State 1
Reference State (minimally-managed)

This site occurs on gently-sloping, very-poorly drained glacial outwash deposits that are frequently ponded for much or all of the year. Soils are deep loams formed, often with a mucky peat surface layer. These saturated bog soils are acidic to very acidic with few rock fragments. The soil moisture regime is aquic and soil temperature regime is frigid. This site receives significant inputs of run-in water from surrounding uplands. This results in year-round saturation, extended surface ponding, and ultimately acidification. These water features influence plant community structure and dynamics on this site.

Community 1.1
Spruce - Larch Wooded Bog

Sites occur in a peatland setting, usually <1200’ elevation, characteristic of nutrient poor or highly acidic peatlands (pH 4.2-5.2). These bogs may occur as part of fens, especially in kettleholes, and are standard constituents of raised (ombrotrophic) bogs. This open canopy peatland type is characterized by black spruce and/or larch trees over typical bog vegetation of heath shrubs, graminoids, and peat mosses. It is the most common type of ‘forested bog’ in Maine. Canopy closure is usually 20-50% and occasionally ranges up to 85%. Black spruce is usually dominant, but in some cases larch (or rarely fir) may be more abundant. Red maple may be a component in somewhat more minerotrophic portions, and white pine may occur on hummocks. The shrub layer, including small trees, is usually well developed (>30% cover). The bryoid layer has close to 100% cover and is dominated by peat mosses. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)

Resilience management. Maine Natural Areas Program State Rank: S4 Apparently Secure – At fairly low risk of extinction or elimination due to an extensive range and/or many populations or occurrences, but with possible cause for some concern as a result of local recent declines, threats, or other factors. Black spruce bogs generally occur as part of larger peatlands. Maintaining the hydrologic integrity of the entire wetland with upland buffers is key. The trees mostly remain small and have limited economic use. Several known sites are in public ownership. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)

Community 1.2
Sheep Laurel Dwarf Shrub Bog

This type occurs within raised portions of peatlands, where ombrotrophic conditions prevail (plant growth is raised above the water table, and virtually all nutrients come from precipitation). Although standing water may not be visible, the peat is commonly saturated with water throughout most of the year. The substrate is highly acidic. A dense layer of dwarf heath shrubs dominates this prototypical open peatland community. Stunted and scattered black spruce and larch trees form <25% cover. Heath shrubs carpet the hummocks and hollows of the peat substrate. Sedges contribute little cover (usually <15%, occasionally 20-25%). The ground surface is covered by a spongy carpet of peat mosses. The floristic composition varies depending upon bog morphology and nutrient availability. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010) Maine Natural Areas Program State Rank: Secure – At very low risk or extinction or elimination due to a very extensive range, abundant populations or occurrences, and little to no concern from declines or threats.

Resilience management. Maine Natural Areas Program State Rank: S5 Secure – At very low risk or extinction or elimination due to a very extensive range, abundant populations or occurrences, and little to no concern from declines or threats. This community type is well represented in Maine and is fairly stable in extent, with many examples on public lands and private conservation lands. Peat harvesting is a direct threat to a few sites. Changes to bog hydrology, through impoundment or draining, lead to vegetation changes. Slow vegetation growth rates, due to the nutrient poor environment, result in slow recovery from physical disturbances, such as recreational trail use. If disturbance, such as foot traffic, is a necessity, traversing during frozen conditions or using boardwalks can minimize impacts. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Reduction (significant) in canopy cover

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Seeding, planting, seed dispersal

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.

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 Forest

Hydrologically altered wetland resulting in a drained forest for timber management and products

Community 3.2
Pasture or Hayland

Site used for grazing pasture or hay cultivation

Community 3.3
Drained Cropland

Hydrological alteration and mechanical landscape alteration for crop production

Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Hydrological alteration

Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1

Hydrological alteration

Pathway 3.2b
Community 3.2 to 3.3

Mechanical soil disturbance, clearing, landscape alteration, seeding or planting

Pathway 3.3a
Community 3.3 to 3.2

Cultivated cropland through mechanical landscape alteration and soil disturbance

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Shifts in community composition and ecological dynamics in response to climate change and associated disturbances. Introduction of invasive species, pests, and/or pathogens

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Hydrological alteration, mechanical landscape alteration and soil disturbance

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Removal, remediation, or control of invasive species, pests, and/or pathogens

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Hydrological alteration, mechanical landscape alteration and soil disturbance.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1

Remediation of hydrological alteration, actively managed restoration, seeding/planting

Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2

Remediation of hydrological alteration, actively managed restoration, seeding/planting