Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 1 

APPENDIX B - 4 

Botanical Resource Diversity and Viability 

Introduction 

This Appendix provides information used to evaluate potential environmental consequences of 

alternatives in the FEIS as well as to assess the current situation with regard to plant Species At 

Risk (SAR), which includes Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive, and Recommended 

Sensitive, and Watch List plant species. It includes a listing of these plant species along with 

their status, global and state ranking, global and management area distribution. It identifies 

potential threats to viability in three categories. This approach then aggregates Wasatch-Cache 

SAR plants by habitat groups and identifies potential threats to each group. Finally it includes a 

brief discussion of rare and unique communities, traditional and cultural species of interest to 

American Indians and special forest products.

Table B4-1. Federal and State Status, Endemism, Global distribution, and Management 

Area Distribution of the SAR Plants that occur on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest 

Species Common Name Global1 State2 Endemism3 Global 

Distribution

Management 

Area 

Distribution4

Angelica wheeleri 

Wats. 

Wheeler's 

angelica G2 S2 Utah Regional Endemic CW, CHBE 

Arabis glabra var 

furcatipilis (L.) Bernh. 

Hopkins 

Hopkin's towermustard G5T2? S1 Northeastern Utah, 

western CA 

Sparsely 

Distributed CW, CHBE 

Arabis lasiocarpa 

Rollins 

Wasatch rockcress, Toiyabe 

rock-cress 

G3 S3 Wasatch Mountains Local 

Endemic 

CHBE, 

NWOV, CW 

Artemisia norvegica 

var. piceetorum 

(A.arctica Less. ssp. 

arctica) Welsh & 

Goodrich 

Spruce 

wormwood G5T1Q S1 UT, AK, CAL, CO. Regional endemic EUM, WUM 

Aster sibericus var.

meritus L. (Eurybia 

sibirica (L.) Nesom) 

Siberian aster G5T5 S1 UT, AK, Yukon, OR, ID, 

WY Eurasia Disjunct EUM 

Astragalus flexuosus 

var. flexuosus (Hook.) 

Rydb. 

Bent milkvetch G5T5 S1 Western and Central US Widespread WUM 

Astragalus jejunus var.

jejunus Wats. 

Starvling 

milkvetch G3T3 S1 Western US? Regional Endemic BEAR 

Astragalus robbinsii

(Oakes) Gray

Robbins' 

milkvetch G5 S1 

AK to Newfoundland, So 

to OR, NV, CO, and 

Vermont 

Regional 

Endemic WUM 

Botrychium crenulatum

Dainty 

moonwort, 

Crenualte 

moonwort 

G3 S1 Western US Disjunct WUM 

Botrychium lineare Dainty G1 S1 North America Sparsely CW 
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Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 2 

Species Common Name Global1 State2 Endemism3 Global 

Distribution

Management 

Area 

Distribution4

moonwort Distributed 

Cirsium eatonii var.

murdockii Welsh Murdock's thistle G5T2T3 S2S3 CO, ID, NV, UT Regional 

Endemic EUM 

Corydalis caseana ssp 

brachycarpa (Rydb.) 

Ownbey 

Wasatch fitweed G5T2 S2 Central Wasatch Mtns. Regional 

Endemic CW, NWOV 

Cymopterus acaulis 

var. parvus Goodrich 

Small spring 

parsley G5T2T3, S2S3 Western US Regional Endemic S 

Cymopterus lapidosus 

(Jones) Jones 

Echo springparsley G3 S1 Western Summit Co. and 

southwest WY 

Local 

endemic EUM, WUM 

Cypripedium calceolus 

var parviflorum L. 

(Cypripedium 

parviflorum – Salisb.) 

Lady’s slipper G5 S1 

Utah, British Columbia to 

Washington , New York 

and Louisiana, Eurasia 

Widespread CW 

Cypripedium 

fasciculatum Kellogg 

ex Wats. 

clustered lady's 

slipper, brownie 

lady's slipper 

G4 S1 Ut, Id, Wy & CO west to 

WA, OR &CAL 

Sparsely 

Distributed CW, CHBE 

Dodecatheon dentatum 

var. utahense 

Utah shooting 

star, Wasatch 

shooting star 

G4T1 S1 SLC Co., UT Local 

Endemic CW 

Draba brachystylis Wasatch draba G1G2 S1 Wasatch Mtns. 

Charleston Mtns. NV 

Regional 

Endemic CW, EUM 

Draba globosa (D. 

densifolia var.

apiculata) 

Rockcress 

draba G3 S2 Western US Sparsely Distributed EUM, WUM 

Draba maguirei sensu 

lato Maguire's draba G3 S3 Logan Canyon Local Endemic CHBE 

Draba maguirei var. 

burkei Burke's draba G3T2 S2 Northeastern Utah Local 

Endemic 

CHBE, 

NWOV 

Epipactis gigantea 

Dougl. ex. Hook 

Giant 

Helleborine G4 S2S3 Western US Sparsely Distributed CHBE 

Erigeron arenarioides 

(D.C. Eaton) Gray Wasatch daisy G3? S3? Utah Local 

Endemic NWOV, CW 

Erigeron cronquistii

Maguire Cronquist daisy G2 S2 Cache County Utah Local Endemic CHBE 

Erigeron garrettii A. 

Nels Garrett's daisy G2 S2 Central Wasatch Mtns Local Endemic CW 

Eriogonum brevicaule 

var. loganum (A. 

Nels.) Welsh 

Logan 

buckwheat G2Q S2 Logan Canyon Local 

Endemic CHBE, BEAR

Ivesia utahensis Wats. Utah Ivesia G2 S2 Utah Local 

Endemic CW, WUM 

Jamesia americana 

var. macrocalyx 

(Small) Engler 

Wasatch 

Jamesia, 

Wasatch 

cliffbush 

G5T2 S2 Utah Local 

Endemic CW 

Lepidium montanum 

var. alpinum Wats. 

alpine pepper 

plant, Wasatch 

pepper-wort 

G5?T1 S1 Wasatch and Oquirrh 

Mtns. 

