Index

SURVEY PROTOCOL

FOR COMPONENT 2

LICHEN

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis

Version 2.0

March 12, 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis was considered at risk under the Northwest Forest Plan because of its rarity and limited distribution within the range of the northern spotted owl. This species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and reaches its southern limit in Oregon. Based on current information, this species is closely associated with old-growth forests. In addition, it is assumed to be sensitive to air pollution, as inferred by known sensitivity of other nitrogen-fixing lichen species (Rose 1988). Because of its rarity, its close association with old-growth forests, and its presumed dispersal limitation, Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is potentially vulnerable to land management activities, and the risk for maintaining species viability is high.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is designated as Survey Strategy 1, 2 and 3 in the Survey and Manage Standard and Guideline (USDA and USDI 1994). Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis was listed under Survey and Manage standard and guidelines to provide protection for known populations and to locate additional populations on federal lands.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis bears a superficial resemblance to Lobaria oregana, but distinctive characteristics of this species are the combination of a bluish-gray color and pseudocyphellae on the lower surface of the thallus. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis produces abundant lobules along the thallus margin, similar to those in Lobaria oregana.

References which provide technical keys, illustrations, and additional information on Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis include McCune and Geiser (1997) and Goward et al. (1994).

The reproductive biology of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is not well known. This species apparently reproduces primarily through the production of asexual lobules, which fall from the thallus and become established nearby. Because of the size of the lobules (0.5-3 mm), dispersal distances are probably small, limiting this species' dispersal capabilities. Only one fertile population is known, suggesting that apothecia are very rare and sexual reproduction is uncommon (Sillett in press). The patchy distribution of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis, even in

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suitable habitat, suggests a strong dispersal limitation (McCune 1995).

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is very limited in distribution and appears to be restricted to old-growth and climax forests. Considering the limited acreage and distribution of these older age classes in a regional context, probable suitable habitat may be limited for this species, particularly in certain geographical areas.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis appears to be one of the last lichens to reach the upper canopy during forest development (McCune 1993, Sillett 1995, Sillett and Neitlich in press). Surveys of epiphytes in twenty-three 400-550 year-old Douglas-fir from similar sites in the western Cascades recorded only four occurrences of this species, each site with only a single thallus (Sillett 1995). Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis was reported as the third most abundant cyanolichen (out of 15 species of cyanolichens) on the branches of 700 year-old Douglas-fir trees in a western Oregon Cascades forest (Sillett 1995).

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is a nitrogen-fixing lichen. Nitrogen-fixing lichen species play an important ecological role in their contribution of nitrogen to ecosystems. Although Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is generally not abundant where it occurs, it provides a source of nitrogen in ecosystems where this nutrient may be limited.

The objective of the survey protocol for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is to determine the presence/absence and location of the species within the proposed project area. While not required, documentation of the habitat and ecological conditions where Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis occurs, as well as species abundance and population extent, will contribute to our knowledge of the species and assist in our management decisions. This additional information is critical to refining habitat associations, thereby reducing the area requiring survey in future years and providing documentation for changes in the Survey and Manage status of the species.

Implementation of this survey protocol for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis will occur if the proposed ground-disturbing project or activity will directly or indirectly impact populations or alter the stand or habitat conditions (e.g., any type of tree removal activity, including removal of dead trees or harvest of special forest products), and if any of the following 3 criteria are met.

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The major viability considerations for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are loss of populations due to management activities which directly or indirectly impact the habitat or the populations. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis appears to be restricted to old forests. The limited distribution and abundance of these older age classes in the landscape limits probable suitable habitat, as well as contributes to the isolation of populations.

Threats to Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are those actions that disrupt stand conditions necessary for its survival, or treatments or activities that may directly or indirectly impact populations. This includes removal of colonized or potential substrate, stand treatments that result in changes in forest structure or changes in microclimate conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, radiation), harvest of special forest products that may include individuals of this taxon, and over-collection of specimens. It is possible that aerial application of herbicides or fertilizers may be a threat to this species. Significant deterioration in air quality is also a potential threat to this species. As a nitrogen-fixing species, Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis may be sensitive to air pollution, as has been documented for other species in the family Stictaceae.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is a rare species throughout the range of the northern spotted owl. When present, this lichen is not abundant, and occupies only a small portion of what appears to be suitable habitat.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is closely associated with mesic to moist old-growth forests in Oregon and Washington. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis occurs as an epiphyte primarily on conifer trees in old-growth forests in the Western Hemlock or lower Silver Fir zones. It has been reported as an epiphyte on Douglas-fir, Pacific silver fir, western hemlock, subalpine fir, Pacific yew, Sitka spruce and western redcedar as well as bigleaf maple, vine maple, red alder, cascara, chinquapin and black cottonwood. The elevation range of known sites is 100-1220 m (330-4000

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ft). The common feature of the habitats at known sites appears to be old-growth forest structure with cool, humid microclimate.

