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

Tritomaria exsectiformis (Briedl.) Schiffn.

Version 2.0

10 Dec. 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Protocol for Tritomaria exsectiformis

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Introduction to the Issues

Tritomaria exsectiformis received the lowest rating, with no likelihood of being well-distributed throughout its range by the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (1993). At the time of the panels, the two known populations were both considered to be at risk from recreational impacts. Because inventories have not been conducted for this species, it was thought that it may occur in more locations, so extirpation risk was assessed based on this assumption.

Tritomaria exsectiformis has various designations by different organizations that reflect its rarity and concern for its viability. It was designated as a Survey and Manage strategy 1 and 2 species (R.O.D., USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management1994). Other designations include:

• The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Natural Heritage Program (1995), Rank S2 (species that are threatened with extirpation or presumed to be extirpated from the state of Oregon).
• BLM Bureau Assessment Status (McCaffrey pers. comm.)

B. Unique Characteristics, Biology and Ecology of Tritomaria exsectiformis

Tritomaria exectiformis is a pale green to yellowish-brown leafy liverwort that grows in small tufts among other liverworts and mosses. It has two rows of concave to (channeled) canaliculate asymmetrical leaves, which are 2 to 3 lobed. The dorsal lobe is slender and divergent, positioned no more than two-thirds of the length of the strongly arched and dilated ventral lobe. Numerous rust-red to brownish masses of polygonal, angular gemma (asexual propagules) are present at the shoot tips. Underleaves are lacking. Sporophytes are rare.

Two similar species, Tritomaria quinquedentata and Tritomaria exsecta occur within this region. Tritomaria exsectiformis and T. exsecta are distinguished from T. quinquedentata by the toothlike lobed leaves and the production of abundant gemmae. The angular gemmae on Tritomaria exsectiformis separates it from T. exsecta which has ovoid gemmae.

Technical description: Shoots (1.2) 1.6-2.0 mm wide, simple or with 1 or 2 branches from a prostrate base.asymmetrically and obliquely ovate or ovate-lanceolate, front lobe small, toothlike located just above the middle of the leaf, back leaf is usually bilobed or bidentate, with small apical teeth, Cells large, thin walled with prominent, bulging trigones, oil-bodies spherical to ovoid forming distinct somewhat protruding segments, thus appearing papillose, gemmae abundant on uppermost lobes of sterile and male shoots.

Tritomaria exectiformis occurs on decaying logs, peaty soil over cliffs, and wet soil banks.

C. Protocol Objectives

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

D. Trigger for Protocol

Implementation of this survey protocol for Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis exists in the proposed project area
• a known site of Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis, and there is suitable habitat within the proposed project area (Figure 1)

E. Threats to Tritomaria exsectiformis

The major viability consideration for Tritomaria exsectiformis is loss of populations due to management activities that impact the habitat or the populations. Threats to this species include trampling by people during hiking or rock climbing activities. Removal of rotten logs or the harvest of special forest products in areas with known populations.

F. Specific Habitat Associations

Tritomaria exsectiformis generally occurs on dry to moist, partially shaded soil or litter and soil in rock crevices. It is found less frequently on rock or decaying wood. This species has a high tolerance for direct sunlight and has a moderate tolerance to changing moisture conditions and is often found on partially shaded, dry to mesic substrate (Godfrey 1977, Schuster 1969).

G. Known Range of Tritomaria exsectiformis

All known sites of Tritomaria exsectiformis within the range of the northern spotted owl occur on federal land in the Deschutes National Forest (Deschutes and Jefferson Counties) in Oregon. One additional site occurs on federal land just outside the northern spotted owl boundary. This site is on the Okanogan National Forest in Okanogan County, Washington.

Figure 1.

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

H. Suspected Range of Tritomaria exsectiformis

Tritomaria exsectiformis may occur throughout the central Cascade Range, until additional locations are found it is difficult to rule out any specific areas.

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

If populations of Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis. 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 1945, Schuster 1969.

d. Documenting the Absence of Tritomaria exsectiformis

If Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis. 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis. 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis 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 nit 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 Tritomaria exsectiformis 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:

1. micro-techniques used for identification including the ability to make microscope slides of leaves, sporophytes, cross-sections of stems and leaves
2. ability to distinguish different species that are often mixed together
3. 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. 1945. Hepaticae of North America. No. 3. University of Washington Publications in Biology 6: 337-564.

Godfrey, J.L. 1977. The Heaticae and Anthocerotae of Southwestern British Columbia. Ph.D. Thesis. University of British Columbia. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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.

Schuster, R.M. 1969. The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America. Vol. II 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