©, C. Helmeste, 2017.

Development of an inventory practice for

rare lichen species within Thousand Islands

National Park

Christopher Helmeste

MFC Capstone Project

FOR 3008

2017

A capstone project submitted to the Faculty of Forestry

in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Master in Forest Conservation

at the University of Toronto

Helmeste, C.

2017

Executive Summary

Urbanization, forest fragmentation and climate change have been accelerating the decline of

many lichen species populations, especially those which are most sensitive to subtle

environmental changes that disrupt ecosystem equilibrium. Due to the many specific habitat

requirements of these lichens, they have shown promise as bioindicators for niche habitat areas

with unique site characteristics likely important for a variety of red list species. Locating species

at risk and bioindicator lichens may therefore in turn reveal areas of high ecological importance

where conservation efforts should be increased. Species at risk (SAR) lichen searches are

organized by Environment Canada, however efforts have been mainly limited to those with more

expertise in lichenology due to the difficulty with lichen field identification as well as limitations

with lichen habitat suitability models. It is proposed that the establishment of a rare lichen

inventory practice in Canadian national parks would increase the search efforts for lichen species

at risk as well as bioindicator species which have high potential for identifying important habitat

areas for conservation and ecological integrity monitoring. A rare lichen inventory practice for

Thousand Islands National Park (TINP) Resource Conservation staff was developed, focussing

on rare lichen species with distribution ranges that envelope the park boundaries. Usnea sp.,

Lobaria pulmonaria, Physconia subpallida, Leptogium rivulare, Leptogium corticola,

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus, and Heterodermia hypoleuca were selected based on their SAR

status in Ontario, bioindicator potential and ease of field identification. A lichen guide was

compiled, highlighting distinguishing characteristics, significant habitat features, notable

Ecological Land Classifications (ELCs), chemical tests, and search tips for each selected lichen

species. Calcareous soil, moist deciduous forest and older growth trees were found to be

common habitat requirements for many of the selected lichen species and predictive mapping

was prepared for Hill Island and Grenadier Island (two locations frequented by TINP Resource

Conservation staff) to show how these features could be combined to highlight priority search

areas. Hill Island and Grenadier Island were found to contain the majority of the calcareous ELC

plots within the TINP boundary and therefore would make excellent preliminary inventory

search areas. It is highly recommended that TINP Resource Conservation staff use the enclosed

lichen guide to increase familiarity with the selected lichen species and their potential habitat

areas at the beginning of each monitoring season. Periodic inventory searches should be

conducted in high priority regions and any encounters with the select lichen species should be

documented (species name, substrate, date, general location, GPS coordinate, photo). It is highly

recommended that other national parks adopt a similar rare lichen inventory practise using

customized sets of SAR and bioindicator species relevant to each region to increase overall

search efforts of rare lichens, to indicate habitat areas of special interest and to contribute to the

global database of rare lichen population distributions.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Sally Krigstin for her guidance, support and

encouragement throughout this capstone. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mary Beth

Lynch, my external supervisor, for patiently solving GIS problems over the phone, discussing

countless project ideas and for providing me with the opportunity to attend a lichen identification

course held at Thousand Islands National Park. I would like to thank Dr. Irwin Brodo who led

the lichen ID course for his wisdom and insight into the world of lichenology; it was truly an

honour. I would like to sincerely thank Chris Lewis for answering my many questions about

lichen inventory searches and for assisting me with the final lichen species selection for this

project. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Resource Conservation team at Thousand

Islands National Park, Matthew Smith (Kejimkujik National Park), COSEWIC, as well as Eric

Davies (UofT) for providing information and inspiring ideas which were useful in the formation

of this paper. Lastly, I would like to extend a special thank you to the MFC 16’class, friends and

family for all comradery, understanding and support throughout the Master of Forest

Conservation program.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary…………………………………………………..……...….... i

Acknowledgements………………………………………………….……………. ii

List of Tables………………………………………………….……………..…… iv

List of Figures……………………………………………….……….…………… v

List of Appendices……………………………………………………………….. vi

Introduction……………………………………………………………………….. 1

Methods…………………………………………………………....…...…………. 5

Results…………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Discussion……………………………………………...…………………………. 9

Recommendations………………………………………………………….……. 13

Conclusions…………………………………………….………………..………. 16

Literature Cited………………………………………………..…………..…….. 17

General Lichen Guidelines (Appendix I)………………………………….…….. 20

Rare Lichen Guide (Appendix II)……………………………………………….. 23

Other Appendices……………………………………………………………...… 33

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List of Tables

Table 1. Significant Habitat Features and Associated Lichen Species

Table 2. List of ELC plots within TINP boundaries which tested positive for calcareous soil

Table 3. List of corresponding predictive Ecological land classification descriptions for each

grid code # listed in the species profile tables

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List of Figures

Figure 1. Typical tissue arrangement in a foliose lichen thallus (From Smith et al, 1921)

Figure 2. a) Apothecia of Physcia stellaris b) Soredia (granules) on Evernia mesomorpha

Figure 3. Map of Hill Island boundaries within Thousand Islands National Park displaying Parks

Canada Resource Conservation monitoring sites and various areas containing significant habitat

features associated with the selected lichen species.

Figure 4. Map of Grenadier Island boundaries within Thousand Islands National Park displaying

Parks Canada Resource Conservation monitoring sites and various areas containing significant

habitat features associated with the selected lichen species.

Figure 5. a) Close-up of Usnea hirta, b) Inner cord observed when Usnea sp. piece is broken c)

Visual reference of Usnea sp. hanging from a tree branch

Figure 6. a) Moist Lobaria pulmonaria b) Dry Lobaria pulmonaria c) Lobaria pulmonaria

showing orange cephalodia

Figure 7. Physconia subpallida

Figure 8. a) Moist Leptogium rivulare b) Dry Leptogium rivulare (close-up)) c) Dry Leptogium

rivulare within mossy substrate

Figure 9. a) Dry Leptogium corticola b) Wet Leptogium corticola

Figure 10. a) Teloschistes chrysophthalmus (close-up) b) Dry Teloschistes chrysophthalmus

Figure 11. a) Heterodermia hypoleuca (close-up) b) Heterodermia hypoleuca in typical habitat

Figure 12. Map of Thousand Islands National Park. Mainland sites: LB–Landon Bay, MT–

Mallorytown, JC–Jones Creek. Island sites: AI–Aubrey, MI–Mermaid, LI–Lindsay, MD–

McDonald, TI–Thwartway, CI–Camelot, EI–Endymion, HI–Hill, GI–Grenadier.

Figure 13. ELC plot distribution displaying sites testing positive and negative for calcareous soil

on a) Hill Island and b) Grenadier Island

Figure 14. Forest maturity distribution based on basal area data for a) Hill Island and b)

Grenadier Island

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List of Appendices

Appendix I: General Lichen Guidelines

Appendix II: TINP Rare Lichen Guide

Appendix III: Map of Thousand Islands National Park (TINP)

Appendix IV: Determination of Calcareous Sites Within TINP

Appendix V: Calcareous ELC Plot Numbers and GPS Coordinates

Appendix VI: Determination of Old Mature Forest Areas in TINP

Appendix VII: Ecological Land Classifications (ELCs) and Corresponding Grid Code #

Appendix VIII: Useful Lichen Resources

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Introduction

Lichen species which are particularly affected by subtle changes to their ideal growth

environment have been known to have the ability to act as bioindicators for high air quality

(Shresta et al, 2012; Miller & Watmough, 2009), specific forest habitat conditions (Larsen et al,

2007), as well as areas containing higher species richness and associated red list species (Norden

et al, 2007; Lawler et al, 2003; Aragon et al, 2016). Determining the growth locations of such

sensitive lichen species can have many conservation-based applications such as highlighting

areas for increased conservation efforts, potential ecological monitoring sites and indicating

possible search areas for other species at risk (Britton et al, 2014; Aragon et al, 2016).

Furthermore, obtaining baseline population distribution data of SAR and environmental indicator

lichens could benefit long term forest monitoring since future re-inventories can provide useful

data with regards to how global forest habitats are changing over time (Matos et al, 2017;

Nascimbene et al, 2016). Though increased search efforts and tracking of such SAR and

indicator lichen species would be highly beneficial, inventory searches can be particularly

challenging for lichen which can be difficult to accurately identify, monitor, and let alone locate

(Blett et al, 2003; Casanovas et al, 2014).

Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a sensitive symbiotic relationship between a

photobiont (alga or cyanobacteria) and at least one fungi species. Due to the struggle to maintain

this fragile mutualism and lack of a protective cuticle layer, many lichens are known to have low

tolerances to pollutants in the air such as SO2 (Miller & Watmough, 2009; Larsen et al, 2007),

and can show high site specificity based on moisture content, substrate properties such as bark

pH (Larsen et al, 2007), tree species present, tree height, tree spacing/ canopy cover (Odor et al,

2013), precipitation levels, and microclimate (Blett et al, 2003). The strict habitat selectivity is

what gives many lichen species the ability to act as useful bioindicators for environmental

change, since the more sensitive species such as cyanolichens are much less able to adapt to new

ecosystem conditions (Richardson & Cameron, 2004). Aside from the bioindicator applications,

the ecological significance of all lichen includes providing services such as improving soil

fertility and plant growth, formation of soil (lichens are primary colonizers), providing shelter

and nesting materials for birds and invertebrates, as well as food for mammals such as caribou

(Brodo et al, 2001). Historically, people have used lichens for food, decoration, dyes, as well as

medicine (USDA, 2016; Brodo et al, 2001). Lichens contain over 600 chemicals (most unique

only to lichens) including many with anti-bacterial, antibiotic, anti-tumor properties (Rogers,

2011; Brodo et al, 2001) further demonstrating their scientific significance and the need to

prevent lichen biodiversity decline. Currently, there are over 1200 known lichen species in

Ontario and approximately 600 which are expected to be found in Southern Ontario (Brodo,

2017 (lecture)).

Lichens come in a variety of forms, colours, and contain various detailed features which are

useful for identification. The vegetative body of lichen is referred to as its thallus. The main

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thallus growth forms are foliose (leaf-like thallus, flattened with a distinctive upper and lower

surface) (eg. Lobaria pulmonaria (figure 6)), fruticose (shrubby, pendent or hair-like thalli) (eg.

Usnea spp. (figure 5)), crustose (thallus forms a crust over it’s substrate with no discernable

lower cortex embedded), and squamulose (scale-like thallus, intermediate between foliose and

crustose) (Brodo et al, 2001). Since crustose and squamulose are usually very small in size

(categorized as microlichens), many species cannot usually be easily identified without detailed

analysis and are not very useful for quick field inventories. Macrolichens (foliose and fruticose)

are therefore generally more useful for field ID. A tissue arrangement of a foliose lichen is

shown in figure 1. The upper cortex makes up the top layer of the thallus, followed by the

photobiont cells, the medulla (filamentous fungi tissue), and the lower cortex (which can contain

hair-like structures called cilia which are used to attach to the substrate).

Figure 1. Typical tissue arrangement in a foliose lichen thallus (From Smith et al, 1921).

Since lichens are made up of fungi and photobiont components, reproduction is not

straightforward. For example, lichen can reproduce sexually with the release of spores through

fruiting bodies such as apothecia (Figure 2a), asexually by the transfer of soredia (containing

both the algal and fungal components) (Figure 2b), or by fragmenting and reattaching onto

suitable substrate (Brodo et al, 2001). In sexual reproduction, millions of microscopic spores

may be produced by the fruiting body, however a new lichen will not form unless the

germinating spore encounters the correct photobiont partner in a suitable habitat (Brodo et al,

2001). Considering many individual species lack the ability to reproduce both sexually and

asexually, population decline and local extinctions can rapidly occur when habitat disturbance or

environmental changes limit the reproductive success rate and ability for lichens to reach

maturity.

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Figure 2. a) Apothecia of Physcia stellaris b) Soredia (granules) on Evernia mesomorpha

(Photos by author)

Urbanization, harvesting, fragmentation and pollution have all been factors in the sharp decline

of critical habitat areas in places like Southern Ontario crucially required by species such as

Physconia subpallida and Teloschistes chrysophthalmus (both currently endangered in Ontario)

(Environment Canada, 2016; COSEWIC, 2016).Though Environment Canada organizes searches

and recovery strategies for endangered species and potential species at risk involving the

Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC) and Committee On the

Status of Species At Risk In Ontario (COSSARO), regional search efforts can be very limited by

the number of trained observers and vast search areas to cover (eg. in many cases, timed searches

are conducted in preselected areas of interest by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)), and

lichen habitat suitability models can be unreliable (Environment Canada, 2016; Lewis, 2017

(pers. comm.)).

It is proposed that further involvement of the Parks Canada Agency could highly benefit the

search effort for rare lichen species in national parks since Parks Canada Resource Conservation

staff already frequent forest and wetland monitoring sites and are more knowledgeable about

land features and potential microhabitat areas which would likely be overlooked by predictive

mapping. Resource Conservation staff searches would increase the number of observers in the

field as well as increase the provincial search area coverage for lichen species of interest. As

previously mentioned, search efforts for SAR lichens and identifying areas where lichen

bioindicators/ potential umbrella species exist could identify important habitat areas which may

harbour other species at risk and have future applications for conservation zone designation. For

example, American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Butternut (Juglans cinereal), Cerulean

Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), and the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)) (all species at

risk in Ontario) are associated with the same critical habitat features of the endangered lichen

species Physconia subpallida and therefore protection efforts for this lichen would likely benefit

the associated species as well (Environment Canada, 2016). National parks are already involved

with SAR monitoring and condition monitoring for ecological integrity (Parks Canada Agency,

a) b)

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2010). Participating in rare lichen inventory searches would only compliment the objectives of

these protocols. Furthermore, though lichen may be difficult to find or in hard to reach locations,

compared to mobile species which may not always be present or are seasonal, lichen is

essentially immobile and once found can be studied in the same area as long as it remains alive

and its substrate is intact, allowing for long term presence/absence monitoring if desired. Finally,

national parks can be ideal places to implement conservation efforts for any rare lichen species

found which may otherwise be overlooked in fragmented and overdeveloped areas (eg. private

land, urban areas).

Kejimkujik National Park (Nova Scotia) currently incorporates fixed plot lichen species data

collection (stratified random sampling design in various forest ecosystems) for monitoring air

quality (based on index of air purity) and ecological integrity (based on changes in lichen species

richness) every 5 years since 2006 with the inception of the Environmental Monitoring

Assessment Network (EMAN) lichen monitoring protocol (McMullin & Ure, 2008). In 2013, a

field identification guide for 50 regional field identifiable lichens of interest (ranging from

disturbance-tolerant to intolerant) was created for Kejimkujik Park staff to address the difficulty

of lichen field identification and to improve reliability of data collection (Cosham & McMullin,

2013). In 2017, the first results of this initiative indicated that such uses of lichens can provide

early detection to changes in ecological integrity and assist with park management (McMullin et

al, 2017). Though established plots may be useful for monitoring purposes, they are not useful

for inventory searches since fixed plots (~20m x 20m) do not consider the many other potential

habitat areas which could harbour species at risk and bioindicator lichens. Also, the complete

assortment of lichen species which are encompassed by stratified random sampling design is

unknown at the offset of plot establishment. There is therefore currently no formalized lichen

inventory practise through which Parks Canada Resource Conservation staff can significantly

assist with searching for rare/SAR lichen species within park boundaries.

The main objective of this project was to develop a lichen inventory practice for Thousand

Islands National Park Resource Conservation staff which would aid in the assessment of rare

lichen species possibly located within the park (including current and potential SAR and field-

identifiable bioindicator species which could be utilized to highlight species richness hot spots

and potentially significant habitat areas). The challenges and impacts of such an inventory

practise were then explored.

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Methods

Study Area: Thousand Islands National Park (TINP) is located in Southern Ontario on the St.

Lawrence River between Brockville and Gananoque. It is made up of three mainland areas as

well as scattered island properties (Figure 12) all containing a variety of forest types and

microhabitats.

Lichen species of focus for this study were chosen based on 1) whether they were currently

species at risk in Ontario, or had high potential to become species at risk in the future (as

determined by COSEWIC and COSSARO candidate species lists), 2) if they had high potential

to act as useful bioindicators for species richness hotspots or areas with important habitat

features 3) whether their known distribution ranges were expected to fall within the range of

TINP (in consultation with lichenologists with knowledge of rare lichen species of Southern

Ontario) ,4) if they could be identified easily in the field with minimal experience in lichen

identification. Based on these criteria, the following lichen species were selected: Usnea spp.,

Lobaria pulmonaria, Physconia subpallida, Leptogium rivulare, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,

Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium corticola.

A profile was developed for each of the selected species, highlighting expected habitat features,

predictive vegetative mapping layers of interest, including photos for identification. This

information was assembled into a guide with the main purpose of acting as an educational search

aid for TINP Resource Conservation staff to increase awareness of the rare species which may

inhabit the park and to indicate which habitat areas they would be expected to reside in.

Predictive mapping for search areas of interest was prepared using known habitat features of the

selected lichen species (Appendix II), GIS predictive vegetation mapping layers of forest

compartment types (corresponding to attribute table grid code numbers) (Appendix VII), park

forest maturity layers (Appendix VI) and Ecological Land Classification (ELC) 2005-2007 plot

data (obtained from TINP). The Parks Canada Resource Conservation forest monitor plots, bird

microphone placement locations and wetland monitoring sites were also included in the

assembled maps to determine areas which are frequented by park staff. All data was plotted

using ArcMap10.4.1 to highlight specific areas within the boundaries of Thousand Islands

National Park containing suitable attributes most ideal for primary Resource Conservation staff

searches to determine presence/absence of the lichen species of interest.

