Skinner’s Agalinis Recovery Strategy

Photo: Allen Woodliffe
2016

About the Ontario recovery strategy series

This series presents the collection of recovery strategies that are prepared or adopted as advice to the Province of Ontario on the recommended approach to recover species at risk. The Province ensures the preparation of recovery strategies to meet its commitments to recover species at risk under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) and the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada.

What is recovery?

Recovery of species at risk is the process by which the decline of an endangered, threatened, or extirpated species is arrested or reversed, and threats are removed or reduced to improve the likelihood of a species’ persistence in the wild.

What is a recovery strategy?

Under the ESA a recovery strategy provides the best available scientific knowledge on what is required to achieve recovery of a species. A recovery strategy outlines the habitat needs and the threats to the survival and recovery of the species. It also makes recommendations on the objectives for protection and recovery, the approaches to achieve those objectives, and the area that should be considered in the development of a habitat regulation. Sections 11 to 15 of the ESA outline the required content and timelines for developing recovery strategies published in this series.

Recovery strategies are required to be prepared for endangered and threatened species within one or two years respectively of the species being added to the Species at Risk in Ontario list. Recovery strategies are required to be prepared for extirpated species only if reintroduction is considered feasible.

What’s next?

Nine months after the completion of a recovery strategy a government response statement will be published which summarizes the actions that the Government of Ontario intends to take in response to the strategy. The implementation of recovery strategies depends on the continued cooperation and actions of government agencies, individuals, communities, land users, and conservationists.

For more information:

To learn more about species at risk recovery in Ontario, please visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Species at Risk webpage at: www.ontario.ca/speciesatrisk

Recommended citation

Bowles, J.M. 2016. Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario. v + 9 pp + Appendix iv + 16 pp. Adoption of Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada (Environment Canada 2012).

Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2016
ISBN 978-1-4606-7431-4 (HTML)
ISBN 978-1-4606-3087-7 (PDF)

Content (excluding the cover illustration) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

Cette publication hautement spécialisée « Recovery strategies prepared under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 », n’est disponible qu’en anglais en vertu du Règlement 411/97 qui en exempte l’application de la Loi sur les services en français. Pour obtenir de l’aide en français, veuillez communiquer avec recovery.planning@ontario.ca.

Author

Jane M. Bowles – Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario

Acknowledgments

The Ministry gratefully acknowledges the passion and excellent work of the late Jane Bowles, who regrettably passed away on July 27, 2013.

Clint Jacobs, Allen Woodliffe, Paul Pratt and Leanne Jennings have provided valuable comments and insights during the development of this report. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

Declaration

The recovery strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). This recovery strategy has been prepared as advice to the Government of Ontario, other responsible jurisdictions and the many different constituencies that may be involved in recovering the species.

The recovery strategy does not necessarily represent the views of all of the individuals who provided advice or contributed to its preparation, or the official positions of the organizations with which the individuals are associated.

The goals, objectives and recovery approaches identified in the strategy are based on the best available knowledge and are subject to revision as new information becomes available. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy.

Responsible jurisdictions

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Environment Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario

Executive summary

The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) requires the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to ensure recovery strategies are prepared for all species listed as endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Under the ESA, a recovery strategy may incorporate all or part of an existing plan that relates to the species.

Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) is listed as endangered on the SARO List. The species is also listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Environment Canada prepared the Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada in 2012 to meet its requirements under the SARA. This recovery strategy is hereby adopted under the ESA. With the additions indicated below, the enclosed strategy meets all of the content requirements outlined in the ESA.

Skinner’s Agalinis has a very limited distribution in Ontario: at Walpole Island First Nation, on the St. Clair River delta where it grows in fresh to moist tallgrass prairie on sandy loam with few or no trees; and at Reaume Prairie in La Salle, south of Windsor. At the Reaume Prairie, little open prairie habitat remains at the Skinner’s Agalinis location, because woody plant species have encroached onto the site, which has not been burned for several years. Periodic fire may be essential to the maintenance of the habitat type.

Due to the extremely low number of extant occurrences and the lack of detailed knowledge of Skinner’s Agalinis habitat, it is recommended that the precautionary principle should be applied in the regulation of the habitat.

At Reaume Prairie, La Salle, it is recommended that the habitat regulation be applied: (1) to the northwest portion of the Reaume Prairie Environmentally Significant Area at the location where Skinner’s Agalinis has been recorded in the past; and (2) at other locations of Reaume Prairie Environmentally Significant Area that contain suitable habitat. Suitable habitat would include areas that are open and support a fresh to mesic tallgrass prairie vegetation type, or that could be restored to a similar habitat type and that have similar surface hydrology.

Since the specific location of this annual species may vary from year to year depending on seed dispersal, moisture conditions, burning and other factors, suitable habitat at Walpole Island First Nation includes the area occupied by extant populations and the extent of contiguous surrounding habitat with the same vegetation structure, a similar species composition and similar moisture regime.

Walpole Island First Nation’s position is that it has never ceded or surrendered lands on the deltaic deposits at the mouth of the St. Clair River. In the opinion of the author, it is recommended that the government of Ontario not apply a habitat regulation for Skinner’s Agalinis on Walpole Island First Nation lands.

Adoption of federal recovery strategy

The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) requires the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to ensure recovery strategies are prepared for all species listed as endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Under the ESA, a recovery strategy may incorporate all or part of an existing plan that relates to the species.

Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) is listed as endangered on the SARO List. The species is also listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Environment Canada prepared the Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada in 2012 to meet its requirements under the SARA. This recovery strategy is hereby adopted under the ESA. With the additions indicated below, the enclosed strategy meets all of the content requirements outlined in the ESA.

