SURVEY PROTOCOLS
FOR
Bridgeoporus (=Oxyporus) nobilissimus
(W.B. Cooke) Volk, Burdsall, & Ammirati
FUNGI
Version 2.0
May 13, 1998
by
Claire Hibler
&
Thomas E. O'Dell
SURVEY PROTOCOLS
FOR
Bridgeoporus (=Oxyporus) nobilissimus
(W.B. Cooke) Volk, Burdsall, & Ammirati
Fungi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Introduction to the Issues
B. Unique Characteristics, Biology, and Ecology of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
C. Protocol Objectives
D. Trigger for Protocol
E. Threats to Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
F. Specific Habitat Associations
G. Known Range of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
II. INVENTORY METHODOLOGY
A. Sampling Procedures
B. Extent of Surveys
C. Timing of Surveys
D. Documentation
E. Information to Collect Beyond Presence/Absence
III. DATA MANAGEMENT
A. Data Quality Assurance
B. Data Storage
IV. SURVEYING SKILLS
A. Surveyor Background/Qualifications/Skills
APPENDIX A: DICHOTOMOUS KEY IN DETERMINING LEVEL OF SURVEY
APPENDIX B: SURVEY STRATEGY 2 FIELD FORM
APPENDIX C: INTUITIVE CONTROLLED SURVEY AND SPATIAL DOCUMENTATION
APPENDIX D: FIELD FORMS FOR SURVEY AND MANAGE FUNGAL SPECIES
Key to the Mycologoical Survey and Manage form (July, 1997)
Fungi Habitat Survey Form - Page 1
Fungi Habitat Survey Form - Page 2
A. Introduction to the Issues
Protection of old-growth forest related species was a governing principle in the development of the Northwest Forest Plan (NFP). Species protection measures are addressed by numerous Standards and Guidelines applying to all land allocations designated by the NFP (USDA and USDI 1994a, 1994b). The "Survey and Manage" standards and guidelines provide benefits to numerous taxa by categorizing various species into four management strategies that differ in priority of implementation. Strategy 1 requires the management of known sites. Strategy 2 requires surveys prior to any ground disturbing activities within the range and habitat of the species (USDA and USDI 1994a). The goal of these surveys is to identify new sites. If new sites are detected, they are to be managed according to species specific management recommendations. This document provides the survey protocols developed for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus, a Strategy 2 fungus species. B. nobilissimus is listed in the ROD as Oxyporus nobilissimus. The new genus, Bridgeoporus, was recently erected in light of new information regarding the biology of B. nobilissimus (Burdsall et al., 1996). A separate document addresses the management recommendations for B. nobilissimus, and provides a thorough review of the known elements of the species biology relevant to effective management (Hibler and O'Dell, 1997).
Bridgeoporus nobilissimus is considered to be closely associated with late-successional coniferous forests, and has been classified as a Survey and Manage Strategy 1, 2, and 3 species under the FSEIS/ROD (USDA and USDI 1994a). B. nobilissimus is also considered to be endangered and threatened throughout its range (List 1) by the Oregon Natural Heritage Program (1995). Additionally, B. nobilissimus is considered Bureau Sensitive under the Oregon/Washington BLM Special Status Plant Policy. These designations for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus reflect a high level of concern for maintenance of species viability.
B. Unique Characteristics, Biology, and Ecology of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
Bridgeoporus nobilissimus (noble polypore) is a massive polypore. It is a large shaggy tan conk with the upper surface reminiscent of a green pizza with a crew cut and is frequently covered with mosses, algae, lichens, and debris. The combination of morphological features which differentiate B. nobilissimus from other polypores are the shaggy appearance of the pileal surface and the alternating white and brown tube layers in the fruiting body. The conspicuous and often extremely large size and fuzzy surface of the perennial conk makes B. nobilissimus easily noticed and identifiable in the field.
Little is known about the autecology of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus, but it is apparently a parasite (butt rot) or saprobe on Abies (Volk et al., 1996). Known sites are in a wide range of seral stages from a 35 year old plantation (on old-growth stumps) to old-growth forests with large diameter (109 - 208 cm [43 - 82 inch]) A. procera or A. amabilis. Conks grow up to 122 centimeters (4 feet) off the ground on live trees, standing dead trees, snags, and stumps. They are also found on the ground, growing off of the collars and root crowns within 2 meters (approximately 6 feet) of the base of the host (W.B. Cooke, 1949).
The conks have been found in three general shapes. Hoof-shaped and shelf-like conks are found on the sides of the hosts. Centrally substipitate conks are found growing on the collars and root crowns of the hosts and on the top of host stumps. Maximum pileus measurements from the known sites are 750 mm (2.5 feet) long by 1010 mm (3 feet) wide by 510 mm (1.5 feet) high (Walker & Ammirati, 1995).
C. Protocol Objectives
The survey protocol for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus is designed to determine the presence/absence of this fungus prior to ground-disturbing activities. If a field survey of an area is warranted as per Section I(D), then the survey objective is to have a high degree of certainty in finding the target species within the survey area if it is present. Areas to be surveyed are defined under Section II(B).
