Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site RX141X110
Floodplain Riparian Complex
Last updated: 10/03/2024
Accessed: 11/22/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 141X–Tug Hill Plateau
MLRA 141 is entirely in New York and makes up about 1,173 square kilometers (3,037 square kilometers). It consists of a relatively small but unique upland that lies just off the eastern end of Lake Ontario and west of the Black River Valley and Adirondack Mountain region. It is essentially a north- and east-facing glaciated cuesta scarp and is underlain by thick Wisconsin till and small areas of outwash. Most of the plateau is woodland, so forestry and recreation are the primary uses, but small isolated dairy operations and hobby farms are located around the perimeter.
The area is bordered on the east by the Black River Valley, on the north by the St. Lawrence Lowland, on the west by the Ontario Lowland, and on the south by the Upper Mohawk Valley. The northern and eastern boundaries of MLRA 141 are distinct where they contact the physiographically dissimilar southwestern part of MLRA 142 (St. Lawrence-Champlain Plain). The western and southern boundaries are also distinct where they contact the physiographically dissimilar MLRA 101 (Ontario-Erie Plain and Finger Lakes Region)
Ecological site concept
This site occurs next to small rivers and streams and includes a complex of soils and landforms associated with floodplains. Poorly-drained banks occur nearest the channel, with broad, somewhat poorly to moderately well-drained floodplains behind. Side channels often carry large amounts of water into the floodplains at high flows, and the lowest areas of the floodplain, including poorly- and very poorly-drained oxbows and depressions, may be ponded at times. Soils are derived from alluvium, are typically silt loams to fine sands in texture, and may have gravel or sand layers from particular flooding events. Poorly-drained soils are often organic over alluvium. Representative soils include: Halsey, Otego, and Wenonah.
The variability in microtopography on this site results in a patchy mosaic of plant communities that may include trees, shrubs, and herbs. Diverse grasses and other herbaceous species indicate differences in soil wetness throughout the site due to slight variability in elevation above the water table. This site is subject to flooding and ice scour, which periodically removes woody species, maintaining the herbaceous component of the plant community. Beaver activity can alter reaches of this site by slowing the flow, which results in less flooding and scour. These narrow landforms are nutrient rich with high water-holding capacity, but are too small for extensive cultivation. Much of this site occurs upstream of dams, though altered flow regimes below dams may have significant impact on this site. Further study is needed to better describe the properties and disturbances that define this site concept. There are likely more than one floodplain ecological site in this MLRA.
Associated sites
RX141X210 |
Marsh Wetland Complex The Floodplain Riparian Complex ecological site may transition between to a Marsh Wetland Complex ecological site under frequent flooding and increased precipitation events or through hydrological alteration affecting drainage conditions. |
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Similar sites
RX141X210 |
Marsh Wetland Complex The Marsh Wetland Complex ecological site may be similar in vegetative composition and soil properties to the Floodplain Riparian Complex ecological site and can undergo similar disturbance events and ecological drivers. |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
(1) Acer saccharinum |
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Shrub |
(1) Alnus incana ssp. rugosa |
Herbaceous |
(1) Onoclea sensibilis |
Legacy ID
F141XY110NY
Physiographic features
This ecological site occurs on low terraces of river floodplains and river deltas and can include a complex of wetland and upland vegetation on deep alluvial deposits and scoured vegetation on depositional bars and on bedrock, where rivers cut through resistant geology.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Valley
> Flood plain
(2) Depression |
---|---|
Runoff class | Low to very high |
Elevation | 98 – 2,998 ft |
Water table depth | 72 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Throughout the year precipitation is evenly distributed around most of this area with slightly less rainfall occurring around the lower margins of the plateau. Rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the summer. Lake-effect snowfall is heavy from late autumn to early spring with the summit of the plateau having the lowest temperatures and the shortest freeze-free periods.