Species assessment and classification

Common name: Skinner’s Agalinis

Scientific name: Agalinis skinneriana

SARO list classification: Endangered

SARO list history: Endangered (2005), Endangered – Not Regulated (2004)

COSEWIC assessment history: Endangered (2010, 2000, 1999, 1988)

SARA Schedule 1: Endangered (2003)

Conservation status rankings: GRANK: G3G4, NRANK: N1,SRANK: S1

The glossary provides definitions for technical terms, including the abbreviations above.

Area for consideration in developing a habitat regulation

Under the ESA, a recovery strategy must include a recommendation to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry on the area that should be considered in developing a habitat regulation. A habitat regulation is a legal instrument that prescribes an area that will be protected as the habitat of the species. The recommendation provided below will be one of many sources considered by the Minister, including information that may become newly available following completion of the recovery strategy, when developing the habitat regulation for this species.

Throughout its range Skinner’s Agalinis grows in dry to mesic prairies; in open woods on shallow soil over limestone, chert and granite; in open rocky glades; on bluffs and barrens; and in pockets among dunes (Canne-Hilliker 1988). All the Canadian populations grow in a vegetation type listed under the Ecological Land Classification system for Southern Ontario (ELC; Lee et al. 1998) as Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Prairie Type (TPO2-1). However, the following text describes the specific vegetation communities in which Skinners Agalinis is found much more precisely than this generalized ELC Vegetation Type.

On the Walpole Island First Nation on the St. Clair River delta, Skinner’s Agalinis grows in tallgrass prairie with few or no trees. Dominant and conspicuous plants in such prairies include Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Hairy Goldenrod (Solidago hispida), Prairie Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadriflora), Dense Blazing-star (Liatris spicata), Virginia Mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) (Bowles pers. obs. 2003–2012).

At the Reaume Prairie in La Salle, south of Windsor, little open prairie habitat remains at the Skinner’s Agalinis location, because woody species including Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) have encroached onto the site, which has not been burned for several years. Prairie grasses including Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) and Big Bluestem are present, but more abundant ground layer species include non-native grasses and Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima). There are also a number of mown and trampled paths. Two other prairie plants that are species at risk also persist at this site: Dense Blazing-star and Colicroot (Aletris farinosa) (Bowles, pers. obs. 2008, COSEWIC 2010). In addition, M. J. Oldham found uncommon prairie indicators Prairie Straw Sedge (Carex suberecta), Meadow Evening Primrose (Oenothera pilosella) and Shining Ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes lucida) at the site in June 2012 (Oldham pers. comm. 2012). The presence of these plants helps define the area that is remnant prairie. There has been a reduction (or possible disappearance) of the population of Skinner’s Agalinis at this site, which was examined by G. Waldron in 2005 and by J. Bowles in 2008 (Environment Canada 2012). No plants of Skinner’s Agalinis were observed on either occasion.

Periodic fire may be essential to the maintenance of the habitat type. Without fire to suppress tree growth, prairies can quickly change to savannah and savannah to woodland. Short annual plants with small seeds, such as those of Skinner’s Agalinis, are particularly susceptible to loss in prairies where fire has been suppressed (Leach and Givnish 1996). All known sites for Skinner’s Agalinis at Walpole Island First Nation have been burned since 2006 (Jacobs pers. comm. 2008), but the site at La Salle has not (Pratt pers. comm. 2012).

The importance of hydrological regimes for maintaining suitable habitat for Skinner’s Agalinis is unknown but should be taken into consideration. At least one site for Skinner’s Agalinis at Walpole Island First Nation was affected during the late 1980s by flooding due to a combination of high lake levels and changes in drainage during development (Canne-Hilliker 1988). The species has not been observed at the site since (COSEWIC 2010, Walpole Island Heritage Centre 2008) and is probably extirpated. On the other hand, at a micro-topographic level Skinner’s Agalinis appears to occupy shallow depressions. Years with wet springs, in which the prairies may be temporarily flooded, seem to produce more plants, though this has not been confirmed (Bowles, pers. obs. 2003–2007).

Observations reported in COSEWIC (2010) suggest that plants grow more abundantly in shallow swales or areas where the topsoil has been scraped away during drainage operations. Such activities, which remove the surface soil horizons, may help limit shading and competition from other plants. Skinner’s Agalinis plants are most often found in patches where the height of vegetation is lower than in the surrounding prairie and where there are some openings with a bare soil surface. Frequently Skinner’s Agalinis plants appear clustered around the base of clumps of grasses, particularly Little Bluestem. It is not known whether this is due to microhabitat or because the plants have hemi-parasitic connections to these grasses or both (COSEWIC 2010).

Skinner’s Agalinis has a very limited distribution in Ontario and occupies a specific habitat type. The species does not occupy the entire habitat that appears suitable at or near the extant sites. Due to the extremely low number of extant occurrences and the lack of detailed knowledge of Skinner’s Agalinis habitat, it is recommended that the precautionary principle should be applied in the regulation of the habitat.

At Reaume Prairie, La Salle

It is recommended that the habitat regulation be applied: (1) to the northwest portion of the Reaume Prairie Environmentally Significant Area at the location where Skinner’s Agalinis has been recorded in the past; and (2) at other locations of Reaume Prairie Environmentally Significant Area that contain suitable habitat. The area where Skinner’s Agalinis has been recorded in the past is irregular in shape and extends approximately 80 m from the west property line and 100 m from the north property line of Reaume Prairie. It is currently occupied by an ingrowth of Scots Pine and other pioneer woody species. This site could potentially be restored to tallgrass prairie if encroaching trees and shrubs are managed. The specific boundaries of the area should be refined by a site survey that would involve delineating the edge between the grown-in prairie and adjacent deciduous forest. The extent of the populations of associated plant species at risk, including Dense Blazing-star and Colicroot, may be useful indicators of the boundaries. In addition, it is recommended that other parts of the Reaume Prairie Environmentally Significant Area be surveyed to determine if there is additional suitable habitat for Skinner’s Agalinis. Suitable habitat would include areas that are open and support a fresh to mesic tallgrass prairie vegetation type or that could be restored to a similar habitat type and that have similar surface hydrology. The habitat regulation should be extended to include suitable habitat for Skinner’s Agalinis if it exists in this area.

