This is a brief summary of primarily UNPS related but also other conservation history concerning this species. It is not comprehensive and is a work in progress. For questions about this page, contact unps@unps.org.
Promises and commitments made by the state of Utah were broken in connection with this species, and the state agency responsibile for managing its habitat, SITLA, has acted in a closed door fashion and in the nature of an aggressive real estate developer that largely ignores best management practices despite claims and statutory responsibilities to the contrary. Current or former state employees with knowledge relating to SITLA transgressions towards the environment are encouraged to contact Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).
These are listed in chronological order. Links will open in a new browser window. Just close the window to come back to this page. Most images are in the 50-60K range and are sized to be able to print them to a laser printer.
- First collection made in 1874
- While not named until 1892 by Frederick Coville, the first collection of the species was made in 1874 by Dr. Charles C. Parry. John C. Fremont made the first bear poppy collection in 1844 of Arctomecon california. The only three known species of Arctomecon have therefore been named and known as such since 1892. All are gypsophiles.
- Proposed to be listed as endangered, June 16, 1976
- Citation page: 41 FR 24523 24572
- 1978 publications urged listing
- Dr. Stanley Welsh of BYU in March 1978 Great Basin Naturalist recommends listing as endangered
- Dr. Duane Atwood of the USFS in August 1978 Mentzelia indicates that unless this species is listed, it will become extinct
- Later in the A Utah Flora series, Dr. Welsh stated (referring initially to the rare species of the genus Arctomecon):
As irreplaceable portions of our natural heritage they should be regarded as a national prize, as jewels of great price, and protected for future generations, whose advocacy this generation must represent.
The low bearclaw poppy is legitimately cited as endangered under stipulations of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Despite that listing and attempts by concerned and state agencies and many private individuals, the habitat is being systematically impacted by off-road traffic. Only prudent preservation of the habitat will guarantee survival of this species into the future.
from Welsh, Stanley L., N. Duane Atwood, Sherel Goodrich and Larry C. Higgins, editors, A Utah Flora, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1987/2nd ed (p. 509), 2003/3d ed, (p. 473), and 2008/4th ed, (p. 544)
- Dr. Duane Atwood of the USFS in August 1978 Mentzelia indicates that unless this species is listed, it will become extinct
- Listed as an endangered species November 6, 1979
- Listed throughout its entire range; known only from Utah.
- Citation page: 44 FR 64250 64252
- UNPS initiates action in early 1983
- UNPS conservation chair Tony Frates initiates contacts with various state and federal agencies as well as with botanists in March of 1983 after the poppy is identified as the "most endangered" species in the Utah flora. Activity is continuous throughought 1983 and Dr. Duane Atwood, the rare plant committee chair, plays a vital role.
- State of Utah Dwarf BearClaw Poppy Recovery Plan (approved by land board 12/83)
- (this document was the culmination of UNPS efforts with respect to working with the state of Utah
in gaining their cooperation and as outlined/recommended in the federal recovery plan)
- Sept 30, 1983 application - page 1/main application
- State Of Utah (Natural Resources & Energy, State Lands & Foresty) letter of October 5, 1983 signed by Kevin S. Carter (then Land Specialist) to the Galen Buterbaugh, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Denver)
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Note in the first page Kevin Carter states:
We feel a need to demonstrate that we can effectively manage lands on a "School Trust" basis and still consider and protect other environmental factors.
We feel that we will be able to manage and provide as much protection to this endangered species as any federal agency could provide.
- Page 2
- SL Tribune article by Jim Woolf dated 11/8/83: Utah Plans Steps to Save Endangered Poppy
- Part 1
- Part 2
- State of Utah/Matheson letter to BLM of 2/3/84 affirming state concept of ACEC's
- Letter (one page)
- USFWS recovery plan approved in 1985
- Recovery plan was approved December 31, 1985 (it however has never been funded by the USFWS).
