Duke Power-Nantahala Area Charlotte, NC 28201

Transcription

1 FINAL REPORT OF THE BRYOPHYTE INVENTORY FOR EAST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER, BONAS DEFEAT LAND TRACT, AND WOLF CREEK TRACT, JACKSON CO., NORTH CAROLINA Submitted to: Duke Power-Nantahala Area Charlotte, NC Submitted by: David K. Smith University of Tennessee Paul G. Davison University of North Alabama March 2003

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 1 SCOPE OF WORK... 1 METHODOLOGY... 1 SITE DESCRIPTION... 2 Wolf Creek Section... 2 Bonas Defeat Section... 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION... 4 REFERENCES AND CITATIONS FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Bonas Defeat Section. The Narrows below Rock Bridge...6 Table 1. PETS found in the upper Narrows below Rock Bridge...6 Table 2. All PETS found in the Bonas Defeat drainage....7 Table 3. All PETS known to occur in the combined drainages of Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat...8 Table 4. Wolf Creek Liverworts...22 Table 5. Wolf Creek Mosses...23 Table 6. Bonas Defeat Liverworts...24 Table 7. Bonas Defeat Mosses...26 ii

3 APPENDICES I. Study Area Maps...31 II. Protected, Endangered, and Threatened Species Lists (PETS)...36 Nonvascular Plants of National Forest Service Concern intransylvania and Jackson Counties, North Carolina (Table)...38 II. Field Reports...42 III. Site Photographs...49 East Fork Tuckasegee Gorge above Bonas Defeat near the Upper Narrows...50 East Fork Tuckasegee Gorge below Bonas Defeat in the Lower Narrows...51 Bonas Defeat Bluff...52 Wolf Creek Gorge, near the Confluence of Tributary...53 iii

4 Introduction In April 2002 Drs. David K. Smith (University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN) and Paul G. Davison (University of North Alabama, Florence, AL) were contracted to provide bryophyte surveys for the Duke Power-Nantahala Area (Duke) FERC Relicensing Project. Duke and Framatome ANP have provided the oversight and support in soliciting the work for the following services. Scope of Work Duke, as part of the botanical relicensing studies, is required to assess the nonvascular plants within the Project Boundary. The Technical Leadership Team (TLT) associated with the Duke relicensing agreed to survey portions of two adjacent stream gorges in Jackson Co., N.C that include Wolf Creek and E. Fork of the Tuckasegee River (from Wolf Creek Reservoir dam to the junction. of Wolf Creek and the Tuckasegee and the gorge along the Tuckasegee from Lower Rock Bridge to the junction of Wolf Creek and the Tuckasegee). The scope of this study focused on non-vascular plants, Bryophytes (i.e., Mosses and Liverworts); to conduct an inventory of, and distributional occurrences of bryophytes, especially those protected, endangered, and threatened species (PETS) (Appendix II). In addition to the biological survey, the Duke team was asked for best professional judgment on the possible impacts to bryophytes due to potential hydrological changes within the described watersheds [below Tanasee Creek Lake, along Wolf Creek (see Figure 1 and Appendix I) and along the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River through the gorge known as Bonas Defeat (see Figure 2 and Appendix I)]. Methodology Drs. David K. Smith and Paul G. Davison conducted four days of fieldwork to inventory and assess the target species, and determine any new species or any other notable taxa in the Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorges in Jackson County. Four days of laboratory work to determine species taxonomy and was also conducted. Personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and N.C. Natural Heritage Program were kept abreast of all survey activities associated with this project. Gene Vaughan of Duke Energy was apprised before any direct contact with any agency personnel. Duke and/or Framatome ANP were notified of dates prior to site visitations for field work. We acknowledge and express our thanks to the following individuals who comprise a team of essential contacts for logistics and information in support of this study: Ms. Jamie Amoroso, Botanist, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, NC; Lewis Anderson, Emeritus, Duke University; Chick Gaddy, Terra Incognita, Inc., SC; Larry Haskett, North Carolina Highway Department, Sylva, NC; Gary Kaufmann, U. S. Forest Service, Asheville, NC; Carl Nordman, Southeast Regional Vegetation Ecologist, NatureServe, NC; Molly McMullen, Curator, Duke University; Duke Rankin, Botanist, 1

5 Highlands Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, NC; Gene Vaughan, Duke Energy Charlotte, NC and Scott Fletcher, Framatome ANP Charlotte, NC. The Bonas Defeat and Wolf Creek tracts were surveyed during May and June 1-2, Two full field days were spent within each tract. Details of the activity during each field day are reported in Appendix III. The strategy adopted to survey both areas was to determine access and divide each tract into two sections (upper and lower flow zones). One day was dedicated for inventory of each section. Site surveys benefited immensely from local knowledge of the area offered by Mr. Larry Haskett [NC DOT] ph. (828) ; who guided the field team to the entry point for Wolf Creek, and joined the initial assault on Bonas Defeat. Site Description Wolf Creek (Big Ridge Quadrangle, Jackson Co., NC.) The tract consists of the channel of Wolf Creek beginning at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W and continues downstream for approximately one mile (1.6 km) to the terminus point of the survey at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W. Beginning elevation is approximately 2,810 ft. and descends to approximately 2,600 ft. Only one major unnamed tributary enters Wolf Creek from the north at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W; (elevation 2,650 ft.) downstream 2,500 ft. (780 m) from Wolf Creek Falls. The upper section of Wolf Creek upstream from the tributary confluence is a narrow, rugged and steep gorge, containing large boulders formed from calving of the adjacent upland cliffs and outcrops. Interspersed are short stretches of flat alluvial deposits; mainly derived from sediments transported from upstream sources. The site just below Wolf Creek Falls is mostly exposed bedrock in a series of flat, gently down-graded benches with abrupt step-down cascades (varying from 4-8 ft. high). This topography extends approximately 700 ft. below the falls; after which the gorge narrows and is clogged with boulders to the entry point of the tributary. Vegetation hugs the edge of the gorge to the zone of the channel; but does not invade/choke the channel as occurs further downstream. The immediate walls of the gorge channel consist of well-protected, shaded habitat of rocky slopes, outcroppings, and errant boulders. The channel zone is rich in overall diversity of bryophytes-- an area characterized by: 1) dependable moisture, 2) high humidity, 3) cold air drainage, 4) deep shade and maximum protection. The upper gorge area is the most diverse for presence of bryophytes, with high cover and diversity. Vegetation immediate to the channel consists of mixed hardwoods, hemlock, and rhododendron. The slopes and outcrops above the gorge are well-drained. The drier zones are dominated by laurel thickets, favoring increased abundance of mountain laurel and replacing rhododendron of the lower gorge and mixed pine-hardwoods forests above. Bryophyte diversity in these areas is much lower. The lower section of Wolf Creek downstream from the tributary confluence is much flatter an area and consists of a lower grade of descent. The channel is wider, more exposed and meandering. Stretches of flat alluvial deposits, mainly derived from 2

