The Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl include the requirement to conduct surveys prior to all ground-disturbing activities for Protection Buffer species. Enclosed are standard protocols (Version 2.0) for conducting surveys for Protection Buffer bryophytes (pages C-20 and C-27).

This memorandum transmits 6 bryophyte protocols (Schistostega pennata, Tetraphis geniculata, Ulota meglospora, Brotherella roellii, Buxbaumia viridis, and Rhizomnium nudum) to field officials for immediate implementation. As new versions of the protocols are officially released, they will apply to the next projects on which surveys are to be initiated.

The protocols are designed so that there is a high probability of finding populations of these species if present. Please follow the standard protocols as closely as possible. Because both Brotherella roellii and Rhizomnium nudum are difficult species to identify, collections of these species should be sent to a taxa expert for verification.

The protocol will undergo formal peer review during the next year by selected scientists, managers, and agency staff knowledgeable about these species. In addition, all field offices are encouraged to provide comments. Comments are due before September 2000.

Although the protocols may be revised in the future, projects surveyed according to these protocols will be considered as meeting the requirements for these species until further notice.

Please address any questions to Cheryl McCaffrey (BLM), Sarah Madsen (FS R-6), or 
Paula Crumpton (FS R-5). They can be reached at:

-- Cheryl - 503-952-6050; E-mail: cmccaffr@or.blm.gov
-- Sarah - 503-808-2673; E-mail: smadsen/r6pnw@fs.fed.us
-- Paula - 530-242- 2242; E-mail: pcrumpton/r5_shastatrinity@fs.fed.us

1 Enclosure (44 pp) [322K PDF File] under separate cover
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