CumberlandSandwort(Arenaria cumberlandensis)

RecoveryPlan

U.S.Fish andWildlife ServiceSoutheastRegionAtlanta,Georgia

RECOVERY PLAN

for

Cumberland Saudwort (Arenaria cumberlandensis)

Preparedby

AlexaMeKerrowTennesseeDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation

Nashville,Tennessee

for

U.S. FishandWildlife ServiceSoutheastRegionAtlanta,Georgia

Approved:

Date:

1

<

NoreenK. Clough,RegionalDire~, SoutheastRegionU.S. FishandWildlife Service

67

Recoveryplansdelineatereasonableactionsthat arebelievedto be requiredtorecoverand/orprotectlisted species.Plansarepublishedby theU.S. FishandWildlife Service,sometimespreparedwith theassistanceofrecoveryteams,contractors,Stateagencies,andothers. Objectiveswill beattainedandanynecessaryfundsmadeavailablesubjectto budgetaryandotherconstraintsaffectingthepartiesinvolved,aswell astheneedto addressotherpriorities. Recoveryplansdo notnecessarilyrepresenttheviewsnortheofficial positionsor approvalofanyindividualsor agenciesinvolved in theplanformulation,otherthantheU.S. FishandWildlife Service. Theyrepresenttheofficial positionoftheU.S. FishandWildlifeService~mi~aftertheyhavebeensignedby theRegionalDirectororDirectorasapproved.Approvedrecoveryplansaresubjectto modificationsasdictatedbynewfindings,changesin speciesstatus,andthecompletionofrecoverytasks.

Literature citations should read asfollows:

U.S.FishandWildlife Service. 1996. CumberlandSandwortRecoveryPlan.Atlanta,GA. 28 pp.

Additional copiesmay be purchasedfrom:

FishandWildlife ReferenceService5430GrosvenorLane,Suite110Bethesda,Maryland 20814Phone: 301/492-6403or

1-800/582-3421

Thefeesfor recoveryplansvary, dependinguponthenumberofpages.

ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanksto AndreaSheaandMilo PyneoftheTennesseeHeritageProgram;Dr. RobertKral, VanderbiltUniversity; Dr. EugeneWofford,UniversityofTennessee- Knoxville; RobertEmmott,Big SouthFork NationalRiver andRecreationArea;MargaretShea,KentuckyStateNaturePreservesCommission;Virginia Small andBilly Glen Smith,PickettStatePark;Billy Swafford,PickettStateForest;andChris DietrichandDavidKnechtle,MissouriBotanicalGarden,fortheinformationtheyprovided.

iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CurrentStatus:Arenariacumberlandensis(Cumberlandsandwort)is listed asendangered.Thereare28 extantoccurrencesof thespecies,27 in Tennesseeandonein Kentucky. OneadditionalKentuckyoccurrenceis presumedextirpated(Libby1994). At thetimethespecieswasaddedto theFederallist, therewereabout12 knownoccurrencesthatweregroupedinto five populations(onein Kentuckyand11 in Tennessee).Threatsto Cumberlandsandwortincludetramplingby recreationalusersandhabitatalterationcausedby timberharvestingonadjacentland.

HabitatRequirementsandLimiting Factors:Cumberlandsandwortis restrictedtosandstoneledgesandrockhousesin theCumberlandPlateauProvinceofsouth-centralKentuckyandnorth-centralTennessee.Specializedhabitatrequirements,in combinationwithhabitatalteration,appearto betheprimarylimitingfactorsfor the species.

RecoveryObjective: Delisting

RecoveryCriteria: Cumberlandsandwortwill beconsideredfor reclassificationfrom endangeredto threatenedstatuswhen30 geographicallydistinct, self-sustainingoccurrencesareprotectedandmanagedfor thespecies’benefitin fourcountiesinTennesseeandKentuckyandhavemaintainedstableor increasingnumbersfor5 consecutiveyears. Thespecieswill be consideredfor delistingwhen40geographicallydistinct, self-sustainingoccurrencesareprotectedandhavemaintainedstableor increasingnumbersfor 5 consecutiveyears. In orderto maintainabalancedgeographicdistributionfor thespecies,at least12 oftheseoccurrencesmustbe in countiesotherthanPickettCounty,Tennessee.

ActionsNeeded:

1. Protectexistingoccurrencesandessentialhabitatand searchfor additionalpopulations.

2. Determineandimplementthemanagementnecessaryfor long-termreproduction,establishment,maintenance,andvigor.

3. Maintainacultivatedsourceof plantsandprovidefor long-termseedstorage.

4. Enforcelawsprotectingthespeciesand/orits habitat.

5. Developmaterialsto inform thepublic aboutthestatusofthe speciesandtherecoveryplanobjectives.

iv

Costs($OOOs):

1 YEAR IINEEDI1996 6.0

~NEED2 INEED3 INEED4 INEED5IITOTALS~

3.0 46.025.0 12.0 *

1997 30.0 23.0. 0.5 * 0.5 54.0

1998 30.0 29.0 0.5 * 0.5 60.0

1999 10.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 24.0

2000 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

2001 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

2002 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

2003 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

2004 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

2005 0.0 13.0 0.5 * 0.5 14.0

TOTALS 76.0 168.0 16.5 * 7.5 268.0

*Un~own

Dateof Recovery: 2005,providedthatfundsareavailableto accomplishtherequiredrecoverytasksandthattherecoverycriteriaaremet.

