The purpose of this 3-to-5-year project is to quantify the viability and longevity of the seed bank for Utah's five threatened and endangered 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). 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, 2022a, 2022b). 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 2022). 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. Members of the cactus family (Cactaceae) are generally long-lived slow growing species, traits that make them especially vulnerable to disturbance (Godínez-Ãlvarez 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 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-Ãlvarez et al. 2003; Rojas-Arechiga and Vazquez-Yanes 2000), 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-Ãlvarez 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 are beginning to include seed banks (Arroyo-Cosultchi et al. 2022), but better understanding of cactus seed longevity and ecology is needed -- particularly for rare species. Quantification of the seed bank for Utah's five listed cactus species 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. Better understanding of the role of the seed bank in rare cactus population dynamics will provide better estimations of current population conditions and potential future trends. 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 -Ãlvarez, 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. 2022. Utah Cactus Quantitative Recovery Criteria Development -- revised. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Field Services Office, West Valley City, Utah. 112 pages + appendices. Rojas-Arechiga, M. and C. Vazquez-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. 2022a. Draft species biological report for Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) and Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Field Services Office, West Valley City, Utah. USFWS. 2022b. Draft recovery plan for Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) and Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus). August 2022. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region, Denver, Colorado. 21 pp. Van Mourik, T.A., T.J. Stomph, and A.J. Murdoch. 2005. Why high seed densities within buried mesh bags may overestimate depletion rates of soil seed banks. Journal of Applied Ecology 42:299-305.

The aim of the proposed project is to quantify the viability and longevity of the seed bank and the probability and timing of seed germination 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 five years for each species; 2) quantify the proportion of seeds 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.

Seed collection, handling, transport, and seed packet installations in FY2023 were carried out under the authorization and conditions defined in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit Number TE41329C-0, which was valid from July 6, 2017 to July 6, 2022. All FY2024 activities will be conducted under the renewed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit Number ES41329C (valid from October 5, 2022 to October 4, 2027). Both permits are held by J. Hope Hornbeck, Manzanita Botanical Consulting. The current permit allows limited seed collections, seed viability testing, and seed packet installations and retrievals for Pediocactus despainii, P. winkleri, Sclerocactus brevispinus, S. wetlandicus, and S. wrightiae. All project activities in Capitol Reef National Park are being performed under National Park Service Permit# CARE-2022-SCI-0019a. Seed collection, handling, and transport by BLM 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.

In 2022, we collected 191 S. brevispinus seeds, 208 S. wetlandicus seeds, and 183 S. wrightiae seeds. Of these, 100 seeds of each species were submitted to the USDA Shrub Lab in Provo, Utah for viability testing. The remaining seeds were packaged into nylon mesh packets and installed in field sites in November 2022. No seeds were collected for Pediocactus despainii or P. winkleri in 2022 due to limited agency staffing and limited fruiting due to ongoing drought. The focus of FY2024 activities are on installation of seed bank studies for the two Pediocactus species, additional seed packet installations for the three Sclerocactus species, and a second year of seed packet retrievals and viability assessments. Additional seed collections are planned for June 2023. Tasks for FY2024 will comprise: Task 1) installations of seed packets for all five species and examination of seed condition in previously installed seed packets in fall 2023; 2) retrievals of a set of seed packets from each site and quantification of seed viability and germination in spring 2024; and 3) collections of additional seed for all five species in early summer 2024. All tasks will be conducted in coordination with agency biologists. Because agency staffing is currently limited, particularly at the two BLM Field Offices, in-kind labor contributions by BLM botanists have been kept to a minimum. We assume that all tasks will be completed, all or in part, by Manzanita Botanical Consulting. Seed viability testing has been generously provided by Susan Meyer, USDA Shrub Lab, Provo, Utah, which represents an in-kind contribution of approximately $1,000 per species, or $5,000 total. Seed viability testing of 100 Sclerocactus brevispinus, 100 S. wetlandicus, and 100 S. wrightiae seeds is currently underway with results expected in early 2023. Task 1. Seed Packet Installations -- Year 2. Seed packet sample sizes for each species will ideally comprise 300 seeds, or 30 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 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 two to 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 ideally occur in late September to late October 2023. The proposed budget for this task comprises 48 hours for installation of seed packets at up to three field sites for each species (48 hours x $72.00/hour = $3,456.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (800 miles x $0.625/mile = $500.00), lodging (3 nights total x $150.00/night average = $450.00), and expense reimbursement ($200.00). In kind contributions to this task will include 8 hours from Manzanita Botanical ($576.00), and agency field staff assistance estimated at approximately one 12-hour day for each site ($3,600.00). The total budget for this task is $8,782.00. Task 2. Seed Packet Retrievals -- Year 2. Seed packets will be examined and/or 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 year two seed packet retrievals will focus on spring 2024. The proposed budget for this task comprises 40 hours for travel and field time to collect retrieved seed packets (40 hours x $72.00/hour = $2,880.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (800 miles x $0.625/mile = $500.00), lodging (3 nights total x $150.00/night average = $450.00), and expense reimbursement ($200.00). In kind contributions to this task will include 8 hours from Manzanita Botanical ($576.00), and agency field staff assistance estimated at approximately one 12-hour day for each site ($3,600.00) for site visits and seed packet retrievals. The total budget for this task is $8,206.00. Task 3. Seed Collections -- Year 3. Seed collections for all five species will be completed in early summer (mid to late June) 2024. Seeds will be collected following the permitted methods defined in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit Number ES41329C, with no more that 10% of available seed collected from any given individual or population. The date, location, species, individual plant identification number (for monitored plants), number of seeds per fruit, number of seeds collected, and collectors name will be recorded on a pre-labeled seed packet. Seeds will be transported at ambient temperature to a dry cooler, and kept cool until they are packaged for installation. The proposed budget for this task comprises 60 hours for travel and field time to collect seeds (60 hours x $72.00/hour = $4,320.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (800 miles x $0.625/mile = $500.00), lodging (3 nights total x $150.00/night average = $450.00), and expense reimbursement ($200.00). In kind contributions to this task will include 8 hours from Manzanita Botanical ($576.00), and agency field staff assistance estimated at approximately one 12-hour day for each site ($3,600.00) for site visits and seed packet retrievals. The total budget for this task is $9,771.00.