In the North Cascades of Washington on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the two known sites of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis occur in moist old-growth Pacific silver fir/Alaska huckleberry forests over 500 years of age. These sites are in wet climatic areas with high precipitation, and the forests are characterized by high humidity and cool temperatures. In these areas, Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is an epiphyte on the lower boles of Pacific silver fir. Other habitats where this species has been documented in northern Washington include an old-growth Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest, and an unusual low elevation stand of dead or dying subalpine fir on a lava flow (Rhoades 1981).

In the southern Washington Cascades on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis occurs in old-growth Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests, with western redcedar and Pacific yew sometimes present. In this area it has been recorded as an epiphyte on Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Pacific silver fir, bigleaf maple and vine maple.

In Oregon, ninety percent of the known sites are in old-growth conifer forests. Typical habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is old-growth Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests from 490 to 900 m (1600-2950 ft) elevation. It has been recorded as an epiphyte on Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Pacific silver fir, Pacific yew, western redcedar, Sitka spruce, red alder, chinquapin, and in canopy litterfall. In Oregon it may not be restricted entirely to interior forest conditions; it has persisted on an old-growth Douglas-fir at the edge of a 20 year-old clearcut (Sillett 1995), and was found on an open grown western hemlock on a talus slope within an old-growth Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis has also been found on the moss-covered branches of Pacific yew in partially open conditions under the shelter of an old-growth forest canopy.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis appears to be one of the last lichens to reach the upper canopy during forest development (McCune 1993, Sillett 1995, Sillett and Neitlich in press). In the 700 year-old Douglas-fir trees in a western Oregon Cascades forest, it was limited to the middle and lower crown (Sillett 1995), with a distribution pattern similar to Antitrichia curtipendula. These moss mats may provide an important function in regulating moisture regimes within the forest canopy (Norris pers. comm., Sillett 1995), and may contribute to providing suitable habitat and microclimate conditions for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis.

There are two documented occurrences of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis in stands younger than 200 years (Sillett 1995). Both sites were described as mature forests in the western Oregon Cascades. Available information described one site as a 140 year-old riparian forest of Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

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Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is a Pacific Northwest endemic ranging from southeast Alaska to Oregon west of the Cascade Mountain crest. There are known sites in Washington and Oregon; the majority of known sites occur on federal land. It is documented from disjunct sites on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Whatcom, Snohomish and King Counties), from the Nooksack River valley south to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Sites are known from Mount Rainier National Park (Pierce Co.), including the type locality (Imshaug 1950, Sillett in press). It is reported on the Olympic Peninsula in Clallam and Jefferson Counties (Sillett in press), plus an additional location in Grays Harbor County on the Olympic National Forest that needs verification. It is known from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Lewis and Skamania Counties), from Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument south to the Wind River Ranger District.

In Oregon it is known from the upper Sandy River, Mt. Hood and Bull of the Woods Wilderness areas on the Mt. Hood National Forest (Clackamas Co.) Salem BLM District in the Coast Range (Polk Co.) and Cascades (Linn Co.), and on the Willamette National Forest from the Santiam River area (Linn Co.), to its apparent southern extent at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (Lane Co). It is also known from the Oregon Coast at Cape Perpetua in Lincoln County (Sillett 1995).

II. INVENTORY METHODOLOGY

The objective of the pre-field review is to determine if known sites are present in or in the vicinity of the proposed project area, and to determine if probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis exists in the proposed project area. Consult the current known site database (KSDB) and other GIS layers and data available for the area of interest to determine if known sites occur in the area. Evaluate the known site information to determine the location and habitat of populations of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. Mark the locations of known sites on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in field survey.

Evaluate available information to determine if probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis exists in the proposed project area. Specific habitat conditions for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are described in section I.F. of this document, and in the current known site database. Determine if these habitat conditions exist in the proposed project area by consulting information sources such as GIS layers of potential or current vegetation, stand age maps, stand exam data, ecology program database, USFS Current Vegetation Survey (CVS),

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botany program survey records, lichen inventory data, predictive habitat models, and individuals knowledgeable of the project area and ecological requirements of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. Delineate the areas of probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.

The prefield review will result in identification of known sites of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis and areas of probable suitable habitat for this species within the proposed project area. These are the areas where the survey will be conducted. Field surveys are not required if the species is not known to exist in the proposed project area or in the vicinity, and if it is determined that probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis does not exist in the proposed project area. Documentation of the prefield review will be become part of the administrative record.