D. Trigger for Protocol
Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines direct the agencies to conduct surveys prior to any ground-disturbing activities that will be implemented in FY 1999 or later within the range and habitat of the targeted Strategy 2 fungus species (USDA and USDI, 1994a). Ground disturbing activities with potential to impact populations of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus include, but are not limited to, timber harvest, road, trail, and campground construction, and harvest of special forest products (e.g., boughs, cones, ferns, moss, and mushrooms). The goal of these surveys is to identify new sites. Determination of the level of survey required for any proposed ground-disturbing activity is presented in the Appendix A, Dichotomous Key in Determining Level of Survey.
E. Threats to Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
Threats to Bridgeoporus nobilissimus are those actions that disrupt stand conditions necessary for its survival. These include activities that cause removal of host trees or modification of microclimatic conditions required for fruiting and survival, such as logging, road, trail, and campground construction.
This taxon is not routinely harvested for use as food.
Other identified threats include the trampling and collecting of Bridgeoporus conks.
F. Specific Habitat Associations
Potential suitable habitat for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus is characterized as mesic to wet microsites in forests of all seral stages in the range of Pacific Silver Fir and Noble Fir. The known Washington Cascade populations are located low on the north side of slopes in protected areas. In contrast, the known Oregon Cascade populations are located in the vicinity of mountain tops and are on gentle ridges with west to north aspects. Portions of some populations are associated with avalanche chutes.
Elevations of the Bridgeoporus nobilissimus sites range from 305 meters (1000 feet) to 1219 meters (4000 feet).
Associated tree species are typical of the species found in the Pacific Silver Fir Zone and include: Abies amabilis (Pacific Silver fir), Abies procera (noble fir), Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), Thuja plicata (western red cedar), and Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock). Dominant shrubs found at the sites include: Gaultheria shallon (salal), Menziesia ferruginea (fools huckleberry), Rhododendron macrophyllum (rhododendron), and Vaccinium alaskense (Alaska huckleberry).
All of the known Bridgeoporus nobilissimus sites have old, large diameter dead Abies procera or Abies amabilis material as the substrate. Known sites are in a wide range of seral stages from a 60 year old stand (on old stumps) to old-growth forests. The conks are found on snags, stumps, or dead portions of decadent large, live trees.
G. Known Range of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
Bridgeoporus nobilissimus is endemic to Oregon and Washington, where it is known from nine sites from Linn County, Oregon to King County, Washington and the Olympic Peninsula. Washington: Pierce County, Mt. Rainier National Park, lower Tahoma Creek; Cowlitz County, Mt. St. Helen's National Monument, Goat Marsh Research Natural Area; King County, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Asahel Curtis Nature Trail; Grays Harbor County, Olympic National Forest, East Fork Humptulips River. Oregon: Clackamas County, Mt. Hood National Forest, Wildcat Mountain; Clackamas County, Barlow Butte; Multnomah County, Mt. Hood National Forest, Larch Mountain; Multnomah County, Salem District BLM, North Mountain; Linn County, Salem District BLM, Snow Peak. Another potential site with vague locality data extends the range to the Benton County in the Oregon Coast Range.
No sites are currently known from California, but since potential habitat occurs there, this cannot yet be ruled out.
II. Inventory Methodology
A. Sampling Procedures
The intensity of surveys for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus in and adjacent to a proposed project area prior to ground disturbing activities has been categorized into three types: Pre-field review, Intuitive Controlled Surveys, and Complete Surveys.
Ground disturbing activities to be implemented in FY 99, for which surveys have been initiated using earlier versions of this protocol or techniques which have been used to survey for agency sensitive species will be considered to have met the Component 2 Survey & Manage Standard and Guideline. The manager has the option to complete the survey using this protocol (version 2.0). Ground disturbing activities to be implemented after FY 99 and those FY 99 projects for which surveys have not been initiated should use this protocol (version 2.0).
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 project area, and to determine if probable suitable habitat for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus 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 Bridgeoporus nobilissimus. Mark the locations of known sites on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.
Evaluate available information to determine if probable suitable habitat for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus exists in the proposed project area. Specific habitat conditions for B. nobilissimus 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), PSW Region 5 Ecosystem Classification (FSH 2090), botany program records, predictive habitat models, and individuals knowledgeable of the project area and ecological requirements of B. nobilissimus. Delineate the areas of probable suitable habitat for B. nobilissimus on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.
The prefield review will identify reported sites of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus 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 required if the species is known to exist in the proposed project area or in the vicinity, or if it is determined that probable suitable habitat for B. nobilissimus is likely to exist in the proposed project area. Documentation of the prefield review will become part of the administrative record.
2. Intuitive Controlled and Complete Field Surveys
The objective of the field survey is to document the presence/absence and location of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus within and adjacent to 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 B. nobilissimus throughout the area of the Northwest Forest Plan. Better habitat and distribution information may result in significantly reducing the area considered potential habitat and requiring survey in future years.
