Cold Lake Operations Lichen Study

A Lichen Diversity Assessment was developed for the Cold Lake Operations (CLO) area including the Nabiye project area (the Study Area). The program objective was to complete a baseline assessment of lichen diversity within select ecosites and, where possible, determine if statistical difference occur in species diversity for lichens found within and outside of (i.e., at off-site control plots) the Study Area. The field survey took place between September 14th and 23rd, 2010.

In the five d1 (upland) ecosites, lichen species richness values in control areas did not differ significantly from the Study Area. Control sites were not surveyed for the j1 (wetland) ecosites due to safety issues from active bear bait stations in the planned control area, but surveys of the 4 wetland sites provide a baseline inventory for the area. The number of species in each plot ranged from 42 to 45, with a total of 87 species found in upland sites and 71 in wetland sites. Of the nine rare lichen species identified, only Ramalina dilacerate had been previously observed in the CLO area. It was found in all 12 plots, including j1 and d1 ecosites and the control area. It is an S2 species, but appears fairly common locally (36 individuals observed). The rarest species was Hypogynmia vittata (S1/S2), with just one individual in a single plot in the d1 control area. Cladonia cyanipes (S2), Flavopunctelia soredica (S2) and Peltigera evansiana (S2S3) were observed in one plot each, and Cladonia macilenta (S2?), Ramalina farinacea (S2S3) and Ramalina sinensis (SU) were observed in a number of plots. Future recommendations: (1) add more plots to ensure natural variability within two ecosite phases is adequately captured, and (2) doing field programs earlier in the year to allow more efficient use of daylight and minimize conflicts with hunters.