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January 20, 2021

Town of Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission 1 Monteith Drive Farmington CT 06032

RE: Preliminary Review “Proposed Zone Change & Residential Development” 402 Farmington Ave and Quarry Rd

REMA Job #21-2357-FAR48

Dear Chair Brenneman & Commissioners:

Rema Ecological Services, LLC (REMA), has been engaged to review the development proposal, principally for the Conservation/Inland Wetlands Commission, but there are also important implications for the planning and zoning commission, from a general ecological perspective that we would like to address. We should note that we have read Dr. Michael Klemens’ Report to your commission, dated January 17, 2021, and concur with all the points in his analysis, and we have reviewed the Milone & McBroom, Inc. (MMI) Wetland Delineation and Impacts Assessment, dated November 2nd, with an accompanying plan set.

In several regards, it is our professional opinion that the proposed development project is not consistent with the Farmington Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD, updated 2007, adopted 2008) and the 2018 Addendum.

Hillside Terrain

Section V1 of the POCD, entitled Hillsides/Ridgelines, on p. 22 and 23 describes the four types of geologic formations found in the town, that result in hilly terrain, including the

Rema Ecological Services, LLC ● 164 East Center Street, Suite 2, Manchester, CT 06040 ● 860.649-REMA (7362) ● 860.647.8397 (fax) Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 2

eastern traprock ridge system along Talcott Mountain. The geologic processes that formed the conspicuous Metacomet (traprock) Ridge are explained therein.

As Dr. Klemens points out, the Planning Objectives part of this Section (p.24) recommends in Section 1: “low density residential use of hillside areas” to preserve the aesthetic and environmental values of forested hillsides, and, in Section 2:

“Encourage residential development which minimizes the disruption of groundcover and vegetation and which preserves expanses of open space in order to preserve the aesthetic and natural functions of hillsides and ridgelines.”

The proposed project will include 1.54 acres of tree clearing within the upland review area to wetlands and watercourses. The total amount of soil/forest disturbance is not part of the applicant’s Impact Assessment Report. Based on the Connecticut Web Soil Survey, the building site has variable topography; mapped as Unit 87C, 8-15% slopes, Wethersfield Loam and Unit 77C (Holyoke/Cheshire complex (3-15%). As soil scientists we note that B horizons of Wethersfield loam and the Holyoke series are fine textured and highly erosible, with an erosion “K” factor of 0.43; this increases erosion risk on moderate slopes.

Ecological connectivity is another value encouraged by low density residential zoning, a point also emphasized Dr. Klemens; this benefit also applies to plants, , and avians. If natural habitat areas in a low-density residential zone are large enough to produce a surplus of seeds or offspring, they can disperse to other habitat areas – the “stepping stone” mode type of connectivity, which supplements movement through continuous core habitat, for many species. Quoting from Section V1 of the POCD:

“Farmington has long recognized the aesthetic and environmental values of hillside areas. The low-density residential development, which characterizes most of these areas has maintained the visual character of hillsides in addition to limiting erosion and reducing flood hazards in adjacent low-lying areas.

Hillside development requires careful planning for the following reasons:

- Substantial destruction of vegetation can result in increased runoff and sedimentation requiring increased public expenditures for flood control and storm water management.

Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 3

- Certain hillsides contribute to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. This beauty depends, to a large extent, on the existence of significant amounts of open space and on development, which is in keeping with the surroundings, and natural constraints of the land.

Low-density zoning, the land's natural constraints and the lack of public sewers have all helped to maintain the aesthetic values and natural functions of these areas. Conditions attached to subdivision approvals have also been used to control erosion and to preserve vegetation on hillsides.

The existing upgradient, large-lot residential subdivision, e.g. along Prattling Pond Road, was consistent with this section of the POCD. It did not involve cuts and fills on a significant proportion of the forested hillside. It has left a high proportion of undisturbed forest soil and leaf litter, habitat for plants, invertebrates, and upland habitat for amphibians. It also left multiple wide interconnected swaths of forest cover with natural duff, leaf litter, and forest floor invertebrates – and plants – that continue to provide habitat connectivity for wildlife including spotted turtles and salamanders. The existing highly decentralized stormwater management is much less disruptive to downgradient soil function, fertility, and hydrology than the proposed, large, centralized stormwater facility.

Upgradient of the proposed construction site, in the low-density residential zone, infiltrated precipitation continues to move slowly downslope. Continuous groundwater seepage weathers minerals from the parent rock materials in the subsoil, enriching and moistening the soil on the lower slope of any hillside, but especially on a traprock ridge.

