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PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed project is to maintain viability of the sole yellow-fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris) population, a state threatened plant, on the Wayne National Forest. The Forest Service proposed to reduce understory competition, increase overstory light penetration and regenerate native pine in the area to produce a more open, early successional habitat preferred by the orchid. Activities will include a combination of: cutting of overstory and understory woody species, herbicide application, pine seedling selection and promotion, opening forested habitat on roadsides, creating soil retention areas and prescribed burning, as well as, annual monitoring and analysis of orchid responses to management. No treatment will be applied across the whole area at one time (except fire) so that managers can adaptive management tools in response to monitoring SUMMARY OF EFFECTS

Determinations are made with the best available science and relevant scientific information, and where appropriate, acknowledge incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty and risk. Federally-listed Species The implementation of the proposed yellow-fringed orchid habitat improvement treatments will have no effect on Virginia spiraea or northern monkshood. Implementation of the proposed alternative is not likely to adversely affect small whorled pogonia or running buffalo clover, and is likely to improve potential habitat for these two rare species. Regional Forester Sensitive Species Six of the 22 RFS plant species (including the yellow-fringed orchid) are present or have potential habitat in the project area. The implementation of habitat improvement is expected to be beneficial for the yellow-fringed orchid. Implementation of the proposed project may impact habitat for smooth beardtongue, juniper sedge, butternut, sparse-lobed grape fern and rock skullcap, but is not expected to cause a trend toward federal listing, since none of these species are known to occur in the project area. Avoidance and Minimization Measures To reduce the likelihood introductions and invasions of NNIS, all equipment is

required to be cleaned of all vegetation debris and soil before entering the project area. Equipment cleaning could be done at any commercial car wash facility or other facility with a high-powered water hose. Inspection of equipment shall be done on-site by the project manager.

If any federally listed plant species are discovered in the area, treatments will be postponed while consultation with the USFWS is re-initiated.

If any RFS plant species (besides the yellow-fringed orchid) are found during project implementation, activity will be stopped in the area until a Biologist can determine the potential impacts of the project to the rare plants found.

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If butternut seedlings or saplings occur in the project area in the future, do not damage or remove any individuals during understory woody maintenance (mechanical or chemical). Protect any new butternuts that may be susceptible to fire during prescribed burning projects in the future. All butternuts shall be left to mature naturally in the project area.

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INTRODUCTION This report is a botanical biological evaluation for the proposed Yellow-Fringed Orchid Habitat Improvement Project. This Biological Evaluation (BE) is prepared in accordance with direction provided in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2672.42 and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The purpose of this document is to determine the likely effects of this proposed project and the no-action alternative on Federally-listed threatened and endangered species and Regional Forester sensitive species (RFSS). The list of Federally-listed species addressed in this BE was developed in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 2006, USFS 2005). Species designated as RFSS on the Wayne NF were determined through coordination with the USFWS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and other taxonomic experts. Risk evaluations have been completed for all RFSS. This evaluation is to ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to loss of viability of any native or desired non-native plant species, or contribute to trends toward Federal listing of any species. Determinations are made with the best available science and relevant scientific information, and where appropriate, acknowledge incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty and risk. Consultation History The Forest Service entered into and completed formal consultation with the USFWS in 2005 during the revision of the Wayne NF Land and Resource Management Plan (2006 Forest Plan; USFS 2006). A Biological Assessment was prepared by the Forest Service (USFS 2005), and a Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) was prepared by the USFWS (USFWS 2005) for two species, the Indiana bat and running buffalo clover. The monitoring requirements outlined in the PBO were incorporated into the 2006 Forest Plan’s Appendix D. SITE HISTORY Fruit set for yellow-fringed orchid (YFO) is dependent on pollination by visually attracted pollinators. While the species is self compatible, it is not self-fertilizing. Hand pollination has improved fruit set in some cases, and it has been determined that fruit set is pollen-limited (Robertson and Wyatt 1990a, 1990b). The primary pollinators are butterflies, particularly swallowtails, Papilio spp (pers. comm. Haase, Robertson and Wyatt 1990a, 1990b, Smith and Snow 1976). Smith and Snow (1976) showed a positive correlation between open habitats and the numbers of flowers pollinated, with shaded populations having lower pollination rates. They hypothesize that since butterflies locate by sight, shaded plants are harder to find and have a lower probability of pollination by a butterfly. Likewise, populations of plants in wooded habitats tend to consist of a few to 100 individuals, while open habitats can have 100 to 1,000 individuals (Stuckey 1967), which could also influence pollinator detection, visitation and pollination.

The Wayne National Forest has only one know location of the state threatened yellow-fringed orchid. The first orchids were discovered by Ohio Division of Natural Areas

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Botanist, Marilyn Ortt in 1980. There are several small sub-populations scattered within a 10 acre area. The habitats include: (1) open roadside ditches that contain fescue (Festuca sp), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium); and (2) woodlands that contain Virginia and pitch pine (Pinus virginiana, P. rigida).

Aerial photographs of the Wayne National Forest’s YFO area in 1938 shows that the area was devoid of tree cover. The area was a family farm, with the ridges and upper slopes being cultivated and the moderate slopes pastured. Evidence of oil and gas activity is seen on the photos, which is still present today on this tract of land. The photographs show that the area of the YFO was in pasture and eroding in 1938. In 1974, Virginia pine on the site was 4 to 8 inches in diameter (pers. comm. Greenwood), which means that the pine were about 20 years old at that time. The current age of the pine stand is approximately 50-60 years old; about the time when hardwoods assert dominance as the stand follows a natural succession process from Virginia pine to hardwoods (Burns 1983).