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Results

Lichen Guide

Refer to Appendix II which contains a compiled lichen guide overviewing each of the selected

species (Usnea sp., Lobaria pulmonaria, Physconia subpallida, Leptogium rivulare, Teloschistes

chrysophthalmus, Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium corticola) including background,

pictures, physical description, characteristic habitat and substrate preferences, notable ELCs,

basic chemical tests for lichen ID, lookalikes and search tips.

Determining Search Areas of Interest for Selected Lichens

Table 1 displays the shared habitat features of the selected lichen species in the study based on

regional observations and trends (Appendix II). It can be clearly seen that there is a strong

similarity between the habitat requirements for the selected rare lichen species, thus highlighting

where effective preliminary search areas may best be concentrated within TINP. All select

species appear to thrive in higher humidity areas (old growth or near flooded/wet regions) and

the majority prefer deciduous substrates. There is evidence that the majority of the select species

are highly sensitive to SO2 concentrations (COSEWIC, 2016; Environment Canada, 2016;

Shresta et al, 2012; Richardson & Cameron, 2004; NETCEN, 2002) and therefore would be

expected to be located in higher air quality pockets (eg. away from pollution sources, in

undisturbed forest regions). Lastly, calcareous soil appears to be an important habitat feature for

P.subpallida, L.rivulare, L.corticola, T. chrysophthalmus, and H. hypoleuca and therefore

searches for these species would best be conducted in calcareous regions.

Table 1. Significant Habitat Features and Associated Lichen Species

Lichen species

Significant Habitat Location Features

Old growth/ Mature forest

Very high air quality (Low SO2 conc.)

Calcareous Soil

Wetland/Water Edges or in Flooded Regions

Deciduous Species

Coniferous Species ** Eastern white cedar

Usnea spp. X X X X

L. pulmonaria X X X **

P. subpallida X X X X

L. rivulare X X X X

L. corticola X X X X **

T. chrysophthalmus X X X X X X

H. hypoleuca X X X X

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Figure 3. Map of Hill Island boundaries (purple) within Thousand Islands National Park

displaying Parks Canada Resource Conservation monitoring sites and various areas containing

significant habitat features associated with the selected lichen species. Total area within park

boundary = 413.26 ha.

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Figure 4. Map of Grenadier Island boundaries (purple) within Thousand Islands National Park

displaying Parks Canada Resource Conservation monitoring sites and various areas containing

significant habitat features associated with the selected lichen species. Total area within park

boundary = 313.86 ha

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Figures 3 and 4 display the various features on Hill Island and Grenadier Island which

correspond to the important habitat requirements associated with the selected lichen species

(Table 1 and Appendix II). Only the highest basal area (Old mature forest class BA > 37 m2/ha)

were shown in figures 3 and 4 to highlight priority search areas due to preference for older

forests and larger trees by many of the studied rare lichens. The distribution of other basal area

classes (Immature forest (BA< 20 m2/ha) and Mature forest (20-37 m2/ha) can be found in

Appendix VI). The calcareous ELC plots were established using the Parks Canada TINP

Microsoft Access file “ELC_RAP Collection” containing 2005-2007 ELC data (file:

“tblSoilSample”) where GPS points for plots (within the TINP boundary) testing positive for soil

calcareousness “CA” were plotted over the total ELC plot location shapefile in Arc Map. Only

the ELC plots which tested positive for calcareous soil are displayed in figure 3 and 4, however

the distribution of calcareous and non-calcareous plots can be observed in Appendix IV. Hill

Island and Grenadier Island were found to contain the highest number of ELC plots which tested

positive for calcareous soil (out of the 264 ELC plots which fell into the TINP park boundary,

only 28 tested positive for calcareous soil and 86% of these were contained on Hill and

Grenadier islands (Appendix V). These two islands were therefore highlighted as being of

particular interest for inventory searches, especially for the lichen species known to require

calcareous sites (P. subpallida, L. rivulare, L. corticola, T. chrysophthalmus, and H. hypoleuca).

Since moist deciduous areas are key significant habitat types for the majority of the selected

species (Appendix II), Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple- Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type (Grid Code:

31), Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple-Lowland Ash Deciduous Forest Type (Grid Code: 30) as well as

wetland areas (Marsh (Grid Code: 19) and Swamp (Grid Code 16)) were deemed as the most

highly relevant predicted vegetation compartments (Appendix VII) contained on Hill and

Grenadier Islands for inventory searches. The TINP Resource Conservation monitoring plots

(forest condition, bird microphone points, and stream monitoring sites) display the areas which

are frequented by Parks Canada staff.

Discussion

Development of a Rare Lichen Inventory Practice

For the realistic implementation of any protocol supplementing the current condition monitoring

practices in national parks, it was understood that it would need to be simple to conduct, require

minimal training and additional staff time/cost. Due to the difficulty and level of expertise

required to study many obscure lichen species in the field (Blett et al, 2013; Lewis, 2017

(pers.comm.); Brodo, 2017 (pers. comm.)), limiting the search focus to a manageable group of

high risk species and distinctive bioindicators is likely the best way to make lichen identification

more available to those without much experience or training in lichenology (personal experience;

Cosham & McMullin, 2013). The advantages of increasing awareness and focussing on select

field-identifiable lichen species as opposed to taking inventory of all observed lichen species

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becomes very apparent when considering the many difficulties associated with lichen

identification:

Lichen Inventory Challenges

Field searches and ground-truth confirmation are always required to confirm presence/absence

for lichen species of interest. Though heavily reliant on field observations, many lichen species

are very difficult to positively identify without extensive experience or without confirmation

from a trained lichenologist. This is especially true for crustose lichens which can be especially

small in size and embed into their substrate, making them difficult to sample and analyze. To

positively identify and distinguish many lichen species, it is necessary in many cases to perform

chemical tests (eg. K, C, PD spot tests) on the medulla (thallus subsurface), cortex (thallus

surface), and undersurface to observe colour reactions (Cosham & McMullin, 2013; Brodo et al,

2001). Cross sections requiring more intense magnification can also be necessary for observing

minute features such as spore shape and arrangement (Brodo (lecture), 2017). Though many of

these techniques are reasonable to learn, the overall process is not field friendly, parks may not

have trained personnel, and the techniques are difficult to master in a short period of time

making training courses for new staff unrealistic (Blett et al, 2013; Brodo (lecture), 2017.)

Furthermore, colour classification and differentiation of lichen species for easier identification

can be unreliable since many lichens appear differently in their wet and dry state due to the

cortex becoming more visible when exposed to water (Figure 6 a,b). Lichen can contain multiple

colours and shades within their structural features as well, making it difficult in many cases for

consistent observational colour descriptions (eg. blue-grey, blue, grey, greyish- green) to assist

with field identification records (Brodo et al, 2001). In the field, a hand lens (10-30 X) is usually

required to observe detailed structural features on lichen thalli such as presence of apothecia and

soredia (as well as many other lichen structural features) to assist with identification.

Photography can be a useful tool for later identification (especially with use of macro lenses),

however in many cases, pictures are not enough to fully identify lichen since further chemical

tests and more intense magnification are required.

Predictive mapping and habitat suitability models for specific lichen species based on substrate

specificity and particular habitat requirements may be useful tools for highlighting search areas

of interest, however these techniques have their limitations. For example, the large variety of

forest habitat and bedrock characteristics (eg. granitic and limestone) within the Thousand

Islands region, as well as the climatic and habitat effects caused by the St. Lawrence river and

the Adirondack Mountains, creates an extremely habitat diverse region which makes it difficult

to predict which lichens are expected to be found within the Thousand Islands (Lewis, C. 2017

(pers.com)). Habitat suitability modelling is difficult to generalize for vast regions because the

substrate associations of lichen species can be variable and differ depending on the conditions of

a specific area (COSEWIC, 2016; Lewis, 2017; Environment Canada, 2013). For example,

currently in Southern Ontario Lobaria pulmonaria seems to be found mainly found on large

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shaded rock faces, whereas north of Highway 7 towards the boreal region, the same lichen is

found more commonly on deciduous tree species such as ash (Lewis, 2017 (pers. comm.)). A

habitat suitability model ranking ash areas as high probability for Lobaria pulmonaria therefore

would not necessarily be as useful for locating the species in Southern Ontario. Therefore, in the

development of a lichen inventory practise, the regional habitat preferences of each lichen

species must be known since in many cases, the growth locations can differ (eg. based on

substrate availability). Lastly, aside from direct identification challenges for non-experienced

observers in the field, even with habitat suitability modelling and predictive mapping there is the

issue of finding species within a vast search area. Many species can be missed by any observer

regardless of expertise due to small size and inaccessibility (many epiphytic lichen may grow on

cliff faces and on tree canopies and not necessarily at eye or ground level).

