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Current Status:

All 5 known populations of the species are within 14 miles of one another. The greatest threat to the Tennessee purple coneflower is loss or adverse modification of its habitat due to road building; commercial, residential, and industrial construction; intensive livestock grazing; encroaching vegetation; and off-road vehicle use.

Achievements:

Studies of the species' biological requirements have been completed, and a long-term evaluation of management techniques for maintaining and improving its habitat has been initiated. Portions of two populations on State-owned property are protected through a management agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The Nature Conservancy has purchased two sites supporting the species.

Current Recovery Needs:

The highest priority is to secure permanent protection for the remaining coneflower sites. This will require purchasing property or obtaining long-term conservation easements. Research on habitat management techniques is also necessary.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1991, $11,230 were provided to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to begin a study on management techniques, conduct an experimental project to reestablish the species, continue maintenance of the species in cultivation and provide seeds for research, and obtain baseline data for monitoring the success of recovery efforts. In FY 1992, $9,000 were provided to the Department to continue the management techniques study, continue maintenance of the species in cultivation, and begin a site protection project with construction of a fence.

Partnerships

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation: In addition to activities conducted through its section 6 cooperative agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department has also initiated a landowner contact/site protection project for the protection of the Tennessee purple coneflower and two other federally listed plants. Funds provided by the Service for this 2-year project will be matched by The Nature Conservancy.

The Nature Conservancy: The Conservancy has an active land protection program in the cedar glade region of Tennessee and has acquired two sites that support the Tennessee purple coneflower. The Conservancy will provide funding for half of the cost of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's landowner identification/site protection project.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 2/14/83; revised 11/14/89.