6 sediments transported from the tributary, afford establishment of birch, alder, ironwood, and herbaceous vegetation within the channel. Bryophyte diversity and abundance in the lower section is much lower. Bonas Defeat, East Fork Tuckasegee River (Big Ridge Quadrangle, Jackson Co., NC.) The tract consists of the channel of the East Fork Tuckasegee River in the area known as Bonas Defeat. The survey area begins below Lower Rock Bridge at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W and continues downstream for approximately 1.2 miles (2.0 km) to the terminus point of the survey at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W, near the confluence of Wolf Creek. Beginning elevation is approximately 3,000 ft. and descends to approximately 2,600 ft. The gorge can be divided and described as the upper section (above Bonas Defeat) and the lower section (below Bonas Defeat). It is more ominous than the gorge of Wolf Creek. The upper section begins as an abruptly narrowed gorge (i.e., upper Narrows) that gradually widens downstream to the base of Bonas Defeat (elevation 2,850 ft.). This section contains two major unnamed tributaries that enter from the south. The first tributary enters the channel approximately 1,180 ft. (360 m) below the entry point of the gorge at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W; (elevation 2,915 ft.). The second tributary enters at approximately 820 ft. (250 m) downstream from tributary one at approximately 35 o N x 83 o W; (elevation 2,910 ft.). The upper Narrows, a 670 ft (200 m) section, is a confined channel bounded by sheer rock cliffs and outcrops. Large boulders are strewn within the channel proper. Below the upper narrows to Bonas Defeat, the gorge remains rugged but widens slightly with an edging of boulders and rubble deposits derived from mass-wasting of the high adjacent cliffs. Both tributaries add sediment to the flow channel, forming stripes of outwash alluvium. This alluvium is quickly dispersed, and flushed by the reach at Bonas Defeat. The upper Narrows is the most significant section of the gorge for the diversity of PETS bryophytes. The conditions of shade, high humidity, cold air drainage, and persistent surface moisture are some of the causal factors. In other areas of the gorge overall bryophyte abundance is greater; but richness [diversity] is lower. The section of the gorge below Bonas Defeat begins with the lower Narrows, where the channel dips suddenly through another confined section, clogged with massive boulders. This Narrows area stretches for approximately 1,700 ft. (525 m); the uppermost impassable for a distance of approximately 650 ft. (200 m). Below the upper Narrows, the gorge re-widens and angle of descent lessens through the final one-half mile flow zone to Wolf Creek. Bryophyte habitat remains good to excellent throughout the lower section and primarily along the northeast bank. Dense vegetation drapes over and along the channel edges providing optimal conditions for bryophytes along outcroppings and tree bases. Good overall abundance of listed species occurs in this lower section. As occurs in Wolf Creek, the macro-vegetation in the East Fork Tuckasegee River descends the slopes to the channel edge. Along and immediate to the channel are mixed hardwoods, hemlock, and rhododendron. The slopes and outcrops above the gorge are drier, well-drained and dominated by laurel thickets and mixed pine-hardwoods forests 3

7 where canopy development occurs. 4

8 Results and Discussion Due to the possibility of future multiple uses of the Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat areas, it is reasonable to question what might be the impact to protected, endangered, and threatened species if current flow volumes through the gorges were increased and at what magnitude or any magnitude might there be an impact (positive or negative) to the bryophyte species. Customary flow volumes through the gorges during March are 25 cubic feet per second (cfs). A proposal calls for a possible increase in volume flow to up to 325 cfs for brief periods to produce an optimum flow volume to support recreational use. Our field work was conducted during May (no data on flow volumes) when the flow was sequestered near the center line of the gorges in flow channels; allowing access along the fringes of the gorges for the survey. These fringe areas of the survey along the banks of the channels mostly mark elevations between 3 and 10 feet above the water level. Dr. Rudolph Schuster comments (Schuster 1980, vol. 4 footnote #7, p. 551) and as reported in the North Carolina data base that tracks listed bryophytes in the Bonas Defeat drainage "sites virtually or quite destroyed by the diversion of water for hydroelectric purposes referring to several of the PET liverwort species. Thus, when Dr. Schuster visited the area before dam construction [observations from circa 1950s] and made some of the original discoveries of rare liverworts (which of course were not listed then), he emphasized that the damming of the watersheds would likely lead to severe changes in the microclimate of the gorges, and lead to the demise of the rich and rare bryophyte flora. It is evident that Dr. Schuster s prediction has not happened. Everything he found, and others since, appears to indicate healthy and in some cases relatively abundant bryophytes. So the issue of lower volume discharge and its impact to rare bryophytes has not been deleterious in our view. However, the question of raising volume control is a different issue. The following scenario would apply to both the Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat drainages. A flow volume increase to approximately 350 cfs equates to a 14-fold increase above ambient flow volumes. This would increase the water level by five ft. which will certainly inundate important microhabitats where many of the bryophyte PETS occur. A 10 ft. increase in water level would likely impact 90 percent of the PETS. The precise consequences of inundation impacts are unknown but just the phenomena of increasing discharges suggests a concomitant increase in scouring. More specific to the Bonas Defeat drainage, and especially its upper section where one enters the gorge, the upper Narrows qualifies as the most significant and critical bryophyte habitat in the survey area. It seems likely that there would be significant negative impact to PETS in the upper Narrows below Rock Bridge (see Figure 1). Here the bryophyte PETS are close to the midstream channel where the bouldery walls of the gorge produce a confining narrow passageway providing exceptional/essential microhabitat for PET bryophytes. Due to the narrow confines, this region is also likely to experience greater rise in scouring water flow during planned water releases. The upper Narrows below Rock Bridge harbors 13 5