Climate stations Watertown and Old Forge are adjacent to the MLRA and were used to tabulate additional representative climate data.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 92-124 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 129-159 days |
Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 47-53 in |
Frost-free period (actual range) | 86-131 days |
Freeze-free period (actual range) | 119-164 days |
Precipitation total (actual range) | 44-57 in |
Frost-free period (average) | 108 days |
Freeze-free period (average) | 143 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 50 in |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BOONVILLE 4 SSW [USC00300785], Boonville, NY
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(2) CAMDEN [USC00301110], Camden, NY
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(3) WATERTOWN [USC00309000], Watertown, NY
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(4) OLD FORGE [USC00306184], Eagle Bay, NY
Influencing water features
This system forms on broad, relatively flat floodplains along medium-sized to large rivers. Spring and summer flooding brings large amounts of sediment carried from tributaries, as well as other debris that is deposited on the floodplain as flood waters recede. Floodplain canopy trees often topple as a result of prolonged saturation of sediments; vegetation structure is highly variable and dynamic as a result.
Wetland description
This system can include a complex of wetland and upland vegetation on deep alluvial deposits and scoured vegetation on depositional bars and on bedrock where rivers cut through resistant geology.
Soil features
Representative soils include: Halsey, Otego, and Wenonah.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
(2) Glaciofluvial deposits (3) Alluvium (4) Alluvium – sandstone and siltstone (5) Shale |
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Surface texture |
(1) Loamy sand (2) Gravelly loamy sand (3) (4) Silt |
Drainage class | Poorly drained to well drained |
Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
Soil depth | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
4 – 6 in |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
4.5 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
25% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Ecological dynamics
[Caveat: The vegetation information contained in this section and is only provisional, based on concepts, and future projects support validation through field work. *] The vegetation groupings described in this section are based on the terrestrial ecological system classification and vegetation associations developed by NatureServe (Comer 2003) and localized associations provided by the New York Natural Heritage Program (Edinger et al. 2014).
This site is a complex of plant communities occurring together on floodplains and associated landforms. Graminoids and herbs dominate on streambanks, with patches of tall forbs and shrubs interspersed with patches of floodplain forests further from the channel. The relative amount of these communities varies greatly, and more work is needed to determine how many distinct floodplain ecological sites occur in this MLRA.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State (minimally-managed)
This occurs next to small rivers and streams and includes a complex of plant communities and soils occurring together on floodplains and associated landforms. The variability in microtopography on this site results in a patchy mosaic of plant communities that may include trees, shrubs, and herbs. Graminoids and herbs dominate on streambanks, with patches of tall forbs and shrubs interspersed with patches of floodplain forests further from the channel. The relative amount of these communities varies greatly, and more work is needed to determine how many distinct floodplain ecological sites occur in this MLRA.
Characteristics and indicators. Due to the complex of floodplains associated within this ecological site and the variability in microtopography, characteristics and indicators may vary by floodplain and cannot be ascertained.
Resilience management. This site is subject to flooding and ice scour, which periodically removes woody species, maintaining the herbaceous component of the plant community. Spring and summer flooding brings large amounts of sediment carried from tributaries, as well as other debris that is deposited on the floodplain as flood waters recede. Beaver activity can alter reaches of this site by slowing the flow, which results in less flooding and scour. Much of this site occurs upstream of dams, though altered flow regimes below dams may have significant impact on this site. Floodplain canopy trees often topple as a result of prolonged saturation of sediments; vegetation structure is highly variable and dynamic as a result. Dynamic disturbance regime and high fertility make this system highly susceptible to invasions of non-native plants. Depositional and erosional features may both be present depending on the particular floodplain. (Edinger et al. 2014; NatureServe, 2022)
Community 1.1
Floodplain Forest
Typically, a hardwood forest that occurs on mineral soils on low terraces of river floodplains and river deltas. These sites are characterized by their flood regime; low areas are annually flooded in spring and high areas are flooded irregularly. Some sites may be quite dry by late summer whereas other sites may be flooded again in late summer or early autumn (these floods are caused by heavy precipitation associated with tropical storms). This is a broadly defined community; floodplain forests are quite variable and may be very diverse. (Edinger et al. 2014; NatureServe, 2022)
Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S2/S3 S2- Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals (for species), acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable in New York State. S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State. The composition of the forest apparently changes in relation to flood frequency and elevation of floodplain terraces along larger rivers. The composition of floodplain forests in New York State has not been studied in sufficient detail to characterize compositional variations and how they correlate with flood regime and terrace elevation. Data on characteristic fauna are needed. (Edinger et al. 2014)
Dominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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black ash (Fraxinus nigra), tree
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eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), tree
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boxelder (Acer negundo), tree
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American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
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river birch (Betula nigra), tree
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swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), tree
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slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), tree
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northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin), shrub
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American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), shrub
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American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), shrub
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speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), shrub
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redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), shrub
