Wildfires have become a persistent issue in various parts of the world, leading to the loss of vegetation and habitats for various species. In a bid to restore caribou winter habitats in post-burn environments, a research program is underway to understand if transplanting terrestrial forage lichens can be used as a tool to achieve this.

Ecologists and botanists from Chu Cho Environmental, alongside students from the University of Northern British Columbia, are conducting this research to determine if the Clidonia lichen transplants have survived five to six years after being planted in a previously burned area in 2015. Using fluorometry to analyze the lichen samples collected, the team aims to understand the vitality of the slow-growing organisms and how they have adapted to the extreme conditions.

The study consists of two field trials - an experimental trial established in 2015 and an operational trial established in 2016. The experimental trial is set up to evaluate the ecological requirements for establishing lichen, while the operational trial replicates the potential application of lichen transplants over a larger scale.

Duncan McCall, senior ecosystem biologist with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development, has been involved in the Lycan Project for over six years now. He spoke about the lichen trials that started in the Caribou region in the late 80s and early 90s, adding that the large fires in the Cariboo, Prince George, and McKenzie Forest Districts provided an opportunity to see if transplanting lichens could be successful.

This research is important as it provides insights into the survival and vitality of transplanted lichens and their potential to be used as a tool to restore caribou winter habitats in post-fire environments.