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

~ag~

PARTI:

iNTRODUCTIONDescription,History, andDistributionHabitat, Life History,andThreatsConservationMeasuresandRecoveryStrategy

PARTII:

RECOVERYA. Recovery ObjectivesB. NarrativeOutlineC. LiteratureCited

PARTIII:

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 17

PART IV:

LIST OF RECIPIENTS 20

1149

10101116

vi

LIST OFFIGURES

1. Illustration of Arenariacumberlandensis

2. Distribution of Cumberland Sandwort in KentuckyandTennessee

2

5

LIST OF TABLES

1. ExtantoccurrencesofArenariacumberlandensis(Cumberlandsandwort)in KentuckyandTennessee 6

vii

PARTI

iNTRODUCTION

Arenariacumberlandensis(Cumberland sandwort) was described as a new speciesby Wofford and Kral (1979). This perennial, herbaceous member of the Pink family(Caryophyllaceae)is 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) tall and has smallwhite-petaledflowersandrelatively long narrowleaves. Thespeciesis knownfromthe Cumberland Plateau of south-central Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. Itwas added to the Federal list of endangered species in 1988 (U.S Fish and WildlifeService [Service]1988). At the time oflisting, theplantwasknownfrom five sites(one in Kentucky and four in Tennessee); these sites were believed to consist ofabout12 occurrences.ThesandstonerockhouseswhereCumberlandsandwortisfoundmakethespeciessusceptibleto tramplingby hikersandotherrecreationalusersof its habitat. Habitatdestructionby collectorsofIndianartifactsandthenegativeeffectsofthealterationofsitehydrologyanderosiondueto timberingofsurroundingforestsalso adverselyaffect orthreatenthespecies.

Newoccurrencesofthe specieshavebeendiscoveredsince1988. At this time thereare27 knownoccurrencesin Tennesseeandonein Kentucky. OfthoseinTennessee,20 arewithin 2 miles ofeachother. All ofthe sites occur within25 milesofeachother.

Description.Historv. andDistribution

Thefollowing descriptionofCumberlandsandwortis modifiedfrom Kral (1983)andWofford andKral (1979). This speciesis adelicateperennialthatoccursin tufts(Figure 1, page2). Theuprightstemsare10 to 15 centimeters(cm)tall (3.9to6.25 inches),areslenderandtriangularin shape,andform small cushionlikeclumps.Theleavesare opposite, and the basal leaves are longer andwider thanthoseatthetop ofthestems. Theleavesare2 to 3 cm long (0.8 to 1.2 inches)and1 to3 millimeters (mm) wide(0.04to 0.12 inches);theyarethinandarebright greenincolor,with glassymargins. Theflowersaresymmetrical,five-parted,andusuallysolitary attheendofthestems. Thesepalsaregreenandinconspicuouslythree-veined, and the white petals usually have five green veins. The fruit is a 3- to3.5-mm-long (0.12 to 0.14 inches)ovoid capsulecontainingnumerousreddish-brown reticulated seeds that are 0.5 to 0.7mm long (0.02 to 0.03 inches).Floweringoccursfrom earlyJuly throughAugust.

Cumberland sandwort resembles Arenariagroenlandica(mountain sandwort) andArenariaglabra (glabrousmountainsandwort),butKral (1983)statesthat it canbedistinguishedby “its longer,broader,thinner,veinierleaves,leafierupperstems,whichproducefewerflowersasarule,andby its distinctiveseedsculpture.” The

Figure 1. Illustration of Areriaria cumberlandensis

.

Ycm

Cuznberland sandwort (Arenaria cumberlandensis), takendescription of Wofford & Kral (1979, Brittonia 31:258). A —

B = flower; C = dissected flower, showing two petals and aE = a capsule (fruit) with seeds; F = an anther; C = seeds.

2.

from the originalwhole plant;sepal; D — a stigma;

B0

I mm

I0 0

floweringperiodseparatesCumberlandsandworttemporallyfromArenariaglabra,which flowers in early spring. In addition, Arenariaglabra and Arenariagroenlandicagrow in full sun, whereas Arenariacumberlandensisis found inshaded habitats.

The following summarizes the known history of the existence and distribution ofCumberland sandwort:

1941 - Shaver first collected the taxon in Pickett County, Tennessee.This andother collections made prior to Kral and Wofford’s description of thespecies were identified as either Arenariaglabra or Arenariapatula.

1947 - A specimen was collected from Scott County, Tennessee,by Shanksand others.

1960 - Specimens were collected in Morgan County, Tennessee, by Amundsenandothers.

1973 - Kral collected the species from Fentress County, Tennessee, andcollected the type specimen from Pickett County, Tennessee.

1979 - Cumberlandsandwortwasdescribedasanewspecies by Wofford andKral (1979).

1980 - A status survey report for Arenariacumberlandensiswas completed byWofford and Smith (1980).

1984 - A site for the species was discovered in McCrearyCounty,Kentucky,by MaxMedley of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

1987 - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed endangered status forArenariacumberlandensis(Service 1987).

1988 - Cumberland sandwort was listed as an endangered species (Service1988).

1991-1994- In conducting a survey of the DanielBooneNationalForest’sStearnsDistrict in Kentucky,Alan Risk locatedanewsitefor thespeciesinMcCrearyCounty(Shea1991). The 1984Kentuckyoccurrencehasnotbeenrelocatedevenafterthreesearchesofthatarea(Libby 1994).