9 species (52 percent) of the bryophyte PETS found in the entire Bonas Defeat drainage area. PETS found in the upper Narrows section are listed in Table 1 [those in bold type were found only in this site]. Of interest is that, of the five PETS exclusive to this site, four are mosses. Furthermore, seven of the eight moss PETS for the entire drainage are nested in the upper Narrows; while only six of the 17 liverwort PETS are present albeit not confined there, except for Lejeunea blomquistii. One PET species of fern Hymenophyllum tayloriae is included. Table 2 lists all PETS found in the Bonas Defeat drainage. Table 3 lists all bryophyte PETS known to occur in the combined drainages of Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat that are considered of some degree of rare or special concern status within North Carolina by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Amoroso 1999), Nature Serve (NatureServe/USFS Southern Appalachian Species Viability Database, ver. 2.3), or Smith and Davison (this study). 6

10 Figure 1. Bonas Defeat Section. The Narrows below Rock Bridge; area of high PETS concentration and possibly at risk from potential flooding Table 1. PETS found in the upper Narrows below Rock Bridge. Those in bold were found only in the Narrows site. Liverworts ACROBOLBUS CILIATUS LEJUNEA BLOMQUISTII PLAGIOCHILA AUSTINI PLAGIOCHILA CADUCILOBA PLAGIOCHILA SHARPII RADULA SULLIVANTII Ferns HYMENOPHYLLUM TAYLORIAE Mosses BLINDIA ACUTA BRYOIPHIUM NORVEGICUM HOMALIA TRICHOMANOIDES LEPTOHYMENIUM SHARPII MYURELLA SIBIRICA ONCOPHORUS RAUI PTERIGYNANDRUM FILIFORME 7

11 Table 2. All PETS found in the Bonas Defeat drainage. Liverworts ACROBOLBUS CILIATUS DREPANOLEJEUNEA APPALACHIANA FRULLANIA PLANA JUNGERMANNIA PYRIFLORA LEJEUNEA BLOMQUISTII LOPHOCOLEA APPALACHIANA LOPHOCOLEA MURICATA MARSUPELLA PAROICA METZGERIA TEMPERATA PLAGIOCHILA AUSTINI PLAGIOCHILA CADUCILOBA PLAGIOCHILA SHARPII PLAGIOCHILA SULLIVANTII PLAGIOCHILA VIRGINICA PORELLA cf. JAPONICA RADULA SULLIVANTII RADULA TENA Mosses BLINDIA ACUTA BRYOIPHIUM NORVEGICUM DIPHYSCIUM CUMBERLANDIANUM HOMALIA TRICHOMANOIDES LEPTOHYMENIUM SHARPII MYURELLA SIBIRICA ONCOPHORUS RAUI PTERIGYNANDRUM FILIFORME 8

12 Table 3. List of Liverwort and Moss PETS Known to Occur in the Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Areas. Species LIVERWORTS Wolf Creek Bonas Defeat Date of last observation 9 N. C. Status N. C. Rank U. S. Status Forest Service Rank National Rank Acrobolbus ciliatus SR S1 Sensitive N2 G3? Anastrophyllum hellerianum S1 Aneura maxima S3 - Drepanolejeunea appalachiana C S1 Sensitive - G2? Global Rank Frullania plana W7 S2 G3G4 Jungermannia pyriflora Lejeunea blomquistii C S1 N1N2 G1G2 Lophocolea appalachiana {=Chiloscyphus appalchianus) C S1 N1N2 G1G2Q Lophocolea muricata (=Chiloscyphus muricatus) C S1 G5 Marsupella paroica Metzgeria emperate (=M. Sensitive fruticulosa) SR S1S2 G2Q Porella cf. japonica ssp. appalachiana C S1 FSC G?T1 Plagiochila austini SR S1S2 Sensitive - G3 Plagiochila caduciloba E S1 Sensitive - G2 Plagiochila echinata C S1 Sensitive - G2Q Plagiochila sharpii C S2 FSC Sensitive N2N3 G2G3 Plagiochila sullivantii C S2 Sensitive - G2T2 Plagiochila virginica Sensitive Radula sp. Nov Radula sullivantii C S2 Sensitive - G3 Radula tenax W7 S2 - G3G4 MOSSES Blindia acuta Bryoxiphium norvegicum SR S1 Forest Concern F1 G3G4 Diphyscium cumberlandianum Homalia trichomanoides C S1 Forest Concern F2 G5 Homaliadelphus sharpii C S1 Sensitive G3 Leptohymenium sharpii C S1 G1 Myurella siberica Neckera complanata W7 S1 G5 Oncophorus raui Palamocladium leskeoides C S1 Pterigynandrum filiforme Forest Concern F2 G3G5

