State 1
Reference State (minimally-managed)

This site occurs in flat, low-lying areas characterized by very poorly-drained acidic peat soils and acid bog vegetation. Soil pH is generally below 4.5 throughout (usually below 4.0) The vegetation of this site is dominated by sphagnum moss and heath shrubs, along with other common bog species such as pitcher plant, cotton grass, sundews, etc. in lower quantities. This site may sometimes support stunted black spruce and larch trees, not more than a few feet tall.

Resilience management. This site is resistant to major disturbances except for small scale hydrologic alterations that may create small patches of drained or ponded peatland (such as near a culvert). This ecological resistance can be attributed to the ability of these bogs to respond to large fluctuations in water, as the peat acts like a sponge, expanding and contracting with the water supply. There is also a general resistance to fire, insects, disease, construction, land management, etc. due to the wet nature and particular species on the site. Further study is needed to identify alternative states for this site.

Community 1.1
Black Spruce - Tamarack Bog

This site is a conifer forest or woodland that occurs on acidic peatlands in cool, poorly drained depressions. The characteristic trees are black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina); in any one stand, either tree may be dominant, or they may be codominant. Canopy cover is quite variable, ranging from open canopy woodlands with as little as 20% cover of evenly spaced canopy trees to closed canopy forests with 80 to 90% cover. In the more open canopy stands there is usually a well-developed shrub layer characterized by several shrubs typical of bogs: leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronatus), and wild raisin (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides). In closed canopy stands the shrub layer is usually sparse; however the species composition is similar. The dominant groundcover consists of several peat mosses, including Sphagnum fimbriatum, S. girgensohnii, and S. magellanicum, with scattered sedges and forbs. Characteristic herbs are the sedge Carex trisperma, cotton grass (Eriophorum spp.), pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), and cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea). In shady areas where the canopy is dense, goldthread (Coptis trifolia) and creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) may be found. Vascular plant diversity is usually low in these forested peatlands; however the bryophyte and epiphytic lichen flora may be relatively diverse. (Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State. A black spruce-tamarack bog may grade into and form a mosaic with dwarf shrub bog, inland poor fen, and spruce-fir swamp. As the peat substrate thins and the wetland transitions to terrestrial communities, the black spruce-tamarack bog may grade into spruce flats.

Community 1.2
Dwarf Shrub Bog

This site is an ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic peatland dominated by low-growing, evergreen, ericaceous shrubs and peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.). The surface of the peatland is typically a mosaic of hummock/hollow microtopography. The hummocks tend to have a higher abundance of shrubs than the hollows; these bogs have more than 50% cover of low-growing shrubs. Water is usually nutrient-poor and acidic. A dwarf shrub bog may form a floating mat around a bog lake or along the banks of an acidic stream; it may also occur as a large or small mat completely filling a basin. A dwarf shrub bog may grade into a highbush blueberry bog thicket, inland poor fen, or a black spruce-tamarack bog. The dominant shrub is often leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), which may have more than 50% cover. Shrubs are typically taller than the herb layer which is usually graminoid, and generally the shrub heights are 1 m or less. Other prominent shrubs and herbs are sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), bog laurel (K. polifolia), Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. macrocarpon), the sedge Carex trisperma, and tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum). Other characteristic but less abundant plants are round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), water-willow (Decodon verticillatus), meadow-sweet (Spiraea alba var. latifolia), hardhack (Spiraea tomentosa), marsh St. John's-wort (Triadenum virginicum), sedges (Carex canescens, C. pauciflora), Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), and white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba). Scattered stunted trees may be present, including black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack (Larix laricina), and red maple (Acer rubrum). Characteristic peat mosses that form a nearly continuous carpet under the shrubs include Sphagnum magellanicum, S. rubellum, S. fallax, S. fuscum, S. papillosum, and S. angustifolium. (Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State.

Community 1.3
Highbush Blueberry Bog Thicket

This site is ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic peatland dominated by tall, deciduous, ericaceous shrubs and peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.); the water is typically nutrient-poor and acidic. The dominant shrub is usually highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). At least three regional variants are recognized in New York. The first is found throughout central and western New York and is calcareous to circuneutral, the second is primarily a northern variant, and the third is a southern variant with more coastal plain species. Species characteristic of all three varieties, and typical of the central and western New York examples, include highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), and peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.). Stunted trees may be present at a low density and with less than 50% cover; red maple (Acer rubrum) occurs in many bog thickets as stunted individuals in small clusters or as dead snags. Other characteristic shrubs and herbs include black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), false Solomon's-seal (Maianthemum trifolium), and pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Additional characteristic species in northern examples include mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronatus) which may be codominant, sedge (Carex trisperma), and wild calla (Calla palustris). Scattered small trees include tamarack (Larix laricina), black spruce (Picea mariana), and white pine (Pinus strobus). Characteristic peat mosses for all variants include Sphagnum magellanicum, S. centrale, S. capillifolium, and S. fimbriatum. Characteristic fauna include common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius), masked shrew (Sorex cinereus), southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), and green frog (Rana clamitans). (Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State.

