Plant Associations and Related Botanical Inventory of the Beaverhead Mountains Section, Montana Prepared for United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management PO, Box 36800 Billings, Montana 59107-6800 Submitted by. Stephen V. Cooper, Catherine Jean, and Bonnie L Heidel December, 1999 (SS et reas ‘ogram Plant Associations and Related Botanical Inventory of the Beaverhead Mountains Section, Montana © 1999 Montana Natural Herltage Program BLM Agreement Number 142259309600 15, ‘Task Onler Number 6 “This decument should be cited as follows: Cooper, S. V., Jean,C. and B. L. Heidel. 199. Plant associations and related botanical inventory of the Beaverhead Mountains Scction, Montana, Unpublished report to the Burcay of Land Management. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena. 235 pp. Table of Contents Acknowledgements. Exceutive Summary . Introduction Study Area. 3 Climate and related parameters 3 Physiography and related parameters 3 Subsection Descriptions 5 Methods. Community Ecology: Data Collection 10 Community Ecology: Data Analysis 10 Botany: Plant Species of Special Concern n ‘Taxonomic Considerations. 2 Resultsand Discussion ‘Community Ecology Landscapes of Significant Ecological Interest 0 Plant Species of Special Concern 26 Conclusions and Recommendations » The Classification: conceptsand assumptions. ‘The National Vegetation Classification Plant Associations ofthe Bewverhead Mountains Scion: Vegetation key ani descriptions 3 Use ofthe vegetation key 3s Instructions ef Caveats when using keys 33 Key to Physiognomic Types(Lifeform Categories). Vegetation Classtcation: Descriptions of Types ‘Necdle-leaved Evergreen Forests [Needl-leaved Evergreen Woodlands Montane or Boreal Cold-deciduous Forest ‘Sheublands Dwar Shrublands inclading Dvarf-Shrub Herbaceous 25 Herbaccous Vegetation Lacking a Significant ShrubyTree Component 12 Literature Cited Appendices Appendix A: Floraof the Beaverhead Mountains Section 194 Appendix B: Natural Heritage Global Rank Definitions and Their Modifiew 20 Appendix C: Plant Associations ofthe Beaverhead Mountains Section Appendix D: Plant Associations: Principal and Substantating References 20 Index to Descriptons of Types Figures Figure I. Beaverhead Mountains Stuy Area, Montana, 4 Figure 2. Beaverhead Mountains Section and Subsection Boundaries, Montana 6 Figure 3. Locations of Select Globally Rare and Exemplary Plant Associations, Beaverhead Mout Section, 16 Figure 4. Locations of Plant Species of Special Concer, Beaverhead Mountains Section a rabies ‘Table 1. Synonymy of dominant and indicator plant species fr the Beaverhead Mountains Section 13 ‘Table 2 Distribution of community types by ifeform and global rank 5 ‘Table 3. State and regional endemic plant species in the Beaverhead Mountains ction. 9 ‘Table 4. Globally rae plant species inthe Beaveread Mountains Section 2% Table 5, State or globally rare plans known only from the Beaverhead Mountains Section » Acknowledgements “The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance provided by the USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM: we especially appreciate the efor of Brian Hockett, BLM range conservationist, Dillon, (MT, in helping us locate and access field sites and for proving background information on Suchsites. Brian also shared his extensive knowledge of rangeland ecosystems ofthe ecoregion; sould this document contain any ‘misintepretations of these systems the blame rests squarely with the authors. The USDA Forest Service, particularly Ani Greene of the -Beaverhead National Forest and Joba Cart of the Rel Regional Office, were generous in supplying plot information in appropri databases Preceding ecologistvbotanists tthe Mo [Natural Heritage Program who la the groundwork for this publication in terms of plot Sampling, data reduction and analysis inelude Peer Achuff, Alistair MeAlpine, Lisa Roe, Jim ‘Vanderborst and Bonnie Heidel: Rob DeVelice ‘was instrumental in securing funding for these carly efforts and serve both as the primary field ecologist andata analyst. Bonnie Heide, Peter Achulf, Ken Scov, Jim Vanderborst and Lisa Roe provided valuable sistance in voucher specimen identification. Margaret Beer, John Hinshaw, Cedron Jones, Scott Lee- CChachle, Debbie Dover, Kathy Jurist ancl Diana Schwab are appreciated for their conscientious efforts data entry. quality contol. slide Scanning and the myriad support activities that contributed wo this document Executive Summary Introduction “The Beaverhead Mountains Section in southwesten Montana isa complex physical environment supporting adverse landscape thats reflected in the number an physiognomy of natural plant communities. A clasification ofthese communities gives land managers researchers and interested eitizens a statewide perspective of community lstrbution and variation, This perspective is crucial when identifying important areas for conservation and for making sound ‘management prescriptions or predictions regarding future desired conditions of Montana's natural heritage. This project Publication represents one milestone inthe couse of developing acomprehensive clasiication of Montana's plant communities. ‘This project endeavors to provide compiltion and description of plant ‘communities within the Beaverhead Mountains Section (BVHDMS).,insouthwest Montana. 1 constitutes both an update of previous studies tnx! a teminal report for recent plant ‘community and botanical survey work conducted by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP). The Beaverhead ‘Mountains Section is an ecoregion defined by RG. Bailey (1995, MeNab anc Avers 1994) ‘within the Midlle Rocky Mountain teppe- Coniferous Forest Alpine Meadow Province. ‘The Montana portionof this section isan area fof some 7.050,000 acres. We choose this coregion for pilot effort in developing & comprehensive community classification hocause 1) an ecoregion is expected to be a meaningful ecological unit forthe classification of plant communities, 2) [BVHDMS has been intensively sampled for ‘community clssifiation purposes and 3) this tre possesses a wealth of plant community dlivesity and is pivotal to our understanding of the states natural resources, Severl preceding MTNHP efforts have ‘oncentrted on the inventory of BLM lands ‘within the Dillon Resource Area (RA). to 8 lesscrextent the Headwaters RA and peripherally the Gamet RA. ‘These efforts have ‘emphasized locating, sampling and describing 1) what appeared to be previously undescribed ‘communities and 2) common communities in {good to excelent condition (elatvely free of listurbance) 3) habitats expected to harbor sensitive, endangered or threatened plant Species. We have also atempted to seek out tnd inl dats not generated by the MTNHP, but rather prctced by other reliable sources seh asthe U.S. Foret Service's ECODATA, plots (from Region | and the Beaverhead National Fores) and plots from elasitications already in use, such a those of U.S. Forest Service research personnel, -g.R.D. Pfister (Pfister etal. 197) and W. F- Mueggler (Mucggler and Stewart 1980) and the Montana Riparian/ Welland Association (Hansen etal 1995), In many cases the vegetation types (habitat types or climax plant associations) fined by the Forest Service and other researchers constitute initiates at classification; however, these classifications tnd their imbedded vegetation types have ‘withstood the test of time and been shown to effectively partion the landscape into units of comparable biologic potential. More recently there has been an impetus create a national vegetation classification (Loucks 1996), a clasiication focused more ‘onexisting vegetation than on potential natural vegetation (a has been the casein Montana) “The initial effort inthis regard hs boen “Intemational classification of ecological ‘communities: Terrestrial vegetation ofthe United States Volume I. The National ‘Vegetation Classification System: development, status, and applications Grossman et al (1998) and Volume 2 “The National Vegctation Classification System: List of types” Anderson etal. 1998. Both these volumes are products of The Nature Conservancy and theirstated purpose is serve as useful implements for making or-the- ‘round conservation and resource management ‘ecsions. The Federal Geographic Data ‘Committe- Vegetation Subcommittee (on Which all federal agencies are represented) has preccedl a document "National Vegetation Classification Standard, June 1997" which ‘mong other things, subsribes tothe TNC National VegetationClassification, at leat accepting all the hierarchical levels that eat ‘physiognomy (structure and appearance of ‘vegetation and reserving judgement only on the florstically define levels, alliance ae plant association, peeing analysis and a report from the Ecological Society of America “To make aclasificaton weful, a means of somewhat unequivocally and objectively Identifying ixonomic units must be provided Inthe form of a key. In this report we have adopted the National Vegetation Classification Ihicrarchy and its keys, at east down to the Formation level. At the floristic levels {alliance and plant association) we have both adopted, as originally constrocted, and ‘meclfied the keys of preceding ecologist researchers. Dichotomous keys ae not clasitications, but they are the window to the classification and sincere altention hs been paid capturing the clasiticatory ideals of our predecessors, while simultaneously synthesizing ad incorporating insights gtined ‘insuisequent sampling. This resulting clasiticaion wit ts accompanying Vegetation key and descriptions of plant associations will, ‘be useful forthe identification of plant community types (refered 19 more formally by their taxonomic status as plant wssociations) especially sensitive ones and natural areas ‘where management prescriptions need ajsting to maintain habitat valves. An {Important function of the classification isto serve a a surogate forthe categorization of {environmental variation; it also Serves a a reference system for baseline monitoring of environmental impacts and vegetation recovery. Study Area “This report is generated from natural plant communities sampled or in some manner ‘documented to occur within the Montan portion (Figure 