Biological Assessment of Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming - 2002 Project Report

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF COOK RANCH,

ALBANYCOUNTY,WYOMING

Prepared by:

2002 PROJECT REPORT

Bonnie Heidel, Lead Botanist

Gary Beauvais, Director

Jason Bennett, Research Zoologist

Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of

Wyoming

25 March 2003

The enclosed series of 5 reports details biological investigations of the Cook Ranch

(Albany County

,

Wyoming) performed by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity

Database (University of Wyoming) at the request of the Wyoming Field Office of

The Nature Conservancy (Lander

,

Wyoming) and in cooperation with Cook Ranch

owner A

.

Cook. These reports are intended to enhance the information presented

in the 2001 project report. Five major topics are discussed:

Waterbird surveys

Amphibian surveys

Riparian small mammal surveys

Mountain plover surveys

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The Laramie River and the system of lakes found in the Laramie Valley, collectively called the Laramie Lakes, are important breeding centers for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds ( collectively referred to as "waterbirds"). These waters are also important during migration as staging and stopover sites for various waterbirds. The Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) supports a large segment of the Laramie River and several wetlands and closed-basin lakes used

by waterbirds, and as such may provide critical habitat for many species during migration and

the breeding season.

Zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) conducted waterbird surveys along a portion of the Laramie River and several lakes on Cook

Ranch over 9 days during summer and fall 2002. Due to extreme drought, the river was low and

most of the lakes on the Ranch were completely dry. The largest lake on Cook Ranch is Long Lake, which at the high water mark has a surface of about 3.5 krn2 of open water, but on average covers less, and in 2002 was completely dry. Due to irrigation efforts Lake Ione remained wet and attracted many birds throughout the survey period. There was approximately 0.1 krn2 of

open water and 2.5 k:m2 of adjacent wetland in the Lake Ione basin. This was the only lake on

the Ranch that received regular waterbird surveys during 2002; this report consists of the results

from only those regular surveys.

To provide a comparison to other lakes in the Laramie Valley, Hutton Lake National Wildlife

Refuge (NWR) was also surveyed for waterbirds over 9 days during the same period. Hutton Lake NWR is located 18 km southwest of the town of Laramie and consists of 5 clustered lakes; Hutton (0.8

km\

Creighton (0.8 k:m2), Hoge (0.3

km2),

Rush (0.2

km\

and George (0.1

km

2). The surface areas provided are typical of wet years; in 2002 Creighton and Rush Lakes were

completely dry and the others were very low. There was an estimated total of 1.5 k:m2 of open

water available at Hutton Lake NWR, and virtually no emergent vegetation, during the waterbird surveys.

A total of 32 waterbird species was observed at Lake Ione (Table 1). Of these, 22 species were confirmed or likely breeding in the immediate area. Breeding status was determined by behavior

migration. Lake Ione was consistently occupied by 200-500 individual birds on the open water or shoreline, but it is important to note that a large portion of the lake's vegetated wetlands provided dense cover. The extent of the wetlands and density of the cover made it impossible to provide accurate counts. On many occasions several hundred ducks were observed in flight above the wetland while several hundred more remained on the lake surface. It is likely that the Lake Ione basin was occupied by several thousand waterbirds during survey period.

A total of24 species was observed at Hutton Lake NWR (Table 1). Of these, 14 species were confirmed or likely breeding in the immediate vicinity. Waterbird abundance at Hutton Lake NWR never approached that observed at Lake Ione, most likely due to the much greater

coverage of wetland vegetation at Lake Ione. Two species were observed at Hutton Lake NWR that were not observed at Lake Ione; conversely, 10 species were observed at Lake Ione that were not observed at Hutton Lake NWR (Table 1).

Due to irrigation efforts and immediate proximity to the Laramie River the Lake Ione basin remained wet while most other lakes in the Laramie Valley in general, and Cook Ranch in particular, were low or dry.

In

this context, Lake Ione can be seen as an ecological refuge for waterbirds during times of extreme drought, as was experienced in 2002. During periods of more normal precipitation the Laramie River corridor and other wetlands and lakes on the Cook Ranch would undoubtedly attract multitudes more waterbirds, maintaining the position of the Ranch as one of the most productive waterbird centers in the Laramie Valley. WYNDD recommends continued survey for waterbirds in upcoming seasons, with an emphasis on documenting rare and sensitive taxa.