Like Dr. Klemens, we draw the attention of the Zoning Commission to the Planning Objectives portion of Section VIII of the POCD (Future Land Use Plan). Section 3, calls for that very high-density residential development (over 5 units/acre) to occur only where slopes are <10%. Section 2, reiterates the widespread zoning principle, calling for new development that is compatible with existing development, with regard to density, etc.

Traprock Ecosystem

The ecological community under review is the eastern slope of a traprock ridge, which substantially raises the bar for impacts assessment. Section IX of the POCD, entitled Flora & Fauna, begins on p. 44 and 45 with a discussion of the four critical habitats found in Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 4

Farmington, beginning with the traprock ridge found in Eastern Farmington, Talcott Mountain. As Dr. Klemens also points out, traprock ecosystems have unusually high biodiversity, especially for wildflowers, as documented by the Farmington Biodiversity study. A 1976 CTDEEP publication by Dowhan & Craig “Rare and Endangered Species of Connecticut and their Habitats” is cited, pointing out:

“the importance of "critical" or rare habitats in the preservation of rare and endangered plant and species. Many species are rare or endangered because suitable habitats for their survival exist in only a few areas. Since these isolated habitats are critical to the survival of many of Connecticut's rare and endangered species, they are termed critical habitats.”

In his reports to the Town of Farmington, herpetologist Dr. Klemens noted that a high proportion of rare herptile species in the Talcott Ridge traprock ecosystem: five Connecticut-listed reptiles and amphibians that use both upland and wetland habitats on the ridge. The current low density residential zoning allows seasonal movements between wetlands on the upper portion of the mountain, and the wetlands along the eastern base of the ridge, just downgradient of the proposed project. The references section of this report includes more recent publications on critical habitats and traprock ridge ecology.

Dr. Klemens emphasized the inadequacy of the applicant’s field vernal pool surveys, in several regards. The attached list of rare and uncommon plant species found in traprock habitats underscores the need for a thorough botanical survey during the growing season, from early Spring to early Fall. No such survey has been completed. Not even widespread traprock dominant species like maple leaf viburnum are mentioned in this application, and the proposed planting plan has little in common with a natural traprock plant community. REMA has found significant, sensitive botanical resources at almost every large traprock site we have evaluated, over three plus decades. Seed collection and transplanting can help salvage such a find, but first a robust floristic inventory is needed!

To briefly explain the scientific basis for the high biodiversity in traprock ecosystems: Forest vegetation is also significantly more diverse on hillside sites, such as traprock or marble ridges, where the bedrock/ glacial debris weathers into sub-acidic, mineral-rich soil. These hillsides support robust populations of many plant species, that are uncommon or absent in typical forest with more acidic soil. Hop hornbeam () and spoon-shaped groundsel () are two examples. Both these plants are common on traprock-derived soils. They are too sparse on the typical acidic soils found in Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 5

Connecticut to support healthy host-specific populations. In all, 41 insects are known to be associated with hop hornbeam (a list is attached). Spoon-shaped groundsel has abundant, nectar-rich, yellow flowers that are used by five taxa of native bees, and foliage feeders may include the CT-listed (i.e., endangered) northern metalmark butterfly ( borealis).i

Note that the highest concentrations of rare trap plant species occur in specialized sub- habitats such as talus or open summits with unusual microclimates. Some rare plants also occur on forested traprock hillsides, but more importantly, they support exceptional forests with high overall bio-diversity due to healthy populations of many plant species that are scattered or uncommon in much of the state. This means that the associated fauna is also more diverse, and is likely to include rare insect species. A greater variety of insect and plant food is available for wildlife, including caterpillars for breeding songbirds.

The proposed development will include 1.54 acres of tree clearing within the 150-foot upland review area from wetlands and watercourses, and substantial additional forest further upslope (total forest impact is not disclosed by the applicant). Many trees within the proposed development envelope are over 24" in diameter, as any neighbor who has walked the site over the years can attest, though this fact was not mentioned in the site characterization.1 Hardwood trees like sugar maple and red oak grow quickly on this hillside with mineral-rich, sub-acidic soil, and steady moisture supply. They are healthy, with low susceptibility to pests, providing the full suite of forest ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, cooling, nutrient uptake from groundwater, air pollution filtration, flood-reduction due to transpiration, oxygen production, and wildlife habitat. The recently completed, comprehensive final report of the Forest Subgroup of the GC3 (Governor’s Council on Climate Change) is a comprehensive treatment of forests’ benefits to Connecticut’s climate, society, and environment.

Unfortunately, under the proposed plan, the existing steady supply of slow, mineral- rich seepage will no longer reach the trees to be preserved downgradient of the project and upslope of the wetland boundary, which exits just off-site to the east; they will do poorly and grow much more slowly, because; comparable adverse impacts to understory vegetation, and associated fauna, are also expected.

