a showy, perennial, white-flowered orchid. It is included on the Washington list of sensitive plant species (WNHP 1997) and is also considered Sensitive by Region 6 of the USFS (USFS 1999). It is known from scattered sites west of the Rocky Mountains, in wet meadows, seeps, and other wetland areas.

Because Spiranthes porrifolia is closely related to the more common S. romanzoffiana, a technical key is needed for identification. No S. romanzoffiana is known from the Lake Chelan Project area.

Prior to these surveys, there were sixteen known populations of Spiranthes porrifolia in Washington, three of which are within or near the Lake Chelan Project area. In the course of fieldwork, WNHP Element Occurrence 007 was resurveyed and WNHP Element Occurrence 006 was extended into the Project area. Four new populations were also found within the Project area. All of the populations occur on the north shore of the lake between Safety Harbor and Moore Point. A total of approximately 430 S. porrifolia plants were found within the Project area.

Spiranthes porrifolia within the Lake Chelan Project area occurs in vernally moist seeps, and in one case is associated with an ephemeral stream. The seeps are often associated with ledges in steep, rocky topography. S. porrifolia is typically found with death camas, hyacinth brodiaea, and monkeyflower. The noxious weed crupina occurs within four of the six populations

Sighting forms and maps for the populations of Spiranthes porrifolia found within the Project area are in Appendix C.

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 14 September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey

Table 4-1: Known Rare Plant Populations for Lake Chelan, Pre-1998*. # of populations inside study populations area near study area Taxon Common Name # of WNHP EO #’s pop.’s Epipactis gigantea giant helleborine 1 025 2 Githopsis specularioides common bluecup 3 009, 010, 017 3 Orobanche pinorum pine broomrape 0 1 Pellaea brachyptera Sierra cliffbrake 2 001, 004 5 Spiranthes porrifolia Western lady’s-tresses 1 007 2 Status: USFS (US Forest Service): S = Sensitive USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service: none listed by the USFWS WA (Washington): E = Endangered, T= Threatened., S = Sensitive, EX = Extirpated * Source for information is the Washington Natural Heritage Information System (1997). “Inside study area” refers to populations which were or appeared to be partially or wholly within 30 vertical feet of the high water lake level. “Near study area” refers to populations which appeared to be greater than 30 vertical feet above the lake high water level but not more than approximately one mile from the lake edge. “# of pop.’s refers to the number of WNHP populations known from inside the Project area. “WNHP EO #s” refers to the Washington Natural Heritage Program Element Occurrence #, a unique identifying number applied to each known population in the state.

Table 4-2: Rare Plant Populations for the Lake Chelan Project based on 1998-1999 fieldwork. Status Number of Taxon Common Name WA USFS populations Epipactis gigantea giant helleborine S 1 Githopsis specularioides common bluecup S 4 Pellaea brachyptera Sierra cliffbrake S S 2 Silene seeleyi Seeley’s catchfly T S 1 Spiranthes porrifolia western lady’s-tresses S S 6 Total number of populations within the Lake Chelan Project area 14 Status: USFS (US Forest Service): S = Sensitive USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service: none listed by the USFWS WA (Washington): E = Endangered, T= Threatened., S = Sensitive, EX = Extirpated

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 15 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 5: SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION

We found populations of five state-listed species within the Project area. Three of these are also USFS Sensitive. They include: Spiranthes porrifolia (western lady's tresses), Githopsis specularioides (common bluecup), Pellaea brachyptera (Sierra cliffbrake), Epipactis gigantea (giant helleborine), and Silene seeleyi (Seeley's silene). The first three species were found in scattered populations, often adjacent to, or overlapping one another. The populations occur on the north side of the lake, from the Prince Creek to Moore Point. The fourth species was found adjacent to the Prince Creek Trail within North Cascades National Park, while the fifth was found in one location on the south side of the lake uplake from Lucerne.

These populations are not, to our knowledge, currently affected by Project operations. Some habitat for the first three species may have been lost during the initial raising of the water level of the lake. This habitat would have been quite similar to that currently found along the lakeshore: dry shrub-steppe interspersed with rocky ledges and seeps. None of the known populations occur in campgrounds or on lands directly utilized by Project activities. The major issues affecting the continued viability of these rare plant populations are factors not related to Project operations. Nonetheless, these factors may be significant. These are discussed, by species, below.

