The purpose of the proposed project is to quantify the viability and longevity of the seed bank for five threatened and endangered Utah cactus species. These species are listed under the Endangered Species Act due to limited distributions and threats from livestock trampling, off-road vehicle use, illegal collection, oil and gas development, invasive species, and global climate change (USFWS 2015). All five of these locally endemic cactus species appear to be long-lived with adaptations that allow them to persist for decades to centuries in desert environments (Hornbeck 2021). Although we currently have detailed understanding of the aboveground life histories of Utah's rare cacti and have developed demographic models that detail population structure and behavior using data on aboveground individuals (Hornbeck 2017, 2018), these models do not include the seed bank. Quantification of the seed bank is needed to allow incorporation of seed survival rates, the probability that a seed will become a seedling, and the probability of a germinant growing to maturity in these models. Members of the cactus family (Cactaceae) are generally long-lived slow growing species, traits that make them especially vulnerable to disturbance (Godínez-Álvarez et al. 2003) and that have resulted in disproportionately high numbers of cacti on endangered species lists across the Americas (Goettsch et al. 2015). Although recent monitoring efforts for Utah's five listed cactus species (San Rafael cactus (Pediocactus despainii; endangered), Winkler cactus (Pediocactus winkleri; threatened), Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus; threatened), Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus; threatened), and Wright fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus wrightiae; endangered), have provided baseline understanding of the aboveground portions the species' life histories (Hornbeck 2017, 2018, 2021), our understanding of the potential role of soil seed banks in these species' population dynamics is minimal to non-existent. Although cacti are assumed to lack persistent seed banks (Godínez-Álvarez et al. 2003), even short-lived seed banks may serve as important buffers against drought or other threats, and therefore highly influence long-term population growth and viability. Godínez-Álvarez et al. (2003) identified the role of the seed bank in cactus population demography as an area in need of greater attention. At the time of that publication (2003) there was a single cactus study identified by the authors that included a seed bank in demographic models. Studies of cactus population dynamics (Arroyo-Cosultchi et al. 2022) are beginning to include seed banks in demographic models, but better understanding of cactus seed longevity and ecology is needed -- particularly for rare species. Literature Cited: Arroyo-Cosultchi, G., M.C. Mandujano, R. Salguero-Gómez, A.J. Martínez, and J. Golubov. 2022. What are the demographic consequences of a seed bank stage for columnar cacti? Population Ecology 64:35-46. Barrios, D, J.A. Sánchez, J. Flores, and E Jurado. 2020. Seed traits and germination in the Cactaceae family: a review across the Americas. Botanical Sciences 98(3):417-440. DePrenger-Levin, M. 2021. Seed dispersal and seed bank dynamics of Sclerocactus glaucus. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado. 8 pages. Godínez-Álvarez, H., T. Valverde, and P. Ortega-Baes. 2003. Demographic trends in the Cactaceae. The Botanical Review 69(2):173--203. Goettsch, B., C. Hilton-Taylor, G. Cruz-Pinon, et al. 2015. High proportion of cactus species threatened with extinction. Nature Plants 1: 15142. Harding, K.T. 2017. Sclerocactus wetlandicus: Habitat Characterization, Seed Germination and Mycorrhizal Analysis. Master's Thesis, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. 162 pages. Hornbeck, J.H. 2017. Monitoring cattle impacts on cactus species in Capitol Reef National Park: demographic analysis results 2013-2016. Prepared for Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, Utah. 45 pp. Hornbeck, J.H. 2018. Sclerocactus wetlandicus (Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus) and Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette Cactus) Range-Wide Demographic and Habitat Monitoring: Years 1-5 (2012-2016) Final Report. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Services Field Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mountain-Prairie Regional Office, Denver, Colorado. 90 pp. Hornbeck, J.H. 2021. Utah Cactus Quantitative Recovery Criteria Development. Prepared by Manzanita Botanical Consulting, Salt Lake City, Utah for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Field Services Office, West Valley City, Utah. 112 pages plus appendices. Rojas-Aréchiga, M. and C. Vázquez-Yanes. 2000. Cactus seed germination: a review. Journal of Arid Environments 44:85--104. USFWS. 2015. Winkler cactus (Pediocactus winkleri) and San Rafael cactus (Pediocactus despainii) Draft Recovery Plan. December 2015. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado. 145 pages. USFWS. 2018. Conclusion of Section 7 Consultation for the Issuance of Special Use Permits for Livestock Grazing and Trailing in Capitol Reef National Park. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Field Services Office, West Valley City, Utah. 49 pages. USFWS. 2019a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Domestic and Foreign Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notification of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions. Federal Register 84(197):54732-54756. USFWS. 2019b. GIS workflow document: Process for evaluating population totals for Sclerocactus. Analysis conducted September 2019. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Services Field Office, West Valley City, Utah.

