Floristic and Vegetation Survey of Lucile Caves Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Coeur D'Alene District, BLM

摘要

An inventory of the botanical and ecological features of Lucile Caves Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) was undertaken during May - July, 1991, by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Conservation Data Center as part of a cooperative project with the Coeur d'Alene District, BLM, through the Challenge Cost-share Program. Lucile Caves was established as a Research Natural Area (RNA)/ACEC by the BLM in 1989. The area was known to contain populations of three rare plants; Epipactis gigantea, Lomatium rollinsii, and an experimental planting of Mirabilis macfarlanei. The authors confirmed the occurrence of these species in the ACEC and discovered two populations of an additional rare species. Erigeron engelmannii var. davisii. A list of vascular plant species occurring in the ACEC is provided. The authors describe each rare species, and include a discussion of their distribution, abundance and conservation status. Plant communities were also inventoried and mapped. The authors provide a description of each community, as well as a discussion of their distribution and conservation status. The authors also make several recommendations concerning the RNA designation, monitoring, reference area value, and control of exotic weeds.