Epipactis gigantea Epipactis gigantea was found in one small population immediately adjacent to the Prince Creek Trail, near Stehekin. The primary management issues affecting this population include inadvertent destruction during trail maintenance and disturbance by hikers.

Githopsis specularioides Githopsis specularioides grows in small scattered populations on dry benches on the north side of the lake. The primary issues affecting these populations include (in order of importance): continued invasion by the invasive weed Crupina vulgaris (all the known populations of this species within the Project area are threatened by crupina), trail maintenance, and maintenance of the current no-grazing regime.

Pellaea brachyptera Pellaea brachyptera grows in small, scattered populations on dry rocky slopes. The primary issues affecting these populations include (in order of importance): continued invasion by the invasive weed Crupina vulgaris, trail maintenance, and maintenance of the current no-grazing regime.

Silene seeleyi Silene seelyi was found in one very small population on an alluvial fan. Seeds or plants probably washed down the drainage during a relatively recent flood event. The primary issues affecting this population include the occurrence of another flood event and natural succession. No action is recommended.

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 16 September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey

Spiranthes porrifolia Spiranthes porrifolia grows in scattered populations associated with vernally moist seeps and springs. The primary issues affecting these populations include (in order of importance): continued invasion by the invasive weed Crupina vulgaris, trail maintenance, maintenance of the current hydrologic regime, and maintenance of the current no-grazing regime.

SECTION 6: ENHANCEMENT, PROTECTION AND MITIGATION MEASURES Crupina control.

Crupina has been a federal and state Class A (highest priority) noxious weed since it was discovered in the Lake Chelan area in the late 1980’s. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provided five years of funding for intensive control efforts for the Lake Chelan population. Control measures included spraying (on private land), hand pulling, research into biocontrols, and a planned controlled burn that did not take place. Funding and efforts to control crupina tapered off in the mid-1990’s, as Idaho populations became so large that APHIS no longer felt that crupina could be eradicated from the United States. The USFS and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are still controlling crupina in the vicinity of the Lakeshore Trail.

Spraying and hand pulling were both effective in controlling the spread of crupina, but the remote location and steep topography made control costs prohibitively expensive. No biocontrols were found. It is estimated that 480 acres in the Lake Chelan watershed are infested with crupina (Haubrich 2000). Current hand-pulling control methods by the USFS do not appear to be containing the spread of this noxious weed, which seriously threatens populations of three different rare plant species within the Project area.

Crupina is a serious threat to the integrity of the rare plant populations with the Lake Chelan Project area. Control efforts focused on careful spot removal within rare plant habitat might protect the populations, although control would almost certainly be ongoing, given the extent of crupina on the north shore of the lake.

Monitor the appearance and spread of other noxious weeds.

In addition to Crupina control, the appearance and spread of other noxious weeds in and near rare plant populations should be monitored. In particular, Centaurea solstitialis (yellow star thistle) and other knapweeds: Centaurea diffusa (diffuse knapweed), C. maculosa (spotted knapweed) and C. repens (Russian knapweed) pose a serious threat to rare plant populations if they should spread to appropriate habitat on the north side of Lake Chelan. A C. solstitialis population has been located near the Chelan Gorge adjacent to Highway 150, and C. diffusa was found in campgrounds and parks throughout the Project area. Linaria dalmatica (Dalmatian toadflax) is another noxious weed that has been identified in the lower end of the Project area. This weed appears to spread many times faster than Centauria species. It is rapidly spreading in shrub-steppe and ponderosa pine forest vegetation types, often dominating the non-woody plant

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 17 SS/4395_2 Rare Plant Survey composition in many communities. L. dalmatica out-competes herbaceous plants and shrub seedlings, posing a threat to native plant communities, rare plant populations, and wildlife habitat. Vigorous and ongoing eradication of all these noxious weed species is recommended.

Trail maintenance.

Since several rare plant populations are adjacent to the Prince Creek Trail, a program of education and awareness to minimize effects of trail maintenance activities could prevent inadvertent damage to portions of rare plant populations. Maintaining current hydrology where springs or seeps cross the trail may be particularly important for the protection of downslope populations of the Spiranthes porrifolia.

Grazing.

Past grazing on USFS lands encouraged the invasion of weedy competitors which directly affected rare plant populations. Currently, there is no domestic animal grazing within rare plant populations. The maintenance of this policy will protect rare plant populations within the Project area. Grazing by wildlife at current levels does not appear to be directly affecting rare plant populations.

