Index

SURVEY PROTOCOLS

FOR COMPONENT 2

LICHEN

Hypogymnia duplicata

Version 2.0

March 12, 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

Hypogymnia duplicata was considered at risk under the Northwest Forest Plan because of its presumed rarity within the range of the northern spotted owl. This species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and becomes rare as it reaches the southern limit of its range in the Washington Cascades and Olympics and into northwestern Oregon. The viability risk for Hypogymnia duplicata varies from moderate to low in northwestern Washington, to high in southern Washington and Oregon where populations are currently known to be fewer and more isolated. Hypogymnia duplicata appears to be very restricted in its ecological amplitude and limited in its distribution.

Hypogymnia duplicata has various designations by different organizations that reflect its rarity and concern for its viability. It is designated as Survey Strategy 1, 2 and 3 in the Survey and Manage Standard and Guideline (USDA and USDI 1994). Other designations include:

Hypogymnia duplicata is a medium-sized foliose lichen with hollow narrow lobes. The thallus is pendulous and its branches form a cascade of curved lobes. The lobes are narrow, 1-2 mm wide, and characteristically turn up at the lobe tips (figure 1). The upper surface is grayish-white, lower surface is black and without rhizines (root-like holdfasts); interior pale; apothecia uncommon. Although species designations in the genus Hypogymnia may be difficult at times, this species has distinctive morphology, and is readily distinguished from other Hypogymnia species. References which provide technical keys, illustrations, and additional information on Hypogymnia duplicata include McCune and Geiser (1997) and Goward et al. (1994).

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Figure 1. Line drawing of Hypogymnia duplicata.

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Hypogymnia duplicata occurs as an epiphyte on boles and branches of tree species, and has been documented on moss-covered basalt outcrops in the Oregon Coast Range. In the western North Cascades it is more often found on mountain hemlock than on other tree species, and within this area tends to be rather specific in its habitat requirements.

The objective of the survey protocol for Hypogymnia duplicata is to determine the presence/absence and location of the species within the proposed project area. While not required, documentation of the habitat and ecological conditions where Hypogymnia duplicata occurs, as well as species abundance and population extent, will contribute to our knowledge of the species and assist in our management decisions. This additional information is critical to refining habitat associations, thereby reducing the area requiring survey in future years and providing documentation for changes in the Survey and Manage status of the species.

Implementation of this survey protocol for Hypogymnia duplicata will occur if the proposed ground-disturbing project or 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, or harvest of special forest products), and if any of the following 3 criteria are met:

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The major viability consideration for Hypogymnia duplicata is loss of populations due to management activities that impact the habitat or the populations. Threats to Hypogymnia duplicata 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, and over-collection of specimens. It is possible that aerial application of herbicides or fertilizers, or a significant deterioration in air quality may be a threat to this species, although it is not known if Hypogymnia duplicata is sensitive to air-borne chemicals.

Hypogymnia duplicata is found mostly in old-growth forests of the western Cascades, Olympics and Oregon Coast Range between 330 and 1676 m (1100-5500 ft) elevation. The majority of known sites occur on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

On the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Hypogymnia duplicata is most often found in high precipitation areas in old-growth mountain hemlock/Pacific silver fir forests in mesic to moist Alaska huckleberry plant associations. Hypogymnia duplicata has also been documented at upper elevations in mountain hemlock parkland, and in lower elevation old-growth western hemlock forests. Hypogymnia duplicata occurs as an epiphyte on boles and branches, primarily on Tsuga mertensiana; it may also occur on Tsuga heterophylla, Abies amabilis, Abies lasiocarpa and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Atypical habitat conditions have been documented for Hypogymnia duplicata for northwestern Washington. These habitats are an open and patchy subalpine fir forest on the Sulfur Creek lava flow, and a mature, mixed conifer forest on a Glacier Peak lahar in the Suiattle River valley.

Habitats for Oregon populations are described as mid-elevation moist western hemlock stands, old-growth Douglas-fir, moist Pacific silver fir or noble fir forests. Hypogymnia duplicata has also been documented on a red alder snag in a sphagnum bog in the Oregon Coast Range, and on moss-covered basalt outcrops and windswept ridges on Saddle Mountain in the Oregon Coast Range.

Hypogymnia duplicata is endemic to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Prince William Sound in Alaska south to Oregon. Most of the known sites are on federal land with the majority occurring on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. In Washington it is known from

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Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Lewis, Clallam, Mason and Grays Harbor Counties, and from Clackamas, Multnomah, Clatsop, Lincoln and Polk Counties in Oregon. Known sites on federal lands in Washington include Mt. Baker, Sulfur Creek Lava Flow, Finney Block, Boulder River Wilderness, Suiattle River valley, upper Sauk River, Goodman Creek, Barlow Pass, Mt. Pilchuck area, Canyon Creek near Verlot, Silverton area, Barclay Lake, Martin Creek in the Tye watershed, Mt. Persis, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snoqualmie River drainage, Snoqualmie Pass area and Cedar River watershed on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; Skokomish River drainage on the Olympic National Forest; Solduc River Valley and Staircase area in Olympic National Park. Hypogymnia duplicata is not known in Washington on federal land south of the Cedar River watershed. Known sites on federal land in Oregon include Zigzag Ranger District, Mt. Hood National Forest; Larch Mountain, Columbia River National Scenic Area; BLM Lost Prairie Bog Area of Critical Environmental Concern and North Fork Siletz River near Valley of the Giants (BLM). Known sites on non-federal land include Mt. Pilchuck area (DNR, Snohomish Co., WA), Forest Health Monitoring Plot on private land (Lewis Co., WA), Twin Harbors State Park (Grays Harbor Co., WA) and Saddle Mountain State Park (Clatsop Co., OR).

II. INVENTORY METHODOLOGY

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 Hypogymnia duplicata 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 Hypogymnia duplicata. 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 Hypogymnia duplicata exists in the proposed project area. Use the potential habitat model if available, otherwise refer to the specific habitat conditions for Hypogymnia duplicata which are described in section I.F. of this document, and the current known site database. Have an expert determine if these habitat conditions exist in the proposed project area by consulting 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), botany program survey records, lichen inventory data, potential habitat models, and other individuals knowledgeable of the project area and ecological requirements of Hypogymnia duplicata. Delineate the areas of

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probable suitable habitat for Hypogymnia duplicata on topographic maps and aerial photos to be used in the field survey.

The prefield review will identify reported sites of Hypogymnia duplicata and areas of probable suitable habitat for this species within the proposed project area. These are the areas where the survey will be conducted. Field surveys are not required if the species is not known to exist in the proposed project area or in the vicinity, and if it is determined that probable suitable habitat for Hypogymnia duplicata is unlikely to exist in the proposed project area. Documentation of the prefield review will be become part of the administrative record.

The objective of the field survey is to document the presence/absence and location of Hypogymnia duplicata within 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 Hypogymnia duplicata throughout the area of the Northwest Forest Plan. Better habitat and distribution information may result in improving management for the species and significantly reducing the area considered potential habitat and requiring survey in future years. This information is also necessary documentation for proposals to change the status of the species (e.g., movement to another component or removal from the Survey and Manage list, if appropriate).

Conduct the field survey by traversing through and around the proposed project area, visiting areas delineated on the maps and aerial photos as known sites or probable suitable habitat for Hypogymnia duplicata. Hypogymnia duplicata occurs most commonly as an epiphyte on tree boles and branches, and has been documented from a few sites on rock outcrops. Search these habitats for the presence of the species, as well as looking at litterfall for lichen thalli of Hypogymnia duplicata that have fallen from the canopy. Use binoculars to look into the crowns of trees beyond the range of normal vision to determine if the species is present. 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 Hypogymnia duplicata. Delineate on the field map and aerial photos the areal extent of the field survey and route traversed according to methods detailed in Appendix D.

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If populations of Hypogymnia duplicata are found, mark the location of the populations on a field map (e.g., 7.5 minute USGS topographic map) and aerial photo. Complete the "Survey Strategy 2 Field Form" (Appendix A) for each location. We recommend using a separate map from the one that delineates the aerial extent of the field survey (as shown in Appendix D). 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 recommendations for the population.

A minimum size, but adequate voucher specimen should be collected (if enough material is present) to verify the identification and document the presence of Hypogymnia duplicata. A 3 in. x 3 in. specimen is optimal if adequate material is present. If material is scarce, collect several pieces of the thallus to represent the population; it is necessary to include complete thallus lobes for taxonomic verification. Use the packet form provided in Appendix E.

If Hypogymnia duplicata was not encountered in the field survey, (or absent in a portion of the area surveyed), then document the absence of Hypogymnia duplicata within the survey area of the proposed project. Documentation shall include description of survey activity sufficient to determine that an adequate areal survey at the scale of resolution needed to locate Hypogymnia duplicata has been conducted within and adjacent to known site locations, and in probable suitable habitat within the proposed project area. Include in this documentation the areal extent of the survey delineated on field maps (Appendix D) 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.

The field survey will cover the extent of the proposed project area with a focus on reported sites and suitable habitat for Hypogymnia duplicata. In general, the level of survey will be comparable to the Intuitive Controlled Survey (Appendix D). Given the relatively small size of lichens, the field survey must be at a scale and resolution fine enough to confirm the presence or absence of Hypogymnia duplicata. In addition, the area adjacent to the boundary of the project area will need to be surveyed if the proposed project will directly or indirectly affect the habitat and microclimate conditions of adjacent suitable habitat or known sites.

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In general, timing is less restrictive for lichen surveys than for vascular plants, given the presence of lichens year round, ability at any time of year to accurately identify H. duplicata. However, surveys should be conducted during the growing season (snow free period) in order to facilitate safe and efficient field work, and to be able to accurately characterize the vascular plant component of the habitat.

A record of detailed and complete ecological and population information for occurrences of Hypogymnia duplicata, while not required, is highly recommended and will contribute to our knowledge of the species, its ecological requirements and population trends, and will assist in our management of the species. If Hypogymnia duplicata is not observed, delineate the areal extent of the survey on a field map and aerial photos, and record the different habitat and ecological conditions that were surveyed for the species.

Use field methods and field forms of Appendix A for documentation of Hypogymnia duplicata populations. Record surveyor name, plot number, and date of survey. Include site location information with detailed location description, accurate delineation of the population and area surveyed on a topographic map and aerial photos (Appendix D). Optional photographs may be taken of the taxon, habitat or site. If appropriate, voucher specimens should be collected, verified, curated properly and deposited at an appropriate location.

Use of Appendices B and C are optional, but collection of this information would greatly improve our knowledge of the species, enabling improved management and more efficient surveying in the future. For Appendices B and C, designate plot locations with an cross (+) and unique plot number (see Appendix C for assigning plot number) on the field map. Document the ecological and habitat characteristics, abundance and extent of the population of Hypogymnia duplicata by installing a plot according to the methods in Appendix C, and complete field forms in Appendix B. If multiple populations are found, install a plot in each representative habitat. If a large population is found (areal extent too big for a single plot), install a plot in the portion of the stand that is representative of the population. If significantly different habitats are encountered within a single population, install multiple plots to document the different habitats.

For Appendices B and C, field data should be recorded that provides a detailed habitat description (Appendix C). Data to collect include plant association, stand age, successional stage, stand structure, average diameter of trees, canopy closure of the overstory, understory canopy cover, percent cover of tree species and dominant vascular plant species, site variables

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including elevation, aspect, slope, lichen line, topographic moisture (Henderson et al., 1992, see pg 8), landform, macroposition, microposition, bedrock, regolith (parent material), and condition of the habitat (e.g. disturbance). Specific habitat attributes for Hypogymnia duplicata should include substrate information such as species, size class, decay class (if snag or down log) and bedrock type (if epiphytic on rock). Population information should include abundance of Hypogymnia duplicata using the abundance rating system for epiphytes (Appendix C), actual area of the species (ft²), and extent of the population (number of trees or area covered (acres). In addition, record data on vigor (e.g., individuals appear healthy, stressed, declining, diseased, browsed), and threats (apparent or perceived) to the population.

III. DATA MANAGEMENT

A designated data steward for the administrative unit should 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. This is important to ensure credibility of the interpretations, analysis or management direction based on these data. Data quality should be assured at the local level, and adhere to regional agency standards for data management.

Data should be stored at the administrative unit (National Forest headquarters, BLM District Resource Area), 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 Hypogymnia duplicata should eventually be available in a GIS layer that is linked to a database with supporting information. Electronic and hard copies should 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 should include documentation of the prefield review, field survey data, field form and field notes, topographic maps and aerial photos with survey and population locations delineated, photographs, and voucher specimen location and become part of the administrative record.

IV. SURVEYING SKILLS

Personnel conducting the survey protocol for Hypogymnia duplicata will need to demonstrate completion of training in lichen identification or have experience verified by a recognized expert

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such that identifications of survey and manage lichens are dependable. They must also be able to demonstrate proficiency 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 locations, ecological conditions and habitats surveyed for and occupied by Hypogymnia duplicata .

V. REFERENCES

Goward, T., B. McCune, and D. Meidinger. 1994. The Lichens of British Columbia. Part I. Foliose and Squamulose species. Ministry of Forests Research Program, Victoria, B.C.

Henderson, J.A., R.D. Lesher, D.H. Peter, and D.C. Shaw. 1992. Field Guide to the Forested Plant Associations of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. R6-ECOL-TP-028091.

McCaffrey, C. Oregon State Office, Bureau of Land Management. Personal communication.

McCune, B. and L. Geiser. 1997. Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.

Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 1995. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, Oregon. 84 p.

USDA and USDI. 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

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Index