A large road-side ditch sub-population was first discovered in 1985, and yearly monitoring from 1986 to 1996 identified about 500 individuals (per. comm. Ortt 2008). The ditch population was burned during the first prescribed burn that occurred in the area, 1994 (per. comm. Ortt). In 1996, the population was bladed by county road crews and no orchids have been seen in the area since. The woodland sub-population was discovered in 1990, and has been monitored yearly since 1991 by the Forest Service and Mrs. Ortt (per. comm. Ortt). Three permanent plots are in the forested portion of the population. Monitoring records note how many orchids break dormancy, as well as, the number that flower and successfully set seed. This population never flowered as abundantly as the ditch population, but they did have flowering individuals with successful seed set. However, the last five years of monitoring has found either none, or only one or two individuals that flowered, but aborted before seed set. Comparative light readings were taken in 1992, to compare understory light levels with full light, but this measurement has not been taken again. Today, the wooded stand where the YFO occurs contains some remnant VA and pitch pine with a strong component of hardwood species: maple, sourwood, tulip poplar, dogwood, black gum and oaks. Regeneration of the pine is practically non-existent with only a few seedlings that will not survive due to overstory shading. The understory of the area contains young hardwoods (same species as mentioned before) along with greenbrier, blackberry, spicebush and various herbaceous species. Hardwood leaf litter is predominant in the area. The Wayne National Forest has used prescribed burns to control understory woody species, as well as, selectively cutting pole sized trees in the YFO area. Poles were cut in 2001 and prescribed burns occurred in April 1994, March 1998 and November 2004. While the burns top-kill many of the seedlings and saplings in the area, roots often re-sprout with more stems then before. While more frequent and long-term burning could

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eventually control these seedlings and saplings, concern is that the effect might not occur soon enough to maintain the viability of the yellow-fringed orchid population. Instead, the Forest Service is considering a combination of various management tools to release the orchid from competition and shade, and then maintain the open habitat overtime PROPOSED ACTION This project is being proposed to maintain viability of the yellow-fringed orchid population, a state threatened plant. The YFO is a Forester Regional Sensitive Species (RFSS) on the Wayne National Forest. The ultimate objective is to increase light penetration to the forest floor and remove understory woody vegetation that competes with the orchids in order to improve orchid habitat so that successful seed set occurs and perpetuates the population. If current YFO habitat is not managed, concern is that the population will experience viability decline overtime and eventually be extirpated as woody succession continues in the area. The Forest Service is proposing to reduce understory competition and increase the amount of ambient light reaching the forest floor on 38 acres around the known locations of YFO in Washington County, Ohio. The No Action and Proposed Action Alternatives are: Alternative 1: No Action The No Action alternative would not introduce any new techniques to manage the YFO. Activities that would occur:

Prescribed burning of approximately 12 acres would continue periodically under a previous NEPA decision.

Monitoring of the woodland populations and examination of the roadside areas would continue.

Alternative 2: Proposed Action The proposed action alternative increases the management area for the yellow-fringed orchid from 12 to 38.5 acres. The acreage of 38.5 acres was chosen because it included potential habitat on federal property that could be burned with minimal increase in fireline construction and no to impact private property or local traffic patterns. By ensuring the prescribed burning operations are simplified, the opportunity for quick implementation during burn windows is more likely to occur. The following management techniques would be used in combination to decrease competition from understory woody vegetation and increase light penetration through the current overstory. Due to the rarity of the species and the potential unknowns of its response; all treatments (except burning) will be applied in small areas so that managers can monitor orchid response and adapt or change treatments as needed.

Prescribed Burning. Create an additional 425 feet of handline (6-8 feet wide) in

the project area to expand the current prescribed burn area to 38.5 acres. Burns

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would be low intensity burns conducted in the fall, or very early spring. Some of the past burn lines would not be used and left to rehabilitate.

Cut overstory trees and understory tree seedlings and saplings. Overstory trees would only occur sporadically in the stand to allow openings in the overstory to increase light penetration to the forest floor. Understory trees and woody vegetation could be cut in combination with other treatments (herbicide or propane torch) to kill roots and prevent re-sprouting.

o Where overstory cutting creates high intensity fuel loading near known

yellow-fringed orchids, the fuels will be removed from the burn unit, or moved to another area of the burn unit were YFOs are not known to occur.

Application of herbicides (glyphosate and triclopyr) to understory woody

vegetation to decrease light and nutrient competition pressure on YFOs. Herbicide application would include: basal bark application to woody stems, cut stump application and/or foliar applications. Triclopyr will be used for basal application and applied with an oil carrier. Glyphosate would be used on foliar with a water carrier. All applications would be with a low-pressure back-pack sprayer, hand-held spray bottle, or a wicking applicator.

Application of herbicide (glyphosate) to the fescue on the bank that once

contained the roadside population of YFO. Spraying of the fescue would occur in the fall, when all orchids would have gone dormant, to prevent any direct impacts to orchids that may be present in vegetative stage in the area.

Hand held propane torches could be used to burn the bases/stumps of small resprouts to eliminate above ground woody vegetation that restricts light penetration to the forest floor.

Selecting understory and overstory treatments to promote young pine seedlings

and pine regeneration on the site.

Create small scale scarification of soils that contain potential for pine regeneration and DO NOT contain current populations of YFO. These areas will serve for future recruitment areas if the YFO is dependent on pine presence.