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gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), shrub
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withe-rod (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), shrub
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blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), shrub
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southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), shrub
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nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), shrub
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silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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upright sedge (Carex stricta), grass
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hairy sedge (Carex lacustris), grass
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rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), grass
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greater bladder sedge (Carex intumescens), grass
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hop sedge (Carex lupulina), grass
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whitegrass (Leersia virginica), grass
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sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), other herbaceous
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ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), other herbaceous
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white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), other herbaceous
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Canadian woodnettle (Laportea canadensis), other herbaceous
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smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), other herbaceous
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Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), other herbaceous
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giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), other herbaceous
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lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), other herbaceous
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Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), other herbaceous
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devil's darning needles (Clematis virginiana), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
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Ephemeral gully erosion
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Classic gully erosion
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Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
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Ponding and flooding
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Seasonal high water table
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Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 1.2
Eastern Boreal Floodplain
This site consist of floodplains along medium-sized northern rivers on fine-textured mineral soils, in areas not strongly influenced by ice-scour, where topography has resulted in a complex of upland and wetland alluvial vegetation. Boreal rich swamp and floodplain forests develop on wet soils where the interaction of climate and landscape results in permanent or semi-permanent water tables at or near to the soil surface, but where water, nutrient and temperature regimes lie within the range required for tree establishment and growth. Most areas are underwater each spring; microtopography determines how long the various habitats are inundated. This floodplain type is represented by a mixed mosaic of forest and woodland vegetation composed of needle-leaved evergreen trees and broad-leaved deciduous trees. (NatureServe, 2022) NatureServe Element Code: CES103.588
Dominant plant species
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tamarack (Larix laricina), tree
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black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
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balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), tree
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quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
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paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree
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white spruce (Picea glauca), tree
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speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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sedge (Carex), grass
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field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
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fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
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Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
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Ponding and flooding
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Seasonal high water table
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Surface water depletion
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Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 1.3
Central Appalachian River Floodplain
This system encompasses floodplains forms on floodplains along medium-sized to large rivers and can include a complex of wetland and upland vegetation. Sites occur on deep alluvial deposits and scoured vegetation on depositional bars and on bedrock where rivers cut through resistant geology. Soils range from sandy and silty on point bars to deep muck. This complex of floodplains includes floodplain forests, as well as herbaceous sloughs, shrub wetlands, riverside prairies and woodlands. Microtopography and soil texture determine how long the various habitats are inundated. Depositional and erosional features may both be present depending on the particular floodplain. (NatureServe, 2022) NatureServe Element Code: CES202.608
Resilience management. Spring and summer flooding brings large amounts of sediment carried from tributaries, as well as other debris that is deposited on the floodplain as flood waters recede. Floodplain canopy trees often topple as a result of prolonged saturation of sediments; vegetation structure is highly variable and dynamic as a result. Dynamic disturbance regime and high fertility make this system highly susceptible to invasions of non-native plants and are easily spread by waterflow, inhibiting growth of native plants. The high nutrient content of soils and the level topography of the floodplain have attracted a high degree of conversion to agriculture. Pesticides from crops and nutrients from fertilizer and farm animals often flow unimpeded into rivers, altering water quality and increasing the presence and spread of invasive species. Historic use of rivers as dumping areas of industrial waste leads to concentrations of toxic chemicals in the sediments. Dams convert natural flooding regimes, diminishing the dynamic quality of these systems as a result of controlled water releases. Dams also inhibit fish movement, altering movement of invertebrates. Riprap or hardening of shorelines changes the flow regime. (NatureServe, 2022)
Dominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), tree
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American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), tree