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. In addition, annual research permit reports are required for both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit and the National Park Service Permit.

Project partners include the Utah U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pediocactus and Sclerocactus species leads (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.

The nature of this 3-5 year seed bank study requires multiple years to complete. Tasks 1 and 2 will need to be repeated in FY2025 and potentially into FY2027 depending on observed seed longevity and viability for Utah's five listed cactus species. As stated previously, because agency staffing is currently limited, particularly at the two BLM Field Offices, we assume that all tasks will be completed, all or in part, by Manzanita Botanical Consulting. The estimated ESMF funding need for completion of Tasks 1 and 2 in FY2025 is approximately $4,800 and a maximum of $14,400.00 to complete the project through FY2027.

Not applicable.

07/01/2023

06/30/2024

2024

The aim of the FY2024 Cactus Seed Bank Study project was to quantify the viability and longevity of the seed bank and the probability and timing of seed germination for five threatened and endangered Utah cactus species. Our project objectives are to: 1) quantify the proportion of seed that remain viable in the soil for up to five years for each species; 2) quantify the proportion of seeds that germinate; and 3) quantify seed mortality rates. Project tasks for FY2024 comprised: 1) installation of seed packets for five cactus species and examination of seed condition in previously installed seed packets in fall 2023; 2) retrievals of a set of seed packets from each site and quantification of seed viability and germination in spring 2024; and 3) collections of additional seed for all five species in early summer 2024. 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. Our approach for these tasks is detailed in the sections below. Task 1. Seed Packet Installations -- Year 2. Seed collections for Sclerocactus wetlandicus, S. brevispinus, S. wrightiae, and Pediocactus winkleri were performed in June 2023. In fall 2023, the seeds were sorted into lots of 100 seeds per species for seed viability testing, and remaining seeds were packaged for burial at seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin and Capitol Reef National Park. Seed packet installations were completed at two sites in Capitol Reef National Park on November 3 and 4, 2023, and on November 5 and 6, 2023 in the Uinta Basin. 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. Task 2. Seed Packet Retrievals -- Year 2. The next seed packet retrieval will be in late October or early November 2024. Seed viability testing (tetrazolium staining) was performed at the Colorado State University Seed Lab in Fort Collins, Colorado. In late 2023 we submitted seeds collected in June 2023 for additional baseline viability the 2022 seed packets retrieved in November 2023 for one-year post-dispersal viability testing. Task 3. Seed Collections -- Year 3. Seed collections were performed in early summer (June 2024). Seed collections were performed by cutting open or removing a single ripe fruit from the top of a cactus stem and/or removing the seeds with forceps to a small plastic container. The total seeds in the fruit were counted and approximately 10% of total seeds available on the plant (number of seeds x number of fruits x 0.10) were transferred to a seed envelope labeled with the study individual (if applicable), date, collector, location, number of fruits, number of seeds, and seeds collected. Seeds were transported in a dry cooler to Salt Lake City where they were packaged for either viability testing or seed packet installation.

