ALCS needs volunteers to collect tree lichen for the maternity pen operations in 2024. There are many places around Nakusp, in the Arrow Lakes valley and in the West Kootenays that have an abundance of lichen.
Southern mountain caribou, which are captured by ALCS for maternity penning, are an ecotype of woodland caribou. They are behaviorally adapted to living in mountainous environments as compared to woodland caribou which inhabit gentler topography in
Canada’s boreal forest. Mountain caribou exclusively feed on arboreal lichens during late winter when deep snowpacks in the alpine facilitate easy access. The preferred arboreal lichen species for mountain caribou are Bryoria spp. and Alectoria sarmentosa.
Within the Columbia Mountains Ecosystem (CME), Bryoria primarily grows at higher elevations near treeline in old subalpine fir, and therefore may be harder for humans to access.
Alectoria is typically found at lower elevations within the Interior Cedar/Hemlock (ICH) biogeoclimatic zone, however both species often grow together with dominance dictated by elevation. Bryoria is generally a dark brown in colour versus Alectoria which is typically a light green colour. Mountain caribou are known to prefer Bryoria over Allectoria although they readily consume both species. When possible, Bryoria is the primary species to be targeted for lichen collection for the ALCS project. However, due to the high quantities required either species is acceptable.
Locations:
Areas easily accessible may be the Wensley Creek Recreation Area, mainline Forest Service Roads along Highway 6 between Galena Bay and Fauquier and on the west side of Arrow Lake (cross at Arrow Park ferry). Highway 6 East towards New Denver or anywhere with mature/old coniferous forests may also be good locations.
More Information:
Those interested in assisting with lichen collection can send an email message to: Arrow Lakes Caribou Society al.caribou.society@gmail.com for assistance in locating and dropping off lichen. All volunteers under the supervision and/or direction of ALCS are required to complete and sign a waiver form.
For best practices of collecting and handling lichen, see the below handbook for methods and guidelines.
Arrow Lakes Caribou Society 