Local 

Endemic CW 

Lesquerella garrettii 

Payson 

Garrett's 

bladderpod G2 S2 Wasatch Mtns. Local 

Endemic CW 

Lesquerella utahensis 

Rydb. Utah bladderpod G3 S3 UTAH? Local 

Endemic CW 

Musineon lineare 

(Rydb.) Mathias 

Rydberg’s 

Musineon G2 S2 Bear River Range Regional 

Endemic CHBE 

 
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Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 3 

Species Common Name Global1 State2 Endemism3 Global 

Distribution

Management 

Area 

Distribution4

 

Papaver radicatum ssp

kluanense 

(P. kluanense)

Artic Poppy G5T3 T4 S1 

AK,CO, 

ID,MT,NM,UT,WY & 

Canada 

Regional 

Endemic 

EUM, WUM 

Penstemon compactus 

(Keck) Crosswhite 

Cache 

beardtongue G2 S2 Logan Canyon Local Endemic CHBE 

Penstemon 

platyphyllus Rydb. 

Broad-leaf 

beardtongue, G2G3 S2S3 Utah Regional 

Endemic NWOV, CW 

Penstemon uintahensis Uinta 

Beardtongue G3 S3 Uinta Mountains Regional Endemic EUM, WUM 

Potamogeton foliosus 

var. fibrillosus (Fern.) 

Haynes & Reveal 

Fibrous-stipuled 

pond-weed G5T2T4 S1 Western US Regional 

Endemic EUM 

Potentilla cottamii N. 

Holmgren 

Cottam's 

cinquefoil, G1 S1 Northeastern Utah, Southern Idaho 

Sparsely 

Distributed S 

Potentilla pensylvanica 

var. paucijuga (Rydb.) 

Welsh & Johnston 

Alpine 

cinquefoil, fewleaflet cinquefoil G1 S1 Utah Regional 

Endemic EUM, WUM 

Primula maguirei L.O. 

Williams 

Maguire's 

primrose G1 S1 Logan Canyon Local 

Endemic CHBE 

Spiranthes diluvialis 

Sheviak 

Ute ladies'-

tresses G2 S1 Western US Sparsely Distributed PH – all 

Thelesperma 

pubescens Dorn 

Uinta 

greenthread G1 S1 Utah Local 

Endemic EUM 

Viola beckwithii T. & G. Beckwith's violet G4 S2 Western US Peripheral CW, NWOV, 

CHBE 

Viola frank-smithii N. 

Holmgren 

Frank Smith 

Violet G2 S2 Logan Canyon Local 

Endemic CHBE 

1

 Global = Global ranking as assigned by Natural Heritage Program and Utah Native Plant Society. 

2

 State = Utah State ranking, Utah Conservation Data Center and Utah Native Plant Society Rare Species 

list 2000; * = Utah State ranking, Utah Natural Heritage Program, 2000. 

3

 Endemism = Utah = Utah endemic, SLC Co. = Salt Lake County Endemic, Logan Can. = Logan 

Canyon Endemic, Wasatch = Central Wasatch Endemic. 

4

 Management Area Distribution 

EUM = Eastern Uinta Mountains, 

WUM = Western Uinta Mountains, 

BEAR = Bear, 

CHBE – Cache- Box Elder, 

NW-OV = North Wasatch – Ogden Valley, 

CW = Central Wasatch, and 

S = Stansbury 

Threats 

Threats are defined as those activities, Forest Service or otherwise, or natural conditions that 

currently or potentially have negative effects on the viability of the TES plants and plant species 

at risk or their habitat. To adequately address the current or potential threats to the viability of 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 4 

each species, they were split into three categories: 1) impacts to plants, 2) alteration of ecological 

factors, and 3) habitat reduction. This categorization system is adapted from the Region 4 

viability module (Region 4 Viability Module 1999). Within each category, primary threats have 

been identified. For each category, a finding of no information (we found no current information 

of viability or threats) or no known threats (the species is not threatened by anything within that 

threat category) is possible. The current threats documented for each species and their intensities 

are summarized in Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5. References documenting each finding 

are summarized in Appendix F, Table F-6. 

Impacts to Plants 

This category represents those activities, Forest Service or otherwise, that may have direct or 

indirect effects on SAR plants. The following activities may threaten SAR plants: 

 Livestock Grazing Activities: Livestock grazing and associated activities pose various 

threats to TES plants and plant species at risk and their habitats. Direct impacts may include 

livestock trampling, herbivory, congregation, and soil disturbance and compaction. Indirect 

impacts are more variable and include: increased potential for the spread of noxious weeds, 

the introduction of exotic species, and changes in species composition and species density. 

Impacts of grazing can occur in a variety of habitats including grasslands, shrublands and 

woodland environments and often affect the habitat available for the TES plants and plant 

species at risk. Livestock often utilize and congregate in riparian areas and meadows, which 

can alter species composition, and change and reduce the habitat available to TES plants and 

plant species at risk. Additionally, these changes in vegetation and bank stability can affect 

hydrological cycles, further impacting plants that depend on stable hydrological conditions 

i.e. Angelica wheeleri Wats. As plant species have evolved with herbivory by native 

ungulates, some species could benefit from grazing at appropriate intensity levels. 

 Recreation: Recreational activities pose some of the greatest threats to rare plant species on 

the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Activities such as rock climbing, hiking, horseback 

riding, mountain biking, ORV use, and undeveloped camping can have direct and indirect 

impacts to TES plants and plant species at risk and their associated habitats. These types of 

activities particularly threaten many TES plants and plant species at risk. Road building and 

development of campgrounds and other facilities used by recreationists also contributes to 

the impacts faced by TES plants. Development of these facilities can make areas more 

accessible and concentrate use. Parking areas, particularly when undeveloped recreation 

areas are utilized, pose similar impacts to plants. In Appendix F, the recreation threat code is 

assigned when the specific type of recreational impact is unknown. Specific types of 

recreational activities and their impacts are described below.

Rock Climbing – Rock climbing can directly impact the habitat of cliff and rock outcrop 

TES plants and plant species at risk. Small soil pockets can be dislodged by climbers, 

which can directly impact the plants and the possible seed bank stores. Primula maguirei 

and Viola frank-smithii habitats are ideal for rock climbing and plants have been 

threatened by such activities in the past. Lichens and moss species endemic to rock 

habitats can also be damaged when areas are frequently used. Plant cover, species 

richness, and species abundance have been shown to decrease in cliff and rock 
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Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 5 

communities as the intensity of rock climbing activities increase (Camp and Knight, 

1999).

