LTBMU Sensitive Plant Species and Habitat - 2011 Monitoring Report

USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Prepared by: Blake Engelhardt, Botanical technician & Shana Gross, Ecologist 9/6/2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 2. SENSITIVE PLANT STATUS & TREND...... 3 3. HABITAT MODELS ...... 17 4. FUNGI DIVERSITY ...... 19 5. SENSITIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES ...... 19 a. Fens ...... 19 b. TRPA Rare Plant Community Threshold Sites ...... 21 c. Meadow Monitoring ...... 22 6. CONCLUSIONS ...... 24 7. LITERATURE CITED ...... 24 8. APPENDICES ...... 26

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report summarizes 2011 activities related to monitoring the status and trend of 1) sensitive, special interest, and target plant species (vascular and non-vascular), 2) fungi diversity, and 3) sensitive plant communities including fens, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) threshold sites, and meadows. In 2011, a total of 80 sensitive and special interest plant sites were visited. For sensitive plant species, 32 existing sites were revisited and 25 new sites were found. Based on census data of sensitive plant populations, 28% were stable, 7% were increasing, 9% were decreasing, 38% were of unknown status, and 18% were new in 2011. For LTBMU special interest plant species, 4 existing sites were revisited and 19 new sites were found. Based on census data of LTBMU special interest plant populations, 4% were stable, 2% were increasing, 0% were decreasing, 58% were of unknown status, and 36% were new in 2011. The large percentage of populations with unknown status is related to difficulty in quantifying the size of bryophyte populations. Long-term monitoring was conducted at nine Draba asterophora populations. Long-term monitoring of Lewisia longipetala was postponed until 2012 due to the persistent, deep summer snowpack in 2011. All three fungi diversity plots were revisited in 2011; a total of 23 species were found, 22 of which had not previously been found in the fungi plots. Four potential fen sites were visited in 2011; based on initial field assessments, two of these sites are likely fens, bringing the total number of confirmed fens in the Lake Tahoe Basin to 49. Three TRPA threshold sites were visited in 2011: Grass Lake, Hell Hole, and Freel Peak. Repeat photography was conducted at Grass Lake; comprehensive moss monitoring and repeat photography was established at Hell Hole; and the GLORIA plots on Freel Peak and adjacent summits were resurveyed. Six meadow plots were revisited and three new meadow plots were established.

2. SENSITIVE PLANT STATUS & TREND

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) monitors the status and trend of Forest Service sensitive plant species known to occur in the basin, as well as Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) special interest plant species and LTBMU target plant species. National Forests are tasked with managing sensitive plants to ensure that they do not become threatened or endangered because of Forest Service activities (USDA FS 1988; FSM 1995). The primary management action related to this direction is to ensure that existing habitat of these plants is adequately protected and that additional habitat is provided to sustain the species into the future (USDA FS 1988). TRPA vegetation thresholds are designated to provide for the conservation of sensitive plant species and uncommon plant communities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For sensitive plants, the indicator of threshold attainment is “the number of population sites that are maintained as suitable habitat as determined by a qualified expert.” LTBMU target species are species for which it was determined that management actions may be necessary or desirable to achieve ecological or other multiple-use objectives for the species. This designation may result from conservation concerns due to changes in populations or available habitat, threats to the species or their habitats, and/or high levels of public interest. Appendix 1 contains a complete list of sensitive, special interest, and target plant species that are addressed by the LTBMU, including sensitive species that have not yet been observed on the LTBMU but occur near Lake Tahoe and/or have suitable habitat within the basin.

A comprehensive monitoring program for LTBMU target plant species was initiated in 2004. The objective of this monitoring program is to track the status and trend of all known target plant species populations in the LTBMU. In order to meet this objective, plant populations are visited every five years. In addition, populations are visited more frequently when 1) they are new occurrences (to obtain a minimum of two years of baseline data), 2) data suggests that the population is decreasing, or 3) the population is of unknown status. Plant populations are assigned to an element occurrence (EO) and a sub-element occurrence (sub-EO). Two populations are considered to be part of the same EO if they 1) occur within one kilometer of each other, 2) occur within three kilometers of each other and are connected by suitable habitat, or 3) occur within 10 km of each other and are connected by uninterrupted linear water-current flow along a riparian or lakeshore system (NatureServe 2004). Within an EO, populations or individual plants are assigned to separate sub-EOs (e.g. a, b, c) if they are non-contiguous with the rest of the EO and it is more practical or precise to survey them as separate populations.

The most recent comprehensive monitoring occurred in 2009. In 2010, revisits were made to 51 sites that were declining and 27 sites that were first identified in 2009, and new visits were made to 14 sites found in 2010. In 2011, revisits were made to occurrences that were 1) declining based on the 2010 visits; or 2) new in 2010 and an additional year of baseline data was desired. The current status of all target plant species as of 2011 is summarized in Table 1, with the exception of Rorippa subumbellata (Tahoe Yellow Cress). Rorippa subumbellata is monitored annually by the Adaptive Management Working Group (AMWG) and the status of this species is discussed

3 separately in AMWG annual reports. In 2011, 80 occurrences were visited. For sensitive plant species, 32 existing sites were revisited and 25 new sites were found. For LTBMU special interest plant species, 4 existing sites were revisited and 19 new sites were found. Table 2 summarizes the number of visited and known sites for each species from 2002 through 2011.

Revisits in 2012 will consist of visits to as many occurrences as possible that are decreasing, of unknown status, or were newly discovered in 2011. The first priority will be to visit sensitive plant populations, and if resources allow, special interest plant populations will be visited as well. There are 46 high priority sensitive plant populations to be revisited in 2012; 17 are new sites as of 2011, 11 are decreasing, and 18 are of unknown status. There are an additional 27 medium to low priority special interest and sensitive plant populations that could be visited in 2012 if resources allow; eight are new as of 2011, one is decreasing, and 18 are of unknown status.