Target Lichen Species Selection

Focussed search efforts for a manageable selection of field identifiable high-risk and bioindicator

species specific can significantly reduce the need for elaborate lichen identification training,

however deciding upon which species to target is not an easy task (Cosham & McMullin, 2013).

It was decided that species at risk and candidate species should take precedence since any

discovered SAR populations would be protected under the endangered species act (Environment

Canada, 2016). Also, studies suggest that some SAR lichen and their habitats are known to be

associated with other species at risk and species richness hot spots (Lawler et al, 2003; Norden et

al, 2007). Therefore, by protecting an area containing a SAR lichen, other species which rely on

conservation of the same habitat could potentially benefit as well (Environment Canada, 2016).

By locating some SAR and candidate lichen species, these locations can also serve to pinpoint

where searches should be conducted for other species that are reliant on similar habitat

characteristics. For example, in reference to Table 1, if L. rivulare were found, it would be wise

to search for P. subpallida and H. hypoleuca in the same area since they require similar habitat

attributes (COSEWIC, 2015). Physconia subpallida, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,

Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium rivulare, and Leptogium corticola were selected for this

Thousand Islands focussed lichen inventory practise because of their SAR/candidate status in

Ontario, Southern Ontario distribution range likelihood and field identifiability. Other

COSEWIC candidate Ontario species (Sticta canarienses, Pannaria tavaresii, Punctelia borreri,

and Phaeocalicium minutissimum) were not included however due to either low likelihood of

being in range of TINP, high level of difficulty for field identification or lack of required

preferential habitat data (Brodo et al, 2001; Lewis, 2017 (pers. comm.)).

To assist in the search for rarer SAR lichen species, other common bioindicator species which

share similar habitat characteristics may also be especially useful for highlighting microhabitat

areas where more focussed searches can be undertaken. Lobaria pulmonaria and Usnea spp.

were attractive bioindicator lichen species for the proposed Thousand Islands rare lichen

inventory practice since these species are some of the most sensitive field-identifiable lichens to

SO2 concentrations (Shresta et al, 2012; Lewis, 2017 (pers comm.); Brodo, 2017 (pers comm.),

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(SO2 limit for L. pulmonaria and Usnea spp: ~ 30-35 μg/m3) (NETCEN, 2002). They are

therefore restricted to higher air quality (low SO2) regions similarly to the majority of select SAR

species (Appendix II). They also share some other significant habitat features with the selected

SAR lichens (Table 1) and therefore may possibly be utilized to indicate areas where other rare

species might be located. Bioindicators such as Lobaria pulmonaria and Usnea spp. are

particularly useful since they can be easily identified in the field with limited experience in

lichen identification. Lastly, bioindicator lichens can have many potential applications for future

national park ecological condition monitoring for air quality (Shresta et al, 2012; Blett et al,

2003, Cosham & McMullin, 2013) and habitat integrity (Giorgio et al, 2015; Kalwij et al, 2005).

Therefore, maintaining an inventory of their locations can be highly valuable.

High Priority Search Areas

By mapping some of the most significant habitat features shared by the selected lichen species

(Table 1), areas within TINP which are more likely to contain these species can be emphasised.

Referring to figure 3 and 4, any overlap of significant habitat features (such as calcareous areas,

older growth, moist deciduous, and wetland edges) are indicative of high priority areas where

preliminary searches for the select lichens should be conducted. The red calcareous ELC plot

GPS coordinates (complete list in Appendix V) may also be especially useful for targeting

specific points to begin searches. For example, in the northern region of Hill Island where the

moist deciduous compartment intersects with the wetland compartment (figure 3), the calcareous

plot (red) in this location is an example of an ideal starting point to search for the species which

require the combination of these features (Table 1). Hill Island and Grenadier Island were

showcased in this document to demonstrate how predictive mapping can be generated using

resources available to TINP (eg. map layers, ELC data). Hill and Grenadier Islands were also

emphasised since they were found to contain the majority of positive calcareous ELC plots

(calcareousness is a habitat requirement for P.subpallida, L.rivulare, L.corticola, T.

chrysophthalmus, and H. hypoleuca) as well as many overlapping significant features which

makes them attractive locations for preliminary rare lichen searches. These two islands are

frequented by Resource Conservation staff for other monitoring protocols (locations shown in

figure 3 and 4) and therefore conducting preliminary lichen searches in important habitat areas

close to such frequented areas would be a highly cost and time efficient way of incorporating

such a lichen inventory protocol. The methodology for highlighting high priority search areas

can be replicated for other islands within TINP (Appendix III) by reapplying the map layers for

TINP forest maturity (Appendix VI), predictive vegetation mapping (land classification

compartments of interest (Appendix II), as well as the ELC plot coordinates for the remaining

calcareous ELC plots within TINP (Appendix V).

Limitations of Predictive Mapping for Select Lichen Species

As previously mentioned, microhabitats which harbour rare lichen species can exist outside of

high priority search areas. It would therefore be unwise to completely disregard the possibility of

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finding the select species in other vegetation types such as mixed forests which can contain a

variety of substrates and tree age classes. For example, though only the moist deciduous

predictive mapping compartments were highlighted in fig 3 and 4 to narrow down search areas

of major interest, dry deciduous compartments (eg. grid codes 33-39 (Appendix VII)) may also

harbour some of the select lichen species if microhabitat areas exist which provide suitable

growth conditions and habitat/substrate for the lichen. Niche areas in the park containing

important lichen habitat features such as large rock faces, vernal pools, lowland areas with poor

drainage may be overlooked due to the land coverage estimations of predictive mapping and

therefore detailed knowledge of specific land features gained by field work can be invaluable. In

other words, predictive mapping should be used as a tool but should not imply that the select

lichen species cannot possibly grow outside of indicated high priority areas.

Secondly, though ELC plot data can provide a decent representative of natural features of

broader areas and land compartments (Lee et al, 1998), ELC plots only constitute 400 m2. This

leaves uncertainty with regards to the non-sampled areas which may also contain ideal important

habitat features such as calcareous soil sites. For example, in Appendix IV, it can be seen that

there were no sampled ELC plots in the centre of Grenadier Island (figure 4) or on the southern

east corner of Hill Island (figure 3). It is therefore unknown whether such areas are calcareous or

not, but they should not be disregarded and assumed to be non-calcareous.

Finally, there are still many unknowns regarding the exact habitat requirements, substrate

preferences, and tolerances of many lichen species. Known growth patterns and characteristics

have been mostly compiled through field observations and regional lichen surveys (Lewis, 2017

(pers.comm);COSEWIC, 2009; COSSARO, 2014). Due to the rarity of the selected SAR species

in this document, it is possible that even with guidance and increased awareness, a majority of

the selected lichen species may not be found in Thousand Islands National Park. Absence can

indicate that they simply do not or no longer inhabit the outlined areas, were overlooked, or

require additional habitat features (eg. increased humidity, light, air flow, substrates) which are

not provided in the area. Though this may be the case for some of the selected lichen species,

other lichen species of interest may be added to such inventory searches in the future, especially

as more lichens become candidate SAR in Southern Ontario. Aside from the challenges and

limitations associated with rare lichen inventory searches, any discovery of SAR or bioindicator

lichen species within TINP should be considered as a highly significant find.

Recommendations

Resource Conservation Staff Training

Appendix I consists of a basic primer on lichen, general growth requirements and instructions

which would be most useful for those with limited experience in lichen identification. Appendix

II (Rare Lichen Guide) contains photographs, habitat descriptions, associated ELCs, basic

chemical tests, lookalikes, search tips and background (notes) for the selected rare lichen species

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(Lobaria pulmonaria, Usnea spp. Physconia subpallida, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,

Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium rivulare, and Leptogium corticola). It is highly

recommended that TINP Resource Conservation staff use these tools to increase park staff

awareness of the SAR and bioindicator lichen species they may encounter within Thousand

Islands National Park. These documents should be reviewed at the beginning of the monitoring

season (April-May) so that staff are more conscious of the rare lichen species and important

habitat features to look out for while in the field.

Data Collection: If any of the species in Appendix II are located, it is important that a GPS

coordinate of the lichen location is taken, a photograph (ideally with a macro lens), species

name, as well as recording the date, observer, general location, and substrate (eg. tree species,

rock). All observations should be recorded, and a cumulative inventory list should be kept in a

Microsoft Excel document which can later be used for generating a GIS map of lichen locations.

Inventory Search Protocol

Resource Conservation searches may be conducted occasionally on-route to or returning from

monitoring sites (time permitting), around plots containing suitable habitat features (view close

proximity of many high priority search areas to monitoring plots in figure 3 and 4). Taking

alternative routes or combining searches with other forest activities (eg. forest bird searches) is

also recommended to increase search area coverage. For high priority search areas which are not

close to monitoring plots (eg. Southernmost old growth area (green) on Grenadier Island (figure

4) or near the wetland area (blue) on Hill Island (figure 3)), some time may need to be dedicated

specifically to searching these areas since it would be less convenient to combine with other

monitoring tasks.