1 We note that the 1934 aerial photograph of the site shows that the upper portion of the development was forest at the time. Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 6

Alternatives

However, the base of a long forested, bedrock-controlled hillside can continue to support tall, bottomland forest, rich-site plant species, and associated insects and vertebrates, provided upgradient development does not significantly change groundwater flow patterns and groundwater quality. High-value existing conditions are a reason for thinking outside the box, when choosing a development strategy. A key goal for any alternative development plan is the continuing diffuse shallow flow of mineral-enriched shallow groundwater. This would require significantly minimizing cuts and fills.

Note that in 1991 and 1992 the Connecticut General Statutes were amended to change the status of the Plan from purely an advisory document. Zoning commissions must consider the recommendations and policies found in this document when adopting or revising zoning regulations and boundaries, e.g., the recommendation for the existing low-density residential zoning on a scenic forested hillside.

In the careers of REMA staff, including the undersigned, spanning over 33 years, we have been involved in over 3,500 development projects with potential wetlands and habitat impacts. What is striking to us about this rezoning application and request for site plan approval is the lack of any discussion of alternatives. Although we use the term "feasible and prudent alternatives" principally in the context of the wetlands laws, they are equally applicable in this setting for the town plan & zoning commission which does have jurisdictional responsibilities in protecting the environment.

There is no comprehensive, forthright analysis of what could happen on the site without all the cutting and filling, without all the earthwork, without all the addition of impermeable surfaces and increased runoff, without all the potential impacts to the two vernal pools close nearby, and without encroaching into the critical interconnection between remarkably protective productive habitats north and south of the site.

With the perspective of wetland scientists and ecologist, and understanding the needs of developers, scores of which we have worked with over the years to conceptualize and implement responsible development, we can see the wisdom of a less ambitious, and less intensive development on this landlocked parcel. Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 7

Dr. Klemens’ zoning report provides several alternative possible sites for high-density residential development with fewer environmental & zoning constraints. Those and other possibilities should be analyzed.

We believe that land planners and wetland scientists, working together, could readily conceptualize a development that would make reasonable, economic use of the site and protect the critical resources. This proposed project in our professional judgment will adversely impact the vernal pools to the south. Because it encroaches in such a substantial and unnecessary way, it will also have a highly deleterious effect on the productive and diverse forest ecosystem, which also serves as an interconnection pathway for wildlife, and for geneflow of plants and smaller fauna. In our professional opinion, based on long experience in the field, a site-specific planning process should use a charrette or other similar form of open, transparent decision-making process involving all the stakeholders, to come to a consensus on what makes the best sense for the site.

Respectfully submitted,

REMA ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, LLC

George T. Logan, MS, PWS, CSE Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Senior Ecologist (ESA) Registered Soil Scientist

Attachments: 1. List of Insects associated with hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) 2. List of Rare Traprock Plants

VIA E- MAIL

References

Overview of Critical Habitats (2011) by Ken Metzler, head botanist at CTDEEP for several decades, at https://cteco.uconn.edu/guides/resource/CT_ECO_Resource_Guide_Critical_Habitat.pdf Sharp, Penelope C., Ralph S. Lewis, David L. Wagner, and Cara Lee. 2013. Trap Rock Ridges of Connecticut: Natural History & Land Use. Connecticut College Arboretum; State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut. CTDEEP.

Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 8

Connecticut Comprehensive Wildlife 2Conservation Strategy (CWCS). https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/CT-Wildlife-Action-Plan/CT-WAP-Current-Status#Revision

Governor’s Council on Climate Change. 2020. Forests Sub-Group Final Report. Page 4. 6https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/climatechange/GC3/GC3-working-group- reports/GC3_WNL_Forests_Final_Report_110620.pdf

Hilty, John. The Insect Database on www.illinoiswildflowers.com

i Source for Attachment 2: The Insect Database, maintained by Dr. John Hilty, on the www.illinoiswildflowers.com website lists insect species documented to be associated with most of the forest plants in the northeastern/east- central hardwood forest biome.

Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 9

Attachment 1:

Ostrya virginiana (Hop Hornbeam) (Betulaceae)

Coleoptera (Beetles) Buprestidae: Acmaeodera tubulus Mcr1991, Agrilus champlaini [forms galls on live twigs] Mcr1991; Cerambycidae: Astylopsis macula [larvae found under bark] Ya1996, Hyperplatys maculata Ya1996; Chrysomelidae: Calligrapha ostryae Clk2004; Curculionidae: Phyllobius oblongus (European Snout Weevil) [polyphagous; adults feed on leaves of trees, larvae feed on roots of other plants] MAM2007

Heteroptera (True Bugs) : Blepharidopterus provancheri [moist shaded situations] Kn1941 Wat1928, Ceratocapsus pilosulus [polyphagous] Kn1941, Lygocoris ostryae Kn1941, Reuteria fuscicornis Kn1941

Homoptera (Sucking Insects) Aphididae: Macrosiphum pseudocoryli [found on young growth & leaf undersides; this aphid is distributed in NE USA & Canada, including Virginia & Ontario] BE2013 Pp1965; Cercopidae: Clastoptera obtusa (Alder Spittlebug) [eaten by both nymphs & adults] Hm1982; Cicadellidae: Eratoneura dira [preferred host plant] DD2010, Eratoneura harpola DD2010, Eratoneura rangifer DD2010, Eratoneura spala DD2010, Eratoneura tersa DD2010; Diaspididae: Chionaspis gleditsiae (Honey Locust Scurfy Scale) [this insect occurs in E USA] SN2014, Chionaspis kosztarabi (Ash Scurfy Scale) [this insect is found in E USA as far north as Ohio & Pennsylvania] SN2014, Chionaspis lintneri (Lintner Scurfy Scale) [this insect is found in E USA & SE Canada] SN2014, Diaspidiotus osborni (Osborn Scale) [found on bark, polyphagous; this insect is found in E USA & Ontario] SN2014; Membracidae: Telamona tristis Den1952; Pseudococcidae: Phenacoccus dearnessi (Hawthorn Mealybug) [widely distributed, found on twigs & young shoots; feeds mostly on trees from the Rosaceae] SN2014, Pseudococcus maritimus (Grape Mealybug) [found on foliage, polyphagous; this insect is widely distributed] SN2014

Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, & Sawflies) Argidae: Arge cyra Msh2006

Lepidoptera (Butterflies, Skippers, & ) Coleophoridae: Coleophora atromarginata Cv2005, Coleophora ostryae Ndm1928; Cosmopterigidae: Stilbosis ostryaeella (Ironwood Leafminer) Ndm1928; Geometridae: Hydrelia inornata (Unadorned Carpet) Wg2005; Gracillariidae: Caloptilia ostryaeella [leaf-folder] Mic2010, Cameraria hamadryadella (Solitary Oak Leafminer) [larvae are blotch leaf-miners] Cv2005 Ndm1928, Farmington Town Plan & Zoning Commission RE: Proposed Residential Development, 402 Farmington Av. & Quarry Rd. January 20, 2021 Page 10

Cameraria lentella [larvae are leaf-miners] Ndm1928, Cameraria ostryarella [larvae are blotch leaf- miners] Mic2010 Ndm1928, Phyllonorycter obscuricostella [larvae are tentiform leaf-miners] Mic2010 Ndm1928, Phyllonorycter ostryaefoliella [larvae are tentiform leaf-miners] Mic2010 Ndm1928, Phyllonorycter tritaenianella [larvae are blotch or tentiform leaf-miners] Mic2010 Ndm1928; Heliozelidae: Coptodisca ostryaefoliella [larvae are leaf-miners] Ndm1928; : Apoda y- inversum [polyphagous] Cv2005, nasoni (Nason's Slug ) [polyphagous, found in southern IL, hosts are referred to as 'hornbeams'] Cv2005, badia (Skiff Moth) [polyphagous, hosts are referred to as 'hornbeams'] Cv2005; Nepticulidae: Nepticula corylifoliella [larvae are leaf-miners, syn. Stigmella corylifoliella] Ndm1928, Nepticula juglandifoliella (Pecan Serpentine Leafminer) [syn. Stigmella juglandifoliella] Ndm1928, Nepticula ostryaefoliella [larvae are leaf-miners, syn. Stigmella ostryaefoliella] Ndm1928; Noctuidae: Pyreferra citromba (Eyed Mustard Sallow) Wg2005; : dormitans (Sleeping Baileya) Cv2005, Baileya ophthalmica (Eyed Baileya) [oligophagous] Cv2005 Wg2005; Sphingidae: Laothoe juglandis (Walnut Sphinx) Wg2005; Tortricidae: Eumarozia malachitana (Sculptured Moth) [larvae feed within rolled leaves] Mlr1987, Olethreutes fagigemmeana [this moth is found east of Illinnois] Mlr1987, Olethreutes merrickana Mlr1987. Source: The Insect Database,www. Illinoiswildflowers.com

Attachment 2- Table 1: Connecticut Endangered, Threatened, & Special Concern Plant Species (August 2016 legal list), Flora Conservanda 2012 species, and Uncommon species of Traprock Habitats