Table 1: Population trends† of target plant species known to occur on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Total New Species Status^ EO and Stable Increase Decrease Unknown 2011 Sub-EOs Arabis rectissima LTBMU 5 0 0 0 0 5 var. simulans Arabis rigidissima S, SI 16 4 1 1 0 10 var. demota Botrychium S 7 1 3 1 2 0 ascendens Botrychium S 4 2 2 0 0 0 crenulatum Botrychium S 2 0 1 0 1 0 minganense Botrychium S 1 0 0 0 1 0 montanum Bruchia bolanderi S 7 0 0 0 1 6 Chaenactis douglasii var. LTBMU 5 5 0 0 0 0 alpina* Claytonia megarhiza LTBMU 3 2 0 0 0 1 Dendrocollybia S 1 0 0 0 0 1 racemosa Draba asterophora S, SI 39 5 24 3 0 7 var. asterophora Draba asterophora S, SI 9 2 3 3 0 1 var. macrocarpa Epilobium howellii S 8 2 1 0 5 0 Helodium S 3 0 0 0 0 3 blandowii# Lewisia longipetala S, SI 11 3 4 2 2 0 Meesia triquetra# S 27 5 0 0 1 21 Meesia uliginosa# S 2 0 0 0 0 2 Orthotrichum LTBMU 3 1 1 0 0 1 shevockii Peltigera S 2 1 0 0 0 1 hydrothyria Scutellaria LTBMU 5 1 1 1 0 2 galericulata Sphagnum spp.# LTBMU 28 8 0 0 0 20 †Population trend was determined by comparing the total number of plants from the date the population was first observed to the total number of plants observed during the most recent census. All site visits were within two weeks of the date the population was first observed. ^S=Region 5 Forest Service Sensitive; SI=TRPA Special Interest; LTBMU=LTBMU Target plant species. #Population status of these bryophyte species are listed as either unknown (the site was still present) or decrease (the site was absent). *Tracking for this species began in 2011.

Table 2. Census history for known populations of LTBMU target plant species. Number of element and sub-element occurrences visited during respective year with the total number of sites in parentheses.

Species 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Arabis rectissima ------5 (5) - var. simulans Arabis rigidissima 11 17 13 - 6 (17) - - - 5 (14) var. demota* (11) (17) (16) Botrychium - - - - 1 (1) 4 (5) 5 (5) 6 (6) 5 (7) ascendens Botrychium 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) - - 1 (1) 2 (2) 1 (2) 3 (4) crenulatum Botrychium - - 1 (1) - - 1 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 1 (2) minganense Botrychium - - - 1 (1) 1 (1) - 1 (1) - 1 (1) montanum Bruchia bolanderi - - - 1 (1) - - 5 (7) 5 (7) 3 (7) Chaenactis douglasii var. ------5 (5) alpina Claytonia ------1 (1) - 2 (3) megarhiza Dendrocollybia ------racemosa** Draba 22 34 10 asterophora var. - 3 (28) - - - 6 (39) (23) (34) (34) asterophora Draba asterophora var. - 6 (7) - - - - 7 (7) 3 (7) 5 (9) macrocarpa Epilobium howellii - - - 1 (1) 4 (4) - 5 (5) 5 (6) 4 (8) Helodium ------3 (3) - 1 (3) blandowii Lewisia 2 (2) 6 (6) - 1 (7) - - 8 (8) 7 (8) 3 (11) longipetala 1 20 Meesia triquetra - 7 (7) 4 (10) - 2 (13) 7 (22) 9 (27) (11) (22) Meesia uliginosa - - 2 (2) - - - 2 (2) - 2 (2) Orthotrichum ------1 (2) 2 (2) 2 (3) shevockii Peltigera - - - - - 1 (1) - - 1 (2) hydrothyria Scutellaria ------3 (3) 2 (4) 3 (5) galericulata 14 14 10 Sphagnum spp. - - - - 2 (2) 4 (6) (14) (20) (29)

*Four populations were visited and determined not to be Arabis rigidissima var. demota (ARRID) in 2010, but one new ARRID site was found, resulting in a net decrease from 17 sites in 2009 to 14 in 2010. In 2011, this assessment was confirmed and two additional sites were determined not to be ARRID; however four new sites were also found, increasing the total number of ARRID sites to 16 in 2011.

**One occurrence of Dendrocollybia racemosa is known from a historical collection in 1982 near Tahoe City.

Target vascular plant population monitoring consists of census counts. The counting unit is the individual stem or rosette, depending on the species. At very large populations, classes are used instead of a census count to reduce error associated with counting large numbers of plants and to improve consistency when identifying individual plants of small stature and/or various stage classes. The classes used for monitoring are: a complete census if less than 100 individuals, 100-249, 250-499, 500-999, and 1000+. Assessments of population status are solely based on census counts and not on statistical analyses due to insufficient replication and the rarity of the plant species.

In addition to census counts, comprehensive long-term monitoring was initiated for Draba asterophora var. asterophora (Tahoe draba) and Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa (Cup Lake draba) in 2010 (Engelhardt & Gross 2011) and for Lewisia longipetala (Long-petaled lewisia) in 2009 (Engelhardt & Gross 2011b). The intent of the intensive monitoring is to more quantitatively and consistently determine the status and trend of the populations. The populations selected for monitoring are comprised of large numbers of plants, making it difficult to accurately count individuals or determine population trends. Monitoring in permanent plots allows for more repeatable and efficient surveys.

Target moss and lichen species are more challenging than vascular plant species to quantify due to high stem densities and difficulty in identifying an individual plant. In order to assess the status and trend of target moss and lichen species, the area of the population (square meters) and ocular cover within that area is estimated. Revisits provide a way to assess presence/absence of previously identified populations and changes in the ocular cover provide insight into population trends. However, percent cover varies over time and estimates of cover vary between observers. For these reasons, trends beyond presence/absence are currently not available. Future moss and lichen monitoring may involve permanent markers and the use of sampling techniques to provide more quantitative trend data. In addition to presence/absence and cover monitoring for non-vascular species, comprehensive long-term monitoring was initiated in 2004 at Grass Lake Research Natural Area and in 2011 at Hell Hole for Meesia triquetra and Sphagnum spp. (Engelhardt & Gross 2011c), and in 2006 at the Angora Fen for M. triquetra and M. uliginosa.

Arabis rectissima var. simulans The characteristics of Arabis rectissima var. simulans intergrade with those of A. rectissima var. rectissima and A. holboellii, making this species difficult to consistently distinguish. The validity of this separate variety is questionable based on our assessments to date. Prior to 2010, individual plants had been potentially identified on the LTBMU but not confirmed as A. rectissima var. simulans. In 2010, five small populations of A.

7 rectissima var. simulans were tentatively identified on the LTBMU, but none were visited in 2011. These sites should be revisited in 2012.

Arabis rigidissima var. demota Arabis rigidissima var. demota is a challenging species to identify. This species hybridizes with A. platysperma and consistently distinguishing between these species and the hybrid is problematic. Initial population counts are not available for many of the known populations due to the difficulty in species identification. For this species presence/absence is the most reliable data that may be collected.

