Index

SURVEY PROTOCOL

FOR COMPONENT 2

LICHEN

Lobaria linita

Version 2.0

March 12, 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

Lobaria linita was considered at risk under the Northwest Forest Plan because of its rarity and limited distribution within the range of the northern spotted owl (FEMAT 1993, USDA and USDI 1994). Viability concerns were also noted for this species because of its presumed sensitivity to air pollution as inferred from the known sensitivity of other nitrogen-fixing lichen species. However, the pollution sensitivity of Lobaria linita is not known. Based on current information from the Olympic and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, this species is typically closely associated with old-growth forests. The viability risk for Lobaria linita varies from moderate in northwestern Washington, to high in Oregon and California. There are only two known populations of Lobaria linita in Oregon and one population known in California. These populations are very isolated and there is uncertainty whether these populations still exist. If air quality deteriorates significantly in the future, and Lobaria linita is shown to be sensitive to air pollution, then the risk for maintaining species viability would probably be high throughout most of its range. Lobaria linita was listed under Survey and Manage standard and guidelines to provide protection for known populations, and to locate additional populations on federal lands. Lobaria linita appears very restricted in its ecological amplitude and limited in its distribution.

Lobaria linita has various designations that reflect its rarity and concern for its viability. It is designated as Survey Strategy 1, 2 and 3 in the Survey and Manage Standard and Guideline (USDA and USDI 1994). Other designations include:

Lobaria linita is a medium to large foliose lichen, green to greenish-brown or brownish in color and becoming bright green when wet (figure 1). It is distinguished from other Lobaria species by its green alga and lack of isidia, soredia and lobules. There are two different morphotypes recognized as varieties, both of which are included under the Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines. L. linita var. linita tends to be small, reticulately wrinkled and sterile; L. linita var. tenuior is larger, reticulately ribbed, and usually fertile (Jordan 1973). This species may be confused with Lobaria pulmonaria which is sorediate.

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

The reproductive biology of Lobaria linita is not well known. The two varieties of Lobaria linita apparently have different reproductive strategies. Lobaria linita var. linita is reported as sterile. Thalli of Lobaria linita var. tenuior are typically apotheciate, and reproduction is presumably by spores (Jordan 1973). It is possible that fragmentation of the thallus may be a means of vegetative reproduction.

The two varieties of Lobaria linita have different ecological distributions. Lobaria linita var. linita occurs on rock and soil in alpine and arctic regions, and L. linita var. tenuior is typically found on conifers in montane to lower elevation forests (Jordan 1973) and occasionally on rock outcrops and boulders in moist conifer forests.

Lobaria linita is a nitrogen-fixing lichen. Nitrogen-fixing lichen species play an important ecological role in their contribution of nitrogen to ecosystems. Lobaria linita is not abundant or widespread as the two common Lobaria species in the Pacific Northwest, i.e., L. oregana and L. pulmonaria. Although Lobaria linita is generally restricted in its ecological distribution and not abundant when present, it may be the only nitrogen-fixing species or one of a few species in the habitats where it occurs and thus provides a source of nitrogen in ecosystems where this nutrient is often limiting.

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Figure 1. Line drawing of Lobaria linita (by Alexander Mikulin).

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The objective of the survey protocol for Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita 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:

The major viability considerations for Lobaria linita are loss of populations due to management activities that impact the habitat or the populations, or declines in viability resulting from air pollution. Threats to Lobaria linita are those actions that disrupt stand conditions necessary for its survival. This includes treatments that may directly or indirectly impact populations such as removal of colonized substrates, stand treatments that result in changes in microclimate conditions or forest structure, 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. The distribution of Lobaria linita along the western front of the North Cascades make it potentially more vulnerable to air pollution effects if there is a significant deterioration in air quality in northwestern Washington.

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Two varieties of Lobaria linita are recognized based on habitat characteristics and presence of apothecia. L. linita var. linita is a sterile variety that grows over rock, mossy hummocks and soil in arctic and alpine moss/heath communities (Jordan 1973). L. linita var. tenuior is typically apotheciate, and occurs on the lower boles, trunks, and branches of conifers and deciduous trees and shrubs in temperate coniferous forests (Jordan 1973). Current information available from known site collections does not distinguish between the two varieties, however if that information becomes important, voucher specimens can be reexamined to determine varietal status.

The majority of known sites of Lobaria linita within the range of the northern spotted owl are in northwestern Washington in the North Cascades and Olympic Mountains. However, Lobaria linita is not a common species in this area, nor is it abundant where it occurs; it is fairly restricted in its ecological distribution. Its typical habitat is old-growth to climax forests in the Pacific Silver Fir Zone and occasionally the Mountain Hemlock Zone, in mesic to moist Alaska huckleberry plant associations. It generally occurs on the lower boles of conifers, especially Abies amabilis. Lobaria linita may also occur on moss-covered rock substrates, in cool, shaded, humid microsites. Its elevation range is generally between 700-1100 m, although it has been recorded in subalpine sites up to 2040 meters, and at lower elevations in high precipitation areas or in sites of cold air drainage. There are a few records from higher elevation, non-forest sites in the Olympics and North Cascades. It is possible that these specimens would key to var. linita. It was recorded as occurring on moss in a dwarf shrub community dominated by heather (Phyllodoce empetriformis and Cassiope mertensiana) at a subalpine site at 1890 m elevation in the North Cascades. Other atypical habitats include the Sulfur Creek Lava Flow, where it occurs in an open forest as an epiphyte on Abies lasiocarpa or on shrubs, and in the Douglas-fir/Oceanspray-Baldhip Rose plant association in the rainshadow area of the northeastern Olympics.

