Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society

. . dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora”

Volume 25 Number 4

May - June 2001

Comprehensive Statewide Wetlands Classification and Characterization Program

Denise R. Culver, Colorado Natural Heritage Program

What types of wetlands exist across Colorado’s landscape? What
types of vegetation exist within them? What are their functions or
attributes? Which types are rarC and where are they located?

Classification is often considered the first step in
understanding and defining the nature and
dynamics of habitats in ordef to properly man-
oe, restore, and protect them, as well as direct

nited conservation resources and monies to the

W

specific places where they will have the greatest
impact. In 1999, the Colorado Natural Heritage
Program (CNHP), in partnership with the
Colorado Department of Natural Resources
(CDNR) Division of Wildlife’s (DOW)

Wetlands Program initiated a Statewide
Wetlands. Classification to answer these ques-
tions as a key component of the on-going effort
to define a Statewide Wetlands Strategy model
for Colorado. This project is not only an essen-
tial and necessary tool to protect Colorado’s wet-
lands, but can serve as a model conservation
approaclr for other western states to follow.

The Comprehensive Statewide Wetlands
Classification and Characterization (CSWCC) is a multi-year pro-
ject designed to develop a tool for community- based conservation
and protection of Colorado’s wetlands and their biodiversity. The
CSWCC creates a floristic wetland classification for Colorado fol-
lowing the U.S. National Vegetation Classification System
(USNVC), the national stand^d for classification and inventory
(Anderson et al. 1998; Maybury 1999). The prinriary goal was to
utilize the abundant data collected by previous vegetation studies
of Colorado’s wetlands. The classification will be based on more
<^han 20 field seasons of quantitative data collection throughout the
ite. The wetland classification will extend, and potentially
refine, the current most comprehensive riparian classification of
Colorado (Kittel et al. 1999), by including data from non-riparian
wetlands and other investigators (e.g.. Dr. David Cooper, CSU).

Phase One (FY 1999) of the CSWCC collected and synthesized
existing data (4,51 1 plots), identified and collected data on gaps,
and stratified the entire data set into nine Hydrogeomoiphic
(HGM) subclasses based on the HGM
Classification of Cooper (1998). Phase Two (FT
2000) will complete the classification of the strat-
ified data set, rank and prioritize each wetland
plant association in terms of imperilment and
biodiversity significance, and write or revise
existing plant association^bstracts with known
ecological and environmental data. Phase Three
(proposed for FY 2001) will complete the char-
acterizhtion of the wetland plant associations, as
well as collect data on little known wetland types
(e.g., iron fens, introduced or non-native, prairie
seeps, and playasj.

As part of Phase I, a pilot project was initiated
between CNHP and the DOW’s Riparian
Mapping Project. This pilot, performed in South
Park (Park County), documented the methodolo-
amy^daioides gy ^nd elfoit to cross reference CSWCC with the
Ariisi; Gary BentmppQ^,^ Riparian Mapping Units. The South Park
pilot project provides a comprehensive mapping project for feder-
al, state, and private land managers. Coupled with CNHP’s
Statewide Wetland Classification, it is the. necessary tool for man-

“Wetlands” continues on page 2

Contents =

■

About the Society .

5

Announcements . . . .4

,7, 8, 9

Articles . .1-2,

7. 9. 10

Calendar ..... . . ..............

.... .6

Chapter News and Announcements .

. . . .8-9

Membership in the Society ........

.... .5

Society News and Announcements .

.3-4, 6

Page 2

Aquilegia

Vol. 25 No. 4

“Wetlands ” continued from page 1

aging and preserving South Park’s riparian wetlands. Most impor-
tantly, this project as part of the GSWCC reflects a true intera-
gency, cooperative effort that recognizes the importance of classi-
fying, mapping, protecting, and managing unique riparian habitats.

Literature Cited

Anderson, M., P. Bourgeron, M.T Bryer, R. Crawford, L.
Engelking, D. Faber-Langendoen, K. Gallyoun, K. Goodin, D.H.
Grossman, S. Landall, K. Met^ler, K.D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M.
Reid, L- Sneddon, and A.S. Weakley. 1998. International
Classification of Ecological Communities: Terrestrial Vegetation
for the United States. Voliime II. Arlington, VA; The Nature
Conservancy.

Cooper, D.J. 1998. Classification of Colorado’s Wetlands for Use
in HGM Functional Assessment; A First Approximation. In;
Characterization and Functional Assessment of Reference
Wetlands in Colorado. Submitted to Colorado Department of
Natural Resources, Denver by Colorado Geological Survey,
Colorado School of Mines, and Colorado State University.

Kittel, G.M., E. VanWie, M. Damm, R. Rondeau, S. Kettler, A.
McMullen, and J. Sanderson. 1999. A Classification of Riparian
Wetland Plant Associations of Colorado: User Guide to the
Classification Project. Colorado Natural Heritage Program,
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.

Maybufy, K.R (Ed.). 1999. Seeing the Forest and the Trees:
Ecological classification for Conservation. Arlington, VA; The
Nature Conservancy.

NOTE; This article was reprinted from The Green Line Vol. 11,
No. 4, by permission of the Colorado Riparian Association. For
more information, please contact Denise Culver at (970) 491-
2998 and dculver@lamar.colostate.edu o£ Kathy Carsey at (970)
491-6464 and kcarsey@lamar.colostate.edu

Colorado Riparian Association
Welcomes New Members
Denis B. Hall, Colorado Riparian Associatioi^

It seems like a “natural.” Both the
Colorado Native Plant Society and the
Colorado Riparian Association (CRA)
have common interests in Colorado’s plant
life and biological resources. As such, the
Colorado Riparian Asspciation would like
to invite you to become a member.

