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, 2023a, 20232b). 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 are predictive of population structure and behavior for aboveground individuals (Hornbeck 2017, 2018, 2022), these models do not include the seed bank. By quantifying seed viability, longevity, and possibly germination triggers, we will be able to incorporate these important life processes into our demographic models and provide more accurate estimates of current and future population status for these species. In general, our primary goal is to develop seed longevity curves for each species that will allow us to estimate seed survival and germination rates, and thereby refine our understanding of population viability and drivers of population behavior. 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, 2022), 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. 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. 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. PRISM 2024. Time series climate data. PRISM Climate Group. Oregon State University. https://prism.oregonstate.edu. 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. 2023a. Species biological report for Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) and Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus). September 2023. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Ecological Services Office, West Valley City, Utah. 84 pp. USFWS. 2023b. Draft recovery implementation strategy for Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus) and Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus). June 2023 -- Version 1.0. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region, Denver, Colorado. 12 pp. USFWS. 2023c. Recovery plan for Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) and Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus). September 2023. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region, Denver, Colorado. 25 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. To date, we have identified very high baseline seed viability in all three Sclerocactus species (range 93%-98%; n=321 seeds). As of November 2023, there has been almost loss of seeds in the seed packets installed in 2022, with seeds remaining hard and intact. All evidence to date suggests the seeds are long lived. We are awaiting viability testing results for 115 seeds buried for 1 year and an additional 694 seeds collected in 2023.

All seed bank study locations have been selected based on several factors: 1) accessibility and proximity to monitoring sites to maximize staff resources and time; 2) protection from livestock trampling or dispersed recreation and low visibility from roads or trails; and 3) occupied or otherwise suitable habitat with appropriate soil and habitat conditions. To date, we have established seven seed bank study plots, three for S. wetlandicus (two fenced, one unfenced), one for S. brevispinus (unfenced), two for S. wrightiae (unfenced), and one for Pediocactus winkleri (fenced). This project was proposed due to clear gaps in our understanding of seeds and potential seed banks in population models developed to provide quantitative recovery criteria for these species. The final recovery plan for S. brevispinus and S. wetlandicus was published in 2023; however, survival and germination rates for seeds will allow us to refine the demographic models for these species are better inform recovery. Recovery plans for S. wrightiae, and P. despainii and P. winkleri are in development; whereby the results of this project can potentially be incorporated into quantitative recovery criteria for these species.

Seed survival and viability are not specifically identified in the 2023 Final Recovery Plan for Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) and Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus; USFWS 2023b). However, these life history characteristics were identified as a data gap during quantitative recovery criteria development (Hornbeck 2022). This project is not relevant to any management plans for S. wrightiae, P. despainii, or P. winkleri that we are aware of.

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. FY2024 and FY2025 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-0019. 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.