1) ofthe Beaverhead Moun tains Section (BVEDMS) and reference as M332E in Bailey tal (1994). The Montana Potion alone comprises just over 7.000.000 teres and together with an almost esually lage {expanse in east-central Ilabo constitute the largest Section within the Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe ~ Coniferous Forest Alpine Meadow Province (M332, Bailey etal. 1994). ‘The Montana portion of BVHDMS encom- passes virtually allo Beaverbead a Silver Bow Counties slightly more than the western half portion of Madison County, the southern half of Powell County, and all but the orth- «emumost portion of Deer Lodge County igure 1. Climate and related parameters Allof the staly area experiences with local ‘ariations and permutations continental climate with cold, relatively dry winters with the months of grettest precipitation being May and June. Iti a cool. dry country where sagebris-grass communities cover the valleys tna forests are restricted ta higher elevations. Most of this ecoregion lies inthe rainshadow ‘of Oregon's Blue Mountains an central Idaho's high mountain mass, meaning it receives lesser amounts of precipitation fom Pacific storm systems than other Montana ccoregions to the north, Average annual precipitation varies from over 50 inches atthe Pionser Mountain's crest o between 8 and 16 inches throughout the bulk of the stay area (Gee sheets 3 and in Ross and Hunter 1976). Summers ae relatively dry with orographically generated precipitation events (moisture source fften being novthwand flowing Gulfsteam a masses) having their greatest Frequency and impact on anywhere in Montana. in these southwest mountains. The average length ‘ofthe freeze-free season varies from less hn, 30 days to more than 70 days at highest and lowest elevations, respectively (se Figure 13 in Montagne et al. 1982). ‘The severity of climate is attested othe relatively narow forested zone, lower timber line being 2t 6,000 to 7.500 feet and the upper 19,300 f9 9.500 Feet. Infact, the driest oF | anges south of Dillon have forest restricted 19 nortifacing slopes ad ravines and sagebrush- ‘gras communities extend up thmugh what ‘would conventionally be the forested subalpine ‘zane, The fat that throughout this ecoregion ‘Pinus ponderosa Pondersa pin) is replaced by Preudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fe) andlor Finus fests (imber pine) at lower teeline also aitests to wcold climate. The presence of “Larix yal (subalpine larch) at upper teetine inthe Aniconda-Pintlar Ranges ix quite Possibly testimony to the high snow load ‘experienced by these northernmost-ranges ‘within this ecoregion. Other observations could be made with regard o species distribu tion ostersibly correlated with climatic param- cles but the above cited are the most salient in distinguishing this ecoregion, Physiography and related ‘The study area encompasses approximately 71080,000 million aces an ranges in elevation from 4,500 fon the Beaverhead River at Silver Starto 11,154 atthe summit of “Tweedy Min. in the East Pioneer Range, encompassing no less than nine distinct ‘mountain ranges. This area's diverse topogre- phy, high relief und climatic variability give Fise, when averlainon a broad spectrum of| parent material types ranging from intrsive and extrusive volcanics, calcareous and aon calcareous sedimentary, coarse-grained metamorphic, al textures of valley fil se- meat, to an abundance of unique environments. ‘The East Pioneer, Tobacco Root, Pntla, Reaverhead, Gravelly, Snowerest, Tendo’ and Centennial Ranges have all experienced Pleistocene alpine glaciation (Montagne 1972) and today support extensive alpine communi- ties. Beyond the akove observations theres Figure 1, Beaverhead Mountains Section Study Area, Montana lite that can be sal that applies to anc clstinguishes the whole BVHDMS ccoregion. ‘The incredible diversity of th physical land- scape is reflected by the fact thatthe section contains eleven subsections (Figure 2), ore than any other section within the state; the dlfferences among subsections are based largely on geological or geomorphologic criteria, that is, they are comprised of mount ranges or aggregations thereof andthe intr= ‘ening valleys. This diversity is best ade clessed by considering the eleven subsections presented below in alphabetical onder accont- ing wo their subsection designations (small case leter trailing the capital E). These briet clescriptions have largely been abstracted from [Nesser etal. (1997) “This setting also suppor high vascular plant species divest in terms of total numbers, cecdemism, and biogsographic elements. County floristic information isnot available for [Beaverhead and adjoining counties, but itis ‘onsicered likely that the majority ofthe over 200 species and taxa below the species level documented in southwestern Montana occur ia the stucly arc, This s based on state floristic information iially compiled by Dorn (1934), augmented below the species level and cross- referenced t state sector by the U.S. Forest Service Pierce 1997). The list of plants in southneestem counties represents roughly 80% ‘ofthe vascular plant species in the stat. “The diverse flor ofthe Besverhead Mountains ecoregion is made up of species that have their center of distribution in the Rocky Mountain, Great Basin or Great Plains; with fewer species present that are centered inthe Snake River Plans, Columbia Plateau, Vancouverian, Boreal, ae Arctic regions (Heidel etal. 1993). ‘This does not include the widespread native species with no apparent centers of distribu- tion, andthe non-native species. 1 follows that, the high floristic diversity is conducive procicing the notable community diversity ound or the ecoregion, In adkltion o these widely isteibuted species, there are 18 Montana plant species of concern present in this region that are state or regional cenlemics, Le, restricted in their worldwide listribution to an ares that is lf the size of ‘Montana or les. This tally of endemic species is among the highest in the state It was previously reported that southwester Montana has the highest levels of endemism in Montana (Lesica1995). While information on the state flora and the Reaverbead Mountuins ecoregion are too preliminary for quantitative analysis, the ecoregion has state significance in sheer numbers of species and levels of endemism, Subsection Descriptions M 332E a Continental Divide Uplands This subsections composed of block faulted tnountains ihe Reaver Mounts ofthe Biteroot Range) comprised of «vty of igncous sdimentary and metasedimentary tock, including those ofthe Boulder ‘Batholith, Elevations range fom 5.2000 10.200 feet whereas precipitation evidences about atree-fld range, frm 10 to 30 ches. “The potential vegetation anges form fot prare at lowest elevation, to Paetotga Imencen (Doug fort (eurentlytcely Fins contortedominated) alpine meadows and bares, The primary natural csturbances tte fire andmase wasting. Land we svar, divided among vesock grazing, ning, Umber harvest retentions we and develop- M332Eb East Pioneer Mountains ‘Mostly calcareous substrates (largely lime- stone) comprise the block-faulted mountains a the southern end whereas at northern end intrusive volcanics, mostly granites, pedomi- nate. This subssction encompasses the most ‘vertical rele (nom 6,000 to 11.150 fet) the highest elevations and the most area within the alpine zone elevations above approximately 9,400 feet), Mean anna precipitation varies from 10 to 40+ inches, Potential vegetation is dominated by Douglas fir and Western spruce- fir forests with abundant alpine meadows and barrens atthe highest elevations: fragments of {oothll prairie extend upslope a park-like inclusions in a mostly forested landscape. Fire Figure 2. Beaverhead M ountains Section and Subsection Boundaries Montana isthe primary natural disturbance andthe current dominant land use is livestock grazing, Followed by timber harvest and recreation, M332E cD eerlodge Valley “This intermontane valley hus formed in Ter tary sedimentary rocks ae been subsequently filled with both Teary and Quatemary deposits. Elevations range from basins a approximately 4400 fest, where sleaffeced ‘yegetation types are notable, © 6.000 feet ‘where potential vegetation is sagebrush steppe (oredominanly mountain big sagebrish- dlominated) andl foothills praise eluting remnant rough fescue [Festuc campestris] prac), Mean annual precipitation anges from 11 16 inches. Agriculture andl ive stock grazing ae the predominant Land wes ‘vith urbansuburban development growing in importance. M332E e West Pioneer Mountains “This mountain mass has considerably less vertical relief (5,500 109,500 feet) and appears as adisected planar surface eather than jagged peaks when comparcd to M332Eb. tis notable for its lithological diversity including voleanics (granites), metamorphic (gneiss and piylit) sedimentary and metasedimentary Parent material. Potential vegetation ranges from mountain big sagebrast-dominated steppe fn the lower slopes to Douglas-fir at montane clevations to Western sprace-fr forest at the highest elevation; elevations within this subsection are insufficient to support alpine ‘vegetation M332E g Anaconda M ountains “This subsection is characterized by block faulted mountains composed primarily of granular plutonic rock, mostly monzonite and ‘ranodiorite and altered by alpine glaciation, ‘which has created numerous classic U-shaped valleys mantled with glacial til andi, Elevations range From 6,000 to 10,900 fet, ‘with the highest portions ofthe range receiving in excess of 40 inches annual precipitation. Potential vegetation is primarily Douglas-fir in the lower montane and Wester spruce-fire forest in the upper montane and subalpine zone with diverse alpine communities repr sented, Past wildfires have left most of the range cloaked withseral lodgepole pine Pinus conlorta) forests. Among BVHDMS subsco- tions thisone is notable for both extensive heath-dominated alpine communities, (reflct- ing the subsection’s acidic parent materials and high precipitation) and numerous stands of| {Larix yal (subalpine larch) atthe highest forested elevations, enerally'on rocky. ex- posed substrates. M332E h Beaverhead M ountains ‘This subsection, which