The Colorado Riparian Association was
formed in 1989 by a small group of dream-
Saiix sp. ers who believed that our riparian zones
should not become sacrificial areas. Now CRA shares that dream
with an army of volunteers, landowners, citizens, agency staff,
planners, and technical specialists. CRA shares its knowledge,
enthusiasm, and experience with anyone who Joins us in trying to
improve Colorado’s river systems and riparian ecosystems.

CRA works to promote the protection and restoration of
Colorado’s riparian areas and wetlands through better awareness
of the values and long-term benefits of good management. We
seek to foster a practical and scientific understanding of riparian
areas and wetlands in Colorado. We promote sound management
of riparian areas and wetlands through demonstration and educa-
tion, and support communication and coordination among all peo-
ple interested in riparian areas and wetlands in Colorado. We work
to ensure that the long-temafienefits of the riparian areas and we'
lands of Colorado are maintained or improved.

Our membership consists of landowners, resource managers,
organizations, and interested people promoting awareness of the
values and long-term benefits of proper management of
Colorado’s thin green line — our riparian areas. Membership in
CRA includes the opportunity to meet and work with other enthu-
siastic people at our Annual Conference, a great opportunity to
hear the latest in riparian; projects and science. Members also
receive The Green Line, our newsletter, four times each year.

We also recently published A Driving Guide to Riparian and
Wetland Restoration in Colorado. The Driving Guide was initiat-
ed through the Information and Education committee of CRA in
order to highlight successful riparian and wetland restoration pro-
jects in Colorado. The Driving Guide features 46 projects that
provide a reference for landowners and land managers. The book
is easy to read, has lots of pictures, and contains a minimal
amount of technical jargon.

Membership in CRA is available for as little as $25 per year for an
individual, $15 for students, and a cool $150 for a whole organiza-
tion. Please direct inquiries or your request for membership to;
Colorado Riparian Association
2060 Broadway
Suite 230

Boulder, CO 80302.

Alternatively, our e-mail address is riparian@webspinners.com. And
sure to visit Our website at http;//coloradoriparian-org/index.shtml#menu.
Let’s get together. See you on the green line!

Vol. 25 No, 4 Aquilegia Page 3

SOCIETY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summary of the January 6, 2001 Minutes

Alice Guthrie, CoNPS Secretary

At the January Board Meeting held at the Public Library in
Longmont, the main agenda item was the 2001 Budget. To date,
Georgia Doyle (Treasurer) had received $2800 for memberships,
$485 for the Marr Fund, $3300 for the Steinkamp Fund, and $271
for general donations. Total indome is $28,425 and expenses are
$30,928. Eric Lane (Membership Chair) updated the dues estimate
to $8000. The Board had some questions for the Sales Committee
regarding details of book and t-shirt sales, and ways to update the
book inventory. The Board decided to create a category of
“Statewide Meetings,” which would include Annual Meeting
expenses. Honoraria for special speakers, such as Gary Nabhan,
would be charged to that category. The printing costs for the new
Membership brochures were $653. The Board discussed budgeting
a laptop computer for the Finance Committee and approved the
Newsletter budget. Which included a postage increase.

The Board reviewed progress on the final two goals of the Strategic
Plan, and made recommendations for completing unfinished items
and updating goals and Objectives to reflect current interests and
resources. Details of the Strategic Plan Review will be published
in Aquilegia. The goals reviewed follow;

Maintain and enhance quality and quantity of core membership
services, as measured by feedback from meinbers.

Influence the protection and management of a minimum of ten
sites that harbor rare species or exemplary natural communi-
ties by January 1, 2001.

to create a Rare Lichen List for Colorado, which would cost
approximately $1000. The Board supported the qffort and asked
them to discuss this further with Dr. Weber, investigate additional
sources of funding, and report back to the Efoard.

Summary of F^mary 24, 2001 Minutes

Alice Guthrie, CoNPS Secretary

the Board again met at the Longmont Public Libraiy in Februaiy.
The first item on the agenda was a request from the Central Rockies
Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (CeRSER) to
send registration information to CoNPS members for the confer-
ence in April. The Board approved giving mailing labels to
CeRSER for this mailing, specifically, and decided to add a check-
box to the member survey/renewal notice that members could
check to receive additional mailings. CeRSER requested a $350
donation/sponsorship, which the Board approved. CoNPS will get
a table for book sales and members can register as SER members.
The Board approved an additional request to include some of
CoNPS' policies and guidelines in the workshop notebook.

Gay Austin and Neil Snow have been working with Dr. William
Weber on a “Rare Lichen List for Colorado.” Neil and Gay will
coordinate the review of the document and finalize the contract.
The Board approved payment of $500 when it is signed and $500
upon completion of the work. The next steps are finalising a con-
tract, reviewing the list, clarifying publication rights,, and dis-
cussing options for publication. The USFS and BLM are also con-
tributing funds.

Gwen Kittel agreed to be Field Trip Committee Chair. Neil Snow
is Chair of the Field Studies Committee, while Loraine Yeatts will
continue to maintain plant lists. The Board voted to change the
name of the Merchandise Committee to Sales. All committee
chairs will work on revising their respective goals and functions,
and bring a final draft to the Board in February or March.

Jill Handwerk is coordinating with Will Murray, Chair of the
Natural Areas Council, widvregard to sending a letter in support
of CNAP from CoNPS to the Governor. A letter that members
could use to send to their legislators to lend support for maintain-
ing the CNAP program is being drafted and will be mailed to
members subsequently.

The Board was pleased with the new design of the membership
brochure. MRW Associates donated the graphic design work. The
Board voted to send letters of appreciation to JVIaiy Reed Wolff
and Laurie Shields, along with one-year memberships.