13 Explanation of status and rank codes: North Carolina C = Candidate. Species which are very rare in North Carolina (generally 1-20 populations in the state) and are either rare throughout their range or disjunct in N.C. from a main range in a different part of the country or world. This status provides no legal protection. E = Endangered. Species whose continued existence in North Carolina is in jeopardy. This status provides legal protection through North Carolina Plant Conservation Program. SR = Significantly Rare. Species with generally 1-20 populations in the state but common elsewhere. This status provides no legal protection. S1 State rank indicating 1-5 extant populations within the state. S2 State rank indicating 6-20 extant populations within the state. S1S2 State rank of some uncertainty.? Indicates the rank is uncertain. Q Indicates Questionable taxonomic assignment. W7 = Watch Category 7 includes species not on the main rare list that are considered rare but further information is needed in order to determine the true status of these species in North Carolina. United State Status FSC = Federal Species of Concern. Further biological research and field study are needed to resolve the conservation status. These species may or may not be found to be Threatened or Endangered as defined by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FSC species have no official Federal status. National Rank N1 = Extremely rare and critically imperiled, generally with five or fewer occurrences in the nation, or very few remaining individuals, or because of some special condition the species is particularly vulnerable to extirpation from the United States. N2 = Very rare and imperiled, generally with six to twenty occurrences and less than 3000 individuals nationally, or because of some factor(s) vulnerable to extirpation. N1N2 & N2N3 = National Rank of some uncertainty. Global Rank (G Ranks are similar to state ranks) Ex. G1 = 1-5 extant populations G4 = extant populations G2 = 6-20 extant populations G5 = extant populations G3 = extant populations General Note: The following bryophyte species are noted by the authors as future candidates for listing: Liverworts Jungermannia pyriflora Marsupella paroica Radula sp. Nov Mosses Blindia acuta Diphyscium cumberlandianum Myurella siberica Neckera complanata Oncophorus raui 10

14 Bryophyte Natural History and Ecology Liverworts Acrobolbus ciliatus Habitat: Shaded, moist to wet sheltered rock in stream ravines especially at ft. elev. (Schuster 1980). Distribution: A global disjunct found in North America (rare in the Pacific NW and the Blue Ridge of the southern Appalachians, GA, NC, SC, & TN.), Asia (Japan and Himalayas), and Pacific Islands (Borneo & New Guinea). This species found in a few scattered localities in the East Fork Tuckasegee drainage. Nowhere was it abundant and more often than not it was found in trace amounts with other specimens taken from moist rock crevices. Anastrophyllum hellerianum. New PETS Report Habitat: Logs (in the north), trees (especially Tsuga in the southern Appalachians), rarely rock. Distribution: Circumboreal. In Eastern North America Newfoundland south to Georgia. In North America Anastrophyllum hellerianum is typically found in spruce-fir forests of the north while it is restricted to the cove forests between ft. elevation in the southern Appalachians (Schuster 1969). This is a minute species identified largely by its distinctive gemmae. A. hellerianum was found once, by chance, as a single shoot in a specimen taken from rock along Wolf Creek. Aneura maxima New PETS Report Habitat: Wet rock, soil, and decayed logs. Distribution: Eastern North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Island of New Caledonia. In North America this species was first recognized as an eastern North American endemic named as Aneura sharpii by Inoue and Miller (1985). Aneura sharpii was later 11

15 synonymized by Schuster (1992) under the Asiatic A. maxima. More recently the species has been recognized in Europe (Frahm 1997). There is some doubt as to the taxon s specific distinction from the cosmopolitan A. pinguis (Schuster 1992). Yet, in its extreme, robust phase (as we found at Wolf Creek on shaded, wet, dripping rock) A. maxima is distinct from all phases of A. pinguis. Drepanolejeunea appalachiana Habitat: Bark of trees, occasionally epiphyllous on Rhododendron maximum, and rarely on rock. Distribution: Endemic to the southern Appalachians (GA, NC, SC, & TN; Schuster 1980) and the Appalachian Plateau of Kentucky and Tennessee (unpublished records in UNAF). This species is easily overlooked in the field due to its small size and frequent occurrence as a few individual shoots mixed with other bryophytes. Along Wolf Creek Drepanolejeunea appalachiana occurs commonly as optimally developed patches on the bark of various trees, especially young Yellow Poplars (Liriodendron) but also on Alnus, Betula, and Ulmus. This species was found Drepanolejeunea appalachiana a single time along the East Fork Tuckasegee. There it grew over rock with lichens and other bryophytes. The occurrence on rock is previously unreported for the species. The only other rock occurrence is from iron rich rock in Clay Co., N.C., (specimen in UNAF). Frullania plana New PETS Report Habitat: Shaded rock, rarely trees Distribution: Endemic to eastern North America; Massachusetts south to Alabama (unpublished Alabama record in UNAF) and west to Arkansas. 12

16 Frullania plana was found a single time on a shaded boulder just upstream of Bonas Defeat cliff on the East Fork Tuckasegee. Jungermannia pyriflora New PETS Report Habitat: Moist to wet rock, typically along streams and below waterfalls. Distribution: eastern North America and eastern Asia (Japan). In eastern N. A. restricted to the southern Appalachians from Virginia to South Carolina and Georgia; one disjunct station in Michigan (Schuster 1969). Given the species apparent restriction in North America to 12 watershed/site occurrences (one each in Michigan and Virginia, nine in the combined states GA, NC, & SC, and one in TN, unpublished TN record in TENN), Jungermannia pyriflora appears to have strict habitat requirements. This species was found in a number of scattered localities in both the Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee drainages. A very large population visible from afar in its yellow-green form occurred on the undercut bank along the northwest side of Rock Bridge. Lejeunea blomquistii New PETS Report Habitat: Shaded to partially shaded rock along stream ravines, rarely on trees. Distribution: A southern Appalachian endemic that up until the last ten years was known only from two collections (GA & NC). Unpublished records in UNAF document its occurrence from West Virginia to Alabama. This species was found a single time, on rock at the Upper Narrows below Rock Bridge. Lejeunea blomquistii requires microscopic laboratory dissection for positive identification. Other material collected as possible L. blomquistii from Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee was lab identified as the more locally common L. lamacerina subsp. gemminata. Lophocolea appalachiana New PETS Report Habitat: wet rock in stream ravines. Distribution: Endemic to the southern Appalachians (Kentucky [unpublished record in UNAF], North Carolina, and Tennessee). This little known species was rather recently named (1980) from the southern Blue Ridge and its known distribution is slowly being expanded. Taxonomically, the species intergrades with the more common Lophocolea cuspidata. A single record was found from wet rock on the lower end of the surveyed area in the East Fork Tuckasegee. 13