takes it name fom the spine of mountains that traverse is length, is 10 {greater degree than other sections comprised ‘of metasedimentary rocks (mostly argilit) that have been block faulted and subsequently modified by alpine glaciation. Elevations range rom 6,800 1 10,500, As with the other sections, potential vegetation anges from Douglas-fir forests in the montane to Western spmace-firin the montane to subalpine zone to alpine meadows an barrens above approxi mately 9.5000 fect, It differs from other subsections in having greater annul precipita- tion 20 o 40 plus inches) and consequently & preponderance of the lack ape is forested, "The primary natural disturbance is fire. Timber harvest and, to a lesser extent livestock _griing an! mining are the primary lan ses M332Eh Southwest Montana Intermontane Basins and Valleys “This landscape is characterized by intermont sane basins and broad valleys that have formed in alluvium, glacial deposits and Tertiary ‘volcanic materials. Elevations range from 4.700 to 7,600 feet andthe drainage density tow. Mean annua prcepitation ranges from to 2 ihe, about 105 of which alls a snow Much of the Red Rocks Basin ae Big Hoe Valley have eryie temperature regimes because oftheir high base clevations an cold air nding: this sin lstinction to the remainder ofthe section where the temperature regime is simply frigid. The predominant potential ‘vegetation is sagebrash steppe (any of the three subspecies of Artemis tridentata a8 well a Iniparta, nova, A arbuscula and cara) anntstepne Gominated by Festuca idahoensis [dabo fescue] and Paeudoroegneria spicata Iblucbunch wheatgrass). The primary natural disturbances are loading and fire, Anthropo- genic influences are livestock grazing, agricul ture andl urbanisuburhan development with bay ‘production probably constituting the single largest replacement of naive vegetation with Introduced species and greatest alteration ofthe landscape, M332Ek Ruby/ Tobacco Root Mountains Both ranges comprising this landscape are fault block mountains, however the lower (1 9.400 feet), unglaciated Ruby Range is prima- sily limestone with some quartzite whereas the higher to 10,600) lacially sculpted and more dissected Tobacco Root Range has a broader spectrum of rock expesed, including gneiss, granite, sandstone, quartzite, ad limestone Forthe subsection asa whole annual precipits: tion ranges from 1310 35 inches. Judging by ‘vegettionpattrns alone, the Ruby Range is considerably drier than the Tobacco Root ‘Range with steppe vegetation extending higher vp Zeflarks, having Artemisia nov (black sagebrush) asa significant shrub steppe component and having a greater extent of| subalpine parks and vitally no subalpine fr (Abies lasiocarpa) represented. The Tobacco Root Range has abundant alpine meadow and barrens above 9.500 fet as well as extensive ‘Western spruce-fir subalpine forests and a lower elevations Douglas-fir forests, The Primary natural disturbance i fire. Past and tse centered on mining tn timber harvest but today livesiock grazing and recreation are preeminent M332En Gravdly/ Snowcrest Mountains oth ranges are characterized by block faulted ‘mountains composed ofa variety of deposited materials, including shale siltstone and sand- stone; extrsive volcanics ate very localized [Roth ranges have also been significantly modified by glaciation and mass wasting. The terrain at the crest ofthe Gravelly Range is ‘ery genlle fora mountainous setting and supports the most extensive and accessible alpine terrain within the Section. Elevations range from 5.800 to 10,600 feet. Mean anal prcipitation ranges from 1440 30 pls inches ‘Roth ranges li in rainshacows of mountains fo the west so that lower imbertne is relatively clevated and mountain grasslands and srublands are well epresentedon warmer aspect that would be forested in wetter matic regimes, Potential forest vegetation is Douglas-fir at lower timberline which gives ‘way to Wester spruce-fir forest at higher clevations. Neal pure stands of whitebark Pine (Fins albicauls) are not uncomman on ‘warmeralrier exposures a upper teline. The Primary natural disturbances are fire and mass ‘wasting (slump landforms ae abundantly evident inthe sedimentary portion ofthe Gravelly Range). Livestock grazing and mining ae the predominant and uss. M332Ep Blacktail Mountains “This block faulted range is comprise of « variety of igneous, sedimentary and metamor. Pic rocks alpine glaciation has impacted only the range’ highest points. Elevations range {rom 6900 09.500 feet. This isa compar tively dry subsection attributable ois rainshadow position inthe le of higher ‘mountains the west and southwest; mean nual precipitation ranges from 1410 20 Inches, about 30 falling as snow. The xevie nature of this subsection is borne out inthe ‘vegetation, which is predominantly grassland an shrub Steppe on all but north-facing slopes ‘of higher elevations, Potential forest vegeti- tion s Douglas-fir or limber pine, except at the highest elevations on cool exposures where ‘Western spruce-fir forests ae found, Alpine ‘ue andl cushion plant communities ae very limited, found on the highest ridgelines. Land te is predominantly livestock grazing with timber harvest and mining considered ancillary M332Er Southern Beaverhead Mountains Sedimentary, metamombic (especially quarzite) and igneous rocks that have been block faulted characterize this subsection comprised ofthe Centennial, Tendoy an Southern Heaverbead Mountains ancl Lima Peaks (considered part of the Tendoy Range by some). Alpine glaciation and extensive mass ‘wasting have significantly altered the lac scape (slumps and earth lows are especially evident in sedimentary materials on the flanks of the Centennial Range). Elevations range from 7.000 feet atthe upper fringes of valleys ‘within subsection M3326} to almost 11.200 feet at ightcen Mile Peak inthe Beaverbead ‘Mountains, Much ofthe landscape is charac: terized by mountain grasslands (Festuca Idahoensis-dominated, Wdabo fescue) and shrubland (Aytemisia identatassp,vasevana dominated, mountain big sagebrush) with clevations above approximately 9.400 feet characterized by alpine grasslands and 1, cushion plant communities and extensive felifields and barrens. ‘The extensive limestone substrates are drought tending not to support forest, Douglas-fir and limber pine (Pinus exilis) constitute the potential forest sees at lower elevations and on dicrsites. Western sprace-fir forest predominate at higher eleva- tions and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni) seems tobe favored over Abies lasiocarpa on the extensive calcareous sub- strates. This subsection, primarily on acolian deposits and other substrates on the flanks of the Centennial Mountains, boasts the most {extensive development of aspen (Populus Iremuloides). The primary natural cisturbances ane fire and mass wasting. Livestock grazing tnd recreation constitute the major land wes. Community Ecolo Bata Coledtion (Original field sampling by the Montana [Natural Heritage Program was conducted in three phases: an initial phase was centred on ten areas with acreage varying from 50 0 2,400 acres, selected by personne! of the ‘Bureau of Land Management and sampled by R.DeVelice (1992). General descriptions of cetch ofthese tn ites inclxed assessment of their biodiversity significance, current and past land we and suggested conservation management ness, A second phase of field sampling was conducted by S. Cooper and P Lesica (intensive in 1994, very limited in 1995 and 1996) based on reconnaissance information collected by Lesa, . Vanderhorst and B, Heidel in the course of| invembrying for theatened and endangered species in the Centennial Valley and the “Tensoy Range and surrounding valley lands A thin field setson was undertaken in 1998 to ‘explore those remaining sites o landscapes that has aot received coverage inthe preceding ‘years and to increase the sampling of under ‘ocumented plant associations. In cach ofthese areas sampling centered on putative rare o previously undescribed ‘communities and on common communities in ‘gvod io excellent contition (based on staan ‘ange erteria). To minimize the confounding influence of disturbance (man-induced) on ‘vegetation pattems, areas intensively grazed, hetbicide treated, mechanically disturbed, atficially seeded oririgated were ot sampled. Plots were established within Portions of stands that appeared homogencous, both in vegetation composition ane site factors, Within a given area an atempt was made to sample the vegetation characteristic of different landscape positions or atleast capture the communities distinctly 30-40%) for Fesiucaidahoensis, and variable cover of other ‘mesic graminoids including Bromus cainatas, Bromus anomalus, Stipa occidentalis, and Elymus tracycaulus (syn. Agropyron ‘caninun). The shrub component, which _gencrally doesnot exceed 15-20 % eanopy cover, is dominated by Artemisia cuna with 134 scattered A. tridentata ssp. tridentata or. ‘ridentata ssp. vaseyana. The forb component {is ich with Geranium vscosssimuum, Potentila gracilis, Geum tifforum, ae ‘Agosers glauca contributing the greatest cover: the moistest sites support appreciable amounts of Polygonum bistortoides and Carex petasata. Taraxacum officinale, Achillea ‘millifolium and Trifolium spp. have high cover where grazing has altered communities, ‘Element Code-CEGLO01552 Baition /Author- 99-11-16 /S.V. Cooper, MINHP “Artemisia cana / Poa pratensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (ARTCAN/POAPRA) silver sage / Kentucky blucgrase Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Gus? Environment Artemisia cana /Poa pratensis fs a grazing induced “disclimax” of any one of | number of plant associations inclding Artemisia cana / Festuca idahoensis, Aviemisia ‘cana / Elymus trachycaulus oF most probably “Artemisia cana / Pascopsram smith. Within {greater southwestem Montana Artemisia cana/ FFascopyrum smth is the most abundant association dominated by Artemisia cana (though within this region the type i relatively scarce): presumably the Centennial Valley is ‘ot unique so that most Artemisia cuna / Poa pratensis would be derived from overgrazing ff Artemisia cana /Pascopyran sith. ‘Usually occuring as stringers