Feather back woody vegetation from roadsides to create open habitat along

moist ditch areas. Allow the retention of large overstory trees along these areas to prevent expanded grading operations by road maintenance crews.

Create soil moisture retention areas where seeps or natural moisture areas occur

below current known YFO populations. This may entail some soil movement with handheld shovels to hold moisture. Digging will only occur within the top 4-5 inches of the soil.

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Create monitoring protocols to monitor impacts of different treatments on YFO flowering and seed set capabilities. Primary elements to monitor include: vegetation composition, light levels and fuel levels.

Field visits to the proposed project site have occurred on multiple occasions and times of year since 1990 by multiple botanists. I and/or Marilyn Ortt have visited the site in the past two years on: 4/19/2006, 8/24/2006, 4/12/2007, 8/21/2007, and 11/14/2007 SITE DESCRIPTION The wooded stand where the YFO occurs contains some remnant VA and pitch pine with a strong component of hardwood species: maple, sourwood, tulip poplar, dogwood, black gum and oaks. Regeneration of the pine is practically non-existent with only a few seedlings that will not make it due to overstory shading. The understory of the area contains young hardwoods (same species as mentioned before) along with greenbrier, blackberry, spicebush and various herbaceous species. Hardwood leaf litter is predominant in the area. See photographs (end of document) taken of wooded habitat in November 2007. The ditch/roadside site where the YFO used to occur was bladed by local road crews in 1996. It is currently a monoculture of fescue. However, it is interesting to note that the undisturbed road banks in the area contain native open habitat species such as, Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). The soils in the proposed area are comprised of Upshur, Woodsfield and Gilpin soil series (silty clay loam and silt loams) that came from sandstone and siltstone bedrock. These areas are used primarily for woodland and pasture, with some having fast run-off and erosion. Some are know to commonly have springs and wet spots (SCS 1977).

PROJECT-WIDE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) Non-native invasive species pose a threat to plant and animal community health and diversity. Since exotic species, by definition, have been transplanted outside their original range, they often lack natural controls (e.g., disease, predators, parasites, or climate), which allows them to out compete and eventually replace more sensitive native species. Once NNIS become established, they are extremely difficult to eradicate, and the resulting change in community plant composition can alter ecosystem dynamics and functions over time. With any management activity that requires the use of heavy equipment brought in from off-site, or that disturbs the soil and increases sunlight exposure to the ground, there is a high risk of transporting and spreading NNIS into the project area. If these NNIS were allowed to establish, they could easily compromise habitat quality, and thus jeopardize any existing or future populations of rare species in the project area.

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Under Executive Order 13112, Federal agencies whose action may affect the status of invasive species shall not authorize, fund, or carry out action that are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States or elsewhere unless the agency had determined and made public its determination that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm caused by invasive species. Mitigations To reduce the likelihood introductions and invasions of NNIS, all equipment will be cleaned of all vegetation debris and soil before entering the project area. Equipment cleaning could be done at any commercial car wash facility or other facility with a high-powered water hose. Inspection of equipment shall be done on-site by the project manager.

SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR THEIR HABITAT

Federally Threatened or Endangered Species According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (2005), The Wayne National Forest comprises part of the potential range of four Federally Threatened or Endangered species (Table 1). Those species with no suitable habitat in the project area are assumed to be unaffected by the proposed action, and therefore, will not be carried forward in the analysis. Table 1. Federally Endangered and Threatened Species for the Wayne National Forest.

Species Status Required Habitat

Suitable Habitat Present?

Known or Potential

Occurrence Likely?

Determination

Northern monkshood (Aconitum noveboracense)

Threatened

Moist cliffs w/ cold air drainage

N N No Effect

Small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)

Threatened

Open second growth hardwoods

Y N Not Likely to

Adversely Affect

Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana)

Threatened Damp, rocky banks; streambeds N N No Effect

Running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum)

Endangered

Moist, semi-shaded, disturbed woods

Y N Not Likely to

Adversely Affect

The area proposed for habitat treatment does not contain any suitable habitat for Northern monkshood or Virginia spiraea, therefore, there will be not further discussion of these two species since there will be no effect to either species.

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Small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) Biology, Habitat and Distribution Small whorled pogonia is an herbaceous perennial from the orchid family (Orchidaceae) that flowers from mid-May to mid-June. It is believed to be self-pollinating, although vegetative reproduction occurs occasionally. This shallow-rooted species grows on gently sloping (0-30 percent) highly acidic and nutrient poor soils, with thick leaf litter and decaying material, and a sparse understory (USFWS 1992a). Habitats include dry, rocky, wooded slopes to moist slopes in mid-successional forests. Semi-permanent breaks in the forest canopy created by streams, and old logging roads encourage pogonia growth. Evidence of human disturbance (old homesteads, selective cutting) is often present at known population sites. This species cannot tolerate full sun or competition with invasive plants. Small, isolated populations occur irregularly from Maine, south to Georgia and west to southern Ontario, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois (McCormac 1992). This rare orchid is known from three locations in southern Ohio, one in Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County, and two in Hocking County. Plants associated with these local populations include: witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), striped maple (Acer pensylvanica), serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana), large whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata), rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens), and New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis). Survey Efforts Approximately 260 acres, on the Ironton District (Scioto County), were surveyed for this orchid in June/July of 1997. In May of 2003, 1,500 acres were surveyed primarily along streams, trails, and old roads in Lawrence, Scioto, and Gallia Counties. During the spring and early summer of 2004, approximately 5,000 acres were searched in Lawrence County. Surveys are also conducted on a project-by-project basis. To date, no individual has been found on Wayne NF land. Threats and Limiting Factors The two primary threats to the small whorled pogonia are habitat destruction and over collection (USFWS 1992a). Other potential hazards include canopy closure through succession and full sun exposure from logging (McCormack 1992). Direct and Indirect Effects No small whorled pogonias have been discovered in the project area during the past 10 years of monitoring, therefore there will be no direct effects from either the No Action or Proposed Action alternatives. Indirect impacts of the No Action alternative (prescribed burning) may reduce some potential competition and increase habitat quality over the long-term. Indirect impacts of the Proposed Action alternative are likely to be beneficial and improve and/or create potential habitat for the pogonia, since increased light penetration and decreased

