[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]







































































             QL
             698.9
             .P74
             1992


0






       A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE
     SITES IN NORTHAMPTON AND ACCOMACK COUNTIES, VIRGINIA-


                       FINAL REPORT: TASK 3






         NETROOPICAL MIGRATIORY SONGBIRD REGIONAL
                       COASTAL CORRIDOR STUDY
                                Prepared by:


            Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
                       Division of Natural Heritage



                               June 1992






             A report of the Virginia Council on the Environment to the
             National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pursuant to
                         NOAA Award No. NA90AA-H-CZ839
 















           A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE SITES IN


                     NORTHAMPTON AND ACCOMACK COUNTIES,,VIRGINIA




                                FINAL REPORT: TASK.3

              A REGIONAL STUDY OF THE COASTAL ZONE HABITAT OF CRITICAL
          IMPORTANCE AS CONCENTRATION AREAS FOR NEOTROPICAL AVIAN MIGRANTS



                                    Submitted to:

                    Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program
                             Council on the Environment
                          903 Ninth Street Office Building
                              Richmond, Virginia 23219


                                    Prepared by:

                          Tad Zebryk and Thomas J. Rawinski
                 Virginia Depratment of Conservation and Recreation
                            Division of Natural Heritage
                          1500 East Main Street, Suite 312
                              Richmond, Virginia 23219


                                      June 1992



          Zebryk, T. and T. J. Rawinski, 1992. A preliminary survey o f
          natural heritage resource sites in Northampton and Accomack
          counties, Virginia. Natural Heritage Technical Report 92-22,
          Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of
          Natural Heritage,'Richmond. 43pp.


                                                   PropertY Of CSC LibrarY


              Pmospo'
                  4410
                          This paper is funded in part by a grant from the
                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
                          The views expressed herein are those of the
                          author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
      6-   T
                          views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies.
              WN I of

                                                  U 's, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
             P"
          J4
           L





                                                  COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
      _j                                          2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                                  CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413












                                             TABLE OF CONTENTS



            INTRODUCTION  ................................................................     I
              Virginia's Division of Natural Heritage     ........................   ..........1
              Elements of Natural Diversity...   ...........................................   1

            STUDY AREA  ..................................................................     4


            METHODS  ......................................................................    5


            RESULTS  .....................................................................     6


            SITE REPORTS  ................................................................   10


            RECOMMENDATIONS   .............................................................  41


            LITERATURE CITED   ...........................................................   42


            APPENDIX I  .................................................................    43












                                             INTRODUCTION


                 This report describes the findings of the 1991 natural heritage inventory
            of Northampton and Accomack Counties, Virginia. The inventory was conducted
            to accomplish Task 3 of a larger study entitled, A Regional Study of the
            Coastal Zone Habitat of Critical Importance as Concentration Areas for
            Neotropical Avian Migrants (NONA CRANT # NA90AA-li-CZ839). Task 3 stipulated
            that the best remaining upland (non-saltmarsh) natural communities-be
            identified and described, and that the sites containing them be mapped using
            Natural Heritage Program methodology.

               Past natural heritage inventories in Northampton and Accomack Counties
            focused on the off-shore barrier beach islands which are now largely protected
            by The Nature Conservancy and government agencies. The off-shore islands were
            therefore excluded from the present inventory to allow a more thorough
            examination of the largely neglected mainland portion of theregion.

                 Community inventory represents a "coarse filter" approach to biological
            conservation. This approach protects,a vast number of cryptic or poorly known
            species, and at the same time brings needed attention to the aesthetic,
            scientific, and ecosystem function values of natural communities. A
            classification is necessary when conducting an inventory, and for this study
            we selected the classification developed by Rawinski (1992) which is currently
            u@ed state-wide by the Virginia Division of Natural Heritage (Appendix 1).

                 This report should be viewed as preliminary. Only those sites actually
            visited during the 1991 field season and found to contain exemplary
            communities are described. Additional field work sustained over a several
            year period-is certainly needed here,

            Virginia's Division of Natural Heritage

                  The Virginia Natural Area Preserves Act of 1989 (510.1-209 et s@_q. of
            the Code of Virginia) directs the Department of Conservation and Recreation to
            "preserve the natural diversity of biological resources of the Commonwealth."
            The Act further establishes the Virginia Natural Heritage Program (now called
            the Division of Natural Heritage) and requires the Department to develop a
            natural heritage plan, produce an inventory of the Commonwealth's natural
            heritage resources, maintain a natural heritage data bank of inventory data,
            and provide for the protection and stewardship of natural areas. The Division
            of Natural Heritage fulfills this mandate as the Commonwealth 's principal
            collector and manager of data on natural heritage resources: "the habitat of
            rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species, rare or state
            significant natural communities or geologic sites, and similar features of
            scientific interest" (SIO.1-209 of the Code of Virginia). The Division of
            Natural Heritage is part of a network of 84 natural heritage data centers
            established throughout much of the Western Hemisphere.

            Natural Heritage Resources

                 Each natural heritage resource is assigned a rank indicating rarity and
            status (Table 1). The primary criterion for ranking natural heritage










            resources is the number of extant occurrences, i.e. the number of known
            distinct localities or populations. Other important ranking criteria.are the
            ,number of individuals at each locality, the total number of individuals state-
            wide, the condition of the occurrences, the number of protected occurrences,
            and threats to the occurrences. These "S-ranks" apply to Virginia; global
            ranks, or "G-ranks", reflect species status on a global, or range-wide scale.

                 Subspecies and varieties are assigned "T-ranks", in addition to their C-
            rank. Taken together, these ranks give an instant picture of the rarity of
            the natural heritage resource. Ranks for communities are lacking or
            provisional because the community classification is not yet developed for the
            individual plant communities. Rarity ranks used by the Division of Natural
            Heritage are not legal designations, and they are continuously updated to
            reflect new information.


                 The landscape unit that supports a particular natural heritage resource
            is called an element occurrence. The Division of Natural Heritage has mapped
            over 5500 element occurrences in the Commonwealth. Information on the
            location and quality of these element occurrences is computerized within the
            Division's Biological and Conservation Databases.(BCD), and additional
            information is recorded on maps and in manual files. Each element occurrence
            is ranked to differentiate large, outstanding occurrences from small,
            vulnerable ones. Species occurrences are ranked in terms of quality,
            condition, viability, and defensibility. Community occurrences are ranked by
            their overall natural condition and size.


                  Element ranks and element occurrence ranks form the basis for ranking
            the significance of entire sites. Site biodiversity ranks (B-ranks) are used
            to prioritize protection efforts among the sites; each B-rank is defined
            below:


                  BI    Outstanding Significanc e: only site known for an.
                        element, an excellent-occurrence of a GI species, or
                        the world's best example of a community type.

                  B2    Very High Significance: one of the best examples of a
                        community type, good occurrence of a G1 species, or
                        excellent occurrence of a G2 or G3 species.

                  B3    High Significance: excellent example of any community
                        type, good occurrence of a G3 species.

                  B4    Moderate Sip-nificance: good example of a community
                        type, excellent or good occurrence of state-rare
                        species.

                  B5    General BIodiversity Significance: good or marginal
                        occurrence of a community type, or state-rare species.


            Note: Sites supporting rare subspecies or varieties are considered slightly
                   less significant than sites supporting similarly ranked species.

                                                  2









            Table 1.   Definition of Natural Heritage state rarity ranks (S-ranks). Global
                       ranks (G-ranks) are similar, but are based on range-wide status.
                       Ranks for most community types have not been generated due to on-
                       going community classification efforts. The S and G-ranks should
                       not be Interpreted as legal designations.


            S1     Extremely rare; usually 5 or fewer occurrences in the state; or may have
                   few remaining individuals; often especially vulnerable to extirpation.

            S2     Very rare; usually between 5 and 20 occurrences; or with many
                   individuals in fewer occurrences; often susceptible to becoming
                   endange@red.

            S3     Rare to uncommon; usually between 20 and 100 occurrences; may have fewer
                   occurrences, but with a large number of individuals in some populations;
                   may be susceptible to large-scale disturbances.

            S4     Common; usually >100 occurrences, but may be fewer with many large
                   populations; may be restricted to only a portion of the state;,usually
                   not susceptible to immediate threats.

            S5     Very common; demonstrably secure under present conditions.

            SA     Accidental in the state.


            SH     Historically known from the state, but not verified for an extended
                   period, usually >15 years; this rank is used primarily when inventory
                   has been attempted recently.

            SN     Regularly occurring migrants or transients species which are non-
                   breeding, seasonal residents. (Note that congregation and staging areas
                   are monitored separately).

            SU     Status uncertain, often because of low search effort or cryptic nature
                   of the element.


            Sx     Apparently extirpated from the state.


            NOTE: Sometimes ranks are combined (e.g. SIS2) to indicate intermediate or
            somewhat unclear status. Elements with uncertain taxonomic validity are
            denoted by the letter,      after the global rank.










                                                     3











                                               STUDY AREA

                 The Eastern Shore of Virginia, encompassing Northampton and Accomack
            Counties, is located on the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain at the southern end of
            the Delmarva Peninsula. To the west lies Chesapeake Bay and to the east lies
            an interrupted chain of barrier islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately
            70 miles long, the Eastern Shore is about 12 miles wide at its widest point
            near the Maryland border.

                 Topography is generally flat to undulating, except in the area of
            Holocene dune ridges and along streams where the underlying marine sediments
            have been eroded to form small, steep-sided valleys'. Both coasts are deeply
            embayed by tidal creeks with associated peninsulas and necks. "Delmarva
            bays", shallow elliptical depressions'of,uncertain geological origin, are
            rather frequent on the Eastern Shore, though most have been drained for
            agriculture.

                 Soils are primarily well-drained to poorly-drained sandy loams and loams.
            The Bojac-Munden-Molena Series'occurs mainly on flatland on the necks along
            Chesapeake Bay. Sandy loams in this series are characterized by rapid
            drainage and a seasonally high water table. The Nimmo-Munden-Dragston Series
            occurs along the eastern region on flats and in depressions. The loams in
            this series are moderately- to poorly-dr4ined, particularly in depressions,
            and have a seasonally high water table.

                 The climate on the Eas tern Shore is characterized by mild winters and hot
            humid summers. The average winter temperature in Painter, Accomack County, is
            39.1 F, while the average summer temperature is 75 F. Temperatures in
            Northampton County average about one degree warmer in winter and summer. The
            average total annual precipitation 42.7 inches in Accomack County and 40.8
            inches in Northampton County. Humidity averages about 60% throughout the
            region.

                 Vegetation patterns on the Eastern Shore are complex, varying in response
            to soil conditions, exposure to salt spray, past disturbances, biogeographic
            phenomena, and subtle differences in climatic conditions existing from south
            to north along the peninsula.. In both Accomack and Northampton Counties, the
            L6blolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine forest type encompasses more than 40% of the
            forest acre#jge (Thompson 1991). The most common hardwoods include Southern
            Red oa.k, Whfte Oak, Water Oak, Sassafras, Sweet Gum, Black Gum, Red Maple,
            Beech, and various hickories. Forests in Northampton County usually contain
            Red Bay and Yaupon, but these predominantly southern species become infrequent
            farther north in Accomack County. Tulip Poplar is rather frequent in Accomack
            County, but is virtually absent in Northampton County.


            (Note: Source for much of the above information is from "Soil Survey of
            Northampton County, Virginia", USDA Soil Conservation Service, 1989.)






                                                   4












                                                METHODS


                  To gain an overview of land use patterns within the two county area
            Division of Natural Heritage staff first evaluated the extent of the remaining
            forest land using Forest Survey data generated by the U.S. Forest Service.
            The natural area inventory then proceeded through the following five.stages:

            1)    Review of aerial photographs and maps. Aerial photographs of the entire
                  survey area.were reviewed in detail to identify potential natural areas
                  (PNAs) to be studied in the following stages. Where possible, both the
                  oldest available photographs and the most recent ones were studied.
                  Comparing these two sets of photographs provided insights into land use
                  trends and past conditions. Topographic maps, wetlands maps, and soils
                  maps were examined during this stage.

            2)    Gathering existing information. Museum collections were visited by
                  Natural Heritage staff and specimen label information recorded for rare
                  species. Publications and field notes were assembled and carefully
                  read. Maps of public lands (federal, state'and local) within the survey
                  area were gathered, and the distribution of natural heritage resources
                  examined. Local naturalists, soil conservationists, foresters, and
                  college faculty were consulted for additional information. During this
                  stage, some PNAs were eliminated from further consideration while others
                  were added.


            3)    Initial Rr und survey. Field work during this stage verified ownership
                  information, documented conspicuous element occurrences, and detected
                  recent land use activities. As necessary, follow-up thorough
                  inventories were planned.

            4)    Thorough inventory of the PNA. During this stage, detailed information
                  was collected on the rare species or exemplary natural communities
                  present at the site. Portions of a site not visited on foot were
                  evaluated on the basis of aerial photographs and other information. The
                  amount of land needed to protect the special biological features was
                  determined. Threats and disturbances factors were noted. Element
                  occurrence data were transcribed onto Division maps and entered into the
                  BCD databases.

