Assessing, monitoring, & surveying Diluvialis (UTS LADIES'-TRESSES) at Chester Wetlands segment of Sand Creek Wildlife Management area: 2014 & 2018

Publication Type:

Unpublished

Authors:

C. Lynn Kinter; Jennifer J. Miller

Source:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, p.54 p. + appendixes (2020)

Call Number:

U20KIN02IDUS

Keywords:

Chester Wetlands, eastern Idaho, habitat, Henrys Fork, monitoring, orchid, rare plant conservation, Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area, Spiranthes diluvialis, survey, Threatened, Ute ladies’-tresses

Abstract:

Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute ladies’-tresses) is an orchid that was listed in 1992 as Threatened
under the Endangered Species Act because of its geographic rarity, small occurrence sizes,
low reproductive rate, and loss and modification of its riparian habitats (FWS 1992). It
occurs in eight western states, from Nebraska to Washington, and in British Columbia. In
Idaho, it is known from the eastern part of the state, where it occupies riparian and wet
meadow habitats on alluvial substrates and cobble deposits, primarily along the South Fork
of the Snake River. Spiranthes diluvialis was first observed in the Henrys Fork Basin in
2002, at the Chester Wetlands Segment of Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is
owned by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The Chester Wetlands occurrence is
essential for the statewide conservation of the species’ due to its location, large size, and
unusual habitat. With funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, we conducted
assessments, surveys, and monitoring for S. diluvialis at Chester Wetlands.