STATE: Michigan

GRANT TITLE: Endangered Species Program – Hall’s Bulrush Project

FEDERAL IDENTIFIER: E-11

SEGMENT: 2

REPORT TYPE: Annual Performance Report, Amendment 1

REPORTING PERIOD: 9/16/2005 – 3/31/2007

Summary:

This Annual Performance Report covers the final year of funding this multi-year grant. This funding was expended during the Segment period of 9 September 2005 through 31 March 2007. The purpose of this amendment is to add the final report of activities and findings completed by the vendor contracted to conduct this study. The overall goal of this grant was to conduct population surveys to determine the status and characterize habitat requirements for Hall’s bulrush (Schoenoplectus hallii) in Michigan. This goal was addressed through objectives detailed in the grant proposal. The amount of each objective to be achieved was established in the grant agreement for this segment. A summary of the accomplishments completed by objective is given below.

Accomplishments:

The accomplishments by each project statement objective are summarized in the following table. Reporting units given are those established in the grant proposal.

Objectives and Activities Progress 1. Continue monitoring of Allegan SGA population. Continue long-term monitoring Completed of the exemplary Allegan State Game Area population; add several additional parameters to allow comparison to other sites. 2. Conduct surveys of selected coastal plain marshes for de novo (new) Completed occurrences of Hall’s bulrush in Michigan. Continue and expands surveys to identify additional sites with Hall’s bulrush in Allegan, Muskegon and Van Buren Counties. Presence will be assessed either by the observation of aerial shoots or through the detection of achenes. 3. Characterize habitat at all newly identified sites where Hall’s bulrush is present. Completed Characterize the habitat of all additional populations discovered in #2. 4. Conduct qualitative monitoring, including identification of threats, on all known Completed and newly identified sites during 2003-2006. Conduct standardized qualitative monitoring (including identification of specific threats) on all known and newly identified sites, during 2005-2006.

STATE OF MICHIGAN – E-11 Endangered Species Program – Hall’s Bulrush Project Amended Annual Performance Report Segment 2 – 4/1/2005-3/31/2007 Page 1 of 2 5. Compare habitat characterization across all documented Michigan sites and Completed analyze differences between germination and non-germination years. Conduct a comparative analysis of habitat characterization across all documented Michigan sites and between germination and non-germination years within sites.

Reported Expenses:

The expenses reported below are the total reported for activities reimbursable under this grant agreement, but were not necessarily charged to these federal assistance funds1. Labor and expenses were queried using activity codes rather than the funding and appropriation codes as are typically used to verify federal aid expenses. No travel or Motor Transport Division (MTD) costs were charged to this grant.

Planned Actual Objectives Expenditures Expenditures 1. Continue monitoring of Allegan SGA population $2,264 $2,264 2. Conduct surveys of selected coastal plain marshes for de $9,264 $9,264 novo (new) occurrences of Hall’s bulrush in Michigan 3. Characterize habitat at all newly identified sites where $4,378 $4,378 Hall’s bulrush is present 4. Conduct qualitative monitoring, including identification of $6,860 $6,860 threats, on all known and newly identified sites during 2003-2006 5. Compare habitat characterization across all documented $14,144 $14,144 Michigan sites and analyze differences between germination and non-germination years Project Totals $36,910 $36,910 1The expenses provided are for grant evaluation purposes only and may include expenses that were eligible for reimbursement but were not actually charged to the grant. These values are not necessarily included in Financial Status Reports nor are they subject to financial audits. Actual grant expenditure tracking with supporting documentation necessary for audit purposes is not maintained by MDNR at the objective level. All financial tracking and reporting for the purposes of audits is at the grant level only.

Slippages/Discussion of Accomplishments and Expenditures:

All of the monitoring, surveys, modeling and results planned for in Segment 2 of this grant have been completed. The report of these activities including a final report on the project findings are attached to this document. This is the final report for this grant, no further work or expenditures will occur.

STATE OF MICHIGAN – E-11 Endangered Species Program – Hall’s Bulrush Project Amended Annual Performance Report Segment 2 – 4/1/2005-3/31/2007 Page 2 of 2 Hall’s Bulrush Habitat Characterization and Monitoring Project 2004-2006 Final Report

Prepared by: Michael R. Penskar and Phyllis J. Higman

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944

For: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 Office Minneapolis, MN

March 20, 2008

Report Number 2007-14

Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Study Site ...... 1 Methods ...... 3 Population and Vegetation Monitoring ...... 3 Floristic Characterization ...... 3 Well Monitoring ...... 4 Seed Bank Characterization ...... 4 Photo Monitoring ...... 4 Status Surveys ...... 5 De novo Surveys ...... 5 Results and Discussion ...... 6 Population and Vegetation Monitoring ...... 6 Floristic Characterization ...... 10 Well Monitoring ...... 10 Seed Bank Characterization ...... 14 Photo Monitoring ...... 15 Status Surveys ...... 15 Carr Lake...... 20 Pine Island Marsh RNA ...... 20 Pine Island Lake ...... 21 36th Street Marsh ...... 22 De Novo Surveys ...... 22 Summary and Future Work ...... 23 Acknowledgments...... 25 Literature Cited ...... 27

List of Figures

Figure 1. Study Site ...... 2 Figure 2. Average percent cover of dominant vascular plants from 1999-2006 ...... 9 Figures 3-10. Chronological series of photos from NW corner of macroplot ...... 16-19

List of Tables

Table 1. Percentage average cover and frequency of species identified in sampling quadrats from 1999- 2006...... 7-8 Table 2. Compiled vascular plant species list ...... 11-13 Table 3. Well monitoring data for macroplot from 2004-2006 ...... 14 Table 4. Previously known and De novo survey sites for Hall’s bulrush 2004-2006 ...... 12

List of Appendices

Appendix A. Coastal Plain Marsh abstract ...... A-2

Hall’s bulrush 2006 Page i

Introduction

In 1999 Michigan Natural Features environmental conditions that sustain this Inventory (MNFI) initiated population and species as well as identifying the environmental vegetation monitoring of a large, exemplary cues that signal the very sporadic and occurrence of Hall’s bulrush (Schoenoplectus unpredictable emergences from seed banks. The hallii (A. Gray) S.G. Smith) inhabiting a coastal results of this study, as well those through plain marsh within Allegan State Game Area continued long-term monitoring, will help (SGA) in southwest Lower Michigan. This ensure that appropriate management and widespread but extremely rare annual sedge is protection measures will be taken to conserve ranked G2 (globally imperiled) by NatureServe this species in Michigan. (2007). It is anticipated that sufficient This report presents the results of an eighth justification will be established to merit a year of monitoring within the permanent recommendation for candidate status (C1), macroplot established in Allegan SGA following enabling this taxon to ultimately be considered the protocol described in previous progress for listing as a Threatened species (LT) under reports (Higman and Penskar 2004, 2003, the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Penskar and Higman 2002). During the period McKenzie (1998) completed an initial report of annual vegetation and population monitoring, comprising an overview of this species for the four other known Michigan occurrences of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Hall’s bulrush were systematically re-visited followed by a second and comprehensively (where accessible) from 2004-2006 to assess updated status assessment (McKenzie et al. their status. In addition, de novo surveys of 2007) published in the Journal of the Botanical potential sites in relative proximity to Research Institute of Texas (formerly known as documented occurrences (Allegan and Sida). Muskegon counties) as well as selected The Michigan study was initiated to fill data potential areas in one other county with a gaps and assist in elucidating the specific concentration of high quality coastal plain habitat and ecological requirements of Hall’s marshes (Van Buren) were also conducted to bulrush. The development of a long-term identify new occurrences of this species. The monitoring protocol was a key component of results of those surveys are provided with this this investigation, particularly with regard to report. achieving a better understanding of the

