AN ASSESSMENT OF RARE PLANT SPECIES IN A HIGHLY DISTURBED AREA

Abstract

A botanical survey was conducted for specific species of rare plants growing in the McClintic Wildlife Management Area, located in Mason County, West Virginia. The purpose was to document the presence and abundance of rare plant species that are currently tracked in this area by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources as part of the Wildlife Diversity Program. Percent coverage for each plant species was estimated in both wetland and forested habitats. The data were analyzed to determine whether abundance was distributed identically across different habitats. The data collected indicated that the distribution of rare plant elements is not dependent on habitat. Rare plants were located and identified in both wetland and forested areas, and were comparable in abundance.