The Research Grants Committee, represented by Gwen Kittel and
Neil Snow, recommended three grant proposals for funding,
which the Board approved:

Marr Fund

B. Kobiitz — Interactive Identification Key to the Vascular
Plants of the Laramie Foothills. $500.

J. Riser Spatial Genetic Structure in Southwestern White Pine:
Effects of Bird Dispersal on Evolutionary Potential. $500.
Steinkamp Fund

J. Whittall — Pollinator Shifts, Habitat Preferences, and
Speciation in North American Columbines: The Crucial Role
of Colorado Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae). $500.

Leo Bruederle (Newsletter Committee) discussed having an inter-
active web form to collect information for a Directory of Colorado
botanists. The Board supported the idea and asked him to draft up
potential criteria for review and work with Sara Hill (Webmaster)
on its development.

The Annual Meeting Committee comprises Jill Handwerk, Laurel
Potts, Georgia Doyle, Dave Anderson, Denise Culver, Don Hazlett,
Annette lyiiller, and Sue Martin. The Meeting will be held at the
University Park Holiday Inn in Fort Collins in late September. The
subject will be “25 Years of CONPS - A Historical Perspective.”
Details will be printed in Aquilegia this spring. With registration
information to follow in the July-August issue.

Several changes to the 2001 Budget were discussed and adopted
by the Board. Based on 2001 estimates, the budget is very tight.
The difference from last year stems from merchandise income and
donations that are less than anticipated. Finally, members who
have not renewed for 2001 will not receive another issue of the
newsletter, but will be contacted via a more cost-effective method.

Neil Snow and Gay Austin are working with Dr. William Weber “Februaty minutes” continues on page 4

Page 4 Aquilegia Voi. 25 No. 4

SOCIETY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CoNPS 25th Anniversary Poster Contest

Pat Ploegsmia, Chairperson

“February minutes” continued from page 3
Pat Plocgsma is coordinating a poster contest for the 2001 Annual
Meeting. Original drawings, photographs and computer-generated
graphics w ill be accepted. Pat will prepare guidelines for artists
and do targeted mailings for submissions. A $100 prize wall be
presented at the Annual Meeting, where the winning piece will be
raffled off. Income is estimated at $1250 for 2001.

Rick Brune asked for assistance from CoNPS to administer grant
funds for prcxluction and distribution of the North Jeffco Area
(iroup handbook, “Environmentally Responsible Development.”
CoNPS, as a non-profit association, vvoiild be the recipient and
administrator of the grant funds and receive art administrative fee.
The Board approved the request, with a written agreement delin-
eating the terms.

The May meeting in Grand Junction will include a day hike on
Saturday, 19 May, 2001 and the Board Meeting on Sunday, 20
May, 2001.

Rare Cryptogams in Colorado

Dr. Neil Snow, University of Northern Colorado

The Colorado Native Plant Society offers its warmest thanks to
Dr. William A. Weber, Professor Emeritus of CU- Boulder, for pro-
ducing a checklist entitled “Rare Cryptogams in Colorado” for
CoNPS. This list is available to any interested parties by contact-
ing CoNPS at P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, CO 80522. Few states
have such a list, so Colorado is fortunate in this regard. The
checklist covers rare mosses, lichens, and hepatics (liverworts),

FIELD TRIPS

June 16, 2001 Bonner Peak Trip Added

Peaks, Domes, and Barrens

Bonner Peak is located in the outer foothills near Livermore, north
of Fort Collins. The flora of this area is a rich mixture of prairie and
lower montane species. On this trip to be led by Scott Ellis, we
will see several of the less comirton plants with eastern U.S. affini-
ties, including wild sarsparilla {Aralia nudicaulis), carrionflower
(Smilax lasioneuwn), artd snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica). In
addition, we will examine the flora of decomposed granite barrens
(natural rock gardens), and the plant inhabitants of a granite dome
called Bobcat Rock. If we have a reasonably wet spring, there
should be a good show of several Astragalus, Penstemon, and
Senecio species. , ,

This trip requires a willingness to scramble on and around rocks;
and to do some off-trail hiking (total roundtrip distance about two'
miles, with an elevation gain of about 500 vertical feet). The trip
is planned, around lunch on an overlook of the canyon of the North
Fork of the Poudre River. This (rip is limited to 15 people. To reg-
ister and for more information, please contact Scott Ellis at (970)
493-6069 or sellis@ensr.com.

You are invited to join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of
the Colorado Native Plant Society by creating a poster to be used
for promoting the Society and local chapters. CoNPS will also
benefit from sales of prints of the winning entry. Paint, draw, pho^
tograph, or digitally capture your favorite native flower, plant, or
scenery. The finished product should be no larger than 12 x 16
inches and include the CoNPS logo, address, and web site
address, if possible; Submission without this information will be
accepted and, if chosen, the artwork will be modified to include
this information in a border.

Submissions, for which the deadline is July 31, 2001, may be
mailed or delivered to Pat Ploegsma at 1620 Donoven Street,
Strasburg, CO 80136 or taken to FMS Digital Print Shop at 4101
E. Louisiana Avenue, Suite 101 in Denver. Use this location if you
do not want to send your submission through the mail. Kathy
Hadsall (303-744-9800) is owner and operator, and willing to
answer questions.

Judging will be held in August, with a single prize of $100 to be
awarded at the Annual Meeting on September 29, 2001 in Fort
Collins. Reproduetions of the winning entry will be sold at that
time. The original poster will also be on display throughout the
meeting and auctioned off that day. For more information, contac ^
Pat Ploegsma at (303) 622-9439 (home) or (303) 229-3007 (cell). -^

And...

Carol Spurrier, past CoNPS Board member, was recently selected
to serve as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National
Botanist in Washington, D.C.! Congratulations, Carol!

CoNPS member and Horticulture and Restoration Committee Co-
chair Kathy Damas was featured recently in an article written by
Niki Hayden entitled “Go Native” published in the April 15,
2001 issue of Front Range Living, a Colorado weekly online
magazine. In addition to suggestions for implementing and main-
taining a gardert comprising native plants, CoNPS is touted as a
source of information regarding natives. Visit http://www.fron-
trangeliving.com to read the article in its entirety.

