Genetic analysis utilizing isozymes (protein analysis) and microsatellites (SSR). Little to no variation was found using isozyme markers.

Data on population structure, seed production, seed germination, and plant survival and growth were analyzed using a transition matrix model to study population dynamics. The effect of herbicide spraying and weed pulling was analyzed (Gilbert 1998).

Seed from 3 sites stored at The Berry Botanic Garden (BBG file).

A Washington State endemic with a total range of about about 1010 ha. Although the total number of surviving occurrences is greater than 20, these are effectively small, isolated sub-populations, rather than true populations. While some populations have been lost due to conversion to agriculture and due to grazing practices, there appear to be significant amounts of suitable habitat which are not currently occupied. The taxon appears to have disappeared from portions of its historic range in the Palouse grasslands of Spokane and Whitman counties.

Loss of habitat due to agricultural conversion (WNHP 1999). Grazing (WNHP 1999). Habitat domination by non-native weeds (Gilbert 1998). Hydrology changes (depth to groundwater) due to wells, pumping from creeks, and creek channelization and divers

An estimated 18,000 total individuals in 35 occurrences. 25 occurrences are on private land, 9 are on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and 1 is on a railroad right-of-way managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The 9 BLM occurrences account for an estimated 8,000-10,000 individuals, half of the total (WNHP 1999). Populations range in size from as few as 3 to more than 2000 (WNHP 1999).

Community ecology: Gilbert (1998) studied community composition, physical soil components, and soil chemistry of Polemonium pectinatum habitat. Demographic monitoring. Data on population structure, seed production, seed germination, and plant survival and growth were analyzed using a transition matrix model to study population dynamics. The effect of herbicide spraying and weed pulling was analyzed (Gilbert 1998). Genetic analysis utilizing isozymes (protein analysis) and microsatellites (SSR). Little to no variation was found using isozyme markers. Results from microsatellite analysis suggests that inbreeding may be occurring at all sampled locations (Gilbert 1998). Germination studies using 3 week-old seed indicate that a period of moist, cold stratification is required for successful germination (Gilbert 1998). Germination studies using old seed (over 5 years old) were conducted at The Berry Botanic Garden. One set of seeds was subjected to 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by placement in either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C). Another set was not cold stratified before placement in the two different temperature regimes. 60% of seeds that were cold stratified germinated, regardless of temperature regime. 100% of seeds that were not cold stratified germinated, regardless of temperature regime (BBG File). Evaluation of genetic diversity between populations of Polemonium pectinatum. Researchers found high allelic diversity for 6 polymorphic loci. They also found that heterozygosity and within population variation were not near Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (Gilbert 2001), indicating that inbreeding may be occurring.

Seed from 3 sites stored at The Berry Botanic Garden (BBG file). Development of a ""Conservation Strategy"" (Gilbert 1998). Proposed re-introduction near Pine Creek or Rock Creek sites (Gilbert 1998). A portion of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land has been designated as an Area of Critical Ecological Concern (ACEC). Polemonium pectinatum habitat is protected in the ACEC. Prior to being designated as an ACEC, grazing was allowed on the land (in Gilbert 1998). Stream bank stabilization within the ACEC (Pam Camp, BLM in Gilbert 1998). Selective herbicide treatments to destroy invasive weeds within the ACEC (Pam Camp, BLM in Gilbert 1998).

Study response of Polemonium pectinatum to fire (WNHP 1999). Study effect of flooding on Polemonium pectinatum (WNHP 1999). Study potential deleterious effects of inbreeding on short-term population vigor (Gilbert 2001) . Demographic monitoring of grazed and ungrazed areas (Gilbert 1998). Federal agencies and conservation groups should work to obtain permission from private landowners to manage Polemonium pectinatum populations, as many populations are on private land. Quantify how dry conditions, weeds, and grazing effect populations (Gilbert 1998). Analyze breeding system (Gilbert 1998).

Collect and store seeds from across the species' range. Determine propagation and reintroduction protocols.