            5)    ComViiation of results and prevaration of final report. Division
                  biologists reviewed the information gathered and prioritized-the sites
                  on the basis of.biological significance, threats, and defensibility.
                .Maps were drawn showing conservation planning boundaries. Protection
                  and management recommendations were written, and all information
                  combined into a final report.












                                                RESULTS


                Virginia's Eastern Shore is an area rich innatural heritage resources
            and an area providing critical stop-over habitat for a large number of
            neotropical migrant bird species. Many of these species utilize natural
            vegetation. Thus, the amount of forested land relative to non-forested
            (primarily agricultural) land in the area was examined first.

                As of 1991, forest land in Northampton County covered an estimated 30,967
            acres, or 21% of all land in the county, while in Accomack County forest land
            covered 96,630 acres, or 32% of that county's land area (Thompson 1991).
            Relative to the 1985 forest land statistics .(Brown and Craver 1985), these
            values represent an apparent net gain of 1,035 acres in Northampton County-and
            a net loss of 8,085 acres in Accomack County. However, because the sampling
            procedure used by the Forest Survey was intended primarily to furnish data for
            the entire Coastal Plain'of Virginia, individual county estimates have limited
            and variable accuracy (Thompson 1991). Nevertheless, these data suggest that
            forest land may have declined as much as 2.4% in Accomack County during the
            si:k-year period between 1985 and 1991. Such a decline was not evident in
            Northampton County where a slight increase (0.7%) may have occurred.
            Throughout the 34-county region encompassing Virginia's Coastal Plain,
            timberland declined 2% from 1985 to 1991 (Thompson 1991).

                The amount of forested land in Northampton and Accomack Counties
            indicates, in a general sense, the relative health and integrity of the
            natural terrestrial ecosystems present. These forests provide sustainable
            yields of wood products while maintaining biological diversity and providing
            ecosystem functions beneficial to human society. Unfortunately, the
            percentage of timberland in these two counties is far below 58%, the.region-
            wide average for the Virginia Coastal Plain (Thompson 1991)..

                Figure 1 shows the location of the 11 natural heritage sites identified
            through the inventory. Each is individually described in site reports using
            the following standard reporting format:


            SITE NAME: Most site names reflect a geographical locality or the prevalent
            type of vegetation.

            SIZE: The approximate acreage included within the conservation planning
            boundary for the natural area.

            BIODIVERSITY RANK: The overall significance  of the natural area in terms of
            the rarity of the natural heritage resources and the quality of their
            occurrences. As discussed earlier, these ranks range from BI (outstanding
            significance) to B5 (general biodiversity significance).

            LOCALITY: The county.

            QUADRANGLE AND QUADRANGLE CODE: The name of the USGS 7.5' quadrangle(s) 'on
            which.the natural area occurs. The quadrangle code contains information on
            latitude and longitude, and identifies the location of the quadra ngle.

                                                  6

















                                                                                           @7



                                   d
                                             S-.d


































                                                                  I   Latimer Siding
                                                                  2.  Kiptopeke State Park
                                                                  3.  Picketts Harbor-Bay Ridge
                                                                  4.  Steelmans Lending
                                                                  5.  Eastville Forest
                                                                                 -Church Neck
                                                                  6.  Wescoat Farm
                                                                  7.  Reedtown Stream Bottom
                                          7                             Forest
                                                                  8.  Belle Haven Delmarva Bay
                                                                  9.  Coards Branch Pond
                                                                  10. Mutton Hunk Fen
                                                                  11. Assawoman Creek





                                      par  IMP



                                                         VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE

                        CA
                                                                       - - - - - - - - - - - - -




            Figure 1. Map of Northampton and Accomack Counties showing the location of
                       ,11 natural heritage sites documented during the 1991 inventory.

                                                       7










             LOCATION.: Specific information on site location and directions to the site.

             NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE SUMMARY TABLE: A synopsis of the rare species and
             significant natural communities that occur on the site.

             SITE DESCRIPTION: A brief narrative describing the site, its significant
             elements, vegetation, habitat, and current land use.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The preliminary conservation planning boundary
             delineated in this report includes all known occurrences of natural heritage
             resources and the adjacent lands required for their immediate protection.
             This information field explains the basis for particular boundaries.

             THREATS: Potential and actual threats to the site and its elements.


             MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: A summary of the major is      sues and factors that
             should be considered in management of the site for its natural heritage
             values.


             CURRENT STATUS: A summary of ownership and the degree of protection currently
             afforded the site.


             PROTECTION RECO14MENDATIONS: The desired level of protection actions needed.

             SITE MAP: The site map shows the conservation      planning boundary which
             contains all known element occurrences and the     land determined to be important
             for the Ion g-term maintenance of these elements. The following factors are
             considered when drawing these boundaries:

             ï¿½   the extent of current and potential habitat for rare species and exemplary
                 natural communities,
             ï¿½   species movement and migration corridors,
             ï¿½   maintenance of surface water quality within the      site and the surrounding
                 watershed,
             ï¿½   maintenance of the hydrologic integrity of the groundwater, e.g. by
                 protecting recharge zones,
             ï¿½   land intended to mitigate off-site impacts,
             ï¿½   land or,activities necessary.to preclude or minimize invasive exotic
                 species, and
                 land necessary for management activities, such as prescribed burning.

             The boundaries are intended for conservation planning purposes, and at the
             very least should prevent the inadvertent destruction of the natural areas..
             Many rare species are sensitive to disturbance, or may be sought out by
             collectors. Precise element locations within site boundaries are therefore
             not given in this report. Virginia law includes Natural Heritage Resources
             under a limited exemption to the requirements of the Freedom of Information
             Act.







                                                       8









                Due to the limitations imposed by a one-year inventory , not all of the
           potential natural areas in the region were field checked. Future discoveries
           of significant natural areas in the study region are 'to be expected.




















































                                                  9


























                                             SITE REPORTS





























































                                                  10











                                                LATIMER SIDING



             SIZE:        ca. 115 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B5


             LOCALITY:    Northampton County

             QUADRANGLE:  Townsend                         QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707528

             LOCATION:    The site is located northwest    of the intersection marked, "Latimer
             Siding", and south of Kiptopeke State Park.

                                 NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS      LEGAL OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK


             communities:
             Oligotrophic Forest                                                                   BC


             SITE DESCRIPTION: This site is significant because it contains an exemplary
             Loblolly pine - White Oak forest. The pines are nearly 100 feet tall, rising
             above the lower canopy of hardwood species. American Holly is common in the
             understory, and one large individual was 35 cm diameter-at-breast-height. The
             evergreen shrub, Yaupon, is present, which floristically unites this stand
             with the mixed hardwood forests farther south. The herbaceous layer is quite
             sparse and consists primarily of Partridge-berry, Strawberry-bush, Greenbrier,
             and Poison Ivy.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The boundary encloses the oldest stand of trees plus
             the adjadent stand of younger trees. The young forest serves as a buffer,
             protecting the old stand from excessive wind-tbrow, invasion by exotics, and
             other edge effects.

             THREATS: The primary threat to this community is logging. Old stumps are
             present in the forest, so the stand was logged in the past.. Development is
             also a threat.


            @MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: No active management of the site is needed,
             although forests such as this probably burned periodically during precolonial
             times. Prescribed burning might therefore be practiced to simulate the
             original fire regime and create additional habitat for herbaceous species.

             CURRENT STATUS: The site is in private ownership and unprotected.

             PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS: Exemplary forests such as this are rapidly being
             cut or developed on the Eastern Shore. Therefore it is important to pursue
             protection action in the very near future.









                                                                               LATIMER SIDING





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                                                                                           12











                                               KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK



             SIZE:        ca. 10 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B3


             LOCALITY:    Northampton County

             QUADRANGLE:  Townsend                        QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707528

             LOCATION:    The site is that portion of Kiptopeke State Park located south of the
             ferry terminal building and fishing pier, approximately 2 miles north-northwest of
             Kiptopeke.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS    LEGAL   OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK   STATUS  STATUS  RANK


             communities:
             Oligotrophic Scrub                                                                  B
             Oligotrophic  Herbaceous Vegetation                                                 B

             animals:
             Cicindela dorsalis
               dorsalis       Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle G4T2        S2       LT            B



             SITE DESCRIPTION: In addi   tion to being Virginia's newest state park, this
             site is noteworthy for its exemplary dune scrub and dune grassland vegetation.
             These two communities interdigitate, forming a vegetation mosaic which shifts
             continuo6sly in response to sand movement and dune formation. The dune
             vegetation covers approximately 5 to 10% of the park property. Common woody
             species include Bayberry, Black Cherry, and Sassafras. The dune grassland
             supports Beacb-grass, Seaside Goldenrod, Broomsedge,and Panic-grass.

                  Globally rare Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetles inhabit the beach area
             adjacent to the'dune field.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:     The boundary encompasses that section of Kiptopeke
             State Park known to support the two exemplary communities.

             THREATS: Threats at this time appear to be minimal. Two proposed boardwalks
             and an interpretive trail will have little impact on this natural system.

             MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The primary management prescription for this area
             is to minimize recreational impacts, thereby maintaining the natural condition
             of the vegetation. The Kiptopeke State Park Resource Committee has developed
             special management plans for this sensitive area. Potentially invasive exotic
             plants will be.monitored and, if necessary, controlled.


                                                      13









           CURRENT STATUS:    Protected within Kiptopeke State Park.

           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:    The site has been protected. Monitoring and
           management activities are planned.

























































                                                  14









                                                                                   KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK







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                                                                                                                                                                     1 MILE

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                                                                                       DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL





                                                                                                      15











                                          PICKETTS HARBOR     BAY RIDGE



             SIZE:        ca. 140 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B2


             LOCALITY:    Northampton County

             QUADRANGLE:  Townsend                         QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707528
                          Elliots Greek                                        3707621

             LOCATION: The site includes a 2 mile long     stretch of bayside shoreline and adjacent
             uplands extending from Picketts Harbor to     Elliots Creek.

                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                  GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                  RARITY RARITY USFWS LEGAL      OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME               RANK   RANK    STATUS.STATUS RANK


             communities:
             Oligotrophic  Scrub                                                                  A
             Oligotrophic  Herbaceous Vegetation                                                  AB
             Oligotrophic  Forest                                                                 AB

             plants:
             Cal'ium bispidulum                                    C5     S2                      AB


             animals:
             Cicindela dorsalis
               dorsalis    Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle        G4T2    S2      LT              A


             SITE DESCRIPTION: This site contains outstanding coastal dune vegetation.           In
             addition, a Holocene dune ridge is significant as a rare geologic feature.
             One of the largest known populations of the Federally threatened Northeastern
             Beach Tiger Beetle occurs here:

                  The dune grassland contains Beach-grass,     Panic-grass, and a rare northern
             colony of Sea-oats. Plants of the dune scrub      include Loblolly Pine,
             Sassafras, Persimmon, Black Cherry, Shining Sumac, Beach Heather, and
             Greenbrier. The maritime forest occurs along the crest of a high dune ridge
             behind the dune scrub. Common trees here include Loblolly Pine, Southern Red
             Oak, White Oak, Black Cherry, Black.Gum, and American Holly.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The boundary encloses the tbree exemplary natural
             communities. A small amount of upland buffer land is included to mitigate
             future impacts from adjacent development.

             THREATS: The primary threat to this beach-front property is intensive
             development and coincident alteration of the natural vegetation.



                                                      16









           MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: No active management of the site is needed,
           although in the future recreational impacts may need to be minimized by using
           additional board walks across the sensitive dune vegetation.

           CURRENT STATUS: The site is in private ownership. Sara and Cooke Coffigon
           reside at the site.


           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS: This  site representsone of  the most significant
           natural areas on the Eastern Shore. It warrants strong protection.


















































                                                 17









                                                                   PICKETTS HARBOR              BAY RIDGE









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                                                                      CONTOUR INTERVAL 5 FEET
                                                                         DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL












                                                 STEELMAN'S LANDING




             SIZE:        ca. 134 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:      B4


             LOCALITY:    Northampton County

             QUADRANGLE:  Townsend                         QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707528

             LOCATION:    The site lies east of Townsend, north of Route 646 and south of Walls
             Landing Creek.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                  GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                  RARITY RARITY USFWS     LEGAL  OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME             COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK


             community:
             Oligotrophic Seasonally Flooded Forest                                              'AB


             SITE DESCRIPTION: A mature and fairly extensive swamp forest is the primary
             feature of this site. The swamp was, in fact, the best example of its type
             encountered on the Eastern Shore during the inventory. Black Cum trees up to
             80 cm dbh and 30 meters high dominate. Understory trees include Sweetbay
             Magnolia and American Holly. The herbaceous layer is rather dense, and is
             dominated by Virginia Chain-fern, Netted Chain-fern, Lizard-tail, and Cinnamon
             Fern. The trees in the swamp tend to grow from elevated hummocks, while most
             of the herbs occupy seasonally flooded mucky hollows.


