The Monongahela National Forest shelters one of the nation’s rarest native orchids, the small whorled pogonia. But this past summer, biologists working with the National Forest to protect the plant in Randolph County, West Virginia, found the orchid sites dug up—the plants gone.
The small whorled pogonia grows from a few inches to almost one foot tall and has just a single whorl, or circle, formed by five to six leaves around its green stem. If you happen across it on one of the few days out of the year when it is blooming, the plant looks almost like a tiny face, with the mouth as a single yellowish-green flower.
Federal officials are now seeking assistance from the public with the investigation into the 2016 removal of the threatened small whorled pogonia.
Digging and removing these orchids from lands under federal jurisdiction is a violation of both the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Act and could result in substantial fines and penalties.
Special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aim to identify the person or persons responsible for removing these orchids. The agency is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to a criminal conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Special Agent Bryce Findley at 304-636-6586, ext. 14.
Populations of this plant appear sporadically from New Hampshire to Georgia, with conservation activities ranging from research to habitat protection. Since the small whorled pogonia was protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1982, the number of known sites has increased from 33 to over 150.
Populations of this plant appear sporadically from New Hampshire to Georgia, with conservation activities ranging from research to habitat protection. Since the small whorled pogonia was protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1982, the number of known sites has increased from 33 to over 150. The orchid was reclassified from “endangered” to “threatened” in 1994 due to discovery of new sites and permanent protection of some sites. Experts have not yet determined how to cultivate or transplant these orchids, which depend upon certain fungi and forest conditions for survival. The primary threats to the orchid are loss and destruction of its hardwood forest habitat and collection for commercial or personal use.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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