Table 1. Species of waterbirds observed on Cook Ranch (Lake Ione) and Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Albany County,

Wyoming, summer 2002. Status: C = confirmed breeder, L = likely breeder, T = transient, M = migrant, X = not observed.

Abundance: A = abundant, C = common, U = uncommon, R = rare, X = not observed. Species shown in bold were unique to Cook Ranch (Lake Ione); species shown in italics were unique to Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Status Abundance Status Abundance

Common Name Cook Hutton Cook Hutton Common Name Cook Hutton Cook Hutton

Pied-billed Grebe L X

u

X Ring-necked Duck M X R X

Eared Grebe C L A C Lesser Scaup M T R

u

Western Grebe M X R X Common Meraanser M T

u

R

lAmerican White Pelican M T

u

R Ruddv Duck T L

u

C

Black-crowned Niaht Heron L X R X Sora L X R X

Great Blue Heron X T X R !American Coot C X A X

!White-faced Ibis L X R X Killdeer C L A C

Canada Goose C C C A American Avocet C L A A

Gadwall L L C C Lesser/Greater Yellowlegs M M

u

R

American Widqeon L L A C Willet C L A C

Mallard C C A C Spotted Sandoioer L X C X

Blue-winaed Teal L L A C Unidentified Sandoioer (Baird's? M M R R

Cinnamon Teal L L A C Common Snipe L X C X

Northern Shoveler L T

u

R !Wilson's Phalarooe L L A A

Northern Pintail L T

u

C California Gull T M R R

Green-winqed Teal L L C C Black Tern M X R X

Canvasback T T R

u

Forster's Tern X R X R

AMPIDBIAN SURVEYS: Lake Ione - Cook Ranch, Albany County,

Wyoming

Prepared by

:

Gary Beauvais, Director

Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming

Natural

Diversity Database -

University

of

Wyoming

25 March 2003

Lake Ione and its surrounding wetland (Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming) represent a large and potentially very high-quality habitat for various species of amphibian. Common taxa

such as boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) and tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) almost certainly occur here. Rarer and more sensitive taxa such as northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) are also likely occupants. This site is within the historic range of the Wyoming toad

(Bufo baxteri), which was documented on the Laramie River only a few miles upstream of Lake

Ione in 1941 and again in 1963. Subsequent surveys for this extremely rare (listed Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, May 1973) toad in this area have failed to document its presence. Free-ranging Wyoming toads are now thought to be restricted to a small and highly-managed population at Mortensen Lake approximately 35 mi south-southwest of Lake Ione.

The USDI Fish and Wildlife Service has recently committed to re-introductions of Wyoming toads into several wetlands within their historic range in the Laramie Valley. Captive-bred toads will be released into as many as 5 new sites in summer 2003. The segment of the Laramie River

crossing Cook Ranch, along with large associated wetlands such as Lake Ione, may be suitable

for the establishment of additional free-ranging populations of Wyoming toads. The Ranch

supports an order-of-magnitude more contiguous habitat than other sites currently being considered for reintroduction; it could potentially support a very large number of free-ranging toads. Thus establishment of Wyoming toads here would contribute substantially to the species'

recovery.

Zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming)

surveyed Lake Ione and the surrounding wetland for amphibians on 2 days in summer 2002. The purpose of this survey was to (1) document amphibian species inhabiting the area, and (2)

capture individual amphibians to submit to diagnostic laboratories for an analysis of chytrid

fungus presence. Chytrid fungus was a major cause of Wyoming toad decline and continues to be the main obstacle to recovery of this species. Lake Ione has been suggested as a possible

reintroduction site for Wyoming toads; its value as such will be largely determined by whether or not chytrid fungus is present.

One half-day-long survey was conducted in late July, and another in mid-August. Each survey involved foot searches by 2 teams of 2 observers each, with each person equipped with waders and capture nets. Only one species, the boreal chorus frog, was documented in the wetland, with many individuals seen and heard. Two individuals were captured, sacrificed, and submitted for analysis of presence of chytrid fungus. Preliminary results suggest that Lake Ione is free of chytrid fungus, but confirmation of this will depend on more intensive analyses using genetic identification techniques and amphibian species other than chorus frogs (P. triseriata are highly resistant to chytrid infections).