The habitat regulation should be subject to revision as more information on the status of the population, ecology, habitat requirements, host species, dispersal, pollinators and the habitat requirements of pollinators for Skinner’s Agalinis become known.

At Walpole Island First Nation

Walpole Island First Nation’s position is that it has never ceded or surrendered lands on the deltaic deposits at the mouth of the St. Clair River. In the opinion of the author, it is recommended that the government of Ontario not apply a habitat regulation for White Prairie Gentian on Walpole Island First Nation lands. However, the following description could provide a helpful basis for identifying precise areas of habitat and to facilitate local stewardship efforts.

The following habitat description summarizes the main habitat features that have been documented for all sites supporting known extant populations and sites with records in the last 10 years. Ten years is the recommended time threshold based on the IUCN (2000) requirement that time frames be appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form. Threats and declines are assessed based on "three generations or 10 years, whichever is greater". Since Skinner’s Agalinis is an annual species, 10 years is greater than three generations. The 20-year threshold often applied by the Natural Heritage Information Centre may be less appropriate because substantial changes in prairie habitat can occur relatively quickly. Also, few detailed site specific data are available for sites where Skinner’s Agalinis has not been recorded relatively recently (within the last 10 years).

Sites are in fresh to moist tallgrass prairie on sandy loam, with few or no trees, and contain species that have been found growing closest to plants of Skinner’s Agalinis (nearest neighbour) (White 2009). These species, listed in decreasing order of abundance, are: Little Bluestem; Switchgrass; Hairy Goldenrod; various sedges including, but not limited to, White Beakrush (Rhynchospora alba) and Whip Nutrush (Scleria triglomerata); Dense Blazing-star; Big Bluestem; Prairie Loosestrife; Scouring-rush (Equisetum hyemale); Heath Aster; and Black-eyed Susan. The specific boundaries of the habitat should be determined at a site-specific level. Since the specific location of this annual species may vary from year to year depending on seed dispersal, moisture conditions, burning and other factors, suitable habitat probably includes the area occupied by extant populations and the extent of contiguous surrounding habitat with the same vegetation structure (prairie or with few or no trees, usually with dispersed patches of bare ground, or low vegetation (<0.5 m)), a similar species composition and similar moisture regime.

Glossary

Chert: A sedimentary rock composed of fine grain crystalline or microfibrous quartz and sometimes microfossils. It usually occurs as bands or layers of pebbles in other sedimentary rock.

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): The committee established under section 14 of the Species at Risk Act that is responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Canada.

Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO): The committee established under section 3 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that is responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Ontario.

Conservation status rank: A rank assigned to a species or ecological community that primarily conveys the degree of rarity of the species or community at the global (G), national (N) or subnational (S) level. These ranks, termed G-rank, N-rank and S-rank, are not legal designations. Ranks are determined by NatureServe and, in the case of Ontario’s S-rank, by Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre. The conservation status of a species or ecosystem is designated by a number from 1 to 5, preceded by the letter G, N or S reflecting the appropriate geographic scale of the assessment. The numbers mean the following:

1 = critically imperilled
2 = imperilled
3 = vulnerable
4 = apparently secure
5 = secure
NR = not yet ranked

Ecological Land Classification (ELC): An organizational framework designed to establish a consistent, wide scale approach to ecosystem description. A first approximation for ELC in southern Ontario was established in 1998 (Lee et al. 1998).

Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA): The provincial legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Ontario.

Extant: Still existing or surviving. Used in biology to describe species or populations that still exist.

Granite: A coarse-grained, acidic, igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspars and other ferromagnesian minerals.

Hemi-parasite: A plant that obtains some of its nutrients and energy from other plants, but that also photosynthesises.

Limestone: A sedimentary rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of the remains of marine organisms (such as shells or coral) or chemically precipitated from shallow seas, consisting mainly of calcium carbonate.

Mesic: Refers to habitats with a moderate amount of moisture. Neither wet nor dry.

Prairie Indicator: A plant or animal species that is a prairie specialist and unlikely to be found in other habitats. The presence of a suite of prairie indicators is a good sign that the site is, or has been, a prairie grassland.

Species at Risk Act (SARA): The federal legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Canada. This act establishes Schedule 1 as the legal list of wildlife species at risk. Schedules 2 and 3 contain lists of species that at the time the Act came into force needed to be reassessed. After species on Schedule 2 and 3 are reassessed and found to be at risk, they undergo the SARA listing process to be included in Schedule 1.

Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List: The regulation made under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that provides the official status classification of species at risk in Ontario. This list was first published in 2004 as a policy and became a regulation in 2008.

References

Canne-Hilliker, J.M. 1988. COSEWIC Status report on the Skinner’s purple false foxglove, Agalinis skinneriana. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 26 pp.

COSEWIC. 2010. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Skinner’s Agalinis Agalinis skinneriana in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 24 pp.

Environment Canada. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iv + 16 pp.

Jacobs, C.R., pers.comm. 2008. Verbal communication and e-mail correspondence to J.M. Bowles. May to December 2008. Natural Heritage Co-ordinator, Walpole Island Heritage Centre, Walpole Island First Nation, Ontario.