1993-1994- Additional occurrenceswerelocatedin theTennesseeportionoftheBigSouth Fork National River and Recreation Area (Robert Emmott, Big

3

South Fork National River and Recreation Area, personalcommunication, 1993; Emmott, in litt., 1994).

Cumberland sandwort is currently known from four counties in Tennessee (Pickett,Scott, Fentress, and Morgan) and one county in Kentucky (McCreary) (Figure 2,page 5; Table 1, page 6). The majorityof thesitesarewithin closeproximity of eachother. Thespeciesoccursin sandstonerockhouses,whichtendto bediscretelocations that are locally abundantwherethegeologyis favorableto theirformation.Although the geographic separation of the sites is not great, the exchange of geneticmaterial is likely to be limitedbetweenindividualrockhouses.

Habitat. Life History. and Threats

Arenaria cumberlandensisis apparently restricted to sandstone rock houses, ledges,and solution pockets on sandstone rock faces. All known sites are within the BigSouthFork watershedoftheCumberlandRiver(Wofford andSmith 1980,WoffordandKral 1979). Thehabitatrequirementsfor thespeciesincludeshade,moisture,relatively constant cool temperatures, and high humidity (Kral 1983, Wofford andSmith 1980). The rock houses in the area are formed through the differentialweatheringofPennsylvaniansandstone,whichresultsin theformationof cavelikeoverhangs.

Cumberlandsandwortis perennialfrom shortbasalover-winteringshoots(Kral1983). Flowering usually occurs in July and August (Wofford and Kral 1979). Fruitdevelops soon afterflowering occurs. An investigationofthespecies’germinationrequirements has been initiated by the Center for Plant Conservation (Sud, in litt.,1994).

Arenariacumberlandensisis endangered directly and indirectly by human activitiesin and adjacent to its unique habitat. The species is found on the sandy floors ofrock houses, in solution pockets on the face of sandstone cliffs, and on ledgesbeneath overhanging sandstone. Significant threats to the plants growing on the rockhouse floors include trampling by hikers, campers, picnickers, individuals rappellingdown the sandstone cliffs, and collectors digging illegally within the rock houses forNative American artifacts. The plants growing on ledges and in solutionpocketsonthe cliff faces are vulnerable to trampling by people rappelling down the cliffs.Manypopulationsarepotentiallythreatenedby timberremovalin oradjacentto thesites supporting the species. Increased sunlight on the plants and the subsequentalteration of the moistureconditionswouldprobablyleadto extirpationofArenariacumberlandensisfrom the timbered area.

Cumberland sandwort is not currently a component of the commercial trade in nativeplants. Its small sizeandrestrictivehabitatrequirementsshouldlimit future

4

Figure 2. Distribution of Cumberland sandwort in Kentucky andTennessee.

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5

Table 1. Extant occurrencesofArenaria cumberlandensis(Cumberland sandwort) in Kentucky and Tennessee.

State(Site) j County Ownership f Population Data Last

Seen Threats to Population

KENTUCKY - Big South Fork National River and RecreationArea:

1. Big SpringHollow McCreary NPS Hundredsof plants 1994

TENNESSEE- PickettStatePark:

1. HazardCave Pickett TDEC Severalhundredplants 1993 Trampling,relic hunting

2. HiddenPassage Pickett TDEC Smallpopulation 1984

3. DoubleFalls Pickett TDEC 1984

4. SwingingBridge Pickett TDEC Severaldozenplants 1993

5. LadderTrail Pickett IDEC Thousandsofplants 1993 Trampling

6. WatsonBranch Pickett TDEC 1993 Trampling(remotelocation)

TENNESSEE- PickettStateForest:

1. Powerline Pickett TDF 1979 Timbering

2. RockCreek Pickett TDF 1979 Timbering

3. HiddenPassage1 Pickett TDF Smallcolony 1984 Timbering

4. HiddenPassage2 Pickett TDF Largecolony 1984 Timbering

) ))

Table 1 (continued)

Threats to PopulationState(Site) County Ownership Population Data SeenLast

11980

11980

TENNESSEE- Big South Fork National River and RecreationArea:

5. ThompsonCreek Pickett TDF Trampling,timbering

6. Rock Creek Pickett [TDF Timbering

Pickett NPS 5tolOm2 1992

2. Middle Creek 1 Pickett NPS 1992

3. Middle Creek2 Pickett NPS 1992

4. Middle Creek3 Pickett NPS 1992

5. Middle Creek 4 Pickett NPS 1992

6. Middle Creek5 Pickett NPS 1992

7. Middle Creek6 Pickett NPS 1992

8. Big Island Scott NPS Locally abundant 1980 Trashdumping,trampling,digging

9. PetersBridge Morgan NPS/

Private

Scatteredplants 1994 Timbering,unauthorizeduse

10. Sunbright Morgan NPS 1977 Trampling,timbering

) )

—.1

Table 1 (continued)

State(Site) County__j_Ownership_f Population Data Seen Threats to Population

11. Middle CreekNatureLoop 1

Pickett NPS Severalscatteredgroupsofplants

1994

12. NatureLoop 2 Pickett NPS Scatteredplantscovering5 to 10 m2

1994

13. NatureLoop 3 Fentress NPS Onesmallpatch 1994

14. JamestownBarrens Fentress Private 1979 Vehicles,trampling

15. Big Branch Scott NPS Two smallpatches 1994=

Abbreviations include: NPS - NationalParkServiceTDEC - TennesseeDepartmentof EnvironmentandConservationTDF - TennesseeDivision of Forestry

)

00

) )

demands(resultingfrom increasedpublicity) to afew wildflower enthusiastswhospecialize in rare species. Several of the known populations are small andcouldbesignificantly damaged or extirpated by scientific collecting. Arenariacumberlandensisis an extremely rare species, found only within a small portion ofthe Cumberland Plateau. In some populations, the loss of even a few individualsthrough natural fluctuations in numbers or human-induced habitat alterationscouldeliminate the occurrence and thereby reduce the likelihood that the species willcontinue to exist.

