Officials from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and U.S. Today, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), celebrated the removal of Cumberland Sandwort (Minuartia cumberlandensis) from the federal endangered species list.
The plant was found in small areas in northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky. It was placed on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants) in 1988. The species was protected by the federal agencies, the states and conservation groups. Today, federal and state officials gathered at Hazard cave at Pickett CCC memorial State Park to celebrate Cumberland’s new status. Hazard Cave, at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, is an easily accessible spot to view the plant. Slave Falls can also be viewed at the Big South Fork.
David Salyers, TDEC commissioner, stated that today is a significant day in conservation. This is a tribute to all the partners involved in making this possible. This is another example illustrating the state’s great natural resources and our determination to protect them.
Dr. Catherine Phillips, the regional director for Ecological Services, stated that the recovery of the Cumberland Sandwort is a conservation victory that would not have been possible without our dedicated partners. Partnerships are vital to the success of Endangered Species Act. This plant will be enjoyed for many years to come.
In 1979, Dr. Robert Kral of Vanderbilt University, and Dr. Eugene Wofford of University of Tennessee, first described Cumberland Sandwort to science. The plant is found at the base of sandstone rockhouses or cliffs in only four Tennessee county Pickett, Fentress Morgan, Scott, and McCreary in Kentucky.
The USFWS relied upon data from the TDEC Division of Natural Areas to help them recover. TDEC botanists teamed up with botanists from Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Pickett CCC memorial State Park rangers, and volunteers to delist the area.
The National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Missouri Botanical Garden were partners in protecting Tennessee and Kentucky.
Incompatible recreational activities at the base of sandstone rock cliffs pose a threat to this species. The use of fencing, signs and boardwalks has helped to protect the species and to inform the public about it. Cumberland sandwort can be found in 71 places. 66 of these are on federal or state lands managed either by the National Park Service (Tennesse Division of Forestry), Tennessee Division of Natural Areas (Tennesse State Parks) or the Tennessee Division of Forestry. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is home to 29 of the 71 occurrences. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park has 29 of the 71 occurrences.