Attachment L Cryptogram Vouchering Guidelines.doc

Guidelines for Collecting, Processing and Shipping

Bryophyte and Lichen Vouchers

1. How much to voucher?

If there isn’t very much material – i.e. if there are only 1 or 2 bent setas (T. geniculata) – then it would be best to not remove any material. Instead look around the area to see if more populations are present; if enough material is present, then make a voucher. If a voucher is not collected, it is very important to note that on the species location form. Use the “1 in 20 rule” when vouchering a species. Reference the article by Dr. David H. Wagner at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/papers/120.html. Be sure to collect reproductive structures as they are important in the identification process.

2. Please use the voucher packet provided.

Please fill in the blanks and circle the appropriate fields on each packet. Fold the collection packet – first along the horizontal line; next fold in the margins along the tic marks, then fold the top down. Protect as necessary for transport (e.g., small box or padded envelope). Be sure your specimens are dry prior to any packaging.

3. You must assign a personal collecting number to each collection.

This can be any numbering system that you are already using but it should be a unique number for each packet. If you don’t have a personal numbering system you could develop a system that includes your initials, the year and a number, i.e. DRP06-1048 etc. This unique collection number is important because it allows us to communicate about a specific collection.

5. Attach a copy of the completed species location form (TESP Element Occurrence Form) with the voucher. Please provide descriptive habitat and substrate information and relocation directions – this information is not on the voucher packet and is critical for curation. (see the Collection Information Helpful Hints section below)

6. Return vouchers to the COR as described in the Statement of Work.

Checklist of Products to be submitted:

□ NRIS TESP EO Form – hard copy for each specimen

· habitat description

· substrate description

· relocation directions

□ Packaged specimens Note:

· Please do not use “Rite-in-the-Rain” paper or plastic containers (i.e., film canisters, pill bottles) for vouchers.

· Package the vouchers securely, so specimens do not fall out of the packet during shipping. Species that are delicate (Schistostega pennata) or have a crumbly (soil) substrate may be packaged in a smaller version of the packet inside the voucher packet. (Completely dried packets may also be put inside a zip-loc bag to prevent “leaking” during shipment.) Pin lichens may be protected by gluing Styrofoam peanuts along with the specimen to an index card.

Collection Information Helpful Hints

Here are a few things that are needed by the regional herbaria for curation of your specimens – brief, but well-written descriptions for:

Location – a specimen without locality data is worthless, please include the following:

1. Directions on how to return to the location – include specific information on distance to nearest town, river crossing, highway intersection or other landmark and number of the road/highway along which locality is situated.

2. Legal reference – township, range, section and quarter section

3. Map coordinates - UTM (NAD 83 standard for BLM and now FS) and UTM zone (if not collecting in NAD 83 – make a note of the Datum you are using.)

4. Elevation

Habitat – provide a detailed description of the plant community, stand structure and composition including what species of trees and shrubs are in the forest. For example: old-growth multi-story ABAM (45%), TSHE (55%) dominated forest with scattered THPL (5%). DBH of dominate trees generally about 3’, sometimes 4’ and with one ABAM appr 7’+DBH. In understory GASH, few POMU, OXOR, VAPA, VACC sp.

Substrate – what was the specimen growing on? E.g., moist Abies amabilis corticated twig or TEGE growing on east end (old cut) of a 3’DBH PSME log – decay class 1.

This information can either be written on the voucher in the notes area or the back of the envelope - OR - completed species location form sent along with your specimen.