Off-Road Vehicles (ORV’s) - Off-Road vehicle use can disturb soil, impacting both 

habitat and potential habitat. Direct and indirect impacts from ORV use can threaten 

existing populations of TES plants and plant species at risk. Overuse and ORV 

congregation can decimate riparian areas. Non-recreational use of ORV’s (i.e. used in 

livestock management activities) also poses a threat to TES plants and plant species at 

risk and their habitat.

Hiking/Trampling: Hikers pose the greatest threat to TES plants and plant species at 

risk by not staying on the designated trails or paths, which results in trampled vegetation 

and soil compaction. Early spring and summer hiking, when there is still snow on the 

ground, can cause hikers to choose alternative hiking routes. This is especially 

detrimental when a population of a TES plant or plant species at risk is in a highly 

utilized recreation area, i.e. Dodecatheon dentatum var. utahense a proposed Sensitive 

species, is found in a picnic area. Trampling, hiking, and undeveloped recreation can be 

detrimental and sometimes lethal for these species. Associated undeveloped camping can 

also result in the destruction of and their surrounding habitat. 

 Wildlife: Wildlife introduction programs, which include mountain goat introduction and 

non-native goat introductions, can pose severe impacts to rare species. Several of the 

current and proposed Sensitive species (i.e. Aster kingii var. barnebyana (Welsh & 

Goodrich) Welsh, Lesquerella garrettii, Jamesia americana var. macrocalyx) could be 

impacted by wildlife is such programs are employed within these habitats. Mountain goats 

were released on Willard Peak in 1994 in close proximity to a Draba maguirei var. burkei 

population (USDA Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). While the diets 

of mountain goats do not typically include this small Sensitive species, trampling and 

trailing impacts have been observed within the population. The herd size at present has 

more than doubled. As the mountain goat population continues to grow, the severity and 

extent of the impact is likely to increase.

 Chemical Treatment: Herbicides and pesticides used to manage for undesired species can 

directly and indirectly impact TES plants and plant species at risk. Herbicide drift from 

agricultural communities can pose major threats to many TES plants and plant species at risk. 

Additionally, chemical-spraying efforts for non-native species and exotic weed species can 

impact such species. Many of the TES plants and plant species at risk are dependent upon 

pollinators for sexual reproduction and seed set. The application of insecticides to reduce 

non-native pests can jeopardize important native pollinator populations, thus negatively 

impact the seed production and viability of TES plants and plant species at risk. 

 Timber Harvest: Logging and its associated activities can have many impacts to plant 

species. Vernally wet habitats are often used for log yarding and equipment storage. Road 

construction can directly impact existing populations of TES plants and plant species at risk. 

Additionally, mycorrhizal associations can be destroyed through ground disturbing actions 

such as trailing or skidding. Rare plant viability is ultimate affected by those activities 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 6 

associated with logging that result in ground disturbance, soil compaction, microsite 

alteration, and increased erosion. 

 Collection: Many vascular plants, lichens, and fungi are widely collected and harvested for 

personal and commercial use. Gathering of forest products for a variety of uses is an 

historical practice; however, new uses of plant species are constantly being discovered. 

Increased market and public demand for special forest products is rapidly surpassing the 

capabilities of the National Forests to monitor the impacts of such activities. Many TES 

plants and plant species at risk populations would be severally jeopardized if wide scale 

collection and harvesting were permitted. Rock garden species, i.e. Primula maguirei, 

Draba maguirei var. burkei, are extremely desirable and can be highly collected by amateur 

and professional gardeners (Welsh et al. 1993). 

 Fire Suppression: Suppression of natural fire on the landscape can be helpful or harmful to 

native plant communities and to TES plants and plant species at risk and their habitats (Hesel 

and Spackman 1995). Fire may help maintain open habitat, encourage sexual and asexual 

reproduction, and reduce competition of aggressive plant species. Suppression efforts could 

prevent ecological processes necessary for TES plants and plant species at risk survival. The 

actual activities associated with fire suppression, such as cutting lines, concentration of 

personnel in areas, roads, etc., can also threaten plant populations. Only those species that 

required fire for growth, population expansion, or establishment were given a threat score in 

this category. Those species with known adverse effects to fire were included in the fire 

inclusion threat category below. 

Appendix F, Table F-3 summarizes the impacts to plants and their associated magnitude (low, 

moderate, high) that are currently or potentially impacting these TES plants and plant species at 

risk. 

Alteration of Ecological Factors

This category represents the activities, Forest Service or otherwise, that directly or indirectly 

affect the natural ecology and associated interactions of the TES current or proposed sensitive 

species and other species at risk. The following activities or conditions may impact the 

ecological factors associated with the TES plant species: 

 Fire exclusion: Fire suppression efforts have altered the historical fire regime within 

National Forest Service lands. Many TES plants and plant species at risk require fire for 

expansion of their populations, for breaking seed dormancy, creation of habitat for seedling 

expansion, reduction of competition from aggressive or exotic species, and alteration of 

successional pathways (Hesel and Spackman, 1995). Wildfire prevention and suppression 

have affected stand structure, composition, and fire intensity. This in turn has altered the 

habitat conditions for SAR plants. 

 Fire inclusion: Many species are adversely affected by fire inclusion either by directly 

killing plants or indirectly by encouraging the establishment and competition of exotic 

species (Hesel and Spackman, 1995). The overall impact to TES plants and plant species at 

risk and their habitats will depend upon the fire intensity, which is a function of season and 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 7 

the climatic pattern occurring at the time of the fire. The potential for spring burning to meet 

prescribed fire goals can also threaten TES plants. Many plant species are not adapted to 

fires during seasons when they are phonologically active and may be at a greater risk of loss 

with off-season burning (Hesel and Spackman, 1995). Off-season burning may impact even 

those species that require fire for expansion and survival.