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understory competition are ideal conditions (USFWS 1992a). All activities that would be used to improve YFO habitat will occur when the YFO is dormant, which corresponds with small whorled pogonia dormancy. Drift impacts (indirect) from herbicide applications on potential habitat would be negligible due to FS standards and guidelines and the relatively short half-lives and decomposition rates of the proposed herbicides (SERA 2003a, SERA 2003b). Indirect impacts (e.g. erosion) on habitat from tree cutting, soil scarification or creation of soil moisture retention areas would be negligible due to Forest Service guidelines on erosion control and restoration (USFS 2006). Cumulative Effects The Cumulative Effects area includes all land within a 5 mile radius of the proposed project area. This area was chosen in order to encompass all potential areas of treatment in alternatives 1 and 2 on federal and private lands that could affect the federally listed species. The cumulative effects timeframe is 10 years, because it coincides with the current Forest Plan planning cycle and it allows for initial and subsequent treatments of YFO habitat proposed in this project. Currently, there are no timber cutting or herbicide projects within the cumulative effects area on federal lands. However, the 2007 NNIS Control Project does allow mechanical, herbicide and biological treatment of non-native invasive species to occur forest-wide as part of an early detection, rapid response tool. Therefore, there is the potential that some NNIS treatment could occur on federal lands in the cumulative effects area in the future. The Lamping Pine thinning project is planned to begin in late 2008, however, the area was already surveyed for federally listed plant species and none were found. A new timber project within the SE portion of the Marietta district is to start initial surveys in 2008, with implementation likely occurring in 2010-2014. However, surveys for federally listed plant species will occur and be analyzed prior to implementation. Any federally listed species found within the project will be protected through consultation with USFWS and direction in the Land and Resource Management Plan. Use of herbicide to control NNIS and other species occur on non-federal lands in the cumulative effects analysis area. Truck-mounted boom sprayers are used to apply herbicides along roadsides annually. Many private landowners use herbicides on gardens, driveways, patios and in wooded areas. Most farmers apply herbicides and fertilizers to crop fields. Timber management occurs on non-federal lands from small hand-cutting projects to full scale logging operations. Private landowners hand weed or mow weeds, farmers mow or till agricultural areas and crews mow and/or cut trees along right-of-ways and easements (county, township and corporation crews). These mechanical/chemical applications and soil/vegetation disturbances will continue into the future on non-Forest Service lands at similar rates to today

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Since no individuals of pogonia are known to occur within the area, or within a 5 mile radius, the impacts of habitat management for this project are not expected to have any cumulative impacts to the small whorled pogonia. Determination Alternative 1 – Not likely to adversely affect, burning may benefit potential habitat long-term. Alternative 2 – Not likely to adversely affect, proposed treatments will benefit potential habitat by increasing light penetration and reducing understory competition. Mitigations If an individual of small whorled pogonia is found in or near the project area in the future, the Forest Service will suspend all activities until re-consultation with the USFWS has occurred.

Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Biology, Habitat and Distribution Running buffalo clover is a stoloniferous perennial herb in the Pea family (Fabaceae) that reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. It flowers from April to June. Running buffalo clover can be found in a wide range of mesic, semi-shaded habitats, that experience periodic, moderate disturbance for prolonged periods (e.g. mowing, trampling or grazing). However, it cannot tolerate full-sun, dense shade or severe disturbance (Cusick 1989). Historically, the species was associated with large herbivores, such as bison, which created habitat along travel corridors and served as seed dispersal mechanisms (USFWS 1989). Historically, running buffalo clover was found from West Virginia to Kansas, however current extant populations only occur in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri and West Virginia. Most known populations are found near soils derived from limestone parent material: Kentucky populations occur on Ordovician limestones and calcareous shales (Campbell et al. 1988), West Virginia populations at the Fernow Experimental Forest grow on soils derived from limestone parent materials (Madarish and Schuler 2002), and Ohio populations are found around limestone-underlain regions of the southwest part of the state including Adams, Scioto and Lawrence counties. Associated species with Ohio running buffalo clover populations include: black walnut (Juglans nigra), American elm (Ulmus americana), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), basswood (Tilia americana), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus), gill-over-the-ground (Glechoma hederacea), yellow wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta) and white clover (Trifolium repens). In West Virginia, associated species include hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), and panic-grasses (Panicum spp) (Madarish and Schuler 2002).

