Beach pinweed (Lechea maritima) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Common name:
Beach pinweed

Scientific name:
Lechea Maritime

Status:
Special Concern

Reason for designation:
The Canadian populations have been recognized as an endemic variety of global significance. Plants are restricted to stabilized sand dunes within localized areas of coastline in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The majority of the 15 populations, including the three largest, occur at elevations under 5 m above sea level. Here they are at increased risk from the impacts of severe storm surges resulting from rising sea levels and increased storm frequency and intensity predicted to occur as a consequence of climate change. A recent storm surge has already impacted a substantial portion of potential habitat at one of the New Brunswick sites. Other impacts have also been documented as a consequence of trampling, all terrain vehicle use, and successional changes to the species' habitat.

Occurrence:
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island

Status history:
Designated Special Concern in April 2008. Assessment based on a new status report.