Porter feathergrass (Ptilagrostis porteri) is a highly imperiled plant found nowhere in the world but Colorado's South Park. The feathergrass inhabits rare wetlands, some of which date to the last ice age. The loss and alteration of wetland habitat in South Park has driven Porter feathergrass towards extinction. These wetlands have suffered significant declines in the past century due to mining, irresponsible off-road vehicle use, residential development and poor land management practices. Since the wetlands are heavily dependent on groundwater, they are also threatened by large-scale water diversions, and the Front Range demand for water continues to grow. Porter feathergrass has been documented in only 25 locations within the South Park Region. Only 22 of these populations are likely to still exist, and nearly all are threatened or potentially threatened by one or more significant disturbances.

Since the species is so clearly headed toward extinction, CNE is leading a coalition of three other conservation groups in seeking protection for this native plant. In March of 2002, CNE and the coalition petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Porter feathergrass by listing it under the Endangered Species Act.

The feathergrass is an indicator species for these rare wetlands, thus the stability of the plant can indicate the overall health of the wetland in which it grows. Protection of the Porter feathergrass under the Endangered Species Act would lead to long-term protection of these unique wetland ecosystems and a variety of other species that depend on them, as well as helping to protect South Park's watershed. CNE will continue to advocate for protection of this important part of Colorado's natural heritage.