Habitat Protection Summary for Pale-Bellied Frost Lichen

Ministry of Natural Resources Habitat Protection Summary for Pale-bellied Frost Lichen Pale-bellied Frost Lichen is a globally rare lichen that is typically found on trees in relatively humid, mature to old-growth deciduous forests. The species was assessed by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) and listed as endangered on March 18, 2010. More information about the species’ status can be found at: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@species/ documents/document/287483.pdf. The habitat regulation for Pale-bellied Frost Lichen protects the host-tree and the area within 50 metres of the trunk of the host tree. Areas within 100 metres of a Pale-bellied Frost Lichen that are open water, or an area classified as a community series under the land classification system for southern Ontario that are suitable for dispersal of Pale-Bellied Frost Lichen or maintain essential site conditions, are also protected. The regulation applies where the lichen occurs in the following areas: the Township of Greater Madawaska within the County of Renfrew; the Township of Lanark Highlands within the County of Lanark; the townships of Central Frontenac and North Frontenac within the County of Frontenac; and the Township of Addington Highlands within the County of Lennox and Addington. Supporting Rationale: n The area within 50 metres of Pale-bellied Frost Lichen is intended to protect the survival of the host tree, as well as the area immediately adjacent to the lichen. n An area within 100 metres of Pale-bellied Frost Lichen is intended to protect important site characteristics required to maintain the interior forest conditions preferred by the species, such as high levels of humidity, shade, and air circulation. BLEED Activities in Pale-bellied Frost Lichen habitat: Activities in regulated habitat can continue as long as the function of these areas for the species is maintained and individuals of the species are not killed, harmed, or harassed. Generally compatible: n Pruning of shrubs or trees for maintenance purposes. n Selective removal of a fallen or dead tree. n Normal use of existing roadways including access roads. n Normal use of existing recreational trails. Generally not compatible*: n Significant reduction or clearing of natural features, such as forests and wetlands. n Substantial, permanent alteration of water flows and levels in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. n Significant removal of soils. * If you are considering an activity that may not be compatible with regulated habitat, please contact your local MNR office for more information Key terms: n Community series: Ecological Land Classification (ELC) Community series are groups of similar vegetation stands that share common characteristics of vegetation, structure, and soils, as described in the document entitled Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its Application, dated September, 1998 and published by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2 BLEED Below you will find an example diagram of how this regulation would be applied to protect habitat for this species. It indicates how the protected habitat has been categorized, based on how the species uses the habitat and how much activity or change can occur within the habitat, as per the policy “Categorizing and Protecting Habitat Under the Endangered Species Act”. This policy can be found at: http://www.mnr. gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@species/documents/document/stdprod_085648.pdf Sample Application of the Habitat Regulation: The content of this summary is provided for convenience only. For accurate reference and the most recent version of the regulation, please view Ontario Regulation 242/08 on e-laws at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/index.html. 3 BLEED BLEED.

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