Checking billy barr’s snow log…
We will continue to conduct a series of surveys/observations in the US Forest Service's Gunnison District and at RMBL to examine plant-lichen associations in alpine meadows and the long-term dynamics of grasshopper populations. The research focused on plant-lichen associations will examine the variety of ways in which the plant influences lichen establishment and growth and the ways in which the lichen influences plant establishment and growth. Preliminary results indicate that the lichen's presence in xeric alpine meadows may be due to an association with the plant. However, the plant's growth appears to be independent of the lichen's presence. In the near term, we will examine the potential influence of the lichen on various aspects of the plant's life history particularly establishment. The current plan is focused on observational studies and no manipulative experiments are being planned at this time. In the near future, we are considering potential experiments that may include manipulations in the plant-lichen system.