European traditions of collecting eduble mushrooms has resulted in the documentation of long-term observations of both the distribution and abundance of amny species. Precipitous declines in many of the most prized species have been noted in recent years. Acid precipitation and increased airborne soil nutrients apparently contribute to this decline. The American experience is not well documented, however many of the same trends in soil acidification and nitrate enrichment have been established. The ONHS recognized the potential for declines in the mycoflora of our Northeastern forests, and has established a program of monitoring the fungal fauna of permanent plots created in old-growth stands of Catskills plant communities.

• Document the species composition and abundance of macro fungi in old-growth forests in the Catskill Mountains.
• Prepare voucher specimens of all species collected in the region.
• Develop a database of geo-referenced observations.
• Develop a digital and analog photo archive of fungi in the Catskills.

• We have collected and prepared voucher specimens of the mycoflora of old-growth stands of hemlock and northern hardwood/hemlock plant communities.
• We have established a fungal database in BIOTA. This database was prepared by the Organization of Tropical Studies for faunal surveys.
• We have photographed (digital and analog) representative specimens of the mycoflora of the hemlock and northern hardwoods/hemlock forests.

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