Fieldwork in 2011 focused on visiting as many A. rigidissima var. demota populations as possible to determine species identification and validity. A total of thirteen sites were visited in 2011: all the sub-elements of Element Occurrences 1 and 2 that were found prior to 2011 (1a-1g, 2a-2b) and three new sub-elements that were found in 2011 (1h-1i, 7a-7b). Plants at four of the revisited sites were confirmed to be A. rigidissima var. demota while plants at the remaining six revisited sites were identified as A. platysperma (Table 3). Populations comprising Element Occurrences 3, 4, 5, and 6, all of which are located on Heavenly Ski Area, should be assessed in 2012. In addition, the identity of the plants at ARRID 7a and 7b should be reconfirmed in 2012.

Table 3. Visits to Arabis sites during the 2011 field season.

LTBMU EO number Species Present LTBMU Collection Number* ARRID1a Yes 711 ARRID 1b No - ARRID 1c No - ARRID 1d No - ARRID 1e No - 714 (A. platysperma) ARRID 1f No 715 (A. lyallii) ARRID 1g Yes 710 ARRID 1h Yes - ARRID 1i Yes 709 ARRID 2a No 712 (A. platysperma) ARRID 2b Yes 713 ARRID 7a Yes - ARRID 7b Yes - *Collections are currently housed in the LTBMU herbarium at the Meyers Work Center, 3030 Highway 50, Meyers, CA.

Botrychium spp. There are few consistent trends in the populations of Botrychium spp. as of 2011 (Table 4). Two populations declined (BOAS2 and BOMO1) and two disappeared (BOAS4 and BOMI1). Meanwhile, six populations were stable (BOAS3a, 3b, 3c, BOCR1, 2, and BOMI2) and one increased (BOAS1). In addition, two new B. crenulatum populations were discovered in 2011, Botrychium population sizes can vary greatly from year to year and it is not uncommon for adjacent populations to increase and decrease simultaneously (Montgomery 1990, Muller 1992, 1993; Johnson-Groh and Farrar 1993; Lesica and

Ahlenslager 1996; Johnson-Groh 1997). In addition to variability at the population level, individual plants may remain dormant underground during some years, and then emerge and produce aboveground plants the following season (Montgomery 1990; Muller 1992, 1993; Lesica and Ahlenslager 1996; Johnson-Groh 1998). New plants are recruited into the population annually, but mature plants may disappear and then reappear after 1-3 years (Johnson-Groh 1998). Continued monitoring of Botrychium populations will help to determine whether observed fluctuations are due to long-term changes in population size or part of the inter-annual variability often seen in populations of this genus.

Of the five B. ascendens populations visited in 2011, three were stable, one found in 2010 could not be relocated, and one was a new population with 52 plants. The B. crenulatum population (BOCR2) first discovered in 2009 initially had 800-1000 plants, but in 2010 only 169 plants were found. This decline was due to an incomplete survey in 2010; in 2011 over 1000 plants were found. The B. minganense population discovered in 2005 (BOMI1) originally had two plants but none were found in 2009, 2010, or 2011. During these revisits, site conditions appeared drier, little moss was present, and the litter layer was thicker, as compared to the 2005 conditions. The other population of B. minganense (BOMI2), although small, is considered stable and was not revisited in 2011. The lone population of B. montanum (BOMO1), which initially had 34 plants in 2006, had declined to only four plants in 2011. Although this population is directly adjacent to a popular hiking trail, recreation use of the trail has not changed in the past five years, so it is unclear whether or not hikers have impacted the population.

Table 4. Number of plants observed at each of the LTBMU Botrychium element and sub- element occurrences from 2002 to 2011.

LTBMU EO 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Trend* BOAS 1 - - - - 4 - 1 8 - Increase BOAS 2 - - - - - 41 4 15 - Decrease BOAS 3a† - - - - - 14 5 1 22 Stable BOAS 3b - - - - - 14 1 0 22 Stable BOAS 3c† - - - - - 29 2 1 19 Stable BOAS 4 ------5 0 Decrease BOAS 5† ------52 New in 2011 BOCR 1 3 2 3 - - 2 2 - - Stable 800- BOCR 2† ------169# 1000+ Stable 1000 BOCR 3† ------47 New in 2011 BOCR 4 ------35 New in 2011 BOMI 1 - - 2 - - - 0 0 0 Decrease BOMI 2 - - - - - 3 1 4 - Stable BOMO 1 - - - 34 11 - 5 - 4 Decrease

*Population trend is determined by comparing the number of plants at the most recent and initial visits. #This decrease was due to an incomplete survey as opposed to a true decrease in population number.

†Twenty specimens were collected from these five populations and sent to Don Farrar at Iowa State University for isozyme analysis and species verification.

Bruchia bolanderi As of 2011, there were seven occurrences of Bruchia bolanderi (Table 1). Six were of unknown status (due to only one site visit or variability in estimates of population size) and one could not be found. The latter site (BRBO1) may have been affected by deteriorating conditions at High Meadows because the area seemed drier than typical suitable habitat for B. bolanderi. This site will be revisited in 2012. Due to the small stature of this species it can be challenging to find and/or quantify population extent, especially when the species is not fruiting. Population size may vary depending on the timing of surveys because B. bolanderi plants senesce after spore dispersal, although spores are generally not set until late fall or early winter. This species does not compete well with other plants, therefore some disturbance is necessary to maintain open habitat (Harpel 2008). Additional efforts will be made during future monitoring to quantify population sizes so that population trends can be determined.

Draba asterophora var. asterophora Overall, the status of Draba asterophora var. asterophora is relatively stable or even improving. In 2011, of the 39 sub-element occurrences of D. asterophora var. asterophora, 24 were stable, three increased, five were new in 2011, and seven were unknown (due to only one census count or the inability to completely survey the population because of safety concerns) (Table 5). The population near Mt. Rose that decreased in 2010 (DRASA 3h) was relocated in 2011 and had 31 plants. It appears that the inability to find these plants was due to incorrect UTM coordinates as opposed to a true population decline. All the populations with long-term monitoring continue to support large numbers of plants.

Four new sub-elements were found at Element Occurrence 1 along the ridge connecting Freel Peak and Job’s Sister, and below Trimmer Peak. These are all medium-sized populations, ranging in size from 100 to 300+ plants. Two populations are of interest because they were found in unusual habitats. One population (DRASA1o) occurs on a south-facing alpine slope. The other (DRASA1n) was found along a sandy, north-facing cutbank of a small alpine stream corridor. Finally, the population consisting of 250+ plants found in the cirque above Hell Hole represents a completely new element occurrence. All of these new occurrences will be revisited in 2012 to verify extent and population size.