Conservation Measures and Recovery Strategy

Conservation measures currently in placeincludeall orpartialpublic ownershipof27 of the known occurrencesofthespecies.Of these27 sites,6 occur in PickettState Park, 6 occur in Pickett State Forest, and 15 occur in the Big South ForkNational River and RecreationArea.

Searches for the species were conductedin Kentucky in 1991, 1994, and 1995; allthree searches focused on McCreary County (Shea 1991; Libby 1994; DeborahWhite, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission,personalcommunication,1995). A floristic inventory of Pickett StateParkis currentlynearcompletionandwill include additional information on the distribution of Arenariacumberlandensisin the park (Virginia Small, Pickett State Park, personal communication, 1993).

Somemeasures to protect vulnerable sites within Pickett State Park have been taken.Primarily, aboardwalkandguardrails havebeenconstructedattheHazardCavesite,apopularattractionfor park visitors.

Plant conservation measures have been initiated by the Center for PlantConservationat theMissouriBotanicalGardenin St. Louis, Missouri. Seedswerecollected in 1991 from two sites in Pickett State Park (McCook, in litt., 1992). In1994, seeds were collected from four occurrences within the Pickett State Park andplaced in long-term storage. The Missouri Botanical Garden has also initiatedgermination trials for the species (Sud, in litt., 1994).

The primary strategy for the recovery of Cumberlandsandwortincludesmonitoringthe known occurrences and protecting them from habitat alterations;searchingfornew occurrences; and determining and implementing the managementnecessaryforlong-term reproduction, establishment, maintenance, and vigor. Additional actionsinclude long-term seed storage and maintenanceofliving plantsandstudiesofthespecies’biology,enforcementofexistinglaws,andapublic education/informationprogram.

9

PARTII

RECOVERY

A. Recovery Objectives

Arenaria cumberlandensis (Cumberland sandwort) will be considered forreclassification from endangered to threatened status when 30 geographicallydistinct, self-sustaining occurrences are protectedin fourcountiesinTennesseeandKentuckyandhavemaintainedstableor increasingnumbersfor5 consecutive years. The species will be considered for delisting when40geographicallydistinct,self-sustainingoccurrencesareprotectedandhavemaintained statistically stable or increasing numbers for 5 consecutive years. Atleast 12 of these occurrences must be in counties other than Pickett County,Tennessee. The estimated date for recovery completion is 2005, provided thatfunds are availableto accomplishtherequiredrecoverytasksandthat therecovery criteria are met.

10

B. Narrative Outline

1. Protect existing occurrences and essential habitat. Only 28 extant occurrencesof Cumberland sandwort are currently known to exist. Until more is knownabout the species’ biology, genetic diversity, specific habitat requirements,andmanagementneeds,all existingoccurrencesshouldbeprotectedin orderto preventextinction.

1.1 Develop interim research and management plans and develop cooperativemanagement agreements with landowners or land managers. Cumberlandsandwort is typically found growing within sandstone rock houses or onledges or within solution pockets on sandstone cliffs. Immediateemphasis will be on protection(preventionofsitealterationsthat areknown to be detrimental), in cooperation with the landowners and landmanagers, until appropriate management procedures have been developedthrough research. Demographicstudiesshouldprovideimportantinsights into the management needsofthespecies.

1.2 Search for additional occurrences and characterizeall knownoccurrences

.

Several intensive searches have been conducted for Cumberlandsandwort. However, athoroughsystematiceffort to locateadditionaloccurrences in Tennessee and to carefully describe the nature of thehabitat occupied by the species in both States is needed. Searches shouldbe preceded by an examination of soil and topographic maps and aerialphotographs to determine potential habitat and to develop a priority list ofsites to survey. The habitat requirements of the species appear to bespecialized, and although it is locally abundant at some sites, it iscurrently known from only a smallportionof onewatershed.Searchesfor new occurrences should include areas within and adjacent to the BigSouthFork watershed.

1.3 Determinehabitatprotectionprioritiesanddeveloplandowneror landmanageragreements.Becauseofthe smallnumberofexistingoccurrences and the pervasive threats to the habitat, it is essential toprotect as many of the extant occurrences as possible. However,effortsshould first be concentrated on the largest and most vigorous occurrencesandsitesunderStateorFederalmanagement.

1.4 Evaluate habitat protection alternatives. The greatest possible protectionshould be obtained for those existing occurrences that are consideredcritical to therecoveryofthespecies.Conservationagreementsoreasements provide the greatest degree ofprotection. However,it is asyetunknown how much buffer land around each occurrence is necessary to

11

protectthe integrity of occupiedsites. Protectionthroughmemorandumsof understanding may provide adequate short-term protection but shouldonly be considered as an intermediate step in the process of ultimatelyproviding for permanent protection. Short-term protection strategies maybe necessary if private landowners are not agreeable to, or moniesarenotavailable for, the acquisition of conservation easements or fee simpletitle. Conservationagreementswith adjacentlandownersorownersofrights-of-way (powercompanies,highwaydepartments,etc.)shouldbedevelopedto preventinadvertentadversealterationofthehabitatdirectlysupportingthespeciesorwithin thebufferareasneededto provideadequateprotection.

1.4.1 Protect the species from recreational overuse of thehabitat. Sitesthatoccuron hiking trails within PickettStateForest,PickettStatePark,andtheBig SouthForkNationalRiver andRecreationAreaneed to be carefullymonitored. In heavilyimpactedareas,theinstallation of signs,constructionofboardwalks,anddiversionoftrails orotherappropriatetechniquesshouldbeusedto reduceoreliminate the adverse effects of recreational use.

1.4.2 Protect the species’ habitat from adverse timber managementactivities. Timber management activities within PickettStateForestshouldbe conductedin amannerconsistentwith theprotectionneedsofCumberlandsandwort.Throughconservationagreements,currentlyoccupiedsitesshouldbeprotectedfromadverse managementactivities. Protectedareasidentifiedwithinthe conservation agreements should include buffer areas designedto eliminate adverse habitat modification. Timberplanningshouldincludesurveysto identify currentlyunknownsitesaswell aspotential sitesfor introductionofthespecies.Introductionof thespeciesshouldbe undertakenonly if it is determinedto beessential to the long-term survivalofthe species.

2. Determineand implementthemanagementnecessaryfor long-termreproduction.establishment.maintenance,andvigor. Protectionofthespecies’habitatis theobviousfirst stepin ensuringits long-termsurvival,butthis alone maynot besufficient. Habitatprotectionand,potentially,habitatmanagement may be necessaryto allow thespeciesto perpetuateits life cycleover the long term. However,becausevery little is knownaboutthis species,information about its genetic diversity, population biology, andecologyisnecessary before we can determine whetheractivemanagementis neededandeffectivemanagementguidelinescanbe formulatedandimplemented.

12

2.1 Determineoccurrencesizeandstage-classdistributionfor all~ Occurrencesizeandstage-classdistributiondataareessentialfor determiningwhetherpopulationsareself-sustainingorpredictingwhatfactorsmaybenecessaryforpopulationsto becomeself-sustaining(Menges1987). Suchdataareneededfor theexistingoccurrencesandfor any newlydiscoveredoccurrences.

2.2 Study abiotic and biotic featuresofthespecies’habitat.Anunderstandingofthenatureofthehabitatoccupiedby thespeciesisessentialfor the long-termsurvivalandrecoveryofCumberlandsandwort.Monitoringstudiesshouldincludeoccurrenceswithin bothaltered and undisturbed habitats. Permanent plots or other appropriatemonitoring methods should be selected and establishedto determinetherelationshipbetweenabiotic factors(suchassoil depthandtype,soilmoisture content, andlight intensity)andbiotic factors(suchasreproduction,germination,anddegreeofcompetitionandpredation).This informationis necessaryto determinetheappropriatetiming andtypeofmanagementnecessaryto ensurethecontinuedvigor of existingoccurrences and to accurately selectgoodpotentialsitesfor introduction,if necessary.

Thevectorsofseeddispersal,if any,mustbedeterminedandtheireffectivenessunderdifferentecologicalandspatialconditionsassessed.Major pollinators and pollination mechanisms of this species need to bedetermined.

2.3 Conductlong-termdemographicstudiesanddeterminegeneticvariabilitybetweenoccurrences.Long-termdemographicstudiesshouldbeconducted in permanent plots located within eachstudy siteestablishedfor habitat analysis. Plots shouldbe visited annually,for atleast 5 consecutive years. Through isozyme analysis, thedegreeofgeneticvariability betweenoccurrencesshouldbedetermined.Thisinformationwill beessentialto thedeterminationofthe location,distribution,andnumberof occurrencesthatneedto be protectedtoensurethe long-termsurvivalofthespecies.

2.4 Determinetheeffectsofpastand ongoinghabitatdisturbance

.

Establishmentandlong-termmonitoringofpermanentplotsmaybe themosteffectivemeansof assessingtheeffectsofdisturbance.Appropriatemethodologyfor thismust be determined andincludedin theimplementationof Tasks2.2 and2.3.

13

2.5 Define criteria for self-sustainingoccurrencesanddeterminethesizeottheareaneededto protecteachoccurrence.Thereis currentlyinsufficientdatato determinewhatthis speciesrequiresin orderfor populationsto beself-sustaining and how large an areais neededto maintainviablepopulations.Research,asdescribedunderTasks2.2 through2.4, shouldprovide the informationneededto protectand,if necessary,manageoccupiedhabitatsothatthe continuedsurvivalofhealthyoccurrencesisassured. This informationshouldalsobeusedto refinethedefinitionof“geographically distinct, self-sustainingoccurrence”usedin therecoverycriteria for the species.

2.6 Implement appropriate managementtechniquesastheyaredevelopedfrom previous tasks

.

2.7 Develop techniques and reestablish populations in suitablehabitatwithinthe species’ historic range. if necessarv.to recoverthespecies

.

Techniques for seed collection, germination, propagation, andtransplantation of this speciesshouldbe developed.If determinedto benecessary, reintroduction efforts shouldbecarefullymonitoredandconducted in cooperation with knowledgeablepersonnelat privatenurseries, botanical gardens, and the Center For Plant Conservation.Introductioninto currentlyunoccupiedbutapparentlysuitablesitesandreintroduction into sites from which the species has been extirpatedshouldbe undertakenonly if such actions aredeterminedto be essentialto thesurvivalof thespecies.Plantsusedto supplementexistingdepauperatepopulations,if this techniqueis determinedto be approprite,shouldbegrownexclusivelyfrom plants(seeds)thatoriginatedatthesupplementation site.

3. Maintainacultivatedsourceofplantsandprovidefor long-termseedstorage

.

Techniques for seedstorage,germination,and,if appropriate,maintenanceofcultivated specimens should be developed by privatenurseries,botanicalgardens, and the Center for Plant Conservation. Maintenance of seeds instorageandplantsin cultivationwill ensurethatrepresentativegeneticmaterial is available for research on the species andthatseedsand,ifnecessary, plants are available for reintroductionto sitesfrom whichthespecieshasbeenextirpated.All collections of material from wild populationsmust beconductedin amannerdesignedto eliminateall risksto theoccurrencesfrom whichtheyareobtained.

4. Enforcelawsprotectingthespeciesand/orits habitat. Cumberlandsandwortis notcurrentlyknownto be significantlythreatenedby commercialtrade. Ifthis becomes a threatin thefuture,the Endangered Species Act prohibits

14

taking of the species from Federallandswithout apermitandregulatestrade.Section 7 of the Act provides additional protectionofthehabitatfrom impactsrelated to federally funded or authorized projects. In addition, forlistedplants, the Act prohibits (1) theirmaliciousdamageordestructionon Federallandsand(2) theirremoval,cutting,digging,damaging,ordestroyinginknowing violation of any Statelaw orregulation,includingStatecriminaltrespass law.

5. Develop materials to inform thepublic aboutthestatusofthespeciesandtherecoveryplanobjectives.Publicsupportfor theconservationofCumberlandsandwortcouldplay animportantpart in encouragingconservationefforts.Information materials should not identify the plant’s locations so asnot toincreasethethreatoftaking.

5.1 Prepareanddistributenewsreleasesandinformationalbrochures.Newsreleases concerning thestatusandsignificanceof thespeciesandrecovery efforts shouldbepreparedanddistributedto newspapersin therange of the species.

5.2 Preparearticlesforpopularandscientificpublications. Theneedtoprotectthespeciesin its nativehabitatandcooperationamonglocal,State,andFederalorganizationsandindividualsshouldbestressed.Scientific publications should emphasize additional research that isneededandsolicit researchassistancefrom collegesanduniversitiesthathaveconductedstudieson this orcloselyrelatedspecies.

6. Annually assessthesuccessofrecovervefforts for thespecies.Reviewofnewinformation,evaluationof ongoingactions,andredirection,if necessary,is essential forassuringthatfull recoveryis achievedasquickly andefficiently as possible.

15

C. Literature Cited

Kral, R. 1983. A Report on SomeRare,Threatened,or EndangeredForest-related Vascular Plants of the South. Tech.Publ. R8-TP-2.USDA-ForestService. Vol. I, pp. 363-3 66.

Libby, Gary W. 1994. Field Survey for Cumberland Sandwort (Minuartiacumberlandensis[Wofford and Kral] McNeill). KentuckyEndangeredPlantSpecies Program (ProjectE-l-8). 20 pp.

Menges, E. 1987. Predicting the future ofrareplantpopulations:demographicmonitoringandmodeling. NaturalAreasJournal6(3):13-26.

Shea, M. 1991. Field Survey for Cumberland Sandwort(ArenariacumberlandensisWofford andKral). Kentucky Endangered Plant SpeciesProgram(ProjectE-1-5). 9 pp.

U.S. FishandWildlife Service. 1987. EndangeredandThreatenedWildlife andPlants; Proposal to Determine Endangered Status for Arenariacumberlandensis.FederalRegister52(1 28):25268-2527 1.

U.S. FishandWildlife Service. 1988. EndangeredandThreatenedWildlife andPlants; Determination ofEndangeredStatusfor Arenariacumberlandensis.FederalRegister53(121):23745-23748.

Wofford, B. E., and R. Kral. 1979. A NewArenaria(Caryophyllaceae) from theCumberlands of Tennessee. Brittonia 31(2). Pp. 257-260.

Wofford, B. E., and D. K. Smith. 1980. ArenariacumberlandensisStatusSurvey Report. Report for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 20 pp.

A

16

r PARTIII

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Prioritiesin columnoneofthefollowing ImplementationScheduleareassignedasfollows:

1. Priority 1 - An action that 1ni~tbetakento preventextinctionorto preventthe species from declining irreversibly in the£~~kk future.

2. Priority 2 - An action that must betakento preventasignificantdeclineinspecies population/habitat quality orsomeothersignificantnegativeimpactshortofextinction.

