The Distribution of Some Rare Coastal Lichens in the Pacific Northwest and Their Association with Late-seral and Federally-protected Forests

Abstract

Abstract Using data from randomly-selected surveys, historic locations, and ‘purposive’ surveys of likely habitats, fifteen rare epiphytic lichens (Bryoria pseudocapillaris, B. spiralifera, B. subcana, Erioderma sorediatum, Heterodermia leucomela, Hypotrachyna revoluta, Leioderma sorediatum, Leptogium brebissonii, Niebla cephalota, Pannaria rubiginosa, Pseudocyphellaria perpetua, Pyrrhospora quernea, Ramalina pollinaria, Teloschistes flavicans, and Usnea hesperina) were assessed for frequency and distribution on publicly owned lands along the immediate Pacific coast from the Canadian border south to San Francisco and for association with late seral forests and federally protected lands. A total of 178 sites of 0.04 ha each were surveyed in 2000 and 2001; 129 were randomly selected. The major distribution patterns were CA and OR coastlines ± Puget Sound, OR and WA coastlines, and OR and WA Coast and western Cascades Ranges, following major regional climatic gradients. Frequency varied considerably by state...