Intuitive controlled inventories are particularly effective when performed over a large area (e.g., ground disturbing activities greater than one hectare (2.5 acres). Conduct the intuitive controlled 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 habitat for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus. B. nobilissimus conks are found on or around the base of large diameter Abies procera (noble fir) or Abies amabilis (Pacific silver fir) live trees, dead standing trees, snags or stumps. Search these microsites for the presence of the species. Delineate on the topographic map and aerial photo the aerial extent of the field survey and route traversed.
Complete surveys are defined as a 100 percent visual exam of potential suitable habitat in the survey area as defined below (section B). Complete surveys are particularly effective when performed over small areas less than one hectare (2.5 acres). They are also appropriate when surveying a project area that lies within a Bridgeoporus nobilissimus management area.
B. Extent of Surveys
For the purposes of this protocol, the project area is defined as the area on the ground receiving direct impacts. Direct impacts are those which cause physical disturbance to any surface or substrate within any given area. The survey area may also encompass a zone subject to indirect impact from management activities (Chen et al. 1995, Harris 1984). Examples of indirect impacts include, but are not limited to, changes in the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor, changes in microclimatic conditions (i.e., humidity, soil moisture and temperature, wind speed and direction). These areas subject to indirect impact adjacent to the proposed project area will also be surveyed when the surveyor determines that the project could affect microclimate or life cycle habitat factors of B. nobilissimus sites which occur outside the area of direct impacts.
C. Timing of Surveys
Timing is less restrictive for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus surveys than for vascular plants, given the presence of the conks year round and ability at any time of year to accurately identify B. nobilissimus. However, conducting surveys during the growing season (snow free period) facilitates safe and efficient field work, and enables accurate characterization of the vascular plant component of the habitat. Obtaining such habitat data will facilitate better management of the species and help narrow the scope of future survey activity.
1. Documenting the Presence of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
If populations of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus are found, mark the location of the populations on a field map (e.g., 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps) and aerial photo. Complete the "Survey Strategy 2 Field Form" (Appendix C) for each location. We recommend using a separate map from the one that delineates the aerial extent of the field survey. 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 recommendation for the populations.
Photograph the Bridgeoporus nobilissimus conks in their habitat if possible to document each occurrence. Do not collect voucher specimens. Coordination with the regional mycologist or another knowledgeable individual to obtain species verification is recommended.
2. Documenting the Absence of Bridgeoporus nobilissimus
If Bridgeoporus nobilissimus was not encountered in the field survey, (or absent in a portion of the area surveyed), then document the absence of B. nobilissimus within the survey area. Documentation should include description of survey activity sufficient to determine that an adequate aerial survey was completed in the probable suitable habitat within and adjacent to the proposed project area. Include in this documentation the aerial extent of the survey delineated on field maps 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.
E. Information to Collect Beyond Presence/Absence
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 Bridgeoporus nobilissimus will contribute to our knowledge of the species and will assist us in our management of the species. Use Appendix D to record data for fields currently in the known site database or ISMS for sites where Bridgeoporus nobilissimus documented.
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 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 Bridgeoporus nobilissimus 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 the survey protocol for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus require skill in the recognition and identification of B. nobilissimus. In order to do the optional characterization of habitat, it is highly desirable for personnel to be skilled in the identification of vascular plant species and plant communities for 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 location, ecological conditions and habitats surveyed for and occupied by B. nobilissimus.
Burdsall, H.H. Jr., T. J. Volk and J.F. Ammirati. 1996. Bridgeoporus, a new genus to accommodate oxyporus nobilissimus. Mycotaxon 60: 387-395.
Chen, J., J.F. Franklin, and T.A. Spies. 1995. Growing-Season Microclimatic Gradient From Clearcut Edges Into Old-Growth Douglas-fir Forests. Ecological Applications 5(1):74-80.
Cooke, W.B. 1949. Oxyporus nobilissimus and the genus Oxyporus in North America Mycologia 41:442-455.
Franklin, J.F. and C.T. Dyrness. 1973. Natural Vegetation of Oregon and Washington. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, General Technical Report PNW-8, Portland, OR.
Harris, L.D. 1984. The Fragmented Forest: Island Biogeography Theory and the preservation of Biotic Diversity. Universities of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA.
USDA, Forest Service and USDI, Bureau of Land Management. 1994a. ROD for amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management planning documents within the range of the northern spotted owl and standards and guidelines for management of habitat for late-successional and old-growth forest related species within the range of the northern spotted owl. Bureau of Land Management, Oregon/Washington State Office, Portland, Oregon.
USDA, Forest Service and USDI, Bureau of Land Management. 1994b. Final supplemental EIS on management of habitat for late-successional and old-growth related species within the range of the northern spotted owl. Bureau of Land Management, Oregon/Washington State Office, Portland, Oregon.
Walker, G. & J. Ammirati. 1995. University of Washington. Personal communication.