All observations indicate that Lake Ione is a productive site for chorus frogs and could possibly support other amphibians. WYNDD recommends repeated amphibian searches at Lake Ione in 2003 and in the future during periods of more normal precipitation, with emphasis on

documenting tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Also, amphibian searches along the Laramie River corridor on the Ranch are advised

to gain a more complete picture of the amphibian community here. If further laboratory analyses confirm the absence of chytrid fungus, Lake Ione should be considered as a premier

RIP ARIAN SMALL MAMMAL SURVEYS: Cook Ra

nch, Albany County,

Wyoming

Prepared by

:

Gary Beauvais, Director

Douglas Keinath, Lead Zoo

logist

Wyo

ming Natural Divers

ity Database -

University of

Wyom

ing

25 March 2003

Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is a riparian-associated rodent that was

listed as Threatened by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service in 1998, and is suspected to inhabit

wetlands throughout southeastern Wyoming. There is significant uncertainty surrounding the

distribution and taxonomic identity of this subspecies. The Laramie Valley supposedly lies outside of the range of Preble's mouse, yet no clear ecological barriers exist between apparently suitable habitat in the Laramie Valley and occupied range to the north and east. Furthermore, in 2000 the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) documented Zapus spp.

in riparian habitats on the floor of the Laramie Valley, and morphological analyses of captured specimens indicated that some individuals here may be more similar to Preble's mouse than the

more common western jumping mouse

(Z.

princeps). Additional specimens of Zapus spp. from the Laramie Valley are needed to more completely resolve species identity and to better delineate the

range of the listed taxon. To this end, zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) trapped small mammals along the Laramie River corridor on

the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) in summer 2002.

Trapping crews from WYNDD captured 5 individual Zapus spp. during 100 trap-nights (19 June 2002) on the Laramie River near Lake Ione, and another 4 individual Zapus during 200 trap-nights

(20, 21 June 2002) approximately 5 mi upstream. This is one of the highest capture rates reported

for Zapus spp. anywhere near the suspected range of

Z.

h. preblei. In fact, on Cook Ranch WYNDD crews captured more Zapus spp. than deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), which is

typically the most commonly captured small mammal in the region.

Four individual Zapus spp. were sacrificed and sent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

for taxonomic analysis. Preliminary results indicate that although 3 of these specimens are more

similar to the common western jumping mouse, one appears to be a Preble's mouse. More intensive

analyses are

in

progress and results will be reported as soon as they are received by WYNDD. Given the preliminary results it is likely that museum analysts will request more specimens of

Zapus spp. from this site to more conclusively outline the taxonomic identity of jumping mice in the

Laramie Valley. If further analyses confirm the presence of Preble's mouse here, riparian areas on the Cook Ranch would represent one of the largest contiguous blocks of suitable habitat in the

MOUNTAIN

PLOVER

SURVEYS: Cook

Ranch,

Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by :

Gary

Beauvais, Director

Douglas

Keinath, Lead Zoologist

Wyoming Natural

Diversity Database -

University

of

Wyoming

25

March 2003

Grasslands of the Laramie Valley produce relatively high numbers of mountain plovers

(Charadrius montanus), a species that has been proposed for listing as Threatened by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. During a reconnaissance tour of the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) in late summer 2001, zoologists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database

(WYNDD; University of Wyoming) noted large expanses of apparently high-quality mountain

plover habitat on the property. These observations were supported by a spatially-explicit habitat

model for mountain plover developed by WYNDD; when extrapolated across the Ranch, this

model predicted a large amount of high-quality habitat that was contiguous with other suitable

habitat across the Laramie Valley (Figure 1).

Also, Cook Ranch owner A. Cook reported commonly seeing mountain plovers on many portions of the Ranch. His sightings included not only single birds and pairs observed

throughout the breeding season, but also larger (>4 individuals) groups of mountain plovers seen

both prior to and immediately after the breeding season (Figure 2). Such groups could represent migratory flocks stopping over on the Ranch before proceeding to other regions. Alternatively, birds arriving in large groups early in the season could disperse to breed locally on the Ranch,

and large groups late in the season could be locally breeding birds staging together prior to fall migration.