 Genetic impurity and Genetic Uniformity: Genetic uniformity can render populations 

more susceptible to epidemics of disease (Gaston, 1994). Disease outbreaks can cause heavy 

mortality in plants with little genetic diversity (Silvertown, 1985). Lack of genetic variation 

can also make such populations less likely to survive moderate to large-scale disturbances 

(Gaston, 1994). Small populations that remain relatively small for long periods of time are 

likely to be genetic less diverse than larger populations. Many of the TES plants and plant 

species at risk within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest have limited genetic variation and 

may be more susceptible to disease and disturbance as a result. Potential for hybrid 

speciation or genetic assimilation may be more extreme in spatially isolated or island 

populations (Arnold, 1997). 

 Alterations to the natural hydrologic regime: Alterations to the natural hydrologic regime 

can range from small-scale activities such as livestock congregation to large-scale activities 

such as water diversions or dams. Many TES plants and plant species at risk, i.e. 

Cypripedium calceolus ssp. parviflorum, have specific moisture and microsite requirements 

that could be altered by management activities such as canopy reduction, forest 

fragmentation, livestock use of riparian areas, and stream diversions. Non-native species 

such Tamarix parviflora or Lythum salicaria can alter the hydrologic regime of native 

wetlands and meadows. Such alterations can also impact TES plants and plant species at risk 

native to these habitats. 

 Insects/disease: Seed beetles, snails, rusts, and smuts can directly impact the fecundity and 

survival of plant species. There are identified pathogens or insects currently impacting the 

viability of several TES plants and plant species at risk. Insect herbivory of seeds, leaves, 

and stems can destroy individuals within the population. Additionally, disease outbreaks can 

cause heavy mortality in plants with little genetic variation (Silvertown, 1985). 

 Loss of pollinators: Rare species are often dependent upon native pollinators for sexual 

reproduction and seed set (Tepedino et al., 1997). However, the current evidence is 

overwhelming that both native and domesticated pollinators are declining around the world. 

Many are already extinct and others are at risk from a variety of threats including: habitat 

reduction, pesticides, parasites, and disease. TES plant species cannot be assured viability 

unless both their habitat and that of their ecological interactors are assured. The identity of 

most of the pollinators, seed dispersers and other mutualists of TES plant species is unknown 

at present. Many native bees species have specialized pollen and nesting habitat 

requirements that must be met if their continued existence is to be insured. 

 Non-native species: Competition from invasive non-native species and noxious weeds can 

result in the loss of habitat, pollinators, and decreased TES plants and plant species at risk 

viability. Roads, trails, and canopy reduction can provide ideal pathways for the introduction 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 8 

of exotic and non-native species and livestock can serve as vectors of such invasive species. 

According to the Nature Conservancy, alien species are one of the leading threats to U.S. 

species and ecosystems. Indeed, exotics have contributed to the decline of 42 percent of U.S. 

threatened and endangered species. 

 Natural conditions: Naturally occurring events, even in generally suitable environments, 

may cause the loss of populations. Rare species are often at greater risk of extinction than 

are common ones because small populations are more susceptible to stochastic events and 

disease (Gilpin and Soule, 1986). Some populations of TES plants and plant species at risk 

are intrinsically rare or relict species. Changes in ecological regimes due to management 

activities could potentially alter the life-history patterns and requirements for these isolated 

species. 

 Pollution: Pollution of all types can be extremely detrimental to the existing populations of 

TES plants and plant species at risk. Native vegetation can be threatened by ground water 

pollution from decommissioned mines. Chemicals used in gold mining operations can be 

extremely detrimental to forested and non-forested habitats. Dust from the Highway 89 

expansion and realignment project could pollute populations of TES plants and plant species 

at risk and impact pollination success (i.e. Primula maguirei, Viola frank-smithii). 

 Seed bank: Seed bank depletion for TES plants and plant species at risk can occur due to 

reduced fecundity, insect herbivory, loss of genetic variation, and natural catastrophic events. 

Low reproductive output has been documented in many of the TES plants and plant species 

at risk. Factors contributing to this lowered fecundity are often not known. Many orchid 

species require mycorrhizal associations for germination of seeds. Ground disturbing 

activities can often destroy such critical interactions (Sipes and Tepedino, 1995). Inbreeding 

depression can cause a reduction in seed survival and viability. Those TES plants and plant 

species at risk with little genetic diversity may be more susceptible to reductions in seed set 

and seed survival. 

 Succession: Ecosystems develop gradually and change in components, structures, processes, 

and their functions through succession. Successional processes have been altered due to fire 

suppression, timber harvesting, and other land management activities. Several species 

require a particular seral stage for survival. The alteration of successional pathways has 

reduced the habitat needed by several TES plants and plant species at risk. Open-gap species 

need small-scale disturbances and natural ecological process for establishment, while other 

species require conditions found in late-seral habitats. The alteration in successional 

pathways has pushed some ecosystems outside of the historic range of variability, with 

subsequent decreases in species diversity. 

Appendix F, Table F-4 summarizes the alteration of ecological factors and the magnitude 

associated with such changes (low, moderate, high) that are currently or potentially impacting 

the habitat or potential of the TES plant species. 

Habitat Reduction 

The following activities may change the total availability or quality of actual or potential habitat: 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 9 

 Agricultural Conversion: The conversion of native grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and 

some forested regions for agricultural purposes has drastically reduced habitat for natural 

plant communities and TES plants and plant species at risk. The rich soils often associated 

with the grassland and shrubland communities have made these habitats extremely desirable 

for agricultural use. 

 Energy development: Exploration activities for gas and oil resources and their removal from 

the landscape can directly and indirectly impact TES plants and plant species at risk and their 

habitats. Seismic activity is sometimes used to explore for such resources. The exploration 

for such resources occurs on the Evanston and Mountain View Ranger Districts. 

 Facilities: Facilities are defined as any structure or area utilized for management activities or 

associated storage areas. These include campgrounds, livestock corrals, communication 

sites, backcountry airstrips, and other structures used for recreation or management. 

Vegetation trampling, soil compaction, and increased erosion are among the major impacts 

associated with facilities. 

 Military exercises: Military exercises and activities can greatly reduce TES populations and 

associated habitats. Activities such as bombing ranges, tank ranges, and staging areas can 

directly impact populations. The amount of military activity within the Wasatch-Cache 

National Forest is extremely limited and the plant species at risk are not currently threatened 

by such exercises. 