USACE Wetland Conservation Status Scientific name Common name Preferred habitat Indicator Status

Ferns

Usually upland, shaded, high pH cliffs, tree NI UC Asplenium rhyzophyllum Walking Fern bases T Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall-rue spleenwort Moist ledges NI

UPL E Cheilanthes lanosa Hairy lipfern Dry ledges Cliffs, balds, or ledges, ridges or ledges, FACW UC Cystopteris bulbifera Bulbil fragile fern talus and rocky slopes FACW E Diplazium pycnocarpon Narrow-leaved glade fern Rich moist soil, shade, toe of slope

FAC SC Drypteris goldiana Goldie's Fern Rich, moist soils

Cliffs, balds, or ledges, forests, talus and FACU UC Gymnocarpium dryopteris Northern Oak Fern rocky slopes

Forests, forest edges and swamp margins, FACW SC Lygodium palmatum Climbing Fern mainly on peaty, acidic, sandy soils UC Pellaea atropurpurea Purple cliff-brake Rock crevices on high-pH cliffs UPL Cliffs, balds, ridges or ledges, talus and UPL UC Woodsia ilvensis Rusty cliff fern rocky slopes Cliffs and rocky slopes, predominantly on UPL UC Woodsia obtusa blunt-lobed cliff fern high-pH substrate

Orchids

NI SC(H) Aplectrum hyemale Putty root Moist to wet deciduous forests, often rocky Mesic to wet-mesic deciduous and evergreen-deciduous forests, fens, swamps, FAC E Coeloglossum viride Long bracted frog orchid meadows NI UC Corallorhiza odontorhiza Fall coral-root Moist upland forests, usu. open understory FAC SC Cypripedium parvifloum Yellow lady's Slipper Wooded swamps, moist decid. woods E Cypripedium reginae Showy lady's slipper Wooded swamps FACW Moist deciduous forest, high pH, leafmold, NI UC Galearis spectabilis Showy orchid wetland or upland E Liparis lilifolia Lily-leaved tway-blade Rich, moist to dry soils FACU Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

Woodlands with Pinus and Quercus, dry sandy fields, and among heaths in well- NI SC(H) Malaxis bayardii Bayard's White Adder's Mouth drained soils

E Malaxis unifolia Green addersmouth Rich, moist deciduous woods and wetlands FAC SC Plantanthera hookeri Hooker's orchid Rich moist or dry woods FAC

Sedges

Mesic to dry-mesic, often sandy, fields, FAC SC Carex bushii Bush's Sedge meadows, and open, human-disturbed areas

Open, xeric to hydric soils, often in human- FACW SC(H) Carex crawfordii Crawford's Sedge disturbed areas such as fields and roadsides. Woodlands, cliffs, sandy fields, and open, UPL SC Carex foenea Bronze-head oval Sedge disturbed soil Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Carex glaucodea Blue Sedge Dry woods, FAC Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Carex gracillescens Slender loose-flowered Sedge Edges of wetlands & forests NI Slightly to very moist soil, sometimes in NI (SC 98) Carex hirsutella Hirsute Sedge wetlands Rich, very moist to slightly moist, NI SC Carex hitchcockiana Hitchcock's Sedge deciduous woods, often in wetlands OBL (SC 2005) Carex lupuliformis False Hop Sedge Wooded swamps, non-acidic SC Carex molesta Troublesome Sedge FAC Rich decid. Woodlands, slightly to very NI, SC Carex oligocarpa Few-fruited Sedge moist, rocky, sub-acidic, occ. in wetlands UC Carex sparganioides Bur-reed Sedge FACU Moist to slightly moist, subacidic, rocky, NI E Carex reznicekii Reznicek's Sedge uplands Dry, well-drained, often coarse soils of UPL UC Carex siccata Dry lspike sedge fields, balds, and oak-pine woodlands OBL (SC 98) Carex squarrosa Squarrose Sedge Open wetlands with non-acidic soils Wet meadows & decid. 'woods, SC Carex typhina Cattail Sedge bottomlands OBL E Carex wildenowii Wildenow's Sedge Dry deciduous woods UPL NI UC Trichophorum planifolium Bashful Bulrush Dry to moist woodlands, usually under oak

Grasses NI E Bouteloua curtipendula Side-oats grama-grass Glades, open dry soil Dry-mesic, deciduous forests, usually occurring on hills ridges, including trap NI rock, in shallow soils associated Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Elymus glabriflorus Southeastern Wild-rye with Quercus and/or Carya

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 2 Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

FACU UC Elymus trachycaulus Slender wheat grass Thin, dry, rocky woods Mesic, deciduous forests, often at mid- elevations and frequently associated with FACU E Milium effusum Millet Grass circumneutral or basic bedrock