WYNDD zoologists performed a formal call-survey on 5 June 2002 in what was predicted to be some of the best habitat on the Ranch. No plovers were observed during this survey, but it was

noted prior to the survey that the survey date was rather late in the season. Mountain plovers attending nests are cryptic and unresponsive to broadcasted breeding calls, so this survey

technique is unproductive during the nesting period. Call surveys are most effective during the spring (late April and May) when plovers are seeking mates and respond actively to calls. We

therefore concluded that the failure to document plovers during the call-surveys was due to the

late date. This was supported by the fact that 3 individual mountain plovers were

opportunistically observed along the survey route during this time period by WYNDD personnel performing other duties. These individuals were observed on 4 June, 5 June (survey date), and

20 June 2002.

Additionally, WYNDD personnel observed a concentration of mountain plovers on the Ranch on 15 July 2002. Six individuals were observed along a stretch of road approximately 0.5 miles

long. This density of individuals, along with the late date of the observation, suggests that this was either a recently-fledged brood or a group of birds staging for fall migration.

All observations suggest that Cook Ranch is an important site for mountain plovers in Wyoming in general, and the Laramie Valley in particular. WYNDD strongly recommends performing call surveys and density estimates prior to the nesting period in May 2003, and also documenting mountain plover presence and abundance during spring arrival and fall staging periods.

Figure 1. Mountain plover habitat suitability in the Laramie Valley (A) and on the Cook Ranch (B and C). In each figure, blue = waterways, yellow lines = major roads, orange lines =

approximate Cook Ranch boundaries.

In

(A) and (B), the darkness of background color indicates probability of mountain plover occurrence in 10% gradations (lightest pink= 1 - 10%, darkest

red = 90 - 99% ). In (C), white = 1 - 80% probability of mountain plover occurrence; black = 81 -99% probability of mountain plover occurrence. Probabilities calculated via [[Beauvais, G.P. and R. Smith. 2003. Model of breeding habitat of the Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) in

western Wyoming. Western North American Naturalist 63:88-96)). (A)

(B)

_.

_..

_.

..

· n mued. Figure 1 co t·

Figure 2. Photographs of mountain plovers taken on Cook Ranch by ranch owner A. Cook. Red circles indicate individual mountain plovers.

RARE PLANT

SURVEYS:

Cook Ranch, Albany County, W

y

oming

Prepared by :

Bonnie Heidel

,

Lead Botanist

Wyoming

Natural

Diversity Database

- University

of

Wyoming

25 March 2003

Botanists from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; University of Wyoming) conducted field surveys for Wyoming plant species of special concern in select areas of the Cook Ranch (Albany County, Wyoming) during 3 days in summer 2002 (13, 21 June; 15 July). Based on previously known occurrences and knowledge of habitat preferences, 10 globally rare plant species were targeted for survey; of these, 2 were confirmed, and 3 others were ruled out, as occurring on the Ranch (Table 1).

A running list of vascular plant species was also compiled, consisting of 152 species in its preliminary form, and including several new county records and interesting documentation of species outside of their characteristic settings (Table 2). Most of the new county records

involved wetland species; records of uncharacteristic species involved typically montane species found on the Ranch in a basin setting.

WYNDD recommends continued survey effort for at least the pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum), in addition to the two species that have potential habitat on the Wall Creek Allotment, if this tract is appropriate to consider. Documentation and description of vegetation communities occurring on the Ranch is also appropriate.

Table 1. Rare vascular plant taxa confirmed, ruled out, and still in quesbon as occurring on the

Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming. Preliminary field observations were made in summer

2001; more targeted field surveys were performed in summer 2002.

Confirmed: Ward's goldenweed (Oonopsis wardii) [G3 S3] - There is an "A" rank

occurrence above southern reaches of the Laramie River, representing the 16th

record for this species in the state.

Ruled out:

Slender-leaved buckwheat (Eriogonum exilifolium) [G3 S2] - There is an

unranked (drought-affected) occurrence on a ridge

rim

south of Wheatland

Reservoir No. 2, representing the 9th record for this species in the state.

Laramie columbine (Aquilegia laramiensis) [G2 S2] -Restricted to granite

outcrops. There appears to be no potential habitat on the Ranch.

Laramie false sagebrush (Sphaeromeria simplex) [G2 S2] - Restricted to

limestone outcrops. There appears to be no potential habitat on the Ranch.

Persistent sepal yellowcress (Rorippa calycina) (G3 S2S3] -Restricted to

fine-textured flats around rivers and wetlands. Surveys for this taxon in a drought year

are ideal, and it was not found on the Ranch despite extensive surveys along the

Laramie River, Long Lake, two upland wetlands, and some canals.