on the fist (or second) terrace up from small mountain streams, these communities occupy mesic 10 wwetsites, withdeep alluvial soils. ‘Vegetation: Inthe more severe eases of conversion” the scatered shrub canopy (combined cover <20¢) of Artemisia cana and ‘ceasionally A. tridentata ssp. vasevana or tridentata ssp tridentata is imposed over 2 sward of Poa pratensis ape Trifolium spp. In Jes impacted stands graminoid remaantsof| past vegetation, such as Carex petasata, Pascopynum smith, Elymus lanceolats, Bromus ciliatus.or Stipa occidentalis will be present. Cover for Achillea milifotium, Trifolium spp. Potenilla gracilis, and Agoseris _slauca appears to increase under these Conditions; where disturbance has been severe Taraxacum officinale can form a Virtually ‘continuous carpet (often with Trifolium spp) Element Code- CEGLMTHP38 Eaton /Author- 99-11-16 /5.V. Cooper, MTNHP “Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana/ Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegctation (ARTTSV / FESIDA) mountain big ssagcbrish / Idaho fescue Natural Herilage Conservation Rank- sist Environment. Artemisia tridentata ssp ‘vaseyana/Festucaidahoemss s common on slopes an upper terraces at 6:000-8,500 ft throughout the study area, Parent materials Included limestone. quartzite, voleanic, igneous and alluvium. Adjacent cooler slopes Support Pseudotsuga mercies or Pinus felis Forests. Sites with shallow sil are often dominated by Cercocurpus lediolis. Neary level sites of terraces with finer textured soils may be dominated by Aviemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata. ‘Vegetation: Artemisia tridentata ssp. waeana {the dominant shrub with canopy cover of 10- 70%. Chatham vscidiflorus isthe only other frequent and common shrub. Grass cover is genenlly high. Festuca idahoenssis the ‘dominant grass with mean canopy cover of |484. Other common grasses are Pseudo oegneria spicata and Koeleria cristata. Forts ae generally abundant, and diversity is ‘moderate to high. Common species inelucle Achille mllefolium, Antennaria microphylla, esseya wyomingensis, Eriogonum ‘umbellatu, Geum tiflorum and Taraxacum ‘officinale. Mosses ae uncommon in most stands. Particularly mesic sites at higher 135 clevations have robust grasses such ws Bromus ‘urinatur and Elymus lanceolatus aed higher coverage of mesic forbs such ws Geranium viscosissimum, Galium boreale, Geum Infforum al Potentlia gracilis Sols Soils havea loamy texture and are generally deep. Upto 30% ofthe ground may bbe bare. Gravel is uncommon or absent. Other Studies: Muegeler and Stewart (1980) describe this type for western Montana ‘Similar vegetation hasbeen reported forall states in the Nortbern Rocky Mountains and Intermountain states Bourgeron and Engelking 1994), Mucggler and Stewart (1980) discuss how these ssaciations differ from those in Montana, Comments: Mesic stands supporting n sbundance of robust grasses and forbs is consiclered the Geranium vicosissimurm phase ofthe type (Muegaler and Stewart 1980), bk and mule deer are common in these habitats. Pocket gophers are evident in some stands Element Code-CEGLOO1533, Eaition /Author- 99-11-16 /S.V. Cooper, MITNHP Artemisia ident sp. wyomingensis/ ‘Medorocpneria iedta Shab Hefaecone Vegcnon (ARTISW/FSESH Wyoming bg Sagcbrash blucbunch Where Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- GH/S3 Environment- Gently sloping alluvial fans and terraces may support stands of Avfemisia tridentata ssp. vomingensis/ Pseudoroegneria spicata. The single sample stand was at 7400 f, but this type might be expected to occur a 5,000-7,500 ft. Adjacent stands with heavier oils and poor drainage are dominated by Artemisia arburcula sap. longiloba an Elymus lanceolats or Festuca Idalioensis oF Leys cinereus and Poa Juncifolia. Adj cent slopes with deeper soils ‘may suppor stands dominated by Arfemisi Iridentata vateyana and Festuca idahoensi. Vegetation Artemisia tridentata sp. vwyomingensis isthe dominant shrub with cover ofa least 10%; in the course of reconnaissance cover was noted 1 vary from 5-108 (nthe establishment phase) 030% plus instands heavily impacted by grazing CChrysothamnus spp. may also be presen Grass cover may be as high as 60% ant Pseudoroegneria spicata isthe dominant species. Pod secunda and Koeleria cristata are other high constancy erases: with ligt grazing they ae poorly represented but increase somewhat in proportion to increasing grazing pressure. Common forks include Phiox hood and Antemnaria microphylla. Mosses and lichens are uncommon or absent. Soll Soils are silty in texture. Much ofthe surface is bare, and surface gravel is common. Other Studies Vegetation dominated by Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis ac Pseudoroegneria spicata is described for ‘western Montana by Muegeer and Stewart (0980) who do not tferentiate beeen sub- Species wyomingensis and vasesana. Jorgensen (1979) deseribes this type for central ‘Montana. This type has aso been reported for ‘Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Wyo- ‘ming and Colorado (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994), ‘Comments: Subspecies vaseyana appears 10 ‘be more common than subspecies wvoming- ensis in the high county of southwest ‘Montana, We expect subspecies vsomingensis tobe common only inthe more windswept oF otherwise arid sites where subspecies vasevana fs exclude Element Code-CEGL01535, Ealition /Author- 99-11-16 /S.V. Cooper, MITNHP 136 “Artemisia trpartita/ Elymus lanceotaus ‘Shrub Herbaccous Vegetation (ARTTRP/ELYLAN) thrce-tp sagebrush / thickspike wheatgrass ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Gus? Environment- This type is found on nearly level slopes of steam terraces and alluvial fans aca, 6.500-6,700 fin the Centennial Valley. Vegetation of lover pesitions in the landscape tends tobe wetlands dominated by Juncus balticus or Deschampsia cesptosa. Artemisia Iipartta/ Festuca idahoensis isthe most ‘common type on adjacent slopes or bet drained positions with coarser-textured soils. ‘Vegetation Artemisia tipartita isthe dominant shrub with canopy cover of 10-20. CChrysothannus nausensus and Chrysotharnus visctlflorus are common in most stands. Grass cover varies between 40 and 605. Elymus fanceolatus is usally the dominant grass. Small cespitose bluegrass, such 2s oa Juncifolia, Poa secunda wel Fo cusichi are ‘often common. Forb cover isc. 10%, and divessity is low. Phlox hood, Antennaria ‘microphylla ae Antennaria parifolia are common species. Masses and lichens are tseat, Sols Soils are deep andsiltyintexture. Some sites may be slighily saline. 40-70% of the soil surface is bare, and grave is uncommon. Other Studies This type hus po been previously described. Comments: Examples of this unusual vvegetition have been heavily grazed by livestock in the past and probably obscures the actual potential vegetation of these sites. ‘Vegetation dominated by Artemisia tripartita and Leymus cinereus is reported for Idaho (@ourgeron and Engelking 1994), and a type ‘dominated by Artemisia inpartta and Stipa ‘comata occur in Washington (Daubenmire 1970), Artemisia tpartita/ Elymus Janceolatus may be aseral stage of vegetation Similar one ofthese types. A possible scenario envisions thes sites a eral to ArT TT Sp TTT ToT seyana, quite possibly the Artemisia, Iridentata ssp tridentata | Leymus cinereus or Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata} Fascopyram smithi cs Element Code-CEGLMTHPDS Ealition/ Author- 99-11-16 /S.V. Cooper Artemisia tripartta / Festuca idahoensis ‘Shrub Herbaccous Vegetation (ARTTRP / FESIDA) Threc-uip sagebrush Tidaho fescue ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Ga/sx? Environment. This type is common on gentle to moderate slopes and ridges at 6,300-7.500 ft ‘within the drainage ofthe Red Rock River ‘The Stipa comata phase is common onthe stabilized sandhills a6 600-6,700 fat the northeast endof the Centennial Valley. Soils are derived from many different parent materials. Finer textured soils of adjacent tetraces support Artemisia Iripartta/ Elymus Janceolatus, while steper, higher or cooler slopes are dominated by Artemisia tridenata tuseyuna an Festuca idahoensis, The Stipa ‘comata phase of Artemisia ripartta/ Festuca ‘dahoensis occupies long-term stabilized dunes inthe Centennial Valley: areas that have been stabilized forshortr time suppor Stipa comata 1 Psoralea tenitora Vegetation: Aviemista tripartite i the dominant shrub with eanopy cover of 10-30%. Artemisia tridentata ssp, vasevana, (Chrysothamaus visciditores and Tetradymia ‘canescens ae often present. Total grass cover is generally high, 60-80% in mest stand. Fesiucaidahoensis swsualy the dominant species, but mus lanceotats, Pseudoroegneria spicata and Kocleria cristata are alo common. Stipa comata iscommon tnd its dominance defines the Stipa comata phase. For canopy cover and diversity are ‘modlerate, Common forbs are Achillea rillefolu, Antennaria microphylla, Geum tnftorum, Comandra unbellaa, Lapis 137 sericens, Phlox hood ue Taraxacum officinale, Mosses ant lichens may be present but are uncommon, Solis Soils have asilty or loamy texture Usually less than 30% ofthe surface is bare, and gravel is uncommon. The Stipa comata phase occurs on sandy soils with no surface envel Other Studies: Daubenire (1970) fist described Artemisia tipartita} Festuca {dahoensis as 2 zonal climax plant association {oreastern Washington, bt many’of the ‘common subordinate species are different from those of ourstady area, Muegeler and Stewart (4.980) were the fist to document ths type for southestein Montana, Similar vegetation has heen described for Idaho (ironaka 1977) ad ‘vegetation dominated by these two species tlso reported for Colorado (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994), Comments: The Stipa comata phase ours on sandy eather than silty or loamy sols ands characterized by having Spa comata rather than Elymus lanceolatus ot Peudoroegneria spicata 2s important subordinate grasses. See Comments under Artemisia tridentata ssp. widentata Stipa comata. “Muegler and Stewart (1980) imply that stands dominated by Artemisia tipartita may occur fonsites that are drier than optimum for tridentata vateyana, ‘Ths hypothesis supported by our