Genetic (isosyme) studies- Preliminary isozyme analysis by US Forest Service measured the differences in plant proteins to detect genetic differences between Hackelia venusta (white flowered form), H. venusta (blue flowered form-later named H. taylori) and other Hackelia species. These results indicated a clear separation between the white and blue flowered forms and suggest that the blue form is the result of a recent speciation event (Harrod et al. 1998).

A study was completed in 2015 to evaluate the ecological requirements of Hackelia venusta to inform management and reintroduction efforts.Analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the soils did not reveal a unique soil environment that explains the limited distribution of H. venusta. The soils are shallow, well-drained and coarse-textured with low organic matter content. Total and extractable nitrogen are low but similar to forest soils of other locations with similar site characteristics. Bray extractable phosphorus is high and, given the history of fire in the study area, is most likely attributed to increased mineralization of phosphorus as a result of burning. DNA extraction of several root and rhizosphere soil samples indicated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may be associated with the species. H. venusta appears to tolerate a range of light conditions, and is not shade-intolerant. It occupied sites with average non-vegetative cover ranging between 67 and 80 percent. Its preferred microsites exhibited lower cover of shrub, grass, and non-vascular plants, but higher forb cover was positively correlated with H. venusta presence. Based on these results, it is surmised that the limited distribution of H. venusta is due primarily to its ability to exploit the coarse, unstable soils at the sites that result in a low competitive environment (Gibble 2015).

BBG houses seeds from the only remaining population. Seeds were collected in 1984 and 1987 as bulk collections. In 1990 and 1995 collections, seeds from different maternal lines were kept separate (BBG file). Approximately 2,800 seeds of this taxon are currently preserved in seed banks.

In November 2015, approximately 300 individuals were planted in and adjacent to the native population to augment the population and evaluate propagation and out-planting protocols. Development of micropropagation techniques to aid in reintroduction efforts- Results indicate that if vegetative material is harvested in early spring, Hackelia venusta plantlets can be successfully micropropagated, acclimatized, and reintroduced within one growing season (Wenny 1995).

A study was completed in 2015 to evaluate the ecological requirements of Hackelia venusta to inform management and reintroduction efforts.Analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the soils did not reveal a unique soil
environment that explains the limited distribution of H. venusta. The soils are shallow, well-drained and coarse-textured with low organic matter content. Total and extractable nitrogen are low but similar to forest soils of other locations with similar site characteristics. Bray extractable phosphorus is high and, given the history of fire in the study area, is most likely attributed to increased mineralization of phosphorus as a result of burning. DNA extraction of several root and rhizosphere soil samples indicated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may be associated with the species. H. venusta appears to tolerate a range of light conditions, and is not shade-intolerant. It occupied sites with average non-vegetative cover ranging between 67 and 80 percent. Its preferred microsites exhibited lower cover of shrub, grass, and non-vascular plants, but higher forb cover was positively correlated with H. venusta presence. Based on these results, it is surmised that the limited distribution of H. venusta is due primarily to its ability to exploit the coarse, unstable soils at the sites that result in a low competitive environment (Gibble 2015).

Propagation protocols have been determined for this species.

In November 2015, approximately 300 individuals were planted in and adjacent to the native population to augment the population and evaluate propagation and out-planting protocols.

Approximately 2,800 seeds of this taxon are currently preserved in seed banks.

Hackelia venusta is a narrow endemic restricted to one small population on less than 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of unstable, granitic talus on the lower slopes of Tumwater Canyon, Chelan County, Washington (USFWS, 2002).

Fire suppression allowing competition and shading from native trees and shrubs (USFWS 20000). Fire suppression allowing plant succession to proceed and stabilize slopes. However, subsequent fire may lead to increased slope instability resulting in r

Between 2004 and 2015, the only known population of this species has fluctuated between 239 and 477 individuals (WNHP 2017).

Genetic (isosyme) studies- Preliminary isozyme analysis by US Forest Service measured the differences in plant proteins to detect genetic differences between Hackelia venusta (white flowered form), H. venusta (blue flowered form-later named H. taylori) and other Hackelia species. These results indicated a clear separation between the white and blue flowered forms and suggest that the blue form is the result of a recent speciation event (Harrod et al. 1998). Development of micropropagation techniques to aid in reintroduction efforts- Results indicate that if vegetative material is harvested in early spring, Hackelia venusta plantlets can be successfully micropropagated, acclimatized, and reintroduced within one growing season (Wenny 1995). Development of micropropagation techniques utilizing low levels of growth regulators- Shoot cultures normally produce true-to-type plantlets, but off-type individuals (due to mutation) can result from use of growth regulators and extended subculture. In an effort to reduce the threat of somaclonal variation, researchers supplemented culture media with minimal cytokinin and auxin. Shoot proliferation is not as vigorous as with optimal levels of growth regulators, but the benefit of reduced variation is great to the conservation field (Edson et al. 1996). Continued propagation and tissue culture research at the Rare Plant Care and Conservation Program through the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington, Seattle. Early results show that it may be easier to grow from seed than originally thought (Laura Zybas, Rare Plant Care and Conservation Program, 2001, Personal Communication).

The sole remaining population is on National Forest land that is designated at a ""Botanical Area"". The area was established in 1938 to protect Lewisia tweedyi, a plant then thought to be rare. The plant is more common than thought, but the designation of the land has continued because of the presence of Hackelia venusta and Silene seelyi (USFWS 2000). Endangered species and critical habitat designation proposed by US Fish and Wildlife Service in Feb. 2000. Decision coming soon No active management of the site was occurring as of 2000 (USFWS 2000). BBG houses seeds from the only remaining population. Seeds were collected in 1984 and 1987 as bulk collections. In 1990 and 1995 collections, seeds from different maternal lines were kept separate (BBG file).

Inventory potential habitat throughout range. Consultation about activities such as highway maintenance, fire suppression, timber harvest, and habitat restoration activities to determine cumulative impact on Hackelia venusta population. Investigate the natural history of Hackelia vestusta - What was its historic range Could the white-flowered population have been at higher elevations at one time (Malmquist 1995). Explore the risk of pests and disease being transmitted from the greenhouse to the reintroduction site. This may not be a large problem in cool climates, but all moss and liverworts should be removed from containers, and plants should be inspected by a pathologist prior to reintroduction (Malmquist 1995). Examination of life history: Reproductive/pollination biology, seed production, germination requirements, seedling establishment, life span (Malmquist 1995).

Store genetically representative sample of seeds. Determine optimal germination requirements. Develop propagation and reintroduction protocols.