Bryophytes Survey - Oregon
Answer from John Christy USA (Oregon)
1. The greatest decline in bryophytes in Oregon has occurred over the last 150 years, but it is hoped that rate of decline is now greatly diminished from previous levels. Current red list bryophytes in Oregon are rare because of rare habitat ("hot spots"), occurrence of taxa at edge of their range, or because the bryoflora of certain habitats has not been studied adequately (taxa are "undercollected").
2. Citation for our Current list is: "Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Rare, threatened and endangered species of Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, Oregon, USA. 94 pp." It is also on the web at: <http://oregonstatc.edu/ornhic/tebook.pdf>. A new edition is scheduled for 2004.
3. No studies specifically related to changes in bryophytes have been done. Historic losses of habitat have been quantified for certain regions of the state, based on changes in major vegetation types that have occurred since they were described in land surveys between 1850-1920.
4. Most bryological hot spots are currently protected by federal or state agencies, or non-governmental organizations. However, suitable management practices and monitoring of rare populations are often inadequate, mostly because of lack of funding.
5. A number of populations of rare bryophytes are being monitored, and both historic and new populations are being sought, mostly by federal agencies. Harvest of bryophytes for the horticultural trade is being studied, but none of the species involved are currently rare.
6. Most historic losses are attributable to agriculture and livestock grazing, impacting native grasslands and wetlands. Although logging is another major activity affecting bryophyte habitats in Oregon, it does not seem to have caused declines in many species.
7. There is no universal protection for bryophytes in Oregon. Taxa must be on a red list to receive attention. One bryophyte (Limbella fryei) is a "candidate" species for listing by the federal and state governments. The Oregon Natural Heritage Program maintains a red list that has no legal authority but is used by federal agencies as a source of "sensitive" taxa that may require special management.
8. Bryophytes are protected in nature reserves and protected areas, but suitable management practices and monitoring of rare populations are often inadequate, mostly because of lack of funding.
9. Federal agencies have been active in inventory and monitoring rare bryophytes. Harvest of bryophytes for the horticultural trade is being studied to determine what impacts harvest has on the rate of bryophyte regeneration and long-term species diversity.
10. The Northwest Botanical Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and The Wetlands Conservancy are the only non-governmental organizations involved in protection of bryophytes. A number of individuals or consulting firms are knowledgeable about bryophytes, but most are employed by government agencies or universities, or do contract work for these agencies.
11.
-
12.
yes
John A. Christy
Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Oregon State University 1322 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214-2423
E-mail: john.christy@oregonstate.edu
