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Lava Beds N.M. Cave Lichen Inventory and Visitor Impact (2021 –2022)

Clients: Lava Beds National Monument, GeomorphIS

SBS botanists designed a lichen inventory in relation to visitor use and environmental conditions at caves in the Lava Beds National Monument. SBS staff provided expert lichen species identification, study design and data analysis, and ultimately a refined protocol to identify the condition and health of lichen communities in arid environments. The project identified lichen sensitivity and disturbance gradients at individual caves, to evaluate visitor use trampling effects.