*DRAFT ** 5 <br /> (Kagan 1980). The seed on fungus- infected plants seldom reached maturity before the <br /> plant died back. Parasitized plants had a significantly higher incidence of aborted fruits. <br /> Parasitism and resulting fruit abortion can severely reduce the size of, or eliminate a <br /> population. <br /> (3) Other natural or manmade factors affecting the species' continued existence <br /> Habitat conditions and environmental stressors, such as drought and parasitism, may <br /> limit the survival and recovery of Bradshaw's lomatium populations. All currently <br /> known sites are relatively disjunct, separated by agricultural or urban development, <br /> substantial distance, and /or topography. Most sites also have relatively few plants and/or <br /> are small in area. The results of such habitat fragmentation (i.e., isolation, low seed <br /> dispersal, and reduced numbers of pollinators) may combine with other factors (i.e., <br /> disease or parasitism) to further threaten Bradshaw's lomatium. <br /> Site Specific <br /> Eugene School District property (conservation area) is primarily used for educational and <br /> recreational purposes. Grassy areas, including wet prairie habitat, are often mowed. <br /> Mowing may have both beneficial and adverse affects on Bradshaw's lomatium and other <br /> native plants. Although regular mowing may prevent succession, native grasses and <br /> forbs may be adversely affected when mowing is conducted before seeds have set in Iate <br /> summer. At time, early mowing may have reduced seed production of Bradshaw's <br /> lomatium in the conservation area. <br /> Vehicle and pedestrian traffic may adversely affect Bradshaw's lomatium in the <br /> conservation area. Damage may be most substantial after flowers have formed but <br /> before seeds have matured. Impacts of this type have been noted on school property at <br /> 18th Street and Pearl Avenue. In the Spring of 1996, habitat in this area was impacted by <br /> large gouges created by off -road vehicle use and by soil compaction from pedestrian <br /> traffic and vehicle parking. Such impacts could easily be reduced by the erection of <br /> barriers to eliminate vehicular damage. Public education may also increase awareness of <br /> the plant and its habitat within the Eugene area. <br /> While the conservation area supports few plants (n.25), it may be important to larger <br /> populations in the area. Smaller, disjunct colonies may serve two functions: 1) improve <br /> dispersal between populations by providing intermediate host plants for pollinators; and <br /> 2) conserve genetic diversity within the recovery area. The preservation of these small <br /> colonies may be important to the recovery of Bradshaw's lomatium. <br />