Unresolved: Colorado tansy-aster (Machaeranthera coloradoensis) [G2T2? Sl] - WYNDD

botanists will review newly-collected records from other sites, revise habitat

descriptions, and re-consider the appropriateness of survey on the Ranch.

Giant cinquefoil (Potentilla ambigens) [G3 SH] - Originally collected in a sandstone canyon. WYNDD botanists will review maps and soils data before ruling out this species as possibly occurring on the Ranch.

Mountain-loving sedge (Carex oreocharis) [G3 Sl] -The only potential habitat appears to be on the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch.

Pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum) (G2G3 S2S3] -This species is probably restricted to springs, seeps, and select groundwater discharge zones. WYNDD botanists need to review plant phenology and habitat maps to plan any field efforts.

Rocky Mountain phacelia (Phacelia denticulata) [G3? S2] - The only potential

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Family Species Scientific Name Common Name Synonym GRank SRank Life Form Biome

Laceae]

Aster Achillea millefolium var. lanulosa Common yarrow Incl. var. alpicola & GS SS FORS RMF

occidentalis

Poa Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass Oryzopsis hymenoides; GS SS GRASS IDS

Stipa hymenoides

Poa Achnatherum lettermanii Letterman's ricegrass Stipa lettermanii GS S4 GRASS RMF

[Letterman's needlegrass]

Poa Achnatherum lettermanii Letterman's ricegrass Stipa letlermanii GS S4 GRASS RMF

[Letterman's

needlegrass]

Alli Allium textile White wild onion [Textile onion] GS? SS FORS IDS

Poa Alopecurus aequalis Meadow-foxtail G? SS GRASS

Poa Alopecurus arundinaceus Creeping meadow-foxtail G? SE GRASS

Amaranth Amaranthus albus Tumbleweed GS SE A-FORS GRS

Aster Ambrosia acanthicarpa Flat-spine burr-ragweed Franseria acanthicarpa GS S3 A-FORS GRS

Ros Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila Dwarf serviceberry Amelanchier pumila GST? S3S4 SHRUB RMF

Cyper Amphiscirpus nevadensis Nevada bulrush Scirpus nevadensis G4 S2 GRASS WET

Aster Antennaria dimorpha Cushion pussytoes GS SS FORS IDS

Aster Antennaria microphylla Small-leaf pussyoes G4GS SS FORS RMF

Aster Artemisia biennis var. biennis Biennial wormwood GST? S4 FORS IDS

Aster Artemisia cana var. cana Coaltown sagebrush Seriphidium canum GST4? S4SS SHRUB GRS

[Silver sagebrush]

Aster Artemisia frigida Prairie sagebrush GS? SS SHRUB IDS

[Fringed sagebrush)

Aster Artemisia nova Black sagebrush Artemisia arbuscula var. GS S4 SHRUB IDS

nova

Aster Artemisia pedatifida Bird-foot sagebrush Oligosporus pedatifidus G4 S4 SHRUB IDS

Aster Artemisia tridentata var. wyomingensis Wyoming big sagebrush Seriphidium vaseyanum GST? SS SHRUB IDS

Asclepiad Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed GS S4 FORS WET

Fab Astragalus bisulcatus var. bisulcatus Two-groove milkvetch GSTS SS FORS GRS

Fab Astragalus flexuosus Pliant milkvetch GS S3 FORS GRS

Fab Astragalus pectinatus Narrow-leaf milkvetch A. pectinatus var. Gs· S4 FORS GRS

pectinatus

Fab Astragalus spatulatus Tufted milkvetch [Spoonleaf milkvetch] GS SS FORS GRS

Fab Astragalus tenellus Loose-flower milkvetch GS SS FORS RMF

Chenopodi Atriplex gardneri var. gardneri Gardner's saltbush Atriplex nuttallii GSTS SS SHRUB IDS Chenopodi Atriplex gardneri var. utahensis Basin saltbush Atriplex tridentata GST? S3 SHRUB IDS

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Chenopodi Atriplex heterosperma Two-scale saltbush Atriplex micrantha G5 SE A-FORB

Poa Beckmannia syzigachne American sloughgrass G5 S4 A-GRASS WET

Scrophulari Besseya wyomingensis Wyoming coraldrops [Wyoming kittentails) G5 S5 FORB RMF

