A Review of Sierra Nevada Lichen Data and Literature
Project ID: J9W88050011
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2005
Initial Funding: $12,000
Total Funding: $12,000
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: Pacific West Region California
Principal Investigator: McCune, Bruce
Agreement Technical Representative: Mutch, Linda
Abstract: The Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN) parks (Devils Postpile National Monument, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park) have a well-documented and diverse vascular flora, but relatively little is known about the non-vascular flora, in particular the lichen communities. Lichens are extremely vulnerable to dieback from air pollution, especially acidifying sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and from other anthropogenic disturbance. The central and southern Sierra Nevada are subjected to high levels of ozone pollution in summer and fall months, increasing levels of nitrogen deposition and unknown quantities of pesticides such as organophosphates from agricultural emissions in the Central Valley. The main purpose of this project is to synthesize existing data, written reports and other information about lichens in and near the SIEN parks, as a first step toward developing better baseline data and assessing lichen communities as a potential indicator of ecosystem change.
Deliverables: