BLM New Mexico Rare Plant Conservation Strategy Support

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To inventory, monitor, and research rare plant species. BLM-NM is in need of additional surveys for special status plant species on public lands throughout New Mexico, including Kuenzler���s cactus (Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri), Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxis), Chihuahua scurf pea (Pediomelum pentaphyllum), Townsend���s gypsophila (Townsendia gypsophila), and other species. It is imperative that the BLM have good information on where rare plant populations are located in order to manage them effectively. BLM-NM also has known rare plant populations that need to be monitored regularly to assess the condition of the population. Research on rare plant species in New Mexico is sparse. Aside from basic information on the location and condition of rare plant populations on public lands, having knowledge of the life history, best management practices, cultivation, and taxonomy of the species would also greatly assist the BLM and other land management agencies provide more effective conservation of these species. Predictive models of where rare plant species are likely to occur would also help BLM and other agencies provide better avoidance and mitigation of impacts to rare plants when authorizing development. To protect, manage, and restore priority species and habitats. The BLM can support this objective by assisting in the development of resources for habitat restoration and management. This would include supporting the development of genetically appropriate native plant materials for habitat restoration for both common and rare plant species, as well as supporting research investigating effective restoration and plant establishment methods. Draft an interagency recovery plan for each species, collecting seeds and plant materials, propagating materials for outplanting, carrying out reintroduction or augmentation actions, and monitoring the success of these actions. Supporting the development of resources that enhance our capacity to successfully reintroduce or augment rare plant populations will help the BLM fulfill its responsibility to support the conservation and recovery of special status plant species.

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