This project is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Utah Ecological Field Services Office, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Bureau of Land Management Vernal and Price Field Offices. Pre-project seed collections were completed in June 2022: 191 seeds were collected from 22 S. brevispinus individuals (139 seeds from 16 cacti at the Pariette East range wide monitoring site and 52 seeds from six cacti at the West Pariette range wide monitoring site); 208 seeds were collected from 16 S. wetlandicus individuals (110 seeds from seven cacti at the Gasco North range wide monitoring site, and 98 seeds from nine cacti at the Wrinkles Road mitigation control site); and 183 seeds were collected from nine S. wrightiae individuals (113 seeds from five cacti at Ackland Spring, and 70 seeds from four cacti at Gypsum Sinkhole) in Capitol Reef National Park. In FY2023, 100 seeds of each species were submitted to the USDA Shrub Lab in Provo, Utah for viability testing: 95% average S. brevispinus seed viability (94.6% at Pariette East and 96.2% at Pariette West); 93% average S. wetlandicus seed viability; and 96.9% average seed viability (95.6% at Gypsum Sinkhole and 98.1% at Ackland Spring), respectively. In November 2022, the remaining 91 S. brevispinus, 108 S. wetlandicus, and 83 S. wrightiae seeds were packaged in nylon mesh packets and buried in lots of ten in polyester mesh packets approximately two inches below the soil surface at seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin (two sites) and Capitol Reef National Park (two sites). No seeds were collected for Pediocactus despainii or P. winkleri in FY2023 due to limited agency staffing and limited fruiting due to ongoing drought. In early May and June 2023, we revisited the seed bank study sites in CARE and the Uinta Basin, respectively, and excavated the seed packets and documented whether the seeds were intact, germinated, or dead. Because there were no signs of seed germination or mortality in any of the packets at any of the sites we reburied all seed packets. In summer 2023, 86 S. brevispinus seeds and 1,510 S. wetlandicus seeds were collected in the Uinta Basin, and 193 S. wrightiae seeds and 155 Pediocactus winkleri seeds were collected in CARE. In November 2023 (FY2024), we excavated and examined seed packets at the existing seed bank study sites, and collected approximately 15 seed packets for viability testing, and reburied all remaining packets. We also installed 930 S. wetlandicus seeds, 50 S. brevispinus seeds, 140 S. wrightiae seeds, and 41 P. winkleri seeds in nylon mesh packets (10 seeds per packet) in seed bank study sites in the Uinta Basin (four sites) and Capitol Reef National Park (two sites). This effort completed installations for S. wetlandicus, but additional seed bank study sites are needed for the other four cactus species. Seed collection efforts in June 2024 will focus on seed collections for these sites. Due to Susan Meyer's retirement from the USDA Shrub Lab, we identified the Colorado State University Seed Lab as an alternative seed viability testing facility. In early 2024, we submitted a total of 694 of the 1,944 seeds collected in June 2023 for TZ (tetrazolium staining) viability testing. In addition, we submitted 115 seeds that were buried from 2022 to 2023 for TZ testing. Remaining FY2024 tasks comprise revisiting the seed bank study sites to assess seed condition, survival, and germination, and to conduct focused seed collections. FY2025 project tasks comprise: 1a) excavating and examining 1,659 seed packets installed in 2022 and 2023 to quantify seed condition, 1b) retrieving approximately 20% of the seed packets at each seed bank study site for second and third year seed viability testing, and 1c) installing additional seed packets for Pediocactus despaini, P. winkleri, Sclerocactus brevispinus, and S. wrightiae provided seed is available, in fall 2024; 2) excavating and examining seed packets installed in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to quantify seed condition in and perform seed collections as needed in spring 2025; 3) seed collections in early summer 2025; and 4) developing demographic models that incorporate seed banks based on the results of the 2023-2025 seed condition observations and viability testing results. All field 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 will be performed by the Colorado State University Seed Lab. Task 1. Seed Packet Installations -- Year 3. Year 3 seed bank study site installations will be focused on establishing one ore more additional plots for S. brevispinus and P. winkleri, and establishing a seed bank study site for P. despainii. Seed packet sample sizes for these 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 and an electric heat sealer. Packets will be transported in envelopes labeled with the species and location information. Like the existing sites, new sites will be selected based on accessibility, security, and habitat. 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 early November 2025. The proposed budget for this task comprises 58 hours for installation of seed packets at up to three field sites for each species (58 hours x $72.00/hour = $4,176.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (800 miles x $0.670/mile = $536.00), lodging (3 nights total x $150.00/night average = $450.00), expense reimbursement ($150.00), and $500.00 for TZ testing. 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 $10,038.00. Task 2. Seed Packet Retrievals -- Year 3. 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 late September-early November 2023; 3) 20 months post installation in May 2024; 4) 24 months post-installation in late September-early November 2024; and 5) 32 months post-installation in May 2025. We initially did not expect seeds to remain viable longer than 24 months; however, all results to date indicate high viability and survival rates. We plan to develop seed survival curves based on the FY2023-FY2025 results but expect that the study period will need to be extended for an additional year or two. The proposed budget for Spring 2025 seed packet retrievals 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 $0.670/mile = $536.00), lodging (3 nights x $150.00/night average = $450.00), expense reimbursement ($150.00), and $500 for TZ testing. 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 $8,242.00. Task 3. Seed Collections -- Year 4. Seed collections will be conducted as needed to provide baseline viability data or to increase seed bank sample sizes for one or more target species (specifically Pediocactus despainii and P. winkleri) and will be completed in early summer (mid to late June) 2025. 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 40 hours for travel and field time to collect seeds (40 hours x $72.00/hour = $2,880.00), reimbursement for vehicle mileage (700 miles x $0.670/mile = $469.00), lodging (2 nights x $150.00/night average = $300.00), and expense reimbursement ($100.00). 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 $6,375.00. Task 4. Seed Bank Model Development. Baseline and seed bank study seed viability testing results from FY2023 through FY2025 are expected to enable use to develop seed survival curves (time x viability rate) for each species. The modeled seed survival rates will be incorporated into our existing models by adding seed bank stages based on presumed seed longevity and germination rates. If, for example, S. wetlandicus seeds have a baseline seed viability rate of 93% (0.930), and we observe that viability rate to decrease gradually over time (i.e., 1-2%), and we find an average seed germination rate of 2% per year (which presumably varies based on precipitation timing and amounts), we might estimate that maximum longevity for any seed cohort is 8 year, and create eight seed bank stages to capture the transition of a seed from 1 year old, to two years old, probability of germination in a given year, and so on. We have demographic models for four of the five species (no data to support models for P. despainii). We will attempt to develop seed survivorship curves and revised demographic models for all five species using congener data as surrogate information as needed. These draft models will be shared with USFWS and the managing entities. The proposed budget for this task comprises 60 hours for data management, curve development, and model revisions (60 hours x $72.00/hour = $4,320.00). In kind contributions to this task will include 16 hours from Manzanita Botanical ($1,152.00). The total budget for this task is $5,472.00.

