Banning State Park Lichen and Bryophyte Surveys

Banning State Park is known to rock climbers for its unique geological and historical features, but it is known to botanists for its unique diversity of vascular plants, lichens, and bryophytes. In fact, MNR has documented lichen species here that have not been documented anywhere else in the state.

Client: MN Department of Natural Resources

Location: Pine County, MN

Services Provided:   

  • Lichen and Bryophyte Survey

  • Rare Plant Survey

MNR was contracted by the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails to conduct surveys for protected lichen species and to inventory all lichen species present for a proposed expansion of rock climbing routes. Surveys resulted in the detection of one state threatened lichen species (Usnea mutabilis), one special concern lichen species (Usnea rubicunda) in addition to one state-endangered moss (Schistostega pennata) and Carey’s smartweed (Persicaria careyi), a special concern vascular plant. Surveys additionally resulted in the documentation of 24 lichen county records for Pine County, five of which are new records for the state.