CoNPS took third place in the Educational Exhibits Display catego-
ry at the Colorado Home and Garden Show. Thanks to Megan
Bowes and Jennifer Rolles for volunteering to maintain the display.

AQUILEGIA Deadline Approaches

Submit on or before June 15, 2001

Please submit contributions for Vol. 25 No. 5 of Aquilegia on or
before June 15, 2001. Include author’s name, address, and affilia-
tion. Follow the format from previous issues as closely as possi j
ble. Spell check. Articles must be submitted via e-mail or on disk^
— MAC, preferably. Please submit the contribution as a MS Word
or rtf (rich text format) document.

Vol. 25 No. 4

Aquilegia

Page 5

Colorado Native
Plant Society

The Colorado Native Plant Society is a non-
profit organization dedicated to the apprecia-
tion and conservation of the Colorado native
flora. Membership is open to all with an inter-
est in our native plants, and is composed of
plant enthusiasts both professional and non-
professional.

Please join us in helping to encourage interest
in enjo>ing and protecting Colorado's native
plants. The Society sponsors field trips, work-
shops, and other activities through local chap-
ters and statewide. Contact the Society, a chap-
ter representative, or committee chair for more
information.

Schedule of Membership Fees

Life $250

Supporting $50

Organization or Corporate $30

. Family or Dual $20

"-^Individual $15

Student or Senior $8

Membership Renewal/Information

Please direct all membership applications,
renewals, and address changes to the
Membership Chairperson, Colorado Native
Plant Sopiety, P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, CO
80522. Please direct all other inquiries regarding
the Society to the Secretary at the same address.

Aquilegia

Aquilegia is published four to six times per
year by the Colorado Native Plant Society.
This newsletter is available to members of the
Society and to others with an interest in native
plants. Contact the Society for subscription
information. Articles for Aquilegia may be
used by other native plant societies or non-
profit groups if fully cited to author and attrib-
uted to Aquilegia.

Please direet all contributions to the newsletter to:

Leo P. Bruederie
Biology, Campus Box 171
University of Colorado at Denver
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
E-Mail: lbruederle@earthlink.net

Articles not exceeding 2000 words in length
and short items, such as unusual information
about a plant, are especially welcome.
Previously published articles submitted for
reprinting require permission. Camera-ready
line art or other illustrations are also solicited.
Please include author’s name and address,
although anonymity may be requested. Articles
submitted via e-mail or on disks (MAC prefer-
ably, or IBM) are appreciated. Please indicate
word processing software and version; if pos-
sible, submit as an RTF (rich text format) file.

Officers

President Jill Handwerk . . 970-491-5857

Vice-President . . . David Anderson . 970-484-0774

Secretary Alice Guthrie. . . 303-651-3127

Treasurer Georgia Doyle . . 970-491-6477

Board of Directors

Jill Handwerk (01) .. Fort Collins . . 970-491-5857
Bill Jennings (01) . . . Louisville . . . 303-666-8348
Andy Kratz (01) ... . Lakewood . . . 303-914-8291
Pat Ploegsma (01). . . Strasburg. . . . 303-622-9439

Eric Lane (01) Lakewood . . . 303-239-4182

David Anderson (02) Fort Collins . . 970^84-0774
Gay Austin (02) .... Gunnison. . . . 970-641-6264
Kathy Darrow (02) . . Crested Butte. 970-349-0743

Gwen Kittel (02) Boulder 303-258-0908

Laurel Potts (02). . . . Fort Collins . . 970-484-4076
Neil Snow (02) Greeley 970-330-4823

Chapter Presidents

Boulder Caryl Shields .... 303-665-6312

Fort Collins Don Hazlett 970-834-1493

Metro-Denver . . Denise Larson . . . 303-733-4338

Plateau Jeanne Wenger. . . 970-256-9227

Southwest Sandy Friedley . . . 970-884-9245

Standing Committees and Chairs

Conservation ... Joe Rocchio 720-494-0876

Education and . . Jill Handwerk. . . . 970-491-5857

Outreach and Alice Guthrie. 303-651-3127

Field Studies . . . Neil Snow 970-330-4823

Field Trips Gwen Kittel 303-258-0908

Finance Denise Culver . . . 970-225-1930

and Georgia Doyle 970-491-6477

Horticulture and. Kathy Damas .... 303-543-1492
Restoration . . . and Lisa Tasker . . 970-544-3633

Membership. . . . Eric Lane 303-239-4182

Newsletter Leo P. Bruederie. . 303-556-3419

Sales Rick Bmne 303-238-5078

and Velma Richards303 -794-5432

Rare Plant Eleanor

Monograph . . . Von Bargen .... 303-756-1400

Research Grants. Neil Snow 970-330-4823

Website Bob Clarke 970-242-6067

Workshop: East . Bill Jennings .... 303-666-8348

West Gay Austin 970-641-6264

* interim chair

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FORM

MEMBERSHIP CLASS:

State

Zip

Name(s)

Address

(Address)

City

Phone
Chapter:

In addition to my membership, I have included $ as a contribution to the John Man-

Fund (endowment in support of small grants-in-aid of research), $ as a contribution to

the Myrna P. Steinkamp Memorial Fund (endowment in support of small grants-in-aid of
research), or $_

S L

E-mail

Dues cover one calendar year.

Individual, $15.00

Family/dual, $20.00

Senior/Student, $8.00

Student, $8.00

Corporate, $30.00

Supporting, $50.00

Lifetime, $250.00

Boulder

Fort Collins

Metro Denver .

. Plateau

. Southwest

. as a general contribution to the Society.