Aster Bidens cernua Nodding burr-marigold G5 S3 A-FORB WET

Brassic Boechera fendleri var. spatifolia Fendler's rockcress Arabis fendleri var. G5T4 S2 FORB IDS

spatifolia

Poa Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama G5 S5 GRASS GRS

Poa Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass G? SE A-GRASS

Campanul Campanula rotundifolia Bluebell-of-Scotland [Harebell] G5 S5 FORB RMF

Cyper Carex athrostachya Slender-beak sedge G5 S3 GRASS WET

Cyper Carex brevior Short-beak sedge G5? S3 GRASS GRS

Cyper Carex douglasii Douglas' sedge G5 S5 GRASS RMF

Cyper Carex filifolia Thread-leaf sedge G5 S5 GRASS RMF

Cyper Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge G5 S5 GRASS WET

Cyper Carex pensylvanica var. digyna Pennsylvania sedge Carex heliophila, C. G5T5 S4 GRASS GRS

inops ssp. heliophila

Cyper Carex retrorsa Retrorse sedge G5 S2 GRASS WET

Cyper Carex stenophylla Spike-rush sedge Carex eleocharis, C. G5 S5 GRASS GRS

(Narrow-leaved sedge) duriuscula

Cyper Carex utriculata Northwest Territory Carex rostrata (sensu G5 S5 GRASS WET

sedge [Beaked lato) sedge]

Cyper Carex vallicola Valley sedge G5 S4 GRASS RMF

Caryophyll Cerastium arvense Field mouse-ear Includes ssp. fueginum G5 S5 FORB RMF

chickweed & strictum

Aster Chaenactis douglasii var. montana Dusty-maiden Chaenactis douglasii G5 S5 FORB RMF [Hoary dusty-maiden] var. douglasii

Aster Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus var. Green rabbitbrush Includes var. G5T? S5 SHRUB RMF

viscidiflorus stenophyllus

Aster Cirsium arvense Canadian thistle Includes vars. horridum G5 SE FORB

(Canada thistle] & integrifolium

Aster Cirsium flodmanii Flodman's thistle G5 S3S4 FORB GRS

Cappar Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain G5 S5 A-FORB GRS

beeplant

Santai Comandra umbellata var. pallida Bastard toadflax G5T? S5 FORB IDS

Chenopodi Corispermum villosum Hairy bugseed G4? S2S3 A-FORB IDS

Boragin Cryptantha affinis Quill cat's-eye G4 S3 A-FORB RMF

Boragin Cryptantha ambigua Basin cat's-eye G4 S3 A-FORB RMF

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Brassic Descurainia sophia Herb-sophia [Flixweed] G? SE A-FORB

Poa Distichlis stricta Coastal saltgrass Distichlis spicata var. GS SS GRASS GRS

[Alkali saltgrass] stricta

Cyper Eleocharis palustris Common spike-rush Eleocharis GS SS GRASS WET

macrostachya

Hydrocharit Elodea canadensis Canadian waterweed GS S2 FORB WET

Poa Elymus lanceolatus var. lanceolatus Thickspike wheatgrass Agropyron GST5 SS GRASS RMF

dasystachyum var.

dasystachyum

Poa Elymus smithii Western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii; GS SS GRASS GRS

Pascopyrum smithii

Poa Elymus spicatus Bluebunch wheatgrass Agropyron spicatum; GS SS GRASS IDS

Pseuodroegneria

spicata; includes ssp.

inermis & spicata

Equiset Equisetum hyemale var. affine Tall scouring-rush GST5 S4 FERN WET

Caryophyll Eremogene hookeri var. hookeri Hooker's sandwort Arenaria hookeri var. GSTS S5 FORB IDS

hookeri

Aster Ericameria nauseosa var. nauseosa Rubber-rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus G5TS SS SHRUB GRS

nauseosus var.

nauseosus

Aster Erigeron acris var. kamtschaticus Bitter fleabane Includes ssp. debilis & GST4TS S5 FORB RMF

politus

Aster Erigeron canus Hoary fleabane G4 S3 FORB GRS

Aster Erigeron compositus var. discoideus Dwarf mountain fleabane [Cut-leaved fleabane] GST? SS FORB RMF