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), Sandra Robins, Botanist for the BLM Vernal Field Office, and Morgan Wehtje, Capitol Reef National Park Biologist. There is currently no botanist or staff partner on the Price Field Office but we are continuing to work with PFO management on developing the project. 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 the project beyond FY2025 is approximately $15,000.00 per fiscal year.

Not applicable.

07/01/2024

06/30/2025

2025

The aim of the FY2025 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 Utah's threatened and endangered cactus species. In FY2025 we completed the following: 1) Year 3 seed packet retrievals and viability testing; 2) coordinated with the Red Butte Garden Conservation Program on seed germination trials, seed curation and long-term storage, and on development of plant materials; 3) completed limited Year 4 seed collections; and 4) developed a Sclerocactus demographic model that incorporates a short-lived seed bank. Task 1. Year 3 Seed Packet Retrievals Fall 2024. 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. In early November 2024, we retrieved 100 seeds (ten seed packets) each from the Four Mile Wash and Gasco South seed bank study sites. We also retrieved 53 seeds (5 seed packets) installed in 2022, and 190 seeds (19 seed packets) installed in 2023 from the Kings Canyon seed bank study site. The seeds were processed (sorted and counted) and submitted to the Colorado State University Seed Lab in Fort Collins, Colorado for viability testing (tetrazolium staining). There was not sufficient seed available for additional seed bank study installations in fall 2024. Task 2. Year 3 Seed Packet Retrievals Spring 2025. No seed retrievals occurred in spring 2025. Because of limited available seed in the established seed bank study plots, we delayed retrievals to fall 2025 at the earliest. Instead, we used these resources to support Utah cactus seed studies at the Red Butte Garden Conservation Program. FY2025 activities comprised : 1) Sclerocactus germination trials material and overhead costs ($1,000); 2) Sclerocactus seed storage and curation materials and overhead costs for 48 accessions ($960); 3) Sclerocactus plant materials development materials and overhead for 50 plants ($3,250); and 4) 120 hours of RBG staff time ($3,000). Task 3. Year 4 Seed Collections Summer 2025. Site reconnaissance and seed collections for Sclerocactus wetlandicus and S. brevispinus were performed in early June 2025. Seed collections were very limited due to a poor flowering year and high incidence of flower and fruit predation at the Refuge and Pariette East study sites. Task 4. Seed Bank Model Development. Additional years data will be needed to accurately model seed longevity for Utah's listed cacti; however, we do have sufficient information to draft models that incorporate a short-lived seedbank for Sclerocactus wetlandicus. Baseline and seed bank study seed viability testing results to date were used to develop a S. wetlandicus seed survival curve (time x viability rate). The modeled seed survival rates were incorporated into existing models by adding seed bank stages based on presumed seed longevity and germination rates.

