Plants
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest botany program
With nearly 720 species of plants, the forest showcases a range of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. From sagebrush-steppe habitat to lodgepole pine and subalpine fir, aspens and cottonwood to alpine wildflowers and whitebark pine--the forest is home to a diverse range of plant species that provide essential habitat and food for the wildlife of southwest Montana.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest botany program oversees all things related to plants and pollinators across the forest. With districts straddling the Continental Divide, the forest is host to a wide variety of fauna, ranging from prairie dotted with sagebrush, densely forested areas, and the lush, high alpine meadows of the Gravelly Range.
Sensitive species
Our botany program oversees and monitors 63 designated sensitive plant species and two sensitive pollinator species. Whitebark pine is currently the only federally listed plant species on the forest; however, several pollinator species are currently being considered for listing by the USFWS.
Western bumble bees
Once common throughout our region, western bumble bee populations have decline precipitously since the mid-1990s. Each year, we conduct forest-wide bee surveys with the help of partners and volunteers in concert with the Mike Ivie Bee Lab at MSU and with the MT Bumble Bee Atlas. From 2022–2024, we documented eight western bumble bees across the forest and made several new-to-county collections.
Native seed collections
The spread of invasive species, climate, and other factors affect many of the species native to our area. To give native species a better chance of thriving in the future, we run a native plan materials program, which involves local seed collections and management of local seed stock at the Coeur d'Alene Nursery.
We also conduct revegetation studies, seed mix prescriptions for projects, and wildlife and pollinator-friendly seeding and plantings. Since 2012, the forest has been participating in a region-wide effort to collect and increase local strains of restoration species.
Research Natural Areas (RNAs)
Research Natural Areas are unique, high-quality examples of widespread ecosystems that are designated to be permanently protected and maintained in their natural condition. In this way, they serve as baseline examples for similar habitats where future management may occur. In coordination with the Youth Employment Program, we’re currently mapping weed populations within our 14 existing and two proposed RNAs, before conducting follow-up treatments.