observation that A. tridentata ‘aseyana stands are often on cooler or higher clevationslopes. Capable of ot sprouting as a reprctive tactic, Artemisia riparia also resprout aftr fire, while A. tridentata skilled, So fre history may playa oe in determining the distribution ofthese plant ares the landscape. Nonetheless, itis difficult wo cleasly clstinguish between the ccological ches of| these two sagebrush species at least in the landscapes where they co-oceur. Element Code-CEGLO01535, Eaition / Author- 99-11-16 / SV. Cooper, MINHP Artemisia tripartta / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (ARTTRE / PSESPD) threc-tip sagebrush / bhucbunch wheatgenss Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- G2G3/s? Environment: Ariemisiatipartita/ Pseudoroegneria spicata is acommunity of very limited acreage in the Bewverhead ‘Mountains Section, noted only south of the Clark Fork Reservoir. It almost always occurs as small or linear patches on west- to south- facing ridges and convex slope shoulders: sites ‘where solarinslation and prevailing winds exceed the tolerance of Fertucu idahensis, “These sites usally have an abrupt transition to Artemisia tipartita / Festuca idahoensis or Artemisia videntata sp. vasevana/ Festuca Idaloensis of ess moisture-sresed postions. Vegetation: These doughy sites have Insufficient cover (10-20%) of Artemisia Inipartia w be considered shrub stands. Other stirs that occur, generally with less than 5% cover, include Chrysothamnus viscidiflons Artemisia fiigida and Artemisia widentata vat. vusevana. Preudoroegneria spicata and ‘Koeleria cristata dominate the herbaceous layer, though their coverage is commonly less than 30%. Forks often include Phlox hood. Akilea milion, Antennaria parsifioa, A microphylla and Erigeron compositus, one having more than 5% cover Sole Generally there is more thin 705 exposed substrate (inching sol, gravel ant rock) and litter is confined 1 the immediate ‘vicinity of shrub and bunehgrass canopies Parent materials include extusive voleanics and alluvial outwash. Other Studies Artemisia tipartita/ Pseudoroegneria spicata was frst described by Daubenmire (1970) for portions of the Columbia Basin of Washington State where it 138 ‘occurs in much the same manner it aes within the Centennial Valle. as isolated patches 'ypitying ho, dry exposes within what is Artemisia triparita / Festuca idahoensis ‘dominated landscape (considered a climatic climax only in the Columbia Basin. I apparently is most extensive southward in Idaho's Snake River Plain ane also occurs a an uncommon type in Oregon (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994), (Comments- Within the Centennial Valley Artemisia tripartita/Paeudoroegneria spicata ‘we speculate o bea successional community type, ser to Aremisa tridentata ssp. vuseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata. We noted, but didnot sample, several small stands ‘with mixed A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana and. Iripartica and occurring i the sume landscape Positions as Artemisia Iripartta/ Pseudoroegneria spicata. The severity of these sites may slow the rate at which A tridentata ssp. vaseyana recolonizes and ultimately replaces Artemisia tripartta nthe absence of fre), ‘Element Code-CEGLOOIS38 Faltion/ Author- 99-11-16 /S.V. Cooper, MITNHP Pentaphlloides floribunda / Festuca ‘campestris Shrub Herbaccous (PENFLO/FESCAM) shrubby cinguefoil Trough fescue ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Gass Environment- Owning othe fact thatthe geographic range of Festuca campestris. 98 4 ‘community dominant extend on the ext side ‘ofthe Continental Divide southward to approximately 46° north Latte this association i found only northo this lative inthe Aniconda-Pintla Range aon the upper slopes ofthe Deerlodge Valley Subsection. [tis most prevalent on gently sloping or rolling topography but can occur on steep slopes within mountain parklands above the 4500 16,000 Feet elevation range quoted by Mucggler and Stewart (1980). This isa ‘moderately mesic foothill mountain type that, likely falls i the 20 to 30 inch precipitation Sole Parent materials on whichit is noted ‘cur include sandstone, limestone and glacial clit; soils are moderately deep, 101018 inches rooting depth. Considerable surface rock may be exposed, although ile bare soils minimal. In the more productive Danthonia intermedia Phase, liter and vegetation combine to cover ‘9806 ofthe surface Vegetation: Like the Pentophsloides oribunda/ Festuca idahoensis associa buteven moreso, the shrub component, dominated by Pentaphyfloides. floribunda (S- 30% canopy cover), can be rendered quite obscure by the luxuriant graminoids, Principally the tll ussock grass Festuca ‘cumpestris: at least asthe type occurs in ‘Montana it would be best considered a dwarf shrub type because Pentapliloides floribunda Seldom is taller than 4-5 decimeters. Artemisia Jiigida anal Guiterreziasarothrae ae sub- shrubs that along with Juniperus horizontals (@ovar-shrub) attain a high constancy but seldom are well represented even with ‘overgrazing, Festuca idalioensis and Koeleria ‘macrantha have high constancy in both phases but are distinctly secondary to Festuca campestris. Forb diversity is generally high those of high constancy being Galium boreal, Guaillarttaarstaa, Achillea mllfolm Solidago missouriensis ane Campana rotundifolia “The Danthonia intermedia phase dfs significantly (loristics coupled with cnvironmental parameters of mesic situation) tnd it should be considered aseparate association (Pentaphyloides floribunda / ‘Festuca campestris ~ Danthonia intermedia this phase is typified by Danthonia intermedia boing well ropresented andthe relative sburslance of Elymus rachycaulus, Carex obtusata, Potentilla gracilis, Lupinus sericeus, Agosers glauca. Geranium viscosissimue and Enigeron specious 139 “Though not named by Muegeler ae Stewart (0980), the drier phase should receive an association designation as wel and be known 18 Fentaphylloides. floribunda / Festuca campestris Pseudoroegneria spicata. Itis typified by a relatively high constancy and coverge of Preudoroegneria spicata and Carex scirpoidea an the consistent presence fof & numberof other graminoic that do not feccur oF if they do, at much reduced levels in the mesic phase including Danthonia parry, Mublenbergia cuspidata, Mublenbergia. richardsonis axl Pou secunda, It lacs the mesic forbs ofthe more producti Pentaphiloides floribunda / Festuca ‘uimpestee ~ Danthonia intermedia but wart shrubs are virtually exclusive o this phase along withthe forbs Chnsopsis villosa, Senecio canus, Erigeron caespitosus and Oxvtropis sericea (Comments: This sssociation should be parttionedino wo,Pentaphyloides Horibunda / Festuca campestris ~ Danthonia intermedia and Pentephyloides floribunda / Fesluca campestris ~ Prendoroegneria spicata, ‘based on floristic und environmental, differences. ‘This association is very similar to those inthe Festuca campestris alliance. It is ‘well sited to grazing by eat ae bores by virtue of having is forage comprised principally of tussock grasses. Pentaplyilodes oribunda increases appreciably with ‘overgrazing and complicates management ‘boca it isclifiult to contol, sprouting realy following burning or spraying (24D) “Those forbs decreasing on sheep range include Lupinus sericeus, Gaillardaaristata, Galium boreal, Senecio caus and possibly Potentlla gracilis; conversely these same forts ae candidates to increase on cattle range. Element Code-CEGL001503, aition /Author- 98-12-03 /S.V. Cooper Pentaphylloides floribunda / Festuca “Mdahoonsis Shrub Herbaccous (PENFLO7FESIDA) shrubby cinqucfol / Idaho fescue Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- G3/s3 Environment: Pentaphyloides floribunda / Festuca idahoensi i an uncommon, association in Montana, found only east of the Continental Divide, howeverit ranges southward into central Idaho, northern Nevada and western Wyoming. In Montana it has been found at elevations between 6,500 and #500 fect on gentle mountain slopes with moderately deep soils derived from granites. Normally the soil surface is extensively covered with vegetation and iter. This association is considered moderately mesic, esually falling ‘within the 20 to 30 inch precipitation zone, ‘Vegetation- Given the relatively short stature of Pentaphyiloides floribunda combined with its low canopy cover (seldom exceeding 15%) itis appropriate to classify this ype a shrub hherbaccous (most Montana stands infact, ‘would quality for dwar-shrub status). Occasionally Artemisia tridentata ssp. useyana and A. cana are preset in ace mounts. Festuca idahoensis andl Danthonia intermedia are the dominant graminoids at higher elevations in south central Montana Carex obtusata may also be well represented. ‘The mesic and relatively cold nature ofthese sites is revealed inthe low cover of Pseudoroegneria spicata and presence of several Stipa spp and Elymus trachycauls ‘The most common forbs are Besteva wyomingensis. Campanula rouundiolia, ‘Achille miliflium, Arenaria congetta, and Potentila gracilis; Geum tiflorum is sometimes the dominant for Other Studies Seblatterer (1972) has eseribed an equivalent vegetation type from the White Cloud, Boulder and Pioneer ‘Mountains of central idaho. Muegeler and Stewart (1980) cite the type from Yellowstone ational Park, Comments- Over 60% ofthe total vegetation Of ths type consists of palatable grasses and sedges, the most productive of which ae Fesiucaidahoensis and Danthonia intermedia: the firs ofthe Forenamed species in addition © 140 Elymus trachycaulus and Cares obtusata are the primary deereasers withovergeazing ‘Fentaphlloides floribunda, fling a niche akin to that of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vasesana in Artemisia identata ssp. vaseyana } Festuca ‘dahoensis, generally inrease appreciably with erizing pressure, along with Geun tflorum tnd Potent gracilis. ‘Element Code- CEGL001502 Ealition/ Author-98-12.03/S.V. Cooper Salix arctica / Polygonum bistortoides Dwart Shrubland (GALARC /POLBIS). Arctic willow / ‘American bistort ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- G2G3/ 5283 Environment: Thowgh our definition ofthis ets based on only two plots, the fact that this