MATULA, COLLEN F. USDA, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911. - Conservation status of Botrychium in the Upper Great Lakes.
In the Upper Great Lakes Region of the United States, the
Ophioglossaceae are represented by 2 species of
Ophioglossum and 18 species of Botrychium. In the
latter there are 13 species of moonworts (subgenus Botrychium),
4 species of grapeferns (subgenus Sceptridium) and B.
virginianum, the rattlesnake fern in subgenus
Osmundopteris. Of these, 13 species are state-listed as
endangered, threatened, or of special concern. In Minnesota B.
gallicomontanum, B. oneidense and B. pallidum are
listed state endangered; B. lanceolatum, B. lunaria and
B. rugulosum are listed as state threatened; and B.
campestre, B. minganese, B. mormo and B.
simplex are listed state special concern. In Wisconsin,
Botrychium lunaria and B. mormo are state endangered;
and B. campestre, B. minganese, B. oneidense,
B. rugulosum, and B. spathulatum as state special
concern. In Michigan, Botrychium acuminatum is state
endangered; B. campestre, B. hesperium, B. mormo
are state threatened; and B. pallidum is state special concern.
Conservation measures in the Upper Great Lakes Region have varied
among the agencies within the states. The similarities have been in
the form of inventory, monitoring rare occurrences and identifying
local distributions. Some agencies have developed protection measures
by leaving buffers adjacent to rare populations. In Minnesota,
various population studies of Botrychium mormo were conducted
by science professionals from federal agencies. The Forest Service is
conducting a 5 year study of Botrychium mormo habitat that have
had some forest canopy removal. Also in Minnesota, a population
viability assessment for Botrychium mormo in the three states
was conducted in 1997 assessing distribution, potential threats and
research needs. In Michigan, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
is developing strategies to lessen the impact of exotic species
invasion that would potentially affect rare populations of the
Botrychium species that occur on the dunes. Overall,
information exchange across agencies and states is helping to resolve
key management concerns.
Key words: Botrychium, Great Lakes, mormo, Ophioglossaceae