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ephemeral gully erosion
-
Classic gully erosion
-
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
-
Ponding and flooding
-
Nutrients transported to surface water
-
Pesticides transported to surface water
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Pathogens and chemicals from manure, biosolids, or compost applications transported to surface water
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Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to surface water
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Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 1.4
Laurentian-Acadian Floodplain Forest
This system encompasses north-temperate floodplains that occur along medium to large rivers where topography and process have resulted in the development of a complex of upland and wetland temperate alluvial vegetation on generally flat topography. This complex includes floodplain forests, with Acer saccharinum characteristic, as well as herbaceous sloughs and shrub wetlands. In areas subject to more scour, sparse non-wetland vegetation may develop on sandbars or rivershore rock outcrops. Most areas are underwater each spring; microtopography determines how long the various habitats are inundated. The herb layer in the forested portions often features abundant spring ephemerals, giving way to a fern-dominated understory in many areas by mid-summer. Non-forested wetlands associated with these systems include shrub-dominated and graminoid-herbaceous vegetation. (NatureServe, 2022) NatureServe Element Code: CES201.587
Dominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), tree
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silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), shrub
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viburnum (Viburnum), shrub
Dominant resource concerns
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Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
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Ponding and flooding
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Seasonal high water table
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Nutrients transported to surface water
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Pesticides transported to surface water
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Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to surface water
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Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 1.5
Vernal Pool
In this classification, vernal pools are treated as embedded microhabitats or microsites within floodplains systems. An aquatic community of small, shallow depressions that are intermittently to ephemerally flooded. These small depressions typically occur within an upland forest, but may be surrounded by a narrow fringe of red maple-hardwood swamp that quickly transitions to upland forest. The pools generally lack trees, species composition is variable among sites, as well as annually and seasonally. Many smaller, shaded vernal ponds are unvegetated, their bottoms consisting of dead leaves and algae. Plants are predominantly hydrophytic, typically with a combination of obligate and facultative wetland species. Floating and submerged plants may be common, but emergent plants should be sparse or lacking. The uppermost substrate is typically dense leaf litter over hydric soils. The leaf litter is the predominant source of food energy and organic matter in the pool, and derived from the surrounding forest. The substrate under the leaf litter is known to vary from mineral soil with or without a layer of muck, deep sands, loam, or sandstone pavement. Vernal pools typically occupy a confined basin, but may have an intermittent stream flowing out of it during high water. This community experiences seasonally fluctuating water levels; it may dry out completely in the summer. Hydrology may be affected by impermeable soils, seasonally high water tables, seasonal flooding in nearby streams and drainages, and/or impervious bedrock at or near the surface. (Edinger et al. 2014; NatureServe, 2022) NatureServe Element Code: CEGL006453
Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3/S4 S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State. S4- Apparently secure in New York State. Despite their large numbers, vernal pools are vulnerable to a number of threats. Many are too small to be protected by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as a result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2001 and a subsequent decision by the EPA against protection of isolated wetlands. Vernal pools are vulnerable to a host of threats, including outright destruction, as well as impacts of logging, development, overuse of ATVs, altered hydrology such as ditching, filling or impoundments, and pollution as a result of runoff from agriculture, development, road construction, etc. (Edinger et al. 2014; NatureServe, 2022)
Dominant plant species
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mannagrass (Glyceria), grass
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spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), other herbaceous
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common duckweed (Lemna minor), other herbaceous
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needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), other herbaceous
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marsh seedbox (Ludwigia palustris), other herbaceous
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waternymph (Najas), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ponding and flooding
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Seasonal high water table
-
Surface water depletion
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Pesticides transported to surface water
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Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to surface water
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 1.6
Riverside Sand/Gravel Bar
A meadow community that occurs on sand and gravel bars deposited within, or adjacent to, a river channel. The community may be very sparsely vegetated, depending on the rates of deposition and erosion of the sand or gravel. Flood events may remove sand and gravel layers converting patches to cobble shore. More data on this community is needed. (Edinger et al. 2014)
Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3/S4 S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State. S4- Apparently secure in New York State. Sites are highly susceptible to flooding events, erosion, and invasiveness (Edinger et al. 2014)
Dominant plant species
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sandbar willow (Salix interior), shrub
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spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium), shrub
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sandcherry (Prunus pumila), shrub
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), other herbaceous
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Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ephemeral gully erosion
-
Classic gully erosion
-
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
-
Ponding and flooding
-
Seasonal high water table
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
State 2
Semi-natural State
Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics driven by natural disturbances, processes, and pressures (may have some anthropogenic influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the Semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.
