The ecological function of cryptobiotic crusts in alpine and subalpine plant communities of North Cascades and Mount Rainier national parks

Project ID: J9W88050008

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2005

Initial Funding: $14,244

Total Funding: $14,244

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Pacific West Region Washington

Principal Investigator: Hinckley, Thomas

Agreement Technical Representative: Rochefort, Regina

Abstract: This project will describe the composition and function of cryptobiotic crusts in two high-elevation areas of the Cascades. The research will focus on the influence of cryptobiotic crusts on water and nutrient budgets of adjacent vascular plants by comparing pristine sites with areas where trampling has partially removed cryptobiotic crusts.

Deliverables:

• The ecological function of cryptobiotic crusts in alpine and subalpine plant communities (Final Report)