Colorado's flora is an important and irreplaceable part of the state's natural heritage. More than 75 percent of the state's 155 imperiled species are plants. At least 68 of these plants occur only in Colorado and no place else in the world. However, nearly half of the state's imperiled plants are poorly conserved, often due to significant threats or lack of protection. In this report, the Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative (RPCI) emphasizes a proactive approach to ensure the long-term stewardship and survival of the state's rarest plants. The strategy will enable concerned partners to advance urgently needed plant conservation efforts across the state, reduce the vulnerability of rare plants and help avoid the need for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.
Citation:
Neely, Betsy. Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Strategy: Executive Summary. The Nature Conservancy; Colorado Heritage Program; Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative Partners. 2009.