3. Priority 3 - All other actions necessary to meet the recovery objective.

Key to AcronymsUsedin This ImplementationSchedule

CPC - Centerfor PlantConservationEWS - U.S. FishandWildlife ServiceKSNPC- Kentucky StateNaturePreservesCommissionLE - Law Enforcement Division, U.S. FishandWildlife ServiceNPS - NationalParkServiceR4 - Region 4 (SoutheastRegion),U.S. FishandWildlife ServiceTDEC - TennesseeDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservationTDF - TennesseeDivision ofForestryTE - Endangered Species Division, U.S. FishandWildlife ServiceUSDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture

17

CUMBERLAND SANDWORT IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

PriorityTask

NumberI TaskTask Description I~uration Responsil$eAuency

FWS OtherCost Estimates(SOOOu~FYI FY2 FY3 Commen~

1 1.1 Developmanagementplans. Ongoing R4ITE NPS,TDF,TDEC

3.0 3.0 3.0

1.3 Prioritizesitesanddevelopagreements.

2 years R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC

4.0 4.0

1 1.4 Evaluateprotectionalternatives. 1 year R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC

1 1.4.1 Protectsitesfrom overnse. 3 years R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC

10.0 10.0

2.5 Refinerecoverycriteria 1 year R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

6.0

6.0 Annually reviewrecoveryeffortsandgoals.

Ongoing R4ITE NPS,TDF.TDEC,KSNPC

2 1.2 Searchfor newpopulationsandcharacterizeknownpopulations.

3 years R4ITE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

6.0 6.0 6.0

2 1.4.2 Protectsitesfromadversetimbermanagement.

Ongoing R4/TE TDF

2 2.1 Conductbaselineinventory. 1 year R4ITE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

12.0

2 2.2 Characterizehabitat. 2 years R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

10.0 10.0

2 2.3 Conductlong-termdemographicstudies.

Ongoing R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,

10.0 10.0 10.0

•_

) ))

)

CUMIJERLAND SANDWORT IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE(continued)

)

PriorityTask

Number TaskDescriptionTask

DurationResponsibleAgencyFWS Other

CostEstimates(SOOOs~FYi FY2 FY3 . Comments

2 2.4 Evaluatehabitatalterations. 3 years R4/TE NPS. TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

6.0 6.0 6.0

2 2.6 Implementneededmanagement. Ongoing R4/TE NPS,TDF 6.0 6.0

2 3.0 Maintainplantsandseeds. Ongoing R4/TE CPC, USDA 12.0 0.5 0.5

2 4.0 Enforcelaws. Ongoing R4/TE

andLE

NPS,TDF,

TDEC

3 2.7 Reestablishpopulations,ifnecessary.

3 years R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

Costsunknown;tasksmaynot benecessary.

3 5.1 Preparenewsreleasesandbrochures.

Ongoing R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

3.0 0.5 0.5

3 5.2 Preparearticlesfor journalsandmagazines.

Ongoing R4/TE NPS,TDF,TDEC,KSNPC

PARTIV

LIST OF RECIPIENTS

The following agencies, organizations, and individualsweremailedcopiesofthisrecovery plan. This does not imply that they provided comments or endorsed thecontents of this plan.

Mr. Reginald Reeves, DirectorEndangered Species DivisionTennessee Department of Environment

and Conservation401 Church StreetEighth Floor, L&CTowerNashville, Tennessee 3 7243-0447

Mr. Roy JensenDivision ofParksandRecreationTennessee Department of Environmentand Conservation

401 ChurchStreetEighthFloor, L&C TowerNashville, Tennessee 3 7243-0447

Mr. Bob RochelleDivision ofForestryTennesseeDepartmentofEnvironment

and Conservation401 Church StreetEighth Floor, L&C TowerNashville, Tennessee 3 7243-0447

Mr. Bob Leonard, ManagerKentucky State ClearinghouseDepartment of Local GovernmentSecondFloor, CapitalTowerFrankfort,Kentucky 40601

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SuperintendentBig SouthForkNationalRiverand

Recreation AreaRoute 3, Box 401Oneida, Tennessee 37841-9544

Mr. Bob EmmottBig SouthForkNationalRiverand

Recreation AreaRoute3, Box 401Oneida,Tennessee37841-9544

ForestSupervisorDaniel Boone National Forest1700 Bypass RoadWinchester, Kentucky 40391

Mr. David TaylorDanielBooneNationalForest1700 Bypass RoadWinchester, Kentucky 40391

Dr. William H. RedmondRegional Natural Heritage ProjectTennesseeValleyAuthorityNorris, Tennessee 37828

Mr. David YancyKentucky Department of Fish andWildlife Resources

Number 1 GameFarm RoadFrankfort, Kentucky 40601

Mr. Robert McCance, Jr., DirectorKentucky State Nature PreservesCommission801 Schenkel LaneFrankfort, Kentucky 40601-1403

CommissionerofParksKentuckyDepartmentofParksTenthFloor, CapitalPlazaBuildingFrankfort, Kentucky 40601

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Mr. James E. Daniel, II, PresidentKentucky Audubon CouncilP.O. Box 137Frankfort, Kentucky 40602

Drs. Jerry and CarolBaskinSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky 40506

Mr. MaxE. MedleyBiology DepartmentUniversity ofLouisvilleLouisville, Kentucky 40292

NewEngland Wildflower Society, Inc.Gardenin theWoodsHemenwayRoadFramington, Massachusetts 01701

Dr. Janice Coffey SwabConservation CommitteeAmericanSocietyofPlantTaxonomistsMeredithCollegeHunter Hall3800HillsboroughStreetRaleigh, North Carolina 27607-5298

Department of BotanyNational Museumof Natural HistorySmithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC 20560

Traffic U.S.A.World Wildlife Fund1250 Twenty-fourth Street, NW., Suite 500Washington, DC 20037

Dr. Susan H. Lathrop, Executive DirectorAmerican Association ofBotanicalGardensandArboreta,Inc.

