Studies on lichen-dominated systems. XIX. The postfire recovery sequence of black spruce – lichen woodland in the Abitau Lake Region, N.W.T.

Abstract

MAIKAWA, E . , and K . A. KERSHAW. 1976. Studies on lichen-dominated systems. XIX. The postfire recovery sequence of black spruce -lichen woodland in the Abitau Lake Region, N.W.T. Can. J. Bot. 54: 2679-2687.The postfire recovery sequence in spruce woodlandgrowing on drumlins in the Abitau-Dunvegan Lakes area of the Northwest Territories is described. Four phases are recognized: year 1 to ye,ar 20, the Polytrichrrtn phase dominated by P. pilifer~rm, with Leciden grnnirlosn and L. rrlrginosn as associated species; year 21 to about year 60, the Clodor~in phase dominated by Clrrrlot~irr stellnris and C. ~rncinlis; year 61 to about year 130, the spruce-Stereoca~rlon phase with Stereocrr~rlon pnscl~nle forming an almost pure lichen ground cover; after year 130, the canopy closes and the lichen cover disappears and is replaced by a moss cover forming the final phase, spruce-moss woodland. These phases are confirmed by component analysis.The existence of spruce-Stereocarrlon woodland in the area is thus dependent on cyclic burning. In the absence of fire the spruce canopy would close and the lichen cover would largely disappear. This event is rare in the area with a rebuln cycle of about 100 years. Fire is thus an important vector in the maintenance of this extensive barren-ground caribou winter range.

Ecology and conservation of lynx in the United States

“…Vegetative and in situ seed (such as serotinous cones) is greater on black spruce sites (Black and Bliss 1978;Foote 1983). Succession on lichen-woodland sites is similar to the closed-forest black spruce, except that crown closure rarely occurs and the sequence of stages is usually prolonged (130+ years for mature woodland [Maikawa and Kershaw 1976]). …”

Examining the role of terrestrial lichen transplants in restoring woodland caribou winter habitat

“…Post-fire lichen succession follows a fairly predictable timeline with a return to high quality caribou forage after 40-70 years (Maikawa and Kershaw 1976, Carroll and Bliss 1982, Thomas et al 1996, Dunford et al 2006. Post-fire lichen succession in the boreal forest typically starts with Cladonia mitis, then C. rangiferina, and lastly C. stellaris (Ahti 1959(Ahti , 1961Maikawa and Kershaw 1976, Morneau and Payette 1989, Webb 1998).…”

“…Post-fire lichen succession in the boreal forest typically starts with Cladonia mitis, then C. rangiferina, and lastly C. stellaris (Ahti 1959(Ahti , 1961Maikawa and Kershaw 1976, Morneau and Payette 1989, Webb 1998). However, timelines may vary.…”

Factors influencing the distribution of Bathurst barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) during winter.

“…Lichen species favoured by caribou (e.g., Cladina rangiferina, C. mitis) are associated with late-successional serai stages in boreal forests (Maikawa and Kershaw 1976), and in the short term are lost following fire. Many authors have argued that fire plays an important regenerative role in boreal forests (Bergerud 1974, Miller 1976, and may be necessary for the long-term productivity of lichen stands (Klein 1982, Schaefer and Pruitt 1991, Sulyma and Coxson 2001.…”

“…Extensive lichen mats, in turn, reduce soil temperatures and sunlight infiltration to the forest floor. This retards both tree growth and seedling development, essentially maintaining a microclimate that supports lichen establishment (Kershaw et al 1975, Maikawa andKershaw 1976).…”