Study Site

The monitoring protocol was conducted in (Kost 2000, Appendix A). The marsh occurs in Section 7 Marsh, located within the Allegan a shallow, relatively long, isolated depression State Game Area (SGA), a 50,000 acre (20,234 within an extensive sand lakeplain vegetated ha) public tract located in western Allegan with closed canopy oak-pine forest in the County in southwest Lower Michigan (Figure surrounding upland areas. Largely dominated 1). The site is one of two documented by graminoids (grasses, sedges, and rushes), as occurrences of Hall’s bulrush in the SGA and is is typical of coastal plain marshes, this site is located in the northeastern region of the tract one of several such exemplary occurrences in where a large population was first identified in the SGA and one of more than 40 high quality 1989. The population occurs within a high coastal plain marshes identified in southwest quality occurrence of coastal plain marsh, a Lower Michigan. globally imperiled (G2) natural community

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 1

  

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Figure 1. The study site in the Allegan State Game Area in southwest Lower Michigan. The arrow in the upper box points to the Hall’s bulrush monitoring macroplot within a coastal plain marsh community.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 2 Status surveys were systematically Additional surveys for de novo inventory conducted at three of four additional study sites were conducted at several other sites, focusing where Hall’s bulrush has been previously on potential habitats that could be accessed in documented in Michigan, including Carr Lake Muskegon County, selected sites in Allegan and the Pine Island Marsh RNA in Muskegon County within the SGA, and in other potential, County, and the 36th Street Marsh in Allegan accessible sites in Van Buren County, including County. The fourth site, Pine Island Lake within and near a portion of a high quality Marsh, in Muskegon County, was not surveyed wetland complex protected within a Michigan from 2004-2006 owing to the inability to obtain Nature Association (MNA) preserve, and an permission to access the site during the survey exceptional coastal plain marsh where window. However, because the site was visible permission was granted from the landowner for from the road right-of-way, sufficient photos access and evaluation. were obtained to document the condition of the site and postulate the likely status of the population.

Methods

Population and Vegetation Monitoring

Population and vegetation monitoring were regard to its initiation, and with the inclusion of conducted according to the protocol first one late spring sampling period for comparison established in 1999, whereby 100 random and more thorough floristic coverage, there have quadrats were sampled within a 50m x 50m been nine vegetation and population sampling permanent macroplot (Penskar and Higman periods completed over eight years, consisting 2002). Percent coverage of all vascular plant of the following: fall 1999, fall 2000, spring species, bare soil, and litter in each quadrat 2001, fall 2001, fall 2002, fall 2003, fall 2004, were visually estimated and recorded on data fall 2005, and fall 2006. sheets. Owing to the timing of the study with

Floristic Characterization

The area of the permanent macroplot and compiled, cumulative site inventory list. The vicinity was searched by meander-survey, site native floristic quality index (FQI), mean including the adjacent upland forest edges, coefficient of conservatism (COC,) and average savanna openings, and a significant portion of wetland coefficient were subsequently re- the contiguous wetland depression to the east of calculated (Herman et al. 2001) and compared the macroplot. Vascular species not observed in to those of previous sampling years. previous years of the study were added to the

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 3 Well Monitoring

Water level assessments were conducted as site sampling form, the removable cap was in previous years, using the four replacement reinstalled with landscape cloth as necessary. wells installed within the permanent monitoring The well cap assembly was then recovered with macroplot in 2003 (Higman and Penskar 2004). soil to prevent detection and deter potential Wells were relocated following the placement of vandalism. During this procedure each well the macroplot baselines forming the plot layout. was briefly examined to determine its condition Depth to water table, as well as the depth of the and ascertain whether soil infilling was taking water within the well tube, was measured using place. Additional well caps and landscape cloth a metal retractable measuring tape inserted to were kept on hand with the plot sampling the bottom of the wells. When withdrawn from equipment for augmentation or replacement the well tube, the tape was examined to detect where needed. Measurements were recorded the presence of water and determine its depth during vegetation monitoring sampling in the within the well. Following the completion of fall and during the spring period when possible. each well measurement and recordation on the

Seed Bank Characterization

Seed bank characterization continued with soil samples were obtained on May 20, 2005. A the sieving of 100 soil specimens obtained and bulb planter ca. 10 cm in length and ca. 8 cm in dried during the first year of sampling in 1999. width was used to extract a soil cores from the Following the determination that the sieving center of each quadrat. Each soil sample was procedure was completed improperly for a large then released into a zip lock bag, which was portion of the original samples, it was tightly sealed and annotated with the quadrat concluded that a second set of 100 soil samples number in waterproof ink. Following field should be obtained from the permanent sampling, the 100 soil samples were opened and macroplot. These samples were acquired thoroughly air dried within their bags. Before following the random sampling protocol used re-sealing the soil clods were broken up as throughout the macroplot study, using the same necessary by hand, with excess organic material layout and methodology as applied to vegetation removed at this time prior to further processing. sampling for the placement of quadrats. The

Photo Monitoring

As implemented since 1999 (Penskar and areas to document artificial disturbance Higman 2003), photo monitoring was conducted features, such as recent impacts from off-road- as a means of qualitatively comparing the vehicles (ORVs) and other recreational uses, annual changes in the appearance and including horse riding. Photos were also taken dominance of vegetation within the permanent to document the effects of prescribed fire macroplot. Photos were taken from each of the adjacent to but outside the macroplot after a four corners of the 50m x 50m macroplot, burn was conducted by the game area managers looking inward on the plot, and then compared in 2005 as part of a large scale oak-pine barrens to the respective photos of previous years. restoration effort. Additional photos were also taken of adjacent

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 4 Status Surveys

All records pertaining to the four other of all known rare plant and natural community known occurrences of Hall’s bulrush in occurrences. Although each site was meander Michigan were reviewed in order to pin-point surveyed, intensive searches were concentrated where they were previously documented as in the specific locations where Hall’s bulrush specifically as possible. The review of known populations had been previously recorded or occurrences included examination of all otherwise indicated on older, hand-drawn maps. archived field notes, maps, relevant GIS data Each site was described on a habitat layers and aerial imagery, and any available characterization form and representative photos reports and publications concerning these were taken to document the condition of the populations and sites. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, natural community. A vascular plant checklist surveys of these documented occurrences all was compiled during every search of a Hall’s took place from mid-August through mid- bulrush site, and additional data and GPS points September. Surveys were conducted via were recorded when new, previously unknown meander-searches using GIS based aerial rare plant species for a site were identified. imagery depicting the spatial extent and location

De Novo Surveys

Aerial photos for Allegan, Muskegon, and Potential new sites were identified using the Van Buren counties were reviewed in search image of previously documented sites – conjunction with USGS topographic maps to grass and rush-dominated, shallow depressions locate new sites for Hall’s bulrush. Allegan and with gently sloping topography, occurring on Muskegon counties were selected based upon outwash and sandy lakeplain dominated by oak the presence of additional coastal plain marsh and oak-pine forests and barrens. Sites were habitat in relative proximity to the areas known meander-surveyed similar to the way in which to support Hall’s bulrush occurrences. Van documented Hall’s sites were assessed and Buren County was selected based on several inventoried. Selected well known coastal plain factors, including its proximity to a county marshes in the vicinity of de novo survey sites where Hall’s bulrush has been documented, the where Hall’s bulrush had not been previously presence of a number of known high quality detected were also surveyed on occasion. coastal plain marsh complexes with potential Surveys were justified at these sites because habitat, and the delineation, following aerial surveys conducted in previous years and for photo and map review, of several additional other projects did not target Hall’s bulrush sites which have received little or no inventory specifically. Also, as is corroborated by our previously. It was recognized that other three years of monitoring data, the emergence of counties, such as Oceana, Ottawa, and Berrien Hall’s bulrush is very sporadic and previous also support potential habitat, but incorporating surveys at these well known sites may not have these areas – with the exception of considering been conducted during a year of emergence, and some sites identified along their boundaries – thus detection would have been unlikely even if was well beyond the scope of the project. soil samples were obtained and screened.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 5 Results and Discussion