             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:       At present, the boundary includes the wetland and
             the surrounding upland forest vegetation. However, additional information is
             needed to describe the hydrologic regime of the wetland. Ideally, the entire
             drainage basin should be protected from ditching and agricultural impacts.

             THREATS: Threats appear to be minimal because the area is managesd as a
             natural area preserve. However, possible impacts, from surrounding
             agricultural lands should.be assessed.

             MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: No active management is needed. Fire is not
             necessary or even possible in wetlands such as this.

             CURRENT STATUS: Protected and owned by The Nature Conservancy.

             PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:      Determine whether the entire drainage basin is
             currently contained within Nature Conservancy land. If not, then additional
             lands may need protection.





                                                       19









                                                                                       STEELMANS LANDING






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                                                                                                      20












                                                EASTVILLE FOREST



            SIZE:         ca. 149 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B5

            LOCALITY:     Northampton County

            QUADRANGLE:   Cheriton                         QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707538

            LOCATION:     The site is located north of Route 634, approximately 0.5'mile west of
            Business Route 13 and 1 mile southwest of Eastville.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS     LEGAL  OCCURRENCE
            SCIENTIFIC NAME             COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK


            community:
            Oligotrophic Forest                                                                  BC

            plant:
            Tillandsia usneoides        Spanish Moss              G5       S3                    D


            SITE DESCRIPTION: Part of this forested tract was recently         cut, but the
            remaining portion represents one of the better examples of a mature oak-pine
            forest on the Eastern Shore. Prevalent trees include Lob-Iolly Pine, White
            Oak, Red Maple, Black Cum, and Sweet Cum. American Holly and Flowering
            Dogwood form a rather dense sub-canopy in the forest, while Sweet Pepperbush,
            Highbush Blueberry, and Greenbrier dominate the shrub layer. Herbaceous
            species are relatively scarce, due perhaps to the dense shade and thick mats
            of poorly decomposed organic matter on the soil surface.

                  A small population of Spanish Moss is of great interest at this site.
            This epiphytic plant, so typical of southern forests, occurs here very close
            .to its natural northern range limit. As such, the few surviving plants afford
           ,a marvelous opportunity for research and monitoring. The plants did flower in
            1991,. but reproduction seems to be restricted to vegetative propagation. The
            spanish Moss was first documented on this site in 1935.

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The boundary encompasses the uncut and recently cut
            forest tracts. The cut forest may, with time, provide additional habitat.for
            the Spanish moss. According to Eastville resident Robert Spady, the Spanish
            Moss was formerly found in the eastern end of the site,before the logging took
            place.

            THREATS: Logging is the most immediate threat to the site. Land development
            may also pope a threat.

            MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: No active management of the site appears needed.



                                                      21









           CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned. Contact Alice D.T. Rawles,'
           Portsmouth, VA.


           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS: This site should be protected as  an example of
           increasingly rare indigenous forest vegetation. Throughout the,Eastern Shore,
           fine forests such as this are being clear-cut and converted to pine
           monocultures.































































                                                 22









                                                                                                                EASTVILLE FOREST






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                                                                                                                                       23











                                          WESCOAT FARM    CHURCH NECK



            SIZE:        ca. 520 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B2


            LOCALITY:    Northampton County

            QUADRANGLE:  Franktown                        QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707548

            LOCATION:    The Wescoat Farm on Church Neck is located south of Nassawadox Creek,
            and north of Westerhouse Creek.


                                    NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                GLOBAL STATE            VA     ELEMENT
                                                                RARITY RARITY USFWS     LEGAL  OCCURRENCE
            SCIENTIFIC NAME                 COMMON NAME         RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK



            communities:
            Oligotropbic Herbaceous Vegetation                                             -    B
            Oligotrophic Scrub                                                             -    B

            animals:
            Haliaeetus leucocephalus         Bald  Eagle          G3     S2S3     LE       LE   C
            Cicindela dorsalis
              dorsalis        Northeastern Beach   Tiger Beetle G4T2     S2       LT            A


            SITE DESCRIPTION: The*site contains a mile-long stretch of undeveloped
            bayside shoreline and two exemplary dune communities. The dune scrub is
            characterized by scattered shrubs and small trees, namely Eastern Red-ce'dar,
            Wax Myrtle, Shining Sumac, Lablolly Pine, Southern Red Oak, and Black Cherry.
            Herbaceous vegetation of the dune is composed of Beach-grass, Seaside
            Goldenrod, and Sand-spur.

                 A large population of the Federally@threatened Northeastern Beach Tiger
            Beetle occurs along the beach. In 1991 a pair of Bald Eagles nested in a
            small forest'led tract near agricultural fields.

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:      The site boundary encompasses the undisturbed'
            section of beach and dune, plus additional land intended to protect the Bald
            Eagle's nest site(s), roosting area, and, to a certain extent, feeding area.

            THREATS: Threats are intensive shoreline development and accompanying
            disruption to the natural dune vegetation. Also, the Bald Eagles are
            threatened by frequent human contact or outright destruction of the forest
            habitat.


            MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The beach and dune communities require little or
            no active management. The Bald Eagles.should be managed by minimizing human
            contact during the eagles' critical nesting period.

                                                       24










           CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned. Contact John and SLizanne
           Wescoat, Ea8tville, VA.

           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:   This site is most worthy of protection.





















































                                                 25









                                   WESCOAT FARM  CHURCH NECK









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                                                    26












                                           REEDTOWN STREAM BOTTOM FOREST




             SIZE:        ca. 48 Acres                     BIODIVERSITY RANK:     B5


             LOCALITY:    Northampton County

             QUADRANGLE:  Franktown                        QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707548

             LOCATION:    The site is located west of Route 13 approximately 2 miles.north of
             Eastville.   The access point is the roadside park along Route 13.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE            VA     ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS     LEGAL  OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS   STATUS RANK


             community:
             Oligotrophic Saturated Woodland



             SITE DESCRIPTION: This site encompasses an unnamed stream and a stream-side
             wetland situated in a steep, narrow valley. The wetlandis maintained by
             continuous seepage of groundwater which profoundly influences the nature of
             the vegetation. Sweet-bay Magnolia is especially characteristic of the
             groundwater-saturated soils. Other species include Netted Chain-fern,
             Virginia Chain-fern, Sweet Pepperbush, Alder, Golden Saxifrage, and various
             sedges.

                  Wetlands such as this are fairly common alongside stream headwaters on
             the Eastern Shore, but this example is large and undisturbed.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:     Upslope land provides the groundwater which seeps
             out into the wetland.' Therefore, the site boundary encompasses upland as well.
             as wetland environments.


             THREATS: Threats include ditching, imponding, and intensive upslope
             development.,_. Logging of this fragile wetland habitat would also constitute a
             major ecological perturbation, as would nutrient enrichment or siltation
             resulting from adjacent agricultural activity.

             MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The site and its exemplary wetland community
             require no active management.

             CURRENT STATUS: the site is privately      owned.

             PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:      The site  may warrant protection as one of the
             Eastern Shore's exemplary natural communities.




                                                      27










                                                               REEDTOWN STREAM BOTTOM FOREST









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                                                                                      28











                                           BELLE HAVEN DELMARVA BAY




            SIZE:       ca. 280 Acres                   BIODIVERSITY RANK:    B5


            LOCALITY:    Accomack County

            QUADRANGLE: Exmore                          QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707557

            LOCATION:    The site is located immediately west of Route 13, northeast of the
            village of Belle Haven.


                                   NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                              GLOBAL STATE          VA     ELEMENT
                                                              RARITY RARITY USFWS   LEGAL  OCCURRENCE
            SCIENTIFIC NAME           COMMON NAME             RANK   RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK


            community:
            Oligotrophic Seasonally Flooded Forest                                          C


            SITE DESCRIPTION: The.sit6 supports a remnant portion of    a Delmarva bay
            swamp. Due to drainage, bay swamps have become extreme   ly rare on the Eastern
            Shore. This wetland once extended east of Route 13, but that area was drained
            many years ago.


                 The remaining wetland supports both mature pine forest and post-logging
            coppice.' Loblolly Pine and Red Maple dominate the canopy while lower trees
            include Black Cum, Water Oak, Sourwood, and Sweetbay Magnolia. Sweet Pepper-
            bush and Green-brier dominate the shrub layer while Virginia Chain-fern is
            common in the herb layer. The recently logged coppice is richer in herbaceous
            species, undoubtedly because of the increased amount of light.

                 Soils in the wetland have a very thick layer of organic duff (ca. 6
            which has accumulated over the years in the absence of fire. Despite seasonal
            wetness, this vegetation is fire prone and past fires undoubtedly had an
            influence on the structure and composition of the vegetation.


            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:    The boundary includes the remaining wetland and a
            small amount of upland buffer land intended to mitigate off-site impacts to
            the wetland vegetation.

            .THREATS: Much of the wetland supports mature Loblolly Pine forest, and
            consequently, logging is an imminent threat. According to regional extension
            forester David Halley', wetlands such as this have been drained primarily to
            facilitate logging operations, rather than to improve the growth
            characteristics of the pine. Drainage activity should be discouraged here.

            MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: Fires once played a major role in shaping the
            structure and composition of Delmarva bay swamps, and consequently prescribed

                                                   29









            burning would likely have a beneficial effect on this community. In
            particular, fire could create habitat for herbaceous species which presently
            are scarce and shade-stressed. A possible limitation to prescribed burning
            management here is the close proximity of Route 13, the major highway along
            the Eastern Shore.


            CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned and unprotected.

            PROTECTION RECOMM ENDATIONS:  Discourage ditching and promote prescribed
            burning management.













































                                                  30










                                                               BELLE HAVEN DELMARVA BAY





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                                                                          DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL




                                                                                       31












                                                 COARDS BRANCH POND



             SIZE:        ca. 92 Acres                     BIODIVERSITY RANK:      B3


             LOCALITY: Accomack County

             QUADRANGLE: Parksley.                         QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707576

             LOCATION:    Coards Branch Pond is located    2.1 air miles southwest of Parksley.

                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                  GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                  RARITY RARITY USFWS LEGAL      OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME               RANK   RANK    STATUS STATUS   RANK


             communities:
             Oligotrophic  Saturated Scrub                                                         BC
             Oligotrophic  Saturated Herbaceous Vegetation                                         BC

             plants@
             Eleo.charis equisetoides   Horse-tail Spikerush       G4      Sl       -        -     B
             Rhynchospora alba          White Beakrush             C5      Sl       -        -     A
             Nymphoides aquatica        Big Floating-heart         G5      Sl       -        -     CD
             Utricularia cornuta        Horned Bladderwort         C5      Sl       -        -     -
             Wolffia columbiana         Columbia water-meal        G5      Sl       -        -     -
             Eriocaulon aquaticum       White Buttons              C5      Sl       -        -     B


             SITE DESCRIPTION: Coards Branch Pond supports a       bog-like wetland   and one of
             the greatest concentrations of rare plants on the Eastern Shore..        This pond is
             unlike all other mill-ponds on the Eastern Shore because it is profoundly
             influenced by groundwater seepage, as well as stream flow. Rare and unusual
             wildflowers abound at the site, perhaps none more striking than the Rose
             Pogonia Orchid which grows abundantly along the sphagnous pond margin. The
             Horse-tail Spikerush is known from no other site in Virginia.

                  The pond was created when the stream was dammed, originally in the 17th
             century. Presently, the rare plants and noteworthy communities are dependent
             upon the continued maintenance of the dam.

                  Much of the upland surrounding the pond has been modified by residential
             and agricultural activities, but the wetland vegetation remains relatively
             intact. Regular mowing and limited dredging activities currently affect part
             of the pond shore. To benefit the rare plants present, these activities
             should be halted, or conducted only on a very limited or very infrequent
             basis.


             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The boundary includes the entire pond plus the
             upstream and upslope lands necessary. to maintain surface water quality and
             sufficient groundwater seepage.

                                                       32











           THREATS: Land bordering the west side of the pond is currently for sale, and
           residential development seems imminent. Such development would likely be
           accompanied by pond shore perturbations such as boat dock construction,
           dredging, or clearing of the native vegetation. These activities would have a
           negative impact on the many rare plant species present at the site. The peat
           mat is quite fragile and foot travel through the wetland can leave a lasting
           trail of altered soil and vegetation. At present this appears to have little
           or no effect on the rare plant populations, but frequent visits by large
           groups of botanists and wildflower enthusiasts should be discouraged.

           MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The dam should be monitored and, if necessary,
           repaired to ensure the continued existence,of the pond'and the rare species.

           CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned. Henry Fuller resides at the
           site.


           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:    Protection is urgently needed.






































