Establishing a monitoring program for bent-flower milkvetch (Astragalus vexilliflexus var. vexilliflexus) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) in the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area, Valley County, Idaho

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The disturbance footprint associated with the Golden Meadows Exploration Project overlaps the occurrence of bent-flower milkvetch (Astragalus vexilliflexus var. vexilliflexus) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), two species of conservation concern on the Payette National Forest. In 2013, the Payette National Forest initiated a project to establish a monitoring program for both bent-flower milkvetch and whitebark pine within the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area. The monitoring program’s objective is to support pro-active and adaptive land management efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of both species within the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area. Monitoring data collected in 2013 represents baseline conditions against which future results can be compared. This information will help the Payette NF determine if management objectives to minimize impacts and/or mitigate losses for both plant species are being met. <br> Bent-flower milkvetch monitoring is designed to provide trend information for three subpopulations known to occur within the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area. It collects quantitative information regarding (1) bent-flower milkvetch abundance, and basic plant attributes including size and reproductive status; (2) associated plant community composition; and (3) ground disturbance factors. Monitoring is based on nested frequency sampling and photo point photographs at permanently marked transects. The sampling method for whitebark pine is based on a widelyadopted, standardized protocol used to acquire baseline information and monitor the incidence and severity of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) and other stand health attributes within whitebark pine communities. Monitoring transects were established in two whitebark pine stands located within the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area. Monitoring for both species collects information that can be used to identify and prioritize conservation measures in an adaptive management framework relevant to the Golden Meadows Exploration Project. This report provides background information, outlines the monitoring methods, and summarizes and discusses the 2013 monitoring results.

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Reference Code: U14MAN01IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Mancuso, M. 2014. Establishing a monitoring program for bent-flower milkvetch (Astragalus vexilliflexus var. vexilliflexus) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) in the Golden Meadows Exploration Project area, Valley County, Idaho. Prepared for Payette National Forest, McCall, Idaho. Mancuso Botanical Services, Boise, Idaho. 23 pp, plus appendices <br>

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - BOTANY: MULTIPLE SPECIES <br>

Keywords: Astragalus vexilliflexus var. vexilliflexus, bent-flower milkvetch, whitebark pine, Pinus albicaulis, Golden Meadows Exploration Project, Payette National Forest, white pine blister rust, Cronartium ribicola <br>