Rocky forests and woodlands where it FACU E Muhlenbergia capillaris Hair-awn Muhly occurs on ridges and trap rock Deciduous or mixed evergreen- deciduous woodlands and barrens, dry- UPL E Piptatherum pungens Short-awned mountain rice-grass mesic to xeric openings

Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Poa saltuensis ssp. languida Weak spear grass Slightly moist to wet, cliff bases NI FACU SC Schyzachne purpurascens Purple oat grass Dry rocky woods Dry-mesic to mesic forests and woodlands, often on hillsides and rocky slopes, sometimes associated with cliff bases and UPL Div. 2(a) Flora Cons. 2012 Sphenopholis nitida Shiny wedge=scale outcrops On ledge and thin soils of ridges and rocky slopes, usually on trap rock, but also UPL E Sporobolus clandestinus Sand dropseed occurring on limestone NI ( 98 SC) Sporobolus compositus Dropseed dry roadsides, ledges, thin subacidic soil E Sporobolus heterolepis Northern dropseed dry open soil FACU Ledges, river shore outcrops, dry sandy soil of roadsides and fields, often in regions of FACU E Sporobolus neglectus Small dropseed high-pH bedrock and/or till River shore outcrops, ledges, often in FAC E Trisetum spicatum Narrow false oat regions of high-pH bedrock

Other herbaceous plants

Forest borders and fragments, shaded FACU E Agastache nepetoides Yellow Giant Hyssop roadsides, rocky banks Forests, frequently dry-mesic, rocky types, forest fragments, roadsides, river banks, NI E Agastache scrophulariifolia Purple Giant Hyssop riparian forests Rocky woodlands, open glades, balds, cliff UPL UC Asclepias verticillata Whorled Milkweed bases SC(H) Blephilia hirsuta Hairy woodmint Glades, dry woods FACU Rocky woodlands and forests, cliffs, and talus slopes in regions of moderate to high- FACU UC Boechera stricta Canada Rockcress pH bedrock Rocky woodlands and forests, cliffs, and NI UC Boechera laevigata Smooth Rockcress talus in regions of high-pH bedrock Rocky woodlands and forests, cliffs, and balds in regions of moderate - to high-pH NI Div. 2(a) Flora Cons. 2012 Boechera missouriensis Green Rockcress bedrock SC(H) Calystegia spithamea Upright false bindweed Upland fields, roadsides NI

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 3 Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

FACU UC Cardamine concatenata Cut-leaved Toothwort Rich, mesic, upland and riparian forests. Wet-mesic to hydric meadows, often on FAC E Castilleja coccinea Indian Paintbrush higher pH substrates Rocky woodlands and forests, outcrops and FACU Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Cerastium nutans Nodding Chickweed talus slopes

Dry-mesic to mesic soils of fields, forest openings, and deciduous and evergreen- FACU deciduous woodlands and forests on trap E Chamaelirium luteum Fairy wand rock, limestone, and other bedrock types NI UC Clematis occidentalis Purple virgin's bower Rich moist slopes, sometimes wetlands NI UC Conopholis americana American squaw root Forested moist slopes, sometimes wetlands T Corydalis flavula Yellow corydalis Rocky woods FACU Deciduous and mixed evergreen- deciduous forests, sometimes associated NI with disturbances such as trails and old SC(H) Cynoglossum virginianum Wild Comfrey logging roads UC Desmodium canescens Hoary tick trefoil Mostly upland fields, edges NI Dry to moist forested rocky slopes, NI E Desmodium cuspidatum Large-bracted tick trefoil sometimes wetlands Woodlands, roadsides, open powerline NI SC Desmodium glabellum Smooth Tick-trefoil rights-of-way Rich woods, moist forested rocky slopes, N I SC Dicentra canadensis Squirrel corn sometimes wetlands N I SC Draba reptans Whitlow Grass Sandy and rocky fields, ledges, balds FACU SC Drymocallis arguta Tall cinquefoil Rocky slopes, glades, dry fields Dry, rich, rocky, deciduous or mixed- UPL SC Endodeca serpentaria Virginia Snakeroot deciduous forests Dry-mesic, often sandy, woodlands, fields, NI UC Eupatorium pubescens Hairy Thoroughwort and clearings UC Eupatorium sessilifolium Upland thoroughwort Rocky forests, usually wetlands NI UC Eutrochium purpureum Sweet-swented thoroughwort Woodlands, forests, fields, pastures. FAC Wooded hillsides, often subacidic, NI UC Helianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflower sometimes wetlands Glades, river & lake shores, often in T Houstonia longifolia Long-leaf bluet wetlands NI Rich, deciduous forests and woodlands, FACU SC(H) Hybanthus concolor Eastern green violet rocky slopes