 Mining: Mining and its associated activities can directly and indirectly impact native plant 

species and their associated habitats. Roads associated with mining activities can also impact 

these species. Historically, mining was an important industry within the boundaries of the 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Mining currently is very limited within the Forest 

boundaries and poses little to no threats to the TES plants and plant species at risk. 

 Road Construction and Maintenance: Both road construction and road maintenance 

activities can impact TES plants and plant species at risk and their habitats. Roads pose 

threats to such species by increasing access to habitat to ORV’s, livestock, four-wheel drives, 

and other recreationists. Roads also provide ideal corridors for the invasion of non-native 

and exotic species. The placement of roads through rock outcrops or along ridges further 

destroys habitat of those species endemic to these regions (i.e. Lesquerella utahensis, Draba 

maguirei var. burkei). 

 Ski areas: The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is home to some of the largest ski areas in the 

state of Utah. Snowbird, Solitude, Snowbasin, Brighton, and Alta are all within the forest 

boundary. Several species are directly impacted by the activities associated with ski areas 

including Ivesia utahensis, Draba maguirei var. burkei, and Jamesia americana var. 

macrocalyx. Threats from ski areas include direct trampling, mechanical construction, 

increased roads and facility development, increased summer recreation, and habitat 

fragmentation. Additionally, impacts from snowmaking and avalanche control could directly 

and indirectly effect populations of TES plants and plant species at risk. The production of 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 10 

snow requires a large support of electrical lines, waterlines, compressor and pump buildings, 

and other support structures, which could directly impact TES plants and plant species at risk 

and their habitats (USDA Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service Draft, 2000). 

Additional impacts to rare plant species could result from increased snow due to packing and 

grooming and avalanche control and could result in extended time needed for snow melt in 

the spring. Those species in the forested habitat and rock outcrop habitat groups could be 

impacted by expansion efforts of existing ski areas as well. 

 Transmission lines: The installation of power lines, digital cable lines, phone lines and 

pipelines can impact essential habitat for a variety of TES plants and plant species at risk. 

They are usually associated with both mechanical construction and roads, as well as 

continued maintenance needs. The Kern pipeline, used for natural gas, is found on the Salt 

Lake Ranger District. Construction of communication sites and associated structures on the 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest have posed direct threats to TES species and their habitats in 

the past (i.e. Draba maguirei var. burkei). Demand for such sites in the future is likely to 

increase. Measures to prevent further impacts will be taken. 

 Trail construction: Trails are often constructed on ridgelines and through rock outcrops, 

thus many times bisecting populations of TES plants and plant species at risk and disrupting 

the associated habitat. Additionally, seasonal run-off and precipitation can often cause 

extreme erosion in trail areas, thus increasing the impact of the trail construction. Trampling 

of vegetation as associated with trails and hiking is not included in this category. The effects 

of trampling are classified under the impacts to plants category. 

 Timber Harvest: Timber harvest has many different effects to native plant populations and 

TES plants and plant species at risk and their habitat. These effects include: alteration of the 

canopy through removal or thinning, soil disturbance, destruction of mycorrhizal 

associations, associated disturbance caused by road construction, log yarding, and 

maintenance of large equipment. Of primary concern for rare plant viability are those 

activities associated with logging that result in ground disturbance, soil compaction, 

microsite alteration, and increased erosion. 

 Urban Development: Development of lands for urban use is now a major cause of 

landscape-scale variation in ecosystems (Beatley 1994). Human impacts associated with 

urban development include: forest fragmentation, increased non-native species, decreased 

species richness, and soil compaction due to trampling. Urban development can also be 

responsible for alteration of the hydrologic regime through increased demands for water 

resources. Housing developments, facilities, and roads are encroaching on existing habitats 

for many of the TES plants and plant species at risk for the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Appendix F, Table F-5 summarizes the habitat reducing activities and their magnitude (low, 

moderate, high) that are currently or potentially impacting the habitat or potential of the TES 

plant species. 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 11 

Aggregating the Wasatch-Cache TES Species and Species at risk by Habitat 

Groups 

A diverse array of habitats, which vary in their distribution across the landscape and range 

widely in population density, support the current or proposed Sensitive species and other species 

at risk. These species are faced with a variable range of threats and differ in the degree to which 

Forest Service management has affected their status. The amount and quality of current 

scientific information available also varies greatly among species. This lack of information often 

limits the depth of interpretation of effects of alternatives on the long-term viability of such 

species. To examine this wide range of species and their associated threats, species were 

aggregated into habitat groups. 

Habitat Groups 

Plant species at risk (SAR) have been combined into habitat groupings or habitat associations. 

These groupings were Alpine, Subalpine, Mountain Forest, Riparian Meadows/Seeps, 

Woodland, Shrubland, High Elevation Grassland, and Rock Cliffs/Crevices and Talus /Scree. 

Habitat 

Species Common Name 

Mountain Forest 

Riparian 

Meadows/ Seeps 

Rock 

Cliffs/ Crevices 

Talus/Scree

High elev. Grassland 

Shrubland 

Woodland 

Alpine 

Subalpine/Non Forest 

Abies concolor (Gord. &Glend.) 

Lindl. White Fir X 

Angelica wheeleri Wats. Wheeler's angelica X 

Arabis glabra. var furcatipilis (L.) 

Bernh Hopkins Hopkin's tower-mustard X X 

Arabis lasiocarpa Rollins Wasatch rock-cress, 

Toiyabe rock-cress X X X 

Artemisia norvegica var.

piceetorum Welsh & Goodrich Spruce wormwood X X 

Aster sibericus var. meritus L. Siberian aster X X 

Astragalus flexuosus var. 

flexuosus (Hook.) Rydb. Bent milkvetch X X X 

Astragalus jejunus var. jejunus 

Wats. starvling milkvetch X 

Astragalus robbinsii (Oakes) 

Gray Robbins' milkvetch X X 

Botrychium crenulatum Dainty moonwort, 

crenualte moonwort X X 

Botrychium lineare Slender Moonwort X 

Cirsium eatonii var. murdockii

Welsh Murdock's thistle X 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 12 