17 Lophocolea muricata New PETS Report. Habitat: shaded rock, tree bark, and logs. Distribution: Pantropical; rare in North America and restricted to narrow region of the southern Appalachians (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee [unpublished Tenn. record in UNAF]). Diminutive plants, healthy and sporulating, of Lophocolea muricata were found admixed with the common L. heterophylla at a single site well below Bonas Defeat along the NE bank of East Fork Tuckasegee. The site includes several rock outcrops that form a protected grotto-like enclave. Of interest, two other PET liverworts found nowhere else in our survey occurred in the same enclave, Metzgeria temperata and Radula tenax. Other PET bryophytes found at this site were Bryoxiphium novegicum, Marsupella paroica, Plagiochila austini, P. caduciloba, and P. virginica. Marsupella paroica New PETS Report Habitat: shaded rock usually in stream ravines. Distribution: Endemic to eastern North American and largely restricted to the southern Appalachians (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). Two disjunct sites occur in the north, one each in Minnesota and Ontario. (Schuster 1974). Marsupella paroica occurs chiefly above 4500 ft. in elevation and extends fully into the spruce-fir zone of the higher elevations (Schuster 1974). A few sites occur at lower elevations, mostly in significant gorges (e.g. Chattooga River, Linville Gorge, & Whitewater River). Based on the published records in Schuster (1974) and our own personal collections from the region, M. paroica is known from only 17 sites in the southern Appalachians (nine are in the sensitive high elevation spruce-fir 14

18 zone) and the species deserves tracking for conservation purposes. This species occurs infrequently in both Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat drainages on shaded rocks. In the field it is indistinguishable from the locally and globally more common Marsupella emarginata. Metzgeria temperata New PETS Report Habitat: bark of trees and occasionally rock. Distribution: imperfectly circumboreal and not well known due to confusion with other species. In North America this species is known from the Pacific Northwest, the Southern Appalachians, and possibly Mexico. In eastern North America it is restricted to the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Here it is found most frequently in the higher elevations and common at above 6000 ft (Schuster 1992). We know of only two other eastern N.A. reports below 3000 ft. This species was found in scant quantity in one site on rock along the East Fork Tuckasegee (see Lophocolea muricata above). Plagiochila austini Habitat: deeply shaded rock, occasionally on shaded tree bases. Distribution: Endemic to eastern North America (Nova Scotia south to North Carolina and Tennessee). This species was found in a few scattered localities in both the Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee. In the survey area P. austini is restricted to protected rock underledges and protected rock faces. Plagiochila austini fo. stenophylla Habitat: shaded, moist rock and cliff faces. Distribution: Endemic to only North Carolina, Macon and Jackson Counties. We include this species [in its form] because it is reported by Schuster (1980). It is known only from the TYPE SPECIMEN Cullasaja Gorge, Macon Co., NC and Chattooga Bluffs near Highlands, Macon Co., NC and Lower Rock Bridge, above 15

19 Bonas Defeat, east fork of Tuckasegee River. 3,000 feet, Jackson Co., NC. (Schuster 1980, Vol. IV. p. 430) Plagiochila caduciloba Habitat: shaded, moist rock, occasionally on trees. Distribution: Endemic to the southeastern U.S. Predominately southern Appalachian but with a few locations in Cumberland Plateau (KY). Otherwise restricted to Blue Ridge in TN, NC, SC and GA. A small but distinctive species found in areas of high humidity. We found Plagiochila caduciloba many times in abundant quantity on protected rock surfaces in both the Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee drainages where it is often associated with P. sharpii. Plagiochila echinata Habitat: shaded rock. Distribution: An Appalachian endemic reported for NC, SC, TN and also known from our unpublished records from KY and AL. P. echinata, like most other rare Plagiochila s, requires protected, humid sites such as that provided by large rock shelters along stream ravines. We found the species only along Wolf Creek where it was found in association with the putative new species of Radula. Plagiochila sharpii Habitat: shaded rock, rarely trees. Distribution: a narrow southern Appalachian endemic [until recent, 2001 synonymy with P. retrorsa which is known from Europe and the Neotropics]. As a southern Appalachian endemic known only from the Blue Ridge in TN, NC, SC, and GA. Plagiochila sharpii was found many times in abundant quantity on protected rock surfaces in both the Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee drainages where it is often associated with the smaller P. caducilba. 16

20 Plagiochila sullivantii Habitat: shaded, moist rock, occasionally on trees. Distribution: endemic to the southern Appalachians (KY?, NC, SC, TN, WV, & VA) This species was found only once in a large, shaded rock overhang on the East Fork Tuckasegee (see Porella cf. japonica subsp. appalachiana below). Plagiochila sullivantii is a small plant easily overlooked and not likely to be documented without aggressive collecting. It is known to occur intermingled with other hepatics growing in protected rock underledges. Plagiochila virginica New PETS Report. Habitat: shaded rock. Distribution: endemic to eastern North America (West Virginia south to northern Mississippi). This species was found only twice on shaded rock along the lower portion of East Fork Tuckasegee (see discussion under Lophocolea muricata and Porella cf. japonica subsp. appalachaiana. Porella cf. japonica subsp. appalachiana New PETS Report. Habitat: deeply shaded rock. Distribution: endemic to the Appalachians (KY, NC, SC, & TN). This taxon was treated by Hicks (1990) as Porella wataugensis. Given the confusion surrounding the name P. wataugensis and its long ago synonymy with the common P. pinnata, we prefer the name and treatment provided by Schuster (1980), i.e. P. japonica subsp. appalachiana. The material found at East Fork Tuckasegee (illustrated at right) was scant and inhabited a large, shaded rock overhang (E bank) at the lower (downstream) Forest Service boundary with other PET bryophytes (Acrobolbus ciliatus, Bryoxiphium norvegicum, Plagiochila austini, P. caduciloba, P. sulivantii, & P. virginica) and the filmy fern Hymenophyllum tayloriae. The material does not possess the marked dentate leaves and underleaves characteristics of optimally developed forms of P. japonica subsp. appalachiana and so we choose to tentatively identify the material. The material does agree with P. japonica subsp. appalachiana in its small size and wavy leaf margins. 17