Leach, M.K. and T.J. Givnish. 1996. Ecological determinants of species loss in remnant prairies. Science 273:1555-1558.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological land classification for southern Ontario: first approximation and its application. SCSS Field Guide FG-02. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch, North Bay, Ontario.

Oldham, M.J. pers.comm. 2012. E-mail correspondence to J.M. Bowles. November 2012. Botanist, Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario.

Pratt, P. pers.comm. 2012. E-mail correspondence to J.M. Bowles. November 2012. Chief Naturalist, Ojibway Prairie Nature Centre, Windsor, Ontario.

IUCN. 2000. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Prepared for the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Approved at IUCN Council, 9 February 2000. 35 pp.

Walpole Island Heritage Centre. 2008. Unpublished data to 2008. Walpole Island First Nation.

White, R.C. 2009. Agalinis skinneriana: microhabitat and host associations on Walpole Island First Nation. Unpublished Honours Thesis, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario. London, Ontario.

Appendix 1. Recovery strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada - 2012

Species at Risk Act
Recovery Strategy Series

Document Information

Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada – 2012.

Skinner’s Agalinis

Recommended citation:

Environment Canada. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. v + 16 pp.

For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including COSEWIC Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry.

Cover illustration: Jane M. Bowles

Également disponible en français sous le titre
« Programme de rétablissement de la gérardie de Skinner (Agalinis skinneriana) au Canada »

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment, 2012. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-100-19833-0
Catalogue no. En3-4/124-2012E-PDF

Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996) agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA) the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of recovery strategies for listed Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened species and are required to report on progress within five years.

The Minister of the Environment is the competent minister for the recovery of the Skinner’s Agalinis and has prepared this strategy, as per section 37 of SARA. It has been prepared in cooperation with the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy and will not be achieved by Environment Canada, or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy for the benefit of the Skinner’s Agalinis and Canadian society as a whole.

This recovery strategy will be followed by one or more action plans that will provide information on recovery measures to be taken by Environment Canada and other jurisdictions and/or organizations involved in the conservation of the species. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

Acknowledgments

Earlier drafts of this Recovery Strategy were prepared by Carl Rothfels and Gerald Waldron, with revisions by Dr. Jane Bowles, in cooperation with the Walpole Island Ecosystem Recovery Team, Tallgrass Recovery Team, and Environment Canada.

Angela McConnell, Christina Rohe, Barbara Slezak, Kathy St. Laurent, Lesley Dunn and Madeline Austen of Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario, Wendy Dunford of Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – National Capital Region, Wasyl Bakowsky, Vivian Brownell, Leanne Jennings and Eric Snyder of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Clint Jacobs and Jared Macbeth of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre all reviewed and provided comments and advice during development of this document.

Executive summary

Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) is a pale green, slender, annual herb, with a global range from Ohio and southwestern Ontario west to Minnesota and south to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The species also occurs in Maryland. Although extant sites are known from 12 states, the majority of these sites are located in one state -- Missouri. In Canada, there are currently two extant populations of Skinner’s Agalinis on the Walpole Island First Nation in the St. Clair River delta, southwestern Ontario. The status of the Skinner’s Agalinis population on the Reaume Prairie in the city of LaSalle, Essex County, southwestern Ontario has yet to be determined. Skinner’s Agalinis is listed as Endangered on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Threats identified to the Canadian population of Skinner’s Agalinis include but are not limited to: habitat loss or degradation, changes in ecological dynamics and natural processes, invasive species and disturbance. Skinner’s Agalinis is also limited by its small population size and geographically–isolated population. Given that the species is found at the northern extent of its range and has a naturally limited distribution in Canada, it will likely always be vulnerable to anthropogenic and natural stressors.

Although there are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery, in keeping with the precautionary principle, a full recovery strategy has been prepared as would be done when recovery is determined to be feasible. The population and distribution objective is to maintain the two extant Canadian populations of Skinner’s Agalinis at their current abundance and distribution.

The broad strategies to recovery include but are not limited to: protection, conservation and management of Skinner’s Agalinis habitat, monitoring and assessment of extant populations, investigation of the species presence at recently (as of 1985) occupied sites and addressing biological knowledge gaps.

Critical habitat for this species is not identified at this time. Once adequate information is obtained, critical habitat will be identified and may be described within an area–based, multi–species at risk action plan developed in collaboration with the Walpole Island First Nation. One or more such action plans will be completed for Skinner’s Agalinis by December 2017. The identification of critical habitat on the Reaume Prairie is contingent on confirmation of Skinner’s Agalinis presence at this location.

Recovery feasibility summary

Based on the following four criteria outlined by the Government of Canada (2009), there are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery of the Skinner’s Agalinis. Therefore, in keeping with the precautionary principle, a recovery strategy has been prepared as would be done when recovery is determined to be feasible. It may not be possible to mitigate various threats to the species, particularly the threat of invasive species.

1. Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now or in the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.

   Yes. There are individuals capable of reproduction within the Canadian range. Individuals are also available in the United States, however it is unknown if these populations could be used to sustain the Canadian population or improve its abundance.

2. Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.

   Yes. Sufficient suitable habitat is currently available to support the Canadian population.

3. The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.

   Unknown. Some threats can be avoided or mitigated through recovery actions, such as habitat loss or degradation, changes to natural processes and disturbance from recreational activities. However, it is unknown if significant threats such as the spread of invasive species can be mitigated to the extent required to sustain a viable population within Canada.

4. Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable timeframe.

