Survey Protocols For Survey and Manage Component 2: Bryophytes

Memo to District and Area Managers, et. al.

Diplophyllum plicatum

Kurzia makinoana

Marsupella emarginata

Ptilidium californicum

Tritomaria exsectiformis

Appendices:
A
B
C
D

SURVEY STRATEGY 2 PROTOCOL

for

Marsupella emarginata (Ehrh.) Dum. var. aquatica (Lindb.) Dum.

Version 2.0

10 Dec. 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Protocol for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Introduction to the Issues

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica was considered at risk under the Northwest Forest Plan because it is known from only one location within the range of the northern spotted owl. It is designated under Survey Strategies 1 and 2 ( ROD, USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994).

• The Nature Conservancy, Natural Heritage Program (1995) Rank S3 (species for which more information is needed before status can be determined, but which may be threatened or endangered in Oregon or throughout its range.
• The BLM Bureau lists this species as a Tracking Species (McCaffrey pers. comm.)

B. Unique Characteristics, Biology and Ecology of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is a robust, dull or deep green to blackish leafy liverwort (reddish to blackish forms occur in areas exposed to full sun). Shoots are generally 1.6 - 2.5 mm wide by (3) 5-8 (10) cm long, erect, and usually simple and rigid. Leaves are transversely inserted and bilobed, usually with two oil-bodies per leaf cell.

According to Wagner (Christy and Wagner 1996) Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is a very distinct aquatic bryophyte. It is very similar to Marsupella emarginata var. emarginata a predominantly terrestrial species. M. emarginata var. aquatica is distinguished from M. emarginata var. emarginata by its larger stiffly spreading leaves with tightly rolled under margins. Also M. emarginata var. emarginata does not grow submerged in streams. There are some taxonomic problems with this species, further information needs to be collected to resolve these problems.

Technical description: shoots 1.6 - 2.5 mm or more wide by (3) 5-8 (10) cm long, erect, usually simple. Stems 250-320 microns in diameter, leaves very regularly, stiffly, transversely inserted, horizontally spreading from a concave, ascending, sheathing base, leaves are usually broad with rotund or blunt-obtuse lobes, margins are prominently revolute or reflexed.

The reproductive biology of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica has not been described. This variety is similar to the dioicous Marsupella emarginata var. emarginata in reproductive morphology. In the genus Marsupella, the perianth is small, immersed and surrounded by a tubular collar-like structure. Asexual reproduction structures are lacking.

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is an aquatic liverwort that grows submerged in shaded cold flowing stream habitats. Within the range of the northern spotted owl it is known from only the Waldo Lake site in Oregon.

C. Protocol Objectives

The objective of the survey protocol for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is to determine the presence/absence of the species within the proposed project area.

D. Trigger for Protocol

Implementation of this survey protocol for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica will occur if the proposed ground-disturbing 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, logs, stumps, or harvest of special forest products), and if any of the following three criteria are met.

• a known site of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica exists in the proposed project area
• a known site of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica has been reported in the vicinity (e.g., 5th field watershed adjacent to the proposed project area)
• the proposed project area occurs within the known or suspected range of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica, and there is suitable habitat within the proposed project area (Figure 1)

E. Threats to Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

Water pollution from sewage and motorboats at Waldo Lake could negatively impact the population of this species. The main threat to this population is recreational activity. Originally, the ultraoligotrophic water had the clarity and purity of distilled water is a result of fish stocking between 1938 and 1990 and improved access to Waldo Lake, water quality has deteriorated based on recent studies (Larson and Salinas 1995). Increasing hiker and mountain biker impacts around the lake and along streams may also threaten this species. New construction of bridges, culverts (release of zinc from galvinized culverts is known to be toxic to bryophytes, and grazing could also impact the species by trampling the known sites.

Figure 1.

(Includes Known Site Database (Version 2.0) and new information)

Erosion from timber harvest in areas upstream from the known populations could impact the site by altering stream temperatures and sediment loading.