21 Also, the habitat is appropriate. Radula sp. nov Habitat: Shaded, damp to relatively dry rock. Distribution: Known only from Wolf Creek, Jackson Co., North Carolina. The discovery of this putative new species was first made in the summer of A very extensive population is found along the dry, SE facing bluff base of Grays Ridge bordering the unnamed tributary to Wolf Creek (see Map 3, p 9). Populations also occur on shaded rock in the unnamed tributary near the confluence with Wolf Creek. Two populations occur along Wolf Creek proper, one just downstream of the confluence with the unnamed tributary and another much further upstream of said confluence on the opposite bank in a wet rock shelter surveyed on June 2 (see Map 3). Important taxonomic characters of this Radula include the lack of specialized means of asexual reproduction, dioicous condition (female only, perianths rudimentary), leaf lobes falcate, and texture flaccid and delicate. Except for the lack of caducous leaf lobes, the Wolf Creek Radula is possibly referable to the Neotropical Radula floridana (but R. floridana said to be firm in texture), or to the southern Appalachian endemic R. sullivantii (but R. sullivantii is smaller and females plants are unknown). We have no other recourse than to consider the Wolf Creek Radula new to science or at least new to North America if favorable comparison if found with an extralimital species. Radula sullivantii Habitat: Shaded, wet rock. Distribution: A southern Appalachian endemic, verifiable reports from AL, GA, NC, and SC. There still exists in the literature confusion about the geographic range of this species. We accept it as a narrow southern Appalachian endemic, and we agree that historical reports from Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee are likely in error as suggested by Schuster (1980). The species is a Southeastern U.S. endemic whose main range is concentrated in escarpment gorge region bordering NC, SC and GA. A recently discovered population as new to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was extirpated by sewer line construction. One population is known from Alabama (unpublished records in UNAF). This species is found on moist shaded rock in a few scattered localities in the East Fork Tuckasegee drainage. 18

22 Radula tenax New PETS Report. Habitat: Shaded rock and tree bases. Distribution: An Appalachian endemic ranging from Maine to Georgia. This species was found in one site on rock along the East Fork Tuckasegee (see Lophocolea muricata above). 19

23 Mosses Blindia acuta New PETS Report. Habitat: Wet rock faces, under-hanging rock surfaces, and crevices. Distribution: Circumboreal. In Eastern North America in scattered localities from the Arctic to the Southern Appalachians. At least in the Southern Appalachians [Tennessee and North Carolina] apparently confined to the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province; occurring along streams, on rocky substrates, in deep shade with abundant moisture. One specimen from Wolf Creek in the herbarium of Tennessee [A. Risk, 1995]. Blindia occurs infrequently in both Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat drainages on moist to wet, deeply shaded rocks substrates [generally vertical surfaces] in microhabitats similar to those favored by Bryoxiphium and Oncophorus. It is less abundant in Wolf Creek, as scattered populations from below the Falls to the confluence of the first tributary. More abundant in Bonas Defeat, and occurring there in appropriate habitat, scattered from the upper Narrows [Lower Rock Bridge] to near the confluence with Wolf Creek. Bryoxiphium norvegicum Habitat: Wet rock faces, underhanging rock surfaces, and crevices. Distribution: Circumboreal. Greenland, Iceland, Dominican Republic, North America. A separate subspecies occurs in Asia. In Eastern North America, widely scattered though extremely rare and local (Crum & Anderson, 1981); Arkansas and Missouri east to North Carolina, northern Alabama north to Minnesota. This species is found scattered and sporadic, along the survey area of the East Fork Tuckasegee River from just below Lower Rock Bridge to near the confluence point with Wolf Creek; favoring the protected rock substrates on the NE side of the river. It occurs as remote isolated strands, undetectable to the unknowing eye, or in tufts or even patches that may cover several square feet of cover. Unlike many bryophytes Bryoxiphium norvegicum, once known, is unmistakable in the field. Rather common along the East Fork Tuckasegee. The local, but scattered occurrence of Bryoxiphium is nevertheless an anomaly of distribution in the eastern U.S. According to the authors its occurrence and presence [abundance] in the East Fork Tuckasegee is exceptional and Bryoxiphium should be considered a signature species for the conservation of the gorge as critical habitat. Furthermore, Bryoxiphium is so distinctive, that it would serve as an excellent choice for future habitat monitoring. Apparently, there is only one small population at Wolf Creek, at the falls; first collected in 1975 [Pittillo & Wolf in Herb. DUKE] and observed again in 1992 and 1994 [EOR, Wolf Creek, North Carolina Heritage Database. 20

24 Diphyscium cumberlandianum New PETS Report. Habitat: shaded, moist, sheltered rock, especially in cracks and crevices. Distribution: Endemic to the Cumberland Plateau and Blue Ridge of the Southeastern U. S. (AL, KY, NC, SC, TN; Crum & Anderson, 1981). North Carolina occurrences are apparently restricted to a number of biologically significant drainages in the western mountains. Plants are small [to 0.5 cm high] and with little character other than the long setaceous [hairlike] leaves of reproductive shoots. In our experience, it tends to favor microsites of linear cracks and crevices. This species is found in scattered in a few localities in both the Wolf Creek and East Fork Tuckasegee drainages. Homalia trichomanoides Habitat: calcareous rock, cliffs and boulders, and apparently as a rarity on tree bases. Distribution: Holarctic. In Eastern North America ranging from Newfoundland to Arkansas and North Carolina where it is rare. This tiny moss grows as flattened strands, tightly adhering to the substrate. Robust specimens can form pure mats with a distinctive field aspect; but no examples of such development were found in the study area. This species is found in extremely minute amounts, commingled with other bryophytes in rock crevices of the first narrows below Rock Bridge. Homaliadelphus sharpie We did not relocate this species. Habitat: calcareous rock, rarely on trees (A. C. Risk, personal comm.). Distribution: North America: Missouri to Virginia, south to NE Alabama (Ala. unpublished record in UNAF), Mexico. Asia. This species was not observed during the survey; although it is quite distinct and known from Tennessee records on dolomite in the Ridge and Valley district of TN [there occurring with Palamocladium leskeoides]. Of interest are some comments by (Anderson 2002, personal communication): I remember collecting it [in Bonas Defeat] and how excited I was because in Tennessee it grows on Dolomite. I took a rock sample and brought it back to our geologist [ ] and he identified it definitely as limestone [ ] not dolomite. I was at Bonas Defeat first in I was hired [ ] to survey the plants of the lower East Fork before they built the dams. I have been back several times and searched to look for it [but without success]. There is some confusion as to the earliest record of Homaliadelphus in the Bonas Defeat gorge. The North Carolina Heritage Data Base EOR [element occurrence record] reports 21