Lake Chelan Project No. 637 Final SS/4395_2 Page 18 September 26, 2000 Rare Plant Survey

SECTION 7: REFERENCES

Alverson, E. and J. Arnett. 1986. From the steppe to the alpine: a botanical reconnaissance of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Ridge area, Washington. R. Kruckeberg, editor. In Plant life of the North Cascades: Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Ridge, Stehekin Valley, and Glacier Peak. Douglasia Occasional Papers, Vol. 2. Washington Native Plant Society, Seattle, Washington.

Haubrich, Greg. 2000. Personal communication. Washington State Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Division.

Lillybridge, T.R., B.L. Kovalchik, C.K. Williams, and B.G. Smith. 1995. Field guide for forested plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-359. Portland, OR; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

Malkin., D. 2000. Effects of rock climbing on Silene seeleyi, a rare Washington endemic. Washington Rare Plant and Ecosystem Conference, April 17 and 18, 2000, Center for Urban Horticulture. Seattle, Washington.

Taylor, R. 1985. Floristics of the Stehekin River riparian zone. Pages 64-76 in D.T. Mason and J. Koon. Habitat values of woody debris accumulations of the lower Stehekin River, with notes of disturbances of alluvial gravel. National Park Service, Contract # CX-9000-3- E066.

USFS (United States Forest Service). 1995. Chelan Basin Watershed Assessment. Chelan Ranger District, Wenatchee National Forest, Chelan, Washington.

USFS (United States Forest Service). 1999. Sensitive species plant list, Region 6. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WNHP (Washington Natural Heritage Program). 1997a. Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Vascular Plants of Washington. Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, Washington.

WNHP (Washington Natural Heritage Program). 1997b.

WNHP (Washington Natural Heritage Program). 1998. Data request for rare plants in the vicinity of Lake Chelan, Washington. Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, Washington.

WNHP (Washington Natural Heritage Program). 2000. Data request for state-wide distribution of rare plants found within the Lake Chelan Project area, Washington. Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, Washington.

Final Lake Chelan Project No. 637 September 26, 2000 Page 19 SS/4395_2

Rare Plant Survey

APPENDIX A

List of Vascular Plants Found in the Lake Chelan Project Area

Rare Plant Survey

Table A 1: Botanical Sub-Units for the Lake Chelan Project area used for species lists.

Subunit Down Lake End Up Lake End Jurisdictions 1 Chelan River at powerhouse Mitchell Cr (N shore), and 25 private, State Mile Cr, (S shore) Parks 2 Mitchell Creek (N shore) Prince Creek (N shore) private, USFS 3 Prince Creek (N shore) USFS boundary (N shore) private, USFS 4 Twenty-five Mile Creek (S shore) Graham Harbor (S shore) private, State Parks, USFS 5 Graham Harbor (S shore) Riddle Creek (S shore) USFS

