R9 Species Conservation Assessment for Ramalinoa thrausta (Ach.) Nyl. in The Upper Great Lakes National Forests

Abstract

Ramalina thrausta (Ach.) Nyl. is a candidate Regional Forester Sensitive Species on the Superior National Forest in the Eastern Region of the Forest Service. The species occurs on the Superior National Forest. The purpose of this document is to provide the background information necessary to prepare Conservation Approaches and a Conservation Strategy that will include management actions to conserve the species. This conservation assessment provides available information on Ramalina thrausta (Ach.) Nyl. and its distribution, habitat, range, status, life history, and ecology. Ramalina thrausta grows on trees and occasionally on rocks in the circumboreal forests. This species is Vulnerable to Endangered in most of Europe. In the Great Lakes area common habitat for this species is Thuja and black spruce bogs It is a candidate R9 Sensitive Species on Superior National Forest in Minnesota. Threats to Ramalina thrausta are removal of the old-growth forests and air pollution. This species is very sensitive to air quality.