The aim of the proposed project is to quantify the viability and longevity of the seed bank for five threatened and endangered Utah cactus species. Measurable objectives are to: 1) quantify the proportion of seed that remain viable in the soil for up to three years for each species; 2) quantify the proportion of seed that germinate; and 3) quantify seed mortality rates. Quantification of these currently unknown life stages will provide more rigorous understanding of population behavior, population viability, and development of more focused recovery criteria and actions for these species.

There is high potential for impacts to the seed bank, individual plants, and populations from oil and gas development, livestock grazing, wild horses and burros, and/or dispersed recreation for Utah's five federally listed cactus species. Improving our understanding of the life histories and demographic behaviors of these species is essential for informing recovery of populations and their habitats and improving future outcomes.

Not applicable.

No direct reductions of fuels or fire risk will occur as part of this project.

For all of the species addressed here, long-term conservation efforts support better understanding and management of intact ecosystems that keep soils and soil water in place, protect water quality, and improve overall ecological functioning.

J. Hope Hornbeck, Manzanita Botanical Consulting, holds the current 10(a)1(A) research permit that includes limited seed collections for Sclerocactus brevispinus and S. wetlandicus. Seed collections and handling collected seeds by agency biologists is covered under programmatic research and monitoring agreements. Additional permitting under ESA, or for cultural resources, for the proposed activities will not be required.

Task 0. Coordination of inter-agency seed collections. Timing of fruit development and seed collection opportunities versus seed packet installation will require pre-project collection of seed and cold storage in May and June 2022 (FY2022). All seed collections will occur under existing permitted activities and will be performed as in-kind contributions to the project. Manzanita Botanical Consulting will coordinate with BLM botanists and Capitol Reef National Park on timing and amounts of seed collections. Dashell Burnham, BLM Green River District Botanist, will perform seed collections as part of 2022 survey efforts for Pediocactus despainii, P. winkleri, and Sclerocactus wrightiae. Seed collections for S. brevispinus and S. wetlandicus will be completed as part of 2022 demographic monitoring and/or other field activities in coordination with Utah USFWS and the BLM VFO. If seed availability is limited, we may examine alternative seed sources (e.g., http://www.mesagarden.com or another certified seed source). There is no budget for this task, although we estimate a minimum in-kind contribution of $5,000 for each species ($25,000 total) for personnel and travel. Task 1. Seed Packet Installations. The seed packets will contain a total of 900 seeds for each species, or 90 packets of 10 seeds each (Van Mourik et al. 2005). Seed packets will be constructed using a synthetic mesh fabric (i.e., Skeeta Mosquito No-See-um Netting Fabric) and an electric heat sealer (in possession). Packets will be transported in seed envelopes labeled with the species and location information. For each species, we will identify three population sites for seed packet burials, with a focus on sites that are near existing monitoring sites and that have already been surveyed for cultural resources to prevent any need to invoke regulations under NEPA. At each site, we will prepare three replicate seed bank study trenches approximately three inches deep and 24 inches in length. In each trench, we will plant ten packets, each containing ten mature seeds, in a row at a depth of approximately one to two inches. Seed packet installations will occur in September 2022. The proposed budget for this task comprises 75 hours for installation of seed packets at 15 field sites (75 hours x $70.00/hour = $5,250.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (1500 miles x $0.575/mile = $862.50) and lodging (3 nights total x $100.00/night average = $300.00). In kind contributions to this task will include agency field staff assistance estimated at approximately one 10-hour day for each species (50 hours total) for site visits and seed packet installations, or approximately $5,000. Task 2. Year 1 Seed Packet Retrievals. Seed packets will be collected at five intervals: 1) 8 months after installation in May 2023; 2) 12 months post-installation in September 2023; 3) 20 months post installation in May 2024; 4) 24 months post-installation in September 2024; and 5) 32 months post-installation in May2025. We do not expect seeds to remain viable longer than 24 months; however, if it appears that the seeds have high viability after the third retrieval, the retrieval schedule may be adjusted to extend the study period for an additional 8 to 12 months. Each seed collection will comprise two seed packets from each trench, or 60 seeds per species. The proposed budget for this task comprises 20 hours for coordination and travel to collect retrieved seed packets (20 hours x $70.00/hour = $1,400.00) and reimbursement for vehicle mileage (1000 miles x $0.575/mile = $575.00). We assume lodging will not be required. In kind contributions to this task will include field staff assistance estimated at approximately one 10-hour day for each species (50 hours total) for seed packet retrievals, or approximately $5,000. Task 3. Seed Viability Assessments. Seed viability will be evaluated using visual assessment and quantification of seed loss or mortality, germinated seeds, and the shape and hardness of ungerminated seeds. In addition, we may also evaluate seed germination rates for a subset of the seed using physical and chemical scarification to trigger germination (Harding 2017). Seed condition and viability data will be compiled and summarized for each species, with an annual results summary presented to the Utah USFWS species leads and stakeholder agencies. The proposed budget for this task comprises 20 hours for seed viability assessments and data summaries (20 hours x $70.00/hour = $1,400.00).