Table 5. Number of plants observed at each of the LTBMU Draba asterophora var. asterophora element and sub-element occurrences from 2004 to 2011. LTBMU EO 2004 2005 2009 2010 2011 Trend* DRASA 1a 1000+ 1000+ M M Stable DRASA 1b 1000+ 1000+ M M Stable DRASA 1c 1000+ 1000+ Stable DRASA 1d 1000+ 1000+ M M Stable DRASA 1e 375 250-499 Stable

LTBMU EO 2004 2005 2009 2010 2011 Trend* DRASA 1f 4 5 Stable DRASA 1g 175 100-250 Stable DRASA 1h 750 500-999 Stable DRASA 1i 116 X 6+** Stable DRASA 1j 1022 1000+ M M Stable DRASA 1k 250-499 250-499 Stable DRASA 1l 90 Unknown DRASA 1m X 250-499 Unknown DRASA 1n 224 New 2011 DRASA 1o 100-250 New 2011 DRASA 1p 300+ New 2011 DRASA 1q 100-250 New 2011 DRASA 2a 250-499 250-499 Stable DRASA 2b 500-999 250-499 780/M M Stable DRASA 2c 250-499 250-499 Stable DRASA 2d 100-249 100-249 Stable DRASA 2e 500-999 500-999 Stable DRASA 2f 1000+ 1000+ M M Stable DRASA 2g 250-499 Unknown DRASA 2h 45 Unknown DRASA 2i 225 500+ Increase DRASA 2j 275 250-499 Stable DRASA 2k 2 1 Stable DRASA 2n 7 Unknown DRASA 2o 33 Unknown DRASA 3a 500-999 500-999 Stable DRASA 3b 500-999 1000+ M M Increase DRASA 3c 500-999 500-999 Stable DRASA 3d 11 13 Stable DRASA 3e 100-249 100-249 Stable DRASA 3f 100-249 Unknown DRASA 3g X 9 30 Increase DRASA 3h X 30 0*** 31 Stable DRASA 4 250+ New 2011 *Population trend is determined by comparing the number of plants at the most recent and initial visits. **DRASA 1i occurs in a very steep chute that is dangerous to ascend. Six plants were observed at the base of the chute in 2010 and plants were visible continuing upward; therefore DRASA1i is considered stable. *** Likely due to incorrect UTM coordinates as opposed to a true population decline. An “X” indicates that the population was known or visited but a census was not completed. An “M” indicates long-term monitoring was conducted.

Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa The overall status of Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa is relatively stable to increasing. In 2011, of the nine D. asterophora var. macrocarpa sub-EOs at Saucer Lake/Ralston Peak, three increased, three were stable, two were unknown and two were new in 2011 (Table 6). DRASM 1a (below Saucer Lake) had 43 plants in 2004, and could not be relocated in 2009 or 2010. In 2011, 250 plants were found at this sub-element, although they are in a slightly different location than the original 43 plants, but would still be considered the same sub-element. DRASM 1g (Ralston Peak), which was identified but not censused in 2004, was not found in 2011. The exact location of this population is currently uncertain and the terrain quite hazardous; the population may be extant but impossible to access safely. Both of these populations (DRASM 1a and DRASM 1g) will be revisited in 2012. DRASM 1b was found to have declined between 2004 and 2009, but in 2010 and 2011 over 1000 plants were again found; this population is now considered stable.

In addition, two new sub-elements were found in north-facing chutes below the ridge connecting Becker Peak, Talking Mountain, and Saucer Lake. One of these populations (DRASM 1i) consists of an estimated 3000 to 4000 individuals and is the largest D. asterophora var. macrocarpa population known on the LTBMU. The upper end of DRASM 1i begins in a steep rocky chute. The population continues down the chute and onto a broad sandy slope at the base of a small cliff band. These new occurrences will be revisited in 2012 to verify extent and population size, and long-term monitoring will be established at DRASM 1i.

Table 6. Number of plants observed at each of the LTBMU Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa element and sub-element occurrences from 2004 to 2011. LTBMU EO 2004 2009 2010 2011 Trend* DRASM 1a 43 0 0 250 Increase DRASM 1b 1000+ 100-249 1000+/M 1000+/M Stable DRASM 1c 250-499 250-499 Stable DRASM 1d 12 45 Increase DRASM 1e 250-499 500-999 Increase DRASM 1f X 250-499 M M Stable DRASM 1g X 0 0 0 Unknown DRASM 1h 500-750 New 2011 DRASM 1i 3000-4000 New 2011 *Population trend is determined by comparing the number of plants at the most recent and initial visits. An “X” indicates that the population was known or visited but a census was not completed. An “M” indicates long-term monitoring was conducted.

Draba asterophora: Long-term monitoring In 2010, permanent long-term monitoring plots were established at nine sub-element occurrences within all LTBMU Draba asterophora element occurrences (three D. asterophora var. asterophora occurrences and one D. asterophora var. macrocarpa

12 occurrence) (Engelhardt & Gross 2011). A second year of baseline data was collected at all nine sites in 2011. The intent of the long-term monitoring is to more quantitatively and consistently determine the status and trend of the populations. Monitoring will also provide information on longevity of individual plants and plasticity of life stages, demographic structure and reproductive success, effects of annual climate patterns, and the characteristics of suitable habitat. This information can be combined to better interpret D. asterophora population changes. Initial findings will be presented in a separate Draba report to be completed in 2012. Due to the large numbers of seedlings observed in 2011, draba long-term monitoring will be conducted again in 2012 in order to increase our understanding of population dynamics. In addition, a long-term monitoring plot will be established at DRASM1i in 2012.

Epilobium howellii The trend of Epilobium howellii populations is difficult to assess as there is little known about the life history and long-term persistence of the species. Observations by surveyors suggest that the species is a weak perennial and may act more like an annual. Many populations have exhibited a similar pattern of initially containing a large numbers of plants and then gradually declining to zero plants over the next several seasons (Figure 1). However, in 2011, six plants were observed at EPHO1b compared to zero plants in 2009 and 2010. A population discovered in 2010 still had similar numbers in 2011, and two additional new sites with several hundred plants each were discovered in 2011. Two visits will be made to sites in 2012 to improve the chances of observing the species at documented occurrences. Searches will also be expanded downstream and/or down-slope to areas where seed dispersal is most likely.