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Survey Efforts Surveys for running buffalo clover were completed on Wayne NF land on the Ironton Ranger District during May 2003 and May 1996, covering approximately 1,500 and 320 acres respectively. Survey efforts were focused primarily along streams, trails, and old roads. During the spring and early summer of 2004, approximately 5,000 acres were searched in Lawrence County. Surveys also occur on an individual case basis for proposed projects in areas with suitable habitat. To date, only one population of running buffalo clover is known to exist on Forest Service lands (Lawrence County, Ironton Ranger District). Threats and Limiting Factors Threats to Running buffalo clover include habitat destruction (for road construction, ATV use, etc.), reduced light from canopy closure, competition with non-native invasive plant species, over-grazing, and decline of large herbivores that facilitate seed dispersal and habitat disturbance (USFS 2001). Direct and Indirect Effects No individuals of running buffalo clover have been discovered in the proposed project area during the past 10 years of monitoring. Therefore, the proposed treatments should have no direct impacts to running buffalo clover. Indirect impacts to potential RBC habitat are the same as that discussed for the small whorled pogonia. Activities that introduce some low levels of disturbance and open the overstory canopy are likely to improve potential habitat for the running buffalo clover in the future. Cumulative Effects The Cumulative Effects area includes all land within a 5 mile radius of the proposed project area. This area was chosen in order to encompass all potential areas of treatment in alternatives 1 and 2 on federal and private lands that could affect the federally listed species. The cumulative effects timeframe is 10 years, because it coincides with the current Forest Plan planning cycle and it allows for initial and subsequent treatments of YFO habitat proposed in this project. Since no individuals of clover are know to occur within the area, or within a 5 mile radius, and cumulative impacts of land management in the area to RBC are the same as those discussed for the small whorled pogonia, the impacts of habitat management for this project are not expected to have any cumulative impacts to running buffalo clover. Determination Alternative 1 – Not likely to adversely affect, burning may benefit potential habitat. Alternative 2 – Not likely to adversely affect, habitat treatments will benefit potential habitat by introducing a low level of disturbance and increasing light penetration to the forest floor.

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Mitigations If an individual of running buffalo clover is discovered in or near the project area in the future, the Forest Service will suspend all activities until re-consultation with the USFWS has occurred.

CITATIONS FOR FEDERAL SPECIES ANALYSIS

Campbell, J., M. Evans, M. Medley, and N. Taylor. 1988. Buffalo clovers in Kentucky (Trifolium stoloniferum and T. reflexum): Historical records, presettlement environment, rediscovery, endangered status, cultivation and chromosome number. Rhodora 90: 399-418.

Cusick, A. 1989. Trifolium stoloniferum (Fabaceae) in Ohio: History, habitats, decline and rediscovery. Sida 13(4): 467-480.

Madarish, D. and T. Schuler. 2002. Effects of forest management on the Federally Endangered running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl. ex. A. Eaton). Natural Areas Journal 22:120-128.

McCormac, J. 1992. Species Abstract for Isotria medeoloides (Pursh) Raf. (Little Whorled Pogonia). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.ohio.gov/dnap/Abstracts/I-J/isotmede.htm

NatureServe 2004. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 4.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Available: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.

(ODNAP) Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. 2000. Natural Heritage Database for Wayne National Forest 12 County Area. Comma delimited ASCII file converted for view in ArcView® GIS. Housed at the Athens Ranger District office, WNF, Nelsonville, Ohio.

(ODNAP) Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. 2002. Natural Heritage Database for 29 Counties (including Wayne National Forest and the Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau). Shape file (.shp) for view in ArcView® GIS. Housed at the Athens Ranger District office, WNF, Nelsonville, Ohio.

(SERA) Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. 2003a. Glyphosate - Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment - Final Report. Prepared for USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, March 1, 2003. Available online at: http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/pesticide/risk.shtml

(SERA) Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. 2003b. Triclopyr - Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment - Final Report. Prepared for USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, March 15, 2004. Available online at: http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/pesticide/risk.shtml

(SCS) Soil Conservation Service. 1977. Soil Survey of Washington County, Ohio. United States Department of Agriculture.

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(USFS) U. S. Forest Service. 2006. Wayne National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

(USFS) U. S. Forest Service. 2005. Wayne National Forest Programmatic Biological Assessment- Land and Resource Management Plan.

(USFWS) U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Federally Endangered, Threatened, Proposed and Candidate Species in Ohio. Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

(USFWS) U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005. Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) for the Indiana bat and running buffalo clover.

(USFWS) U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992a. Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) Recovery Plan, First Revision. Newton Corner, Massachusetts. 75 pp.

(USFWS) U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1989. Trifolium stoloniferum Recovery Plan. Twin Cities, Minnesota. 26 pp.

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Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS)

According to the Regional Forester Sensitive Species list, there are twenty-two plant RFSS (Table 2) (USFS 2003). Suitable habitat may exist in the project area for 6 of the 22 species. None of the remaining RFS species were considered in the impact assessment, because, either there is no suitable habitat for the species in the project area, or the species has a well-known distribution that does not include the project area. Table 2: Regional Forester Sensitive Species list for the Wayne National Forest.

Species Required Habitat Suitable Habitat Present?