As for the best time of year to conduct searches, epiphytic lichen species can technically be

searched for all year since they do not have specific fruiting seasons like fungi. Certain

considerations must be taken however depending on the species (Appendix II). For example,

Leptogium spp grow between the high and low water mark on tree bases and some rocks). It

would therefore be best to search for Leptogium rivulare and Leptogium corticola at the end of

the summer season/fall when water levels would be lowest (since they may be underwater

otherwise earlier in the season). Other than a few special considerations, the Resource

Conservation manager can decide when to implement searches. Thorough preliminary search

efforts are recommended at all high priority search locations (eg. figure 3 and 4 significant

habitat areas), as well as the recording of progress/search areas covered.

Any of the selected species found should be recorded in the manner described in the “Data

Collection” section above. Any species at risk or COSEWIC/COSSARO candidate species

should be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Information Centre

(NHIC) so that they can be added to the provincial records and for protection strategies to be

implemented. For example, remediation strategies set for Physconia subpallida (endangered)

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populations includes protection of the host-tree, the area within 50 meters of the trunk containing

the lichen and open water areas within 100 meters of the lichen (or any conditions required for

spore dispersal/reproduction (MNR, 2017). Records should be kept of bioindicator species

Lobaria pulmonaria and Usnea spp. sightings due to their high potential for future monitoring

applications and since these are also becoming uncommon species in Southern Ontario. Extra

thorough searches should be conducted in any areas containing these bioindicator species since

can be indicative of important habitat areas (eg. high air quality, and areas with old growth

characteristics (L. pulmonaria)). Since many sensitive lichen species may indicate areas of

higher species richness or habitat containing red list species, it is recommended that lichen-

focussed biodiversity studies or BioBlitz events should be concentrated in areas where the select

rare species (Appendix II) are found. These areas could also serve as a blueprint for

lichenologists looking for associated species at risk or even undiscovered lichen species. Future

re-inventories (presence/absence monitoring) of rare/indicator lichen species (eg. every 10 -20

years) should also be considered since population changes of indicator lichens can be a very

useful monitoring tool for ecological integrity (McMullin & Ure, 2008; McMullin & Ure, 2017;

Blett et al, 2003).

Applicability for Other National Parks

It is advised that similar rare lichen inventory practises for Resource Conservation should be

included in other national parks in Canada with a customized set of target rare lichen species

specific to each region. Increased Parks Canada Agency involvement with SAR lichen searches

would increase the search effort and area coverage for these important species as well as have the

potential to indicate significant habitat areas within national parks. Though fixed plot analysis of

a broader set of lichen species (using stratified random sampling design) may be useful for

periodic lichen monitoring such as demonstrated in Kejimkujik National Park (McMullin & Ure,

2017), it should be considered that the locations of indicator lichen species themselves may be

useful for highlighting where the designation of monitoring plots and conservation zones should

occur in national parks (Norden et al, 2007; Aragon et al, 2016; Lawler et al, 2003). Though

more research is needed towards this concept, such applications of indicator lichens could have

exciting implications for future conservation strategies. In the meantime, educational lichen

guides for national park Resource Conservation staff (highlighting rare regional species),

increased knowledge of important habitat areas within park boundaries, and periodic non-

restrictive lichen inventory searches/data collection are all strongly recommended.

Future Research

Lichens are truly fascinating organisms which remain understudied, especially in North America

(most studies are conducted in Europe). More research around the potential uses of bioindicator

lichen species will surely lead to some interesting findings and applications. One may consider

the potential uses of certain indicator lichen species in forest management based on many species

having high site and substrate specificity. For example, since many lichen species only occur at

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certain stages of forest development (McMullin et al, 2008) and in more ecologically significant

forest habitats (Juriado & Liira, 2009; Richardson & Cameron, 2004), should the presence of

such species influence harvesting and forest management practices? Secondly, increased usage

of field identifiable bioindicator lichens such as L. pulmonaria and Usnea spp. may be one of the

best ways to bridge the gap between lichen experts and those without any training in lichen

identification. For example, the difficulties of lichen identification has been a known limiting

factor for lichen citizen science initiatives (Casanovas et al, 2014). However, if data collection of

more obvious bioindicator species such as Lobaria pulmonaria by non-experienced observers

could provide useful information about the whereabouts of more obscure species, this could

potentially be very useful for lichenologists. Focussing on a set of target umbrella lichen species

for conservation would likely help to make lichen more accessible to general naturalists and may

be the best way to increase public awareness about the ecological importance of lichen. Lastly, it

will be imperative to assess the damage invasive species such as the emerald ash borer (EAB),

beech bark disease and Dutch elm disease will have on lichen species associated with the

afflicted substrate trees. For example, many of the selected lichens (Appendix II) use ash as one

of their main substrates (due to its neutral bark pH). Consequently, EAB damage will likely have

a negative impact on lichen biodiversity, impacting the species most associated with ash trees.

Conclusions

Increased search efforts for SAR and bioindicator lichens by Parks Canada Resource

Conservation staff in national parks would greatly contribute to the search efforts for rare lichen

species populations. Locations of such rare species could have many future benefits for

ecological integrity monitoring and establishment of conservation zones in national parks. A rare

lichen inventory practice was developed for Thousand Islands National Park with a focus on

Lobaria pulmonaria, Usnea spp. Physconia subpallida, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,

Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium rivulare, and Leptogium corticola. It is strongly

recommended that ‘General Lichen Guidelines’ (Appendix I) and ‘Rare Lichen Guide’ (Appendix

II) are incorporated into the TINP Resource Conservation monitoring season schedule to increase

awareness and education of the lichen species of interest which may be encountered in the park.

Since Hill Island and Grenadier Island were found to contain many significant habitat features

that are required by the selected rare lichen species, it is strongly recommended that preliminary

searches begin in the areas emphasized in Figures 3 and 4. Such predictive mapping can be

applied to other areas in TINP as well to reveal high priority search areas. As many rare lichen

populations continue to decline due to urbanization and forest fragmentation, increased

conservation efforts are critically necessary to protect the remaining rare populations. We have

only scratched the surface with regards to the medicinal and bioindicator potential of the

mysterious composite organisms we call ‘lichens’, and there is still much left to be discovered.

Without increased search efforts, inventory records and raised awareness, there may come a time

when the rare lichens which may have once resided in the area are permanently extirpated.

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Jüriado, I and Liira, J. 2009. Distribution and habitat ecology of the threatened forest lichen Lobaria

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change fosters the decline of epiphytic Lobaria species in Italy. Biological Conservation. 201: 377 - 384

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Norden, B., Paltto, H., Gotmark, F. Wallin, K., 2007. Indicators of biodiversity, what do they indicate?

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Richardson, D.H.S., Cameron, R.P. 2004. Cyanolichens: their response to pollution and possible

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species Usnea hirta. The Lichenologist, 44 (4), 511-521.

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Lichen Photographs

Brinker, S., (n/a). Heterodermia hypoleuca; Leptogium corticola; Leptogium rivulare; Lobaria

pulmonaria; Physconia subpallida; Teloschistes chrysophthalmus. Retrieved from:

http://lichenportal.org/portal/

Lewis, C., (n/a). Physconia subpallida. Retrieved from: http://lichenportal.org/portal/

Lewis, C. (n/a), Heterodermia hypoleuca. Retrieved from: COSEWIC, 2015. Heterodermia hypoleuca:

Wildlife Species Rationale for Priority Assessment. COSEWIC species rational template for candidate

priority setting (Nov 2015), 1-13.

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http://lichenportal.org/portal/

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APPENDIX I: General Lichen Guidelines

Background

Lichen (definition): Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a sensitive symbiotic

relationship between one or more photobiont (alga or cyanobacteria) and at least one fungi

species. The photobiont layer produces the energy through photosynthesis necessary for the

fungi component, and the fungal component provides nutrients and moisture retention for the

photobiont.

Lichen vs. Moss: Though mosses share the same substrate types as lichens (trees, rocks, soil),

lichens do not contain any roots, stems or leaf components like moss. Though they may be

extremely small and difficult to see, mosses always contain leaf or stem structures.

General Factors Affecting Lichen Growth: The following factors are required for lichen

growth and should be considered when conducting searches. Areas containing these factors will

generally contain higher lichen species richness:

Light: The photobiont layer requires light to produce energy. Therefore, lichens are more

frequently found where canopy thins, along forest edges and in deciduous forests (since leaves

are absent for a significant portion of the year allowing light to penetrate underneath the canopy

layer) as opposed to dense, low light areas. This is a generalization however and shade tolerance

still varies depending on the lichen species.

Stability of Substrate: Since lichens grow so slowly (~1-4 mm/year), a stable substrate is needed

for them to reach maturity (stable substrates include non-flaky bark, older large trees, dead trees,

rocks, cliff faces, soil).