                                                 33









                                                                                  COARDS BRANCH POND







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                                                                                                         34











                                                   MUTTON HUNK FEN



             SIZE:        ca. 121 Acres                    BIODIVERSITY RANK:      B2


             LOCALITY:    Accomack County

             QUADRANGLE:  Bloxom                           QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707575

             LOCATION:    The site lies approximately I    mile east-northeast of Metomkin along
               I
             Mutton Hunk  Branch.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE             VA     ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS     LECAL   OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS  RANK



             communities:
             Oligotrophic Saturated Scrub                          G2?     Sl       -       -     AB
             Oligotrophic Saturated Herbaceous Vegetation          G2?     Sl       -       -     CD

             plants:
             Erigeron vernus            White-top Fleabane         G5      S2       -       -     B
             Eriocaulon decangulare     Ten-angle Pipewort         G5      S2       -       -     B
             Eleocharis rostellata      Beaked Spikerush           C5      S2       -       -     B
             Eleocharis halophila       Salt-marsh Spikerush       C4      S1       -       -    'A
             Rhynchospora alba          White Beakrush             G5      Sl       -       -    BC
             Utricularia juncea         Southern Bladderwort       G5      S2       -       -     C
             Juncus pelocarpus          Brown-fruited Rush         G5,     Sl       -       -     C


             SITE DESCRIPTION: This site contains the greatest concentration        of rare
             plants found the Eastern Shore. All of the rarities occur in a linear strip
             of bog-like vegetation situated between salt marsh and upland forest. The
             wetland receives a constant supply of cold groundwater seepage, and-muck soils
             predominate. Such wetlands are referred to as "sea-level fens". They are
             extremely rore.

                  Mutton Hunk Fen is significant not only for the number of rare species
             present but because of the site'   s biogeographic importance. Prior to 1991 and
             this inventory, Brown-fruited Rush was not known to occur south of Maryland.
             Mutton Hunk now represents the new southern range limit for the species.
             Similarly, Titi is a southern shrub never before documented north of
             southeastern Virginia. Mutton Hunk Fen marks the new northern range limit for
             this species; it occurs nowhere else on the Delmarva.

             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:     The boundary includes the small significant wetland
             plus up-slope and upstream lands necessary to protect the supply and quality
             of groundwater seepage. The adjacent salt marsh and tidal creek are also
             included.


                                                       35










            THREATS: Development of upslope land could alter the quality or quantity of
            the groundwater seepage. Also, over-collection of the rare and interesting
            plants is a real concern. Botanists should refrain from specimen collection
            here because several of the species occur as very small populations.

            MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The wetland and the rare plant populations appear
            to require no active management. However, storm tides during the growing ,
            season might inundate this area with salt water, the effect of which is not
            known and should be determined.


            CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned and unprotected.

            PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:  Protection is urgently needed for this highly
            significant site.










































                                                 36










                                                                                    MWON ITUNK FEN







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                                                                                                  37









                                                 ASSAWOMAN CREEK



             SIZE:        ca. 68 Acres                     BIODIVERSITY RANK:      B2


             LOCALITY:    Accomack County

             QUADRANGLE:  Bloxom                           QUADRANGLE CODE: 3707575

             LOCATION:    The site is located along the   west side of Assawoman Creek, south     of
             Petit Branch.


                                     NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES SUMMARY TABLE


                                                                 GLOBAL STATE           VA      ELEMENT
                                                                 RARITY RARITY USFWS    LEGAL   OCCURRENCE
             SCIENTIFIC NAME            COMMON NAME              RANK    RANK    STATUS  STATUS RANK


             community:
             Oligotrophic Saturated Scrub                         C2?     sl        -            B

             plants:
             Sclerolepis uniflora       one-flower Sclerolepis    G4      Sl        -            B
             Eleocharis rostellata      Beaked Spikerush          G5      S2        -            D
             Eriocaulon decangulare     Ten-angle Pipewort        C5      S2        -            B
             Erigeron vernus            White-top Fleabane        G5      S2        -            B


             ,SITE DESCRIPTION: This site supports an extremely      rare type of   wetland
             vegetation referred to as a "sea-level fen". The wetland is situated between
             salt marsh vegetation and upland forest. Groundwater seepage emerges from the
             base of the upland and flows through the wetland, forming an ecologically
             stressful, bog-like environment. Rare plants thrive in this wetland, perhaps
             because they face little competition from larger, more common plants which are
             poorly adapted to the harsh soil conditions. Trees such as Loblolly Pine and
             Red Maple, which achieve great stature in other wetlands, are here present as
             stunted and somewhat chlorotic individuals which fail to form a closed forest
             canopy.


                  Like the nearby Mutton Hunk Fen site, this site is extremely important
             from a biological diversity perspective. One-flowered Sclerolepis was not
             known to occur in Virginia until it was discovered here during the 1991
             inventory. Also, this site established a new northern range limit for the
             southern plant, White-top Fleabane.


             BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION:      The site encompasses the significant wetland,
             surrounding salt marsh, and the upslope lands necessary to protect the quality
             and quantity of groundwater seepage entering the wetland.

             THREATS: Upslope development is the primary threat to the site.


                                                      38









           MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: No active management of this site is needed.
           However, storm tides during the growing season might inundate this area with
           salt water, the effects of which are not known and should be determined.

           CURRENT STATUS: The site is privately owned and is unprotected.

           PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS:   This highly significant site should receive
           strong protection.



















































                                                 39










                                                                              ASSAWOMAN CREEK















                                                                                                                                    39






                                                                                                           j

                                                                 25

                                  !
                                   io
                                   er
                                                          u,                   8 M, 4 2'%


                                                         .7.                                                                              5
                                                                                               -IL

                                                                                                                           J


                                                                                                                         -4,



                                                                                          b,
                                                                     0/679'

                                 0





                                                                             immon     Point


                                                                                                                                7



                                                                                       36


                                                 r







                                                                                       SCALE 1:24000
                                                                                                0                                                         1 MILE


                                                   1000        0         1000       2000      3000       4000       5000       6000       7000 FEET

                                                            1                 5                 0                                   1 LOMETER


                                                                              CONTOUR INTERVAL 5 FEET
                                                                                DATUM IS MEAN SEA LEVEL




                                                                                                 40












                                              RECOMMENDATIONS



           1.    Participate fully in the development of local protection tools. Most of the
                 il natural areas described in this report are unprotected. The-Division of
                 Natural Heritage and the Council on the Environment will continue to seek the
                 advice and utilize the expertise of local officials in evaluating practical
                 and effective protection options. Also, continued field work is necessary to
                 refine site conservation planning boundaries and to identify new sites.

           2.    Include the Division of Natural Heritage in the review of projects in or near
                 natural areas.' The site boundaries contained in this report are provided for
                 planning purposes only, and are not regulatory in nature. As proposed
                 development projects.come before the localities, project maps should be
                 compared with the site maps in this report. The Natural Heritage staff offers
                 its knowledge and expertise in reviewing project proposals that may affect a
                 natural area. Since the early stages of the planning process typically offer
                 the greatest flexibility, it is important to contact the Natural Heritage
                 staff as soon as possible.



           3.    Expand public awareness of the need for protecting natural areas. Intensified
                 land use activities throughout the Eastern Shore have placed natural lands in
                 jeopardy. Natural areas not only provide biological diversity values, but
                 they also provide recreational opportunities for the public and add to the
                 quality of life in the region. The Nature Conservancy's Virginia Coast
                 Reserve and the recently established Kiptopeke State Park are bringing needed
                 attention to natural area values. A recent public opinion survey of 300 adult
                 citizens in Virginia indicated that 82% were in favor of land conservation.
                 Unprotected natural areas throughout the Eastern Shore can only benefit from
                 the increased awareness of natural area values - citizens are realizing that
                 inappropriate land use activities are steadily destroying their natural
                 heritage.

           4.    Increase-cooperation among pertinent organizations. Among the many groups
                 and individuals that should be involved are those that own, manage, or have
                 the authority to acquire'natural areas. One goal should be to develop
                 stronger ties among federal, state, local and private interests involved in
                 the protection or management of natural lands.

           5.    Properly manage natural areas. The first step is to develop management
                 programs for public and private conservation lands. The Department of
                 Conservation and Recreation can assist local agencies in developing management
                 plans. The Department's Division of Natural Heritage is interested in working
                 with other agencies and organizations to conduct research and develop
                 techniques for maintaining or restoring natural areas.







                                                    41












                                             LITERATURE CITED



           Brown, M.J. and G.C. Craver. 1985. Forest statistics for the Coastal Plain of
           Virginia, 1985. Resour. Bull. SE-80. Ashville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
           Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 53 pp.

           Rawinski, T.J. 1992. A classification of Virginia's indigenous biotic communities:
           vegetated terrestrial, palustrine, and estuarine community classes. Natural Heritage
           Tech. Rep. 92-21, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of
           Natural Heritage, Richmond. 25 pp.

           Thompson, M.T. 1991. Forest statistics for the Coastal Plain of Virginia. Resour.
           Bull. SE-122. Ashville, NC: U.S. Depar'tment od Agriculture, Forest Service,
           Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 52 pp.







































                                                    42











                                                APPENDIX I
0














 0












 0                                                                                 . 1
                                                     43


























                   A CLASSIFICATION OF VIRGINIA'S INDIGENOUS BIOTIC COMMUNITIES:
                VEGETATED TERRESTRIAL, PALUSTRINE, AND ESTUARINE COMMUNITY CLASSES













                                                by







                                        Thomas J. Rawinski






                                   Division of Natural Heritage
                            Department of Conservation and Recreation
                                       Main Street Station
                                 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 312
                                      Richmond, VA    23219











                            Natural Heritage Technical Report   92-21

                                            May 1, 1992











                                                        CONTENTS


                                                                                                        Page


               INTRODUCTION   .................................................................             I


               CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES AND METHODS        ........................................        I
                The Terrestrial System      ......................................................          3
                The Estuarine System     ........................................................           4
                The Palustrine System     .......................................................           5

               CONCLUDING REMARKS     ...........................................................           6


               LITERATURE CITED   ...............................................................           7


               ï¿½ KEY TO TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITY CLASSES        .......................................        8


               ï¿½ KEY TO ESTUARINE COMMUNITY CLASSES       .........................................         9


               ï¿½ KEY TO PALUSTRINE COMMUNITY CLASSES      ..........................................     10


               APPENDICES
               Terrestrial System
                Tl: Character- species of the eutrophic forest class          ........................   13
                T2: Conditional character-species of the permesotrophic forest class              ....... 14
                T3: Conditional character- species of mesotrophic classes           ...................  15
                T4: Conditional character -species of submesotrophic classes            ................ 16
                T5: Conditional character -species of oligotrophic cla:Isses         ..................  17,

               Estuarine Syste
                El: Character-species of vegetated classes within the estuarine system               ..... 18

               Palustrine Syste
                Pl: Character- species of eutrophic saturated classes          .......................   19
                P2: Conditional character-species of       oligotrophic saturated classes        ........ 20
                P3: Conditional character-species of eutrophic semipermanently flooded
                    classes   ................................................................           21
                P4: Conditional character-species of oligotrophic semipermanently flooded
                    classes   .......................... ........... .........................           22.
                P5: Conditional character- species of eutrophic seasonally -flooded classes ..23
                P6: Conditional character-species of oligotrophic seasonally flooded
                    classes   ........... I .....................................................        24
                P7  Conditional character- species of the submergent/floating- leaved class ..25










             INTRODUCTION:


                  The goal of this work is to create a framework for understanding and
             classifying Virginia's indigenous biotic communities. Achieving this goal has
             direct bearing on the success of the Division of Natural Heritage whose mission
             is to document the status, distribution, and ecology of native species and their
             habitats in the Commonwealth, protect these living resources by way of a system
             of natural area preserves, and provide information and technical advice to
             individuals, organizations, andagencies. Community classification and inventory
             represents a "coarse-filter" approach to biological conservation which secures
             the protection of a vast number of cryptic or poorly known species. Also, it
             brings needed attention to the aesthetic, scientific, and ecosystem function
             values of natural communities. The present draft of the classification deals
             with communities supporting vascular plant species within the Terrestrial,
             Palustrine and Estuarine Systems.       It supplants appropriate sections of an
             earlier Division of Natural Heritage classification (Rawinski, 1990).



             CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES AND METHODS:


                  A classification system is an organized form of cataloging based on fixed
             principles. Community classifications vary widely, largely because principles
             vary in accord with classification purposes. The ultimate purpose of this effort
             is to name, describe, and differentiate Associations - the basic systematic
             units.   Unfortunately, these units have not yet been identified because of
             insufficient information. However, the upper levels of a hierarchy, described
             here, will help partition the great diversity of the natural world into logical
             units; this in turn will help us identify and understand relationships among
             the Associations. The hierarchical levels within the final draft of the Virginia
             classification will likely be:

             SYSTEM
               CLASS
                 ALLIANCE
                    ASSOCIATION
                        SUBASSOCIATION.