Habitat 

Species Common Name 

Mountain Forest 

Riparian 

Meadows/ Seeps 

Rock 

Cliffs/ Crevices 

Talus/Scree

High elev. Grassland 

Shrubland 

Woodland 

Alpine 

Subalpine/Non Forest 

Corydalis caseana ssp 

brachycarpa (Rydb.) Ownbey Wasatch fitweed X X X X 

Cymopterus acaulis var. parvus 

Goodrich small spring parsley X 

Cymopterus lapidosus (Jones) 

Jones Echo spring-parsley X 

Cypripedium calceolus ssp 

parviflorum L. Lady’s slipper X 

Cypripedium fasciculatum 

Kellogg ex Wats. 

clustered lady's slipper, 

brownie lady's slipper X 

Dodecatheon dentatum var.

utahense 

Utah shooting star, 

Wasatch shooting star X X 

Draba brachystylis Wasatch draba X X 

Draba globosa (D. densifolia var. 

apiculata) Rockcress draba X X

Draba maguirei sensu lato Maguire's draba X X X X

Draba maguirei var. burkei Burke's draba X X X

Epipactis gigantea Dougl. ex. 

Hook Giant Helleborine X 

Erigeron arenarioides (D.C. 

Eaton) Gray Wasatch daisy X 

Erigeron cronquistii Maguire Cronquist daisy X 

Erigeron garrettii A. Nels Garrett's daisy X X X

Eriogonum brevicaule var.

loganum (A. Nels.) Welsh Logan buckwheat X X X X X X

Ivesia utahensis Wats. Utah Ivesia X X

Jamesia americana var.

macrocalyx (Small) Engler 

Wasatch Jamesia, 

Wasatch cliff-bush X 

Lathyrus lanzwertii var.

lanszwerti Nevada Sweetpea X 

Lepidium montanum var. alpinum 

Wats. 

alpine pepper plant, 

Wasatch pepper-wort X 

Lesquerella garrettii Payson Garrett's bladderpod X X

Lesquerella utahensis Rydb. Utah bladderpod X X X

Musineon lineare Rydberg’s Musineon X 

Papaver radicatum ssp

kluanense Alpine Poppy X X

Pedicularis parryi ssp.

Mogollonica Mogollon Lousewort X X X X 

Penstemon compactus (Keck) 

Crosswhite Cache beardtongue X X

Penstemon platyphyllus Rydb. Broad-leaf Beardtongue, X X 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 13 

Habitat 

Species Common Name 

Mountain Forest 

Riparian 

Meadows/ Seeps 

Rock 

Cliffs/ Crevices 

Talus/Scree

High elev. Grassland 

Shrubland 

Woodland 

Alpine 

Subalpine/Non Forest 

Penstemon uintahensis Uinta Beardtongue X X X 

Porterella carnosula Western Porterella X 

Potamogeton foliosus var

fibrillosus (Fern.) Haynes & 

Reveal 

Fibrous-stipuled pondweed X 

Potentilla cottamii N. Holmgren Cottam's cinquefoil, X 

Potentilla pensylvanica var.

paucijuga (Rydb.) Welsh & 

Johnston 

Alpine cinquefoil, fewleaflet cinquefoil X X

Primula maguirei L.O. Williams Maguire's primrose X X 

*Spiranthes diluvialis Sheviak Ute ladies'-tresses X 

Thelesperma pubescens Dorn Uinta greenthread X X 

Viola beckwithii T. & G. Beckwith's violet X X X 

Viola frank-smithii N. Holmgren Frank Smith Violet X 

Table B4-2. Distribution of Threatened, Sensitive, Watch, and Species of Concern Plant Species 

by Habitat Groups 

Habitat Group Number of 

Species* 

Alpine 14 

Subalpine Forest/Non-forest 7 

Montane Forest 10 

Woodland 12 

Shrubland 12 

High Elevation Grassland 2 

Riparian Meadows/Seeps 10 

Rock Cliffs/Crevices and Talus/Scree 25 

*Species may occur in more than one habitat group, thus the total numbers within habitat groups are 

cumulatively greater than the total of current or proposed sensitive species. 

Threats, their intensity, and the references used to determine them are presented for each species 

in Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5. Documented threats to habitat groupings and the 

number of species potentially impacted are summarized below in tables for each habitat group. 

All potential threats are not addressed here; only those documented from the current literature, 

professional observation, and botanical expertise are included in the tables below. 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 14 

Alpine (14 species) 

Alpine habitats are defined as the area above treeline in high mountains. Gravelly and rocky 

terrain is generally prevalent. Grasses and sedges often form thick sod-like mats in meadows. 

Alpine environments are often harsh with intense UV light, extreme temperature fluctuation, and 

short growing season. Most alpine plants have unique adaptations that allow them to persist in 

the extremes of this environment (Billings 1974). Many grow in mats or cushions. Perennials 

predominate in the alpine flora, as the growing season is often too short for annuals to complete 

their life cycles (Strickler 1990). 

Table B4-3. Threats to the Alpine Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 14) 

Wildlife trampling – mountain goats 4 

Hiking – associated trampling 3 

Ski Areas 3 

Rock climbing 1 

Roads 1 

Recreational activities 1 

Transmission lines 1 

Trampling by wildlife (mountain goats), hiking, recreation, and roads appear to be the primary 

threats common to the alpine habitat group (Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5). 

Subalpine Forest/Non-forest (7 species)

The subalpine is often defined as the transitional zone between montane forests and treeless 

alpine regions. Subalpine regions can be sparsely forested, grasslands, shrublands, or rock 

regions. The subalpine flora begins 8,000 to 10,500 feet in elevation in Northern Utah and 

Colorado (Strickler 1990), while much lower (6,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation) in northern Idaho 

and western Montana. Subalpine forest stands often grow in patches interspersed with open 

meadows. 

Table B4-4. Threats to the Subalpine Forest/Non-forest Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 7) 

Wildlife trampling – mountain goats 1 

Hiking – associated trampling 2 

Ski Areas 1 

Grazing – trampling by livestock 1 

Recreational activities 1 

Transmission lines 1 

Trails/hiking (associated trampling), trampling by wildlife, trampling by livestock, and 

recreational activities appear to be the dominant threats to the subalpine habitat group (Appendix 

F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5). 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 15 

Montane Forest (10 species)

Species in the montane forest habitat group were divided into 2 subgroups based upon their 

physiognomy and disturbance dependence and/or tolerance. 