Aster Erigeron pumilus var. pumilus Shaggy fleabane GST? SS FORB GRS

Polygon Eriogonum acaule Single-stem wild buckwheat G3 S3 FORB IDS

Polygon Eriogonum exilifolium Drop-leaf wild G3 S2 FORB IDS

buckwheat

Polygon Eriogonum flavum var. flavum Yellow buckwheat GST4TS SS FORB GRS

Polygon Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum Cushion wild buckwheat G5T5 S5 FORB IDS

Brassic Erysimum inconspicuum Shy wallflower G4G5 S4SS FORB RMF

Poa Festuca saximontana Rocky Mountain fescue Festuca ovina var. GS S4SS GRASS RMF

rydbergii

Myrsin Glaux maritima Sea-milkwort GS S3 FORB WET

Poa Glyceria grandis American mannagrass GS S3S4 GRASS WET

Fab Glycyrrhiza lepidota var. lepidota American licorice [Licorice-root] GS SS FORB GRS

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Aster Gutierrezia sarothrae Kindlingweed [Broom snakeweed] GS SS SHRUB GRS

Aster Helenium autumnale var. montanum Fall sneezeweed GST? S2 FORB GRS

Aster Heterotheca villosa var. villosa Hairy false golden-aster Chrysopsis villosa var. GS S3 FORB GRS villosa

Poa Hierochloe odorata Northern sweetgrass Hierochloe hirta G4GS S3 GRASS RMF

Hippurid Hippuris vulgaris Common mare's-tail GS S3 FORB WET

Poa Hordeum jubatum Fox-tail barley GS SS GRASS GRS

Polemeni lpomopsis spicata var. spicata Spiked skyrocket Gilia spicata var. spicata G4?TU S4 FORS IDS

!rid Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris GS S4 FORS WET

Aster Iva axillaris var. robustior Deer-root [Poverty-weed] GST? S4 FORS IDS

June Juncus balticus var. montanus Baltic rush Juncus arcticus var. GST? SS GRASS WET balticus

June Juncus bufonius Toad rush J. bufonius var. bufonius GS S4 A-GRASS WET

June Juncus compressus Round-fruit rush GS SE GRASS

June Juncus tenuis var. dudleyi Slender rush Juncus dudleyi, Includes GS S3S4 GRASS WET

J. tenuis (sensu stricto)

Poa Koeleria macrantha Prairie Koeler's grass Koeleria cristata; K. GS SS GRASS GRS [Prairie junegrass) pyramidata

Chenopodi Krascheninnikovia lanata Winterfat Ceratoides lanata, GS SS SHRUB IDS

Eurotia lanata

Brassic Lepidium latifolium Broad-leaf pepperwort G? SE FORS

Scrophulari Limosella aquatica Awl-leaf mudwort GS S3 FORS WET

Polemeni Linanthus pungens Granite prickly-phlox Leptodactylon pungens GS SS SHRUB RMF

Fab Lupinus argenteus var. argenteus Silver-stem lupine GS?T? SS FORS RMF

Aster Machaeranthera grindelioides Rayless tansy-aster Haplopappus nuttallii GS SS FORS GRS [Gumweed aster]

Poa Muhlenbergia richardsonis Matted muhly GS S3S4 GRASS RMF

Ranuncul Myosurus apetalus var. borealis Bristly mouse-tail GST? S1S2 A-FORS WET

Halorag Myriophyllum sibiricum Siberian water-milfoil Myriophyllum GS S3 FORS WET exalbescens; M.

spicatum var. exalbescens

Poa Nassella viridula Green tussock grass Stipa viridula GS S4 GRASS GRS

[Green needlegrass)

Onagr Oenothera cespitosa var. cespitosa Tufted evening-primrose Oenothera caespitosa var. caespitosa

GSTS SS FORS IDS

Aster Oonopsis wardii Ward's false goldenweed Haplopappus wardii G2G3 S3 FORS IDS

Caci Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha Hair-spine prickly-pear [Plains prickly-pear] GSTS SS FORS IDS

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Caryophyll Paronychia sessiliflora Low nailwort GS S4 FORS GRS

Scrophulari Penstemon laricifolius var. exilifolius Larch-leaf beardtongue G4T2 S2 FORS IDS

Scrophulari Penstemon laricifolius var. laricifolius Larch-leaf beardtongue G4T? S4 FORS IDS