   Yes. The major threat for Skinner’s Agalinis is the loss of the specialized tallgrass prairie habitat in which it occurs. Some occupied Skinner’s Agalinis habitat has been secured through habitat acquisition initiatives and the rate of habitat conversion has been reduced at Walpole Island First Nation due to efforts by the Walpole Island Heritage Centre (COSEWIC, 2009). There are some recovery techniques (i.e., prescribed burning) which would be effective in reducing the encroachment of woody species and controlling some invasive species. Recovery techniques to reduce the impacts and spread of invasive species in the long–term may require further investigation.

COSEWIC^* Species assessment information

Date of Assessment: May 2000

Common Name (population): Skinner’s Agalinis

Scientific Name: Agalinis skinneriana

COSEWIC Status: Endangered

Reason for Designation: The few existing populations occur in a highly restricted geographical area. They exhibit considerable fluctuations in numbers of individuals and a reduction by more than 50% over the past decade as a result of habitat loss and alteration.

Canadian Occurrence: Ontario

COSEWIC Status History: Designated Endangered in April 1988. Status re–examined and confirmed Endangered in April 1999 and in May 2000.

Species status information

The global conservation rank for Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) is vulnerable¹ -- apparently secure²;(G3G4³) and the rounded global conservation rank is vulnerable (G3) (NatureServe, 2010). The distribution of Skinner’s Agalinis in the United States is from Ohio west to Minnesota and south to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Tennessee; the national conservation rank is vulnerable⁴;(N3). Skinner’s Agalinis is listed as extirpated, critically imperilled⁵ or imperilled⁶ in 13 of the 14 states that rank its conservation status (NatureServe, 2010, Appendix B). In Canada, Skinner’s Agalinis is found only in the province of Ontario; the national and subnational conservation ranks are critically imperilled (N1 and S1, respectively) (NatureServe, 2010).

Skinner’s Agalinis is listed as Endangered⁷ on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). In Ontario, the Skinner’s Agalinis is listed as Endangered⁸ under the provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA).

The percentage of the global range found in Canada is estimated to be less than 5%. Skinner’s Agalinis distribution was historically, and is currently, very restricted, occurring at the northern edge of its North American range.

Species information

Species description

Skinner’s Agalinis is a pale green, slender herbaceous annual (Canne–Hilliker, 1998). In Canada, it measures between 5 cm and 35 cm in height, while the plants in the southern part of the global range may reach heights of 60 cm. Skinner’s Agalinis is usually single–stemmed and unbranched (Canne–Hilliker, 1998). The leaves have short rough hairs, and typically measure between 5 mm and 20 mm long and 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm wide. The flowers last for half a day and are white to very pale pink, funnel shaped and 10 mm and 17 mm long (Canne–Hilliker, 1998). The three lower corolla⁹ lobes are devoid of hair on the exterior and may occasionally exhibit pale yellow lines and red dots on the interior (Canne–Hilliker, 1998). In Canada, flowers are typically white, without markings in the throat. They occur singly on slender pedicels¹⁰;that are longer than the leaves. Flowering is from late July to mid–September. The fruits are rounded capsules, brown to yellow in colour that split open to release numerous seeds 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm in size (Canne–Hilliker, 1998). Leaves, stems and capsules may be flushed with brownish purple in the late summer. Non–flowering plants are very similar to Gattinger’s Agalinis (Agalinis gatteringi) and these two plants often grow together.

Population and distribution

Skinner’s Agalinis ranges globally from Ohio and southwestern Ontario west to Minnesota and south to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Tennessee, with extant populations in Maryland (Figure 1). In Canada, Skinner’s Agalinis has been found on the Walpole Island First Nation in the St. Clair River delta and on the Reaume Prairie in the city of LaSalle in Essex County, southwestern Ontario (Figure 2).

The twelve sites in Canada reported in Canne–Hilliker (2000) have been grouped into six populations (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009), based on a distance of more than 1 km between populations. This distance is generally used in recognizing separate occurrences/populations in the COSEWIC vascular plant reports and Natural Heritage Information Centre records. There are currently two confirmed extant populations on the Walpole Island First Nation (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). Three other populations, all from Walpole Island First Nation, have not been observed since 1985, 1987 and 1997, respectively (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009); however, suitable habitat still exists at some locations and it is possible that plants have been overlooked (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). The status of the three aforementioned populations and the population on the Reaume Prairie require further investigation.

Population trends are difficult to assess for this species as previous reports state abundance in terms of “hundreds of plants” and “at least a several dozen” (Canne–Hilliker, 2000). In addition, Skinner’s Agalinis is an annual species and large year–to–year population fluctuations are expected; annual monitoring over several years is necessary to detect trends in extant populations and to confirm presence or absence at sites previously occupied. This species, in particular, is slender and small (often <20 cm tall) making it difficult to see amongst taller prairie vegetation (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). Canne–Hilliker (2000) reports a total of about 2,500 plants, from surveys in early September 1997, within the existing two extant populations on Walpole Island First Nation. In 2008, from surveys performed in mid–August to mid–September, approximately 23,000 plants were counted at the two extant populations on Walpole Island First Nation (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). It is possible that very high water levels in 2008 created ideal germination and growth conditions accounting for the large number of plants observed (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009).

Canne–Hilliker (1988) reported several hundred plants on the Reaume Prairie in LaSalle. Presence of the species occurrence at the Reaume Prairie, within the last ten years, has been reported (P. Pratt, pers. comm., 2010). However, the site was examined by G. Waldron on August 25^th, 2005 and by J. Bowles on September 2^nd, 2008; no plants were observed on either occasion. The most likely explanation for the apparent reduction (or possible disappearance) of the population at the Reaume Prairie is the encroachment by woody species in the prairie habitat; this site has not been burned for several years and only a small amount of open prairie habitat remains (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009).