300

250

200 2007 2009 150 2010 2011

Number Number Plantsof 100

0 EPHO 1a EPHO 1b EPHO 2a EPHO 2b EPHO 2c EPHO 3 EPHO 3b EPHO 4 LTBMU Element Occurrence (EPHO)

Figure 1. Census results of Epilobium howellii populations on the LTBMU from survey years 2007, 2009, and 2010.

Helodium blandowii In the Lake Tahoe area, Helodium blandowii was first collected in 2004 at Tahoe Meadows along Ophir Creek on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. On the LTBMU, it was first found in 2009 in two locations: Grass Lake and a fen/wet meadow complex just north of Armstrong Pass. The Grass Lake population was still present during surveys conducted in 2010 and the extent of the population increased due to the discovery of additional H. blandowii patches. The Armstrong Pass population was visited in 2011 and was still present. The size of moss populations is currently assessed by estimating total area of the population and percent cover of the target species within that area. However, the often patchy distribution of moss species results in significant variation between years and observers. Currently, only presence/absence is used to assess population trend.

Lewisia longipetala As of 2011, the majority of Lewisia longipetala populations were stable or had increased, with the exception of two populations above Dicks Lake (LELO 1b and 1c) (Table 7). Revisits to existing sites were not possible in 2011 due to the persistent deep snowpack. Conditions at LELO1b seemed particularly dry in 2010; both populations will be revisited in 2012. A new element occurrence with three sub-elements was found on Jack’s Peak in 2012; these sites remained partially covered by snow in September 2011 and require a full census in 2012.

Table 7. Number of plants observed during Lewisia longipetala population censuses from 2002 to 2011.

LTBMU EO 2002 2004 2006 2009 2010 2011 Trend* LELO 1a 6000 4450 7860/M M Stable LELO 1b 360 4 2 Decrease LELO 1c 124 1 33 Decrease LELO 1d 1 1 12 Increase LELO 2 9 472 86 331 Stable LELO 2b 800 1450 Increase LELO 3a 1067 750 M Stable LELO 3b 150 201 Stable LELO 4a 1 New 2011 LELO 4b 40 New 2011 LELO 4c 100 New 2011 *Population trend is determined by comparing the number of plants at the most recent and initial visits. An “M” indicates long-term monitoring was established and/or conducted. Lewisia longipetala grows in moist, rocky habitats directly below persistent snowfields, typically on north-facing, leeward slopes where snow accumulations are greatest. If climate change results in a decreasing snowpack, it is hypothesized that L. longipetala populations will decline. Consistent relationships between number of plants and snowfall accumulation/persistence have not yet been observed. However, census data from 2009 and 2010 suggest a positive relationship. Several populations increased from 2009 to

2010, and the date that Snow-Water-Equivalent reached zero was nearly a full month later in 2010 (Figure 2).

Lewisia longipetala: Long-term monitoring Permanent long-term monitoring plots were established at two LTBMU L. longipetala populations in 2009 and 2010 (Engelhardt & Gross 2011b). The intent of the long-term monitoring is to more quantitatively and consistently determine the status and trend of the populations. In addition, information on demographic structure and reproductive success, local snowfield patterns, annual climate patterns, and the associated plant community can be combined to better interpret population changes. Results will be presented in a separate Lewisia report after baseline data collection is complete. Long-term monitoring of Lewisia longipetala was planned for 2011 but was postponed to 2012 due to a persistent, deep summer snowpack (Figure 2).

70 2002

60 2004 2006 50 2007 40 2008 30 2009

20 2010

SnowWater Equivalent (inches) 10 2011

0 1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul Date

Figure 2. Snow water equivalent at the Echo Peak SNOTEL gauge (closest SNOTEL gauge to LTBMU LELO populations) during 2002, 2004, and 2006-2011.

Meesia triquetra Based on surveys from 2009 through 2011, Meesia triquetra populations appear to be stable, as 21 of 22 existing populations of M. triquetra were still present and only one population was absent. The absent population is located just downstream of Incline Lake in the northeast Tahoe Basin. In 2010 the habitat no longer appeared suitable, potentially as a result of changes in Incline Lake discharge patterns. The population was revisited in 2011 and was not found; conditions at the site consist of dense Carex utriculata stands and do not appear suitable for M. triquetra. Five new M. triquetra populations also were discovered in 2011: one at Hell Hole, one near Incline Lake, and three in Meiss Country. As discussed previously, moss populations are currently assessed by estimating total area of the population and percent cover of the target species within that area. Because the

15 patchy distribution of moss species results in significant temporal and observer variation in population extent, presence/absence is currently used to assess population trend.

Quantitative moss monitoring conducted in 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010 at Grass Lake indicates that M. triquetra experiences annual expansions and contractions. In 2009 there were approximately 13 hectares with greater than 5% M. triquetra cover compared to 2010 where there were 20 hectares. Moss monitoring in 2011 at Hell Hole established baseline data for the extent of M. triquetra at this site.

Meesia uliginosa Meesia uliginosa is currently known from two locations in the southern portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin, both of which were first observed in 2005. Based on visits made in 2011, both populations of M. uliginosa were still present in 2011. The challenges of quantifying the extent of populations of this species are similar as those discussed for other moss species.

Meesia spp.: Angora Fen Long-term monitoring In 2006, four permanent transects were established in the Angora Fen (South Lake Tahoe, CA) to quantitatively measure the percent cover of Meesia triquetra and Meesia uliginosa before and after construction and restoration activities at the site. The cover of Meesia spp. was measured in 2006, twice in 2007 (before and after the Angora Fire), once in 2008, and again in 2011. As of 2011, there was no detectable change in the cover of M. triquetra (averaged across all four transects) since the initial survey (Figure 3). Average Meesia triquetra cover in 2011 was within ±20% of initial M. triquetra cover at three transects, but had decreased from 27% to 5% at Transect 3. The repeat photographs of this transect do not suggest any explanation for this decline; additional data on associated species and cover, litter, or soil moisture might be helpful if the trend continues. Meesia uliginosa was observed too infrequently to make statistical comparisons, but was still present in trace amounts along several transects as of 2011. Several clumps of M. uliginosa also were observed just outside of plots in 2011.

50 ±

40 Jun-06 Jun-07

MeanCover 30 Aug-07

Jun-08 Aug-11 20

10 Meesia triquetra

0 Transect 1 Transect 2 Transect 3 Transect 4 Combined Transects

Figure 3. Average cover of Meesia triquetra at four permanent transect in the Angora Fen during 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011.

