A history of lichen, bryophyte, and moonwort collecting and research at the USDA Forest Service experimental forests in Idaho

Abstract

In Idaho, the Boise Basin, Deception Creek¸ and Priest River Experimental Forests (EFs) were established in 1911 and 1933 to facilitate long-term scientific research on multiple aspects related to forest management and ecology. Nestled within them are the Canyon Creek, Montford Creek, Bannock Creek, and Wellner Cliffs Research Natural Areas established in 1937, 1970, and 2004 to serve as reference areas for research, education, and monitoring of intensive management actions. Collectively, this network has advanced our knowledge on the species, distributions, and ecology of lichens, bryophytes, and moonworts in Idaho. Altogether, 40 university, government agency, and private researchers have made 1,951 observations, collections, and specimens which resulted in 1,311 lichen, 394 bryophyte, and 2 moonwort herbarium specimens. This historical account, which has not previously been compiled, chronicles the history of lichen, moss, liverwort, hornwort, and moonwort exploration on these EFs from 1916 to 2023.

Citation

Donley, James; Pipp, Andrea; Reinhardt, Jason. 2025. A history of lichen, bryophyte, and moonwort collecting and research at the USDA Forest Service experimental forests in Idaho. Evansia. 42(2): 38-53.