Population and Vegetation Monitoring

Aerial stems of Hall’s bulrush were not wetland affinities and ecology. Prairie observed during macroplot sampling or site cordgrass has an assigned National Wetland meander searches from 2004-2005, with 2002 Indicator Category of FACW+ (Herman et al. recorded as the only year of emergence from the 2001, Reed 1988) whereas switch grass has seed bank during the 1999-2006 period of this been classified as a FAC+ species. As defined study. Vegetation cover data recorded from by Reed, FACW+ species usually to almost 2004-2006 was similar to previous years in always occurs in wetlands under natural terms of the principal taxa recorded, with the conditions, but occasionally may be found in same suite of species dominating the sample non-wetlands. FAC+ species are essentially plots (Table 1, Figure 2). Species were facultative taxa equally likely to be in wetlands considered dominant if they had an average and non-wetlands. The more droughty coverage of more than 1% in at least one year conditions of the site from 2004-2006 thus and appeared within the macroplot in 2004- appear to be negatively affecting the wetland 2006 and throughout all five previous species and positively influencing the monitoring seasons. These taxa included prairie dominance of facultative and the more strictly cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), switch grass upland species. This is illustrated in part by the (Panicum virgatum), hedge-hyssop (Stachys increasing appearance and frequency of upland hyssopifolia), panic grass (Panicum spretum), species recorded in the monitoring macroplot bushy aster (Aster dumosus), water smartweed during the last three years. These species (Polygonum amphibium), and sedge (Carex include such taxa as hairy pinweed (Lechea brevior). Dominant species recorded in the villosa), slender knotweed (Polygonum tenue), permanent monitoring macroplot are identified and horsemint (Monarda punctata), all of which in italics in Table 1. are obligate upland species, and other taxa such The period from 2004-2006 remained dry, as racemed milkwort (Polygala polygama), little with the macroplot site exhibiting several bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), and slender marked effects due to extended drought (e.g. see sand sedge (Cyperus filiculmis). well and photo monitoring data results). Among the remaining dominant species, Average percent cover declined for prairie water smartweed is notable. Despite being an cordgrass to its lowest average cover of the obligate wetland species, it has managed to eight-year study, in direct contrast to switch consistently occur within the macroplot and grass, which attained its highest average cover persist, yet has also demonstrated a consistent values of the study. The average cover of drop in coverage values due to the protracted hedge-hyssop and bushy aster from 2004-2006 drought conditions in the study site. Panicum was within the range of variation of previous spretum has been the most variable species over years, whereas the average cover of water the entire study (Figure 2), but has had a smartweed was the lowest recorded for the trajectory and coverage values very similar to study. The general pattern of change in cover switch grass since 2001. Owing to its high values appears to be largely due to extended variability it is unlikely to be a good predictor drought conditions of the sampling site, as of site conditions and water availability. exemplified by the top two dominants recorded As in previous years, several additional in the macroplot, prairie cordgrass and switch species were occasionally detected in the grass. The different trajectories of these two quadrats with consistently lower cover values taxa (Figure 2) appear to be related to their including Indian hemp (Apocynum

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 6 ------.16 .01 .02 .08 .23 .04 8.06 8.06 5.63 Avg. Cov. Cov. Avg. 2003 ------1 2 8 4 3 68 58 11 Freq ------2.10 2.10 1.50 0.01 0.84 0.01 0.02 0.14 2.93 17.02 17.02 Avg. Cov. Cov. Avg. 2002 ------1 1 2 9 59 54 22 14 64 Freq.

------6.34 6.34 0.13 0.12 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.15 0.01 0.01 Avg. Avg. Cov. 2001-fall

------8 9 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 61 Freq.

------6.26 6.26 13.6 0.16 0.02 0.15 0.07 3.57 Avg. Avg. Cov. 2001-Spring

------2 4 58 53 11 15 30 Freq.

------2.82 2.82 0.14 0.14 0.01 0.01 Avg. Avg. Cov. 36.72 36.72 2000

------9 1 4 48 65 13 Freq.

------50.40------475.28------.300------0.0310.01----- 2.75 2.75 26.1 0.35 0.03 0.01 6.800.73 80 19 3.91 1.81 74 11 1.87 0.36 78 17 1.27 0.66 87 21 5.93 4.94 95 21 6.23 2.82 1.11 24 0.05 30 0.92 20 0.50 26 0.68 8 .11 Avg. Avg. Cov. 25.25 78 16.87 80 8.70 83 6.80 77 21.41 84 11.25 1999

------180.18------2.02 -4.4------40.04------2 0.02 - - 1 0.01 - - - - 1.1------10.01------1.01 003.600------10.0130.0610.01- --2.2-1.03 ------20.02------2.02 1.2------10.02------1.01 ------9 0.09 3 0.03 9 0.13 - - 8 0.09 2 .02 9 0.12 4 0.04 5 0.08 11 0.11 - - 2 .02 2 0.03 - - 1 0.02 2 0.03 - - - - 3 1 61 71 16 21 21 85 82 85 21 Freq

spretum

hyssopifolia

dumosus

Species pectinata Spartina Stachys Panicum virgatum Panicum Aster Polygonum amphibium scoparius Carex brevior cannabinum Agrostis hyemale Andropogon capillaris howellii Antennaria Apocynum filiculmis Aster/Solidago sp. Bulbostylis Conyza canadensis Cyperus maculata parvulus Echinodorus Eleocharis engelmannii obtusifolium Eleocharis tricostata Euphorbia tenuis autumnalis Fimbristylis Gnaphalium canadense villosa Hypericum 3 Juncus spicata virginica Krigia Lechea uniflorus Linaria canadensis Lobelia biennis Lycopus americanus Lycopus polygama Mollugo verticillata Oenothera norvegica digitalis Penstemon Polygala tenue Polygonum Potentilla perfoliata Rotala ramosior Scirpus hallii missurica Sonchus sp. Specularia alba Spiraea Vernonia Table 1. Average percent cover and frequency of species indentified in sampling quadrats from 1999-2006. Italicized of species indentified in sampling quadrats from and frequency cover percent Average 1. Table during all eight sampling years and had coverage of more in the macroplot dominants that have appeared species are Michigan taxa occurring in the monitoring macroplot. Bolded species indicate rare than 1% in at least one year.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 7 Table 1. Continued from page 7.