type is recognized elsewhere inthe Rocky ‘Mountains allows us to compare and interpret ‘ourdata. Sites were documented in the East Pioneer and Anaconda-Pintlar Ranges on lover to midslopes of gentle terrain (ae noted in reconnaissance in the Beaverhead Mountains). ‘We interpret these sites as wetland/tur hybrids in terms of both environment and vegetation, oth ites were potentially in waterteceiving Positions; one community was intercalated between snowheds upslope ander tafe. downslope, while the other was developed on anephemeral spring with spongy ground throghout. Landscape positions of Salis arctica / Polygonum bisiortoides were moch like those supporting Salix reticwata / Caltha leprosepala but with a higher probability of ‘windscouring. Vegetation composition aso indicated a drier environment than that of Salix reticulata / Calta leptorepala. Vegetation: These stands were dominated by Salix arctica (50% e.c.) with esser amounts of ‘Dryas octopetala. Mss coverage in excess of ‘50% ads to the visual impression ofa blanket ‘of vegetation. Graminoid cover averaged 15%, contributed mostly by 0a alpina and moist site Carex spp., C.albonigra, C.phaeocephala (OFC. non, Forb cover averaged 30%. The liagnosticfrb, Polygonum bistortoides (10% ce), sas among several with relatively high coverages, incluling F. viviparum, Geum rossi, Potenilladiversifolia, Aster alpigemes tnd Claytonia lanceolata, ‘Sole Parent material included quartzite and _ranite-limestone mix from a contact zone. ‘Average liter andl duff depts were 0.1 in and (4 in respectively. Coarse fragment content ranged from 19 49 33%. Mean texture of the fine fraction was lay, Soil reactions were slightly acid, averaging 6.50, Mean organic mattercontent was 16%, mean total nitrogen was 0.43% and C-N ratio was 25:1 Produetivity- Total productivity ranged from 7981 1,095 Ibs/acre with shrub productivity constituting 3216 81% ofthe total; graminoid tnd forb coverage were 148 and 295 lbs/are, respectively Other Studies Salix arctica dominates in some snowed communities ofthe Canadian Rockies (Achuff andl Corns 1982, Hrapko and LaRoj 1978). Potentiladiversifolia and Folygonum viviparum were common species in the above-cited communities; however, snowbed indicator species, such as Antennaria anata, Phslodoce slandulitora ane Cassiope ‘mertensiana were also common. Johnson and Billings (1962) discuss small disturbance sites ‘within moist Deschampsia cespitosa meadows ‘with vegetation very similar to Salix arctica / Folygonum bistortotdes (See Other Studies section Salix reticulata / Calta leptosepala for expanded discussion). In the Colorado Rockies Willard (1979) described snowed vegetation dominated by S. arctica; her community type had high coverages of Geom roi, Polygonum spp. Festuca ovina, mosses and lichens ae ‘was more similar to that of ourstudy area than those cited from the Canadian Rockies, Baker (1983) deseribed late snowbank communities dominated by S.arcica and. reticulata for the Sangre de Cristo Range of New Mexico. [Element Code-CEGLOO1431 141 alition /Author- 97-10 /S.V.Cooperet a Sarcobalus vermiculatus/ Pascopyrum ‘snithil Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (SARVER / PASSMI) black greasewood / ‘western wheatgrass Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Hiss Enviromment- This uncommon type is found ‘on wide stream terraces often in areas of calcareous parent material such asthe Ruby and Tendoy Mountains. Higher terraces with {ess alkaline-saline sol may support stands dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata and Pascopsrum smith or Leymus Cinereus. Neatby slopes are dominated by ‘Artemisia tridentata and Peeudoroegneria spicata or Festuca idahoensis. Vegetation: Sarcobatus vermiculatus isthe dominant shrub, averaging approximately 10% {canopy cover: ts cover may be less ut its Stature in comparison to the associate species stillconveys ashrubland aspect. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata ape Chrssotharnus viscilflorus can be conspicuous components, their cover approaching that of S. wermiculatus ‘The subshrubs, Aremisiafigida and Atriplex sardneri, may sso be common. Pascopyrum {nithi anor Elymus lanceolatus ae the dominant and diagnostic species, often forming thin sword, Forts are scarce. Opuntia polyacantha or Taraxactm officinale may be resent, Soil lichens or algae may be present fs well where livestock trampling has been | ‘minimal Sols Soils are silty and deep. The surface horizons are usually alkaline-saline. Most of the ground surface is bare sol and gravel is rae or absent Other Studies: Muegeler and Stewart (1980) describe this type for western Montana, and Hansen et al. (1995) deseribe it mainly for caster Montana, Jorgensen (1979) described 1 very similar Sarcobatus vermiculau / Elymus lanceolatus type from central Montana ‘Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Pascopyrum smthit Js also reported from Wyoming @Bourgeron tnd Engelking 1994). A very similar type dominated by Sarcobatus vermicilatur and Pascopyram smithi with the addition of Leymus cinereus has also been described for ‘western Montana (Mueggler and Stewart 1980), Comments: though Mucggler and Stewart (0980) state that Pod juncfotia decreases with grazing, we believe that under late season {rizing may increase, while rhizomatous ‘wheatgrass decrease, Mucgeler and Stewart (0980) indicate an inability w distinguish ‘environment ciferences between Sarcabalus vermiculatus/Leymus cinereus and Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Pascopyrum smith: the differences could be more attributable to grazing history than habitat. Most examples of Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Pascopyrum smthit tre close to water and on nearly level terran, Consequently mest stands have been severely Impacted by livestock grazing. Leymus cinereus may have been present in many of these stands prior to the heavy livestock _graing in the euty part of the century (se Comments uncer Lemus cinerens/ Puccinelianataliana), Element Code-CEGLO01508 Baition / Author- 99-11-16 / SV. Cooper, MINHP H erbaceous Vegetation Lacking a Significant Shrub/ Tree Component Bromus carinatus ~ Bromus anomalus Herbaccous Vegetation (BROCAR= BROANO) mountain brome ~ holding brome Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Gus? Environment: This community is associated 142 ‘with sites that are both protected and receive ‘more moisture than other positions in the landscape cither though snow deposition or subsurface input. Sites are wsuallyfoundon ‘gently inclined (<30% slope) lee slopes with northwest to northeast-facing aspects in toeslope pesitions with concave w straight slope shapes. That these are le slopes is Patially corroborated by the soils. They are dep silt oars, often without rock (f ay size las) inthe upper 20 em, but not having more than 5% stone to a depth of 40 em in any ofthe ‘examined profiles: we speculate that these soils originate primarily from the deposition of acolian material and in par from slopewash of Fines. Stans are usually small, less than 2-3 teres andl often only a fraction of an acre ‘Adjacent vegetation is almost invariably ‘dominated by the more mesic plant ‘ssociations within the Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana and Festuca idahoensis alliances, sully those communities denoted by Elymus rachycaulus Stipa richardson, Geranium viscosissimum,Potentila gracilis and. glandulosa ‘Range- Ths association has only been found onthe lower slopes ofthe Snowerest and Blacktal Ranges and various hills ant foothills ‘between these ranges: it was particularly in evidence on the Blacktal State Wildlife Management Area and occurred ta lesser degree and in x more degraded conlition on the Rohb-Lesiord State Wildlife Management Area. We speculate that teould occur the ‘southward in Idaho, Nevada and Utah ifone {envisions i asa sera community resulting from the burning (or otherwise destruction) of the shrub component of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vuseyana JB. carinatus and ‘Shmphoricarpos oreophilus (8. carinatus ‘communities, Aneedotal information from the foothills ofthe Rocky Mountain Front suggests this type occurs as small meadow patches ‘within primarily forested landscape. ‘Vegetation: Ths community is distinguished by its dearth of shrubs: Artemisia tridentata ssp. yuseyana Chrysothamues nauseosus and ‘Symphoricarpos oreophilus have the highest constancy but coverages seldom exceed rice mounts. The modal to highest quality (least clsturbed) expression ofthis type is that of| dense grassland, the tussock set so closely that from distance one appears to be viewing 2 grain field or vegetation dominated by. Thizomatows grasses. The non-shizomatous {approaching bunchgrass form) grasses Bromus ‘arinatur and B, anomalue wsually dominate the community al true bunchgrasses such as ‘Stipa richardson, S. oeidentalis, Elymus ‘rachycaulus,Festueuidahoensis, Poa Jiiflia and Danthonia intermedia are important components as well their cover ‘occasionally exceeding thatof the diagnostic species. These communities ae notable both {or theirdemse cover of graminoids, whose combined individual cover values approach oF ‘exces! 