Habitat information is sketchy for the known sites in Oregon and California. The known site in Oregon at Little Sink RNA/ACEC is described as a mature Douglas-fir forest, with old-growth structural components, at 165 m and 245 m elevation. Associated species include red alder (Alnus rubra), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and salal (Gaultheria shallon). Lobaria linita was found in the litterfall. The other Oregon site in Bull of the Woods Wilderness was on a mossy boulder in an old-growth forest in the transition area between the Western Hemlock Zone and Pacific Silver Fir Zone, elevation 914 meters. Only general habitat information is available for the California site, where the habitat was described as an oak forest with rock outcrops.

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Lobaria linita has an incomplete circumboreal range and occurs in the European Alps, Norway, Siberia, eastern Asia and North America. In North America it is found as far north as the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic, south to British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California. The species appears to reach the southern limit of its range in northern California.

Lobaria linita has been documented primarily on federal land, with the majority of known sites in Washington, two in Oregon and one in California . Lobaria linita occurs in Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King and Kittitas counties in Washington, Polk and Clackamas counties in Oregon, and Humboldt County in California.

Within the Pacific Northwest, Lobaria linita is most common in northwestern Washington, with the majority of known sites on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It occurs in the Nooksack River valley and Mt. Baker area, Baker Lake basin, Sauk Mountain, Finney Block, Glacier Peak Wilderness, White Chuck, upper Sauk, Boulder River Wilderness, Mt. Pilchuck area, S. Fk. Stillaguamish watershed, Martin Creek in the Tye watershed, Mt. Persis, Eagle Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, and Kittitas County near the Cascade crest. It is documented from Easy Creek near the Cascade crest on the Okanogan National Forest. On the Olympic Peninsula it is known in the northeastern Olympics in the Dungenss River drainage, Mount Zion, Mt. Crag area, and elsewhere on the Olympic Peninsula at Pine Mountain, Mt. Baldy, upper N. Fk Matheny Creek, Matheny Ridge and Colonel Bob Wilderness. It is not known in the western Washington Cascades south of the Snoqualmie River. In Oregon there are two collections from BLM Little Sink Research Natural Area/Area of Critical Environmental Concern; it is also reported from Bull of the Woods Wilderness on the Mt. Hood National Forest (S. Sillett, pers. comm.). The one known site in California is on private land in Humboldt County.

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 Lobaria linita exists in the proposed project area. Consult the current Known Site Database (KSDB or Interagency Species Management System (ISMS), GIS layers and data available for the area of interest to determine if known sites occur in the area. Evaluate the available information to determine the location and habitat of populations of Lobaria linita. Mark the locations of known sites on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.

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Evaluate available information to determine if probable suitable habitat for Lobaria linita exists in the proposed project area. Specific habitat conditions for Lobaria linita are described in section I.F. of this document, and the current known site database. To determine if these habitat conditions exist in the proposed project area, consult information sources such as GIS layers of potential or current vegetation, stand age maps, stand exam data, ecology program database, USFS Region 6 Current Vegetation Survey (CVS), botany program survey records, lichen inventory data, predictive habitat models, and individuals knowledgeable of the project area and ecological requirements of Lobaria linita. Delineate the areas of probable suitable habitat for Lobaria linita on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.

The prefield review will identify reported sites of Lobaria linita and areas of 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 Lobaria linita is not likely to 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 of Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita. Lobaria linita occurs most commonly as an epiphyte on lower tree boles, especially Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) and occasionally on moss-covered rock outcrops or large boulders in cool, shaded, humid sites. It may occur less commonly on other conifer species. Search these habitats for the presence of the species, as well as looking at litterfall for lichen thalli of Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita. Delineate on

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the topographic map and aerial photo the areal extent of the field survey and route traversed according to methods detailed in Appendix D.

If populations of Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita. 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 Lobaria linita was not encountered in the field survey, (or absent in a portion of the area surveyed), then document the absence of Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita 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 field maps (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 suitable habitat for Lobaria linita. 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 Lobaria linita. 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.

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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 Lobaria linita. However, surveys should be conducted during the growing season (snow free 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 Lobaria linita, 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 Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita 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 assigning plot number). Document the ecological and habitat characteristics, abundance and extent of the population of Lobaria linita by installing a plot according to the methods in Appendix C, and complete the 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 Lobaria linita. If multiple populations are found, install a plot in each representative habitat. If a large population is found (area 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 with a single population, install multiple plots to document the different habitats.

For Appendices B and C, Field data should be recorded to provide 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 p. 8),

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landform, macroposition, microposition, bedrock, regolith (parent material), and condition of the habitat (e.g., disturbance). Specific habitat attributes for Lobaria linita 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 Lobaria linita using abundance rating system for epiphytes (Appendix C), actual area of the species (ft²), 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 should 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 an important aspect of the protocol to ensure credibility of the interpretations, analysis or management direction based on these data. Data quality should be assured at the local level, and adhere to regional agency standards for database management.

Data should be stored at the administrative unit (National Forest headquarters, BLM District or 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 Lobaria linita should eventually be available in a GIS layer that is linked to a database with supporting information. Electronic and hard copies should 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 should include documentation of the prefield review, field survey data, field forms 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 Lobaria linita 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

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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 Lobaria linita.

V. REFERENCES

Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FEMAT). 1993. Forest Ecosystem Management: An Ecological, Economic, and Social Assessment. Portland, Oregon.

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.

Jordan, W.P. 1973. The genus Lobaria in North America north of Mexico. The Bryologist 76(2):225-251.

McCaffrey, C. Oregon State Office, Bureau of Land Management. Personal communication.

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

Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 1995. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, Oregon. 84 p.

Sillett, S. C. Personal communication. Humboldt State University, June 1996.

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.

VI. APPENDICES

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Index