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Northeastern bulrush Listed: 5/7/1991 Status since listing: Stable The northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) ranges within the Appalachian Mountains from Vermont and New Hampshire to western Virginia, with most populations occurring in Pennsylvania. It is extirpated from New York and Quebec [3]. It is difficult to determine population trends because the number of observable plants in a population fluctuates widely over time (even going to zero) in response to water levels and competition [1]. When water levels are high (often due to beaver activity), most wetland plants including the bulrush die, but quickly return from seed when water levels decline. The bulrush initially does well as water levels drop, but in a few years is out-competed by other wetland plants. It requires subsequent flooding to begin the cycle again. The number of populations and their ecological integrity is better measure of the species' status than counts of individual plants [1]. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Two populations known as of 1994 [3]. Statewide annual population trends are not available, just minimum counts of fruiting stems at specific sites in specific years [2]. VERMONT: Two populations were known at the time of listing in 1991 [2]. Twenty additional populations were discovered by 2005, due to federal funding and better understanding of the plant's habitat requirements and life history. MASSACHUSETTS: Only a single site has ever been known in Massachusetts. A specimen was collected in 1928, but the plants were not observed at the site in 1978 or 1982 [5]. Four mature plants in leaf with "very good vigor" were observed in 1989, none in 1991 and 1992, and one clump (probably one genet) in 1993. The population was not visible in 1998, 1999, and 2001, but thought to be possibly declining. Three mature plants were found in 2003, two of which were considered vigorous and one in poor vigor. MARYLAND: One population was known as of 1994 [3]. PENNSYLVANIA: Fifty-four populations were known as of 1996 [3], most discovered since listing [4]. VIRGINIA: Four populations were known as of 1994 [3]. WEST VIRGINIA: Two populations were known as of 1994 [3]. The overall population trend is thought to be stable, though not well-quantified [1, 3]. There is some discussion about delisting the bulrush or downlisting it to "threatened" status [1]. The idea is supported by some biologists (e.g. Rob Popp, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife), but only if adequate long-term protection is established for a sufficient number of populations. It has been asserted that none of the known sites are specifically protected for the species [3], but it is unclear when this assessment was made. [1] Popp, R. 2006. Personal communication with Rob Popp, Program Botanist, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, January 6, 2006. |
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