Clean Air: All lichens are negatively affected by poor air quality (such as increased SO2

concentrations) and lichen species richness decreases close to pollution sources (eg. city centres,

highways). Since tolerance to poor air quality varies between species, the least tolerant species

can act as bioindicators of high air quality areas. Lichens containing cyanobacteria as a main

photobiont are particularly sensitive to air pollution (especially SO2).

Moisture/ Humidity: Lichens require adequate moisture to survive and grow. Older bark

becomes more weathered and porous, allowing for more moisture retention. Epiphytic lichens

are therefore more commonly found on older trees. Many lichen species also grow in/near

swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools and in older growth forest areas with higher humidity since

the photobiont needs moisture to survive.

Air flow: Air flow changes caused by tree spacing and elevation can affect lichen growth. Many

species thrive in areas with increased air flow (eg. canopy thins, on cliffs, etc.).

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Tree Species: For epiphytic lichens, bark and branch characteristics such as texture and pH can

highly influence lichen growth as well, and these characteristics can change over the life of the

tree. When searching for epiphytic lichen, is critical to know which tree species are most likely

to contain the lichen species of interest.

General Structural Features of Lichen:

Below is the typical tissue arrangement of a foliose lichen (Figure 1). The upper cortex makes up

the top layer of the thallus (main body of the lichen), followed by the photobiont cells, the

medulla (filamentous fungi tissue), and the lower cortex (which can contain hair-like structures

called cilia). Chemical spot tests are frequently conducted on various layers of lichen thalli

(usually upper cortex and medulla) for lichen ID confirmation.

Figure 1. Typical tissue arrangement in a foliose lichen thallus (From Smith et al, 1921).

Since lichens are made up of fungi and photobiont components, reproduction is not

straightforward. For example, lichen can reproduce sexually with the release of spores through

fruiting bodies such as apothecia (Figure 2a), asexually by the transfer of soredia (containing

both the algal and fungal components) (Figure 2b), or by fragmenting and reattaching onto

suitable substrate (Brodo et al, 2001). (Note: there are many other structural and reproductive

features of lichen used for identification which were excluded for simplification).

Figure 2. a) Apothecia of Physcia stellaris b) Soredia (small granules on branches) of Evernia

mesomorpha (Photos by author)

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Lichen Guide Instructions

The following rare lichen guide in Appendix II should be reviewed by TINP Resource

Conservation staff at the beginning of the monitoring season to increase staff awareness about

the following lichen species: Lobaria pulmonaria, Usnea spp. Physconia subpallida,

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus, Heterodermia hypoleuca, Leptogium rivulare, and Leptogium

corticola. It should be used during periodic inventory searches for the selected species in

combination with the predictive mapping methodology for high priority search areas outlined in

the parent document: “Development of an inventory practise for rare lichen species within

Thousand Islands National Park.” The parent document should be referred to for the reasoning

behind rare lichen inventory searches as well as lichen species selection justification.

The rare lichen guide in Appendix II contains photographs, preferred habitat/substrates of

each lichen species as well as predictive vegetation ecological land classification (ELC)

compartments of particular interest where they would be expected to reside (see corresponding

grid codes in Appendix VII). Since many of the SAR and candidate species outlined in the guide

are rare, it is not recommended to collect field samples since this may severely damage small

populations. Basic lichen chemical tests (described in Brodo et al, 2001) to aid in identification

were nevertheless included in the guide in case species abundance-justified sampling and further

chemical confirmation is desired by more experienced staff. Lastly lookalike species, search

tips and other notes were included if applicable information was available.

Data Collection: If any of the species in Appendix II are encountered, it is important that a GPS

coordinate of the lichen location is taken, recording species name, date, observer, general

location, and substrate (eg. tree species). A photograph (ideally with a macro lens) should also

be taken to assist with identification and confirmation. All observations should be recorded, and

a cumulative inventory list should be kept in a Microsoft Excel document. Any species at risk or

COSEWIC/COSSARO candidate species should be reported to the Ministry of Natural

Resources Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) so that they can be added to the

provincial records and for protection strategies to be implemented.

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APPENDIX II: Rare Lichen Guide

Usnea spp. (Beard lichens)

Figure 5. a) Close-up of Usnea hirta, b) Inner cord observed when Usnea spp. piece is broken c)

Visual reference of Usnea sp. hanging from a tree branch d) Evernia mesomorpha (Photos by

author)

Description - Filamentous (hair-like), fruticose lichen

- Size: 5-10 cm tufts

-Thallus colour: yellowish-green

-Photobiont: green algae

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

-Located mainly on branches of trees and shrubs, occasionally rocks

-Usually found hanging from branches (usually conifers but deciduous

as well)

-Found many times at the transition zone between forest and moist open

areas (eg. marshes, swamps, lakes, and streams) due to increased light

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1, 2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 20 (forest edges), 19, 40, 43

(All moist wetland areas, forest edges)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

-Cortex: KC+ (dark yellow)

a) b)

c) d)

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Lookalikes Alectoria, Ramelina, and Evernia species may look similar but all lack

the characteristic central cord of Usnea (see ‘Tips’). Evernia species

(eg. figure 1 d) are much more frequent and can be found in the same

habitat areas as Usnea spp.

Tips - All Usnea species contain an elastic-like central cord within each

branch which can be seen by pulling apart one of the thallus filaments

(shown in figure 5 b). This is a very useful distinguishing feature.

-Frequently found on wetland edges or on dried swamp trees (similar to

figure 5 c).

Notes: - Usnea spp. have long been considered as a bioindicator for high air

quality regions since all Usnea species are very intolerant to air

pollution (mainly SO2)

-Usnea filipendula, Usnea hirta (Southern Ontario species) -

Distinguishing between Usnea species can be fairly difficult however

and requires further microscope analysis and chemical tests.

Lobaria pulmonaria (Lungwort, lung lichen):

Figure 6: a) Moist Lobaria pulmonaria (Photo: Sam Brinker), b) Dry Lobaria pulmonaria

(Photo: Troy McMullin) c) Lobaria pulmonaria showing orange cephalodia (arrow). (Photo:

Sam Brinker)

a)

b) c)

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Description -Foliose lichen, leaf-like appearance, ridged/pitted surface

-Size: Lobes 8-30 mm wide, up to 7 cm long

-Thallus colour: Green when wet, pale-olive brown when dry

-Surface contains branch-like, pitted appearance, with soralia (grain-like

clusters) on the lobe margins; apothecia (rare) infrequent along ridges

- Sometimes cyanobacteria-containing cephalodia can be observed

(figure 6. c)

-Photobiont: green algae and blue-green cyanobacteria

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

- On trees, mossy rocks, and downed-wood in mature forests with high

humidity

-Currently in Southern Ontario, this species is more likely to be found

growing on large very shaded rock/cliff faces in old growth forest areas

-When found on trees, it inhabits deciduous forests (mainly ash),

however can also be found in coniferous forests as well (Eastern white

cedar)

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 16, 31, 32, 39-42, 44, 46, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 60

(Mainly all moist, deciduous areas especially those with ash and cedar)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

Medulla: PD+ orange, K+ yellow to red, KC-, C-

Lookalikes -None, very distinctive

Tips -This is a more shade tolerant lichen characteristic of old growth forests.

Therefore, be sure to look near closed canopy areas, near larger trees

Notes: - Lobaria species such as Lobaria pulmonaria have been known to be

useful bioindicators of old forests with high air quality (potential species

richness hot spots). Due to its large distinctive appearance, this

macrolichen is a very useful field identifiable lichen species/

bioindicator.

Physconia subpallida (Pale-bellied Frost Lichen):

Figure 7. Physconia subpallida a) photo by Chris Lewis b) photo by Sam Brinker

a) b)

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Description - Moderately-sized rosette-forming foliose lichen

(Thalli range in size from 0.1- 44 cm2)

- Surface has heavy frosting (pruina), can look strikingly white in the

field

- Photobiont: green algae

Distinguishing features:

1) Absence of soredia and insidia (for asexual reproduction)

2) Presence of apothecia (fruiting bodies) and/ or lobules

3) Pale undersurface with clustered rhizines (used to attach to substrate)

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

- Old, undisturbed forest with high humidity and lots of air circulation

- Likely requires bark with high pH, moisture holding capacity, and

calcium content

- Mostly found on Hop Hornbeam (ironwood), can be found on rock &

American elm, black & white ash

- Grows on the trunks at a height of 0.5-2 m in wooded areas

- Does not grow on thin, flaky bark (requires stable bark found on older

trees)

- Needs light (not found under fully closed canopy cover)

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1, 3, 16, 23, 27, 45, 46, 54, 55, 57, 58,61, 62, 67

(All containing ironwood, especially those in combination with ash)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

Upper cortex: PD-, K-, KC-, C-

Medulla: K+ (deep yellow), KC+ (yellow-orange), usually C-

Lookalikes -Can resemble Phaeophyscia species except for pruina and squarrose

rhizines and possibly some Physcia species

Tips - In the field this lichen will usually appear strikingly white (compared

to any other lichens which may look similar)

Notes: -Currently listed as endangered in Ontario, Physconia subpallida is the

only eastern North American member of its genus that is commonly

fertile, has lobules, and has a pale undersurface (unique features which

are critical to understanding the genus as a whole) (COSEWIC, 2009).