100%, and forthe varity of graminoids, usually exceeding 10 species per Plot, Instands of ostensibly degraded condition Poa pratensis and occasionally Phleun pratense are well represented © shundant and probably indicative of past grazing pressure, quite possibly by hose herd. ‘The for components highly variable in coverage ranging from nearly 100% in stands ‘where the graminoid component is reduced, 0 20-40% in stands withthe highest coverage of ‘gramipoids. Any of the following forbs may he both wel represented and exhibit high constancy and their presence is indicative of the mesic nature ofthis type: Potenila ‘gracilis, Potentilla glandulosa, Geranium scosissimum Aster chilensis, Geum tiflorum, Agosers glauca and Galium boreae. ‘Similar Communities: Though this ‘community ous a small patches in unigue ‘environments its athe suprising that thas ‘gone unlesribed until now ant in fact hotable that there are no erbaceots ‘community types noted in the NVCS with ative Bromus sp. as cliagnostic species. AS noted above, itis quite conceivable that the successional sere of several shrub-dominated rangeland types of Idaho, Nevada and Utah ‘would pass through a compositional stage approximating the community type deseribed here. The community type most similar in environment and composition is Stipa richardson ~ Festuctidahoensis, This 143 aT aN EEG RT — landscape positions closely comparable to those of 2 carinalus~ B anomalus and could bbe seen as a Variant of it, as it possess many of the same species, but the dominance ofthe ‘Bromus spp. has been replace by that of S. richardson Element Code- CEGLMTHPO? Ealtion/ Author- 99-11-2218. V. Cooper, MTNHP Calamagrastis canadensis Herbaccous Vegetation (CALCAN) Blucjoint reedgrass ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- GHQis4 Environment. The Calamagvostis canadensis association is found in montane to subalpine habitats in the mountains of Montana. Its 'ypically found in a variety of settings: in epressonalluforms as one of the outer bands (i. the dravvdown zone) of vegetation, in wet meadows, adjacent ostream courses and on alluvial terraces, and in moist forest ‘openings. Soils in basin setting are generally loamy mineral sols, while those along low _graccnt streams are usally couse textured alluvium, Calamagrosts canadensis ‘communities usually flood in the spring and tly down by m-summer, Adjacent wetter ‘communities could include Carex aguas oF Carex uriculata communities nc adjacent cli vegotation is usually upland conifers forest (Hansen ct al. 1988, Hansen etal, 1995), Vegetation: Calamagrostis canadensis isthe dominant species inthis community. with ceanopy coverage averaging 70% (Hansen eta 1995). Traces of conifers andof shrubs can be found in this association, snd Deschumpsia cespitosa i frequently associated graminoi, ‘A wide variety of forts are associated with this ‘community, wsually a low coverage ‘Similar Communities: Similarcommonitics have been described by Mattson (1984) for ‘Yellowstone National Park, Padgett tal (0989) for Utah and souteastern Idaho, Jankovsky-Jones (1997) for northern idaho, and easter Oregon (Kovalchik 1987). Similar ‘communities dominated by Calamagrostis slricta have been observed in Montana, andl Hansen et al. (1995) have placed these in the Calamagrosts canadensis association because ‘of similarities in management concers. Other studies have documented Calamagrosis ‘anadensir a the dominant understory species [owing with a variety of other overstory Species inching Picea sp (Hansen ct al. 1995), Abies lasiocurpa (Pisteret al. 1977), ‘Salix drummondiana, Salix geveriana, and ‘Salis lutea (Hansen etal. 1995). ‘Successon- Successional dynamics ofthis ‘community are poorly understood. Padgett et al. (1989) describe expansion of Calamagrostis ‘canadensis int the moist borders of Pinus contorta stands dying from bark beetles, and ascribe this fo increases in the water table due to less transpiration by the conifers. Hansen et al. (1995) suggest that Picea sp./ Calamagrosts canadensis cornmmunities ae late sera stages of the Abies laiocarpa Calamagrostis canadensis community, with sna dominating where disturbance removes the tee overstory. However, iis not clear ‘whether the Calamagrostis canadensis should be considered an carly sera ‘tht is ultimately invaded by conifers and/orshrabs. Changes inthe ‘composition ofthe Calamagrastis canadensis ‘community can take place when there are ‘changes in the hydrologic regime. “Management: Palatability of Calamagrosiis canadensis varies from moderate 1 high, and heavy grazing can rece the vigor ofthis ‘grass and lead to an increase of other ‘ruminoids such ws Poa pratensis, Poa Dalusri, Agrostis stolonifera.or huncus Daltcus. Heavily grazed wetter sites can be converted to dominance by Juncus baticus 0 Carex nebrarcensis. Hansen tal. (1995) ao state that moderate Iae-season grazing of| Calamagrosts canadensis has only limite impact on stands, especially when sols are dey. Element Code- CEGLOO1559 144 Ealition/ Author-99-10-12/ J. Greenlee, MINHP Calamagrosts purpurascens inupesiris Hetbaceous Vege (CALPUR ~CARRUP) purple reedgrass — curly sedge ‘Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- Gus? Environment: The Calamagrostis purpurascens ~ Cares rapes p48 Primarily a high subalpine o alpine vegetation type, having Been documented fom 8900 7 to the highest elevations ofthe Blackall GGreenhorn and Tendoy Ranges (above 9400 Feet; itoceupies the most exposed sites, generally including shoulders of ridges, Hidgelins, andl upper west an south-facing slopes. These upper slopes are flat to moderately sloping and wsually convex to straight in shape, This type can be expected to fccurin similar positions in mountain ranges adjacent othe ones cited above and that exist inthe rain shadow of the Beaverbcad Range. AIIBVRHDMS sampled sites and noted fccurrences were developed on limestone and possessed soils with silt loam textures and 2 high rock content, In the stay area it may fccurom a wider Variety of substrates than indicated based on the observation that in ‘Wyoming (Regan et al, 1997) itis knovin to ‘cur on noncalearcous sedimentary substrates. The amount of exposed substrate varies greatly. depending on exposure. but generally between dead and ive Selaginella ‘densa, bryophytes, and litter more than 70% of the surface hasan organic cover. This type usualy isthe mast areally extensive ‘community ina mosaic of C. upesirie/ Potenila ovina, Carex elynoides turf ‘communities, Fert Kingi/ Osstropis ‘umpestie grasslands that ostensibly occupy ‘equally, if not more, stressful sites an Carex Scirpoidea /Poteniladiversifolia, Fesca Idalinensis/Potenilladiversifoliaot Deschampsia/P. diversifoia communities found on more mesic, less exposed, or lower clevationsites Vegetation: These sites are recognized by Calamagrosts purpurascens being well represented andl Carex nypestris of C. obtusata also being dominant or co-dominant: total _gramipoid canopy cover is mostly 50 to 70%. However, grumianid diversity is low on these sites, the only other ones occuring egularly ‘were Koeleria macrantha and Poa rupcota [No shrubs or subshrubs occurred inthis type. orb clversity i generally high witha east 15 and up t 28 per plot, but overall frb cover seldom exceeds 206, Forts with the highest cover and constancy are Bupleurum ‘americanum, Phlox pulvinata, Oxstropis ‘cumpestis,Erigeron compositus and Potentila ovina. Senecio canusS.sireptanthifoius and Arenaria obturiloba simply have bigh constancy within the type. The cover of lve (or Photosyntitially active) Selaginella densa {generally was aot more than 20% but dead foliagofstems ereted anywhere from a trie to 30% cover ‘Similar Communities: From Wyoming's Snowy Range a community ofthe same name {same dominant species) and occupying the same enviramental niche has been described South into Coloraco as well a in dao (Urbanczyk and Henderson 1994, Richarcon tnd Henderson 1999) and Montana (Cooperet al. 1997) several communities are docunented ‘wherein Carex rypestrs alone isthe dominant ‘ordiagnostie graminoid and the environments bear astmng resemblance to the one described! hone. Moseley (1985) has identified, based on a very limited sample in the alpine of east central Idabo, a Calamagrostis purpurascens type. Urbanczyk and Henderson (1994) document a Calamagrosts purpurascens — Carex elynoides community wherein Carex ‘upestrisis 1 major component they indicate that this community occupies positions les © than Carex etyoider tr sites. In southwest Montana it his aot been ‘stablished hat environmental parameters consistently distinguish Carex nypetris/ (Oxytropis campestris from Carex purpurascens / Carex. upestis, though itis likely the degree of expose 145 Element Code-CEGLMTHPIL ation / Author. 99-11 MTNHP 1S. V. Cooper, Carex aquatilis Herbaccous Vegetation (EARAQU)' Waterscdge Natural Heritage Conservation Rank- G5/85, Environment- Carex aquatils communities canbe foun at mid to high elevations throughout Montana It typically found in orn st al 1969, Pcie 183, Johnson 1987. Alucguler and Sicwas 98D 1991 Kovaehik 1993, Matton IRS, Maz wa Qui 1989 Fad ct J. 1589 Winon 1969 198. Padge cal 1989, Perce 1986, Pir aad Jobat 1986 lssbers 161 tcc. 1996, Kovalhik 187, Mute nd Qui 13, Pas cl 1989. Youephloed ca. 1985, wi 963 233 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Assockation Name [Principle Reference Source 1998, Pads ta 98, Saemon aad Ketter 1096, Thy aad Jean fz, Youngblood ca. 1985, bere 1961 iter 1968, Mucspcraad Stewae 1980. Tada 1986 [conor acres Sasibiend [Provision lcpeoncpab Mcabaccous Vegetation osha 1968 Tonka aad Wand 170, Coopcrstal. 1997. lise RL ice nd Wasacr 1982 Johan 1970, Johason 1987. Komashova 1986, say 1973, Osture 1958, W non 1960, bcscham pris cspaoraFoicuin [aloe TR, Rontaw 1906 Rostaw aa Wand 10, Coop a 7 Livin Hehaccoun Veqsttinn lctanatscr 1997, Dascomire aed Daubcamie 1968, Pasian ln Byrne 1973, Hlaacact al 1991, Hyer al. 1966, Joes nd Wasser 1982, Hotway 1962,Hotway aad Ward 1963 Jobaton 1987 Komastove 1976, Willan 1963, Wilt 1979 berg and Major 965 tame st ab 1989, Hanon cal. 1995, Kewlerand MeMilen 1996, sito fine Heda Wveseation 234 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Assockation Name [Principle Reference Source lnachycauke Hesbaccou Vegcition cgicrand Stewan 1980, Taasi TW ad Bavacs TH, Buna 185, Foc 1903, Hamscn sa aL 1901 Hes 1981, Kitch 1994, Komarhova 186, fat Ateandcr 1986 Seaningr 1975, eesnge 1979 Johavon 1987 235 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Assoclation Name [Principle Reference Source [iesce ca 1901, Rc cra 0, Ricl cra 06, Racha enna ksi ca. 1976, Mucgpterand Siw 1980, Thea a. 1995 younebiod crt 1985, oun 1980, Youngblood cra. 1985 236 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Association Name [Principle Reference Source Bogor cra 1980, Youngblood a. 9RS, Zack TH 1996, Kovach 1987, Mau and Hencron 1981, Osborn cal. 1598, Woodtin tev seat [Atsaaderce al 586, xs IORI, Hon i Ales 19RD, Wasser 1982, Jobeson 1987, oir 1960, Stclecak. 