Figure 1. North American Distribution of Skinner’s Agalinis
(Modified from: Canne–Hilliker, 1988)

Figure 2. Canadian Distribution of Skinner’s Agalinis
(Environment Canada, 2010)

Needs of the Skinner’s Agalinis

In Canada, Skinner’s Agalinis grows in mesic¹¹;prairies, usually in shallow swales and depressions, and often where other vegetation is sparse. Plants are most often found in patches where the height of vegetation (usually prairie grasses) is low and there is some bare soil surface (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). Reports suggest that some sites of Skinner’s Agalinis on the Walpole Island First Nation in the St. Clair River delta and former sites on the Reaume Prairie have been found in scrapes where the topsoil has been removed (Canne–Hilliker, 1987; White, 2009). The soils on the Walpole Island First Nation where Skinner’s Agalinis have been found are sandy loams with a mesic to moist mesic moisture regime.

Like all species within the genus Agalinis, it is hemiparasitic, producing specialized root structures (haustoria) that attach to the roots of host plants. Members of the genus use a diversity of host plant species as the hemiparasite, especially graminoids¹² (Voss, 1996; Trick, 1995). At Walpole Island First Nation, the only confirmed haustorial connection was to Little Bluestem (Schizachryrium scoparium) (White, 2009). Because this plant is hemiparasitic it depends on the presence of specific species to be their host plants and is difficult to cultivate (Canne–Hilliker, 1987).

The following common species associates have been noted (in decreasing order of abundance) at Walpole Island First Nation: Little Bluestem, Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum), Hispid Goldenrod (Solidago hispida), sedges (unidentified to genus or species), Dense Blazingstar (Liatris spicata), Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Prairie Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), Scouring Rush (Equisetum hyemale), Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) and Black–eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) (White, 2009). Of these associates, sedges, Hispid Goldenrod and Black–eyed Susan are the most likely host species for the hemiparasite while Little Bluestem is the only confirmed host (White, 2009).

According to Dieringer (1999) flowers are bee–pollinated, but noted that self–pollination rates are high (70–100%) in the absence of pollinators. Self–pollination may be enhanced when the corolla, with stamen¹³ attached, falls and the anthers¹⁴ pass over the receptive stigma¹⁵. The seeds are gravity dispersed; once the leaves begin to die the plant will lean strongly towards the ground (NatureServe, 2010). Gusts of wind can carry the seeds, but usually no more than 3m; rain can assist in dispersing the seeds in habitats that have a gradient (NatureServe, 2010) and may partially account for the presence of the plant in shallow depressions. Seeds must experience a 60 day cold period of ≤ 5° C and absorb moisture in order to germinate (Canne–Hilliker, 1987; White, 2009), but germination rates are low (~ 20%). The duration for which seeds remain viable under natural conditions is unknown, though air–dried seeds can be stored for several years (NatureServe, 2010).

Skinner’s Agalinis is an annual and the population of mature individuals in any year is dependent on seed availability, germination rates and growth conditions; year–to–year survival depends on the seed bank.

Biological limiting factors

Relatively small, geographically–isolated populations are prone to loss of genetic diversity and are at greater risk of being extirpated by stochastic events such as drought or flooding. Annual species that rely on yearly seed set may have increased vulnerability to stochastic events that may indirectly cause local extirpations. Elevated water levels, as a result of naturally high lake levels, have lead to a reduction of Skinner’s Agalinis populations through flooding and a reduction in the extent of prairie habitat (Canne–Hilliker, 2000). Population recruitment may be limited by natural factors, such as the conditions existing at the northern limit of the species’ range. Shading through natural succession is also a limiting factor to the survival of the species, as it requires open areas with sparse vegetation (Canne–Hilliker, 2000).

Threats

Threat assessment

Table 1. Threat Assessment Table – Skinner’s Agalinis (adapted from J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009)

^*Habitat Loss or degradation

Threat	Level of concern1	Extent	Occurrence	Frequency	Severity2	Casual certainty3
Agricultural expansion	High	Widespread	Historic/Current	Continuous	High	High
Housing development	Medium	Localized	Historic/Current	Recurrent	Moderate	High
Road construction	Medium	Localized	Historic/Anticipated	High	Recurrent	Medium

^*Changes in Ecological dynamics or natural processes

Threat	Level of Concern1	Extent	Occurrence	Frequency	Severity2	Casual certainty3
Alteration of the fire regime (e.g., shading)	High	Widespread	Current	Seasonal	High	High

^*Exotic, Invasive, or introduced species/genome

Threat	Level of concern1	Extent	Occurrence	Frequency	Severity2	Casual certainty3
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)	High	Localized	Current	Seasonal	Moderate	Medium
White Sweet Clover (Melilotus alba)	High	Widespread	Current	Seasonal	Moderate	Medium
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)	Medium	Widespread	Current	Seasonal	Moderate	Medium
European Common Reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis)	Medium	Widespread	Anticipated	Seasonal	Unknown	Low
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)	Low-Medium	Widespread	Anticipated	Seasonal	Unknown	Low

^*Disturbance or harm

Threat	Level of concern1	Extent	Occurrence	Frequency	Severity2	Casual certainty3
Recreational activities: incidental harm (e.g., trampling)	Medium	Widespread	Current	Continuous	Moderate	Medium

Description of threats

Habitat loss or degradation

Habitat loss or degradation resulting from housing development, agricultural expansion, road repair/construction and other anthropogenic activities could threaten extant populations of Skinner’s Agalinis and may have already caused local extirpations (Canne–Hilliker, 2000; Bowles, 2005; J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). On Walpole Island First Nation, increased housing construction, in response to critical housing shortages, has resulted in the loss of suitable habitat for Skinner’s Agalinis.