CONPS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION —DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE

Page 6

Aquilegia

Vol. 25 No. 4

CALENDAR

CHAPTER EVENTS

Boulder Chapter

May 9 Annual Picnic and Hike

May 12 Weed Pull at Harper Lake

June 26 Field Trip: Walker Ranch Post-Fire

Metro-Denver Chapter

June 2 Cherry Creek Weed Pull

Plateau Chapter

May 12 Xeriscaping with Native Plants
June 15 Field Trip: Pinyon Mesa

Southwest Chapter

June 9 Field Trip: Flora of Black Rock Canyon

July 7-8 Field Trip: Chuska Mountains

SOCIETY EVENTS

Aug 31

Deadline for 25th Anniversary Poster
Competition (see page 4 for details)

Annual Meeting

Sept 29-30

Fort Collins, CO

Board Meetings

May 20

USFS Office, Grand Junction, CO

•

Field Trips

May 19

Ute Canyon Field Trip

May 26

Wildflowers on the Edge

June 2

Prairies and Wetlands of Chico Basin

June 16

Bonner Peak

June 17

Flora of the Rampart Range

July 14

Determining Range Condition

July 15

Grand Mesa Fen Inventory

July 21

Crested Butte High Altitude Field Studies

July 21

Grays Peak

July 28

Rocky Mountain Willows

Aug 25-26

Middle St. Vrain Weed Survey Backpack
Trip

Sept 1-3

Storm Ridge Rare Plant Survey

FIELD TRIP POLICY

7 he Society wishes to remind field trip participants of the guide-
lines for participation in Society trips. By joining a CoNPS field
trip, you indicate acceptance of these policies.

1. Plant collecting is forbidden on CoNPS field trips, with two
exceptions. Collecting is permissible for scientific study (with the
appropriate collecting permit, if required, for the area in ques-
tion). “Scientific study” means, for the purposes of this policy,
study by a trained botanical scientist with an expectation that the
study results will lead to published information: collected speci-
mens will be deposited in a recognized, publicly-accessible
herbarium.

A trip leader or other person whose responsibility is to instruct trip
participants may collect plants for immediate demonstration,
explanation, or keying for full identification. Such collecting
should be done inconspicuously (so that persons not with the trip
group are neither offended nor motivated to do likewise), and
with regard for any possible effect on the plant population. Rare,
threatened, endangered, or sensitive species should never be col-
lected for instructional purposes.

2. Car-pooling and ride-sharing are encouraged on CoNPS
trips. All drivers who provide rides to others will graciously
accept payment. Passengers should pay the driver at the conclu-
sion of the trip (without being asked) as follows;

• 1 passenger, 5 cents per mile

• 2 passengers, 4 cents per mile

• 3 passengers, 3 cents per mile, etc.

3. Pets are not permitted on field trips. Pets trample plants, dis-
turb wildlife, and annoy other trip participants.

4. Field trips are designed primarily for adults, unless the trip
description specifically states otherwise. Parents should consid-
er the appropriateness of a given trip for a child. If a child is
brought, the parent assumes full responsibility for keeping the
child under strict control to prevent his/her damaging or disturb-
ing the flora or fauna, or becoming a burden to the group. No child
unaccompanied by a parent is permitted.

5. CoNPS’ expressed purpose is to promote appreciation and
preservation of our flora. Take care not to damage the very fea-
tures you have come to see and enjoy. Use photographs, sketches,
or other methods of recording the plants that you see— do not pick
plants or plant parts.

6. Field trip participants MUST sign a waiver of liability.

Vol. 25 No. 4

Aquilegia

Page 7

FIELD TRIP REPORTS

Third Annual Weed Survey Backpack

Patricia Butler

CLASSES

Four members of the Colorado Mountain Club backpacked into
the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area along Middle St. Vrain Creek
on August 26, 2000 to resurvey infestations of Canada I’histle
{Brea arvensis, Asteraceae) that we had been tracking over the
previous two years. We hiked five miles and set up camp west of
the junction with the Red Deer Lake trail, at the western-most
infestation. In contrast to last year (with its very' wet summer), we
saw far fewer flowers, mostly late-l)Ioomers such as bottle gentian
(Pneumonanthe affinis, Gentianaceae) and arctic gentian
(Gentianodes algida). Although the weather had been sunny all
day, a storm rolled in as we fried to hike up to Gibraltar Lake, so
we returned to camp and pulled thistle for the rest of the after-
noon. The next morning we hiked out, meeting three CoNPS com-
rades, and pulled thistle in four other locations between our camp
and the parking area. Several of us who had been involved all
three years observed that we seemed to be making modest
progress on several of these sites, although it’s hard to know
whether this is due to our efforts or the drier summer. A special
treat for the plant-lovers — as opposed to the weed haters — in
the group, was the opportunity to confirm sightings earlier in the
summer of lanceleaf moonwort {Botrychium lanceolatum,
'Ophioglossaceae), a species considered to be imperiled. We were
impressed with the surprisingly large population of this tiny
plant in an open, sandy area near the trail. We finished the trip
after spending over an hour pulling a very large infestation of this-
tle and some yellow toadflax (Linaria toadflax, Scrophulariaceae),
where the trail leaves the road near the parking area. We’ll be
doing this trip again late this summer — August 25-26, specifi-
cally — and would love to have more CoNPS members along!

Exploring the Colorful world of Lichens

Ann DeBolt and Dr. Roger Rosentreter

From meadows through woodlands to the alpine tundra, lichens
are present on many different substrates, including rocks, soil,
humus, stumps, and trees. The colorful world of lichens will be
revealed on a variety of hikes and excursions throughout Rocky
Mountain National Park. The distinguishing structures of these
small ‘"plants” will be introduced to the student, both in the class-
room and during outdoor sessions.

