Coast Range Fawnlily (Erythronium elegans)

Endemic to high elevation peaks in the northern Coast Range of Oregon, Erythronium elegans is known from approximately 12 extant occurrences. Just two occurrences are on lands managed solely or primarily for conservation purposes, although a few others are on Federal lands on which the species is designated Sensitive. Approximately 9,000-15,000 individuals are known. Habitat disturbance from logging is a threat at some sites. Other relatively low-level threats include road construction, recreation, collection, elk herbivory, and habitat degradation due to Douglas fir blight. The species appears to be somewhat of a poor competitor that does best in sites with a sparse herbaceous layer, although it seems to be less specific in its canopy cover and soil moisture requirements. It is unknown whether E. elegans has always been rare, or has declined from historical levels.

Plant and habitat destruction due to logging. Herbivory and grazing. Fungal infection (Guerrant 1999). Plant collection for horticultural purposes.

5 populations. Four are on federal land, and one is privately owned but monitored by The Nature Conservancy and the Oregon Native Plant Society (Guerrant 1992). Population sizes range ""100's in flower"", ""100-1000"", ""300"", to ""thousands."" This large population numbering in the ""thousands"" contains 95% of the total number of individuals (ONHP 2000).

A six-year demography study compared population growth between one presumably healthy population and a population believed to be in decline. Each population was subdivided into two focal populations, and analysis showed that one focal population was growing vigorously, one was in serious decline, and the remaining two populations were stable (Guerrant 1999).

Seed from 3 of the 5 populations stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. Listed as Threatened by the State of Oregon. Monitoring is being conducted by the Nature Conservancy and the Oregon Native Plant Society at the one population located on private land.

Initiate a comprehensive, highly detailed, GIS based inventory of the extent and density of E. elegans, including data on stage distribution and microhabitat types (Guerrant 1999). Establish a long-term monitoring scheme that is more extensive and less labor intensive than a demographic study (Guerrant 1999). Ensure that management actions for other species (e.g.: mowing or burning to maintain habitat for Viola adunca, larval food plant for Oregon silverspot butterfly) do not adversely affect E. elegans (Guerrant 1999). Monitor elk populations in order to make informed management decisions concerning herbivory (Guerrant1999). Monitor Douglas Fir blight as it could adversely affect E. elegans (Guerrant 1999). If possible, determine whether Erythronium elegans was once more common and widespread. Are the low population numbers due to human-caused disturbances (i.e.. habitat destruction) or have population numbers always been low (i.e.. narrow endemic) Study the gene flow between populations. Determine if inbreeding or high clonality of the populations is a threat to the species' continued survival. Determine what light levels/canopy cover is best for vigorous growth and manage the land to increase or maintain suitable habitat.

Collect and store seeds from across the species range. Determine germination requirements. Determine effective propagation and re-introduction protocols.