All outcomes from the proposed tasks will be reported to the managing entity (USFWS, BLM, Capitol Reef National Park) and as part of ESMF reporting requirements. Manzanita Botanical Consulting will perform all activities in coordination with the Utah USFWS species leads, BLM Vernal and Price Field Offices, and Capitol Reef National Park.

Project partners include the Utah U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pediocactus and Sclerocactus species leads (Jena Lewinsohn, Rita Reisor, Lark Willey), Dashell Burnham, Regional Botanist for the BLM Green River District, Sandra Robins, Botanist for the BLM Vernal Field Office, and Morgan Wehtje, Capitol Reef National Park Biologist. The USFWS and stakeholder agencies recognize the importance of initiating this study and have committed staff time for coordination and field efforts to see to its completion.

The nature of the proposed seed bank studies require multiple years to complete. We currently estimate that Tasks 2 and 3 will need to be repeated in FY2024 and FY2025 to assess seed longevity and viability for Utah's five listed cactus species. We do not expect that the project will continue beyond FY2025. The estimated annual cost for completion of the project is approximately $3,500 per year, or $7,000.00 to complete beyond FY2023.

Not applicable.

07/01/2022

06/30/2023

2023

he aim of the FY2023 project was to initiate seed bank studies for Utah's five threatened and endangered cactus species to quantify important life history characteristics that will inform conservation and trend monitoring. FY2023 tasks were: 0) coordination of inter-agency seed collections; 1) seed packet installations in fall 2022; 2) Year 1 seed packet retrievals; and 3) seed viability testing and additional seed collections. All tasks were completed as proposed with any deviations noted in the sections below. Task 0. Coordination of inter-agency seed collections. Seed collections for Sclerocactus brevispinus and S. wetlandicus occurred in June 2022 as part of other mitigation and range-wide monitoring activities, with a total of 191 and 208 seeds collected, respectively. Seed collections for Sclerocactus wrightiae were completed by Capitol Reef National Park biologists in June 2022, with a total of 183 seeds collected. Seed collections for S. wrightiae and Pediocactus despainii in the BLM Price Field Office did not occur in 2022 due to resource limitations. Task 1. Seed Packet Installations. In fall 2022, the seeds were sorted into lots of 100 seeds per species for seed viability testing, and remaining seeds were packaged for burial at one or more seed bank study sites. Seed packet installations were completed on November 16 at the Gypsum Sink Hole and Jailhouse Rock S. wrightiae seed bank study sites in Capitol Reef National Park, and on November 17, 2022 at the Pariette East S. brevispinus and King's Canyon S. wetlandicus seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin BLM Vernal Field Office. Task 2. Year 1 Seed Packet Retrievals. We revisited the Jailhouse Rock S. wrightiae seed bank study site on May 4, 2023 in Capitol Reef National Park. We excavated the seven S. wrightiae seed packets containing a total of 63 seeds to examine them for seed condition, germination, and mortality. We also excavated ten seed packets at Kings Canyon on May 18, 2023, and nine seed packets at Pariette East on June 6, 2023. Because there was little or no sign of seed deterioration or germination at any of the study sites, we reburied all seed packets to reserve seeds for later collections. The next proposed retrieval of one or more seed packets will be in late October or early November 2023. Task 3. Seed Viability Assessments/2023 Seed Collections. In early fall 2022, we submitted 100 seeds for each species to Susan Meyer, USDA Shrub Lab, Provo, Utah for seed viability testing. Seed viability testing was completed in spring 2023. Because seed viability testing was performed on an in-kind basis, we used remaining resources to complete additional seed collections in June 2023.

A seed bank study for Utah's five threatened and endangered cactus species (Pediocactus despainii, P. winkleri, Sclerocactus brevispinus, S. wetlandicus, and S. wrightiae) was implemented in June 2022. The purpose of the project is to quantify the viability and longevity of cactus seeds and thereby assess the demographic role of the seed bank in population trend and behavior. Project activities in FY2023 comprised pre-FY2023 seed collections performed under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit Number ES41329C and by Capitol Reef National Park field biologists in early summer 2022, submittal of seeds to the USDA Shrub Lab for viability testing, installation of seeds packaged in nylon packets in fall 2022, and excavating seed packets to assess seed condition, mortality, and germination in spring 2023. Manzanita