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. All project activities were performed under USFWS Recovery Permit Number ES41329C. Task 1. Year 3 Seed Packet Retrievals Fall 2024. The seed bank study plots comprise an approximately 0.25-meter by 0.50-meter rectangular trough roughly five centimeters deep. The seed packets were arranged within the trough and mapped to document packet position by seed source. Task 2. Year 3 Seed Packet Retrievals Spring 2025. No seed retrievals occurred in spring 2025. Because of limited available seed in the established seed bank study plots, we delayed retrievals to fall 2025 at the earliest. Instead, we used these resources to support Utah cactus seed studies at the Red Butte Garden Conservation Program. FY2025 activities comprised : 1) Sclerocactus germination trials material and overhead costs ($1,000); 2) Sclerocactus seed storage and curation materials and overhead costs for 48 accessions ($960); 3) Sclerocactus plant materials development materials and overhead for 50 plants ($3,250); and 4) 120 hours of RBG staff time ($3,000). Task 3. Year 4 Seed Collections Summer 2025. 2025 was a very challenging year for reproductive studies of Sclerocactus and Pediocactus species. While flowering occurred in late April, there were multiple spring frost events that caused flowers to get frozen and aborted in many of our study sites. In addition, possibly due to extended drought, we observed small mammal predation of flowers and fruits on Sclerocactus wetlandicus (Refuge), S. brevispinus (Pariette East), and Pediocactus despainii (Wedge Overlook). Also, in the Uinta Basin there were S. wetlandicus individuals bearing both flowers and ripe fruits in early June -- demonstrating delayed/interrupted flowering and scattered fruit set. Seed outputs were limited, but we were able to collect 197 S. wetlandicus seeds from 28 individuals, and 13 seeds from P. despainii from nine individuals. All collected seeds were submitted to Red Butte Garden Conservation Program for accession. No additional seed bank study installations are planned for the immediate future. Task 4. Seed Viability Testing Results and Bank Model Development. Pariette cactus. In June 2022, we collected 235 Sclerocactus brevispinus seeds from 24 individuals (114 seeds from 17 individuals at Pariette East and 77 seeds from 7 individuals at Pariette West). All seed collections and seed bank study installations occurred on BLM-administered lands. We submitted 100 of the Pariette East and Pariette West 2022 seeds (68 and 32, respectively) for baseline viability testing (2022 viability = 0.946 and 0.962, respectively). In November 2022, we installed seven seed packets containing 64 seeds in a shallow trough (trough #1) at the Pariette East study site. In June 2023, we collected 92 seeds from eight individuals at the Pariette East study site and submitted 42 seeds for baseline viability testing (2023 viability = 0.290). We installed the remaining fifty 2023 seeds in trough #2 at Pariette East and retrieved the seven seed packets installed in 2022 for viability testing. Of the 64 seeds installed in 2022, only 34 seeds were intact, and seed viability was near zero (0.060). Because the remaining seeds at the Pariette East seed bank study site were known to have low viability, the five seed packets (50 seeds) in trough #2 were retrieved in November 2024 and submitted for testing. Seed viability for the 2023 seeds after one year in the soil was zero (0.000). These are highly disparate results suggest that Pariette cactus seed quality is low and that seed viability can vary widely between years. Admittedly, our baseline and retrieval samples were small due to low seed outputs throughout the study period. Further, the evidence of low fruit and seed outputs and low seed viability suggest demographic decline due to loss of habitat and associated pollinator services, genetic bottlenecking, or other mechanisms of population decline due to small, increasingly isolated populations. Wright's Fishhook Cactus. 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). Winkler's Cactus. Pediocactus winkleri baseline seed viability ranged from 0.590 to 0.670. San Rafael Cactus. We had a very small sample of 27 P. despainii seeds tested for baseline seed viability in 2024. Of the 27 seeds submitted, only seven contained an embryo, and of those seven, only 71% (5) were viable, for a viability rate of 18.4%. Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus. Our observations to date indicate that S. wetlandicus seeds have an average dispersal seed viability rate of approximately 93.7% (range 0.919-0.980). Measured seed viability in the soil or on the parent plant (serotiny) averaged 83.2% after one year or about a 10% decline. If we assume an annual decline in seed viability of 10%, then we have lost approximately 50% of seeds within 5 years of dispersal. The same rates of viability loss can also be modeled with static seed germination rates (conservatively, 10% per year). If we instead model episodic recruitment events based on precipitation timing and amounts (late summer monsoons), then seed loss will proceed more slowly in most years. We also have demographic monitoring data that allows us to estimate seed outputs for a given population. We used the Four Mile Wash population to model an idealized population of 1,000 cacti comprised mostly of medium sized adult cacti, but with a sustainable proportion of seedlings and juveniles, and large reproductive plants. We used observed fecundity rates (seedlings produced per adult plant per year) and estimated annual seed germination rates conservatively at 2.0%. We have observed high seed outputs in this study population, with an estimated 100,000 seeds produced by approximately 200 mature cacti in 2023. We have also observed low flowering years when almost no seeds were produced. The model does not yet make biological sense, and produced unreasonably high population growth rates well above anything we have observed. Nevertheless, this new information is valuable to recovery planning and will continue to be developed as new data are acquired. It is likely that seed banks cannot be incorporated into population models without clear links to climate -- particularly annual and seasonal precipitation, as rates of seed germination, seedling survival, and seed outputs are not static. We are revisiting the model and will create climate-based demographic 'years' to build into stochastic analyses. Recent genetic analyses suggest that the Uinta Basin Sclerocactus (S. brevispinus and S. wetlandicus) are a single species with local adaptations (Naibauer and McGlaughlin, in review). Monitoring results from 2012-2024 (Hornbeck 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) support the presence of unique habitat characteristics that drive local adaptations and demographic behaviors in S. brevispinus populations that are not observed in S. wetlandicus populations. Nevertheless, we assume that S. brevispinus seed viability and longevity in healthy populations should follow the same patterns observed for S. wetlandicus. We recommend that seed collections are performed throughout Pariette cactus' distribution and that the seed bank study is repeated on larger scale when enough high-quality seed is acquired. Based on our results from 2022-2025, this will likely require multiple years of seed collections and viability testing. We also recommend continued assessments of reproductive outputs and seed viability to support this effort. In summary, the Sclerocactus brevispinus seed bank study was inconclusive, but suggests wide variation in reproductive outputs and seed quality between demographic years. Range wide seed collections, viability testing, and seed bank studies are needed to: 1) assess causation for observed high variation in seed quality between years; and 2) obtain viable seed for long term conservation and recovery implementation.