6 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Stehekin River 30 ft. above lake NPS boundaries level Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Abies cf lasiocarpa x Abies grandis x x x Acacia sp. x x Acer circinatum x Acer glabrum var. douglasii x x x x Acer macrophyllum x x x x x Achillea millefolium x x x x x x Actaea rubra x Adenocaulon bicolor x Adiantum pedatum x x x x Agoseris heterophylla x x x x Agoseris retrorsa x x x x x Agropyron cristatum x x Agrostis exarata x x Agrostis oregonensis x Agrostis sp. x Aira caryophyllea x x x Allium acuminatum x x x x x x Allium amplectens x x Alnus rubra x x x Alnus sinuata x x x x Amelanchier alnifolia x x x x x x Amsinckia sp. x x x Anaphalis margaritacea x x x x x Angelica arguta x Angelica cf canbyi x Angelica sp. x Antennaria dimorpha x x Antennaria microphylla x x x x Antennaria neglecta var. attenuata x Antennaria racemosa x x x Anthriscus spp. x Apocynum androsaemifolium x x x x Aquilegia formosa x x Arabis holboellii var. retrofracta x x x x x Arabis microphylla x x x Arabis sparsiflora x x x x x Arctostaphylos nevadensis x x x x x x Arctostaphylos patula x x x x Arctostaphylos uva-ursi x Arenaria laterifolia x Arenaria macrophylla x x x x Arenaria serpyllifolia x x Arnica amplexicaulis x x Arnica cordifolia var. cordifolia x x x Arnica sp. x x x Artemisia dracunculus x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Artemisia ludoviciana x x x x Artemisia ludoviciana var. latiloba x x x x Artemisia michauxiana x x x Artemisia tilesii x Artemisia tridentata x Artemisia tripartita x Aruncus sylvester x x x Asarum caudatum x Asperagus officinalis x Asperugo procumbens x Aspidotis densa x x x x x Aster cf eatonii x Aster conspicuus x Aster foliaceus x x x Aster modestus x Astragalus canadensis x Astragalus caricinus x Astragalus purshii var. purshii x Athyrium felix-femina x x Athysanus pusillis x Balsamorhiza careyana x x Balsamorhiza sagittata x x x x x Berberis aquilinum x x x x x x Brickelia grandiflora x Brodiaea douglasii x x Brodiaea hyacynthina x x Bromus carinatus x x Bromus inermis x Bromus secalinus x x Bromus tectorum x x x x x Bromus vulgaris var. vulgaris x x Calamagrostis canadensis x Calamagrostis rubescens x x x x x x Callitriche heterophylla var. bolanderi x Calochortus lyalii x Calochortus macrocarpus x x Calypso bulbosa x x Campanula rotundifolia x Cardamine oligosperma x x x Cardaria draba x Carex aquatilis x x Carex arcta x Carex canescens x x Carex cf. microptera x Carex deweyana x x x Carex geyeri x Carex hoodii x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Carex laeviculmis x Carex lanuginosa x Carex lenticularis x Carex mertensii x Carex pachystachya x x Carex pennsylvanica x x x Carex petasata x Carex phaeocephala x Carex phyllomanica/muricata x Carex rossii x Carex sp. x Carex utricularia x Carex vesicaria var. vesicaria x Castilleja hispida x x x x x Castilleja miniata x Castilleja thompsonii x Ceanothus sanguineus x x x x Ceanothus velutinus x x x x Centaurea diffusa x x x x x Centaurea maculosa x Centaurea repens x Cephalanthera austiniae x Cerastium arvense x x x x Cerastium dubium x Chaenactis douglasii x Cheilanthes gracillima x x x x x x Chimaphila umbellata x x x x Chimophila menziesii x Chrysopsis villosa x Chrysothamnus nauseosus x x Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus x x Circaea alpina x x Cirsium undulatum x x Cirsium vulgare x Clarkia rhomboidea x x x x x Clematis columbiana var. columbiana x Clematis ligusticifolia x x Collinsia parviflora x x x x x Collomia grandiflora x x x x x Collomia heterophylla x x x Collomia linearis x x x x x x Comandra umbellata x x x Convolvulus spp. x Conyza canadensis x x x Corallorhiza sp. x Cornus nuttallii x x x Cornus stolonifera x x x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Crataegus douglasii x x x Crepis atrabarba x x x x x Crepis sp. x Crocidium multicaule x Crupina vulgaris x Cryptantha affinis x Cryptantha pterocarya x x Cryptantha torreyana x x x Cryptogramma crispa x Cynoglossum officinale x Cystopteris fragilis x x x x Cytisus scoparius x x Dactylis glomerata x x x x x Danthonia unispicata x x x Delphinium nuttallianum x x x Deschampsia danthonioides x Deschampsia elongata x Descurainia pinnata x x Digitalis purpurea x Disporum hookeri x x x Dodecatheon sp. x Draba verna x x x x x x Dryopteris felix-mas x Eleagnus angustifolium x Elymus canadensis x Elymus cinereus x Elymus glaucus x x Epilobium angustifolium x x x x x x Epilobium glaberrimum var. fastigiatum x Epilobium latifolium x Epilobium minutum x x x x x Epipactis gigantea x Equisetum arvense x x x x Equisetum laevigatum/hyemale x Erigeron acris var. asteroides x Erigeron cf caespitosis x Erigeron compositus var. glabratus x Erigeron corymbosus x Erigeron divergens x Erigeron filifolius x Erigeron linearis x x Erigeron peregrinus x Erigeron philadelphicus x Erigeron strigosus var. strigosus x Eriogonum elatum x x Eriogonum heracleoides x x Eriogonum niveum x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Eriogonum strictum var. anserinum x x x Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum x x Erodium cicutarium x x x x Erysimum asperum x Erythronium grandiflorum x x Festuca idahoensis x x Festuca ovina var. rydbergii x x Festuca sp. x Festuca subulata x Festuca viridula x x x Fragaria virginiana x Fritillaria lanceolata x x x x Fritillaria pudica x Galium aparine x x Galium boreale x Galium sp. x x x Galium triflorum