786 Church RoadWayne, Pennsylvania 19087

22

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.40 West20thStreetNewYork, NewYork 10011

TheGardenClub ofAmerica598 Madison AvenueNewYork, NewYork 10022

Kentucky Resources Council, Inc.P.O.Box 1070Frankfort, Kentucky 40602

Dr. Leo CollinsForestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife DivisionTennesseeValley AuthorityNorris, Tennessee 37828

The Nature Conservancy2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite 304-CNashville, Tennessee 37215

TheNatureConservancy1815 N. Lynn StreetArlington, Virginia 22209

Mr. JoeJacobTheNatureConservancyP.O. Box 2267Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

Mr. Bob McCartneyWoodlanders1128ColletonAvenueAiken, South Carolina 29801

Mr. JohnShermanTennessee Environmental Council1700 Hayes Street, Suite 101Nashville, Tennessee 37203

23

Mr. Ken Warren, SecretaryHarvey Broome GroupSierraClub105 EvansLaneOakRidge,Tennessee37830

Mr. Arthur SmithSierra Club - Tennessee Chapter100 Otari DriveKingsport, Tennessee 37664

Dr. MurrayA. Evansdo Botany DepartmentUniversityofTennesseeKnoxville, Tennessee 37916

Dr. BobKralBiologyDepartmentVanderbilt UniversityBox 1705, Station BNashville, Tennessee 37235

Mr. Edward Schell416LambethDriveJohnsonCity, Tennessee37601-1042

Dr. EugeneWoffordCuratorofHerbariumDepartmentof BotanyUniversityofTennesseeKnoxville, Tennessee 37916

Ms. Liane B. Russell130 TaborRoadOakRidge,Tennessee37830

24

DirectorTennesseeWildlife ResourcesAgencyEllington Agricultural CenterP.O. Box 40747Nashville,Tennessee37204

Dr. Bob CookArnold Arboretum125 ArborwayJamaicaPlain,Massachusetts02130

Center for Plant ConservationMissouri Botanical GardenP.O.Box 299St. Louis, Missouri 63166

Mr. Rich OwingsNorthCarolinaArboretumP.O.Box 6617Asheville, North Carolina 28816

Mr. Mike Turner (PD-R)U.S.Army CorpsofEngineersLouisville DistrictP.O.Box 59Louisville, Kentucky 40201

Lt. Col. JohnWhislerNashvilleDistrict EngineerU.S.Army CorpsofEngineersP.O.Box 1070Nashville,Tennessee37202-1070

U.S. Forest ServiceWildlife, Fisheries,andRange1720PeachtreeRoad,NW.Atlanta,Georgia30367

FishandWildlife ReferenceService5430 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110Bethesda, Maryland 20814

25

Project Manager (7507C)Environmental Protection AgencyEndangeredSpeciesProtectionProgramEnvironmentalFateandEffectsDivisionOffice of Pesticide Programs401 MStreet, SW.Washington, DC 20460

TheNatureConservancyEastern Regional Office201 DevonshireStreet,5th FloorBoston,Massachusetts02110

Mr. RobGardnerCuratorof RarePlantsNorth Carolina Botanical GardenUniversity of North Carolina - ChapelHillCBNumber 3375,TottenCenterChapelHill, NorthCarolina 27599-3375

Dr. PeterWhite, DirectorNorth Carolina Botanical GardenUniversityofNorth Carolina - ChapelHillCBNumber 3375, Totten CenterChapelHill, NorthCarolina27599-3375

Dr. GaryB. BlankNorth Carolina State UniversityBox 8002Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8002

Mr. Alan SmithP.O. Box 887MarsHill, NorthCarolina28754

Mr. JuliusT. JohnsonDirectorofPublicAffairsTennessee Farm Bureau FederationP.O. Box 313Columbia, Tennessee 38401

26

Ms. LauraKnothDirector of Environmental AffairsKentucky Farm Bureau FederationP.O. Box 20700Louisville, Kentucky 40250-0700

Ms. MargaretSheaThe Nature Conservancy642 West Main StreetLexington, Kentucky 40508

Mr. Billy GlenSmithSuperintendentPickett State ParkRock Creek Route, Box 174Jamestown, Tennessee 38556

Mr. Jim MatthewsPickett State ForestRock Creek Route, Box 112Jamestown, Tennessee 38556

Ms. Alexa McKerrowTennesseeDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation

401 Church StreetEighth Floor, L&C TowerNashville,Tennessee37243-0447

Environmental Protection AgencyHazard Evaluation Division - EEB(T5769C)401 MStreet, SW.Washington, DC 20460

Ms. Alice L. GustinPublisher/EditorLandUseChronicleP.O.Box 468Riverton, Wyoming 82501

Mrs. Ruby Pharr111 York StreetMorganton, North Carolina 28655

27

Mr. StevenGislerOregonStateUniversityDepartmentofBotanyCordleyHallCorvallis, Oregon97331

Mr. CharlesP. NicholsonTennesseeValley Authority400WestSummitHill DriveKnoxville, Tennessee37902-1499

Dr. HarrietGillettWorld ConservationMonitoringCentre219HuntingdonRoadCambridgeCB3 ODLUnitedKingdom

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