Montane Forest Open-gap Species. Montane forest gap species are defined as those 

species that occur in natural and artificial gaps or openings within forested habitats. 

These species are often followers of disturbance and many do not respond well to 

uncharacteristic disturbances, i.e. floods, landslides, and wildfire. Some species are 

found to increase with infrequent, small-scale disturbance, which create small patches 

throughout the landscape. Species in this group thrive with periodic disturbance followed 

by stable conditions. Disturbance events may allow for increased light to penetrate the 

forest gaps and create favorable conditions for new seedling establishment. Once 

established, stable conditions promote the growth of the seedlings to maturity and 

associated reproduction. This habitat group includes forest edge species or open canopy 

species that occur along artificial forest margins (e.g., stabilized roadsides, skid trails).

Table B4-5. Threats to the Montane Forest Open-gap Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected 

Road construction 1 

Urban development 1 

Montane Forest Understory Species. Species in the montane forest understory habitat 

group require protected microclimates with shade, undisturbed substrates, and associated 

moisture. These species are often susceptible to disturbance and are typically poor 

recruiters after disturbance. Forest fragmentation, edge effects, changes in the moisture 

regime, and other microclimate alterations pose the greatest threats to the species within 

this grouping (Sierra Nevada DEIS 2000). 

Table B4-6. Threats to the Montane Forest Understory Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected 

Timber harvest – forest 

fragmentation, microclimate change

1 

Activities associated with logging – 

including road construction, log 

decks 

1 

Threats to the two forest habitat groups include: road construction, urban development, and 

timber harvest activities (Tables 7 and 8, Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5). 

Woodland (12 species)

The woodland habitat group is comprised of several different community types, which include 

juniper communities (Juniperus scopulorum/Juniperus occidentalis), maple woodlands (Acer 

grandidentatum), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) communities and mountain mahogany 

(Cerocarpus ledifolius) commununities. The species within this habitat group are all found in 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 16 

open gaps interspersed within the woodland communities. These habitats range from mid- to 

high-elevations (3900 – 9800 feet). 

Table B4-7. Threats to the Woodland Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 12) 

Grazing- trampling by livestock 1 

Alteration of hydrologic regime 1 

Urban development 1 

Road construction 1 

ORVs – associated activities 1 

The threats common to the woodland habitat group include: trampling by livestock, roads, 

alteration of the hydrologic regime, outdoor recreation vehicles (soil compaction, vegetation 

destruction), and urban development (Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5). 

Shrubland (12 species) 

The shrubland habitat group is defined as those regions with less than 10 percent forest cover and 

greater than 15 percent shrub cover (Redmond, et al. 1997). These regions can be dominated by 

mesic or xeric. This habitat group includes portions of the sagebrush steppe and the Great Basin 

sagebrush desert (Taylor 1992). The shrubland habitat group encompasses a range of elevational 

distribution and may occur on a variety of substrates. 

Table B4-8. Threats to the Shrubland Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 12) 

Grazing- trampling by livestock 2 

Roads 1 

ORV’s 1 

Urban development 1 

The threats common to the shrubland habitat group include: trampling by livestock, road 

construction, outdoor recreation vehicles, and urban development (Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, 

and F-5). 

High-elevation Grassland (2 species) 

The grassland habitat is generally defined as open and continuous area dominated primarily by 

many types of grass species. Grasslands are defined as regions with less than 10 percent forest 

cover and less than 15 percent shrub cover, with herbaceous cover greater than 15 percent 

(Redmond, et al. 1997). In high-elevation grasslands, drainage patterns and moisture regimes 

allow for the establishment of many species not found in lower-elevation grasslands. The 

vegetation can differ greatly from drier, lower sites and include many species of sedges, grasses, 

rushes, and tall forbs. These high elevation areas are often used for grazing livestock later in the 

growing season, which may overlap with plants that are phenologically active later in the year. 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 17 

Currently, no visits have been made into this plants habitat to determine threats (Franklin, 2000). 

All known locations, however, are on isolated mountain peaks or ridges, with only occasional 

recreational use (Table 11, Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5). 

Riparian (10 species) 

Riparian habitats are generally defined as those regions connected with or immediately adjacent 

to banks of streams, rivers, or other bodies of water, or having a moisture regime that promotes 

the establishment of species adapted to such environmental conditions. The riparian habitat was 

divided into several subgroups to adequately address the threats unique to each group. The 

riparian species fall into Riparian Conservation Areas (RCA), which are site-specifically 

determined corridors along streams (forested, non-forested, intermittent), and lakeshores, and 

include ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. These RCAs are specially managed to protect aquatic 

and riparian resources. 

Meadows, Seeps, and Vernally and Seasonally Wet Swales. Meadows and seeps are 

wet openings that contain grasses, sedges, rushes, and herbaceous forbs that thrive under 

saturated or moist conditions. These habitats can occur on a variety of substrates and 

may be surrounded by grasslands, forests, woodlands, or shrublands (Skinner and Pavlick 

1994). This habitat group may also include vernally or seasonally wet habitats, which are 

depressions or swales with relatively impermeable soil that accumulate seasonal 

precipitation and run-off. These regions slowly dry up as temperatures increase through 

the season. Vernal pools and depressions in sagebrush scrub communities are included in 

this habitat. Annual herbs and grasses adapted to saturated conditions and early growth 

under water are predominant in these habitats (Skinner and Pavlick, 1994). 

Table B4-8. Threats to the Meadow, Seeps, and Vernally or Seasonally Wet Swales 

Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of10) 

Grazing - trampling by livestock 1 

Alteration of hydrology 2 

Roads 2 

Ski areas activities 1 

Hiking – associated trampling 1 

Loss of pollinators 1 

Facilities 1 

Bogs, Fens, and Peatlands. Bogs and fens are wetlands that typically have sub-irrigated 

cold water sources. Peatlands are generally defined as wetlands with waterlogged 

substrates and at least 30 centimeters of peat accumulation (Moseley et al. 1994). The 

vegetation within these habitats is often dense and dominated with low-growing perennial 

herbs (Skinner and Pavlick 1994). 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 18 

Table B4-9. Threats to the Bog, Fen, and Peatlands Habitat Group 

Threat Number of Species Affected (of10) 

Grazing - trampling by livestock 1 

Alteration of hydrology 2 

Roads 1 

Trails/hiking 1 

Recreational activities 1 

Non-native species invasion 1 

The threats common to the four riparian habitat types include: trampling by livestock, alteration 

of hydrology, and roads (Tables 12 and 13; Appendix F, Tables F-3, F-4, and F-5).

