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NEPCoP
New England Plant Conservation Program

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
plant conservation volunteers
New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP)

The words "endangered species" usually conjure thoughts of pandas, eagles, or whales. Possibly the tropical rainforest comes to mind. Few people realize that wild plants are in crisis worldwide -- even here in our own regional "backyard." In New England nearly 350 of 2000 indigenous plant species are at risk, and some have already vanished from historic locations. 

To address the issue of plant endangerment, the New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP), a voluntary alliance of over 65 botanists, private institutions, and government agencies, was organized in 1991 to prevent the extirpation and promote the recovery of this region's endangered flora. 

NEPCoP aims to develop consistent approaches in different states regarding such issues as rarity, habitat management, reintroduction of endangered plants, and taxonomy. A Regional Advisory Council oversees these policies and all regional elements. State Task Forces, the heart of the program, review plant endangerment in each state by examining the plants in their habitats, suggesting management options, and collecting seed for a seed bank and propagation. Protection of plants in their natural habitats is the goal of the program. 

Through its collaboration, NEPCoP helps coordinate limited plant conservation resources and promotes public awareness of the importance of plant conservation. NEPCoP is a prototype for a nationwide tier of similar regional programs that will bridge the gap separating national from state and local programs. 

 
Published with Pride
“Flora Conservanda: New England”

The New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) has published “Flora Conservanda: New England — the List of New England Plants in Need of Conservation.” The complete list was printed in July 1997 in Rhodora, the Journal of the New England Botanical Club. 
This comprehensive listing of regional endangered plants was the product of four years' work by NEPCoP, a voluntary collaboration of botanists and more than 68 public and private organizations. Initiated and administered by the New England Wild Flower Society, NEPCoP seeks to prevent the extirpation and promote the recovery of the rare and endangered flora of our region. 
In order to focus conservation activities on the species in greatest need, NEPCoP developed an extensive list of more than 500 plants that are of conservation concern — the Flora Conservanda. The Flora shows that close to 20% of New England's nearly 3,000 indigenous plants are in danger of disappearing from the region; indeed, about 55 species have already become "historic." 
If you are not a Rhodora subscriber, you can obtain a reprint of the complete 120-page “Flora Conservanda: New England,” by sending $9.50 (which includes postage and handling) to: NEPCoP List, New England Wild Flower Society, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701. 

For more information about NEPCoP, or to receive a list of NEPCoP representatives, please contact the New England Wild Flower Society, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701 (508-877-7630). E-mail: nepcop@newfs.org