Community 2.1
Invasiveness and Biological Introductions
Introduction of invasive species, pathogens, and/or pests resulting in shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics. More research is needed to determine the extent of these effects on the semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.
Resilience management. Dynamic disturbance regime and high fertility make this system highly susceptible to invasions of non-native plants. Invasive plant species, easily spread by waterflow, inhibit growth of native plants. (NatureServe, 2022)
Community 2.2
Transitional Marsh
Frequent flooding events or hydrological alteration of sites that can include the removal or addition of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. These actions strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition that promote a semi-natural state as opposed to either extremes of hydrological alteration within the reference state and cultural state.
Dominant resource concerns
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Ponding and flooding
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 2.3
Ponded
Frequent flooding events or hydrological alteration of sites that can include the removal or addition of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. These actions strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition that promote a semi-natural state as opposed to either extremes of hydrological alteration within the reference state and cultural state.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ponding and flooding
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens as a result of shifts between states or communities, highly influenced by pressures from disturbance and climate change
Conservation practices
Stream Habitat Improvement and Management | |
---|---|
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
Riparian Buffers - Vegetative | |
Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
Pathogen Management | |
Invasive Plant Species Control | |
Pathogen Management | |
Invasive Species Pest Management | |
Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats | |
Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat | |
Establish pollinator habitat | |
Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage brush, weeds and invasive species | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage herbaceous weeds invasive species | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Herbaceous Weed Control | |
Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat | |
Herbicide resistant weed management |
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3
introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens as a result of shifts between states or communities, highly influenced by pressures from disturbance and climate change
Conservation practices
Critical Area Planting | |
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Stream Habitat Improvement and Management | |
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Wetland Restoration | |
Wetland Enhancement | |
Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
Pathogen Management | |
Invasive Plant Species Control | |
Pathogen Management | |
Invasive Species Pest Management | |
Precision Pest Control Application | |
Shallow water habitat | |
Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats | |
Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat | |
Establish pollinator habitat | |
Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage brush, weeds and invasive species | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage herbaceous weeds invasive species | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Herbaceous Weed Control | |
Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat | |
Herbicide resistant weed management |
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.3
hydrologic alteration (beaver, road construction, drainage blockage), increase in significant flooding events and annual precipitation
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2
hydrologic alteration (beaver, road construction, drainage blockage), increase in significant flooding events and annual precipitation
Conservation practices
Diversion | |
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Riparian Herbaceous Cover | |
Riparian Forest Buffer | |
Stream Habitat Improvement and Management | |
Aquatic Organism Passage | |
Obstruction Removal | |
Drainage Water Management | |
Streambank and Shoreline Protection | |
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
Wetland Restoration | |
Wetland Enhancement | |
Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
Shallow water habitat | |
Non-forested riparian zone enhancement for fish and wildlife | |
Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Monitoring and Evaluation |
State 3
Cultural State
The high nutrient content of soils and the level topography of the floodplain have attracted a high degree of conversion to agriculture. Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics that are primary driven by anthropogenic disturbances and pressures (may have some associated natural influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the cultural state associated with this ecological site.
