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4 <br /> ertterae. Whether or not the mechanical disturbances affect the <br /> viability of any of the species remains in question. <br /> Recreation: Leslie Gulch has been designated a National Back <br /> Country Byway and is receiving increasing recreational use as a <br /> result of the designation. Focus is also being drawn to the area <br /> as the high scenic qualities are receiving regional attention <br /> through public media. Bighorn sheep are also frequently viewed in <br /> the area, with the canyon designated as a Watchable Wildlife area. <br /> Although off -road vehicle use in the area is limited to existing <br /> roads and trails, foot traffic from hikers and campers may affect <br /> the rare plant habitats. A camping area is provided with tables, <br /> grills and restrooms. A concrete boat ramp provides boating <br /> access for Owyhee Reservoir. <br /> B. Utilization for Commercial. Sporting, Scientific, or Educational <br /> Purposes <br /> Senecio ertterae and Mentzelia packardiae occur on fragile slopes <br /> which slip readily under pedestrian use. It is not known what, if <br /> any, impact results from researchers traversing the sites in <br /> conduct of well- meaning study or by visitors interested in seeing <br /> these unusual species. The potential for destruction of existing <br /> plants and for excessive burial of the seed bank increases with <br /> increasing human scientific, educational, and recreational use. <br /> C. Disease or Predation <br /> Neither disease nor predation has been observed at known sites. <br /> D. Absence of Regulating Mechanisms Adequate to Prevent Decline of <br /> the Species or Degradation of Their Habitat <br /> Both Mentzelia packardiae and Senecio ertterae were listed as <br /> Threatened species by the Oregon Department of Agriculture in 1989 <br /> under Oregon law (Oregon Administrative Rule 603 -73 -070). Should <br /> they be found on state -owned property, they would receive full <br /> protection under state law. Both species are also federal <br /> candidates for listing as Candidate 2 and Candidate 1 species <br /> respectively as determined by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. <br /> As state - listed species and federal candidates, both species <br /> receive consideration in land management decisions rendered by <br /> state agencies and the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon.' <br /> Ivesia rhypara var. rhypara is a candidate for listing by both the <br /> state and federal government and as such receives consideration <br /> under BIM policy in land management decisions by the BEM in <br /> Oregon. All populations of Mentzelia packardiae and all but one <br /> population each of Senecio ertterae and Ivesia rhypara var. <br /> rhypara in Malheur County are located in the area designated as <br /> the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The <br /> disjunct population of Senecio ertterae is located within a <br /> designated wild and scenic river corridor, and the northern -most <br />