                  Communities of life are inextricably associated with the physical
             environment, and ignoring edaphic-ecological factors when constructing a
             "community" classification is difficult. When classifications use biotic and
             abiotic factors to differentiate the basic systematic units (e.g. Reschke, 1990;
             Schafale and Weakley, 1990), these units are best characterized as "ecosystems",
             or "ecosystem units". In the Virginia classification, the basic systematic units
             - the Associations - will be differentiated entirely on the basis of their
             biological characteristics, with edaphic-ecological factors used in a
             complementary manner.     Consequently, this draft of the Virginia community
             classification does not require any prior formal or ad hoc classification of
             physiographic region, landform, or habitat.      It also avoids the use of terms
             such as bog, marsh, and fen in community names because such terms tend to vary
             in meaning, or reflect an ecosystem or landform approach to classification.
             Judging by my use of  edaphic-ecological terms in Class names, one might assume









             that an ecosystem or landform approach was used; this is not the case.        Each
             Class was defined on the basis of a specified floristic comRosition. Ideally,
             the Classes should have been named using a few diagnostic plant taxa, but because
             each Class encompassed many different kinds of vegetation, this was not possible.

                 Unavoidably, this classification focuses on vegetation, but it should not
             be viewed as simply a plant community classification. Among all forms of life,
             vascular plants are the easiest to work with because they are large and
             conspicuous, immotile, and superbly reflect subtle environmental conditions and
             site history. Classifying plant communities is therefore the key to describing
             and delimiting a full range of habitats utilized by animal and microbial life,
             at least within the vegetated Terrestrial, Palustrine, and Estuarine Systems.
             Principles ofvegetation classification, namely those articulated by Westhoff
             and van der Maarel (1973) in their discussion of the Braun-Blanquet approach to
             community classification, are followed in the Virginia classification:

             9 "Plant communities are conceived as types of vegetation, recognized by their
               floristic composition. The.full species compositions of communities better
               express their relationships to one another and environment than any other
               characteristic.

             9. Amongst the species that makeup the floristic composition of a community,
               some are more sensitive expressions of a given relationship than others. For
               practical classification (and indication of environment) the approach seeks
               to use those species whose ecological relationships make them most effective
               indicators; these are diaknostic sRecies (character- species, differential-
               species, and constant companions).

             9 Diagnostic species are used to organize communities into a hierarchical
               classificatio of which the association is the basic unit. The vast
               information with which phytosociologists deal must, of necessity, be thus
               organized; and the hierarchy is not merely necessary but invaluable for the
               understanding and communication of community relationships that it makes
               possible."

                 Character- species are more or less restricted to the stands of a given
             abstract community type, and: therefore characterize it and indicate its
             environment (Westhoff and van der @aarel, 1973). These species may be used to
             identify syntaxa (named communities) within several levels of a classification
             hierarchy, from Subassociation to Class.      Use of character- species is an
             extremely powerful tool in community classification, but very few plant species
             show strong fidelity to a given syntaxon, and this fact has seemed to hinder
             efforts to apply the Braun-Blanquet classification approach in eastern United
             States where the influential work of Whittaker (1953, 1962) and others emphasized
             continuous change in community composition along environmental gradients,
             resulting from the individualistic nature of species populations.

                 Continuous compositional change along environmental gradients does not,
             however, preclude the use of the Braun-Blanquet classification approach, and in
             fact continuous and predictablg compositional change can be used to great




                                                    2








             advantage.    As long as species response along environmental and community
             gradients is reasonably well understood, character-species and certain
             dif f erential- species may be used to classify communities. Dif f erential- species
             are usually used to define only lower syntaxa (Westhoff and van der Maarel,
             1973), but I have broadened their use and meaning to define Class-level syntaxa.
             To reflect the broadened application of the dif f erential.: species concept, I
             refer to these species as "conditional character- species". These plants closely
             resemble true character-species in their ability to identify various syntaxa,
             but their diagnostic ability is conditional on the absence of certain other
             species. Referring to these plantsas "conditional character-species" and
             arranging them in a sequence reflecting a communi        'ty gradient bring a more
             intuitive level of understanding to the classification approach, and facilitate
             the production of dichotomous keys.


             The Terrestrial Syste

                  To generate Classes within the Terrestrial System, trophic (nutrient) regime
             was identified as a major environmental gradient affecting floristic composition
             and community gradients. Five trophic regime descriptors were selected:

             1) eutrophic
             2) permesotrophic
             3) mesotrophic
             4) submesotrophic, and
             5) oligotrophic.

             Using floras, published and unpublished community literature, specimen label
             data, plot data, personal knowledge of plant habitat preference, and interviews
             with a number of botanists, I first generated a list of those plants restricted
             to the richest, soil environments. These,are true character -species and they are,
             almost without exception, instantly diagnostic of eutrophic communities. This
             method of selecting diagnostic species was very similar to that used by Reed
             (1988) who reviewed many floras and consulted with experts to generate lists of
             plant species diagnostic of wetland conditions. When the eutrophic indicators
             are not @resent in a give      stand, other plants, the "conditional character-
             species", may become diagnostic of permesotrophic communities.        These species
             have diagnostic qualities only when the eutrophic indicators are absent. Note
             that permesotrophic indicators may occur within eutrophic communities, but
             eutrophic indicators cannot occur in permesotrophic communities; the response
             of species populations along this community gradient is therefore unidirectional.

                  In the absence of both eutrophic and permesotrophic indicators, other plants
             become diagnostic of mesotrophic communities.        Similarly, in the absence of
             eutrophic, permesotrophic, and mesotrophic indicators, certain plants become
             diagnostic of submesotrophic communities.         Stands lacking the eutrophic,
             permesotrophic, mesotrophic, and subm    'esotrophic indicators are classified as
             oligotrophic if any of the oligotrophic indicators are present.             Finally,
             anomalous stands lacking the oligotrophic indicators may be assigned to a given
             class using other factors, e.g. soils, or simply called "unclassified".



                                                       3











                  Superimposed on the above trophic regime gradient is a light regime
            gradient. For this reason the mesotrophic, submesotrophic, and oligotrophic
            indicators were arranged by their relative shade tolerance. Stands containing
            only shade tolerant species will likely be forests, while stands supporting
            moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species will likely be woodland,
            scrub, or herbaceous -dominated types. The exception to this rule is applied to
            a short-term successional stage of vegetation resulting from infrequent or
            unusual episodes of disturbance. For example, a blown-down forest now dominated
            by blackberry should still be classified as forest despite the absence of trees.
            While this may seem awkward, it is a pragmatic solution to a difficult
            classification problem. Open-canopy vegetation maintained over the long-term
            through frequent disturbance (e.g. frequent fire, seasonal flood scour, repeated
            exposure to severe winds) should be regarded as distinct structural-floristic
            Classes. -Implicit in the distinction between infrequent and frequent disturbance
            is the notion that the history of frequent disturbance has allowed light-
            demanding plants to persist at the site over a long period of time. There will
            certainly be instances in which disturbance factors cannot readily be
            characterized as infrequent or frequent, and in these cases I recommend the
            recognition of distinct structural- floristic Classes; this is a conservative
            measure that ensures that poorly known or problematic communities are not
            dismissed as seral stages. Users of this classification should be aware that
            the shade tolerant plants identified in the lists can occur in semi-forested and
            non-forested communities, but the shade intolerant plants will rarely, if ever,
            be found in forests. This implies another unidirectional gradient.

                 Eutrophic and permesotrophic woodland, scrub, and herbaceous vegetation
            will most often be the result of infrequent disturbance, such as blow-down. No
            light-demanding plants faithful to these nutrient regimes could be identified.
            Open canopy eutrophic and permesotrophic communities are therefore not recognized
            as distinct Classes at the present time, but rather as seral stages of the
            forests.    If future field work documents naturally occurring open canopy
            eutrophic and permesotrophic communities in Virginia, the classification can be
            adjusted accordingly.

                 Lists of character-species and conditional character-species were derived
            from the Atlas of the Virginia,Flora (Harvill et al., 1986), but nomenclature
            followed Kartesz and Kartesz (1980). A species was selected for a list only if
            its habitat preference was reasonably well known, and if it had distinct
            diagnostic value for the purpose of the classification.          Approximately 900
            diagnostic species were selected. Species of wide ecological tolerance, such
            as those growing in both upland and wetland soils, were generally excluded from
            consideration; they did not meet fidelity criteria at the System level. Some
            of the excluded species will, however, have diagnostic value in differentiating
            the lower syntaxa when these are classified in the future.


            The Estuarine Syste

                 Halophytes were used to define vegetated classes within the Estuarine
            System.  A very few of the species also occur in inland saline wetlands;,such
            wetlands should  be classified within the Palustrine System for the time being
            and regarded as  a rare, or anomalous condition.

                                                      4









              The Palustrine System:

                   Classes within the Palustrine System were identified throug, h the character-
              species/conditional character-species approach. I have not supplied detailed
              instructions for separating the Palustrine System from the Terrestrial because
              in most cases this difference will be'readily apparent. However, when dealing
              with problematic transitional zones, I refer the user to Reed's (1988) list of.
              plant species that occur in Northeaster-n wetlands.      Only those plants with,
              indicator status of Obligate or Facultative Wetland should be regarded as
              diagnostic of the Palustrine System, for the purpose of the Virginia
              classification. If necessary, other factors such as soils or flooding regime
              may also be used to assign stands to the Palustrine System.       The Palustrine
              System of the Virginia classification has a broader definition than that used
              in Cowardin et al. (1979). The Virginia definition includes all freshwater (to
              oligohaline) wetland and aquatic environments supporting non-halophytic vascular,
              plant life, thereby encompassing parts of Cowardin's Lacustrine, Riverine, and
              Estuarine Systems. Note that the Cowardin definition of the Estuarine System
              relies upon an average salinity measure (0.5 ppt.), and not halophytic plants,
              to define the upstream or landward limit of the System.         Determining this
              salinity measure in the field is difficult, and as a consequence, some wetlands
              classified within Cowardin's Estuarine System support non-halophytic vegetation.

                   Hydrologic regime was identified as a major factor influencing floristic
              composition at the Class level.       Four hydrologic regime descriptors were
              subsequently identified:

              1) saturated,
              2) seasonally flooded,
              3) semipermanently flooded (including permanently flooded environments supporting
                 emergents), and
              4) permanently flooded (lacking emergents).

              These descriptors were derived from Cowardin et al. (1979), but I've given'
              numbers 2 and 3 broader meaning. Number 2 encompasses Cowardin's temporarily
              flooded category, while number 3 includes the intermittently exposed category
              and any permanently flooded environments supporting emergent vegetation. This
              was done out of practical necessity; too often the Cowardin hydrologic regime
              categories cannot be recognized in the field. Description number 4 also deviates
              from the Cowardin definition in the sense that it is exclusively reserved for
              those permanently flooded environments lacking emergents, i.e. communities
              composed entirely of submergents and/or floating-leaved species.

                   Plant species indicative   of trophic regime were also used to generate
              Classes within the Palustrine System. Unlike the Terrestrial System, where five
              trophic regime levels were identified, only two trophic regime levels were
              selected for use in the Palustrine System. This difference in approach seemed
              unavoidable, given the fact that fewer plant species were strictly diagnostic
              of trophic regime within the Palustrine System.         The two trophic regime
              descriptors were:

              1) oligotrophic, and
              2) eutrophic.








             Note that the each of the above terms now connotes a relatively wide range of
             fertility conditions; use of these terms in the Terrestrial System is   much more
             restrictive.   While this might cause some confusion, it maintains a level of
             nomenclatural continuity between Systems.

                  Lists of character- species and conditional character- species serve to
             identify and differentiate Classes within the Palustrine System.     As with the
             Terrestrial System, some of the lists are subdivided in      "to shade tolerant,
             moderately shade tolerant, and shade intolerant species to aid in distinguishing
             the various structural types.

                  Keys to the Classes of the Terrestrial, Estuarine, and Palustrine Systems
             were developed. The character-species and conditional character-species that
            ,need to be examined when using the keys are given in appendices.



             CONCLUDING REMARKS:


                  Character- species and conditional character- species play an important role
             in the classification of Virginia's indigenous vegetation.      Relatively large
             lists of these species have been generated, and most stands of natural vegetation
             can be readily classified to the level of Class using this approach. The basic
             requirement is that a reasonably complete species list from a representative
             sample of the vegetation is collected and interpreted using the keys.
             Recommended plot size for forests and woodlands is 400 sq. m., and for scrub and
             herbaceous communities, 100 sq. m.      As stand data sets accumulate and are
             analyzed, the Associations should become apparent.

                  The lists of character- species and conditional character- species ser-ve
             another important purpose. They give an indication of the classification and
             inventory work which lies ahead.    Each listed species-needs to be observed in
             the field, and recorded as a component of a given community. This will ensure
             complete coverage of the final draft classification. Refinements and suggestions
             are definitely needed, and in fact, I eagerly await word of any unusual
             communities that aren't readily classified under the present system. Natural
             vegetation is exceedingly complex and trying to make sense of it using feeble
             human constructs will no doubt be a long, frustrating, and humbling endeavor.

















                                                     6











             LITERATURE CITED:


             Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
             wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. U.S. Dept.,
             of the Interior, Fish and Wildl. Serv. Washington, D.C. 103 pp.

             Harvill, A.M. Jr., T.R. Bradley, C.E. Stevens, T.F. Wieboldt, D.M.E. Ware, and
             D.W. Ogle. 1986. Atlas of the Virginia Flora. Second Edition. Virginia Botanical
             Associates, Farmville. 135 pp.

