Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests terrestrial surveys: rare plant survey in the Clear Creek drainage

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In 2012 and 2013, we surveyed the Clear Creek drainage within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests for several target rare plant species, including coastal disjunct and endemic species. An intuitive controlled survey method was used to focus on potential suitable habitat of the target species. At each rare plant occurrence, we mapped and photographed plants and their habitat, and recorded information on associated species, disturbances, and other pertinent conservation information. We documented eight new element occurrences (EOs) for five target species: light hookeria moss (Hookeria lucens), clustered lady’s slipper (Cypripedium fasciculatum), Oregon bluebells (Mertensia bella), phantom orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae), and Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). We also documented extensions for five existing EOs: three for Oregon bluebells and two for evergreen kittentails (Synthyris platycarpa). During our survey, we also incidentally found a new Palouse thistle (Cirsium brevifolium) EO. Most target species were associated with old-growth forests. Two species (evergreen kittentails and Oregon bluebells) were common along roadsides, on northerly aspects above 4,400 ft (1,340 m). Results from this survey effort have provided precise mapping of the documented species and have filled information gaps regarding the distribution of rare plants within the Clear Creek drainage. These data will be valuable to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests as they are essential to resource management activities, including the Clear Creek Integrated Restoration Project. Actions proposed within Clear Creek Integrated Restoration Project should consider impacts on rare plant species.

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Reference Code: U14PEK03IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Pekas, K.M. and J. Lichthardt. 2014. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Terrestrial Surveys: Rare Plant Survey in the Clear Creek Drainage. Idaho Natural Heritage Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise. 16 pp. plus appendices. <br>

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

Keywords: Clear Creek, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, rare plants, conservation, light hookeria moss, Hookeria lucens, clustered lady's slipper, Cypripedium fasciculatum, Oregon bluebells, Mertensia bella, evergreen kittentails, Synthyris platycarpa, phantom orchid, Cephalanthera austiniae, Pacific dogwood, Cornus nuttallii, Palouse thistle, Cirsium brevifolium <br>