Rich, mesic, often rocky forests, usually NI E Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal associated with limestone and trap bedrock Rich, moist soil, rocky subacidic hillsides, SC Hydrophyllum virginianum Virginia waterleaf usually wetlands FAC

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 4 Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

NI SC Lespedeza repens Creeping bush-clover Dry glades, open upland areas

NI SC Liatris novae-angliae Shinners open upland areas

NI E Linnaea borealis ssp. americana American twin-flower Wetlands, forests- usually evergreen cliffs, talus, and thin soil over ledges and balds, usually associated with serpentine FACU bedrock, but infrequently on limestone and E Moehringia macrophylla Large-leaf grove sandwort trap rock Dry-mesic to hydric, deciduous to FAC E Moneses uniflora Single delight evergreen forests and swamps Ledges, pastures, woodlands, dry, open UC Myosotis verna Spring forget-me not banks, waste areas FACU E Oligoneuron rigidum Stiff flat-topped goldenrod Upland edges, subacidic soil NI SC Opuntia humifusa Eastern prickly pear Open upland areas NI SC Oxalis violacea Violet wood-sorrel Rich soil, moist - dry glades NI

Open fields, meadows, roadsides, disturbed UPL E Packera anonyma Small's ragwort sites, in drying or sandy soils FAC E Packera paupercula Ragwort Glades, thin soil NI SC Panax quinquefolius American ginseng Rich, moist forest, occ. in wetlands NI SC(H) Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios Wild Kidney Bean Subacidic, rocky soil, talus slopes, upland NI E Polymnia canadense White flowered leaf-cup forest NI, UC Polygonum tenue Slender knotweed Uplands roadsides, edges woods, thickets, hybrid not species per UC Pycnanthemum ×clinopodioides Basil mountain mint Haines 2011 NI

NI E Pycnanthemum torrei Torrey mountain mint Dry woods, thickets

FACU UC Pyrola chlorantha Green-flowered Shinleaf Dry-mesic to mesic forests and woodlands

FAC Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Ranunculus micranthus Rock buttercup Deciduous forests and woodlands, ridges SC Ribes rotundifolium Appalachian gooseberry Mostly uplands, forests NI Woodlands, ledges, balds, river banks, meadows, fields, disturbed soil, often NI E Scutellaria parvula var. missouriensis Small Skullcap associated with thin soils over bedrock T Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Three-tootherd cinquefoil Summits, outcrops FACU UC Silene caroliniana Wild pink Well-drained well-lit areas NI

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 5 Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

NI s T Silene stellata Starry campion Decidous forst & edges, ususally upland UC Solidago squarrosa squarrose goldenroid Upland subacidic habitats NI NI UC Solidago ulmifolia Elm-leaved goldnerod Upland subacidic edge & partly open areas SC Stellaria borealis Northern stichwort Wet woods FACW

NI. SC Trichostema brachiatum False Pennyroyal Dry soil, upland ledges, hillsides

Rocky forests and woodlands, ledges, FAC E Triosteum angustifolium Narrow-leaved Horse Gentian railroads

Dry-mesic to mesic forests, woodlands, and NI UC Triosteum aurantiacum Orange-fruited Horse Gentian forest borders

Forests, woodlands, fields, pastures, often NI Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Triosteum perfoliatum Perfoliate-leaved Horse Gentian on dry-mesic, sandy substrate E Uvularia grandiflora Large-flowered bellwort Moist, rich areas, sometimes wetlands NI SC(H) Verbena simplex Narrow-leaved verbena Dry or sandy uplands NI

Woodlands, sandy fields, roadsides, open FACU E Viola adunca Hook-spurred Violet rights-of-way, sandplains, clearings

Woody plants

Dry summits of hills and ridges, sand plains, dry, open, often sandy, clearings UPL UC Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Red bearberry and rights-of-way Forests and forest edges, rocky slopes, river FACU SC Celastrus scandens Native bittersweeet banks FACU Div. 2 Flora Cons. 2012 Morus rubra Red mulberry Rich, often calcareous woods UC Pinus rigida (in larger numbers) Nutrient-poor, sandy and/or rocky soils NI OBL T Populus heterophylla Swamp cottonwood Wooded swamps, 'bottomlands Dry, sandy fields and roadsides, woodlands, FACU UC Quercus prinoides Dwarf chinquapin oak rocky hillsides and ridges