             Kartesz, J.T. and R. Kartesz. 1980. A. Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora
             of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. University of North Carolina Press,
             Chapel Hill.'498 pp.

             Rawinski, T.J. 1990. A classification        of Virginia's indigenous biotic
             communities: Phase 1. Upper levels of the hierarchy. unpublished rep. on file
             with the Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation,. Division of Natural
             Heritage. Richmond. 11 pp.

             Reed, P.B. Jr. 1988. National list of plant species that occur in wetlands:
             Northeast (Region 1). U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 88(26.1). 111 pp.

             Reschke, C. 1990.. Ecological communities of New York State. New York Natural
             Heritage Program, Latham. 96 pp.

             Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities
             of North Carolina. Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
             Raleigh. 325 pp.

             Westhoff, V. and E. van der Maarel. 1973. The Braun-Blanquet approach. In:
             Handbook of Vegetation Science (Ed. R.H. Whittaker), vol. 5, 616-726. Junk, Den
             Haag.

             Whittaker, R.H. 1953. A consideration of climax theory; the climax as a
             population and pattern. Ecol. Monogr. 23:41-78.

             Whittaker, R.H. 1962. Classification of natural communities. Bot. Rev. 28:1-239.


















                                                     7












          A KEY TO VEGETATED TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITY CLASSES
          010te: ALL Class names are understood to represent the Terrestrial System).

          a. Eutrophic character-species (Appendix T1) present.                    . . . . .      [EUITROPHIC FOREST]
          a. Eutrophic character-species absent.

           b. Permesotrophic  conditional character-species (Appendix T       present.            CPERMESOTROPHIC FOREST]
           b. Permesotrophic conditional character-species absent.

            C. Mesotrophic conditional character-species (Appendix T3) oresent.

              d. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species (Appendices T3, T4, & TS)
                   present and conspicuous; woodland, scrub and herbaceous communities.

              e. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
                   gaps exist among tree crowns.        . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 EMESOTROPHIC WOOOLANDI
              e. Trees absent or cover less than 5% of the area.


                f. Woody species between 1 and 6 m tail (scrub) cover more than 5%
                   of the area.     . . . .                                  . . . . . .          EMESOTROPHIC SCRUB]
                f. Scrub vegetation absent or c;ver's *Les; th*an*5%*of'the" area;
                   herbaceous species prevalent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                    EMESOTROPHIC HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

              d. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
                   inconspicuous; trees form a more or.Less continuous cover; forest.             EMESOTROPHIC FOREST]

            C. Mesotrophic conditional character-species absent.

              g. Submesotrophic conditional character-species (Appendix T4) present.

              h. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species (Appendices T4 & T5)
                   present and conspicuous; woodland, scrub and herbaceous communities.

                i. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
                   gaps exist among tree crowns.        . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 [SUBMESOTROPHIC WOODLAND]
                i. Trees absent or cover less than 5% of the area.


                   Woody species between 1 and 6 m tail (scrub) cover more than 5%
                   of the area.      . . .                                 -     . . . . .        [SUBMESOTROPHIC  SCRUB]
                   Scrub vegetation absent o; c;ve;s Les; th*an'5%*of'the a;ea;
                   herbaceous species prevalent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                    [SUBMESOTROPHIC  HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

              h. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
                   inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.             ESUBMESOTROPHIC FOREST]

              g. Submesotrophic conditional character-species absent.

              k. Otigotrophic conditional character-species (Appendix T5) Present.

                L. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species present and
                   conspicuous; woodland, scrub and herbaceous communities.

                M. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
                   gaps exist among tree crowns.         - .   "  . . . . . . . . . .             COLIGOTROPHIC WOODLAWDI
                m. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


                   n. Woody species between I and 6 m tail (scrub) cover more than 5%
                    of the area.    . . . .      *  .         *  - ' ' '               ' ' *      COLIGOTROPHIC SCRUB]
                   n. Scrub vegetation absent or covers less than 5% of the ;re;,
                    herbaceous species prevalent.      . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  COLIGOTROPHIC HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

                L. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
                   inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest   . . .      COLIGOTROPHIC FOREST]

              k. OLigotrophic indicators absent. Use other factors (e.g. soils) to
                   assign the stand to one of the above classes. If this isn't possible,
                   refer *to the stand as:       . . . . . . . .                                 @EUNCLASSIFIED TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITY]






                                                           7@












      A KEY TO VEGETATED ESTUARINE COMMUNITY CLASSES



      a. Estuarine character-species (Appendix El) present.

      b. Woody species between 1 and 6 m. talL.(scrub) cover more than 5%
        of the area .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CESTUARINE SCRU81


      b. Scrub vegetation absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.

       c. Herbaceous species other than submergents present . . . . . . . . .[ESTUARINE HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

       c. The only vascular plants present are submergents such as
         Ruppia maritima and Zostera marina. . . . . . . . . . . . . .[ESTUARINE SUBMERGENT VEGETATION]

     a. Estuarine character-species absent. Consider whether the stand
        could be classified using the Patustrine System key, or refer to the
        stand as: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   [UNCLASSIFIED ESTUARINE COMMUNITY]













          KEYS TO THE VEGETATED PALUSTRINE COMMUNITY CLASSES
          (Note: ALL Class names are understood to represent the Palustrine System. Also, use of the terms,       eutrophic and oligotrophic,
          is in the broad sense, each term encompassing roughly half of the range of community trophic conditions).


        .Character-species indicating saturated, eutrophic conditions
          (Appendix Pl) present.                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                     EUTROPHIC SATURATED
                                                                                                  Key P1

          Conditional character-species indicating saturated, otigotrophic
          conditJons (Appendix P2) present.       . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                     OLIGOTROPHIC SATURATED
                                                                                                  Key P2

          Conditional character-species indicating semipermanently flooded,
          eutrophic conditions (Appendix P3) present.                 . . . . . . . .             EUTROPHIC SENIPER14ANENTLY FLOODED
                                                                                                  Key P3

          Conditional character-species indicating semipermanentLy flooded,
          oLigotrophic conditions (Appendix P4) present.       . . . . . . . . . .                OLIGOTROPHIC SEMIPER14ANENTLY FLOODED
                                                                                                  Key P4

          Conditional character-species indicating seasonally fLooded,
          eutraphic conditions (Appendix PS) present.                       . . . . . .           EUTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                                  Key P5

          Conditional character-species indicating seasonally flooded,
          otigotrophic conditions (Appendix P6) present.       . . . . . . . . . .                OLIGOTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED
                                                                                                  Key P6

          Conditional character-species indicating permanently flooded
          conditions (Appendix P7) present (submergent/fLoating-teaved
          vegetation).      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                             ESUBMERGENT/FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION]


          None of the above species present. Use other factors to
          assign the stand to a Class. If this isn't possible,
          refer to the stand as:     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                          [UNCLASSIFIED PALUSTRINE COMMUNITY]














































                                                                           10










         Key Pl: Eutrophic Saturated


          a. Moderately shade toterant or shade intolerant species (Appendices PI & P2)
             present.and conspicuous;-woodtand, scrub, and herbaceous communities.,

          b. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
             gaps exist among tree crowns.       . . . . . . . . . . . .                 CEUTROPHIC SATURATED WOODLAND]
          b. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


           c. Woody species between I and 6 m. tall (scrub) cover more than 5%
              of the area.       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       (EUTROPHIC SATURATED SCRUB]
           c. Scrub vegetation absent or covers Less than 5% of the area;
              herbaceous species prevalent.      . . . . . . . ... . . .                 [EUTROPHIC SATURATED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

         a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade   intolerant species absent or
            inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.           (EUTROPHIC SATURATED FOREST]





        Key P2: Otigotrophic Saturated


         a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species present and
            conspicuous; woodland, scrub, and herbaceous communities.

          b. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
             gaps exist among tree crowns.       . . . . . . . . . . . .                 COLIGOTROPHIC SATURATED WOODLAND]
          b. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


           c. Woody species between 1 and 6 m. taLl (scrub) cover more than 5%
              of the area.       . . . . . .                                             [OLIGOTROPHIC SATURATED SCRUB]
           c. Scrub vegetation absent or covers             % f h
                                                 Less t*han 5' o* t** ;re;,
              herbaceous species prevalent.      . . . . . . . . . . . .                 COLIGOTROPHIC SATURATED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

         a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
            inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.           COLIGOTROPHIC SATURATED FOREST3





        Key P3: Eutrophic SemipermanentLy Flooded


         a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species (Appendices P3 & P4
            present and conspicuous; woodland, scrub, and herbaceous communities.

          b. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
             gaps exist among tree crowns.         . . . . . . . . . . .                 CEUTROPHIC SEMIPERMANENTLY FLOODED WOODLAND]
          b. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


           c. Woody species between 1 and 6 m. tall (scrub) cover more than 5%
              of the area.                               . . . . . . . . .               CEUTROPNIC SEMIPER14AMENTLY FLOODED SCRUB]
           c. Scrub vegetation absent ;r ;ov;rs*te;s ;han 5%
              of the area; herbaceous species prevalent.      . . .      CEUTROPHIC SE141PERMANENTLY FLOODED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

         a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
            inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.           EEUTROPHIC SEMIPERMAMENTLY FLOODED FOREST]










             Key P4: Otigotrophic SemipermanentLy Flooded


             a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant     species present and
                 conspicuous; woodland, scrub, and herbaceous communities.

             b. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
                 gaps exist among tree drowns.        . . . . . . . . . . . .                    IOLIGOTROPHIC SEMIPERKANENTLY FLOODED WOODLAND]
             b. Trees absent or cover less than 5% of the area.


             c. Woody species between 1    and 6 m. tall (scrub) cover more than 5%
                 of the area.           . . .                                                    [OLIGOTROPHIC SEMIPERKANENTLY FLOODED SCRUB]
             c. Scrub vegetation absent    or cov;rs*te;s ihan 5%*
                 of the area; herbaceous   species prevalent.      . . .        COLIGOTROPHIC,SEMIPERMANENTLY FLjOODED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

             a. ModerateLy shade tolerant  or shade intolerant species absent or
                 inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.              COLIGOTROPHIC SEMIPERMANENTLY FLOODED FOREST]






             Key P5: Eutrophic Seasonally Flooded


             a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intoLerant species (AppendicesP5 & P6)
                 present and conspicuous; woodland, scrub, and herbaceous communities.

             b. Trees present (covering at Least 5% of the area), but significant
                 gaps exist among tree crowns.       . . . . . . . . . . . .                     CEUTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED WOODLAND]
             b. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


             c. Woody species between 1 and 6 m. tall (scrub) cover more than 5%
                 of the area.           . . . . . .                                              [EUTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED SCRUB]
             c. Scrub vegetation absent or covers Less ;han 5%*
                 of the area; herbaceous species prevalent.                      [EUTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

             a. Moderately shade tolerant or shade intolerant species absent or
                 inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous cover; forest.              [EUTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED FOREST3





             Key P6: Oligotrophic Seasonally Flooded


             a. ModerateLy shade toterant or shade intolerant species present and
                 conspicuous; woodland, scrub, and herbaceous communities.

             b. Trees present (covering at least 5% of the area), but significant
                 gaps exist among tree crowns.       . . . . . . . . . . . .                     [OLIGOTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED WOODLAND]
             b. Trees absent or cover Less than 5% of the area.


             c. Woody species between 1    and 6 m. tall (scrub) cover more than 5%
                 of the area.                                                                    COLIGOTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED SCRUB]
             c. Scrub vegetation absent    or covers Le;, ihan* 5%'
                 of the area; herbaceous   species prevalent.      . . .        COLIGOTROPHIC SEASONALLY-FLOODED HERBACEOUS VEGETATION]

             a. Moderately shade tolerant  or shade intoLerant species absent or
                 inconspicuous; trees form a more or Less continuous.cover; forest.              COLIGOTROPHIC SEASONALLY FLOODED FOREST3











                                                                               12











          Appendix Tl Character-species of the eutrophic forest class

          SHADE TOLERANT

          Acer nigrum
          Blephila citiata
          Carex albursina
          Carex careyana
          Carex hitchcockiana
          Carex plantaginea
          Diplazium pycnocarpon
          Dryopteris goldiana
          Erigenia bulbosa
          Erythronium albidum
          FLoerkea proserpinacoides
          Hydrophyllum macrophyllum
          Jeffersonia diphylla
          Matteuccia struthiopteris
          Meehania cordata
          Mertensia virginica
          MiLium effusum
          Phacelia bipinnatifida
          SmiLacina stellata
          Trillium cernuum
          Trillium sessile
          UvuLaria grandiflora


















































                                                                          13













            Appendix T2 Conditional character-species of the permesotrophic forest class



            SHADE TOLERANT


            Allium tricoccun
            Carex pedunculata
            Carex sparganioides
            Caulophyllum thalictroides
            Cherophyllum procumbens
            Delphiniun tricorne
            Dirrhena americana
            Dientra canadensis
            Dicentra cuculqlarqia
            Disporum macutatum
            Gymmoctadus dioica
            Hepatica nobilis v. acuta
            Hybanthus concolor
            Hydrastis canadensis
            Hyrophytium canadense
            Panax quinquefolqus
            Ohlox divaricata
            Phlox stolonifera
            Polemonium reptans
            Shizachne purpurascens
            Trillium grandiftorum
            Viola canadensis
            Viola rostrata
            Viola striata