Community 1.4
Inland Poor Fen

Depending on the pH values this site may fall under Acidic Peat Wetland Complex or the Semi-acidic Peat Wetland Complex ecological sites. This site is a weakly minerotrophic, flat peatland that occurs inland from the coastal plain in which the substrate is peat composed primarily of peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) with admixtures of graminoid or woody peat. The dominant plants are peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.), with scattered sedges, shrubs, and stunted trees. Poor fens are fed by waters that are weakly mineralized, and have low pH values, generally between 3.5 and 5.0. This community typically develops where water moves through the peat mat, thus it often forms linear patches closely associated with open water. Characteristic peat mosses include Sphagnum angustifolium, S. cuspidatum, S. fallax, S. fuscum, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, S. rubellum, and S.russowii. Characteristic herbs include sedges (Carex oligosperma, C. exilis, C. limosa, C. trisperma, C. utriculata, C. paupercula, C. canescens, C. michauxiana, C. parviflora), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), cottongrasses (Eriophorum vaginatum, E. virginicum), round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus), and pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Carex lasiocarpa may be present, but not dominant as in medium fens. A rare orchid of some inland poor fens is dragon’s mouth (Arethusa bulbosa). Shrubs and dwarf shrubs are patchy and usually have less than 50% cover (i.e., not dominated by shrubs as in dwarf shrub bog). The taller sedges often overtop the short shrubs. Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. macrocarpon) are often dominant. Other characteristic shrubs include bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), sheep laurel (K. angustifolia), sweet-gale (Myrica gale), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), and Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum). Scattered stunted trees such as tamarack (Larix laricina), black spruce (Picea mariana), and red maple (Acer rubrum) may be present. Many of our “kettlehole bogs” are inland poor fens, according to this classification, since they are weakly minerotrophic. Poor fens often include hummocks that are essentially ombrotrophic islands within a weakly minerotrophic peatland. This community shares many characteristics and species with coastal plain poor fen, but can be distinguished by its geographic location off the coastal plain along with having more northern or boreal indicator species (e.g., Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Larix laricina, Picea mariana). (Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State.

Community 1.5
North-Central Interior and Appalachian Acidic Peatland

These Sphagnum and shrub peatlands occur in basins south of the Laurentian-Acadian region down to near the glacial boundary in the northeastern and north-central U.S. Unlike the true raised bogs of boreal regions, the vegetation is not raised above the groundwater level. They are found in colder regions, mostly in areas where glacial stagnation left coarse deposits and glacial depressions (many are "kettleholes"). The basins are generally closed, i.e., without inlets or outlets of surface water, and typically small in area. The nutrient-poor substrate and the reduced throughflow of water create oligotrophic conditions fostering the development of Sphagnum peat and the growth of peatland vegetation. In deeper basins, the vascular vegetation grows on a Sphagnum mat over water, with no mineral soil development. Ericaceous shrubs and dwarf-shrubs (e.g., Chamaedaphne calyculata) dominate, with patches of graminoid dominance. Some peatlands may have a sparse tree layer. Although these are often called bogs, in most cases they are technically fens (albeit nutrient-poor ones), as the vegetation remains in contact with the surface water. Trees include Acer rubrum, Picea mariana, and Pinus rigida. Shrubs may include Alnus incana, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Decodon verticillatus, Gaylussacia baccata, Gaylussacia dumosa, Ilex verticillata, Larix laricina, Myrica gale, Aronia melanocarpa (= Photinia melanocarpa), Spiraea tomentosa, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Vaccinium oxycoccos, and Viburnum nudum. Forbs and graminoids may include Calla palustris, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex oligosperma, Carex pauciflora, Carex utriculata, Dulichium arundinaceum, Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum, Lysimachia terrestris, Osmunda regalis, Triadenum virginicum, Utricularia sp., and Woodwardia virginica. These peatlands occur in kettle depressions on pitted outwash and moraines and in flat areas and shallow depressions on glacial outwash and glacial lakeplain. Groundwater and surface water feed these temperate peatlands. It is not strongly calcareous and may be acidic in some places but not as much as boreal sites. These peatlands occurred in landscapes dominated by either forest or grassland/savanna. The fire regime is not well known but periodic surface fires likely helped limit the cover by trees. The basins in which these occur tend to be small and, where open water is still present, these peatlands form where wave energy is low. These peatlands are characterized by organic soils composed of saturated peat that contains partially decomposed sphagnum mosses and frequently fragments of sedges and wood. The peat soils are acidic, cool, and characterized by low nutrient availability and oxygen levels. The water-retaining capacity of sphagnum peat is tremendous and as a result these are saturated, anoxic systems with water tables near the surface. NatureServe Element Code: CES202.606 (NatureServe, 2022)

