Inventory of the mosses, liverworts, and lichens of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: 2013 Progress Report
Walton JK, Hutten M, Torigoe SK. 2014. Inventory of the mosses, liverworts, and lichens of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: 2013 Progress Report. Natural Resource Data Series. NPS/SWAN/NRDS—2014/635. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
In the summer of 2012, the Southwest Alaska Network initiated a limited bryophyte and lichen inventory in Kenai Fjords National Park that was part systematic, part opportunistic. Our focus was on low elevation Sitka spruce - mountain hemlock forest that characterizes much of the Park's coastline. We dedicated about 15 person days toward the survey of 22 sites, most of which were forested but also included select sloping peatlands, coastal cliffs, active colluvial slopes, and an alpine site. Across all sites, 297 species were documented, including 126 species of moss, 79 liverworts, and 92 lichens. Virtually all these species are new to the park as this work represents the first systematic inventory of bryophytes and lichens conducted in the Park. While our initial focus was on a forest type that is common in Alaska, we documented a high number of unusual species, including at least three species new to Alaska and several that are considered regionally rare. While currently limited in its scope, this survey work provides critical floristic baseline information to the Park. Additionally, since the area represents a floristic region that is poorly known, further work is likely to make a significant scientific contribution to our knowledge of the Alaskan flora.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Walton, James; Hutten, Martin; Torigoe, Stacey
- Date of Issue
- 2014-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- KEFJ , NRSS , SWAN
- Keywords
- Bryophyte, Lichen, Moss, nonvascular plants