The objective of the field survey is to document the presence/absence and location Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis within the proposed project area. Collecting additional information to characterize the habitat and ecological conditions where the populations occur, as well as extent and abundance of the taxon, although optional, is highly recommended. Information from this additional data collection is important to refining our knowledge of the distribution and ecological requirements of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis throughout the area of the Northwest Forest Plan. Better habitat and distribution information may result in improving management for the species and significantly reducing the area considered potential habitat and requiring survey in future years. This information is also necessary documentation for proposals to change the status of the species (e.g., movement to another component or removal from the Survey and Manage list, if appropriate).

Conduct the field survey by traversing through and around the proposed project area, visiting areas delineated on the topographic map and aerial photos as known sites or probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis occurs most commonly as an epiphyte on conifer species, and occasionally on hardwoods. Refer to the specific habitat associations for detailed description of habitat and substrates for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis for particular geographical areas (Section I.F.). Search these habitats for the presence of the species, as well as looking at litterfall for lichen thalli of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis that have fallen from the canopy. Use binoculars to look into the crowns of trees beyond the range of normal vision to determine if the species is present. Field survey for lichens occurs at a much finer scale than vascular plants given the relatively small size of these organisms. Thus it becomes necessary to scale down and look at the habitat at a finer level to determine the presence or absence of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. Delineate on the topographic map and aerial photo the areal extent of the field survey and route traversed according to methods detailed in Appendix D.

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If populations of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are found, mark the location of the populations on a field map (e.g., 7.5 minute USGS topographic map) and aerial photo. Complete the "Survey Strategy 2 Field Form" (Appendix A) for each location. We recommend using a separate map from the one that delineates the aerial extent of the field survey (as shown in Appendix D). We highly recommend delineating the extent of the population on the maps or photos, as this information is invaluable in relocating the population and developing management recommendations for the population.

A minimum size, but adequate voucher specimen should be collected (if enough material is present) to verify the identification and document the presence of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. A 3 in. x 3 in. specimen is optimal if adequate material is present. If material is scarce, collect several pieces of the thallus to represent the population; it is necessary to include complete thallus lobes for taxonomic verification. Use the packet form provided in Appendix E.

If Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis was not encountered in the field survey, (or absent in a portion of the area surveyed), then document the absence of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis within the survey area of the proposed project. Documentation shall include description of survey activity sufficient to determine that an adequate areal survey at the scale of resolution needed to locate Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis has been conducted within and adjacent to known site locations, and in probable suitable habitat within the proposed project area. Include in this documentation the areal extent of the survey delineated on topographic map (Appendix D) and aerial photos, and a record of the different habitat and ecological conditions that were searched for the species. Submit this documentation for the administrative record and file appropriately.

The field survey will cover the extent of the proposed project area with a focus on reported sites and probable suitable habitat for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. In general, the level of survey will be comparable to the Intuitive Controlled Survey (Appendix D). Given the relatively small size of lichens, the field survey must be at a scale and resolution fine enough to confirm the presence or absence of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. In addition, the area adjacent to the boundary of the project area may need to be surveyed if the proposed project will directly or indirectly affect the habitat and microclimate conditions of adjacent probable suitable habitat or known sites.

In general, timing is less restrictive for lichen surveys than for vascular plants, given the presence of lichens year round, and ability at any time of year to accurately identify Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. However, surveys should be conducted during the growing season (snow free

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period) in order to facilitate safe and efficient field work, and to be able to accurately characterize the vascular plant component of the habitat.

A record of detailed and complete ecological and population information for occurrences of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis, while not required, is highly recommended and will contribute to our knowledge of the species, its ecological requirements and population trends, and will assist in our management of the species. If Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis is not observed, delineate the areal extent of the survey on a topographic map and aerial photos, and record the different habitat and ecological conditions that were surveyed for the species.

Use field methods and field forms of Appendix A for documentation of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis populations. Record surveyor name, plot number, and date of survey. Include site location information with detailed location description, accurate delineation of the population and area surveyed on a topographic map and aerial photos (Appendix D). Optional photographs may be taken of the taxon, habitat or site. If appropriate, voucher specimens should be collected, verified, curated properly and deposited at an appropriate location.

