I wouldn't worry about the lichen, this is natural and shouldn't harm the tree.

I cant really say what should be done about the cracks without getting a real good look. It is difficult to tell whether or not it is a surface crack or a deep one. If they are surface cracks, you should probably just leave them be...keeping an eye out for further damage. If they are deep, some type of cabling or bolting might be a good idea. Or you could just thin out the upper branches to lighten the load.

You don't say where you live..It looks to me like a winter bark cracking if you are from a colder area or the spring freeze..but that is a bit unusual for an older tree ..I have had younger hard maples and fruit trees do this..it usually heals over time ..but it could be vermin or something else I would have your local extension service or a licenced arbourist look at it ..without on the spot inspection we might do more harm than good with arm chair diagnosis..I think it could be serious and my instinct it is a bark defoliating thing that could be a symptom of something much more dangerous..I personally don't agree with Matt on this or your statement of storm damage ..i have seen this before and it looks like a bark related thing to me NOT storm stress...but as i said your best bet is to get a pro analysis.David

Thanks for the responses. I'm in SE Michigan, Zone 6, which is typically Thanks.

I had that green moss on my Japanese Maple tree. I took a regular brush and the hose, wet it down first so it loosens it. Then scrub it off. It comes right off and reveals the nice bark again. Works great. I'm in Zone 6 also and hope this helps.

I have this on my Japanese maple. Any thoughts or suggestions