2004 2005 2006 Species Freq Avg. Freq. Avg. Freq. Avg. Cov. Cov. Cov. Spartina pectinata 51 0.89 64 2.66 28 0.65 Stachys hyssopifolia 85 13.71 76 8.88 72 6.20 Panicum virgatum 98 22.32 96 17.97 98 15.77 Panicum spretum 73 15.68 65 14.18 69 11.88 Aster dumosus 31 3.30 18 0.91 25 2.18 Polygonum amphibium 10 0.13 2 0.02 9 0.12 Carex brevior 13 0.16 14 0.27 4 0.06 Agrostis hyemale 1 0.01 - - - - Andropogon scoparius ------Antennaria howellii ------Apocynum cannabinum 9 0.0990.0940.04 Aster/Solidago sp. ------Bulbostylis capillaris ------Conyza canadensis 15 0.16 - - 10 0.18 Cyperus filiculmis - - 1 0.20 - - Echinodorus parvulus ------Eleocharis engelmannii ------Eleocharis tricostata ------Euphorbia maculata ------Fimbristylis autumnalis ------Gnaphalium obtusifolium 9 0.1050.0560.12 Hypericum canadense ------Juncus tenuis ------Krigia virginica ------Lechea villosa 10 0.20 14 0.50 17 0.48 Lepidium densiflorum 1 0.07 - - - - Linaria canadensis ------Lobelia spicata ------Lycopus americanus ------Lycopus uniflorus ------Mollugo verticillata ------Monarda punctata 1 0.07 - - 2 0.02 Oenothera biennis - ---30.03 Penstemon digitalis 7 0.18 5 0.30 1 0.01 Polygala polygama 6 0.07 11 0.10 - - Polygonum tenue 8 0.12 3 0.04 - - Potentilla norvegica 10.01---- Rotala ramosior ------Rubus flagellaris - ---10.09 Scirpus hallii ------Sonchus sp. ------Specularia perfoliata 1 0.01 - - - - Spiraea alba ------Vernonia missurica - - 1 0.01 - - Vitis riparia - - 1 0.01 - -

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 8 Spartina pectinata Panicum virgatum Panicum spretum Stachys hyssopifolia Aster dumosus Polygonum amphibium Scirpus hallii Sample year and period Average plot cover of dominant species 2001 fall 2002 fall 2003 fall 2004 fall 2005 fall 2006 fall 2007 fall spring 1999 fall 2000 fall 2001 5.0 0.0

40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 Figure 2. Average percent cover of dominant vascular plant species in monitoring macroplot from 1999-2006, from plant species in monitoring macroplot of dominant vascular cover percent Average 2. Figure of emergence in 2002. bulrush based on the sole year Hall’s showing a single point for Average percent cover percent Average

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 9 cannabinum), rough cinquefoil (Potentilla (Oenothera biennis), and nodding spurge norvegica), three-ribbed spike-rush (Eleocharis (Euphorbia maculata), among others. Several tricostata), ticklegrass (Agrostis hyemale), small of these species are indicative of the continuing pussytoes (Antennaria howellii), horseweed terrestrialization of the sample site during what (Conyza canadensis), cudweed (Gnaphalium has become a long, protracted drought over obtusifolium), northern bugleweed (Lycopus several years. uniflorus), common evening-primrose

Floristic Characterization

New species continue to be steadily site native floristic quality index (FQI) was recorded for the study site since the last calculated as 49.4, with a native mean summary report in 2003 (Higman and Penskar coefficient of conservatism (COC) of 4.8. This 2004), comprised primarily of native species shows a steady increase from the initial 1999- and a small number of exotic forbs. The 2002 sampling period (Penskar and Higman compiled vascular species list for the study site, 2003) when the FQI and COC were 46.0 and following eight seasons of macroplot sampling 4.6, respectively, and the 2003 sampling period and meander searches, is presented in Table 2. when FQI and COC had respective values of The total number of species identified through 48.4 and 4.8 (Higman and Penskar 2003). As 2006 is 123, 113 of which are native species. noted in the 2002 monitoring report, the FQI The new species documented include such and COC are considered relatively high values, native taxa as love grass (Eragrostis indicating that the study site comprises a pectinacea), three-awn grass (Aristida community of very notable natural area quality. purpurascens), old field cinquefoil (Potentilla The average wetness value remains facultative- simplex), goat’s rue (Tephrosia virginiana), (FAC-), which was the recorded value in 2003 nodding spurge (Euphorbia maculata), and but contrasting with the facultative (FAC) rating shining or winged sumac (Rhus coppalina), and in 2002 and demonstrating a continuing trend non-native species such as heal-all (Prunella toward drier conditions as indicated by the well vulgaris), false buckwheat (Polygonum data. The advent of more xeric conditions is convolvulus), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), also illustrated by the appearance of certain hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), and small exotic species (e.g. hairy vetch, small peppergrass (Lepidium densiflorum). peppergrass) that are more typical of upland Based on the Michigan Floristic Quality habitats that undergo artificial disturbance. Assessment System (Herman et al. 2001), the

Well Monitoring

From 2004-2006 the four new wells reinstalled and/or replaced as was necessary. It installed in 2003 were measured in each spring is unclear if this was due to vandalism or the and fall to ascertain depth to water table and to curiosity of recreationists, such as hunters and assess the general condition and functionality of others that may use this site, or possibly due to the wells. Although each well was camouflaged animals attracted to the white caps or landscape via the method noted by Higman and Penskar fabric. The removal of well caps, however, (2004), at least one well cap per site visit was does not appear to have affected the wells. The found to be disinterred and subsequently

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 10 Table 2. Compiled vascular plant species list for the study site over eight seasons of vegetation monitoring and meander searches of the macroplot and immediate vicinity. SCIENTIFIC NAME WETNESS PHYSIOGNOMY COMMON NAME Agrostis hyemalis FAC- Nt P-Grass TICKLEGRASS Ambrosia artemisiifolia FACU Nt A-Forb COMMON RAGWEED Amelanchier arborea FACU Nt Tree JUNEBERRY Andropogon gerardii FAC- Nt P-Grass BIG BLUESTEM Andropogon scoparius FACU Nt P-Grass LITTLE BLUESTEM GRASS Antennaria howellii UPL Nt P-Forb SMALL PUSSYTOES Apocynum cannabinum FAC Nt P-Forb INDIAN HEMP ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA UPL Ad A-Forb MOUSE EAR CRESS Arabis glabra UPL Nt B-Forb TOWER MUSTARD Aristida basiramea UPL Nt A-Grass FORK TIPPED THREE AWNED GRASS Aristida purpurascens UPL Nt P-Grass THREE AWNED GRASS Artemisia campestris FAC Nt B-Forb WORMWOOD Asclepias amplexicaulis UPL Nt P-Forb CLASPING MILKWEED Aster dumosus FAC+ Nt P-Forb BUSHY ASTER Bulbostylis capillaris FACU+ Nt A-Sedge SEDGE Calamagrostis canadensis OBL Nt P-Grass BLUE JOINT GRASS Carex brevior FAC Nt P-Sedge SEDGE Carex muhlenbergii UPL Nt P-Sedge SEDGE Carex pellita OBL Nt P-Sedge SEDGE Carex pensylvanica UPL Nt P-Sedge SEDGE Carex rugosperma UPL Nt P-Sedge SEDGE CIRSIUM VULGARE FACU- Ad B-Forb BULL THISTLE Comandra umbellata FACU Nt P-Forb BASTARD TOADFLAX Conyza canadensis FAC- Nt A-Forb HORSEWEED Coreopsis lanceolata FACU Nt P-Forb SAND COREOPSIS Cornus florida FACU- Nt Tree FLOWERING DOGWOOD Cyperus filiculmis FACU- Nt P-Sedge SLENDER SAND SEDGE Danthonia spicata UPL Nt P-Grass POVERTY GRASS; OATGRASS DIANTHUS ARMERIA UPL Ad A-Forb DEPTFORD PINK Echinodorus tenellus OBL Nt P-Forb DWARF BURHEAD Eleocharis engelmannii FACW Nt A-Sedge ENGELMANN'S SPIKE RUSH Eleocharis tricostata OBL Nt P-Sedge THREE RIBBED SPIKE RUSH Eragrostis pectinacea FAC Nt A-Grass LOVE GRASS Eragrostis spectabilis UPL Nt P-Grass PURPLE LOVE GRASS Euphorbia corollata UPL Nt P-Forb FLOWERING SPURGE Euphorbia maculata FACU- Nt A-Forb NODDING SPURGE Euthamia graminifolia FACW- Nt P-Forb GRASS LEAVED GOLDENROD Euthamia remota FACW Nt P-Forb LAKES FLAT TOPPED GOLDENROD Fimbristylis autumnalis FACW+ Nt A-Sedge AUTUMN SEDGE Fragaria vesca FACU- Nt P-Forb WOODLAND STRAWBERRY Gnaphalium obtusifolium UPL Nt A-Forb OLD FIELD BALSAM Helianthus divaricatus UPL Nt P-Forb WOODLAND SUNFLOWER Helianthus occidentalis FACU- Nt P-Forb WESTERN SUNFLOWER Hypericum canadense FACW Nt A-Forb CANADIAN ST. JOHN'S WORT Hypericum kalmianum FACW- Nt Shrub KALM'S ST. JOHN'S WORT Juncus greenei FAC Nt P-Forb GREENE'S RUSH Juncus tenuis FAC Nt P-Forb PATH RUSH