																14



















































                                                                          14
 

Appendix T3 Conditional character-species of mesotrophic classes


SHADE TOLERANT						MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT

Acer floridanum						Adlumia fungosa
Aconitum reclinatum					Astragalus canadensis
Actaea pachypoda						Baptisia australis		
Adiantum pedatum						Blephilia hirsuta					
Allium canadense						Camassia scilloides
Aplectrum hyemale						Campanula americana				
Aralia racemosa						Carex oligocarpa				
Aristolochia macrophylla				Cassia marilandica					
Asarum canadense						Clematis accidentalis					
Asimina triloba						Eupatorium sessilifolium			
Astilbe biternata						Hackelia virginiana					
Batrychium virginianum					Hexalectris spicata				
Carex amphibola						lathyrus venosus					
Carex gracillima						Liathris spicata						
Carex jamesii						Onosmodium hispidissimum				
Cimicifuga americana					Oryzopsis racemosa				
Cimicifuga racemosa					Pycnanthemum incanum					
Claytonia caroliniana					Salvia urticifolia				
Claytonia virginica					Silphium terebinthinaceum			
Collinsonia canadensis					Solidago rigida					
Cryptotaenia canadensis					Uniola latifolia					
Dentaria diphylla						Zanthoxylum americanum				
Dentaria laciniata
Deparia acrostichoides
Desmodium cuspodatum
Desmodium glutinosum
Diphylleia cymosa
Dirca palustris
Dryopteris celsa
Festuca obtusa
Fraxinus quadrangulata
Galearis spectabilis
Geranium maculatum
Helianthis decapetalus
Hepatica nobilis v. obtusa
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Hystrix patula
Impatiens pallida
Lapatiens canadensis
Magnolia tripetala
Menispermum canadense
Mitella diphylla
Monarda clinopodia
Osmorhiza claytoni
Osmorhiza longistylis
Penstemon laevigatus
Polymnia canadensis
Polymnia uvedalia
Rubus odoratus
Rudbeckia laciniata
Sanguinaria Canadensis
Sanicula canadensis
Sanicula gregaria
Sanicula marilandica
Solidago flecicaulis
Staphylea trifolia
Thalictrum coriaceum
Thalictrum dioicum
Thelypteris hexagonoptera
Trilia heterophylla
Trillium sulcatum
Triosteum angustifolium
Triosteum aurantiacum
Triosteum perfoliatum

											
												15





























































Appendix T4 Conditional character-species of submesotrophic classes

SHADE TOLERANT			MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT		SHADE INTOLERANT

Acer saccharum			Agropyron trachycaulum
Ageratine altissima		Aquilegia canadensis
Anemone lancifolia		Arabis patens
Anemone virginiana		Aster infirmus				Aster grandiflorus
Angelica triquinata		Aster oblongifolius			Atriplex arenaria
Antennaria plantaginifolia	Aureolaria flava				Buchnera americana	
Arabis canadensis			Berberis canadensis			Cakile edentula
Arabis laevigata			Bouteloua curtipendula			Castilleja coccinea
Arisaema triphyllum		Bromus pubescens				Cirsium virginianum
Asclepias exaltata		Carex cephalophora			Coreopsis tripteris
Asclepias quadrifolia		Carex eburnea				Eryngium yuccifolium
Asplenium resiliens		Carex meadii				Helianthus angustifolius
Aster macrophyllus		Celastrus scandens			Helianthus astrorubens
Athyrium asplenioides		Clematis viorna				Polygonum glaucum
Betula papyrifera			Cornus rugosa				Psoralea psoralioides
Brachyeletrum erectum		Cuscuta rugosa				Salsola kali
Callicarpa americana		Cuscuta coryli				Sprorbolus asper
Calycanthus floridus		Cystopteris fragilis
Carex aestivalis			Echinacea laevigata
Carex digitalis			Fragaria vesca
Carex laxiculmis			Helianthus divaricatus
Carex lexiflora			Helianthus strumosus
Carex nigromarginata		Lithospermum canescens
Carex platyphylla			Lonicera dioica
Carex virescens			Muhlenbergia sobolifera
Carex willdenowii			Muhlenbergia tenuifolia
Carpinus caroliniana		Myosotis verna
Carya cordiformis			Parthenium auriculatum
Chrysogonum virginianum		Passiflora lutea
Clintonia umbellulata		Pellaea atropurpurea
Conopholis americana		Penstemon calycosus
Coreopsis auriculata		Penstemon hirsutus
Cornus alternifolia		Phacelia dubia
Cunilla origanoides		Polygala senega
Cymophyllus fraseri		Ranunculus fascicularis
Cynoglossum virginianum		Ranunculus micranthus
Dentaria heterophylla		Rhamnus caroliniana
Desmodium nudiflorum		Rudbeckia triloba
Desmodium pauciflorum		Silene virginica
Desmodium rotundifolium		Silphium trifoliatum
Dichanthelium latifolium	Solidago ulmifolia
Dioscorea villosa			Tradescantia ohiensis
Disporum lanuginosum		Viburnum rafinesquianum
Galium circaezans			Woodsia obtusa
Galium concinnum			Zizia aptera
Galium latifolium
Hedyotis purpurea
Heracleum lanatum
Hieracium paniculatum
Hydrangea arborescens
Ligusticum canadense
Liparis liliifolia
Lonicera canadensis
Luzula acuminata
Magnolia acumianta
Obolaria virginiaca
Ostrya virginiana
Oxalis violacea
Phyra leptostachya
Platanthera orbiculata
Platanthera viridis v. bracteata
Poa cuspidata
Podophyllum peltatum
Polygonatum biflorum
Polygonatum pubescens
Polystichum acrostichoides
Prenanthes alba
Pyrularia pubera
Scirpus verecundus
Sedum ternatum
Senecio obovatus
Silene stellata
Smilacina racemosa
Solidago arguta
Solidago causia
Solidago curtisii
Sphenopholis nitida
Stellaria pubera
Styrax americana
Taenidia integerrima
Taxus canadensis
Thalictrum thalictroides
Thaspium barbinode
Thaspium trifoliatum
Tiarella cordifolia
Uvularia perfoliata
Viburnum acerifolium
Viola hastata
Viola rotundifolia
Viola triloba




































































	Appendix 15 Conditional character-species of oligotrophic classes

	SHADE TOLERANT

	Acer pensylvaicum
	Amianthuium muscaetoxicum
	Antennaria virginica
	Asimina parviflora
	Aster acuminatus
	Aster divaricatus
	Betula lenta
	Buckleya distichophylla
	Carex brunnescens
	Carex debilis
	Carex pensylvanica
	Carya glabra
	Castanea dentata
	Castanea pumils
	Chamaelirium luteum
	Chimaphila maculata
	Chimaphila umbellata
	Clethra acuminata
	Clintonia borealis
	Comandra umbellata
	Convallaria montana
	Corallorhiza odontorhiza
	Coreopsis major
	Cypripedium acaule
	Deschampsia flexuosa
	Draba ramosissima
	Dryopteris campyloptera
	Dryopteris marginalis
	Epigaea repens
	Galax urceolata
	Gaultheria procumbens
	Goodyera pubescens
	Gymnocarpium dryopteris
	Hamamelis virginiana
	Hexastylis virginica
	Ilex vomitoria
	Isotria medeoloides
	Isotria verticillata
	Lycopodium annotinum
	Lycopodium clavatum
	Lycopodium digitatum
	Lycopodium obscurum
	Lycopodium obscurum v. dendroideum
	Lycopodium tristachym
	Lysimachia quadrifolia
	Malaxis unifolia
	Medeola virginiana
	Melampyrum lineare
	Melanthium hybridum
	Menziesisa pilosa
	Oxalis acetosella
	Oxydendrum arboreum
	Pieris floridbunda
	Polypodium virginanum
	Prenanthes trifotlata
	Pteridium aquillnum
	Quercus coccinea
	Quercus marilandica
	Quercus montana
	Quercus velutina
	Rhododendron calendulaceum
	Rhododendron periclymenoides
	Rhodeodendron prinophyllum
	Sassafras albidum
	Symplocos tinctoria
	Tiputaria discolor
	Trillium undulatum
	Tsusga caroliniana
	Uvularia pudica
	Uvularia sessilifolia
	Vaccinium arboreum
	Vaccinium elliottii
	Vaccinium erythracarpum
	Vaccinfum stamineum
	Vaccinium tenellum
	Viburnum tantapoides


	MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT
	Ageratina aromatica
	Allium cernuum
	Angelica venenosa
	Arabi serotina
	Aristida lanosa
	Aster linariifolius
	Aster undulatus
	Aureolaria laeviagta
	Aureolaria pedicularia
	Baptisia tinctoria
	Calamagrostis porteri
	Calystegia spithamaea
	Campanula divaricate
	Carex emmonsii
	Carex polymorpha
	Carex umbellata
	Carya pallida
	Centrosema virginianmu
	Cheilanthes lanose
	Chrysopsis gossypina
	Clematis albicoma
	Clematis ochroleuca
	Clematis viticaulis
	Cnindoscolus stimulosus
	Comptonia peregrina
	Coreopsis verticillata
	Danthonia compressa
	Desmodium paniculatum
	Dicentra eximia
	Diervilla lonicera
	Eriogonum alleni
	Euphorbia ipecacuanhae
	Galactia regularis
	Gaylussacia dumosa
	Gymnopogon ambiguus
	Helianthemum canadense
	Heuchera americana
	Iris verna
	Kuhnia eupatoriodies
	Liatris graminifolis
	Lilium philadelphicum
	Lupinus perennis
	Lycopodium prophilum
	Lycopodium selago
	Ophioglossum engelmannii
	Paronychia canadensis
	Paxistima canbyi
	Pinus echinata
	Pinus palustria
	Pinus pungens
	Pinus virginiana
	Pityopsis graminifolia
	Polyopsis graminifolia
	Polygonum cilinode
	Prenanthes roanensis
	Pseudotaenidia montana
	Pyxidanthera barbulata
	Quercus ilicifolia
	Quercus incana
	Quercus laevis
	Quercus margarettae
	Quercus virginiana
	Rhus aromatica
	Saxifrage michauxif
	Sedum telephioides
	Selaginella rupestris
	Senecio antennariifolius
	Senecio pauperculus
	Silene caroliniana
	Smilax tamnoides
	Solidago bicolor
	Solidago odora
	Solidago roanensis
	Sorbus americana
	Spiraea betulifolia ssp. corymbosa
	Sporobolus clandestinus
	Stipa avenacea
	Stylosanthes biflora
	Tephrosia virginana
	Tradescantia rosea v. graminea
	Trifolium virginicum
	Vaccinium angustifolium
	vaccinium crassifolium
	Vaccinium myrtilloides
	Viburnum rufidulum
	Viola pedata
	Woodsia ilvensis	
	Woodsia scopulina
	Zigadenus glaucus
	Zigadenus leimanthoides

	
	SHADE INTOLERANT

	Agrostis elliottiana
	Ammophila breviligulata
	Anaphalis margaritaccea
	Andropogon gerardii
	Arabis lyrata
	Aralia hispida
	Arctostaphylo uva-usi
	Aristida curtissii
	Aristida dichotoma
	Aristida purpurascens
	Aristida tuberculosa
	Asclepias amplexicaulis
	Asclepias verticillata
	Asplenium montanum
	Aster spectabilis
	Bulbostylis capillaris
	Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
	Carex silicea
	Carphephorus bellidifolius
	Carphephorus tomentosus
	Cenchrus tribuloides
	Cirsium horridulum
	Corydalis sempervirens
	Cyperus granitophilus
	Cyperus grayi
	Danthonia sericea
	Danthonia spicata
	Desmodium sessilifolium
	Desmodium strictum
	Diamorpha smallii
	Eragrostis hirsuta
	Eragrostis refracta
	Eragrostis spectabilis
	Euphorbia ammannioides
	Euphorbia polygonifolia
	Festuca octoflora
	Haplopappus divaricatus
	Helianthemum bicknellii
	Helianthus hirsutus
	Hudsonia tomentosa
	Isanthus brachiatus
	Juncus secundus
	Juniperus communis
	Krigia biflora
	Krigia montana
	Krigia virginica
	Lechea maritima
	Lechea racemulosa
	Lechea villose
	Leptoloma cognatum
	Liatris aspera
	Liatris turglde
	Manfrede virginica
	Minuartis glabra
	Minuartis groenlandica
	Minuartis michauxii
	Minuartia patula
	Muhlengbergia capillaris
	Muhlenbergia cuspidate
	Oenothera humifusa
	Opuntia humifusa
	Panicum amarulum
	Panicum amarum
	Paniucm flexile
	Paronychia argyrocoma
	Paronychia fasitgiate
	Paronychie riparia
	Polygale verticillata
	Polygonella articulata
	Polygonella polygame
	Portulaca smallii
	Potentilla tridentata
	Ruellia humilis
	Salis tristis
	Schizachyrium scoperium
	Scuteelaria parvule
	Silphium copositum
	Sisyrinchium albidum
	Solidago racemosa
	Solidago spathulata ssp. randii
	Spiranthes tuberose
	Sporoboulus vaginiflorus
	Stipulicida setacea
	Stylisma humistrate
	Talinum teretifolium
	Triplasis purpurea
	Unionla paniculata
	Zanthoxylum clav-herculis
	