- Monitoring efforts begin in 1985
- In 1985 Kevin Carter (State Lands & Forestry) initiated some informal monitoring studies. This was the beginning of an effort that later led to UNPS initiating a full scientific study to better understand the populations. Prior to President's Day, 1985, materials were prepared and provided to Kevin Carter for his possible use in patroling (President's Day is a heavy use/ORV day at the White Dome site).
- UNPS field trip - early May, 1985
- Dave Wallace of UNPS set-up a field trip after hearing a talk by Larry England and various UNPS/local Sierra Club Chapters met with Kevin Carter and signs at White Dome were re-posted.
- UNPS The Endangerd Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy brochure written/designed by Tony Frates in early 1986
- Side 1
- Side 2
- State efforts continue in 1986
- Two days prior to President's Day, 1986, signs at White Dome were re-posted. An organized motorcycle event was again this year held and the state assisted in monitoring activities.
- UNPS sponsored field trip on 4/26/86
- (photos by Tony Frates)
- Kevin Carter (State Lands & Forestry) and Dave Wallace (UNPS) survey various flattened signs
- UNPS volunteers (Dave Wallace and others) help to re-post state of Utah signs
- Kevin Carter inspects a poppy near a criss-cross of ORV tracks
- Kevin Carter (State Lands & Forestry) and Dave Wallace (UNPS) survey various flattened signs
- UNPS establishes a bear poppy study committee
- Chaired by Dick Page, UNPS initiates a proposal for the study of the species which an ad hoc study committee reviews and provides input; input from the academic community is sought.
- BLM letter letter of 3/30/89 in reply to Harper/Nelson letter above
- Letter (one page)
- Threatened Bear Claw Poppy Receives Help from The Nature Conservancy's GreatBasin newsletter, fall 1990
- Page 1
- SL Tribune article by Jim Woolf dated 5/19/91: Program Surveys Rarest Plant in Utah: Dwarf Bear-Claw Poppy Near St. George
- Part 1 (Ben Franklin/poppy pictured; documents ongoing ORV damage)
- Bearclaw Poppy Then and Now - A 20 Year Retrospective
- Dave Wallace photos documenting severe state of habitat decline on the White Dome (state owned/SITLA managed) and Atkinville (primarily state owned and nearing complete extirpation) lands comparing how they looked in the mid-1980's compared to how they looked in May of 2004
- Dwarf Bear Poppy Day declared in St. George (May 3, 2007)
- From the May 3, 2007 St. George City Council Minutes:
PROCLAMATION: Marilyn Davis advised that Washington County is the only place in the world the Dwarf Bear Claw Poppy grows, and it is in full bloom now.
Mayor Pro Tem Orton read a proclamation declaring the second Saturday in May as Dwarf Bear Claw Poppy Day in the City, and presented the proclamation to Ms. Davis.
- The Nature Conservancy Congratulates St. George on Dwarf Bear Poppy Day (May 4, 2007 article)
- Saturday May 12, 2007 was the first Dwarf Bear Poppy Day in St. George.
- The Nature Conservancy Congratulates St. George on Dwarf Bear Poppy Day (May 4, 2007 article)
- TNC Announces Preserve Purchase (June 25, 2007)
- The Nature Conservancy announces the purchase of a 55 acre reserve at White Dome as part of an overall plan to acquire 800 acres.
Some limited habit for Pediocactus sileri (also a federally listed plant species) is included.
- In the September 2007 edition (vol. XXXII No.3) of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Endangered Species Bulletin, the article Conserving a Natural Utah Treasure by Elaine York, TNC's Western Regional Director, provides additional details.
- TNC White Dome Preserve Survey May 2008
- According to a report from The Nature Conservancy, a May 2008 survey on its new 55 acre survey in the beleaguered White Dome area revealed an above-average bloom this year and above normal seed production. 2007-2008 was an above average water year, or at least better than what still seems to be an extended drought. These "better" years are essential for the species to have any hope of longer term survival since its seeds are known to be long-lived.
- Construction begins on new St. George Aiport (10/17/08)
- This project likely marks the beginning of the end for dwarf bearclaw poppy and other rare plant species in the St. George area.