x x x Gayophytum decipiens x Gayophytum diffusum x x Geranium carolinianum x Geum macrophyllum x x Githopsis specularioides x Glyceria elata x Gnaphalium microcephalum x x x Gnaphalium palustre x x x Gnaphalium sp. x x Goodyera oblongifolia x x x Hackelia arida x Haplopappus sp. x x Heracleum lanatum x x x Heterocodon rariflorum x x x x Heuchera cylindrica x x x x x x Heuchera cylindrica x micrantha x Heuchera micrantha var. diversifolia x x Hieracium albiflorum x x Hieracium cynoglossoides x x x x x x Hieracium scouleri x Hieracium sp. x x x Hippuris vulgaris x Holodiscus discolor x x x x x x Hordeum jubatum x Hydrophyllum capitatum x x x x Juncus balticus x Juncus bufonius x Juncus drummondii var. subtriflorus x x Juncus ensifolius x x Juncus longistylus x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Juncus regellii x x Juncus tenuis x x Juniperus communis var. montana x Juniperus scopulorum x x x Koeleria cristata x x x x x Lactuca muralis x Lamium purpureum x x Lappula redowskii x Lathryus pauciflorus x Leptodactylon pungens x Lewisia columbiana var. columbiana x Lewisia rediviva x Lilium columbianum x x x Linaria dalmatica x Linum perenne x Lithophragma bulbifera x x Lithophragma parviflora x x x Lithospermum ruderale x x x Lolium perenne x Lomatium ambiguum x x x x Lomatium brandegei x x x x Lomatium dissectum x x x x Lomatium geyeri x x Lomatium macrocarpum x x x Lomatium nudicaule x x Lomatium triternatum x x Lonicera involucrata x x x Lotus purshiana x x x x Luina hypoleuca x x x x Luina nardosmia x x Lupinus latifolius x x x Lupinus sericeus x x x x Lupinus sp. x x x Luzula campestris x Luzula spicata x Lythrum salicaria x Madia gracilis x Madia minima x x x x Melica subulata x Melilotus officinale x Mentha arvensis x Microseris nutans x x x Microseris troximoides x x x Microsteris gracilis var. gracilis x x x Microsteris gracilis var. humilior x Mimulus alsinoides x x Mimulus breweri x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Mimulus guttatus x x x x Mimulus lewisii x x x Mimulus tilingii x Mitella trifida x Montia linearis x Montia parvifolia x x x Montia perfoliata x x x x x x Montia siberica x Myosotis discolor x x Oenothera cf biennis x Oplopanax horridum x x Orobanche uniflora x x x x x x Oryzopsis exigua x x Osmorhiza chilensis x x x x Osmorhiza depauperata x x Oxyria digyna x Pachystima myrsinites xxxxxx Paeonia brownii x Panicum occidentale x Pectocarya pusilla x Pellaea brachyptera x Penstemon davidsonii x Penstemon fruticosus x Penstemon pruinosus x x x x Penstemon richardsonii x x x x x x Penstemon serrulatus x x Phacelia hastata var. leucophylla x x Phacelia heterophylla x x Phacelia linearis x x x Phalaris arundinacea x x x Philadelphus lewisii x x x x x x Phleum alpinum x Phleum pratense x Phlox cf diffusa x Phlox hoodii x x Phlox speciosa x Picea engelmannii x x Pinus ponderosa x x x x x x Piperia elegans x x Piperia elongata x x Pityrogramma triangularis x Plagiobothrys tenellus x x x Plantago lanceolata x x Plantago patagonica x x x Platanthera sp. x x Platanthera unalascensis x x x Plectritis macrocera x x x x x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Poa bulbosa x x x Poa compressa x x x x Poa secunda x x x x x Poa sp. x x Poa stenantha x Polemonium micranthum x x x Polygonum amphibium x Polygonum cuspidatum x x Polygonum minimum x Polygonum sp. x Polypodium cf glycyrrhiza x Polypodium hesperium x x x x Polystichum cf kruckebergii x x x Polystichum lonchitis x x x x Polystichum munitum var. munitum x x Populus tremuloides x x Populus trichocarpa x x x x x x Potentilla glandulosa x x x Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata x x Prunus emarginata x x x x Prunus virginiana x x x Pseudoroegnaria spicata x x x x x x Pseudotsuga menziesii x x x x x x Pteridium aquilinum x x x x Pterospora andromedea x x Purshia tridentata x x x x Pyrola asarifolia x Pyrola chlorantha x x Pyrola picta x Pyrola sp. x Ranunculus aquatilis x Ranunculus occidentalis x Ranunculus repens x Rhus glabra x x Rhus radicans x Ribes bracteosum x Ribes cereum x x x Ribes lacustre x x x x Ribes sanguineum x x x x Robinia pseudo-acacia x Romanzoffia sitchensis x Rosa nutkana var. hispida x x x x x Rosa sp. x x x Rubus discolor x x x x Rubus leucodermus x x x x x x Rubus parviflorus x x x x x x Rubus ursinus x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Rumex acetocella x x x Rumex obtusifolius x Rumex sp. x Sagina procumbens x Salix bebbii x x x Salix exigua x x Salix lasiandra var. caudata x Salix rigida var. mackenziana x Salix sitchensis x x Salix sp. x x x Sambucus cerulea x x x x x Sanicula graveolens x x x Saxifraga cf mertensiana x Saxifraga occidentalis x x Saxifraga sp. x x x Scirpus microcarpus x Scleranthus annuus x Sedum lanceolatum x x x x Sedum oreganum x x Senecio integerrimus x Selaginella wallacei x x x x x x Shepherdia canadensis x Silene cf cserei x x x Silene douglasii x x Silene noctiflora x Silene scouleri x Silene seelyi x Sisymbrium altissimum x Smilacina racemosa x x x x x Smilacina stellata x x Solanum sp. x Solidago canadensis x x Solidago sp. x x x x Sonchus asper x x Sorbus sitchensis x Spiraea betulifolia x x x x x Spiraea douglasii x Spiranthes porrifolia x x Spiranthes romanzoffiana x Stellaria longipes x Stellaria sp. x Stenanthium occidentale x Stephanomeria paniculata x x x Stipa lemmonii x x x x Suksdorfia ranunculifolia x x x x Suksdorfia violacea x x Symphoricarpos albus x x x x x x Rare Plant Survey

