Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver County, PA) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing northeastern bulrush from the federal endangered species list, citing a significant recovery of the rare wetland plant found in a handful of states, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, only 13 populations of northeastern bulrush were known across six states when the species was listed as endangered in 1991. Today, there are 148 known populations in eight states, representing more than an elevenfold increase.
Before the delisting, northeastern bulrush was one of only three federally endangered plant species found in Pennsylvania, according to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The state is home to more than 80 populations, making it an important genetic stronghold for the species.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said state agencies have conducted surveys for northeastern bulrush throughout its known range since 1991. Because the plant does not always emerge in the same location each year, populations can appear absent for several years before re-emerging when conditions improve.
According to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, habitat degradation and destruction remain the primary threats to northeastern bulrush. Development can damage isolated wetlands and introduce invasive species, while ATV use through vernal pools can also harm habitat.