- This species was found on Main Duck island of Thousand Islands

National Park in 2017

-Similar to Usnea, Pale-bellied frost lichen appears to be sensitive to air

pollution (particularly SO2).

-High potential to be a valuable indicator of forest health and air quality

in southern Ontario

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Leptogium rivulare (Flooded Jelly Skin lichen):

Figure 8.a) Moist Leptogium rivulare (photo by Sam Brinker), b) Dry Leptogium rivulare

(close-up) (photo by Troy McMullin) c) Dry Leptogium rivulare within mossy substrate (photo

by author).

Description - Thin, foliose jelly lichen

-Thallus bluish gray to olive or brown with smooth blue-gray lobes

- Small brown apothecia usually abundant

- Photobiont: blue-green cyanobacteria

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

- Found on the mossy bases of deciduous trees and rocks around vernal

pools or anywhere that is prone to flooding (eg. margins of seasonal

streams, shorelines, ponds and riverbeds)

- Grows on rough or smooth bark of live trees, not bare dead wood

- Grows below the high seasonal watermark where most other lichens

cannot

- Found in calcareous areas

- Mainly found on black & green ash, American elm

- Can also be found on red & silver maple, balsam poplar, bitternut

hickory, yellow birch, dogwood, speckled alder, buttonbush, willow,

rocks and fence rails

a) b)

c)

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2017

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1, 3, 16, 30, 31, 32, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46

(All moist deciduous areas, especially those containing ash and white

cedar)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

- All spot test reactions negative (characteristic of Leptogium sp.)

Lookalikes -Could be mistaken for Leptogium corticola (figure 9 a, b)

-Identify as “Leptogium spp” and contact MNR NHIC

Tips - It is best to search for this species in fall (areas prone to flooding will

be at a low point)

- The species is limited to growing between the high and low marks of

flooded areas which greatly narrows the search area to be covered.

- Flood-tolerant tree species mainly consist of: Black Ash (Fraxinus

nigra), Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Red Maple (Acer rubrum),

American Elm (Ulmus americana), and Balsam Poplar (Populus

balsamifera) (COSEWIC 2004).

- The Flooded Jellyskin Lichen grows only on the bark (not on exposed

wood); therefore, the trees must be living

Notes: -The Flooded Jellyskin Lichen is designated as Threatened under both

the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) and Ontario’s Endangered

Species Act, 2007 (Environment Canada, 2013).

-Minimum flood levels that fully immerse the lichens for part of the

year are critically necessary for reproduction and long-term persistence

- Spores are usually spread only locally since they rely on flooded water

bodies which are commonly isolated (eg. vernal pools)

- Particular threats include invasive species such as Emerald Ash Borer

and Dutch elm disease (which affect preferred substrate trees).

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Leptogium corticola (Blistered Jellyskin):

Figure 9. a) Dry Leptogium corticola (photo by Sam Brinker), b) Wet Leptogium corticola

(photo by Troy McMullin)

Description - Thin foliose jelly lichen (2-8 cm diameter)

- Thallus bluish gray to olive or brown with broad, wrinkled lobes and

blister-like bumps

- Apothecia common, brown to red-brown, concave with thin, smooth

margins

- Lower surface light gray, smooth-wrinkled, scattered tufts of white

hair

- Photobiont: blue green cyanobacteria

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

- High humidity, old growth

- Found on hardwoods and white cedar, occasionally on mossy rocks

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1, 3, 16, 30, 31, 32, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46

(All moist deciduous, especially those containing white cedar)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

- All reactions negative (characteristic of Leptogium)

Lookalikes -Can look similar to Leptogium rivulare (figure 8)

- Identify as “Leptogium spp” and contact MNR NHIC

Tips -See Leptogium rivulare “Tips” section for main flood tolerant tree

species

Notes: - Currently listed as a mid-priority COSEWIC candidate, Leptogium

corticola shares similar habitat characteristics to Leptogium rivulare.

-This lichen may be present in Thousand Islands National Park (but

unlikely due to distribution range limit)

-Decline in this species is also likely linked to the loss of old growth and

areas of high humidity which are required habitat features for the

species (Brodo et al, 2001).

-Being a cyanobacteria photobiont lichen, the species is also heavily

affected by air pollution (especially SO2 levels) (Environment Canada,

2013).

a) b)

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Teloschistes chrysophthalmus (Golden-eye lichen):

Figure 10. a) Teloschistes chrysophthalmus (close-up) b) Dry Teloschistes chrysophthalmus

(photos by Sam Brinker)

Description - Deep orange fruticose lichen mottled with gray with a white

undersurface

- Size: small, 3-4 cm wide

- Thallus short with shrubby tufts

- Branches without soredia (or isidia)

- Large apothecia (1-4 mm wide) fringed with cilia

- Photobiont: green algae

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

-Appears to be mainly restricted to the bark and branches of mature red

oaks in the Great Lakes region, preferring lakeshore habitat

- Requires high light conditions, very good air circulation

- Restricted to sites with calcareous soils

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

4, 20 (forest edges),22, 26, 38, 47, 48, 52, 53, 55, 57, 67

(Deciduous and mixed forest edges along lake shores and rivers

especially containing red oak)

Chemical ID Spot

Tests

Orange portions of cortex: PD-, K+ (deep red-purple), KC-, C- (yellow

or orange), gray areas: negative to reagents

Lookalikes -Very distinctive lichen, but may be difficult to spot due to small size

-Could be mistaken for Xanthoria spp.(also rare) however Xanthoria

spp lack shrubby tufts surrounding apothecia (figure 10 a)

- Any Xanthoria spp populations should also be recorded (rare)

Tips -It cannot grow in closed canopies of interior forest or in dense thickets

since this species requires air circulation

-Would be found on forest edges of shorelines and open areas

Notes: - Currently listed as endangered in Ontario, Teloschistes

chrysophthalmus has been eliminated over parts of its former range

(especially in the northeast) due to habitat destruction, air pollution

(especially SO2 concentrations), invasive species and severe weather

(Brodo et al, 2001; COSEWIC, 2016).

a) b)

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- The preference of shoreline habitat and light requirements of the

Golden-eye lichen makes it especially vulnerable to invasive species

such as Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Dog Strangling

Vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum) which form dense understory and

outcompete other vegetation for light (COSEWIC, 2016).

Heterodermia hypoleuca (Cupped Fringe Lichen):

Figure 11. a) Heterodermia hypoleuca (close-up) (photo by Sam Brinker, b) Heterodermia

hypoleuca in typical habitat (photo by Chris Lewis)

Description - Foliose lichen

- Thallus colour: Pale grey- pale blue

- Lower surface ecorticate

- Lobulate apothecia, apothecia not as abundant/common as Physcia spp

- Photobiont: green algae

Preferred

Habitat/Substrates

- Found in high humidity areas (floodplains, shaded valleys, and vernal

pools within continuous forest)

- Habitat similar to Leptogium spp.

- Found on old deciduous trees with thin bark (mature forests)

- Mainly grows on ash, sometimes on elm trees (requires bark with

neutral pH and adequate moisture retention properties)

- Likely requires calcareous soil

-Was previously found in Frontenac Provincial Park

Pred. Veg Areas

(Grid Code #):

1,2,3, 16, 30, 31,39-42, 44, 46,

(All moist deciduous, especially containing ash, treed swamps,

lakeshore habitat)

a) b)

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Chemical ID Spot

Tests

Cortex: K+ (characteristic of Heterodermia spp.)

Lookalikes -Can sometimes appear similar to Physcia species in size/colour

-Heterodermia upper cortex appears as “flowing” towards the lobe tips

whereas Physcia sp. cortex is more uniform in appearance

- Apothecia is uncommon in Heterodermia compared to abundant

apothecia in Physcia (eg. figure 2a)

Tips -Typical habitat is shown in figure 11 b).

Notes: -Heterodermia hypoleuca is currently a high priority COSEWIC

candidate species which is likely to become a species at risk in Ontario

- Threats include loss of old-growth forest areas and high humidity areas

which are becoming less abundant with increased dryness associated

with climate change (COSEWIC, 2015), as well as EAB and Dutch Elm

Disease (reduction of suitable substrate trees)

The main sources used to create Appendix I “General Lichen Guidelines” and Appendix II “Rare

Lichen Guide”) are listed below:

Brodo, I. 2017. (personal communication)

Brodo, I. 2017. (lecture) Thousand Islands National Park Lichen Identification Course (Mallorytown Landing, ON).

October 23-26, 2017.

Brodo, I., Sharnoff, S.D., Sharnoff, S., 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University Press.

