Status of Listed Species and Recovery Plan Development
Northern Wild Monkshood
Aconitum noveboracense -- Threatened
Wisconsin
Current Status:
Several significant populations occur along the Kickapoo River, where they remain threatened by an incomplete dam project near LaFarge. Although the Army Corps of Engineers ceased construction on the dam years ago, it never has been deauthorized. Its completion would inundate a number of the best northern wild monkshood populations in Wisconsin. Several other monkshood populations are on private land, where they are threatened by habitat destruction, as well as herbicides in agricultural use.
Achievements:
Substantial gains have been made for this species, as well as five other plants (eastern prairie fringed orchid, Fassett's locoweed, dwarf lake iris, Pitcher's thistle, and prairie bush-clover), through a landowner identification and contact program conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Several hundred landowners have been contacted, and many have signed non-binding "Rare Plant Stewardship" protection agreements.
Current Recovery Needs:
The larger populations of northern wild monkshood need permanent protection from habitat destruction or degradation, either through land purchases by a conservation group or management agreements developed with the landowner. Populations must be monitored to assess health.
Partnerships
Army Corps of Engineers: Protection of Kickapoo River monkshood populations from vandalism and collection are ongoing efforts being carried out by this Federal agency.Environmental Protection Agency: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received $91,614 from this Federal agency to continue and expand the landowner contact program for Wisconsin's six endangered and threatened plant species. The Environmental Protection Agency hopes to avoid adverse impacts to these species from herbicides regulated under its authority.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: The landowner contact program is an ongoing effort being carried out by this State agency.
Recovery Plan Status:
Plan approved 9/23/83.
