Status of Listed Species and Recovery Plan Development
Swamp Pink
Helonias bullata -- Threatened
Delaware
Current Status:
Habitat supporting the swamp pink is threatened by disturbances in adjacent uplands and the upstream watersheds. Such disturbances can degrade water quality, change hydrological conditions, and increase sedimentation in the wetland habitat supporting the swamp pink.
Achievements:
Five previously unknown swamp pink occurrences have been located in Delaware through field surveys. Through coordination between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Transportation, three new highway construction projects were realigned and redesigned to avoid adverse impacts to the species. The State is enforcing existing regulations that provide protection to the species and its habitat.
Current Recovery Needs:
Needed recovery actions include protecting habitat to maintain water quality and hydrological conditions, determining and monitoring threats to extant sites, defining essential habitat requirements, completing searches for additional populations, and conducting genetic research.
Section 6 Funding and Activities:
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was provided $4,100 in FY 1991 and $3,800 in FY 1992 to conduct field surveys for unknown populations and status surveys of known populations.
Partnerships
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: This State agency is searching for additional populations and protecting the species and its habitat.The Nature Conservancy: During the past 2 years, this private organization has acquired property that contains a swamp pink population. In conjunction with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Conservancy also has initiated a project to protect watersheds supporting the swamp pink.
Recovery Plan Status:
Plan approved 9/30/91.