Rock (25 species) 

The geomorphology varies widely throughout the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Much of the 

WCNF is comprised the very dissimilar Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Range and the Bear River 

Range. The Uinta Range is practically devoid of igneous rock. The Wasatch Range is 

comprised of unusual assembly of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock (Stokes 1988). 

Many of the rare species endemic to the Bear River Range are closely associated with the 

dolomite and limestone geologic formations. The rock habitat group has been divided into two 

main subgroups: 1) cliffs, crevices, and ledges, and 2) talus slopes and outcrops.

Cliffs, Crevices, and Ledges – Cliffs, crevices, and ledge habitats are defined as steep 

rock faces, with fissuring, drainage, and aspect characteristics that support plant 

establishment and growth. Species within this habitat group can be found on a wide 

range of rock types, moisture microclimates, and elevations. Recreational rock climbing 

in this habitat group is extremely popular and can pose major threats to species viability. 

Table B4-10. Threats to the Cliff Habitat Group

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 25) 

Rock climbing 5 

Trails/hiking 3 

Plant collection – rock garden species 2 

Pollution – dust from recreational roads 

and road expansion 

2 

Road construction 2 

Wildlife trampling – mountain goats 1 

Facilities 2 

Ski area activities 1 

Urban development 1 

Talus and Scree Slopes, and Rock Outcrops – Talus slopes are defined as topographic 

irregularities covered with coarse gravel or boulders. These slopes tend to be unstable 

thus favoring the establishment of a particular combination of plants. The moisture 

regime for these rocky habitats is generally dependent upon channeling of precipitation 

and meltwater run-off. Rock outcrop habitats are composed of unweathered or slightly 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 19 

weathered bedrock with plants establishing in small pockets of soil or between rock 

crevices. In this rock habitat subgroup, elevation ranges from 4,200 to upwards of 12,000 

feet. These areas are often adversely affected by recreational activities, high elevation 

livestock use when plants are phenologically active, and natural conditions. 

Table B4-11. Threats to the Talus and Scree Slopes and Rock Outcrop Habitat Groups 

Threat Number of Species Affected (of 25) 

Wildlife trampling – mountain goats 3 

Trails/ hiking - trampling 2 

Urban development 1 

Ski areas 2 

Grazing - trampling by livestock 1 

Recreational activities 1 

Energy development 1 

Transmission lines 1 

The threats common to the rock habitat types include: recreational activities, wildlife trampling, 

urban development, and trampling associated with hiking (Tables 14 and15, Appendix F, Tables 

F-3, F-4, and F-5). 

Rare and Unique Communities 

Plant communities are defined as a repeating assemblage or grouping of plant species on the 

landscape (Winward 2000). Some classification systems refer to a plant community as the 

existing vegetation that currently occupies a site. Others use the potential vegetation that reflects 

the climax community at that site to define a community. Classifications based on existing 

vegetation may describe different seral stages as different communities, whereas those based on 

potential vegetation may include a variety of disturbance-induced or seral plant communities, but 

the climax community remains the same (Steele et al. 1981). The list of rare and unique 

communities within the Wasatch- Cache National Forest includes the Side-Slope Alder 

Communities that occur in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Ponderosa Pine communities that occur 

along the Mirror Lake Highway near the Provo River and Beaver Creek on the Kamas Ranger 

District, Bristlecone Pine communities in the Stansbury Mountains, Single Needle Pinyon in the 

Mollens Hollow Research Natural Area south of the Blacksmith Fork River, and possibly White 

Fir Communities, which are widespread in Utah, but are limited in Wyoming and have been 

noted on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. 

Traditional and Cultural Species of Interest to American Indians 

Native plants have developed cultural significance with many human groups throughout time. 

Plants provide food, fiber, medicine, ceremonial, commercial, and other uses, many of which 

remain important today. The cultural uses of native plants and their associated communities 

often contributed to settlement and land use patterns. The users of these products hold 

considerable natural resource knowledge, including a variety of management techniques to foster 

the production and quality of certain plants. This knowledge continues to gain important 

recognition in managing public lands. 
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Appendices 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest B4 - 20 

Special Forest Products 

Special forest products are defined as “non-timber, renewable, vegetative natural resources that 

can be utilized either for personal or commercial use.” They include mosses, lichens, ferns, 

pinecones, Christmas boughs, Oregon grape, wildflowers, mushrooms, huckleberries, Osha 

(Ligusticum), St. John’s wort (Hypericum), cacti, parts of woody plants, and many more 

medicinal and ornamental species. The term “miscellaneous forest products” is reserved for 

timber-related products. 

There is increasing recognition of the economic value of special forest products and their 

potential role in supporting diversification of forest-product dependent communities. The longterm strength of the industry depends on the sustainability of the resources being harvested, so 

this issue is closely linked to ecosystem health. Many National Forests across the United States 

have established Forest-wide direction for special forest products in order to ensure sustainable 

harvest, to track demand for these products, and to monitor impacts of harvest. 

Collection of special forest products on a commercial scale in the Wasatch-Cache has been quite 

limited. However, increasing demand nation-wide for a variety of species has led to an 

increasing number of inquiries about commercially desirable species available on all Forest 

Service lands. Increased demand for the seeds of native species, roots and leaves of native and 

exotic species for medicinal purposes, and species used in the floral industry has become 

prevalent across the United States. 

Unregulated or excessive harvest of special forest products could remove plants at a rate that 

exceeds growth and reproductive capabilities, resulting in declining species abundance and 

viability, overall impacts to the ecosystem, and a shift in plant communities and species diversity 

across the landscape. 

The greatest known demand is for bracken fern fiddle heads by members of the local Korean 

community. Other demands are for plants with medicinal uses, including Osha, biscuit root, as 

well as others. There is also an increasing demand for commercial seed collection.