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

Ptilidium californicum (Aust.) Underw.

Version 2.0

10 Dec. 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Protocol for Ptilidium californicum

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Introduction to the Issues

Ptilidium californicum although widespread in Washington begins to reach its southern limits in southern Oregon and northern California. Viability concerns were based on its uncommon occurrence and its narrow distribution in California, The viability ratings reflected a high level of concern for this species. Ptilidium californicum is a species of concern for northern California only and surveys are only required in California.

Ptilidium californicum was identified as a Survey and Manage strategy 1 and 2 species (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994). There are no other state or federal designations for this species.

Field survey for lichens and bryophytes 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 and substrate at a finer level to determine the presence or absence of species like Ptilidium californicum.

B. Unique Characteristics, Biology and Ecology of Ptilidium californicum

Ptilidium californicum is a medium sized liverwort that is golden-green or golden to coppery-red, often appearing as a "fuzzy mat". Leaf lobes are deeply divided with cilia along the margins.

Although other species of Ptilidium occur that could be confused with P. californicum, none of them are found in the region of the northern Spotted Owl, thus they could not be confused with Ptilidium californicum.

Technical description: shoots less than 1.5 mm wide, leaves are composed of 3-4 elongated, narrowly lanceolate lobes, lobe margins entire with 1 or 2 long cilia, leaf cell walls thin, with very large trigones. Underleaves wider than the stem and 2-3 clefted.

The reproductive biology of Ptilidium californicum is well known, it is dioicous and forms perianths frequently, usually producing sporophytes from May through August in the northern portions of its range.

Ptilidium californicum is usually epiphytic on several tree species but can also be found on fallen and decaying logs, stumps. It has been found rarely on humus over boulders.

C. Protocol Objectives

The objective of the survey protocol for Ptilidium californicum is to determine the presence/absence of the species within the proposed project area.

D. Trigger for Protocol

Implementation of this survey protocol for Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum exists in the proposed project area
• a known site of Ptilidium californicum has been reported in the vicinity (e.g., 5^th field watershed adjacent to the proposed project area)
• the proposed project area occurs within the known or suspected range of Ptilidium californicum, and there is suitable habitat within the proposed project area (Figure 1)

E. Threats to Ptilidium californicum

The major threat to Ptilidium californicum is loss of populations due to management activities that directly impact the habitat or the populations. Threats to Ptilidium californicum 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 substrate, stand treatments that result in changes in microclimate conditions or forest structure, harvest of special forest products that may include individuals of this taxon.

Spray paint used to mark leave, take and wildlife trees within project areas will have a severe impact on this species.

F. Specific Habitat Associations

Ptilidium californicum is usually epiphytic, occurring on coniferous tree trunks, decaying logs, stumps and rarely on humus over rock. In the central Cascades of Oregon it is most abundant in the older stands of the silver fir (Abies amabilis) zone (Christy & Wagner 1996). In northern California it is known from one population on white fir (Abies concolor).

G. Known Range of Ptilidium californicum

Ptilidium californicum has a North Pacific distribution and is known from Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, Washington Oregon and northern California. It is wide spread throughout the northern portion of its range but reaches its southern limits in southern Oregon and

Figure 1.

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

northern California. The first known site in California was recently collected on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in an area administered by the Lasson National Forest, Shasta Co.

H. Suspected Range of Ptilidium californicum

Ptilidium californicum may be found only on the west slopes and central portions of the Cascades within northern California. A brief trip to the Modoc National Forest did not reveal Ptilidium californicum in a large stand of old growth white fir. Therefore it may not be a species of concern for this portion of the range. Until additional field work is completed this species of should be looked for in northern California.

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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum is known to occur in the area. Evaluate the available information to determine the location and habitat of populations of Ptilidium californicum. 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum

If populations of Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum. 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, Frye and Clark 1943.

d. Documenting the Absence of Ptilidium californicum

If Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum. 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 Ptilidium californicum. 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum 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.

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