Determination

Mature Woodland Species

Sparse-lobed grape fern Botrychium biternatum

moist, low woods, ravines, thickets and edges

Y May impact habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing

Lined sedge Carex striatula

variety of light levels in dry to mesic woods

N No Impact

Umbrella magnolia Magnolia tripetala

rich woods; mesic ravines and coves

N No Impact

Rock skullcap Scutellaria saxatilis

Moist banks/woods; dry slopes & openings

Y May impact habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing

Semi-Open Woodland Species

Striped gentian Gentiana villosa

open woods and pinelands; shady places

N No Impact

Dwarf iris Iris verna

open oak woods, dry open ridgetops

N No Impact

Butternut Juglans cinerea

moist woods and fields; riverbanks

Y May impact habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing

Blue scorpion-weed Phacelia ranunculacea

dry or moist woods; sandy fields, streambanks

N No Impact

Pinxter flower Rhododendron nudiflorum

moist or dry woods, bogs & shrubby borders

N No Impact

Open Woodland, Fire Adapted Species

Juniper sedge Carex juniperorum

filtered light; second growth forest

Y May impact habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing

Yellow gentian Gentiana alba

moist meadows/prairies; open woods; edges

N No Impact

Carolina thistle Cirsium carolinianum

open/semi-open woods, bluffs, ravines, thickets

N No Impact

Butterfly pea Clitoria mariana

open/semi-open woods, barrens, prairie borders

N No Impact

Yellow-fringed orchid Platanthera ciliaris

wet, sandy bogs & meadows, fields & woods

Y Beneficial Impacts

Tubercled nut-rush Scleria oligantha

oak barrens; dolomite/limestone based soils

N No Impact

Tall nut-rush Scleria triglomerata

open oak woods and oak barrens

N No Impact

Open Habitat Species

Pale straw sedge Carex albolutescens

mesic fields, borders, ditches, prairies, fens, bogs

N No Impact

Smooth beardtongue Penstemon laevigatus

Fields, open woods, roadsides

Y May impact habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing

Yellow crownbeard open woods, borders, N No Impact

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Verbesina occidentalis thickets, fields, roadsides

Featherbells Stenanthium gramineum

open, moist woods; fields, meadows, powerlines

N No Impact

Riparian species

L.Marsh St John’s wort Triadenum tubulosum

riparian floodplains, banks, seeps, wetlands

N No Impact

Pigeon grape Vitis cinerea

moist, alluvial soils; low thickets, streambanks

N No Impact

Mature woodland species

Sparse-lobed grape fern (Botrychium biternatum) Sparse-lobed grape fern is a perennial, evergreen fern in the Ophioglossaceae family that emerges in late spring, producing spores in July and August. It occurs in a variety of moist, shaded situations including low woods, mesic ravines, wooded floodplains and thickets (Cusick 1982); it seems to prefer semi-shaded edge habitat. This fern occurs in Connecticut and from Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Populations within the Wayne National Forest proclamation boundaries include four occurrences in Lawrence County, outside the proclamation boundary it occurs in Monroe, Hocking, Scioto and Adams Counties. Threats to this species include soil compaction and drying of habitat from removal of vegetation (Cusick 1982), introduction of non-native species, logging and overgrazing by wildlife (McCartney and Goodwin 2003). Rock skullcap (Scutellaria saxatilis) Rock skullcap is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that flowers from June to September. It occurs in semi-shaded woods, slopes, cliffs, and along streams. Most Ohio collections are from dry woods, with occasional ones from moist areas near streams. This species occupies a range from New Jersey west to Indiana, south to Alabama and Arkansas, east to Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Populations within the Wayne National Forest proclamation boundaries include Lawrence, Gallia and Monroe Counties. Other occurrences outside proclamation boundaries include Adams, Jefferson, Meigs, Scioto, Vinton and Washington Counties. Potential threats to the species are believed to include exposure to sunlight after overstory canopy loss, burning and competition from non-native invasive plant species (Spooner 1983a; McCartney and Goodwin 2003; NatureServe 2004).

Direct and Indirect Effects Neither of these species have been found in the project areas during the last ten years of monitoring for the orchid. Since no individuals exist, there are no direct impacts expected from implementation of the project. All activities proposed for the area will occur when the species would be dormant and therefore would have no direct impacts if the species should they inhabit the area in the future.

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Indirect impacts to potential habitat for the two species are different. Opening of the habitat and encouraging the natural regeneration of pine species is not likely to improve habitat for the sparse-lobed grape fern in the future. On the other hand, creating a more open overstory with increased light to the forest floor could improve potential habitat for the skullcap. Cumulative Effects The cumulative effects area and activities discussed for the federal species are the same for these species. Since no individuals of these species are known to occur within the project area or the cumulative effects area, there are no expected cumulative impacts expected. Determination Alternative 1 – The no action alternative will have no impact either species. Alternative 2 - Implementation of the proposed project may impact potential habitat for the two species, but is unlikely to cause a trend toward federal listing. Implementation may actually improve potential habitat for the rock skullcap overtime. Mitigations None Semi-open woodland species

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Butternut is a deciduous forest tree in the walnut family (Juglandaceae) that reaches approximately 30 meters in height, flowers in May, and fruits in October. Typical habitat for butternut is mesic ravine slopes of mixed hardwood stands, creek bottoms, and riverbanks. It occurs throughout the central and eastern United States and southeastern Canada: New Brunswick, Quebec, and southern Ontario, west to Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota, south to Iowa, Missouri, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas (NatureServe 2004). Butternut has been found in all Counties within the Wayne NF proclamation boundary, and there are approximately 25-30 records for this species on Wayne NF land. The major threat to butternut throughout its entire range is its susceptibility to the canker-causing fungus Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum. This fungus disrupts nutrient flow through cambium areas, which generally kills the tree. Other threats include harvest of the remaining healthy trees for cabinet-making and other woodworking, as well as, overcrowding and over-shading (NatureServe 2004).