Changes in ecological dynamics or natural processes

In Canada, Skinner’s Agalinis grows in mesic prairies often where other vegetation is sparse and bare soil is present (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009); periodic fire is probably required to maintain these open prairie conditions. Suppression of fire can limit habitat by allowing trees and shrubs to grow and eventually shade out the species; many prairie habitats are converting to savanna and woodlands (COSEWIC, 2001). Based on interpretation of air photos from 1972 and 1998, it is estimated that prairies at Walpole Island have been reduced from about 730 ha to about 470 ha, a loss of 36% (Crow et al., 2003). Some of this is a result of conversion to agriculture and housing, but most is due to encroachment by forest and woodland in the absence of regular fires (Bowles, 2005). Short plants that produce small seeds, such as Skinner’s Agalinis, are known to be particularly susceptible to loss in fire–suppressed prairies (Leach and Givnish, 1996). Conversely, late spring fires may contribute to the reduction of Skinner’s Agalinis populations (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009).

Natural changes in lake levels and dredging and ditching operations, including those associated with road development and maintenance, can affect Skinner’s Agalinis habitat through changes to the moisture regime (Canne–Hilliker, 2000). High water levels in the 1980s may have contributed to a decline of Skinner’s Agalinis and the prairie habitat in which it exists (Canne–Hilliker, 2000).

Exotic, invasive, or introduced species/genome

On Walpole Island First Nation, White Sweet Clover, European Common Reed, Black Locust and Canada Thistleare abundant and increasing (Bowles, 2005). In particular, White Sweet Clover has invaded many Skinner’s Agalinis sites on Walpole Island First Nation while Scots Pine is encroaching on the Reaume Prairie. Invasive species can out–compete or shade Skinner’s Agalinis plants, promote a decline in vigor resulting in poor growth and lower seed production and potentially contribute to loss of germination sites.

Disturbance or harm

Pedestrian and all–terrain vehicle (ATV) trail use can result in direct damage to individual plants, through trampling and compaction of the soil making potential habitat unsuitable. Pedestrian and ATV trails cross portions of the habitat of Skinner’s Agalinis at the Reaume Prairie (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009).

Population and distribution objectives

The population and distribution objective is to maintain the two extant Canadian populations of Skinner’s Agalinis at their current abundance and distribution. The species was recently (as of 1985) more widespread but there is little opportunity for re–introduction into formerly occupied range due to extensive land–use change (i.e., conversion to agriculture and housing development). Skinner’s Agalinis distribution was historically, and is currently, very restricted, occurring at the northern edge of its North American range.

Broad strategies and general approaches to meet objectives

Actions already completed or currently underway

The Walpole Island Heritage Centre has monitored populations of Skinner’s Agalinis on Walpole Island First Nation. A census of all known populations was done in 2003 and 2008; a census of one population was also done in 2006 (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). The Walpole Island Heritage Centre has acquired lands for conservation which has resulted in the reduction of the rate of conversion of prairie and savanna habitat (COSEWIC, 2009; J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009). In 2010, 10 hectares of prairie containing Skinner’s Agalinis and other species at risk was acquired by the Walpole Island Land Trust.

In 2008–2009, a student (White, 2009) from the University of Western Ontario, under the supervision of Dr. J. Bowles, conducted a study to help fill some of the knowledge gaps regarding the biology and ecology of Skinner’s Agalinis.

Recovery actions described in the Draft Walpole Island Ecosystem Recovery Strategy (Bowles, 2005) included raising awareness in the community about species at risk, including Skinner’s Agalinis. Pamphlets, calendars, newsletter articles, posters and other promotional material have been used to raise awareness of species at risk in the Walpole Island First Nation community.

The Walpole Island First Nation is currently developing an ecosystem protection plan based on the community’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).

Strategic direction for recovery

Table 2. Recovery planning table – Skinner’s Agalinis

Threat or limitation	Priority	Broad strategy to recovery	General description of research and management approaches
All threats	High	Protect, conserve and manage habitat	Promote conservation and appropriate management of habitat supporting Skinner’s Agalinis Develop and use habitat management techniques to maintain suitable habitat for Skinner’s Agalinis Establish policies, agreements or other tools that protect existing Skinner’s Agalinis habitat (e.g., acquisition or conservation agreements) Monitor and manage for invasive species
All threats	High	Monitor / assess population	Confirm Skinner’s Agalinis population status where required Establish and implement a long–term monitoring protocol
All threats	Medium	Outreach and education	Promote community involvement and awareness regarding species at risk and their habitat Encourage the transfer of Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Knowledge Gaps	Medium	Conduct research and gather and transfer knowledge	Examples of knowledge gaps: seed viability and establishment; pollination uncertainties and other factors affecting population size and recruitment; Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Critical habitat

Identification of the species’ critical habitat

At this time, the information required to identify critical habitat for the Skinner’s Agalinis is not available to Environment Canada. Although the continued presence of Skinner’s Agalinis populations has been confirmed (J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009), the data required to be able to identify critical habitat sites (i.e., location and extent of population, biophysical attributes of the habitat), are not yet available to Environment Canada. The activities to obtain the required information are outlined in the schedule of studies (Table 3).

Skinner’s Agalinis is typically known to be associated with areas of shallow swales and depressions in mesic to moist–mesic prairies where other vegetation is sparse. Given the known historic and current threats to the species, confirmation of the location and extent of Skinner’s Agalinis populations is required for the identification of critical habitat. Evidence exists that indicates certain threats may have impacted portions of the population (Canne–Hilliker, 2000; J. Bowles, unpublished report, 2009) during the elapsed time period from when location data is available to Environment Canada (ca. 1990). There is also a need to confirm the biophysical habitat attributes required by the species, to confirm the extent of these attributes where the population occurs (e.g., using Ecological Land Classification (Lee et al., 1998)), and to confirm the extent of the habitat required to meet the population and distribution objective.