F. Specific Habitat Associations

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica occurs in robust colonies attached to submerged rocks in a cold, perennial stream at 1650 m (5410 ft.) elevation. The Waldo Lake site is shaded by large mountain hemlock, but receives partial sun. It is reportedly abundant at this site, which is readily accessible by boat.

G. Known Range of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is known from only one site at Waldo Lake, Willamette National Forest, Lane County, in the Oregon Cascades. It may occur in other cold perennial streams in the Oregon and Washington Cascades and may actually be widespread (Schofield, pers. comm.). The global distribution includes Europe, northeastern United States, and it has also been reported from British Columbia and Alaska (Schofield pers. comm.).

H. Suspected Range of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica could occur in areas where cold perennial streams throughout the central Cascades. Further collecting needs to be done to define the range of this species.

II. INVENTORY METHODOLOGY

A. Sampling Procedures

1. Prefield review

The objective of the pre-field review is to determine if known sites are present in (or in the vicinity of) the proposed ground-disturbing activity area, and to determine if suitable habitat for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica exists in the proposed ground-disturbing activity area. Consult the current Known Site Database (KSDB) or the Interagency Species Management System (ISMS), GIS layers of potential or current vegetation, stand age maps, stand exam data, ecology program database, Current Vegetation Survey (CVS) inventory, botany program survey records, bryophyte inventory data, and habitat models (if available) for the area of interest to determine if Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is known to occur in the area. Evaluate the available information to determine the location and habitat of populations of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica. Mark the locations of reported sites on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.

The prefield review will result in identification of reported sites of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica and areas of suitable habitat for this species within the proposed project area. These are the areas where the survey will initially be conducted. Field surveys are not required if reported sites do not exist in the proposed ground-disturbing activity area or in the vicinity, and if it is determined that suitable habitat for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is not likely to exist in the proposed project area. Documentation of the prefield review will become part of the administrative record.

A habitat review will identify general topographic and special habitat features and determine if suitable habitat for Survey and Manage bryophyte species could occur within the proposed project area. This can be completed in either the office or the field, but should at least consist reviewing project area maps, available aerial photographs, and agency and non-agency records detailing the habitat characteristics and distribution of the bryophytes in the vicinity.

2. Field Survey

The objective of the field survey is to document the presence/absence of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica within the proposed area of ground-disturbing activity to determine if protective measures are needed. Information beyond presence/absence will contribute to our knowledge of the distribution of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica throughout the area of the Northwest Forest Plan. Identification of this species requires microscopic examination (see documenting the presence in II A 2a) and vouchers will need to be collected for this purpose (see Appendix D).

a. Intuitive Controlled Survey

For large areas proposed for ground-disturbing activity an intuitive controlled survey should be used. These surveys include intensive searches in areas with the highest potential for locating Survey and Manage bryophytes. The surveyor makes bryophyte observations along routes which cover a representative sample of all major topographic and potential microhabitats (see appropriate habitat requirements per species, in section I F). Search routes within the project area will traverse the ground-disturbing activity area as the surveyor moves from one particular potential habitat or topographic feature to another. Intuitive Controlled inventories are particularly effective when performed over a large area (e.g., ground-disturbing activities greater than one hectare or 2.47 acres).

b. Complete Survey

For smaller areas (e.g., ground-disturbing activities less than approximately one hectare (2.47 acres) conduct a Complete Survey. This survey is defined as a 100 percent visual examination of the ground-disturbing activity area. Complete surveys are particularly effective when performed over a small area . This survey would be carried out only when a small area has a high potential for specific Survey and Manage bryophyte species.

c. Documenting the Presence of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