Sphagnum spp. Based on surveys completed in 2009 through 2011, all 20 existing populations of Sphagnum spp. were extant. In addition, nine new occurrences of Sphagnum were identified in 2011 at Hell Hole, Meiss Country, Armstrong Pass, Rubicon Peak, and Lonely Gulch. The sites visited in 2010 and 2011 appeared healthy; however quantitative measurements are lacking, with the exception of the occurrences at Grass Lake and Hell Hole. Quantitative moss monitoring conducted in 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010 at Grass Lake indicates that Sphagnum experiences annual expansions and contractions. In 2009 there were approximately 35 hectares with greater than 5% Sphagnum cover compared to 2010 where there were 29 hectares. Moss monitoring in 2011 at Hell Hole established baseline data for the extent of Sphagnum at this site. In 2011, Sphagnum collections were made at 15 sites (SPHAG 2, 4a-f, 5, 6a-c, 7a-b, 9, and 10) to begin assigning each population to a specific species; species identification has not yet occurred.

3. HABITAT MODELS

National forests are tasked with maintaining viable populations of sensitive species and preventing degradation of suitable habitat. To effectively manage for sensitive species, managers need to know what constitutes suitable habitat as well as where and how much of it occurs on the landscape. Binary GIS models, which classify the landscape into areas of suitable and non-suitable habitat, are used to predict where a species might occur. In combination with field validation, habitat suitability models can serve as a valuable tool for planning and increase our understanding of rare species distributions and ecology.

Fifteen habitat models, using Boolean analyses of GIS layers including vegetation, topography, elevation, soils, and geology, were developed in 2006. Parameters for each

17 model were based on environmental characteristics of known sites and literature review. These models address 20 of the 26 sensitive plant, moss, lichen, and fungi species, which are either known or likely to occur in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Habitat models are being tested by visiting random plots throughout the basin that are 500m by 500m in size. At each plot, polygons that delineate predicted suitable habitat are assessed for the presence or absence of suitable habitat characteristics for each species. Areas within the plot that are not predicted as suitable habitat are also visited to determine whether areas of suitable habitat are not being captured by the models.

From 2009 to 2011, 45 of 85 randomly selected plots were assessed for model accuracy. Preliminary results show that 11 models were > 80% accurate; four models were 67-71% accurate (Table 8). Over-prediction of suitable habitat was more frequent than under- prediction. Disagreements were related to both the accuracy/scale of input layers (e.g. small patches of riparian vegetation not captured by the vegetation layer) as well as certain parameters being difficult to model (e.g. channel substrate in small perennial streams). Field visits have also resulted in the detection of eight new occurrences of three sensitive plant species (BOCR2, 3; DRASA 1p, 2n, 2o; LELO 4a, 4b, 4c). The remaining 40 models will be visited in 2012. Using data collected during field assessments, the models will be refined in order to achieve 80% accuracy for all models.

Table 8. Accuracy of habitat models for 20 sensitive plant species on the LTBMU. # % Model % Over- % Under- Habitat Model Sites Agreement prediction prediction Arabis tiehmii 45 100 0 0 Draba union 32 97 0 3 Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa 45 96 4 0 Draba asterophora var. asterophora 45 93 7 0 Lewisia longipetala 45 93 7 0 Arabis rigidissima var. demota 45 91 9 0 Eriogonum umbellatum var. torreyanum 45 91 7 2 Botrychium spp. 45 89 11 0 Arabis rectissima var. simulans 45 82 9 9 Bruchia bolanderi 45 82 16 2 Hulsea brevifolia 45 80 20 0 Peltigera hydrothyria 45 71 20 9 Lewisia kelloggii 45 69 29 2 Epilobium howellii 45 67 4 29 Meesia spp. & Helodium blandowii 45 67 16 18 Average: 85 11 5

Median: 89 9 2

4. FUNGI DIVERSITY

In the fall of 2008 three long-term fungi plots were established in the LTBMU by the Mycological Society of San Francisco. Following the Region 5 fungi monitoring protocol, the plots were established in modeled suitable habitat for sensitive fungi species. The plots are located at Fountain Place, Page Meadow, and Blackwood Canyon. At each location, fungi are searched for in two concentric circular plots that are 1/10th acre and 1/5th acre in size.

In 2008 and 2009 no fungi were found in any of the three plots, while in 2010, a total of 37 fungi species were identified and verified from the plots. All three plots were revisited in October 2011; a total of 23 species were collected from the plots, 22 of these species were not previously collected in the plots. Three species were identified at more than one of the plots, with Heterotextus alpinus found at all three plots. The Fountain Place plot yielded 3 species, the Page Meadow plot yielded 10 species, and the Blackwood Canyon plot yielded 14 species (Figure 4). Only one sensitive fungi species, Dendrocollybia racemosa, is known to occur in the Lake Tahoe Basin. However, it was not observed in the fungi plots in any monitoring year. This species is currently only known on the LTBMU from a 1982 herbarium specimen collected near Tahoe City.

20 Blackwood 15 Fountain Place 10 Page Meadow None None

Number Number Fungiof Species found. found. 5

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year

Figure 4. Number of fungi species observed at three permanent plots during surveys in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

5. SENSITIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES a. Fens The LTBMU began participation in the Region 5 Fen Assessment in 2006. This effort was established to determine the presence and type of fens present on forests within the Sierra Nevada. A total of 139 potential fens have been assessed on LTBMU lands since 2006, four of which were visited and assessed in 2011. Of these four sites, two sites were

19 confirmed as fens based on vegetation, hydrology, and soils. Therefore, there are a total of 49 fens that have been identified on LTBMU land, in the Caples Lake, Echo Lake, Emerald Bay, Freel Peak, Glenbrook, Homewood, Mt. Rose, Rockbound Valley, and South Lake Tahoe USGS quadrangles (Figure 5). The fens range from 0.004 acres (SE of Angora Lakes stand) to 120 acres (Grass Lake) with an average of 4 acres. Data from fen assessments was entered into the regional fen geodatabase to aid in the regional conservation assessment. In future years, additional sites will be assessed as they are encountered. A fen assessment/report will be completed in 2012; this report will summarize the LTBMU inventory and identify conservation and restoration targets for fens managed by the LTBMU, using assessment tools presented in Sikes et al. (2011).

