These changes can occur as a result of upslope disturbances such as logging, road building and draining water away from the wetland for use in agricultural or residential areas. The State of Washington recognized the Wenatchee Mountains checker-mallow as threatened in 1980 and endangered in 1994. Primary threats to the plant include conversion of land for agricultural, residential and other uses that alter water flows in the plant's preferred moist meadow habitat. The plant is also threatened by competition with non-native vegetation, fire suppression and livestock grazing. Native plants are important for their ecological, economic, and aesthetic values.
Plants play an important role in development of crops that resist disease, insects, and drought.
At least 25 percent of prescription drugs contain ingredients derived from plant compounds, including treatments for cancer, juvenile leukemia, heart disease, and malaria, and medicines to assist in organ transplants. Plants are also being used to develop natural pesticides. A complete description of the Service's proposal to designate critical habitat for the Wenatchee Mountains checker-mallow was published in today's Federal Register . Mention RIN 1018-AE32. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.