Direct and Indirect Effects No individuals of butternut are known to occur in the area, therefore no direct impacts are expected. Potential habitat for the species does occur within the project area. Indirect impacts of overstory thinning, prescribed burning and herbicide thinning of the understory may indirectly improve habitat for the butternut by reducing competition for

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any future seedling or saplings that establish in the area. Likewise increasing sunlight penetration and removing understory clutter will increase wind flow through the area which may reduce microhabitat needs for the canker fungus. Cumulative Effects The cumulative effects areas and activities discussed for the federal species are the same for the butternut. There are likely individual butternuts within the cumulative effects are of the project. However, since no individuals are known within the specific project area and proposed activities are likely to benefit the habitat potential for the species, there are no cumulative impacts expected from implementing this project. Determination Alternative 1 – the no action alternative will have no impact on butternut. Alternative 2 - the implementation of the proposed project may impact potential habitat for the species, but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing since no individuals are present. Overtime, the habitat management of this area may improve habitat for this species. Mitigations If butternut seedlings or saplings occur in the project area in the future, do not damage or remove any individuals during understory woody maintenance (mechanical or chemical). Protect any new butternuts that may be susceptible to fire during prescribed burning projects in the future. Any butternuts will be left to mature naturally in the project area. Open Woodland, Fire Adapted Species

Juniper sedge (Carex juniperorum) Juniper sedge is a recently described perennial (Catling et al. 1993) known to occur in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Ontario (NatureServe 2004). It flowers and fruits from April to June (Catling et al. 1993) and is sometimes associated with eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) (NatureServe 2004). This sedge grows on shallow, clayey soils derived from limestone and dolomite bedrock in open woodlands. Ohio populations have responded favorably to prescribed burning, and seem to thrive in open, sunny habitats. Two known populations occur within Wayne NF, one in an oak-hickory forest surrounding a prairie opening in Athens County, and one in a closed canopy oak woodland on a ridge top in Lawrence County. Both areas are managed with prescribed fire. Threats to local viability include fire suppression, soil compaction and shading from woody overgrowth (Cusick 1993). Direct and Indirect Effects No individuals of the sedge have been found in the project area during the past 10 years of monitoring, so no direct impacts are expected. All activities proposed for the area will occur when the sedge would be dormant, if the species were to colonize the area in the future. Indirect impacts to potential habitat are likely to be beneficial since thinning, understory removal and burning should increase habitat potential.

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Cumulative Effects The cumulative effects area and activities for the federal listed species are the same for this species. Since no individuals of juniper sedge are known within the cumulative effects area there are no expected cumulative impacts expected. Determination Alternative 1 – the no action alternative would have no impact to juniper sedge Alternative 2 – the proposed alternative may impact potential habitat but is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing. Overtime continued management of the area may improve habitat potential for the juniper sedge. Mitigations None Yellow-fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris) Yellow-fringed orchid is an herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) that flowers from July to August. It grows in a variety of sunny, wet habitats in acidic, sandy soils of pastures, depressions, seepage areas, roadsides and open woods (Cusick and Burns 1983). It occurs from Florida to Texas, north to New Hampshire, and west to Michigan, Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma (NatureServe 2004). Southern Ohio populations in mixed pine-hardwood forests have responded favorably to prescribed burns that increased sunlight penetration to the forest floors. The one known population on the Wayne National Forest occurs in Washington County. Threats to the species include over-shading by woody species, alterations of water supply, soil compaction and over collection (Cusick and Burns 1983, NatureServe 2004). Direct and Indirect Effects All activities proposed to for habitat management are to occur during the dormancy of the yellow-fringed orchid to avoid any direct impacts to the species. The impacts of the overstory and understory removal, pine regeneration, roadside fescue removal and burning should decrease direct competition and increase light to improve habitat for the species and hopefully improve reproductive success of the species. As a protective measure, all of the proposed activities for management, with the exception of fire, will occur in small areas during the first couple years of implementation in order for monitoring to determine the response of the orchids. If for any reason there is a negative response to habitat manipulation, the activity will be altered or dropped. The impacts of the management activities on the mycorrhizae fungi for the species are not completely known. However, the best available knowledge of mycorrhizae responses to manipulation are used to extrapolate the expected impacts of the proposed project to the fungi associated with yellow fringed orchid roots. The exact species of mycorrhizal fungi associated with P. ciliaris is unknown, however, a common species of orchid fungi belong to the genus Rhizoctonia (Sharp 2004, Brundrett 2007). A study of orchid response to fire in western Australia found an increase in orchid density after fire (Grant and Koch 2003). Likewise, YFO on the Kitty Todd Preserve, in northernwestern

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Ohio, have responded with an increase in density after prescribed burning (pers. comm. Haase). Likewise, there were positive responses to fire seen in the past by the YFO on the Wayne National Forest, except for the one late spring burn that burnt the tips of overwintering buds. While information is limited, the intensity of prescribed burns in SE Ohio are not expected to have significant impacts to essential underground mychorrizal fungi, since past burns on the Wayne National Forest and at Kitty Todd Preserve have found overall positive responses by the YFO. Another species of Platanthera (P. leucophaea) has been found to respond well to fire, but the timing of prescribed burns must be so that spring buds are not damaged or encouraged to bud early before spring frosts are done (Bowles 1984). Cumulative Effects The cumulative effects area and activities described for the federal species are the same for the yellow-fringed orchid. Since the described activities are expected to improve YFO habitat and increase species variability. Therefore, the overall cumulative impact of this activity is expected to be beneficial. With increased viability of the current sub-populations, there is the potential for new populations to occur as seeds are produced and spread. Determination Alternative 1 – the no action alternative would result in continued woody succession and is likely to result in a loss of local viability of the yellow fringed orchid. Alternative 2 – the proposed alternative used multiple habitat management techniques to stop woody succession, increase light penetration to the forest floor and decrease understory competition with the yellow fringed orchid, all of which will have beneficial impacts to the species. Mitigations Follow all activity guidelines that implement habitat control to occur during the dormancy season of the species to prevent any direct impacts to existing plants in the areas. Open Habitat Species

Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus) Smooth beardtongue is a perennial herb in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) that flowers in May and June. It primarily occurs in dry, exposed, sunny areas such as fields, open woods and roadsides (Spooner 1983b; McCartney and Goodwin 2003). Its range spans from Louisiana to Florida and north to Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Populations are known to occur in Monroe, Jackson and Adams counties. The species seems to be quite tolerant of disturbance, the one known population on Forest Service lands in Monroe county occurs along the sides of a jeep trail (McCartney and Goodwin 2003). The primary threat to this species is overgrowth by woody vegetation, since it cannot tolerate shade, and the introduction of non-native invasive species (McCartney and Goodwin 2003; Spooner 1983b).