Figure 5. Locations of confirmed fens (as of 2011) on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

20 b. TRPA Rare Plant Community Threshold Sites Monitoring occurs regularly at rare plant community threshold sites. These sites were selected by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to serve as indicators of ecological health for similar rare plant communities throughout the basin (TRPA 1998). The purpose in monitoring these sites is to document the trend and influence of disturbances and/or management practices on rare plant communities in order to develop more sustainable management strategies. The TRPA rare plant community threshold sites are: Grass Lake (fen), Hell Hole (fen), Osgood Swamp (fen), Pope Marsh (marsh), Taylor Creek (meadow), and Freel Peak (cushion plant community).

Grass Lake Grass Lake was officially designated as a Forest Service Research Natural Area in 1991 in order to preserve a representative Sphagnum bog type in the Northern Sierra Nevada physiographic province of the Pacific Southwest Region. Grass Lake is the largest and best example of a Sphagnum bog (fen) in California. In addition, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has additional protection for Grass Lake under Vegetation Threshold V2 – Uncommon Plant Communities.

The LTBMU initiated long-term vegetation monitoring at Grass Lake in 2004. Monitoring consists of three components: 1) three permanent meadow plots established following the USFS Region 5 Range Monitoring protocol (Weixelman et al 2003); 2) ten permanent repeat photo points; and 3) Meesia triquetra and Sphagnum spp. percent cover mapping. Hydrologic change is predicted to be the largest threat to this community, which could be exaggerated by climate change. Bryophytes are good indicator organisms due to their relatively simple structures and their sensitivity to environmental change.

In 2011, monitoring at the Grass Lake Research Natural Area consisted of revisiting the ten repeat photography points.

The extent of M. triquetra and Sphagnum spp. cover at Grass Lake was monitored in 2010. Aerial cover of these species was recorded using Braun-Blanquet cover classes (<5, 5-25, 25-50, 50-75, and 75-100) at 13 meter intervals along parallel transects throughout the entire 250 acre site. These two species were selected because Grass Lake is recognized as the largest and best example of a Sphagnum “bog” and M. triquetra is a Region 5 Forest Service sensitive species. Baseline data was collected in 2004 and 2005; repeat monitoring occurred in 2009 and 2010. Geostatistical analysis was used to quantify the spatial patterns of population structure and inter-annual changes in the population structure (under Meesia triquetra and Sphagnum headings above).

Hell Hole, Osgood Swamp, Pope Marsh, Taylor Creek These four threshold sites, all of which contain rare plant populations, each have at least one permanent range monitoring plot established following the protocol of Weixelman et al. (2003) (Table 9). Data collected in 2004 and 2005 established a baseline for future monitoring to classify the ecological status of each community into high, medium, and low condition classes. None of the plots were monitored in 2011. Community data analysis has not yet been completed; this will occur in 2012.

Table 9. Meadow monitoring history for TRPA threshold sites (Grass Lake, Hell Hole, Osgood Swamp, Pope Marsh, and Taylor Creek). Initial monitoring date indicates the year that plots were established. Site 2000 2004 2005 2008 2009 2010 2011 Grass Lake 1 X X

Grass Lake 2 X X X X X X Grass Lake 3 X X X

Hell Hole 1 X X X X

Hell Hole 2 X X X X

Osgood Swamp X X

Pope 1 X X X

Pope 2 X X X

Taylor X X

Comprehensive Meesia/Sphagnum monitoring similar to that at Grass Lake was conducted at Hell Hole during 2011. Geostatistical analysis will be used to quantify the spatial patterns of population structure and inter-annual changes in the population structure. A second year of baseline cover data will be collected in 2012.

Freel Peak In 2006, long-term monitoring plots were established on Freel Peak and two adjacent summits following the Global Observation Research Initiatives in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) protocol. The Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) has taken the lead in organizing monitoring efforts associated with GLORIA plots throughout the state of California. These plots are surveyed on a five-year rotation. The Freel Peak plots were revisited during August 2011 in coordination with team members from the US Forest Service, University of California, US National Park Service, and California State University. Thirty-two species were found in the plots in both 2006 and 2011, with a few minor differences in species composition. The Freel Peak plots are located adjacent to known Draba asterophora var. asterophora populations, however no plants have been found in the plots even though the habitat is suitable for this species. c. Meadow Monitoring There are currently 66 long-term range monitoring plots in 37 meadows located throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin (Figure 6) including the plots at the four TRPA threshold plant community sites (Hell Hole, Osgood Swamp, Pope Marsh, Taylor Creek). These plots were established following the USFS Region 5 Range Monitoring protocol (Weixelman et al. 2003), and are designed to detect trends in ecological condition based on wetland indicator status, root length density, type of vegetative spread, life form, life history, and plant height. In the cases where these plots contain rare species, they are especially useful for quantitatively tracking species abundance. They also provide information on the environmental conditions necessary to support certain rare species.

During 2011, monitoring occurred at a total of nine meadow plots. Six existing meadow plots were revisited. Five of these plots are located in Cookhouse Meadow and were

22 revisited in order to track vegetation changes associated with a stream restoration project at the site. The sixth revisited plot is located in Meeks Meadow and was revisited to collect baseline data prior to a planned meadow restoration project. In addition, three new meadow plots were established and monitored in Meeks Meadow in order to collect baseline data prior to proposed restoration in the meadow.

Figure 6. Locations of long-term range meadow monitoring plots in meadows on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

6. CONCLUSIONS Revisits in 2012 will consist of visits to as many occurrences as possible that are decreasing, of unknown status, or were newly discovered in 2011. The first priority will be to visit sensitive plant populations, and if resources allow, special interest plant populations will be visited as well. There are 46 high priority sensitive plant populations to be revisited in 2012; 17 are new sites as of 2011, 11 are decreasing, and 18 are of unknown status. There are an additional 27 medium to low priority special interest and sensitive plant populations that could be visited in 2012 if resources allow; eight are new as of 2011, one is decreasing, and 18 are of unknown status.

7. LITERATURE CITED

Engelhardt, B.M. and Gross, S.E. 2011. Long-term monitoring plan: Draba asterophora var. asterophora & Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, USDA Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Engelhardt, B.M. and Gross, S.E. 2011b. Long-term monitoring plan: Lewisia longipetala. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, USDA Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Engelhardt, B.M. and Gross, S.E. 2011c. Long-term monitoring plan: Meesia triquetra & Sphagnum spp. cover at Grass Lake Research Natural Area and Hell Hole. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, USDA Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Harpel, J.A. 2008. Species Fact Sheet: Bruchia bolanderi, Updated February 2011. USDA Forest Service, Region 6, Portland, OR. Accessed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/ planning-documents/species-guides.shtml, August 2011.