9B, Sick ca [Nesta ca. 1986, Mak and enicnan RE Sic al TRE [acca 1981, Aksandcrst al. 1586 cry a Alsou 16, Jshasion 1987, task and Henderson 184, Moir 1969, Robes 1980, 237 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Association Name [Principle Reference Source ics 1981, esd Acsamice 186, Hoffa and Alexander 1976, cmlemon 1984, Orval 1966 [rao ct. 985, Cooper al. 5R7, Von 197 [acsaadercr at 1986, Col 82, Wolfman and Alexander 1980 Toho [cooper eta. 1967, Daubcaniac ani Dasicamie 1968 Hall 9TH tse and Hoffman 1988, Hoffmanand Alexander 1976, Johavontad lacie cl. 1969, Manning IO leona Sgt ORF, Macgglcrand Campbcl16 Mocgglerand Campbell 1982, Mucgpr amd Campbell 1986, Willams lad Latyoratgc 1983. Youngblood aad Mcgee 1981 238 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Association Name [Principle Reference Source angcatcin 1962, Mucgghr 188 Dacicenli 170, Facial 195, 97S lokenon ad Simo [Asdcson 156 Daur 1970, yd 1964, Monta Nato iicand Dachcom TOR Icranr 1986, Johasos 1987 Per sta 1977 Steck a 1, losborn ta. 1958, Ricken ta. 1996 lcopuionsm Woodland [Rtceadcrcia 0 Hoffman aad Alsanier 1976 Lanow aad Wo sci cat 1981 Sick eal. 1083, Yaunhbod and Mau 1985 239 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Association Name [Principle Reference Source loscnmir ad Dascamire 1968 Hall 1973, Jobnion an Simon 187, 1987 Oswat 1966, Perc al, 1977, Sick tal 1983, Yunghlood and fd cmon I584, Mulan in 14, Pace a 197, Ree 1976, Deets wai 1086. Fastagh aa WW? Persad 77 frist Sins Hesbaccous Vegetation sets and Gata 1957 Mia and Quek 18H Noman tal WT rsdgc cea, 1988, Tuy and Jensen 1982, Youngblod ctl 1985, fam 1982, Ma nl Qui 1983, Pada a 98S, Page Psdec ca. 1568, Padge cal 198d 1990 ater 1986, akcr 1989, Johann 17, Keicrand Neen 196, = 240 Appendix D. Plant Associations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Assockation Name [Principle Reference Source sedan 1996, Kies a 1994-Osborn i, 1958 adc tal. 1989, [raky and demin 1982. Youngblood ca 1985 set aed Quins 1985, Pag cea. 1989, Thy and meen 1982 ssi glaucs Stand [coopsrand Leva 1992 1995, Kil 196, Komarlava 198, Lenn ics 198, cand Wasser 199, Komarkova 1976, Kemaviava Hb later 1986, Bar 198 Hama al TOT, lanow RT, Kelerand [ass tal 191, Padgaa al TORY, Padgca sal 1989, Yowaghlond vase cia 99K, Hawsca al 1905. Komavkova 176 a embers OT [Akous and Shaw Ts, Cooper ED, Franch 18, foton HT 241 Appendix D. Plant Assoclations: Principal and Substantiating References [Plant Assoclation Name [Principle Reference Source = Vegern eee oeat 242 Index to Descriptions of T ypes Necdle-leaved Evergreen Forests Abies laiocursa / Amica cordifolia Forest % Abies lasiocarpa / Calamagrostis canadensis Forest 15 Abies lasiocarpa / Calamagrosts rubescens Forest 7 Abies lasiocarpa / Carex geyeri Forest 78 Abies lasiocarpa/Ribes montigenum Forest 7 Abies laiocarpa /Thalictrum occidentale Forest 7 Picea (engelmanni x glauca engelmanni)/ Equisetum arvense Forest » Ficea engelmanni /Calamagrosts canadensis Forest 8 2 8 st ri 85 8 86 Picea (engelmanoi x glauca engelmanni) /Galium tiflorum Forest Picea (engelmanni x glauca, engelmannii)/ Senecio streplantifolus Forest Pinus contort / Carex rossi Forest (Cseudotsuga mencjesit /Arnica cordifolia Forest Pseudotsuga menziesii Calamagrostisrubescens Forest (Cseudotsuga mencjest/ Juniperus communis Forest Pseudotsuga menziesii/ Physocarpus malvaceus Forest Pseudotsuga menciesii/ Spiraea betulifolia Forest 87 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpas oreophilus Forest 88 [Necdle-laved Evergreen Woodlands. Abies laiocarpa / Juniperus communis Woodland so Cercocurpusleifolus/ Festuca idahoensis Woodland so % % Juniperesscopulorum / Artemisia tridentata Woodland “junipers scopulorum / Cercocarpus leiolius Woodland “huniperuescopulorum /Pseudordegneria spicata Woodland or Finus albicauls~ Abies lasiocarpa Woodlana [Provisional] 2 Pinus albiculs/ Festuca idahoensis Woodland 2 Pinus flesils/ Cercocarpus ledifolius Weodland, 3 Finus fleuilis/ Festuca idahoensis Woodland os ius fleulis/Juniperus communis Woodland 95 Pinus fletils /Psedovoegneria spicata Woodland 95 Pseudotsuga menziesii /Cercocarpus ledifolus Woodland % Pseudotsuga menciesi Festuca idahoensis Woodland 7 Pseudotsuga menciesi /Seree Woodland 7 ‘Montane oF Horeal Cokd-deckiuows Forest 98 Populus balsanifera sp. trichocarpa / Poa pratensis Forest a Populus tremuloides Bromus carinaus Forest % opus tremuloides / Calamagrostis canadensis Forest % Fopulustremuloides /Calamagrostisrubescens Forest oo tol 102 Populus tremuloides / Poa pratensis Forest Populus tremuloides / Tall Forbs Forest Populus tremuloides / Thalictrum fendleri Forcst 102 243 Shrublands Artemisia cana /Pacopyrum smith Shean 108 Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata /Festueaidahoensis Shrublaet 108 Artemisia tridentata sp, iidentata/Pascopyrum sntai Shrub 105 Artemisia tidentata /Stipa comata Shrubland. 105 Artemisia tridentata ssp, vateyana / Leymus cinereus Shred 106 Artemisia tridentata sp. vaseyana /Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 107 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Elymus lanceolatus Sbrubland 108 ‘Betula glandulora / Cares uriculaa Herbaceous Vegetation 108 Cercocurpus ledfolue /Paeudoroegneria spicata Shred 109 (Chrysothamaus vsciditones/Stipa comata Shrubland 10 Corus sericea Shrublane! ut Pentaphlloides floribunda / Deschampaia cexpiowa Shrubland 12 Pentaphsiloides floribunda /Potentila ovina Sheubland 13 Salix boothi/ Calamag ross canadensis Shrubland 14 ‘Salis candida/ Carex utrculata Shabana, 3 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland 116 Salix drummondiana / Calamagrosts canadensis Sheubland 116 Salix drummondhiana / Carex uriculata Shrubland, 7 Salie glauca Shrubland: 120 Salic geyeriana / Calamagrostis canadensis Shrubland RI Salie geyeriana / Carex utriculata Shrubland 12 Salix planifolia / Carex nebrascensis Shrubland| 1B Sarcobatus vermiculatus/ Distichlis spicata Shrubland 14 Sorcobatus vermiculatus / Leymus cinereus Shrubland, 12 ‘Shepherd argentea Sbrublaet Rs _DwarfShrublands including Dwarf-Shrub Herbaccous Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba/ Elymus lanceolatus Dwartshrub Herbaceous Vegetation 126 Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Festuca idahoensis Dwar-shru Herbaceous Vegetation R77 Artemisia nova /Preudoroegneria spicata Dwart-shrublan. R7 Abiplex gardheri/ Oryzopsiskymenoides Dwar-shrubland Rs Cassiope mertensiana / Carex paysonis Dwar shrubland Re ‘Dryas octopetala/ Carex nupestris Dwart-shrub Herbaccous Vegetation Re Divas octopetala/Polygonurnvviparum Dvras-shrub Herbaccous Vegetation, Br Finllodoce empetiformis /Antennaria lanata Dwart-shrubana. 132 Salis reticulata / Caltha leptosepala Dwar-shrubland 13 Herbaccous Vegetation witha Sparse Necdle-leaved or Microphyllus Evergreen Shrub Layer. Artemisia cana / Elymus iachscaulus Sheu Herbacoous Vegetation. Artemisia cana / Festuca idahoenss Shrub Herbaccous Vegetation Artemisia cana / oa pratensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Artemisia tridentata ssp, vateyana / Festuca idalioensis Shrub Herbaccous Vegotation, Artemisia tridentata sp. wvomingensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegettion.. Artemisia riparia / Elymus lanceolaius Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation, Artemisia triparita/ Festuca idahoensis Sheu Herbsccous Vegetation. Artemisia tipartita / Pseudoroegneria spicata Sheu Herbaccous Vegetation Fentaphiloides floribunda / Festuca campestris Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Fentaphyiloides floribunda / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Salix arctica / Polygonum bistortoides Dwart Shrublanl Sarcobatus vermicuatus /Pascopsrum smitht! Sheu Herbaceous Vegetation 244 Herbaceous Vegetation Lacking a Significant Shrub/Tree Component. Bromus carinatut ~ Bromus anomalue Herbaceous Vegetation. Calamagrostis canadensis Herbaceous Vegetation Calamagrostis purpurascens ~ Carex rupesiris Herbaceous Vegetation Carex aquatlis Herbaceous Vegetation Carex huxhauni Herbacoows Vegetation Carex elynoides Herbaceous Vegetation Carex lanuginosa Herbaceous Vegetation Carex lasiocarpa Herbaceous Vegetation Carex nebrarcensis Herbccous Vegetation. Carex nigricans Perbaceous Vegetation Carex nipesris /Potentilla ovina Herbaceous Vegetation Carex scirpodea / Geum rossi Herbaceous Vegetation, Carex scirpoidea /Potentlla dversfolia Herbaceous Vegetation Carex scopulorun / Calthaleptosepala Herbaceous Vegetation Carex simulta Herbacoous Vegetation Carex uriculata Herbaceous Vegetation Deschampsia cesptosa Herbaceous Vegetation Deschampsia cesptosa - Calta leplosepata Vierbccous Vegetation Derchampsia cesptona -Potentiladiversiolia Herbaccous Vegetation, Distichlis spicata Herbaceous Vegetation Eleocharis palustris Herbaceous Vegetation Elymus fanceolatus -Phacelia haslata Herbaceous Vegetation. Equisctun fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Festuca idahoensis Deschampsia cespitosaVerbaccous Vegetation ‘Feslucaidahoensis~ Elymus trachycanus Herbaccous Vegetation ‘Festuca idahoensis-Potentiladiversifolia Herbaceous Vegetation Festuca idahoensis -Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation Festuca kingi - Oxytropiscampesris Herbaceous Vegetation Geum rossi ~ Minuartia oblailoba Herbaceous Vegetation Hordeum jubatum Herbaceous Vegetation “huncus baiticus Herbacoous Vegetation Phalaris arundinacea Westen Herbaceous Vegetation Poa juneifolia Herbaceous Vegetation. Poa pratensis Herbaceous Vegetation [Provisional] Preudoroegneria spicata - Cushion plant Herbaccous Vegetation Pseudoroegneria spicata - Orszopsis hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation Pseudoroegneria spicata -Pascopyrum smithi Herbaceous Vegetation Pseudoroegneria spicata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation Puccinelia ntaliana Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Scirpus aculus Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Scirpus tabernaemontani Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Stipa comata -Boutcloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Stipa comata -Psovalidium temloram Herbaceous Vegetation ‘Stipa richardson - Festuca idahoensis Herbaceous Vegetation Typha latifolia Westem Herbaceous Vegetation 12 12 14 145 145 146 17 148 140 150 150 ist 155 Ist 135 155 157 18 18 100 161 161 162 103 tod tos 103 166 107 168 169 169 14 174 175 175 176 176 77 178 18 170 180 181 181 132 245