Dry-mesic woodlands, fields, and barrens, FACU UC Quercus stellata Post oak often with rocky ridges and slopes SC(H) Rhus aromatica Fragrant sumac glades, shallow soil UPL Fields, rocky pastures and hillsides, UPL SC Rubus cuneifolius Sand blackberry clearings Temperate, boreal, and subalpine forests, FAC UC Sorbus americana American mountain ash ridge tops, swamps Forests, predominantly deciduous and UC Taxus canadensis American Yew mixed evergreen-deciduous types FACU UC Vaccinium stamineum Deerberry Rocky forests, woodlands, ridges, balds FACU

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 6 Table 1: Rare and Uncommon Vascular Plant Species of Traprock Habitats

UC Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy arrowood NI upland forested slopes, subacidic soils SC(H) Vaccinium vitis-idaea ssp. minus Mountain cranberry dry shallow, rocky soil, uplands NI NOTES: Appendix1 - USACE Codes for Appendix 2 - State Endangerment Codes. Total E: 34 Wetland Indicator Status Connecticut: (State of Conn3ecticut Dept. of Energy & Total #species in each color code Total T: 5 OBL = Obligate - occurrs only in wetland Environmental Protection, Bureau of Natural Total: Total SC: 27 FAC = Facultative species equally Resources 2016, Public Act 89-224. OBL FAC FACW Total SC(H): 11 likely to be found in wetland as upland. E = Endangered - any native species documented by NI wetland habitat 35 Total CTlisted: 77 UPL = occurs only in uplands biological research and inventory to be in FACW = facultative wetland species danger of extirpation throughout all or a significant portion of its range within FACU occurs in both wetlands and uplands. More Total Div. 2 Fl.Co: 10 often in wetland Connecticut and to have no more than five occurrences in the state, and any NI some wetland habitat 44 Total UC: 43 . species determined to be an “endangered species” pursuant to the federal (uncommon) FACU = facultative upland species Endangered Species Act. Total that may occur occurs in both wetlands and uplands UPL 55 in wetlands: 79 More often in upland NI (upland habitat) NI = Not an indicator species (not listed T= Threatened - any native species documented by Total: species that may biological research and inventory to be likely Not on official US Army Corps occur in wetlands: 79 (USACE) Northcentral and Northeast to become an endangered species within the foreseeable 2016 Regional Wetland Plant List. future throughout all or a significant portion of Appendix 3. "Flora Cons. Frequently, rare plants not on list. its range within Connecticut and to have no more than 2012" explanation. From: Brumback, W.E. and Jessica NI-uplands or NI-wetland: status herein based nine occurrences in the state, and any species on personal observations and published determined to be a “threatened species” pursuant to Gerke. 2013. Flora Conservanda: accounts of species habitats. the federal Endangered Species Act, except for such New England 2012. The New species determined to be endangered by the Commissioner England Plant Conservation Sources of Habitat & Nomencalture Information in accordance with section 4 of Public Act 89- Program (NEPCoP) List of Plants in Need of Conservation. Rhodora 1. Haines, Arthur. 2013 Flora Novae-Angliae. SC = Special Concern - any native plant species or 115, No. 964 (313-408). New England Wildflower Society. Yale University any native nonharvested wildlife species Press. https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/ documented by scientific research and inventory to Div. 2 = Regionally Rare Taxa. 2. Arsenault, Matt et al. 2013 The Sedges of Maine have a naturally restricted range or habitat in the state Within New England these taxa University of Maine Press to be at a low population level, to be in such high have 20 or fewer current 3. Fernald, Merritt L. 1950. Gray's Manual of demand by man that its unregulated taking would be occurrences (observed within the Botany. New York detrimental to the conservation of its population. last 20-25 years). 4. Graves et al, Committee of CT Botanical Society, 'SC(H) = Special Concern (Historic) - species Div. 2(a) = A taxon with slightly not documented in CT in the last 20years. 1910. Bulletin #14. Flower Plants & Ferns more than 20 occurrences in New Connecticut Geology & Natural History Survey. probably no longer extant in the state, England that is vulnerable to 5. Dreyer et al, Committee of CT Botanical Society, UC (uncommon category) is used for species extirpation due to other important 2014. Native & Naturalized Vascular Plants of infrequently encountered in Connecticut. Connecticut Checklist. Memoirs of CBS #5 Flora Conservanda categories (Division 2 or factors (population size and trends, CT College Arboretum, New London. Division 1) included if plant is not otherwise listed. area of occupancy, overall viability geographic distribution, habitat NOTE that this is a "living" list, to be checked, rarity and integrity, and/or degree modified/ enlarged as additional rare of protection) or very uncommon plants are observed by members of CBS in trap rock habitats. If a species recovers it will be deleted.

Connecticut Botanical Society, William Moorhead Sigrun Gadwa April 2017 7