As of the close of FY2025, we have multiple seed bank study sites that still contain seeds for future analyses. These sites comprise: 1) Gypsum Sinkhole (20 Sclerocactus wrightiae seeds), Jailhouse Rock (183 S. wrightiae seeds), and Cathedral Valley (41 Pediocactus winkleri seeds) in Capitol Reef National Park; and 2) Four Mile Wash (240 S. wetlandicus seeds), Gasco South (200 S. wetlandicus seeds), and Kings Canyon (70 S. wetlandicus seeds) in the Uinta Basin. We plan to retrieve a portion of these seeds in fall 2025 but will extend the project duration for at least another two years so that seed longevity can be assessed. In fall 2025 we will retrieve 100 seeds each from the Gasco South and Four Mile Wash seed bank study sites. We will retrieve the remaining seeds (70) from the Kings Canyon study site in fall 2026. Any remaining seeds at the seed bank study sites will be retrieved in fall 2026 or fall 2027, depending on the 2025 retrieval results. If seeds continue to display high viability then we recommend delaying the Four Mile Wash retrieval (because these seeds displayed the highest baseline viability in 2024) to fall 2027. All seeds will be submitted for seed viability testing. Project continuation starting in FY2027 will take place as part of the Utah Cactus Recovery Implementation Project (in development) in coordination with State and Federal partners.