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Species:

Florida Bonamia (Bonamia grandiflora)— Threatened
Pygmy Fringe-tree (Chionanthus pygmaeus)— Endangered
Garrett's Mint (Dicerandra christmanii)— Endangered
Scrub Mint (Dicerandra frutescens)—Endangered
Snakeroot (Eryngium cuneifolium)—Endangered
Highlands Scrub Hypericum (Hypericum cumulicola)—Endangered
Scrub Blazingstar (Liatris ohlingerae)—Endangered
Scrub Lupine (Lupinus aridorum)—Endangered
Papery Whitlow-wort (Paronychia chartacea)— Threatened
Wireweed (Polygonella basiramia)—Endangered
Scrub Plum (Prunus geniculata)—Endangered
Carter's Mustard (Warea carteri)—Endangered
Florida Ziziphus (Ziziphus celata)—Endangered

Current Status:

Threats to the species continue due primarily to habitat loss from agricultural and residential development.

Achievements:

The State's land acquisition programs, accelerated by greatly increased funding through a program known as Preservation 2000, has given high priority to purchasing biological preserves for these species, plus the Florida scrub jay, two threatened lizards, and other narrowly-distributed species of the central Florida scrub. At least two major purchases are anticipated in 1993, and State purchases could total over 20,000 acres. The Fish and Wildlife Service has also proposed establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Wales Ridge in the same area, potentially up to 10,000 acres in size. The State and Service proposals overlap. Scrub lupine also is being monitored and protected at a small site.

Current Recovery Needs:

Land acquisition remains a primary need. However, as land is purchased, preserve management is becoming increasingly important. The small, isolated populations of scrub lupine also need monitoring.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

The State of Florida is planning to use the $22,500 provided in FY 1992 to set up a monitoring program and develop fire management or other plans.

Partnerships

U.S. Air Force: Incorporating species requirements into its land management policies, the Air Force is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy and Archbold Biological Station in its land management approach on the Avon Park Air Force Range.

Florida Department of Natural Resources: State parks management is being conducted consistent with species requirements and in collaboration with other partners.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry: With lead responsibility for fire management, the Division of Forestry is carrying out its land managing responsibilities consistent with species requirements and in collaboration with other partners.

Archbold Biological Station: Responsible for research, conservation priorities, and coordination of biological expertise, Archbold Biological Station has developed and disseminated scientific information on the scrub ecosystem and the status of its species.

Bok Tower Gardens: Responsible for a successful garden propagation program (especially for Florida ziziphus), this organization has developed and disseminated scientific information on the scrub ecosystem.

The Nature Conservancy: The Conservancy's State chapter has purchased small tracts of land for its own preserve system and as an intermediary for the State government. It has sponsored a planned Habitat Conservation Plan for the threatened Florida scrub jay, likewise expected to benefit the ecosystem's scrub plants.

Recovery Plan Status:

Garrett's mint and scrub mint—plan approved 7/1/87.

Remaining 11 plants—plan approved 1/29/90.