Bering Glacier: Interdisciplinary Studies of Earth's Largest Temperate Surging Glacier
Botanical inventory of the Bering Glacier Region, Alaska
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Published:May 01, 2010
An inventory of the vascular flora of the Bering Glacier Region, south of the Bagley Ice Field, was conducted from 2000 to 2007. The area includes nunataks, mountains, and glacial forelands. The objectives of the inventory were to (1) assess the botanical biodiversity of the region, (2) identify rare taxa and areas of phytogeographic interest, and (3) provide data that would assist land managers with planning. The inventory has particular significance, as prior to this study the only specimens noted from this region were from the coastline. To date, 466 taxa have been identified, representing one quarter of the plant species of Alaska. Ninety-three of the species represent range extensions, 58 are gap fillers (species that fill distribution gaps), and 19 are rare species with a state rank of 3 or less on the Alaska Natural Heritage Program Vascular Plant Tracking List. Carbon Mountain, Robinson Mountains, and the Tashalich River sites contain 60% of the Heritage Tracking Plants. Three exotic weed species were found adjacent to Vitus Lake.