Poa Phalaris canariensis Common canarygrass G? SE A-GRASS

Polemeni Phlox muscoides Moss phlox Phlox hoodii ssp. GST4 S4 FORS IDS

muscoides

Boragin Plagiobothrys leptocladus Alkali popcorn-flower G4 S1S2 A-FORS WET

Plantagin Plantago eriopoda Red-woolly plantain GS S4 FORS GRS

Poa Poa alpina Alpine bluegrass Gs· S4 GRASS RMF

Poa Poa glaucifolia Pale-leaf bluegrass Included in Poa arida by G? S2 GRASS WET some authors

Poa Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poa agassizensis G? SE GRASS

Poa Poa secunda var. incurva Curly bluegrass Poa incurva GST? S3S4 GRASS ALP

Polygon Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed Persicaria pensylvanica GS S1 A-FORS WET

[Pennsylvania smartweed]

Polygon Polygonum ramosissimum Bushy knotweed Includes var. prolificum GS S3 A-FORS GRS & ramosissimum

Salic Populus angustifolia Narrow-leaf cottonwood GS S4SS TREE WET

Ros Potentilla concinna var. concinna Red cinquefoil GS?T? S4 FORS RMF

Poa Puccinellia nuttalliana Nuttall's alkali-grass GS S4 GRASS GRS

Aster Pyrrocoma lanceolata Lance-leaf goldenweed Haplopappus G4? S3S4 FORS WET

lanceolatus

Ranuncul Ranunculus gmelinii Lesser yellow water buttercup GS S2 FORS WET

Brassic Rorippa sinuata Spreading yellowcress GS S4 FORS FORS

Polygon Rumex salicifolius var. triangulivalvis Willow dock Rumex mexicanus, R. GS SS FORS RMF

salicifolius var. mexicanus

Salic Salix bebbiana Gray willow [Bebb willow] GS SS SHRUB WET

Salic Salix exigua var. exigua Narrow-leaf willow [Coyote willow, GS SS SHRUB WET

Sandbar willow]

Salic Salix lasiandra var. caudata Shining willow Salix lucida ssp. caudata GST? S4 SHRUB WET

[Whiplash willow]

Sarcobat Sarcobatus vermiculatus Greasewood GS SS SHRUB IDS

Poa Schizachyrium scoparium Little false bluestem Andropogon scoparius GS S4 GRASS GRS

(little bluestem]

Crassul Sedum lanceolatum Lance-leaf stonecrop Includes ssp. GS SS FORS RMF

lanceolatum & subalpinum

Elaegn Shepherdia argentea Silver buffaloberry GS S4 SHRUB WET

Table 2. Preliminary Flora of Cook Ranch

Aster Sphaeromeria capitata Clster-head chicken- Tanacetum capitatum G3 S3 FORB IDS

sage

Poa Sporobolus airoides Alkali sacaton G5 S4 GRASS GRS

Poa Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed G5 S4 GRASS GRS

Brassic Stanleya pinnata Golden prince's-plume Includes vars bipinnata G4G5 S4 w FORB & pinnata

Aster Stenotus acaulis Stemless mock Haplopappus acaulis G5 S5 FORB RMF

goldenweed

Potamogeton Stuckenia pectinata Sago false pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus; G5 S3 FORB WET Coleogeton pectinatus

Caprifoli Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry G5 S4 SHRUB RMF

Aster Symphyotrichum frondosum Leafy american-aster Aster frondosus; G4 S3 A-FORS WET

Brachyactis frondosa

Aster Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion G5 SE FORS

Aster Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis Stemless four-nerve- Hymenoxys acaulis var. G5T? S5 FORS GRS

daisy acaulis

Aster Townsendia hookeri Hooker's Townsend- G5 S4 FORB RMF

daisy

Fab Trifolium dasyphyllum Thickleaf clover Includes ssp.

anemophilum,

G4G5 S3 FORB RMF

dasyphyllum, & uintense

Nyctagin Tripterocalyx micranthus Small-flower sandpuffs Abronia micrantha G5 S3 FORS GRS

Valerian Valeriana edulis Tobacco-root G5 S4 FORB RMF

Aster Xylorhiza glabriuscula Smooth woody-aster Machaeranthera G4 S4S5 FORB IDS

glabriuscula. Includes vars glabriuscula & villosa