Inventory and Establishment of Monitoring Programs for Special Floristic Elements at Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Judziewicz, Emmet

This report gives accounts of 37 rare plant species describing the name, family, distribution and conservation status, habitat and associates at Isle Royale, appearance and similar species, reproductive biology, historically known populations at Isle Royale, populations newly discovered in Isle Royale, potential threats, monitored populations and monitoring recommendations. Exact locations of all special status species populations were mapped. Habitat data for each population location was collected for the most critical rare new plant populations, including community type, plant associates, overstory components, slope and aspect. GPS was used to record the positions of the most significant rare plant populations. Thirty-eight permanent plots were resurveyed and are reported here. The purpose of this project was to: 1) ascertain the status of plant species listed as endangered, threatened, or special concern by the State of Michigan, plus unlisted species that are rare on Isle Royale and grow on rock shores, forested areas at and near developed areas, and other vulnerable sites in the southwestern half of the Park, concentrating on those species specific to rock shoreline habitats and forest communities in developed zones; 2) re-survey a monitoring system for select species in rock shore habitats; 3) determine the effects of different management practices and Park uses on the special floristic elements of the rock shore community and other inventories sites; and 4) make management recommendations for the maintenance of these species' populations.