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 FY2024 comprised: 1) installations of new seed bank study sites and examination of seed condition in previously installed seed packets in fall 2023; 2) retrievals of a set of seed packets from each site and quantification of seed viability and germination in fall 2023; and 3) collections of additional seeds in early summer 2024. 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 1. Seed Packet Installations -- Year 2. In fall 2023, a subset of the seeds collected in June 2023 were sorted into lots of approximately 10 seeds each and packaged in sealed polyester nylon mesh packets for burial at the seed bank study sites. In early November 2024, we installed a small seed bank study comprised of five packets containing 41 seeds (due to limited seed availability) for Pediocactus winkleri in Courthouse Wash and an additional 14 seed packets (10 seeds per packet) for S. wrightiae at the existing Jailhouse Rock seed bank study site. In the Uinta Basin, we added two new S. wetlandicus seed bank study plots at Four Mile Canyon (360 seeds) and Gasco South (310 seeds) and installed an additional 26 seed packets (260 seeds) at Kings Canyon. We also installed an additional five seed packets (50 seeds) at the S. brevispinus Pariette East study site. Seed packet installations have been completed for S. wetlandicus. Task 2. Seed Packet Retrievals -- Year 2. In early November 2023, we retrieved 12 seed packets from the three existing seed bank study sites installed in November 2022 (Jailhouse Rock, Kings Canyon, and Pariette East). We revisited the Jailhouse Rock S. wrightiae seed bank study site in Capitol Reef National Park on November 3, 2023. We excavated the existing seven S. wrightiae seed packets containing a total of 63 seeds to examine them for seed condition, germination, and mortality, and retrieved two packets (20 seeds) for viability testing. The remaining five seed packets were reburied for later retrieval. All seed appeared viable. In the Uinta Basin, we excavated the ten seed packets installed in fall 2022 at Kings Canyon on November 5, 2023 and examined them for seed condition, germination, and mortality, and retrieved 6 packets (61 seeds) for viability testing. We also excavated the nine seed packets at Pariette East on November 5, 2023 and examined them for seed condition, germination, and mortality, and retrieved 4 packets (34 seeds) for viability testing. All seed appeared viable. We reburied all remaining seed packets for later collections. In early 2024 we submitted a total of 115 seeds that were buried in November 2022 and retrieved in November 2023 for 1-year post-dispersal viability, and an additional 431 seeds for baseline viability testing. Viability testing submittals for each species were: 34 S. brevispinus seeds buried in November 2022 and 36 seeds collected in June 2023; 61 S. wetlandicus seeds buried in November 2022 and 241 seeds dispersed onto the parent stem in 2023 and collected in June 2024; 20 S. wrightiae seeds buried in November 2022 and 51 seeds collected in June 2023; and 103 Pediocactus winkleri seeds collected in June 2023. Baseline seed viability for S. wetlandicus has ranged from 0.000 (Bonanza and Nine Mile East study sites) to 0.980 (Four Mile Wash study site), with some sites exhibiting high seed viability in both 2022 and 2023. The S. wetlandicus one-year post-dispersal viability results were 0.000 (all seed retrieved was collected from the Gasco North study site). However, the 2023 S. wetlandicus seeds collected in 2024 from on top of cactus stems had high viability (0.890-0.860, Gasco South and Four Mile Wash, respectively), which suggests that the low viability results reflect poor seed quality at the study site and not a trend of rapid viability loss for the species. A larger and more widely dispersed set of S. wetlandicus seed packets will be retrieved in fall 2024. Baseline seed viability for S. brevispinus has ranged from 0.290 (2023) to 0.962 (2022), with the 2022 seeds retrieved in November 2023 had very low viability (0.600). Baseline seed viability for S. wrightiae has ranged from 0.956 (Gypsum Springs) to 0.981 (Ackland), with the 2022 seeds retrieved in November 2023 exhibiting high viability (0.900). Pediocactus winkleri baseline seed viability ranged from 0.590 to 0.670. Task 3. Seed Collections -- Year 3. In spring 2024, we collected 2023 S. wetlandicus seeds that were still in place on top of cactus stems at the Kings Canyon and Gasco South study sites. Seed collections were not performed in Capitol Reef National Park in FY2024. We attempted seed collections for Pediocactus despainii in the BLM Price Field Office, but only 27 seeds were collected due to limited fruiting and low seed numbers. Additional seed collections are planned for S. brevispinus and P. despainii in FY2025. No 2024 seeds were collected for S. wetlandicus because seed bank study site installations are complete for this species.

The tasks performed in FY2024 will be continued, all or in part, through FY2025 and for up to five years (FY2027). No new seed packet installations will occur in FY2025 due to limited seed availability for S. brevispinus and the two Pediocactus species. Seed collections are planning for these species in spring 2025. Seed collections and seed bank study site installations for S. wetlandicus are complete. We will collect 100 seeds from each of three S. wetlandicus seed bank study sites (Four Mile Wash, Gasco South, Kings Canyon) in fall 2024 for both one-year and two-year post dispersal viability testing. To date, all results suggest that these species possess at least a short-lived seed bank. The FY2025 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.