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 11 Table 2. (cont’d). Compiled vascular plant species list for the study site over eight seasons of vegetation monitoring and meander searches of the macroplot and immediate vicinity. SCIENTIFIC NAME WETNESS PHYSIOGNOMY COMMON NAME Koeleria macrantha UPL Nt P-Grass JUNE GRASS Krigia virginica UPL Nt A-Forb DWARF DANDELION Lechea villosa UPL Nt P-Forb HAIRY PINWEED LEPIDIUM DENSIFLORUM FAC Ad A-Forb SMALL PEPPERGRASS Lespedeza capitata FACU Nt P-Forb ROUND HEADED BUSH CLOVER Liatris aspera UPL Nt P-Forb ROUGH BLAZING STAR Liatris cylindracea UPL Nt P-Forb CYLINDRICAL BLAZING STAR Linaria canadensis UPL Nt A-Forb BLUE TOADFLAX Linum sulcatum UPL Nt P-Forb GROOVED YELLOW FLAX Lithospermum canescens UPL Nt P-Forb HOARY PUCCOON Lobelia spicata FAC Nt P-Forb PALE SPIKED LOBELIA Lupinus perennis UPL Nt P-Forb WILD LUPINE Lycopus americanus OBL Nt P-Forb COMMON WATER HOREHOUND Lythrum alatum OBL Nt P-Forb WINGED LOOSESTRIFE MOLLUGO VERTICILLATA FAC Ad A-Forb CARPET WEED Monarda punctata UPL Nt P-Forb HORSEMINT Nyssa sylvatica FACW+ Nt Tree BLACK GUM Oenothera biennis FACU Nt B-Forb COMMON EVENING PRIMROSE Oxalis stricta FACU Nt P-Forb COMMON YELLOW WOOD SORREL Panicum meridionale UPL Nt P-Grass MAT PANIC GRASS Panicum praecocius UPL Nt P-Grass PANIC GRASS Panicum spretum OBL Nt P-Grass PANIC GRASS Panicum virgatum FAC+ Nt P-Grass SWITCH GRASS Penstemon digitalis FAC- Nt P-Forb FOXGLOVE BEARD TONGUE Pinus banksiana FACU Nt Tree JACK PINE Pinus strobus FACU Nt Tree WHITE PINE POA COMPRESSA FACU+ Ad P-Grass CANADA BLUEGRASS Polygala polygama FACU- Nt B-Forb RACEMED MILKWORT Polygonum amphibium OBL Nt P-Forb WATER SMARTWEED POLYGONUM CONVOLVULUS FAC- Ad A-Forb FALSE BUCKWHEAT Polygonum tenue UPL Nt A-Forb SLENDER KNOTWEED Populus deltoides FAC+ Nt Tree COTTONWOOD Potentilla arguta FACU- Nt P-Forb TALL or PRAIRIE CINQUEFOIL Potentilla simplex FACU- Nt P-Forb OLD FIELD CINQUEFOIL PRUNELLA VULGARIS FAC Nt P-Forb LAWN PRUNELLA Prunus serotina FACU Nt Tree WILD BLACK CHERRY Pteridium aquilinum FACU Nt Fern BRACKEN FERN Pycnanthemum verticillatum UPL Nt P-Forb WHORLED MOUNTAIN MINT Quercus alba FACU Nt Tree WHITE OAK Quercus velutina UPL Nt Tree BLACK OAK Rhus copallina UPL Nt Shrub WINGED SUMAC ROSA MULTIFLORA FACU Ad Shrub MULTIFLORA ROSE Rotala ramosior OBL Nt A-Forb TOOTH CUP Rubus flagellaris FACU- Nt Shrub NORTHERN DEWBERRY Rubus hispidus FACW Nt Shrub SWAMP DEWBERRY Rudbeckia hirta FACU Nt P-Forb BLACK EYED SUSAN RUMEX ACETOSELLA FAC Ad P-Forb SHEEP SORREL

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 12 Table 2. (cont’d). Compiled vascular plant species list for the study site over eight seasons of vegetation monitoring and meander searches of the macroplot and immediate vicinity.

SCIENTIFIC NAME WETNESS PHYSIOGNOMY COMMON NAME Salix humilis FACU Nt Shrub PRAIRIE WILLOW Salix petiolaris FACW+ Nt Shrub SLENDER WILLOW Sassafras albidum FACU Nt Tree SASSAFRAS Schoenoplectus hallii OBL Nt A-Sedge HALL'S BULRUSH Sisyrinchium montanum FAC+ Nt P-Forb MOUNTAIN BLUE EYED GRASS Solidago canadensis FACU Nt P-Forb CANADA GOLDENROD Solidago hispida UPL Nt P-Forb WHITE GOLDENROD Solidago juncea UPL Nt P-Forb EARLY GOLDENROD Solidago nemoralis UPL Nt P-Forb OLD FIELD GOLDENROD Sorghastrum nutans FACU+ Nt P-Grass INDIAN GRASS Spartina pectinata FACW+ Nt P-Grass CORDGRASS Specularia perfoliata FAC Nt A-Forb VENUS'S LOOKING GLASS Spiraea alba FACW+ Nt Shrub MEADOWSWEET Spiraea tomentosa FACW Nt Shrub STEEPLEBUSH Stachys hyssopifolia FACW+ Nt P-Forb HYSSOP HEDGE NETTLE Tephrosia virginiana UPL Nt P-Forb GOAT'S RUE Teucrium canadense FACW- Nt P-Forb WOOD SAGE Toxicodendron radicans FAC+ Nt W-Vine POISON IVY Tradescantia ohiensis FACU+ Nt P-Forb COMMON SPIDERWORT Ulmus americana FACW- Nt Tree AMERICAN ELM Vaccinium angustifolium FACU Nt Shrub BLUEBERRY Verbena hastata FACW+ Nt P-Forb BLUE VERVAIN Vernonia missurica FAC+ Nt P-Forb MISSOURI IRONWEED Veronica peregrina FACW+ Nt A-Forb PURSLANE SPEEDWELL or NECKWEED VICIA VILLOSA UPL Ad A-Forb HAIRY VETCH Viola lanceolata OBL Nt P-Forb LANCE LEAVED VIOLET Viola pedata UPL Nt P-Forb BIRDFOOT VIOLET Viola sagittata FACW- Nt P-Forb ARROW LEAVED VIOLET Vitis riparia FACW- Nt W-Vine RIVERBANK GRAPE results of the three years of well monitoring are bottom and thus were relatively close to the presented in Table 3. water table. The lack of water table detection Over the three years of spring and fall well can only verify the long-term drawdown readings, only one well demonstrated a occurring in the study site and the persistence of measurable water table depth, with a recording a water table well below the 2m extent of the of 3.8cm within the well tube indicating a water monitoring wells. table depth of 1.96m below the ground surface. The lack of the emergence of Hall’s bulrush The paucity of well readings amply and its rare wetland associates is thus not demonstrates the extended droughty conditions unexpected, particularly in view of the complex of the study site. The well displaying the seed germination model detailed by Baskin et reading was the southernmost of the four wells al. 2003). In studying seed dormancy in Hall’s installed in the sampling macroplot, where it bulrush through experiments with ethylene as a occupied one of the lowest positions in the possible cue, Baskin et al. postulated that community. Although no other wells were dormant seeds will germinate if buried in non- found to contain water during spring or fall flooded soil during the winter and then visits, some wells were recorded as moist on the subsequently flooded in spring in the presence