Botanical collected 1596 Sclerocactus seeds in the Uinta Basin in June 2022 and Capitol Reef National Park biologists collected 348 Pediocactus and Sclerocactus seeds in the park in July 2023. All project activities were performed under the Utah BLM State Office USFWS Permit Number TE165829-3 and Manzanita Botanical Consulting's research permits: USFWS Permit Number ES41329C and USDOI NPS Permit Number CARE-2022-SCI-0019. Task 0. Pre-project coordination of inter-agency seed collections. All pre-FY2023 seed collections were completed as in-kind contributions to the project. In June 2022, 191 seeds were collected from 22 Sclerocactus brevispinus individuals: 139 seeds from 16 individuals at the Pariette East range wide monitoring site, and 52 seeds from six individuals at the West Pariette range wide monitoring site. In June 2022, 208 seeds were collected from 16 S. wetlandicus individuals: 110 seeds from seven individuals at the Gasco North range wide monitoring site, and 98 seeds from nine individuals at the Wrinkles Road mitigation control site. Seed collections were limited due to late fruit maturation in 2022. In June 2022, 183 seeds were collected from nine S. wetlandicus individuals: 113 seeds from five individuals at Ackland Spring, and 70 seeds from four individuals at Gypsum Sinkhole in Capitol Reef National Park. All collected seeds were transported to Manzanita Botanical Consulting and refrigerated until they were packaged for either viability testing or burial. Task 1. Seed packet installations. In fall 2022, the seeds were sorted into lots of approximately 10 seeds easch and packaged in sealed polyester nylon mesh packets for burial at the seed bank study sites. Seed packet installations were completed on November 16 at the Gypsum Sinkhole and Jailhouse Rock S. wrightiae seed bank study sites in Capitol Reef National Park, and on November 17, 2022 at the Pariette East S. brevispinus and King's Canyon S. wetlandicus seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin BLM Vernal Field Office. The seed bank study plots comprise an approximately 0.5-meter rectangular trough roughly 1-2 inches deep. The seed packets were arranged within the trough and mapped to document packet position by seed source. At Pariette East, we installed nine seed packets containing a total of 83 S. brevispinus seeds. At Kings Canyon, we installed ten seed packets containing a total of 104 S. wetlandicus seeds. At Gypsum Sinkhole, we installed two seed packets containing just 20 S. wrightiae seeds, and at Jailhouse Rock, we installed seven seed packets containing 63 S. wrightiae seeds. The seed bank study in Capitol Reef National Park is being performed under National Park Service Permit# CARE-2022-SCI-0019. Task 2. Year 1 Seed Packet Retrievals. On May 4, 2023, Manzanita Botanical revisited the Jailhouse Rock S. wrightiae seed bank study site. The seven seed packets containing 63 S. wrightiae seeds were excavated and examined to determine seed condition and any signs of mortality or germination. All 63 seeds were dark and hard, indicating no change to seed condition, and the seed packets were reburied. Early season flooding prevented access to the Gypsum Sinkhole study site and the seed packets at this site will both be collected in fall 2024 to minimize travel between study sites. On May 18, 2023, we revisited the Kings Canyon S. wetlandicus seed bank study site and excavated the ten seed packets contained 104 seeds for examination. All of the seeds were dark and hard and were reburied. On June 6, 2023, we revisited the Pariette East S. brevispinus seed bank study site and excavated the nine seed packets containing 83 seeds for examination. One seed was missing and was assumed dead and decayed. The remaining 98.8% of seeds were dark and hard, and were reburied. Task 3. Seed Viability Assessments/2023 Seed Collections. One hundred seeds for each species were submitted to the USDA Shrub Lab in Provo, Utah for viability testing in fall 2023. Average seed viability across all three Sclerocactus species was 95.0 percent. Seed viability for S. brevispinus was 95.0%, for S. wetlandicus was 93.0%, and for S. wrightiae was 96.9% (95.6% at Gypsum Sinkhole and 98.1% at Ackland Spring). Summer 2023 seed collections were performed by Manzanita Botanical in the Uinta Basin and by Capitol Reef National Park biologists. On June 6, 2023, we collected 86 seeds from eight S. brevispinus at Pariette East. Seed collections for this species were limited due to late fruit set. From June 8 to June 23, 2023, we collected 1,510 seeds from 49 S. wetlandicus across the species' range. On July 7, 2023, park biologists collected 93 seeds from six S. wrightiae in the Hartnet district, and on July 12, 2023, they collected 155 seeds from 11 P. winkleri in the Lower South Desert. Overall, it was a spectacular, though delayed, fruiting year for Sclerocactus in the Uinta Basin.