Resilience management. Pesticides from crops and nutrients from fertilizer and farm animals often flow unimpeded into rivers, altering water quality and increasing the incidence of invasive species. Historic use of rivers as dumping areas of industrial waste leads to concentrations of toxic chemicals in the sediments. Dams convert natural flooding regimes, diminishing the dynamic quality of these systems as a result of controlled water releases. Dams also inhibit fish movement and altering movement of invertebrates. (NatureServe, 2022)
Community 3.1
Cropland
Cultural state used for plantations or cultivated cropland, primarily formed by hydrological alteration and mechanical landscape alteration.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ponding and flooding
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Pesticides transported to ground water
-
Pathogens and chemicals from manure, biosolids, or compost applications transported to ground water
-
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to ground water
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Community 3.2
Pasture and/or Hayland
Cultural state used for pasture or hayland, primarily formed by hydrological alteration and mechanical landscape alteration.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ponding and flooding
-
Pesticides transported to ground water
-
Pathogens and chemicals from manure, biosolids, or compost applications transported to ground water
-
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to ground water
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
mechanical soil disturbance, seeded, irrigated, planted
Conservation practices
Fence | |
---|---|
Land Clearing | |
Precision Land Forming | |
Land Smoothing | |
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment | |
Range Planting | |
Livestock Shade Structure | |
Rangeland Fertilization | |
Planned Grazing System | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Silvopasture Management | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Grazing Management Plan | |
Managed Haying/Grazing | |
Grazing management to improve wildlife habitat | |
Harvest hay in a manner that allows wildlife to flush and escape | |
Silvopasture for wildlife habitat | |
Intensive Management of Rotational Grazing | |
Plant an annual grass-type cover crop that will scavenge residual nitrogen | |
Managing livestock access to water bodies/courses | |
Transition to Organic Grazing Systems | |
Wildlife Friendly Fencing | |
Intensive rotational grazing | |
Conversion of cropped land to grass-based agriculture |
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
mechanical soil disturbance, seeded, irrigated, planted
Conservation practices
Cover Crop | |
---|---|
Land Clearing | |
Precision Land Forming | |
Irrigation Land Leveling | |
Land Smoothing | |
Nutrient Management | |
Residue Management -Direct Seed | |
Injecting or incorporating manure | |
Use drift reducing nozzles, low pressures, lower boom height and adjuvants to reduce pesticide drift | |
Defer crop production on temporary and seasonal wetlands | |
Resource-Conserving Crop Rotation | |
Continuous No Till Organic System | |
Continuous cover crops | |
Use of Cover Crop Mixes | |
Precision application technology to apply nutrients | |
Land application of only treated manure | |
Use of non-chemical methods to kill cover crops | |
Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops | |
Wildlife Friendly Fencing | |
Using nitrogen provided by legumes, animal manure and compost to supply 100% of the nitrogen needs | |
Intercropping to improve soil quality and increase biodiversity | |
Using N provided by legumes, animal manure and compost to supply 90 to 100% of the N needs | |
Use of legume cover crops as a nitrogen source | |
Continuous No Till | |
High residue cover crop or mixtures of high residue cover crops for weed suppression and soil health | |
Intensive no-till (Organic or Non-organic systems) | |
Crop management system on crop land acres recently converted | |
Intensive cover cropping in annual crops |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
wind erosion, streambank erosion, climate change, hydrological alteration (beaver activity), significant increase in flooding events and annual precipitation, introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens
Conservation practices
Dam, Diversion | |
---|---|
Dam |
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
hydrologic alteration (anthropogenic), timber harvesting, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape alteration
Conservation practices
Clearing and Snagging | |
---|---|
Cover Crop | |
Dam, Diversion | |
Irrigation Field Ditch | |
Dam | |
Land Clearing | |
Precision Land Forming | |
Irrigation Land Leveling | |
Land Smoothing | |
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation | |
Floodproofing | |
Controlled Stream access for Livestock Watering | |
Planned Grazing System | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Prescribed Forestry | |
Managed Haying/Grazing | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Patch Harvesting | |
Intensive cover cropping in annual crops |
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
remediation of hydrologic alteration, management of invasive species, pests, and pathogens, restoration of key plant species
Conservation practices
Obstruction Removal | |
---|---|
Streambank and Shoreline Protection | |
Vegetated Treatment Area | |
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Shallow Water Development and Management | |
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
Wetland Restoration | |
Wetland Enhancement | |
Stream Corridor Improvement | |
Pathogen Management | |
Forest Land Management | |
Invasive Plant Species Control | |
Pathogen Management | |
Precision Pest Control Application | |
Extending riparian forest buffers for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Extending existing riparian herbaceous cover for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Shallow water habitat | |
Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Forest stand improvement for habitat and soil quality | |
Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats | |
Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat | |
Establish pollinator habitat | |
Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage brush, weeds and invasive species | |
Biological suppression and other non-chemical techniques to manage herbaceous weeds invasive species | |
High level Integrated Pest Management to reduce pesticide environmental risk | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Herbaceous Weed Control | |