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 13 Table 3. Well monitoring data for the permanent macroplot for spring and fall from 2004-2006. Sample year 2004 2005 2006 Spring fall Spring fall Spring fall Well # 1 dry dry dry dry dry dry

2 dry dry dry dry dry dry

3 dry dry dry dry dry dry

4 dry dry dry 3.8cm dry dry

of light and ethylene. Ethylene, which can be Fennville station, which lies within 12 miles of produced from organic matter in flooded the study site. Preliminary analysis of the 2002 conditions, possibly plays a key role through its precipitation data shows that a total of 24.9” of production during spring flooding, thus serving rain was recorded for the year, of which 4.23” as a physiological signal for germination and (17%) fell from January-March (the winter growth in years with sufficient water period) and 9.47” (38%) fell from April-June, availability. Hall’s bulrush thus not only and a 11.37” (46%) fell from April-July (the requires flooding and drawdown cycles but also latter a second version of defining the relevant a certain regime in order to break dormancy. spring period). Although examination of these Owing to the paucity of well data data is only cursory, the data show a relatively throughout the eight years of this study, local small proportion of precipitation occurring in precipitation data were acquired as a potential winter and a very high proportion of surrogate for direct water level measurements. precipitation occurring in the spring, which is In particular, the year during which Hall’s consistent with the Baskin et al. seed bulrush is known to have emerged (2002) was germination model. Future examination of studied to ascertain a correlation between its these weather station data may possibly reveal growth in that particular year and also the statistically significant correlations and a way in possible reasons for its lack of emergence in which to reliably predict or infer when Hall’s other years. The climate data were also bulrush emergences are most likely to take obtained to ascertain if precipitation would be a place. To that end, a large set of climate data better predictor than the laborious and have been obtained for more thorough analyses, logistically difficult task of using monitoring as it is recognized that a more detailed model of wells. Utilizing the Michigan State University rainfall for this region needs to be constructed Web-based enviro-weather network (http:// to examine both the amount and pattern of www.enviroweather.msu.edu), local annual precipitation likely to effect the local hydrology precipitation data were obtained for the of the study site and its environs.

Seed Bank Characterization

Seed bank characterization and sampling, (Penskar and Higman 2002). A portion of the long identified as a component of the long-term soil core samples was sieved, and the sieved monitoring plan, was initiated through obtaining samples were then carefully examined for Hall’s 100 soil cores samples from the permanent bulrush seeds, which were extracted and tallied. macroplot during the first years of the study Unfortunately, as the soil samples were dried

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 14 and processed, the senior principal investigator sample set, via the placement of 100 random (M. Penskar) realized that he had processed and quadrats in the macroplot. Each soil core sieved a significant number (approximately sample was placed in a zip-lock bag and 66%) of the soil samples incorrectly and appropriately labeled as to quadrat and transect irrecoverably, necessitating the need to obtain line location. All soil core samples were then another series of soil cores to repeat this air dried and stored. The processing of these procedure. Thus in 2006, an additional 100 soil samples is ongoing, and will be continued and samples were extracted from the permanent completed such that these data can be monitoring macroplot. The soil core samples incorporated into a planned peer-reviewed were obtained in the same manner as the initial publication on the study.

Photo Monitoring

Photo monitoring was continued from 2004- While not quantitative, photo monitoring is 2006 following the established protocol of a technique useful for qualitative assessment taking images from each plot corner and comparisons, and augments the analysis of perspective, i.e. the northwest, northeast, quantitative information such as the vegetation southeast, and southwest macroplot stakes, sampling data. Owing to the fortuitous respectively. Figures 3-10 comprise the emergence of Hall’s bulrush during high water chronological series of photographs taken from year, a visual comparison can be made to the northwest corner of the macroplot. All of “average” and droughty year conditions. Figure the photos were obtained within the fall 7, depicting 2002 when Hall’s bulrush and monitoring period with the exception of Figure several rare associates emerged from the seed 5, which depicts the plot during the spring of bank, clearly displays the density, height, and 2001 for comparative purposes. Photo biomass of vegetation during a high moisture monitoring from 2004 is not included; images year in marked contrast to the depicted cover in from this sampling year were obtained but are 2005 and 2006, which were very droughty temporarily inaccessible while the photos are years, and early years such as 2000. being converted from color slides to digital images.

Status Surveys

Surveys were conducted annually at three of Island Lake Marsh), because we were unable to the four additional sites where Hall’s bulrush coordinate with the landowner during the survey has been documented in Michigan, consisting of window. Visual observation of the latter site, Pine Island Marsh (previously referred to as however, from a public highway provided “Pine Island Lake – North”), Carr Lake, and 36th information on the condition of the site and the Street Marsh. Surveys were not conducted at likely disposition of the Hall’s bulrush colony, the fourth known Hall’s bulrush site, Pine Island as detailed below. Lake (referred to in a previous report as “Pine

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 15 Below: Figures 3-10. A chronological series of photos from the northwest stave of monitoring macroplot taken over the eight years of this long-term study.

Figure 3. Northwest plot stake October 14, 1999.

Figure 4. Northwest plot stake September 15, 2000.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 16 Figure 5. Northwest plot stake June 19, 2001.

Figure 6. Northwest plot stake November 14, 2001.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 17 Figure 7. Northwest plot stake September 15, 2002.

Figure 8. Northwest plot stake August 27, 2003.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 18 Figure 9. Northwest plot stake August 18, 2005.

Figure 10. Northwest plot stake September 14, 2006.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 19 The bulrush was not observed either above (Higman and Penskar 2004), Hall’s bulrush has ground (i.e. as emergent plants) or found via the not been successfully sought in any other known screening of seed bank samples from any of the site, even when screening soil samples from surveyed sites. Since Hall’s bulrush is known to localities other than the long-term monitoring emerge only sporadically from the seed bank, as site, and thus is extremely difficult to detect. shown by long-term monitoring studies and Owing to the detailed descriptions provided previous field surveys of documented sites, the for the 2003 surveys, which included soil series lack of detection is not unexpected. The failure and soil profile descriptions, as well as soil to determine the presence of such seed bank sampling for seed bank screening, relatively species in otherwise undisturbed habitats brief overviews of the annual surveys of these corroborates a year of non-emergence as sites for Hall’s bulrush and associated rare opposed to demonstrating any evidence of species are given. absence. As noted in previous progress reports

Carr Lake

This B-ranked Coastal Plain Marsh occurs emergence of Hall’s bulrush (approximately in a large depression within a landscape of oak mid-August to mid-September). Despite forest with scattered dry prairie openings. The observing both relatively high and low water marsh itself is comprised of five shallow bowls conditions over the years of survey, no Hall’s known locally as “Five Lakes”. They are bulrush colonies were identified. Plant groundwater seepage lakes with no water inflow checklists were filled out during each site visit or outflow, and display dramatic seasonal and representative photos taken. Previously fluctuations, typically with standing water in the documented populations of tall beak-rush spring reduced to scattered wet spots by late (Rhynchospora macrostachya) and bald-rush summer. The soil, however, is usually saturated (Psilocarya scirpoides) were observed and the most of the growing season. The northern-most records updated. The entire wetland complex, depression has been dramatically altered by with the exclusion of a private tract, was dredging, while the others retain more of their traversed and examined for Hall’s bulrush and natural character, particularly the eastern-most associated rarities. Ongoing incursions by off- depression. Schoenoplectus hallii was road-vehicle (ORV) traffic were noted, previously reported in an upland area between particularly in the private nature preserve owned the two southern-most depressions, as depicted and managed by the Michigan Nature in earlier hand-drawn field maps. Annual Association, with a corresponding increase in surveys from 2004-2006 were thus concentrated exotic plants colonizing artificially disturbed in this area, although the entire periphery of the areas. The nature preserve was otherwise in two depressions were systematically traversed excellent condition, and thus Hall’s bulrush each year within the optimal period for the should continue to be sought in the future.