Instructors: Ann DeBolt is a former ParleService employee, with
stints in Canyonlands and Glacier National Parks. Her annotated
lichen list of the biologically diverse Glacier National Park
includes over 400 species. Dr. Roger Rosentreter has been fasci-
nated by lichens since his high school days as a canoe guide in
Wisconsin. His lichen expertise has been incorporated into many
regional projects, including the Northwest Forest Plan and bio-
logical soil crust standards for rangeland management.

Registration: The cost for this class, for which you may obtain
one credit of Colorado State University graduate or undergradu-
ate credit, is $110. For more information about
Rocky Mountain Field Seminars 2001, con-
tact the Rocky Mountain Nature Association
(www.rmna.org) at (970) 586-3262 or (800)

748-7002 (toll-free), via e-mail at fieldsemi- j;?' % ,

nars@rmna.org, or via snail-mail at:

Rocky Mountain Nature Association
1895 Fail River Road
Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Cetraria islandica

DBG Director of Research Carol Dawson Receives Wildflower Award
Andrew Kratz, Regional Botanist, USDA Forest service

Dr. Carol Dawson, Director of Research for the Denver Botanic
Gardens (DBG) and CoNPS member, recently received the 2001
Karl Urban Celebrating Wildflowers Award from top leader-
ship of the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management. Dawson received the award during a special USFS-
BLM reception at the North American Wildlife and Natural
Resources Conference in Washington D:C.

The award honors the memory of Karl Urban (former botanist on
the Umatilla National Forest in northeastern Oregon), acknowl-
edging his extraordinary contributions to the national
“Celebrating Wildflowers” program. This award was first present-
ed in 1999 to Karl Urban, posthumously, for his outstanding wild-
flower drawings and ceaseless efforts to encourage and facilitate
' neople to “Celebrate Wildflowers.” Subsequently, individuals
'^Wliave been nominated by the USFS and BLM for their significant
contributions to the native flora of North America; creativity, per-
severance and commitment to the annual “Celebrating

Wildflowers” program; involving communities and partners in the
“Celebrating Wildflowers” effort; and for integrating educational
elements through the “Celebrating Wildflowers” program.

The award recognizes Dawson’s leadership at DBG: developing
an internet-accessible virtual herbarium of the native Colorado
flora; establishing rare plant monitoring programs in Colorado
and being first in the state to develop long-term demographic
studies to document rare plant population viability; hosting the
“Celebrating Wildflowers’' kickoff event attended by more than
2,000 school children and their teachers each May; and utilizing
the wildflowers program to develop effective partnerships with
the Forest Service, BLM, and many others in fostering research to
support native plant species and plant community conservation.

More than a dozen other awards were presented at the reception,
covering conservation of plants and animals, and their habitats;
however, Dawson was the only non-federal individual recognized
by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Pages Aquilegia Vol. 25 No. 4

CHAPTER NEW S

June 2, 2001 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Boulder Chapter

Monthly meetings are held October through
April at the Foothills Nature Center, located
in Boulder at 4201 North Broadway, oppo-
site its intersection with Sumad Ave. The
Chapter meets on the second Wednesday of
each month, at 7:00 pm for business* a
speaker, book sales, and socializing with
refreshments. Please join us at 5:00 PM for
supper with our speaker at Efrain’s Mexican
Restaurant, 1630 N. 63rd St, Just north of
Arapahoe in Boulder. For more informa-
tion, contact Chapter President Caryl
Shields at (303) 665-6312 or Program Chair
Carolyn Crawford at (303) 665-6903. .

May 9, 2001, 5:30 pm
Annual Picnic and Hike

Meet around 5:30 pm at the picnic tables on
the west side of East Boulder Recreation/
Community Center, near the tennis courts
and playground. The Center is located off
55th St. between Baseline and South
Boulder Roads. Bring your owmmain dish
and drink; the Boulder Chapter will provide
snacks. At about 6:15 pm, we will stroll
over the bridge to the east into the South
Boulder Creek State Natural Area/Boulder
Open Space, and botanize until dark. Lynn
Riedel and Ann Armstrong will share issues
with regard to the management of this area.
Bring insect repellent, plant books, hand
lenses, binoculars, and flashlights?

Iris sp.

May 12, 2001 8:00 am
Weed Pull at Harper Lake

Help is needed to pull diffuse knapweed
and Canada thistle surrounding Harper
Lake, a city drinking water reservoir in
Louisville Open Space. To volunteer and
for more information, please contact Bev
Baker at (303) 666-1972. DIRECTIONS:
From South Boulder Road, on the west side
of Louisville, go south on McCaslin Blvd.
one-half mile to Washington Ave., Where
you turn east, then north into the parking lot
at the southwest comer of the Lake. If you
are coming from the south, travel 1.4 miles
north of Highway 36 on McCaslin to
Washington Ave.

June 26, 2001 6:30 pm
Field Trip: Walker Ranch Post-Fire
Claire DeLeo (Plant Ecologist, Boulder
County Parks/Open Space) will show us
what’s growing and how the restoration
efforts are progressing after the September
fire. Meet at Gross Dam Reservoir Parking
Lot, 8.7 miles up Flagstaff Rd. from
Gregory Canyon, where Baseline Rd. ends
and Ragstaff Rd. begins. The Parking Lot
is across the road from the turn off to Gross
Dam Rd. The drive will take about 30 min-
utes from downtown Boulder. Come early
to picnic! For more information and to
sign-up, contact Caryl Shields at f303) 665-
6312 or via email at buchloel 1 1 @aol.com

Fort Collins phapter

Monthly meetings are scheduled October
through April at 7:00 pm in the Main
Conference Room of the National Seed
Stofage Laboratory (NSSL) at CSU. The
NSSL is located Just west of the railroad
tracks, about one block north of Pitkin
Street (enter on west side of building). For
more information, contact Chapter
President Don Hazlett at (970) 834-1493.

