A Guide to Sensitive Plants of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Publication Type:

Unpublished

Authors:

Jennifer J. Miller; C. Lynn Kinter

Source:

Idaho Natural Heritage Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho, p.36 pp (2020)

Call Number:

U20MIL01IDUS

Keywords:

Allium, Antennaria arcuata, arching pussytoes, Astragalus atratus var. inseptus, Astragalus oniciformis, Brodhead’s primrose, Bugleg Goldenweed, Craters of the Moon cushion buckwheat, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Cusick’s primrose, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. focarium, habitat, Idaho, Idaho native plants, mourning milkvetch, obscure phacelia, onion, Pediocactus simpsonii, Phacelia inconspicua, Picabo milkvetch, Porterella carnosula, Primula brodheadae, Primula cusickiana, Pyrrocoma insecticruris, rare plant conservation, sensitive species, Simpson’s hedgehog cactus, Snake River Plain, western porterella

Abstract:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (‘the Monument’) lies along the Great Rift Zone of central Idaho on the northern edge of the Snake River Plain. It encompasses 111,393 ha (275,260 ac) managed by Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and 187,539 ha (463,420 ac) managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Within the Monument bounds, about 3300 ha (8000 ac) are managed by Idaho Department of Lands, and about 2600 ha (6400 ac) are private. The Monument is best known for its volcanic features, but it also harbors a substantial diversity of native plants, including several sensitive species. In past decades, rare plants have been reported on or near Monument lands by numerous botanists. <br>

We compiled a list of target species from herbarium records, our own database of rare plant occurrences, and the ‘Checklist of Vascular Plants—Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CRMO) Arco, Idaho, USA’ (Popovich 2006). We found 15 taxa worth targeting in our efforts, but later determined that 5 were based on specimens that had previously been misidentified (Kinter and Miller 2020). After three years of field work (Kinter and Miller 2020), we compiled this guide to assist BLM and NPS personnel in identifying the 10 sensitive species known to occur in or near the Monument. Populations of these species that are not confined to cinders or other unique volcanic substrates may also occur within their required habitats elsewhere in the BLM Twin Falls and Idaho Falls Districts. This guide provides general descriptions and field identification tips, as well as information on taxonomy, conservation status, distribution, habitat, phenology, and similar-looking species.

Notes:

Reference Code: U20MIL01IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Miller, J.J., and C.L. Kinter. 2020. A Guide to Sensitive Plants of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Idaho Natural Heritage Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise. 36 pp <br>

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

Keywords: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Snake River Plain, habitat, Idaho, rare plant conservation, sensitive species, Idaho native plants, Allium, onion, Antennaria arcuata, arching pussytoes, Astragalus atratus var. inseptus, mourning milkvetch, Astragalus oniciformis, Picabo milkvetch, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. focarium, Craters of the Moon cushion buckwheat, Pediocactus simpsonii, Simpson’s hedgehog cactus, Phacelia inconspicua, obscure phacelia, Porterella carnosula, western porterella, Primula brodheadae, Brodhead’s primrose, Primula cusickiana, Cusick’s primrose, Pyrrocoma insecticruris, bugleg goldenweed <br>