Pine Island Marsh RNA

This wetland lies within a shallow, square- sided kettle holes within a fairly intact shaped depression with linear extensions from landscape of upland matrix of oak-pine forest each of the four sides. It is one of many such occurring on a sandy glacial outwash plain. shallow depressions, potholes, and more steep- Small remnant patches of former oak barrens

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 20 and dry sand prairie that were present site in 2003, was observed in all subsequent historically are also found in this region. Much years and data were obtained for the subsequent of the area encompassing these features has updating of this record. been designated as a formal U.S. Forest Service In 2006 the entire Pine Island Marsh (USFS) Research Natural Area (RNA) within wetland “complex” was systematically and the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Surveys intensively surveyed, including the immediate were concentrated in the northwest portion, vicinity of the known Hall’s bulrush population constituting a distinct, linear depression where (depression “A”) and the two additional, large, Hall’s bulrush had been previously been found coastal plain marsh depressions occurring to the in 1988 along a sandy edge. The field survey southwest and west (depressions “B” and “C” from the initial identification noted “less than respectively). In these high quality, mostly 100 shoots in an approximate 10 yard2 area undisturbed wetlands new colonies of Hall’s along the broad sand shore of an emergent bulrush were sought as well as associated marsh” (MNFI 2003) where it was associated rarities. In the Hall’s bulrush locality, new with autumn sedge (Fimbristylis autumnalis), occurrences of tall beak-rush (Rhynchospora brook nut sedge (Cyperus rivularis), lance- macrostachya) and whorled mountain-mint leaved violet (Viola lanceolata), Canadian St. (Pycnanthemum verticillatum) were John’s-wort (Hypericum canadensis), hedge- documented. Within depression “B”, located hyssop (Stachys hyssopifolia), and the former immediately south of the Hall’s bulrush site, a state special concern tooth-cup (Rotala second new occurrence of whorled mountain- ramosior). mint was discovered. Depression “C”, located Close examination of the known site for southwest of Pine Island Marsh and Hall’s bulrush from 2004-2006 did not reveal immediately northwest of Pine Island Lake, was any emergent colonies. The closely related then surveyed. Despite well known plant Smith’s bulrush (Schoenoplectus smithii), which records indicating several previous surveys by is very similar in appearance to Hall’s bulrush, botanists and ecologists, a new occurrence for was found within the depression in 2005 and umbrella-grass (Fuirena squarrosa) was 2006 and collected to ensure that Hall’s bulrush documented, and a known occurrence for tall was not intermixed. Black-fruited spike-rush beak-rush was updated. (Eleocharis melanocarpa), discovered in the

Pine Island Lake

Owing to ongoing difficulties contacting the the site, there are indications that the occurrence private landowner and obtaining permission for and coastal plain marsh community have been a site survey, this site was not accessed and heavily impacted. Observations from the reviewed during the study. Based upon the adjacent public highway indicate several original survey data from 1986, Hall’s bulrush changes to the lake, including extensive was documented on a two-track road along the dredging, the placement of aeration devices, and shore of the southwest arm of Pine Island Lake. extensive modification of the shoreline. The Surveyors described the lake as a “shallow, marked alterations of the shore include grading sandy, seepage lake with a zone of a coastal and the placement of fill, thus it appears that the plain marsh zone at the SW edge” (MNFI plant community along the margins has been 2003b). No abundance or associated species modified and severely impacted, if not outright data were provided, and the Hall’s bulrush destroyed in areas of the southern shore. It is colony appears to have been very local. Despite impossible to ascertain the true status of the the inability to obtain access to reliably survey Hall’s bulrush occurrence, as well as determine

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 21 the possible existence of other colonies along surveys, if possible, are recommended to other areas of the lakeshore, without a detailed determine the likely fate of the colony and the field survey. However, the persistence of the condition of other areas of the shoreline that previously identified Hall’s bulrush colony may may support Hall’s bulrush and associated currently be considered questionable. Future rarities.

36th Street Marsh

A well known and surveyed site, Section path through portions of the marsh, was finally 36th Street Marsh lies in a broad depression abandoned following extended negotiations with within an extensive sand plain dominated by a private riding stable located adjacent to the closed canopy oak-pine forest and adjacent to a game area boundary, and recent observations low dune. It is a high quality A-ranked coastal indicate that the trail damage is abating through plain marsh with zones of open water, beds of plant colonization and secondary vegetation floating aquatic plants, and grass and rush succession. dominated moist meadow. The extent of each This site was carefully surveyed by the senior zone varies with yearly and seasonal water author, who found and documented the colony in levels. A small area of wet-mesic prairie this site in 1989. Examination of the local area occurs at the northeast corner. The site has a where Hall’s bulrush was found intermixed with diverse flora including 15 rare coastal plain Schoenoplectus smithii has not resulted in the disjunct species, three of which are state identification of either bulrush. Additional endangered, including Engelmann’s quillwort observations indicate that this site, similar to the (Isoëtes engelmannii), dwarf burhead monitoring site that lies within two miles, is (Echinodorus parvulus), and Hall’s bulrush experiencing a protracted drawdown and unlikely (Schoenoplectus hallii). to have caused Hall’s bulrush to have germinated Owing to the efforts of Allegan SGA and emerged. managers, the construction of barriers has Brief observations were made of several of largely eliminated the frequent and severe the known rare coastal plain plant associates that incursions of ORVs and other recreationists continue to persist in this site, including meadow- that have historically impacted this wetland beauty (Rhexia virginica), Maryland meadow- complex. The establishment of a horse riding beauty (R. mariana), and tall nut-rush (Scleria trail, which resulted in a narrow but distinct triglomerata).

De Novo Surveys

Surveys were conducted primarily at two cases, these large wetland complexes entailed Allegan County sites, three Muskegon County dividing surveys over the three years of the study sites/wetland complexes, one large Oceana based on the scope of available funding for County wetland complex, and three large Van annual de novo inventories. Numerous additional Buren County sites/wetland complexes in potential sites were delineated via map and aerial addition to the three documented Hall’s photo review but either were rejected following bulrush sites during the 2004-2006 field reconnaissance or could not be easily accessed seasons. This represents a wide expansion of because of limited time to conduct landowner the search area following an assessment of the contact. For example, Bankson Lake in Van results of 2003 de novo inventories. In several Buren County is a large lake with an extensive

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 22 periphery of coastal plain marsh habitat and documentation of ten new rare plant several associated rare species documented, but occurrences, 15 updated occurrences, and with numerous landowners intensive survey was information that will result in the updating of not tenable, and thus inventory was conducted natural community occurrences and possibly only along a restricted area of public land at a result in the recognition of one or two new boat launch. Owing to the fairly detailed community occurrences for addition to the previous inventory coverage in Allegan County, statewide database. The new occurrences including several sites surveyed in 2003 include previously unknown sites for the state (Higman and Penskar 2004), little work was special concern tall beak-rush (Rhynchospora conducted there, with the exception of brief macrostachya), the state threatened bald-rush checking of two high quality coastal plain (Psilocarya scirpoides), the state threatened marshes in proximity to two documented Hall’s warty panic grass (Panicum verrucosum, the bulrush sites. state threatened tall green milkweed (Asclepias Hall’s bulrush was not observed at any of hirtella), and globally imperiled coastal plain the above localities, though it is not an marsh. New occurrences identified and updated unexpected finding given that the species did occurrences are shown in Table 4. not emerge from the seed bank at any of its These new occurrences will be transcribed previously known sites, and it must be and mapped in the statewide, GIS-based natural concluded that the ecological conditions heritage database, Biotics. Where significant necessary for germination and growth did not changes in element occurrence data were occur in southwest Lower Michigan during this evident, previously known occurrences of other time period. High quality coastal plain marsh rare species at these sites were updated. Natural habitats, however, were identified as well as community data will be submitted for evaluation several associated rare taxa, resulting in the and processing by MNFI community ecologists.

