Genetic analysis (using RAPD markers) of white and purple flowered populations found in Coos Bay Oregon to determine genetic variation within and between 6 populations was conducted by Victoria Mathis, a student at Gold Beach High School, Oregon. Her poster was presented at Northwest Scientific Association 2001 Annual Meetings held at Humboldt University, Arcata, CA.

Habitat and ecological requirements of the species were studied to assist in future restoration activities. Distribution suggests that the species occupies sites with relatively high salinity (25-30 ppt), and that the specific location in marine estuaries is at the upper edge of low sandy marsh. Light disturbance with some open habitat facilitates establishment (Kaye 1991).

Seed from 6 locations banked at The Berry Botanic Garden.

Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris is known from about 52 extant occurrences in California and Oregon. Its habitat is very restricted and very sensitive to physical disturbance. Drainage and filling of marshes, dumping, development, foot traffic, off-the-road vehicle use, flooding, non-native plant invasion, recreation, cattle grazing, and polluting are threats to this taxon. Many have been lost or degraded and a few remnant populations remain in Marin County, Humboldt County, California and in SW Oregon.

Draining and filling of marshes (Meinke 1982). Water Pollution (Meinke 1982) and oil spills (CNDD 2001). ORV use kills salt marsh vegetation including Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris and its host species. They also reduce vegetative cover, a h

In Oregon as of 1991: 18 sites (Kaye 1991). Colony size ranged from 30 individuals to 500,000. At each site, Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris was found in dense patches or as well dispersed individuals. These patterns may be due to the patchy availability of suitable habitat and seed dispersal by water. In California as of 2001: 50 sites ""presumed extant."" However, many sites have not been visited since the early 1980's, so their current status is unknown. Population numbers range from a few to as many as 300,000 (CNDD 2001).

Inventory conducted in 1990 of suitable habitat. A total of 16 colonies were surveyed, 13 of these sites were previously unknown. Colony sizes ranged from 30 to 500,000 plants, with an average of 2,000 (Kaye et al. 1991). Habitat and ecological requirements of the species were studied to assist in future restoration activities. Distribution suggests that the species occupies sites with relatively high salinity (25-30 ppt), and that the specific location in marine estuaries is at the upper edge of low sandy marsh. Light disturbance with some open habitat facilitates establishment (Kaye 1991). Genetic analysis (using RAPD markers) of white and purple flowered populations found in Coos Bay Oregon to determine genetic variation within and between 6 populations was conducted by Victoria Mathis, a student at Gold Beach High School, Oregon. Her poster was presented at Northwest Scientific Association 2001 Annual Meetings held at Humboldt University, Arcata, CA. Flower dissection revealed that of Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus (a related species from southern California) is capable of self-fertilization. The pollen to ovule ratio is in the range expected for self-pollinating species. (Kaye 1991) Seeds of Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus (found in Southern California) require six weeks of cold storage and fresh water for germination (Kaye 1991). Yearly monitoring at Coos Bay site from 1993 to 2001 (at least) (Brian 2001).

Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris is a Bureau of Land Management ""Bureau Sensitive"" species. No actions can be authorized, funded, or carried out by the BLM that will contribute to the need for the species to become listed (Brian 2001). An interagency conservation strategy was prepared in 1995 but not finalized for sites located in Coos Bay (Brian 2001). Barricades to redirect traffic and restrict ORV usage of the land have been erected at various sites (Brian 2001). Some sites in California fenced to exclude cattle grazing (CNDD 2001). Seed from 6 locations banked at The Berry Botanic Garden.

Study the effect of oil spills on Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris in Oregon, since several oil spills have adversely affected California populations (Kaye et al. 1991). Monitor known populations to detect population trends (Kaye et al. 1991). Limit ORV use at known sites (Kaye et al. 1991). Determine if Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris can re-colonize disturbed areas (Rittenhouse 1999). Distribute seeds to nearby areas of suitable habitat as seeds do not travel long distances on their own (Brian 2001). Reintroduce seeds to areas where the species has been extirpated or to other sites where habitat is suitable (Brian 2001).

Collect and store seeds from across the range. Determine optimal germination procedures. Determine propagation and reintroduction protocols.