Experimental reintroduction at two sites on the North Bank Habitat Management Area (a BLM Area of Critical Environmental Concern).

Observations and preliminary genetic research suggest that there are three genetically distinct groupings of populations (USFWS 2001).

A graduate student at Oregon State University evaluated the life history and ecology of Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus through greenhouse and field studies. She used greenhouse transplants to augment two native populations. She discovered that P. hirtus is a facultative perennial, not strictly an annual as previously thought (Amsberry, pers. comm. 2001).

Researchers at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon State University (OSU) have completed projects on genetic variation, reproductive biology, and life history traits (USFWS 2001). A graduate student at Oregon State University evaluated the life history and ecology of Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus through greenhouse and field studies. She used greenhouse transplants to augment two native populations. She discovered that P. hirtus is a facultative perennial, not strictly an annual as previously thought (Amsberry, pers. comm. 2001).

Researchers at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon State University (OSU) have completed projects on genetic variation, reproductive biology, and life history traits (USFWS 2001). A graduate student at Oregon State University evaluated the life history and ecology of Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus through greenhouse and field studies. She used greenhouse transplants to augment two native populations. She discovered that P. hirtus is a facultative perennial, not strictly an annual as previously thought (Amsberry, pers. comm. 2001).

Germination trials were conducted at the Berry Botanic Garden. Seeds were first subjected to either 8 weeks of cold stratification or no cold stratification. Seeds were then placed in either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C). 67% of seeds that were cold stratified and then placed in constant temperatures geminated while only 27% of seeds that were cold stratified and then placed in alternating temperatures germinated. When seeds were not cold stratified, 0% of seeds germinated under constant temperatures while 67% germinated under alternating temperatures (BBG File).

Destruction of wetlands due to drainage for agricultural uses. Pools adjacent to altered land may also be effected due to the changes in hydrology (USFWS 2001). Wetland destruction due to urban development (USFWS 2001). Heavy spring and summer grazi

17 known occurrences. 15 are naturally occurring, 2 are reintroduced. Of the naturally occurring populations, only 5 are legally protected. Two are on Oregon Department of Transportation land and 3 are on private land managed by The Nature Conservancy. The remaining populations are on private commercial, residential and agricultural land. There is an estimated 7,000 individuals, with patch sizes ranging from 1 to 3,000 individuals. However, since Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus can spread vegetatively, it is difficult to estimate the total number of genetic individuals. Total occupied habitat is only about 45 acres (USFWS 2000).

Little research done prior to 1995 (USFWS 2001). Observations and preliminary genetic research suggest that there are three genetically distinct groupings of populations (USFWS 2001). Researchers at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon State University (OSU) have completed projects on genetic variation, reproductive biology, and life history traits (USFWS 2001). A graduate student at Oregon State University evaluated the life history and ecology of Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus through greenhouse and field studies. She used greenhouse transplants to augment two native populations. She discovered that P. hirtus is a facultative perennial, not strictly an annual as previously thought (Amsberry, pers. comm. 2001). Germination trials were conducted at the Berry Botanic Garden. Seeds were first subjected to either 8 weeks of cold stratification or no cold stratification. Seeds were then placed in either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C). 67% of seeds that were cold stratified and then placed in constant temperatures geminated while only 27% of seeds that were cold stratified and then placed in alternating temperatures germinated. When seeds were not cold stratified, 0% of seeds germinated under constant temperatures while 67% germinated under alternating temperatures (BBG File).

Listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state of Oregon, however, neither listing protect plants found on private land. Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus is marginally protected by the Clean Water Act as it occurs in wetlands. The law requires permits for any action that would fill, dredge, or otherwise damage wetlands. However, farm use exemptions and the fact that permits are usually issued readily, means that many wetlands get destroyed despite the law (USFWS 2001). Experimental reintroduction at two sites on the North Bank Habitat Management Area (a BLM Area of Critical Environmental Concern). Five patches are currently protected. Two are on Oregon Department of Transportation right-of-ways, three are on land managed by The Nature Conservancy. Inventories for new populations were conducted in the 1980's by James Kagan (ONHDB 2000) and ODA in 1998. A recovery plan was drafted in 2001. The goal of the plant is to meet specific conditions in order to downlist the plant by 2011 (USFWS 2001).

Determine the effect of fire on Plagiobothrys hirtus ssp. hirtus. Study the interaction of P. hirtus ssp. hirtus and other organisms, such as herbivores, in the ecosystem. Study the effect of different grazing regimes (time, intensity, grazer, etc) on the success of P. hirtus ssp. hirtus (USFWS 2001).

Collect and store a genetically representative sample of seeds from across the range.