Once adequate information is obtained, critical habitat will be identified and may be described within an area–based multi–species at risk action plan developed in collaboration with the Walpole Island First Nation.

Schedule of studies to identify critical habitat

Table 3. Schedule of studies to identify critical habitat

Description of activity	Rationale	Timeline
Confirm/obtain population and habitat information at currently occupied sites.	Confirm location and extent of population. Confirm habitat associations, habitat attributes and determine extent of suitable habitat.	2012–2017
Develop and apply criteria to identify sites meeting critical habitat criteria.	Identify critical habitat.	2017

Measuring progress

The performance indicators presented below provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives. Specific progress towards implementing the recovery strategy will be measured against indicators outlined in subsequent action plans.

Every five years, success of recovery strategy implementation will be measured against the following performance indicators:

• the current Canadian abundance has not decreased, and
• the current Canadian distribution has not decreased.

Statement on action plans

One or more action plans will be completed for Skinner’s Agalinis by December 2017. Any such action plan is expected to include an area–based, multi–species approach and be prepared in collaboration with the Walpole Island First Nation.

References

Bowles, J.M. 2005. Draft Walpole Island ecosystem recovery strategy. Walpole Island Heritage Centre, Environment Canada and The Walpole Island Recovery Team.

Bowles, J.M. 2009. Unpublished report. Draft Recovery Strategy for the Skinner’s agalinis in Canada. Prepared for Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario, Toronto, Ontario. 22 pp.

Canne–Hilliker, J.M. 1987. Status report on Skinner’s purple false foxglove, Agalinis skinneriana (Wood) Britton, an Endangered Species in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 25 pp.

Canne–Hilliker, J.M. 1988. COSEWIC Status report on the Skinner’s purple false foxglove, Agalinis skinneriana. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 26 pp.

Canne–Hilliker, J.M. 1998. Update status report for Skinner’s agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana). Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 5 pp.

Canne–Hilliker, J.M. 2000 (in press). Update COSEWIC status report on the Skinner’s agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana) in Canada, in COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Skinner’s agalinis Agalinis skinneriana in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, Ontario. vi + 11 pp.

COSEWIC. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the white prairie gentian, Gentiana alba, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.

COSEWIC. 2009. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the pink milkwort Polygala incarnata in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, Ontario. 24 pp.

Crow, C., J. Demelo, J. Hayes, J. Wells and T. Hundey. 2003. Walpole Island Land Use change 1972–1998. Unpublished class report, Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario.

Dieringer, G. 1999. Reproductive biology of Agalinis skinneriana (Scrophulariaceae), a threatened species.Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society126:289–295.

Environment Canada. 2010. Species profile: Skinner’s agalinis. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Web site: [accessed October 2010]

Government of Canada. 2009. Species at Risk Act Policies. Environment Canada. 38 pp.

Leach, M.K. and T.J. Givnish. 1996. Ecological determinants of species loss in remnant prairies. Science 273: 1555–1558.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological land classification for southern Ontario: first approximation and its application. SCSS Field Guide FG–02. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch, North Bay, Ontario.

NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Web site: [accessed November 2010]

Pratt, P. 2010. E–mail correspondence to K. St. Laurent. November 2010. Naturalist, Ojibway Nature Centre, Windsor, Ontario.

Trick, J., 1995. Range–wide status assessment of the pale false–foxglove Agalinis skinneriana (Wood) Brittonia. Green Bay Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Green Bay, Wisconsin. 26 pp.

Voss, E.G. 1996. Michigan Flora, Part III. Cranbrook Institute of Science and University of Michigan Herbarium. Ann Arbor, Michigan. 622 pp.

White, R.M. 2009. Agalinis skinneriana: microhabitat and host associations on Walpole Island First Nation. Unpublished Honours Thesis, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario. London, Ontario.

Appendix A: Effects on the environment and other species

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision–making.

Recovery planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that strategies may also inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non–target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the strategy itself, but are also summarized below in this statement.

This recovery strategy will clearly benefit the environment by promoting the recovery of the Skinner’s Agalinis. The potential for the strategy to inadvertently lead to adverse effects on other species was considered. The SEA concluded that this strategy will clearly benefit the environment and will not entail any significant adverse effects. The reader should refer to the following sections of the document in particular: Species Needs, Population and Distribution Objectives and Broad Strategies and General Approaches to Meet Objectives.

Appendix B: Subnational conservation status ranks of Skinner’s Agalinis in the United States

Table 1. List and description of various conservation status ranks for the Skinner’s Agalinis in the United States (from NatureServe, 2010)

	Global (G) rank	National (N) rank	Sub-national (S) rank
Skinner’s Agalinis (Agalinis skinneriana)	G3 (Vulnerable – vulnerable in the jurisdiction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations, recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation)	N3 (Vulnerable – vulnerable in the jurisdiction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations, recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation)	Alabama (SNR) Arkansas (SH) Illinois (S2) Indiana (S1) Iowa (S1) Kansas (S1) Kentucky (SH) Louisiana (S1S2) Maryland (S1) Michigan (S1) Mississippi (S1) Missouri (S3S4) Ohio (S1) Oklahoma (SNR) Tennessee (S1S2) Wisconsin (S2)

S1: Critically Imperilled; S2: Imperilled; S3: Vulnerable; S4: Apparently Secure; SNR: Unranked; SH: Possibly Extirpated.

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The recovery strategy for Skinner’s Agalinis is available in PDF format upon request. Please email PDF requests to recovery.planning@ontario.ca.