Ecosystem services
provided by riparian vegetation are very well recognized. By
protecting these services, land managers will also protect epiphytic
lichens and bryophytes associated with riparian areas to some
degree. However, a question remains as to what extent some lichens
and bryophytes will persist as tree species composition in riparian
areas change. For example, how will the conversion along streams
from alder to conifer-dominated forests along streams, or natural
succession from conifers to alder or salmonberry, impact riparian
lichen communities?
This research evaluates whether different kinds of riparian
forest host different lichen and bryophyte  communities,
and the corresponding potential of forest canopy conversions
to affect epiphyte communities. In addition, this study explores
possible mechanisms for lichen habitat specificity using an
experimental approach, and analyzes the occurrence of ROD-listed
and rare species within the study area. Questions to be answered
by this study include:
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How does diversity
and species composition of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes
vary among riparian forests with different canopy structures? |
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Will
shifts in tree species composition in riparian areas result
in significant changes in epiphytes? |
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For additional information
about this completed study see the 2000
CFER Annual Report. (2.7 MB)
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