If populations of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica are found, mark the location of the population on field maps and aerial photos. Complete the field form (including habitat information which is needed for species identification) for documentation of known sites of this species (see Appendix A). A small (not larger than the palm of a hand) but adequate voucher specimen should be collected (only if removal of material will not significantly impact the population) to verify the identification and to document the presence of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica. If the population is very small, remove only enough material needed for microscopic identification. The following references will provide assistance in identifying the species: Christy and Wagner 1996, Schuster 1974, Frye and Clark 1943.

d. Documenting the Absence of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica

If Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica was not encountered in the field survey, or is absent in a portion of the area surveyed, then document its absence within the survey area of the proposed ground-disturbing activity. Include in this documentation the areal extent of the survey and project area clearly delineated on topographic maps and aerial photos (see Appendix B, spatial documentation of extent of survey). In addition, the name of the surveyor, date(s) of survey, and project name should be noted. Submit this documentation for the administrative record.

B. Extent of Surveys

The field survey will cover the extent of the proposed project area with a focus on reported sites and suitable habitat for Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica. 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 suitable habitat or reported sites.

C. Timing of Surveys

In general, timing is less restrictive for bryophyte surveys than for vascular plants, given the presence of bryophytes year round, and ability at any time of year to accurately identify Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica. However, surveys should be conducted during the growing season (snow free period) in order to facilitate safe and efficient field work.

D. Information to Collect Beyond Presence/Absence (if time permits)

Collection of information beyond presence/absence, location and basic habitat description is optional, but highly recommended. A complete record of detailed ecological requirements and population information for occurrences of Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica will contribute to our knowledge of the species and will assist us in our management of the species. Use Appendix C to record data for fields currently in the known site database or ISMS for sites where Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica is documented. If you collect this information please forward copies to the Interagency Regional Bryologist/Lichenologist Judy Harpel, c/o Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 10600 N.E. 51st. Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682.

III. DATA MANAGEMENT

A. Data Quality Assurance

A data steward should be designated for each administrative unit who 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, prompt and accurate data entry into the corporate database (ISMS) when it becomes available, and hard copy formats. This is an important aspect to ensure credibility of the interpretations, and analysis or management direction that are based on this data. Data quality will be assured at the local level, and adhere to any regional agency standards for data management.

B. Data Storage

Data will be stored at the administrative unit (National Forest, BLM District) 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 Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica 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 prefield review, field survey data, field form and field notes, voucher specimen location and any other supporting information and should be kept as case file documentation.

IV. SURVEYING SKILLS

A. Surveyor Background/Qualifications/Skills

Personnel conducting surveys for bryophytes need to have the following skills essential to identification:

• micro-techniques used for identification including the ability to make microscope slides of leaves, sporophytes, cross-sections of stems and leaves
• ability to distinguish different species that are often mixed together
• ability to use the dichotomous bryological keys and literature for the Pacific Northwest

Personnel need to be experienced in field techniques to document the areas surveyed and occupied by the Survey and Manage bryophytes.

V. REFERENCES

Christy, J.A. and D.H. Wagner. 1996. Guide for the identification of rare, threatened or sensitive bryophytes in the region of the northern spotted owl, western Washington, western Oregon, and northwestern California. USDI Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Northwest Botanical Institute.

Frye, T.C. and L. Clark. 1943. Hepaticae of North America. No. 2. University of Washington Publications in Biology 6: 163-336.

Larson, D.W. and T. J. Salinas. 1995. Waldo Lake, Willamette National Forest, Oregon.

Limnological Investigations: 1986-1995.

McCaffrey, Cheryl.1997. Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Office

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

Schofield, W.B. 1997. University of British Columbia. Vancouver. Canada

Schuster, R.M. 1974. The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America. Vol. III. Columbia University Press. New York

USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. 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. LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Survey Strategy 2 Field Form (Required Form)

B. Spatial documentation of extent of survey

C. Field forms for Survey and Manage Cryptogams (Optional Forms)

Field methods, data dictionary, epiphyte abundance rating system

D. Cryptogam packet form for voucher specimens