25 "Bonas Defeat, east fork, Tuckase[e]gee River, elev. 2,800 feet, dry calcareous rocks, in narrow crevices or cracks, rather high up vertical rock cliff" (Anderson 1973). A single specimen, HERB.DUKE, L.E. ANDERSON 21311, 2 APRIL 1973, appears to be the only physical voucher specimen. This species is certainly rare in the area. The apparent requirement of calcareous substrate would certainly restrict any frequency of occurrence in the Tuckasegee drainage. Its association with Palamocladium leskeoides [also not relocated] and Homalia trichomanoides lends credibility to claims of emergent calcareous seams within the gorge massif. Leptohymenium sharpii New PETS Report Habitat: shaded, wet rock typically 3,500-5,500 ft., more rarely at lower elevations in gorges. Distribution: Endemic to the Southern Appalachians, Eastern North America; Blue Ridge Mountain Province (NC, SC, & TN). Leptohymenium sharpii is an extremely narrow endemic of the Southern Appalachians; its total global range restricted to less than 10 watershed/site occurrences in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The TYPE collection [Pterygynandrum sharpii] is from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN. The status of this rare species in North Carolina was recently reviewed by Anderson and Amoroso (1996). Leptohymenium appears to be confined to mid- to upper elevations in the Blue Ridge, generally above 3,500 ft. Its occurrence in the Bonas Defeat gorge is as remarkable [elevation 2,800 ft.] as the occurrence of two other rare mosses Homaliadelphus sharpii and Palamocladium leskeoides. This species is found as a small patch [population], less than 100 cm sq., in deep shade between two sunny boulders just below the first narrows below Rock Bridge. Myurella siberica New PETS Report. Habitat: shaded, moist rock (often calcareous). Distribution: Circumboreal. In Eastern North America ranging from Newfoundland to northeast Alabama (AL, unpublished record in UNAF) and Arkansas. This species is similar to Myurella julacea, and much more common in the Eastern North America range. The abruptly pointed leaves immediately differentiate it from M. julacea. This species was found once in a protected rock underledge in the first narrows below Lower Rock Bridge. Neckera complanata New PETS Report. Habitat: on rock cliffs and boulders, less commonly on trees. Distribution: Africa, Asia, Eastern North America, and Europe. 22

26 This species was found once, on a cliff below the falls on Wolf Creek. It was found in 1994 in a rock shelter crevice on the lower portion of the survey area on East Fork Tuckasegee. Oncophorus raui New PETS Report. Habitat: moist rock, usually cliffs. Distribution: Endemic to Eastern North America (Pennsylvania to the mountains of Georgia and South Carolina). Oncophorus raui is globally endemic to the Appalachian Mountains. Its northern limit of distribution is in Pennsylvania [the type locality], then apparently disjunct south to the Southern Appalachian states where it is restricted to the mountains (Crum & Anderson, 1981.) Uncommon throughout its range. This species occurs infrequently in both Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat drainages on moist, shaded rocks substrates [generally vertical surfaces] in microhabitats similar to those favored by Bryoxiphium. It is less abundant in Wolf Creek, as scattered populations from below the Falls to the confluence of the first tributary. More abundant in Bonas Defeat, and occurring there in appropriate habitat, scattered from the upper Narrows [Lower Rock Bridge] to near the confluence with Wolf Creek. Palamocladium leskeoides This species was not relocated. Habitat: calcareous rock, cliffs and boulders. Distribution: North America (West Virginia to Alabama and west to Okalahoma, Texas, and Mexico), South America, and the West Indies. Palamocladium is widespread by geographic range; but nowhere as common as the occurrence of suitable, calcareous substrate. Anderson (2002, personal communication) commented in his letter concerning Homaliadelphus, that Palamocladium is all over the place [in Bonas Defeat], and it is thought to require calcareous substrate and there are definitely seams of limestone [there]. We are familiar with this species, especially as it occurs on dolomite in Tennessee [and also with Homaliadelphus]; but we did not find it in either survey drainage. This species must be far less common than Anderson s recollection. The apparent requirement of calcareous substrate would certainly restrict any frequency of occurrence in the Tuckasegee drainage. Its association with Homaliadelphus sharpii and Homalia trichomanoides in Tennessee suggests that the requisite microsite must occur in the Bonas Defeat drainage; but it is likely a solitary site that we did not find [see comments under Homaliadelphus sharpii]. Pterigynandrum filiforme New PETS Report. Habitat: rock (non-calcareous) and tree bases, often dry and shady. Distribution: Circumboreal. In the Northern Hemisphere ranging from Greenland west 23