Aquatic Organism Passage Barrier Removal | |
Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
hydrologic alteration (barrier, obstruction, dam), landscape alteration, mechanical soil disturbance, seeding, planting
Conservation practices
Clearing and Snagging | |
---|---|
Dam, Diversion | |
Diversion | |
Dam | |
Land Clearing | |
Precision Land Forming | |
Irrigation Land Leveling | |
Land Smoothing | |
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment | |
Spoil Spreading | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Silvopasture Establishment | |
Grazing Management Plan | |
Extend existing filter strips for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Extending riparian forest buffers for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Extending existing riparian herbaceous cover for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Extending existing field borders for water quality protection and wildlife habitat | |
Improve the plant diversity and structure of non-cropped areas for wildlife food and habitat | |
Grazing management to improve wildlife habitat | |
Harvest hay in a manner that allows wildlife to flush and escape | |
Monitor key grazing areas to improve grazing management | |
Intensive Management of Rotational Grazing | |
Conversion of cropped land to grass-based agriculture | |
Plant an annual grass-type cover crop that will scavenge residual nitrogen | |
Precision application technology to apply nutrients | |
Managing livestock access to water bodies/courses | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Intercropping to improve soil quality and increase biodiversity | |
Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Conversion of cropped land to grass-based agriculture | |
Prescriptive grazing management system for grazed lands | |
Intensive cover cropping in annual crops |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 1
remediation of hydrologic alteration, seeding, planting, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil, establishment of key native plant species
Conservation practices
Obstruction Removal | |
---|---|
Streambank and Shoreline Protection | |
Tree/Shrub Establishment | |
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Shallow Water Development and Management | |
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
Wetland Restoration | |
Wetland Enhancement | |
Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
Defer crop production on temporary and seasonal wetlands | |
Shallow water habitat | |
Non-forested riparian zone enhancement for fish and wildlife | |
Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Forest stand improvement for habitat and soil quality | |
Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats | |
Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat | |
Establish pollinator habitat | |
Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Aquatic Organism Passage Barrier Removal | |
Leave standing grain crops un-harvested to benefit wildlife | |
Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat |
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
remediation of hydrologic alteration, seeding, planting, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil, establishment of key native plant species
Conservation practices
Stream Habitat Improvement and Management | |
---|---|
Aquatic Organism Passage | |
Obstruction Removal | |
Streambank and Shoreline Protection | |
Tree/Shrub Establishment | |
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
Wetland Restoration | |
Wetland Creation | |
Wetland Enhancement | |
Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
Defer crop production on temporary and seasonal wetlands | |
Shallow water habitat | |
Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Forest stand improvement for habitat and soil quality | |
Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats | |
Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat | |
Establish pollinator habitat | |
Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management | |
Monitoring and Evaluation | |
Aquatic Organism Passage Barrier Removal | |
Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat | |
Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat |
Additional community tables
Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Future work is needed, as described in a future project plan, to validate the information presented in this provisional ecological site description. Future work includes field sampling, data collection and analysis by qualified vegetation ecologists and soil scientists. As warranted, annual reviews of the project plan can be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD are necessary to approve a final document.
Other references
Comer, P., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Evans, S. Grawler, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, M. Pyne, M. Reid, K. Schultz, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2003. Ecological Systems of the United States: A Working Classification of U.S. Terrestrial Systems. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia
Edinger, G. J., D. J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T. G. Howard, D. M. Hunt, and A. M. Olivero (editors). 2014. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition of Carol Reschke’s Ecological Communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.
Gawler, S. and A. Cutko. 2010. Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Department of Conservation, Augusta, Maine.
NatureServe. 2021. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. https://explorer.natureserve.org/. (accessed 10 July. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. (accessed 11 Aug. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Climate Research Station Data. Available online. (accessed 23 June. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for [MLRA 141, Maine]. Available online. (accessed 14 Oct. 2021).
USNVC [United States National Vegetation Classification]. 2017. United States National Vegetation Classification Database V2.01. Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee, Washington DC. Available The U.S. National Vegetation Classification (usnvc.org) (accessed 2 July. 2021).
Contributors
Christopher Mann
Approval
Greg Schmidt, 10/03/2024
Acknowledgments
Nels Barrett and Nick Butler provided considerable review of this ecological site concept.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) | |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | |
Date | 10/04/2024 |
Approved by | Greg Schmidt |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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