Status of Listed Species and Recovery Plan Development

Geocarpon minimum -- Threatened

Missouri

Current Status:

This tiny plant was listed in 1987 as threatened because of its limited distribution and habitat destruction or modification from pasturing, off-road vehicle use, forestry practices, and succession. However, its status in Missouri now appears to be secure, and the species may be recovered within the next decade. Overgrazing currently is the primary threat to this plant, and it may be detrimental only to certain populations.

Achievements:

Schwartz's Prairie in St. Clair County was acquired by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, a non-profit citizens group, to protect a geocarpon site. The Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Prairie Foundation, and Missouri Department of Conservation also secured a Service Challenge Grant to develop a geocarpon management plan on Missouri Prairie Foundation lands

Current Recovery Needs:

Among the needs listed in the draft recovery plan are protecting viable populations throughout the species' range, searching potential habitat for additional populations, continuing to monitor known sites, establishing experimental populations, and determining the effects of disturbance.

Partnerships

Army Corps of Engineers: The Corps is working with the Missouri Department of Conservation to manage the Bona Glade at Stockton Reservoir.
Missouri Department of Conservation: The Department is working with the Missouri Prairie Foundation to develop a management plan for Schwartz's Prairie. In addition, the Department received $13,000 from the Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire an additional geocarpon site.
The Nature Conservancy: The Conservancy has registered and manages four sites. Registry is a nonbinding, non-regulatory program that recognizes landowners who have voluntarily agreed to protect natural features on their lands.
Missouri Prairie Foundation: The Foundation is developing a management plan for its recent prairie acquisition, which will include provisions for protecting geocarpon.

Recovery Plan Status:

Agency draft plan.