27 Alaska, southern montane to California and North Carolina, interior montane to Montana and the Dakotas. This species is found in meager quantity in a collection scraped from a shaded rock underledge in the first narrows below Rock Bridge. According to Anderson and Zander (1973) for the Southern Blue Ridge Pterigynandrum filiforme is rarer than Leptohymenium [Pterigynandrum] sharpie. In the Southern Blue Ridge P. filiforme has a more limited distribution (fewer sites) than Leptohymenium sharpii (P. sharpii). Total Lists of Liverwort and Moss Taxa. Wolf Creek 101 species of liverworts and mosses were observed during the survey of Wolf Creek. Thirteen PETS and other species of North Carolina special concern or potential special concern were observed during the survey. Nine PETS indicated in bold type of liverworts and other species of North Carolina special concern or potential special concern were observed on the property (Table 4). Table 4. Preliminary List of Liverworts from Wolf Creek based on Field and Lab Identifications. 51 Species total. ANASTROPHYLLUM HELLERIANUM LEJEUNEA RUTHII ANEURA SHARPII LEJEUNEA ULICINA BAZZANIA DENUDATA LEUCOLEJEUNEA CLYPEATA BAZZANIA TRILOBATA LEUCOLEJEUNEA CONCHIFOLIA BLASIA PUSILLA LEUCOLEJEUNEA UNCILOBA CALYPOGEIA SP. LOPHOCOLEA CUSPIDATA cf. forma ALATA CALYPOGEIA MUELLERIANA LOPHOCOLEA cf. subsp. BLOMQUISTII HETEROPHYLLA CEPHALOZIA SP. MARSUPELLA EMARGINATA CEPHALOZIA LUNULIFOLIA MARSUPELLA PAROICA COLOLEJEUNEA BIDDLECOMIAE METZGERIA CONJUGATA CONOCEPHALUM CONICUM METZGERIA CRASSIPILIS DIPLOPHYLLUM SP. NOWELLIA CURVIFOLIA DIPLOPHYLLUM ODONTOSCHISMA APICULATUM var. PROSTRATUM APICULATUM DREPANOLEJEUNEA ODONTOSCHISMA APPALACHIANA DENUDATA DUMORTIERA HIRSUTA PELLIA SP. 24

28 FRULLANIA SP. PLAGIOCHILA AUSTINI FRULLANIA ASAGRAYANA PLAGIOCHILA CADUCILOBA Table 4. (continued) Preliminary List of Liverworts from Wolf Creek based on Field and Lab Identifications. 51 Species total. HARPALEJEUNEA OVATA subsp. INTEGRA PLAGIOCHILA ECHINATA HERBERTUS ADUNCUS PLAGIOCHILA subsp. TENUIS PORELLOIDES JAMESONIELLA AUTUMNALIS PLAGIOCHILA SHARPII JUBULA PENNSYLVANICA RADULA SP. NOV. JUNGERMANNIA CRENULIFORMIS RADULA OBCONICA JUNGERMANNIA PYRIFLORA SCAPANIA NEMOREA KURZIA SYLVATICA SCAPANIA UNDULATA LEJEUNEA LAMACERINA subsp. GEMMINATA TRITOMARIA ESECTA LEJEUNEA LATEVIRENS Four PETS indicated in bold type of mosses and other species of North Carolina special concern or potential special concern were observed on the property (Table 5).. Table 5. Preliminary List of Liverworts from Wolf Creek based on Field and Lab Identifications. 51 Species total. ATRICHUM ANGUSTATUM HYPNUM IMPONENS ATRICHUM UNDULATUM HYPNUM PALLESCENS BARTRAMIA POMIFORMIS ISOPTERYGIOPSIS MUELLERIANA BLINDIA ACUTA LEUCOBRYUM ALBIDUM BRACHYTHECIUM SP. BRACHYTHECIUM RIVULARE BRYOANDERSONIA ILLECEBRA CLIMACIUM AMERICANUM 25 LEUCODON BRACHYPUS MNIUM CILIARE MNIUM HORNUM MNIUM PUNCTATUM DICRANODONTIUM DENUDATUM NECKERA COMPLANATA DICRANUM FULVUM ONCOPHORUS RAUII DICRANUM MONTANUM PHILONOTIS FONTANA DICRANUM SCOPARIUM PLAGIOTHECIUM DENTICULATUM DIPHYSCIUM CUMBERLANDIANUM POLYTRICHUM COMMUNE DIPHYSCIUM FOLIOSUM PYLAISIELLA SP. EURHYNCHIUM RIPARIOIDES RACOMITRIUM ACICULARE

29 Table 5. (continued) Preliminary List of Liverworts from Wolf Creek based on Field and Lab Identifications. 51 Species total. FISSIDENS SP. RHABDOWEISIA CRISPATA GRIMMIA ALPICOLA SEMATOPHYLLUM MARYLANDICUM GRIMMIA APOCARPA SPHAGNUM sp. HAPLOHYMENIUM TRISTE TETRAPHIS PELLUCIDA HEDWIGIA CILIATA THAMNOBRYUM ALLEGHANIENSE HETEROCLADIUM MACOUNII THUIDIUM DELICATULUM HETEROPHYLLIUM AFFINE TRICHOSTOMUM TENUIROSTRE HOOKERIA ACUTIFOLIA ULOTA CRISPA HYGROHYPNUM SP. WEISSIA CONTROVERSA HYPNUM CURVIFOLIUM ZYGODON VIRIDISSIMUS var. RUPESTRIS Bonas Defeat 131 species of Liverworts and Mosses were observed during the survey of Bonas Defeat drainage. Twenty-five PETS and other species of species of North Carolina special concern or potential special concern were observed during the survey. Seventeen PETS indicated in bold type of liverworts and other species of North Carolina special concern or potential special concern were observed on the property (Table 6). Table 6. Preliminary List of Liverworts from Bonas Defeat based on Field and Lab Identifications. 64 Species total. ACROBOLBUS CILIATUS LEJEUNEA RUTHII ANASTROPHYLLUM MICHAUII LEJEUNEA ULICINA BAZZANIA DENUDATA LEPIDOZIA REPTANS BAZZANIA TRICRENATA LEUCOLEJEUNEA CLYPEATA BAZZANIA TRILOBATA LEUCOLEJEUNEA UNCILOBA BLASIA PUSILLA LOPHOCOLEA APPALACHIANA BLEPHAROSTOMA LOPHOCOLEA TRICHOPHYLLUM HETEROPHYLLA CALYPOGEIA SP. LOPHOCOLEA MURICATA CALYPOGEIA MUELLERIANA subsp. MUELLERIANA MARSUPELLA EMARGINATA CEPHALOZIA SP. MARSUPELLA PAROICA CEPHALOZIA BICUSPIDATA MARSUPELLA SPHACELATA 26