COSEWIC, 2017. Candidate Wildlife Species: Lichens. Retrieved from:

http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=258BE9F5-1#Lichens

COSEWIC. 2016. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Golden-eye Lichen Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,

Prairie / Boreal population and Great Lakes population, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife

in Canada.

COSEWIC. 2009. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Pale-bellied Frost Lichen Physconia subpallida in

Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. ix + 38 pp.

(www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm).

COSSARO, 2014. Ontario Species at Risk Evaluation Report for Flooded Jellyskin (Leptogium rivulare).

Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario, 1-11.

Environment Canada. 2016. Recovery Strategy for the Pale-bellied Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida) in Canada.

Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. 22 pp. + Annexes.

Environment Canada. 2013. Recovery Strategy for the Flooded Jellyskin Lichen (Leptogium rivulare) in Canada.

Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iv + 23 pp.

Lewis, C. 2017. (personal communication)

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Forestry, 2017. Pale-Bellied Frost Lichen. Retrieved from:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/pale-bellied-frost-lichen

Lichen Photographs Brinker, S., (n/a). Heterodermia hypoleuca; Leptogium corticola; Leptogium rivulare; Lobaria pulmonaria;

Physconia subpallida; Teloschistes chrysophthalmus. Retrieved from: http://lichenportal.org/portal/

Lewis, C., (n/a). Physconia subpallida. Retrieved from: http://lichenportal.org/portal/

Lewis, C. (n/a), Heterodermia hypoleuca. Retrieved from: COSEWIC, 2015. Heterodermia hypoleuca: Wildlife

Species Rationale for Priority Assessment. COSEWIC species rational template for candidate priority setting (Nov

2015), 1-13.

McMullin, T., (n/a). Leptogium corticola; Leptogium rivulare; Lobaria pulmonaria. Retrieved from:

http://lichenportal.org/portal/

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APPENDIX III: Map of Thousand Islands National Park

Figure 12. Map of Thousand Islands National Park. Mainland sites: LB–Landon Bay, MT–

Mallorytown, JC–Jones Creek. Island sites: AI–Aubrey, MI–Mermaid, LI–Lindsay, MD–

McDonald, TI–Thwartway, CI–Camelot, EI–Endymion, HI–Hill, GI–Grenadier.

Source: Werden et al, 2014.

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APPENDIX IV: Determination of Calcareous Sites Within TINP

Figure 13. ELC plot distribution displaying sites testing positive (red) and negative (purple) for

calcareous soil on a) Hill Island (15+ out of 90) and b) Grenadier Island (9+ out of 41)

a)

b)

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APPENDIX V: Calcareous ELC Plot Numbers and GPS Coordinates

Table 2. List of ELC plots within TINP boundaries which tested positive for calcareous soil

ELC Plot # UTM Coordinates TINP Location Soil Substrate

T15042 18T 406699 4907532 McDonald Island DM

T15106 18T 408521 4907152 Hay Island DM

T06 18T 415595 4913286 Landon Bay DM

P454 18T 422078 4911274 Hill Island MD

P462 18T 422160 4911184 Hill Island DM

P472 18T 422464 4910953 Hill Island DM

P453 18T 422472 4911931 Hill Island DM

P480 18T 422551 4910869 Hill Island DM

P456 18T 422566 4911846 Hill Island MD

P463 18T 422661 4911757 Hill Island MD

P458 18T 422808 4912128 Hill Island DM

P460 18T 423207 4912608 Hill Island DM

P465 18T 423301 4912532 Hill Island DM

P509 18T 423417 4911128 Hill Island SM

P483 18T 423676 4912223 Hill Island DM

P489 18T 423771 4912116 Hill Island DM

P491 18T 424000 4912402 Hill Island DM

P514 18T 424176 4911804 Hill Island MD

T18573 18T 429961 4917548 Grenadier Island DM

P527 18T 430202 4917837 Grenadier Island DM

P532 18T 430299 4917756 Grenadier Island DM

P539 18T 430391 4917680 Grenadier Island DM

P528 18T 430520 4918225 Grenadier Island DM

P562 18T 430553 4917055 Grenadier Island DM

P546 18T 431607 4919174 Grenadier Island DM

P552 18T 431642 4918945 Grenadier Island DM

P550 18T 432483 4920166 Grenadier Island DM

P331 18T 431114 4924746 Poly Creek (off of Highway 5) DM

Soil Substrate Codes: DM = Deep Mineral (>100 cm), MD = Moderate Deep Mineral (16-99

cm), SM = Shallow Mineral (5-15 cm)

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APPENDIX VI: Determination of Old Mature Forest Areas in TINP

Figure 14. Forest maturity distribution based on basal area data for a) Hill Island and b)

Grenadier Island. (Source: Parks Canada TINP)

a)

b)

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APPENDIX VII: Ecological Land Classifications (ELCs) and Corresponding Grid Code #

Table 3. List of corresponding predictive Ecological land classification descriptions for each

grid code # listed in the species profile tables:

Grid

Code #

Predictive Vegetation (Ecological Land Classification) Description

1 Treed Deciduous Swamp

2 Shrub Thicket Swamp

3 Treed Mixed Swamp

4 Aquatic

5 Typha Marsh

6 Forest

7 Coniferous Forest

8 Mixed Forest

9 Deciduous Forest

10 Plantation

11 Hedgerow

12 Transportation

13 Extraction

14 Built-up Area Pervious

15 Built-up Area Impervious

16 Swamp

17 Fen

18 Bog

19 Marsh

20 Open Water

21 Undifferentiated

22 Dry-Fresh Oak-Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type

23 Dry-Fresh Ironwood Deciduous Forest Type

24 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type

25 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-Beech Deciduous Forest Type

26 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-Oak Deciduous Forest Type

27 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple- Ironwood Deciduous Forest Type

28 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple- White Ash Deciduous Forest Type

29 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple- Red Maple Deciduous Forest Type

30 Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple-Lowland Ash Deciduous Forest

31 Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple- Hardwood Deciduous Forest

32 Fresh Moist Freeman’s Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest

33 Dry-Fresh White Pine- Maple Mixed Forest Type

34 Dry-Fresh White Pine- Hardwood Mixed Forest Type

35 Dry-Fresh Hemlock-White Pine Hardwood Mixed Forest

36 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-White Pine Mixed Forest

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37 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-White Cedar Mixed Forest

38 Dry-Fresh Oak Maple-White Pine Mixed Forest

39 Fresh-Moist Hemlock-Hardwood Mixed Forest Type

40 Fresh-Moist White Cedar-Sugar Maple Mixed Forest Type

41 Fresh-Moist White Pine-Sugar Maple Mixed Forest Type

42 Fresh-Moist White Pine-Hardwood Mixed Forest Type

43 Hemlock Mineral Coniferous Swamp Type

44 Freeman’s Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type

45 Dry-Fresh Ironwood-Maple Deciduous Woodland Type

46 Fresh-Moist Maple-Ironwood Deciduous Woodland Type

47 Dry-Fresh Pine-Oak-Maple Mixed Woodland Type

48 Sugar maple dominated with red oak and beech

49 Sugar maple dominated with red maple and white pine

50 White pine with mixed deciduous (common juniper)

51 Freeman’s maple

52 Sugar maple with white pine, red oak and ash

53 Sugar maple with red oak, white ash and red maple

54 Ironwood with sugar maple, white ash and red maple

55 Sugar maple dominated with red oak, beech and ironwood

56 White pine with mixed deciduous

57 Ironwood with white ash, sugar maple and oak

58 Sugar maple-white ash- ironwood with mixed deciduous

59 Sugar maple-white pine and mixed deciduous

60 Sugar maple dominated with cedar and red maple

61 Sugar maple-white ash-ironwood, mixed deciduous with white pine

62 Mixed deciduous-sugar maple, ironwood, red maple

63 Sugar and red maple with white pine and hemlock

64 Sugar maple dominated with beech, basswood, blue beech

65 Sugar maple dominated with red maple

66 White pine-hemlock with sugar maple and beech

67 Sugar maple dominated with red oak and ironwood

68 White pine with mixed deciduous red cedar

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APPENDIX VIII: Useful Lichen Resources

The following is a list of resources recommended by Irwin Brodo during the Thousand Island

Lichen Course (October 23-26, 2017) which may be useful for TINP Resource Conservation

staff in the future:

• Lichens of North America (Irwin M. Brodo, Sylvia Duran Sharnoff, Stephen Sharnoff)

• Lichens of the Ottawa Region (Irwin M. Brodo)

• The Lichens of Southern Ontario, Canada (Pak Yan Wong and Irwin M. Brodo)

• The Macrolichens of New England (James W. Hinds, Patricia L. Hinds)

• Common Lichens of Northeastern North America (Troy McMullin & Frances Anderson)

• The Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland (C.W. Smith, A. Aproot, B.J. Coppins, A.

Fletcher, O.L. Gilbert, P.W. James, P.A. Welseley)

• Lichens above Treeline (Ralph Pope)

For lichen distribution data:

• Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria (www.lichenportal.org)

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