UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Oregon State Office
P.O. Box 2965
Portland, Oregon 97208

In Reply Refer to:
1736- PFP (931)P

September 17, 1998

EMS TRANSMISSION 9/17/98
Information Bulletin No. OR-98-367

Version 2.0 standard survey protocols for the following Survey and Manage Component 2 lichen species (three) and bryophyte species (five) were transmitted to field units so that surveys could be conducted prior to ground-disturbing activities that will be implemented in FY 1999 or later: 

Three lichens:  Hypogymnia duplicata, Lobaria linita, and Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis
Five bryophytes: Diplophyllum plicata, Kurzia makinoana, Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica, Ptilidium californicum, and Tritomaria exsectiformis

These draft protocols are currently undergoing formal peer review by species experts and selected field managers. However, it is equally important that comments are received from field personnel who are actually using the protocols. This information will be very helpful in making the future versions efficient and effective. All comments received will be considered by the taxa teams as the protocols are revised and issued at a later date as final survey protocols.

Specific comments from the field concerning whether the protocols are clear and easily understood and achieve their objectives, as well as feedback about the documents themselves, would be appreciated by taxa teams. Additional information on the species and suggestions regarding methods derived from field experience would also be useful.

Each district is asked to submit one consolidated response with comments for each set of protocols (lichens or bryophytes). These consolidated comments need to be separate for each taxonomic group. A central mailbox has been established for BLM district responses. District consolidated comments should be sent electronically to: orsmmb@or.blm.gov. In order to sort the comments, it is important to put the taxonomic group as the first word on the subject line, and that the comment is for the protocol (e.g. "Bryophyte Protocol comments"). The comments will be filed and forwarded to the taxa team leader by Barb Behan of the Fish and Wildlife Service, peer review contact for the Survey and Manage Core Team.

The Forest Service will be sending their consolidated Forest comments to Sarah Madsen electronically. Sarah will then forward the comments to the taxa team leader.

Comments on the survey protocols listed above will be accepted until February 1, 1999. If you have questions concerning this process, please contact Cheryl McCaffrey (503-952-6050) or Barb Behan (503-231-6241).

Distribution
WO-230 (Room 204 LS) - 1
OR-931 (McCaffrey) - 1
OR-932 (Teensma) - 1
CA-330 (P.Roush) - 1
REO (Knowles, Belisle, Sims, Watson) - 4