All of the tasks performed in FY2023 will be continued, all or in part, for a minimum of three years (through FY2025) and up to five years (FY2027). The 1,944 cactus seeds collected in 2023 have been catalogued and are in cold storage at Manzanita Botanical. At least 100 seeds of each species will be tested for viability. The remaining seeds for P. winkleri, and S. brevispinus and S. wrightiae will be sorted and packaged into nylon seed packets for installation at the seed bank study sites in late October or early November 2023. The S. wetlandicus seeds will be sorted and packaged as well, but because we collected more seed than needed for the seed bank study, any surplus seeds will be submitted to the ARS Plant Germplasm Preservation Research facility in Fort Collins, Colorado for long-term cryo-storage. We expect to package and bury approximately 800 S. wetlandicus seeds (80 seed packets) across three seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin in fall 2023. Ideally, we will install sufficient numbers of seed packets for each species to allow collection of at least 100 seeds (ten seed packets) per collection event. We need to install approximately 700 more seeds (70 seed packets) for each species to allow us to collect 100 seeds per species in both spring and fall through 2027. We will remove a small set of seed packets in spring 2024, but will leave most seed packets in place to extend the study timeline. To date, all results suggest that these species possess at least a short-lived seed bank. Nearly 100% of the seeds installed in November 2022 appeared to remain viable as of spring 2023. Further, the high seed viability results from spring 2023 further underline the likelihood of long-lived seeds. Future seed packet excavations and seed viability testing will be used to develop a seed longevity model that can be used to estimate the size and longevity of seed banks for these species.