		17










             Appendix El Character-species of vegetated classes within the estuarine system




             Agalinis maritima
             Aster tenuifolius
             Borrichia frutescens
             Distichtis spicata
             Fimbristylis castanea
             Iva frutescens
             Juncus gerardii
             Juncus roemerianus
             Kosteletzky virginica
             Lythrum Lineare
             Puccinellia  fasciculata
             Ruppia maritima
             Salicornia bigelovii
             Salicornia europea
             Salicornia virginica
             Scirpus maritimus
             Scirpus robustus
             Sesuvium maritimum
             Spartina alterniflora
             Spartina cynosuroides
             Spartina patens
             Spergularia marina
             Suaeda linearis
             Suaeda maritima
             Zostera marina





























































                                                                               18









            Appendix Pl Character-species of eutrophic saturated classes


            SHADE TOLERANT                            MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT                  SHADE INTOLERANT

                                                       Caltha palustris                           Acorus caliamus
            Carex scabrata                             Carex stipata                              Carex Lacustris
            Hexastylis Lewisii                         Carex trichocarpa                          Carex Lanuginosa
            Ranunculus septentrionaLis                 Iris versicolor                            Carex tetanica
                                                       Lobelia siphilitica                        Cyperus haspan
                                                       Myosotis taxa                              Eleocharis rostellata
                                                       Veronica americana                         Juncus balticus
                                                       Veronica anagallis-aquatica                Lathyrus palustris
                                                                                                  Lysimachia quadriflora
                                                                                                  Lythrum alatlum
                                                                                                  mentha arvensis
                                                                                                  Pedicularis Lanceolata
                                                                                                  Sabatia dodecandra








































































                                                                                 19



Appendix P2 Conditional character-species of oligotrophic saturated classes

SHADE TOLERANT

Cardamine butbosa
Cardamine rotundifolia
Carex collinsii
Carex laevivaginata
Carex leptalea
Carex prasina
Carex styloflexa
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Chrysosplenium americanum
Cyrilla racemiflora
Dalibarda repens
Fraxinus nigra
Hedyotis michauxii
Listera smallii
Lyonia lucida
Ophioglossum vulgatum
Parnassia asarifolia
Platanthera clavellata
Platanthera psycodes
Poa paludigena
Saxifraga micranthidifolia
Saxifraga pensylvancia
Solidago patula
Symplocarpus foetidus
Thalictrum clavatum
Thelypteris simulata
Toxicodendron vernix
Veratrum viride
Vibunum nudum
Viola walteri

MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT

Ainus incana ssp. rugosa
Asclepias rubra
Aster radula
Campanula aparinoides
Carex atlantica
Carex bullata
Carex trisperma
Carex venusta
Chelone cuthbertii
Cirsium muticum
Conioselinum chinense
Cypripedium reginae
Drosera rotundifolia
Elecharis tortilis
Equisetum sylvaticum
Parnassia grandifolia
Platanthera ciliaris
Poa paulstris
Rhamnus alnifolia
Sanguisorba canadensis
Sarracenia purpurea
Selaginella apoda
Solidago uliginosa
Sphenopholis pensylvancia
Zenobia pulverulenta

SHADE INTOLERENT	

Aletris aurea
Calamagrostis cinnoides
Calopogon tuberosus
Carex buxbaumil
Carex conoidea
Carex hystericina
Carex interior
Carex prairea
Centella asiatica
Cladium mariscoides
Cleistes divaricata
Dichromena colorata
Drosera brevifolia
Drosera capillaris
Epilobium leptophyllum
Equisetum fluviatile
Eriocaulon decangulare
Eriophorum virginicum
Eryngium aquaticum
Filipendula rubra
Fimbristylis puberula
Iris prismatica
Juncus abortivus
Juncus nodosus
Juncus catesbaei
Lobelia georgiana
Lycopodium alopecurodies
Lycopodium appressum
Lycopodium inundatum
Menyanthes trifoliata
Muhlenbergia glomerata
Nasturtium officinale
Platanthera blephariglottis
Platanthera cristata
Pogonia ophioglossoides
Polygala cruciata
Rhynchospora alba
Rhynchospora capillacea
Sabatia calycina
Sarracenia flava
Scirpus expansus
Scleria reticularis
Scleria verticillata
Sclerolepis uniflora
Tofiedlia glutinosa
Tofieldia racemosa
Utricularia conruta
Utricularia juncea
Xyris ambigua
Xyris difformis
Xyris jupicai
Xyris torta
Zigadenus densus
Zigadenus glaberrimus






20











          Appendix P3 ConditionaL character-species of Eutrophic semipermanentLy flooded              classes



          SHADE TOLERANT                                MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT                     SHADE INTO  LERANT


          Cardamine tongii                              AzoLa caroliniana                             Aeschynomene virginica
          Fraxinus caroliniana                          Carex deconposita                             Amaranthus cannabinus
          Nyssa aquatica                                Carex hyalinoLepis                            Asclepias Lanceotata
          Peltandra virginica                           Echinodorus cordifoLius                       Aster subuLatus
          Ranuncutus fLabettaris                        Heteranthera reniformis                       Bacopa inominita
          Ranuncutus Laxicaulis                         Hydrocotyie ranuncuLoides                     Bidens coronata
          Rumex verticiLLatus                           Limnobiun spongia                             Carex aLata
          TriaderiLan waLteri                           Pontederia cordata                            Carex torta
                                                        RanuncuLus sceLeratus,                        CLadium jamaicense
                                                        S iUM suave                                 Cyperus brevifoLioides
                                                                                                      Echinochloa waLteri
                                                                                                      ELatine minima
                                                                                                      ELatine triandra
                                                                                                      ELeacharis haLophila
                                                                                                      EriocauLon parkeri
                                                                                                      Isoetes riparia
                                                                                                      Juncus acuminatUs
                                                                                                      Justicia americana
                                                                                                      Lemna trisuLca
                                                                                                      Lilaeopsis caroLinensis
                                                                                                      LiLaeopsis chinensis.
                                                                                                      Lobetia elongata
                                                                                                      NeLumbo Lutea
                                                                                                      Nuphar Luteum ssp. sagittifoLium
                                                                                                      Physostegia purpurea
                                                                                                      SaccioLepis striata
                                                                                                      Sagittaria caLycina v. spongiosa
                                                                                                      Sagittaria rigida
                                                                                                      Sagittaria subuLata
                                                                                                      Scirpus acutus
                                                                                                      Sparganium eurycarpum
                                                                                                      SpirodeLLa polyrhiza
                                                                                                      WolfieLLa gladiata
                                                                                                      Zizania aquatica





































                                                                             21
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            Appendix P4 ConclitionaL character-species of otigotrophic sernipermanentLy fLooded cLasses


            SHADE TOLERANT                            MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT                  SHADE INTOLERANT

            Itea virginica                            Carex comosa                               Bidens taevis
            Taxodium Distichun                       Hottonia infLata                           Brasenia schreberi
                                                      HydrocotyLe umbeLLata                      Carex canescens
                                                      Hydrocotyle verticiLLata                   DuLichium arunclinaceum
                                                      OrontiLmn aquaticun                        ELeocharis equisetoides
                                                                                                 ELeocharis quadranguLata
                                                                                                 ELeocharis robbinsii
                                                                                                 EriocauLon septnguLare
                                                                                                 Glycerla acutifLora
                                                                                                 Gtyceria septentrionatis
                                                                                                 Isoetes engeLmannii
                                                                                                 Panicum hemitomon
                                                                                                 Polygonum amphibium
                                                                                                 Polygonum hydropiperoides
                                                                                                 Sagittaria graminea
                                                                                                 Scirpus ancistrochaetus
                                                                                                 Scirpus subterminaLis
                                                                                                 Scirpus tabernaemontanii
                                                                                                 Scirpus torreyi























































                                                                          22











             Appendix P5 Conditional character-species of eutrophic seasonally flooded classes


             SHADE TOLERANT                             MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT                  SHADE INTOLERANT

             Arisaema dracontium                        Carex gigantea                             Axonopus furcatus
             Carex crus-coryi                           Hibiscus moscheutos                        Cyperus erythrorhizos
             Carex frankii                              Justicia ovata v. tanceoLata               Cyperus filicinus
             Carex grayi                                Penthorm sedoides                          Cyperus strigosus
             Carex oxytepis                             Salix caroLiniana                          EcLipta aLba
             Carex squarrosa                            SaLix nigra                                Eragrostis frankii
             Carex typhina                                                                         Eragrostis hypnoides
             Carya aquatica                                                                        Glyceria grandis
             Commelina virginica                                                                   Juncus torreyi
             Cornus foemina                                                                        Lippia Lanceolata
             Mimulus aLatus                                                                        Phalaris arundinacea
             Poputus heterophyLLa                                                                  Rorippa paLustris
             Quercus bicoLor                                                                       Scirpus atrovirens
             Quercus lyrata                                                                        Scirpus fluviatiLis
             Saururus cernuus,                                                                     Scirpus pendutus
             Scirpus divaricatus


























































                                                                             23










             Appendix P6 Conditional character-species of otigotrophic seasonally flooded classes


             SHADE TOLERANT                              MODERATELY SHADE TOLERANT                  SHADE INTOLERANT


             Carex crinita                               Carex gtaucescens                          Bottonia asteroides
             Carex Louisianica                           Carex joori                                CaLamagrostis canadensis
             Carex lupuLina                              Carex waLteriana                           Carex alboLutescens
             Cinna arundinacea                           Glyceria melicaria                         Carex barrattii
             Cornus; amomun                              Iris virginica                             Cyperus dentatus
             uercus paLustris                           Juncus. effusus                            Drosera intermedia
                                                         Scirpus cyperinus                          Eleocharis baldwinii
                                                                                                    ELeocharis flavescens
                                                                                                    Eteocharis melanocarpa
                                                                                                    Eleocharis tricostata
                                                                                                    Eteocharis, tuberculosa
                                                                                                    Erigeron vernus;
                                                                                                    Eupatorium Leucotepis
                                                                                                    Eupatorium recurvans
                                                                                                    Fimbristy(is annua
                                                                                                    Fimbristylis autumnalis
                                                                                                    Fuirena pumiLa
                                                                                                    GLyceria canadensis v. laxa
                                                                                                    HeLenium virginicum
                                                                                                    Juncus brevicaudatus
                                                                                                    Juncus caesariensis,
                                                                                                    Juncus canadensis
                                                                                                    Juncus repens
                                                                                                    Juncus scirpoides
                                                                                                    LachnocauLan anceps
                                                                                                    Lindernia anagaLLidea
                                                                                                    Lipocarpha macuLata
                                                                                                    LobeLia puberuLa
                                                                                                    Ludwigia brevipes
                                                                                                    Ludwigia sphaerocarpa
                                                                                                    Lysimachia hybrida
                                                                                                    Panicum rigidutum
                                                                                                    Proserpinaca  patustris
                                                                                                    Proserpinaca  pectinata
                                                                                                    Pycnanthemum  fLexuosum
                                                                                                    Rhynchospora  caduca
                                                                                                    Rhynchospora  cephalantha
                                                                                                    Rhynchospora  corniculata
                                                                                                    Rhynchospora  macrostachya
                                                                                                    Scirpus purshianus

































                                                                                24


0








          Appendix P7 Conditionat character-species of the submergent/fLoating-leaved cLass





          Cabomba caroLiniana
          Catlitriche heterophyLLa
          Ceratophyllum demersun
          CeratophyLLum muricatLan
          Eodea canadensis
          ELodea nuttaLLii
          Heteranthera dubia
          MyriophyLLum heterophyLum
          MyriophyLLum humiLe
          MyriophyLlum spicatum
          Najas fLexilis
          Najas graciLLima
          Najas guadaLupensis
          Nymphoides auatica
          Podostemon ceratophylun
          Potamogeton  crispus
          Potamogeton  diversifoLius
          Potamogeton  epihydrus
          Potamogeton  foLiosus
          Potamogeton  foLinoensis
          otamogeton nodosus
          Potamogeton  oakesianus
          Potamogeton  pectinatus
          Potamogeton  perfoLiatus
          Potamogeton  puLcher
          Ptamogeton  pusiLLus
          Potamogeton  spiriLus
          Potamogeton  tennesseensis
          Potamogeton  zosteriformis
          UtrcuLaria  biflora
          UtricuLaria  fibrosa
          UtrcuLaria  infLata
          UtricuLaria  purpurea,
          UtricuLaria  radiata
          UtricuLaria  vuLgaris
          VaLLisneria  americana
          ZannichelLia palustris




































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