The first comprehensive guide to Northwest macrolichens Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest by Bruce McCune and Linda Geiser With growing attention to lichens as a key component in healthy ecosystems, this guide to the macrolichens of Pacific Northwest forests will prove invaluable to anyone seeking to identify lichens or to better understand their role in the natural world. Lichens can be found in almost any natural habitat in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to contributing to biological diversity, lichens are ecologically important as food, shelter, and nesting material for wildlife. They play significant roles in hydrological and mineral cycles, notably nitrogen fixation.
Lichens are also important as environmental indicators, especially of air quality.
Because of their importance in ecosystems and their value in environmental assessment, there is a large and growing interest among natural historians, land managers, and foresters in these organisms. Color photographs, illustrations, and full-page detailed descriptions are provided for over 200 species, emphasizing those found in forested ecosystems. Regional air quality sensitivities are provided for more than 100 species. The keys also provide reasonable coverage for lichens of Idaho and Montana, inland to the Continental Divide. The illustrated glossary and introductory material cover the terminology needed to identify macrolichens and provide information on collection and handling.