The habitat characteristics listed below are correlated with high representation of old-growth associated lichens and some other rare lichens. These habitat characteristics are broken down into two groups: stand structure and site characteristics. Stand structure can be manipulated with management activities, but site characteristics are normally fixed.
Checklist of habitat features promoting diversity and abundance of old-growth associated lichens:
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Located in the riparian zone of perennial stream, lake, or wetland | |
Large rock outcrops or talus are present | |
Located on a ridge top | |
Contains infertile sites due to thin soils or extremely coarse textured soils | |
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Remnant old-growth trees in young stands (one or more remnants in sight from most places in the stand) | |
Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) present | |
Old-growth forest | |
Both conifers and hardwood trees present (more than 5% of stems in each category) | |
Presence of wolf trees (conifers with large, living lower limbs) | |
Significant presence of mature to old tall shrubs (averaging more than 10 per acre or 25 per hectare) |