Metro-Denver Chapter

Monthly meetings are held at 7:(X) pm from
September through April in the Morrison
Center at the Denver Botanic Garden. For
more information, contact Chapter President
Denise Larson at (303) 733-4338 qe Leo R
Bmederle at lbmederle@earthlink.net.

Cherry Creek Weed Pull

Join us for a day of botanizing, while
removing a variety of noxious weeds from
along the banks of Cherry Creek near
Quebec. This portion of Cherry Creek is a
surprising mixture of non-native vegeta-
tion, such as sniooth brome, and native
vegetation, such as plains cottonwoods,
needle-and-thread grass, and sand verbena.
We will meet at the parking lot of Place
Middle School off of Quebec and Cherry
Creek on Saturday at 9:00 am. Bring
gloves, sunscreen, and a sack lunch; drinks
and snacks will be provided by the Chapter.
For more details, please call Denise Larson
(303)733-4338. 1

Plateau Chapter

Chapter activities are scheduled throughout
the year. For more information, contact
Chapter President Jeanne Wenger at (970)
256-9227 and Bluecrow2u@aol.com or
Program Chair Lori Bmmmer at (970) 641-
3561 andTbmmmer@gunnison.com. ^

May 12, 2001

Xeriscaping with Native Plants

Co-sponsored by CoNPS and the Montrose
Botanical Society. Jim Bortod will give a
presentation on xeriscaping with native
plants. His program will be followed by a
tour of gardens in the Hotchkiss,
Cedaredge, and Delta area. For information
and registration, contact Gay Austin at
gaustin @juno.com or^t (970) 641-6264.

June 15, 2001 10:00 AM
Field Trip: Pinyon Mesa

Join us to look Tor Artemesia cam and
other local plants of interest. Exact destina-
tion will depend on what is blooming. Plan
on a 3-4 mile easy walk, with some eleva-
tion gain. Meet at the Glade Park Store.
Bring lunch! Contact Jeanne Wenger at
(970) 256-9227 to register.

Southwest Chapter

For more information regarding news and
activities, please contact Chapter President
Sandy Friediey at (970) 884-9245 or by
mail at friedley@frontier.net. ^

“Events” continues on page 9

Vol. 25 No. 4

Aquilegia

Page 9

CHAPTER NEWS

'‘Events'' continued from page 8

June 9, 2001 9:00 am

Field Ttip: Flora of Black Rock Canyon in the Carrizo Mountains

By virtue of a kind invitation extended by Arnold Clifford
(Navajo Botanist and Geologist), we are again privileged to
observe plants in this part of the Colorado Plateau within the
Navajo Nation. Meet at the intersection of US Highway 160 and
US Highway 64 near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona at 9:00 am. Bring
lunch and water, and be prepared for some moderate hiking into
glorious scenery, specifically an andesite porphyritic laccolith.
After leaving US 64, we will drive on a dirt road (car pooling with
high-clearance vehicles) as far as practicable, probably within a
half mile of the canyon mouth. The hike may extend an additional
two miles one way on the canyon floor, returning by the same
route. Species of interest include Astragalus calycosus, A. coltonii,
Erigeron argentius, Heuchera rubescem,J^terophyton caespito -
sum. Phlox austromontana, and F. cluteanea. Call Charlie King
(970) 731-4794 or Sandy Friedley (970)^884-9245 for information.

July 7 - 8, 2001

Field Trip: Introduction to the Flora of the Chuska Mountains

With this two full-day field trip, Arnold Clifford provides us with
yet another opportunity to botanize within the Navajo Nation. The
Chuska Mountains, south of Shiprock, New Mexico, are a 60 plus
mile long ridge-like uplift containing basaltic and sedimentary out-
'^^crops with elevations of over 9000 feet, and humerous popds and
Small lakes. This trip will involve considerable backcountry travel,
some moderate hiking, and primitive camping. Arnold will show
us rarities, endemics, and other goodies, which he has discovered
on his extensive investigations of these mountains. Details will be
available in early June. If you wish to be placed on the mailing list,
contact Charlie King at 483 Cliffside Place, Pagosa Springs, CO
81147 apd (970) 731-4794 or Sandy Friedley at (970) 884-9245.

A Checklist of the
Vascular Plants of Colorado
Ronald L. Hartman and B. E. Nelson
Rocky Mountain Herbarium
University of Wyoming, Laramie

Generic circumscriptions largely traditional; relevant names from
regional floras and checklists included with explicit attribution.

We are pleased to announce that a checklist has been developed
for use by students and staff at the Rocky Mountain Herbarium.
This checklist will serve as an aid in the identification .of the vas-
cular plants of Colorado and in the databasing of specimens from
major floristic inventories in that state (ten projects thus far; more
than 85,000 numbered collections) and the Rocky Mountain
Region. It is now available for viewing or downloading (as MS
Word or .pdf documents) from the Rocky Mountain Herbarium
website at http;//www.rmh.uwyo.edu. The disposition^ of names,
here accepted or synonymized, from five taxonomic references for
the Great Plains, Utah, and Wyoming are explicitly indicated
using three-letter abbreviations. This is also true for H. D.
Harrington’s (1954) Manual of the Plants of Colorado, four
checklists and floras published for the state by Weber and
Wittmann (since 1992), the Synthesis of the North American Flora
by Kartesz and Meacham (1999), The PLANTS Database
(USDA: NRCS, February 1997 version). Flora of North America,
and other references. The internet version was placed online
March 23, 2001 and is 183 pages in length. Corrections will be
posted periodically and included in future updates.

Statistics from this checklist on the Colorado flora follow:
Invasives from outside North America = 393 taxa;

Invasives from elsewhere in North America = 105 taxa;

Total invasives in Colorado = 498 taxa or 14.5 percent of total
flora;

Endemics (taxa currently known to be confined to Colorado)
= 97 taxa, including 79 species, 14 varieties, two subspecies,
and two named hybrids.