Use of Appendices B and C are optional, but collection of this information would greatly improve our knowledge of the species, enabling improved management and more efficient surveying in the future. For Appendices B and C, designate plot locations with a cross (+) and unique plot number (see Appendix C for designating plot number). Document the ecological and habitat characteristics, abundance and extent of the population of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis by installing a plot according to methods in Appendix C, and complete field forms in Appendix B. Record detailed and complete ecological and population information in order to maximize the contribution to our knowledge of the species, its ecological requirements, population trends, and to assist in the development of a habitat model and management of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis. If multiple populations are found, install a plot in each representative habitat. If a large population is found (areal extent too big for a single plot), install a plot in the portion of the stand that is representative of the population. If significantly different habitats are encountered within a single population, install multiple plots to document the different habitats.

For Appendices B and C, field data should be recorded that provides a detailed habitat description (Appendix C). Data to collect includes plant association, stand age, successional stage, stand structure, average diameter of trees, canopy closure of the overstory, understory canopy cover, percent cover of tree species and dominant vascular plant species, site variables including elevation, aspect, slope, lichen line, topographic moisture (Henderson et al., 1992, see pg 8), landform, macroposition, microposition, bedrock, regolith (parent material), and condition of the habitat (e.g. disturbance). Specific habitat attributes for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis should include substrate information such as species, size class, decay class (if snag or down log) and bedrock type (if epiphytic on rock). Population information should include abundance of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis using abundance rating system for epiphytes (Appendix C),

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actual area of the species (ft²), and extent of the population (number of trees or area covered (acres)). In addition, record data on vigor (e.g., individuals appear healthy, stressed, declining, diseased, browsed), and threats (apparent or potential) to the population.

III. DATA MANAGEMENT

A designated data steward for the administrative unit will be responsible for the quality and completeness of the survey data, including the prefield review and the field survey information. This includes adequate and accurate data collection. This is important to ensure credibility of the interpretations, analysis or management direction based on these data. Data quality will be assured at the local level, and adhere to regional agency standards for data management.

Data will be stored at the administrative unit (National Forest headquarters, BLM District, BLM Resource Area) and be available in a corporate database for local and regional use according to policy developed for the ISMS database and Survey and Manage taxa. Site locations for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis will be available in a GIS layer that is linked to a database with supporting information. Electronic and hard copies will be maintained and accessible to agency personnel requiring this information to successfully implement the Survey and Manage Standard and Guideline and other agency goals under the Northwest Forest Plan. The hard copy file will include documentation of the prefield review, field survey data, field form and field notes, topographic maps and aerial photos with survey and population locations delineated, photographs, and voucher specimen location and become part of the administrative record.

IV. SURVEYING SKILLS

Personnel conducting the survey protocol for Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis will need to demonstrate completion of training in lichen identification or have experience verified by a recognized expert such that identifications of survey and manage lichens are dependable. They must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in the identification of vascular plant species and plant communities for the geographical area of interest. Personnel need to be experienced in field techniques, including aerial photo and map interpretation, route finding, and ecological/floristic field observations to be able to document the locations, ecological conditions and habitats surveyed for and occupied by Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis.

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V. REFERENCES

Goward, T., B. McCune, and D. Meidinger. 1994. The Lichens of British Columbia. Part I. Foliose and Squamulose species. Ministry of Forests Research Program, Victoria, B.C.

Henderson, J.A., R.D. Lesher, D.H. Peter, and D.C. Shaw. 1992. Field Guide to the Forested Plant Associations of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. R6-ECOL-TP-028091.

Imshaug, H.A. 1950. New and noteworthy lichens from Mt. Rainier National Park. Mycologia 42:743-752.

McCune, B. 1993. Gradients in epiphyte biomass in three Pseudotsuga-Tsuga forests of different ages in western Oregon and Washington. The Bryologist 96:405-411.

McCune, B. 1995. Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest forests. 17 May 1995 draft document. Oregon State University. 305 p.

McCune, B. and L. Geiser. 1997. Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.

Norris, D. 1993. Personal communication during FEMAT process.

Rhoades, F.M. 1981. Biomass of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes on Abies lasiocarpa on a Mt. Baker lava flow, Washington. The Bryologist 84(1):39-47.

Rose, F. 1988. Phytogeographical and ecological aspects of Lobarian communities in Europe. Botanical Journal of the Linnaean Society 96:69-79.

Sillett, S.C. 1995. Branch epiphyte assemblages in the forest interior and on the clearcut edge of a 700 year-old Douglas-fir canopy in western Oregon. The Bryologist 98(3):301-312.

Sillett, S.C. Distribution and ecology of Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis, an epiphytic cyanolichen endemic to the Pacific Northwest. (in press)

Sillett, S. C. and P.N. Neitlich. Emerging themes in epiphyte research in westside forests with special references to the cyanolichens. Northwest Science (in press).

USDA and USDI. 1994. Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl; Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl.

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VI. List of APPENDICES

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Index