Johnson-Groh, C. L. 1997. Field surveys for Botrychium gallicomontanum and phenology of Botrychium mormo in Minnesota. Report to the Minnesota Dept. Nat. Resources, St. Paul, MN.

Johnson-Groh, C. L. 1998. Population demographics, underground ecology and phenology of Botrychium mormo. Pp. 103-108 in N. Berlin, P. Miller, J. Borovansky, U. S. Seal, and O. Byers, eds. Population and habitat viability assessment (PHVA) for the goblin fern (Botrychium mormo) Final Report. Conservation Biology Specialist Group, Apple Valley, MN.

Johnson-Groh, C. L. and D. R. Farrar. 1993. Population dynamics of prairie moonworts (Botrychium subgenus Botrychium) in Iowa and Minnesota (abstract). American Journal of Botany 80: 109 (Abstract).

Lesica, P. and K. Ahlenslager. 1996. Demography and life history of three sympatric species of Botrychium subg. Botrychium in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Canadian Journal of Botany 74: 538-543.

Montgomery, J.D. 1990. Survivorship and predation changes in five populations of Botrychium dissectum in Eastern Pennsylvania. American Fern Journal 80: 173-182.

Muller, S. 1992. The impact of a drought in spring on the sporulation of Botrychium matricariifolium (Retz) A. Br. in the Bitcherland (Northern Vosges, France). Acta Oecologica 13: 335-343.

Muller, S. 1993. Population dynamics in Botrychium matricariifolium in Bitcherland (northern Vosges Mountains, France). Belgian Journal of Botany 126: 13-19.

NatureServe. 2004. A Habitat-Based Strategy for Delimiting Plant Element Occurrences: Guidance from the 2004 Working Group, October 2004. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. Accessed at http://www.natureserve.org/library/deliminting_plant_eos_Oct_2004.pdf, August 2011.

Sikes, K., Roach, D., Evans, J., and Gross, S. 2011. Plant Community Characterization and Ranking of Fens in the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada. California Native Plant Society, Vegetation Program, Sacramento, CA, and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, USDA Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. 1998. Regional Plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin: Code of Ordinances. Section IX. Resource Management Provisions, Chapter 75: Sensitive and Uncommon Plant Protection and Fire Hazard Reduction.

USDA Forest Service. 1988. Land Resource Management Plan, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, USDA Forest Service, South Lake Tahoe, CA.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. Forest Service Manual (FSM). Title 2600 – Wildlife, Fish, and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management, Section 2670.22, Amendment No. 2600-95-7, Effective June 23, 1995. USDA Forest Service, Washington, D.C.

Weixelman, D., G. Bakker, and J.A. Fites. 2003. USFS Region 5 Range Monitoring Project 2003 Report. Unpublished Report. Adaptive Management Services, USDA Forest Service, Nevada City, CA.

8. APPENDICES

Appendix 1. List of LTBMU target plant species that are currently surveyed for and monitored when a population is known from the forest.

Known on Species Common Name Current Status LBTMU

Arabis rectissima v. Washoe tall rockcress, LTBMU Target Y simulans Bristlyleaf rockcress Species Arabis rigidissima v. Galena Creek rockcress Sensitive Y demota Arabis tiehmii Tiehm’s rockcress Sensitive N Botrychium ascendens Upswept moonwort Sensitive Y Botrychium crenulatum Scalloped moonwort Sensitive Y Botrychium lineare Slender moonwort Sensitive N Botrychium lunaria moonwort Sensitive N Botrychium minganense Mingan moonwort Sensitive Y Botrychium montanum Western goblin Sensitive Y Bruchia bolanderi Bolander’s candlemoss Sensitive Y Chaenactis douglassii v. LTBMU Target Alpine pincushion Y alpina Species LTBMU Target Claytonia megarhiza Alpine spring-beauty Y Species Dendrocollybia racemosa Branched collybia Sensitive Y* Draba asterophora v. Tahoe draba Sensitive Y asterophora Draba asterophora v. Cup Lake draba Sensitive Y macrocarpa Epilobium howellii Subalpine fireweed Sensitive Y LTBMU Target Epilobium palustre Marsh willowherb Y* Species Erigeron miser Starved daisy Sensitive N Eriogonum luteolum v. LTBMU Target Golden carpet buckwheat N saltuarium Species

Known on Species Common Name Current Status LBTMU

Eriogonum umbellatum v. Torrey’s or Donner Pass Sensitive N torreyanum buckwheat LTBMU Target Glyceria grandis American mannagrass N Species Helodium blandowii Blandow’s bogmoss Sensitive Y Hulsea brevifolia Short-leaved hulsea Sensitive N Lewisia kelloggii ssp. Kellogg’s lewisia Sensitive N hutchisonii Lewisia kelloggii ssp. Kellogg’s lewisia Sensitive N kelloggii Lewisia longipetala Long-petaled lewisia Sensitive Y LTBMU Target Meesia longiseta Meesia moss N Species Meesia triquetra Three-ranked humpmoss Sensitive Y Meesia uliginosa Broad-nerved humpmoss Sensitive Y LTBMU Target Myurella julacea Myurella moss N Species * Orthotrichum LTBMU Target Y Orthotrichum moss Accession# Species praemorsum JRS22039 LTBMU Target Orthotrichum shevockii Shevock’s bristle-moss Y Species LTBMU Target Orthotrichum spjutii Spjut’s bristle-moss N Species Peltigera hydrothyria Veined water lichen Sensitive Y * LTBMU Target Y Pohlia tundrae Tundrae pohlia moss Accession# Species JRS22659 Potamogeton epihydrus LTBMU Target Nuttalls pondweed Y* ssp. nuttallii Species LTBMU Target Rhamnus alnifolia Alderleaf buckthorn Y* Species Sensitive, Rorippa subumbellata Tahoe yellow cress Y Candidate

Known on Species Common Name Current Status LBTMU

Schoenoplectus LTBMU Target Swaying bulrush Y* subterminalis Species LTBMU Target Scutellaria galericulata Marsh skullcap Y Species LTBMU Target Senecio hydrophiloides Sweet marsh ragwort Y* Species LTBMU Target Sphagnum spp. Sphagnum moss Y Species Stuckenia (Potamogeton) LTBMU Target Slender-leaved pondweed Y* filiformis Species *Known from herbarium or text records; the LTBMU staff does not currently have exact location information for these species and is therefore not tracking these populations.