Size of the Colorado Flora:

Species = 3025 (3051 fide Kartesz and Meacham, 1999);
Hybrid Species = 35;

Subspecies =19;

Varieties = 351;

Unique Taxa = 3430 (3525 fide Kartesz and Meacham, 1999).

The philosophy for infraspecific taxa follows: subspecies used as
a grouping category (i.e., quadranomials) are omitted except in
synonymy, as are formae; varieties are the preferred infraspecific
category, if the combination is available.

Conserving Colorado’s Flora:

A 25 Year Retrospective

The 2001 annual meeting will be held 29-30 September 2001 in
Fort Collins, where CoNPS began in 1976. To celebrate our 25th
anniversary, we will look back at the people, places, and plants
that have shaped the Society. Speakers will highlight past, present,
and future conservation and educational elforts of CoNPS. Watch
for the agenda and registration in the next issue of Aquilegia.

Page 10 Aquilegia Vol. 25 No. 4

CoNPS Donors

Georgia Doyle, CoNPS Treasurer

Twenty five donors were inadvertently left off of the donor list
published in Aqullegia Vol. 25 No. 3 - with Our apologies, we
republish the fist to include all donors for year 2000. Donations to
the Marr Fund in 2000 totaled $2,263 bringing the fund to
$34,000. Donations to the Steinkamp Fund totaled $6,897 and,
combined with the Rare Plant Book royalties, bring the fund to
$19,500. The principal of the two Funds earns interest to fund
research grants. General donations, which are used to support
CoNPS activities including conservation efforts, education, and
outreach, totaled $893 in 2000. All contributions are very impor-
tant to the success of CoNPS. Thanks to the following donore, as
well as 33 others who vvished tp remain anonymous.

Sue Ellen Alishouse and Les Golden, Ann Armstrong, Larry and Caroline
M. Ball, Ronald Be^, Tedd N. Beegle, Linda and Richard Beidleman,
Dan W. Bench, Audrey and Jim Benedict, Rita Berberian, Robert
Blackwell, Rochelle Blumenstein, Bruce and Cathy Bosley, Linda
Bourgeois, Meagan C. Bowes, Sally Boyson, Charlotte Briber, Cheryl
Brcx)ks, Dr. Leo P. Bruederie, Adele M. Bryan, Dennis and Lisa Buechler,
William W. Bulla, Duncan and Elinor Bunchard, Judy Capra, Cindy
Carlson, Kathy Carnival, Danielle Carre, Dina Qark, Kathleen Conlcn,
Kathleen Cook, Kenneth W. Curtis Jr., Maiy C. Damm, Kathleen
Davenhill, Bonnie L. Dehart, Robert Dellapina, Stanley Dempsey, Corey
Sue Derfus, Flobait N. Dixon, Adele Douglas, Jeny and Sarann Diincan,
Mary Edwards, Kevin Essington, Marian M. Fick, Dian Fisher, Vickie and
John Flower, Veronique and Tom Foster, Frances Fraser, Sandra Starr
Friedley, Marie Fusco, Joyce G. Gellhom, Mark and Nancy Gershman,

Colorado Native Plant Society

PO. Box 200

Fort Collins, Colorado 80522
http://www.conps.org

Susan Gordem, Sara Edi Grimes, Betsy and Joseph Hall, Linda Halloran '
Anne Harding and Bob Scott, Susan K. Harris, Emily L. Hartman, Di.
Dexter and Fern Hess, LcMiaine Higbie, Haine Hill, Tim Hogan, Janis Y.
Hug^ns, Maigaret Huntting, Tina JcHies, Sue Ann Kam^, Marilyn
Kastens, Robert Kelley, Lauren King, Mike Kintgen, Nicdlb Korbe,
Modenna l^aBaugh, Jean Langenheim, Albert and Terry l^asalle, Daniel
and Sandy IjC Cain, Paula J. Lehr, Dr. Ivo E. Undauer, Clarence Ijoomis,
Carolyn Manganello, Sue Martin, Marie Meremonte imd Margaret E
McDole, Linda Miller, Hariyn MiHer^ylnek, Jdin Moore, Merie M.
Moore, Jercxne J. Morrow, Diana Mullineaux, Patrick Murphy, Will
Murray, Tamara S. Nauman and Peter A. Williams, Betsy Neely and Alan
Carpenter, Katharine Noll, l^any A. Nygaaid and Connie Merz, Neal
Osborn, Maureen O'Shea-Stone, Hizabeth Otto, Oscar O. Otto Jr., DcHiajd
G. Parieer, Pat Hoegsma, Laurel Potts, Vicki E Ray, 0ic A. Rechel and
Kate Ellis, Mike Renth, Angela Lynn Riedel and Grant Swiil, Sandy
Righter, Andrea Robinsong, Tammy Rogne, Mary Lou Rottnm, Patricia
Saito, Joan L. Sapp, Caria Scheck, Matt Schweich and Becci Siegle, Diara
Shannon, James Shawver, Todd Sliker, Anne and Howard Spery, Hairy
Spilman, J. Michael and Sharon K. Spoon, Jeny Steenson, Peggy Stevens,
Maigaret Stitfler, Ellen Krings and Glen Sussmilch, Dale and Grace
Sutherland, Julie Thompson, Dian Torphy, Chariey Townsend, Victorine
M. and James R Trammell Jr., Hazel Tuttle, Robert and Maiy Udall,
Jeffrey Uhlich and Janell Edman, J.T. Verbeck, Effie Vranka, Kate War^n,
Clinton H. Wks^r, Olin E Webb, David A. Weber, Gayle Weinstein, Staria
E White, Sharon Wieser, Bob and Scottie Willey, Steven Williams,
Stephen E Yarbrough, Ijoraine and Dick Yeatts, Paul and Nancy Zaenger.

Place

Stamp

Here

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL