Increasing Accessibility to Lichen Monitoring in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Lichens, the proverbial “canaries in the coal mine”, are useful bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. In 2006, a protocol was developed at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia, Canada that used lichens to monitor ecological integrity and air quality within the park; assessments are ongoing every five years. There are currently no identification tools for park staff to conduct the monitoring process that specifically target the species being assessed. Here we present tools for the identification of the 50 lichen species used in the monitoring program at Kejimkujik. A taxonomic key, photographs of each species and an illustrated glossary are presented. While these tools are intended for individuals unfamiliar with lichens, some basic training to use the key is required. Park staff can use these aids to continue the monitoring protocol at Kejimkujik independently. With some modifications the same tools could serve as a template for other monitoring initiatives in the region.