Resilience management. The cool, nutrient-poor water which feeds into this system favors peat development. This water can come from surface runoff or groundwater. Basins in which these peatlands occur are small, which limits the amount of nutrients that can be brought in by surface water. Groundwater sources flow through nutrient-poor, neutral to somewhat acidic substrates. Once peat begins to develop, it tends to create conditions favorable for continued peat development by contributing to the acidic, anoxic character of the water. Alterations in wetland hydrology and agricultural development can threaten examples of this system. These can occur due to ditching, road construction, quarrying/mining, or development of crop fields or pastures that affect groundwater or surface waterflows into sites. Both reductions and increases in groundwater or surface water input can negatively affect this system. Partial drainage of a site can lead to increased fertility as peat decomposes; this allows species typical of richer swamps or uplands to colonize. Increased surface waterflow can flood the peatland and transform it to an inundated wetland rather than a saturated peatland and can transport sediment and higher nutrient loads. Periodic fires infrequently help keep woody plants in check, and a reduction in this frequency will result in increased growth by these species. However, fires that occur when the peat has dried out (due to prolonged drought or a reduction in water input) can burn the peat and create mineral soil wetlands. Invasive species tend to increase after perturbations to other processes that maintain peatlands but can invade without changes, as well. Particularly aggressive invasive species that may threaten the diversity and vegetative structure of this peatland system include Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula), Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, and Typha x glauca. Disturbance near this system, whether crop fields, road building, urban development, or other activities, can serve as seed sources for invasive species. NatureServe Element Code: CES202.606 (NatureServe, 2022)

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.

Community 2.2
Spruce - Fir Swamp

This site is a conifer or sometimes mixed swamp that occurs on acidic muck to shallow peat. This community typically occurs in a drainage basin, in some cases filling the basin, but also can occur at the edge of a lake or pond, or along gentle slopes of islands where there is some nutrient input from groundwater discharge or subsurface flow. In the Adirondacks and the Tug Hill these swamps are often found in drainage basins occasionally flooded by beaver (Castor canadensis). These swamps are usually dense, with a fairly closed canopy (80 to 90% cover). The dominant trees are usually red spruce (Picea rubens) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); either one may be dominant in a stand or they may be codominant. In the Catskills, balsam fir may be absent with red maple (Acer rubrum) becoming codominant. In the Adirondacks, black spruce (Picea mariana) or white spruce (P. glauca) may replace red spruce as a dominant tree. Other trees with low percent cover include yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), white pine (Pinus strobus), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), tamarack (Larix laricina), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The shrub layer is often sparse; characteristic and dominant shrubs include mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronatus) along with sapling canopy trees. Other less frequently occurring shrubs include alders (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, A. incana ssp. rugosa), blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, V. myrtilloides), wild raisin (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), mountain ash (Sorbus americana), and winterberry (Ilex verticillata). Characteristic herbs are cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), sedges (Carex trisperma, C. folliculata), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), starflower (Trientalis borealis), common wood-sorrel (Oxalis montana), creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula), and dewdrop (Dalibarda repens). The nonvascular layer is often dominated by peat mosses, including Sphagnum girgensohnii, S. centrale, and S. angustifolium. Other characteristic bryophytes include the leafy liverwort Bazzania trilobata and big red stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi). Spruce-fir swamps occur in lowlands where they may grade into either spruce flats or balsam flats (upland forests). A spruce-fir swamp is distinguished from spruce flats by the lower elevation of the swamp, wetland soils, presence in the swamp of patches of peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.), and the absence of black cherry (Prunus serotina), a characteristic species of spruce flats and balsam flats. (Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State. Additional data on characteristic fauna is needed.

Community 2.3
Ponded/Flooded

During periods of heavy precipitation and seasonal high water tables, sites may become flooded and ponded.

State 3
Cultural State

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.

Community 3.1
Drained

Hydrological alteration is implemented and site is drained

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

climate change, hydrological alteration, increased nutrients or chemicals (pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer) transported to surface water, significant increase in flooding events and annual precipitation, introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

hydrologic alteration (barrier, obstruction, dam, diversion), landscape alteration, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape development

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

remediation of hydrologic alteration, management of invasive species, pests, and pathogens, restoration of key native plant species, restoration of terrestrial and aquatic habitat

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

hydrologic alteration (barrier, obstruction, dam, diversion), landscape alteration, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape development

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

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