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Direct and Indirect Effects No individuals have been seen in the project area during the past 10 years of monitoring, therefore, no direct impacts are expected. The increased edge habitat and increase filtered light to the understory through fire, overstory removal and understory removal has the potential to indirectly improve habitat for the species. Likewise the removal of fescue on the road bank would increase habitat potential for this species. Cumulative Effects The cumulative effects area and activities used for the federal species are the same for the beardtongue. Since the beardtongue is not known to occur in the cumulative effects are there are no cumulative impacts expected from implementation of the proposed project. Determination Alternative 1 – the no action alternative would have no impact to the smooth beardtongue. Alternative 2 – while implementation of the proposed project may impact potential habitat, it is not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing for the smooth beardtongue. Overtime, the proposed habitat management may improve the habitat potential for the beardtongue. Mitigations None

CITATIONS FOR REGIONAL FORESTER SENSITIVE SPECIES ANALYSIS

Bowles, Marlin L., 1984. The Tallgrass Prairie Orchids Platanthera leaucophaea (Nutt.) Lindl. And Cypripedium candidum Muhl. Ex Willd.: Some Aspects of Their Status, Biology and Ecology and Implication Toward Management. Natural Areas Journal 3 (4): 14-37.

Braun, E. L. 1961. The Woody Plants of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus, OH. 362 pp.

Brundrett, Mark C. 1007. Scientific approaches to Australian temperate terrestrial orchid conservation. Australian Journal of Botany 55: 293-307. Catling, P.M., A.A. Reznicek, and W.J. Crins. 1993. Carex juniperorum (Cyperaceae), a new species from northeastern North America, with a key to Carex sect. Phyllostachys. Systematic Botany 18(3): 496-501. Cooperrider, T. 1995. The Dicotyledoneae of Ohio, Part 2: Linaceae through Campanulaceae. Ohio State University Press, Columbus, Ohio. 656 pp.

Cusick, A. 1993. Species Abstract for Carex juniperorum Catling, Reznicek, and Crins (Juniper sedge). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-

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listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Abstracts/C/CAREJUNI.htm

Cusick, A. and J. Burns. 1983. Species Abstract for Platanthera ciliaris (L.) Lindl. (Yellow-fringed Orchid). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Abstracts/P/platcili.htm

Cusick, A. 1982. Species Abstract for Botrychium biternatum (Sav.) Underw. (Sparse-lobed Grape fern). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Abstracts/B/botrbite.htm

Grant, Carl D. and John Koch. 2003. Orchid species succession in rehabilitate bauzite mines in Western Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 51: 453-457.

McCartney, D. and M. Goodwin. 2003. Plant species viability evaluations for Wayne National Forest Plan Revision. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/planning/plan_revision/sve/species_viability.html

McCartney D. and S. Swiezynski. 2003. Plant species viability evaluations for Wayne National Forest Plan Revision. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/planning/plan_revision/sve/species_viability.html

NatureServe 2004. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 4.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Available: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.

(ODNAP) Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. 2000. Natural Heritage Database for Wayne National Forest 12 County Area. Comma delimited ASCII file converted for view in ArcView® GIS. Housed at the Athens Ranger District office, WNF, Nelsonville, Ohio.

(ODNAP) Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. 2002. Natural Heritage Database for 29 Counties (including Wayne National Forest and the Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau). Shape file (.shp) for view in ArcView® GIS. Housed at the Athens Ranger District office, WNF, Nelsonville, Ohio.

Sharp, Penelope C. 2004. Platanther ciliaris (L.) Lindl. (Yellow fringed Orchis) Conservation and Research Plan for New England. New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA.

Spooner, D. 1983a. Species Abstract for Scutellaria saxatilis Riddell (Rock skullcap). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Abstracts/S/scutsaxa.htm

Spooner, D. 1983b. Species Abstract for Penstemon laevigatus Ait. (Smooth Beard-tongue). Ohio Endangered and Threatened Vascular Plants. Abstracts of State-listed Taxa. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Available: http://www.dnr.ohio.gov/dnap/Abstracts/P/penslaev.htm

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(USFS) U. S. Forest Service. 2006. Region 9 Regional Forester Sensitive Plant List for Wayne National Forest. Available: http://fsweb.r9.fs.fed.us/departments/nr/Wildlife/tes/rfss_forest_lists/forest_reports/Wayne_100506.pdf

Personal Communications

Haase, Gary. 2008. Phone conversation with Cheryl Coon, February 5, 2008. Preserve Manager for Kitty Todd, NW Ohio.

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Yellow fringed orchid site, wooded sub-population – monitoring plot C

(Photo removed to reduce file size for web viewing. See picture document also on web)

Wooded sub-population, monitoring Plot B

(Photo removed to reduce file size for web viewing. See picture document also on web)