At the same time the absence of any orchid density differences between systems fails to support Bowle's idea that seasonal mowing, grazing or burning enhances orchid colonization. Further long term research examining experimental manipulation is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the management practices of mowing, burning or grazing. The authors believe the low number of originally marked Platanthera praeclara individuals that reappeared aboveground in subsequent years suggests that this plant is short-lived, or is capable of longer periods of dormancy than previously observed. The rate of recruitment of new individuals into the population by seed production and germination needs to be studied. If having ripe seeds each year is vitally important, then management practices which allow some seed pods to mature is important.
More information is needed about the pollinators.
While these guidelines may seem onerous to the individual permitees, they do serve the purpose of protecting a threatened species until we have more information to guide management decisions. Summary Numerous sensitive species occur in the SNG, with the western prairie fringed orchid on the federal list as a threatened species. The presence of the western prairie fringed orchid will play a role in mnagement decisions of the SNG, mandated by its official status as a threatened plant.