Table A 2: Vascular plant species of the Lake Chelan Project area, 1998-1999.

Species Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Symphytum officinale x Tanacetum vulgare x Taraxacum officinalis x x x Thalictrum cf occidentalis x Thuja plicata x x x x Thysanocarpus curvipes x x Tragopogon dubius x x x x x Trifolium cyathiferum x x x Trifolium repens x Trifolium sp. x x x x Trillium ovatum x Triodanis perfoliata x Trisetum canescens x Trisetum spicatum x Typha latifolia x x Urtica dioica x x x x Verbascum thapsus x x Veronica americana x x x x Veronica peregrina var. xalapensis x Vicia villosa x x x Viola sp. x x Viola trinervata x Vulpia megalura x x x Vulpia michrostachys x Vulpia sp. xxxxx Woodsia scopulina x x x x x Xanthium strumarium x Zigadenus venenosus x x x x x x

Rare Plant Survey

APPENDIX B

Summary Map of Rare Plant Populations Found Within the Lake Chelan Project Area

CONFIDENTIAL

Rare Plant Survey

APPENDIX C

Rare Plant Sighting Forms and Maps of Rare Plant Populations for the Lake Chelan Project Area

CONFIDENTIAL

Rare Plant Survey

APPENDIX D

Letter of Determination for Arctostaphylos patula

Rare Plant Survey

Katy, I did examine the Arctostaphylos you sent and they are Arctostaphylos patula --- the yellow glands are not found on any other species of manzanita. These specimens of course fall outside the normal range of variation, particularly leaf shape, for this species and I would hypothesize that the source of variation is from past hybridization with A. nevadensis. In this case it would be appropriate, until further study, to refer to them as you have on the labels, A.cf patula.

I would be happy to help further if need be. Sorry once again about the long delay, it has really been quite an ordeal resettling. Let me know if you would like me to annotate your specimens and return them or add them to my herbarium.

********************************** Jon E. Keeley, Station Leader Western Ecological Research Center USGS Biological Resources Division Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field Station Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700

[email protected] (209)565-3170