Summary and Future Work

Over the last three years of this eight-year least during some years of annual surveys moist study, monitoring of the state’s exemplary substrate was available as well as apparently population of Hall’s bulrush and annual high water tables. As long-term monitoring inventories of three of the four other known continues, we hope that this will enable the Michigan occurrences have not resulted in specific environmental cues to be better observations of any emergent colonies. The understood such that emergences can be macroplot monitoring data, and also the limited predicted. It is anticipated that more detailed information derived from wells, indicate a analyses of local precipitation will provide protracted drawdown in water tables and very important insights on the conditions that must unsuitable conditions for germination and be attained for emergences from seed banks in growth. The vegetation data are similar to the different sites. data from 2003, but display an increasing trend Among the more fortunate events of the toward the colonization of the macroplot by study was the spontaneous and unexpected upland species as long term drought continues. emergence of Hall’s bulrush in the monitoring However, in the other known Hall’s bulrush site in 2002, enabling many comparisons to be sites periodically assessed, the lack of made and studied to better deduce the cues and emergence is far less explicable, owing to the conditions required for germination, growth, appearance of suitable conditions because at and reproduction. The emergence was

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 23 Table 4. Previously known and de novo sites surveyed for Hall’s bulrush in Allegan, Muskegon, Oceana, and Van Buren counties from 2004-2006. Site Name County New occurrences of state Updates on known listed rare plant species occurrences/Comments Pipeline Prairie Allegan Only Hall’s bulrush sought, - not found 36th Street Prairie Allegan Only Hall’s bulrush sought, - not found 36th Street Marsh Allegan Lechea pulchella [Scirpus hallii previously found here; not observed in 2004-2006] Eleocharis melanocarpa Rhexia mariana Rhexia virginica Scleria triglomerata Blue Lake North Complex Muskegon Psilocarya scirpoides Psilocarya scirpoides Rhynchospora macrostachya Carr Lakes Complex Muskegon no new rarities found Psilocarya scirpoides Rhynchospora macrostachya Little Blue Lake East Muskegon Asclepias hirtella Psilocarya scirpoides Pine Island Marsh RNA Muskegon Pycnanthemum verticillatum Scirpus hallii previously found here; (depression “A”) Rhynchospora macrostachya not observed from 2004-2006 Eleocharis melanocarpa Pine Island Marsh RNA Muskegon no new rarities found Rhexia virginica North Pine Island Marsh RNA Muskegon Pycnanthemum verticillatum South (depression “B”) Pine Island Lake Northeast Muskegon Fuirena squarrosa Rhynchospora macrostachya (depression “C”) Horseshoe Lake Oceana no new rarities found site inaccessible – converted to a golf course Bankson Lake Van Buren no new rarities found Knickerbocker Lake Van Buren no new rarities found Panicum verrucosum Psilocarya scirpoides Rhynchospora macrostachya Scleria reticularis School Lake Complex Van Buren Panicum verrucosum Rhynchospora macrostachya surprising from the standpoint of the onset of peer-reviewed publication on the status and aerial growth in July, far before any previous ecology of Hall’s bulrush in Michigan. It is Michigan records would have indicated. All anticipated that we will count all 100 samples previous Michigan records have documented extracted from the second set of soil cores, and primarily in late August through September and while processing these samples, Dr. Carol later, whereas the 2002 emergence was well into Baskin will be consulted for guidance in the senescence when checked via a reconnaissance proper sieving and assessment of seeds. trip in mid-August prior to the planned annual De novo surveys of nearly 30 sites, plot monitoring. Both the emergence and its including several large, high quality wetland unexpected early aerial growth may in complexes, did not result in the discovery of any combination yield further information on new occurrences of Hall’s bulrush, although one environmental cues. or more associated rare coastal plain disjunct Seed bank analyses will continue, and this species were observed at many of these sites, information will be incorporated into a planned corroborating that survey sites were well

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 24 chosen. With regard to new rare plant occurrence discovered during an impromptu occurrences, 23 new populations were visit to a known Hall’s bulrush site in 2000, all documented (representing nine different coastal of the new occurrences and updates occurred as plain marsh species), whereas 30 rare plant a result of status and de novo surveys conducted occurrences were observed for subsequent from 2003-2006. updating. With the exception of one rare plant

Acknowledgements

This study was made possible by three done everything possible to enable us to conduct separate grants from 1999-2006 through the our work. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 (Twin Other colleagues who deserve hearty Cities, MN) and also via the necessary matching acknowledgement include Paul McKenzie, a funds kindly provided by the Wildlife Division, USFWS employee and extraordinarily talented Michigan Department of Natural Resources. botanist from Missouri, who authored two We are grateful for the opportunity to Hall’s bulrush status assessments that greatly investigate this rare and proposed Federal assisted and directed our work, and Tony candidate species. We would like to thank Mike Reznicek, a widely respected sedge University DeCapita and Craig Czarnecki of the USFWS of Michigan sedge and monocot specialist, East Lansing Field Office, and also the USFWS whose knowledge and publications about seed staff who have worked hard to help administer banks and coastal plain marshes provided and guide these important grants for Region 3. valuable advice and support for our study. M. Penskar is especially indebted to and Carol Baskin, Jerry Baskin, Edward thankful for the efforts of Ms. Lucinda Ochoada Chester, and Marian Smith’s publication on the and in particular for her support and seed ecology of Hall’s bulrush in addition to forbearance. Her unimpeachable knowledge their respective ongoing research projects have and assistance over the years has greatly greatly informed our study of this complex, enabled the administration of our Section six fugitive seed bank species. We would like to grants, and thus we are deeply obliged for her thank Carol for taking the time to provide unflagging help. guidance as well as encouragement. We would also like to extend our sincere Lastly, we would be greatly remiss if we did appreciation to MDNR Wildlife Division staff not thank some MNFI colleagues. We are that also made our grants possible, and who indebted to Jennifer Olson for all of her field administer them fearlessly, and thus we tender assistance throughout the project, including her special thanks to Todd Hogrefe, WLD help in the painstaking, tedious, and often Endangered Species Coordinator, Stephen tiresome process of plot monitoring as well as Beyer, the WLD Federal Aid Coordinator, and her assistance in packing out yet another back- the acting Assistant Chief, Pat Lederle, for all breaking set of 100 soil core samples. We would they have done to make this investigation also like to thank MNFI botanist Ryan possible. O’Connor who has assisted in well installation Sincere appreciation is also due to John and other tasks in 2003, and particularly Becca Lerg, Maria Albright, and Sara Shafer of the Rogers for her skillful assistance and wizardry MDNR Wildlife Division, who have helped in with PageMaker, without which we would be immeasurable ways to assist in our field studies, lost in a software wilderness. protect the long-term monitoring plot, and have

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 25 Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 26 Literature Cited and Selected References

Baskin, C.C., J.M. Baskin, E.W. Chester, and M. Keddy, P.A. and A.A. Reznicek. 1982. The role of Smith. Ethylene as a possible cue for seed seed banks in the persistence of Ontario’s germination of Schoenoplectus hallii Coastal Plain flora. Amer. J. Bot. 69(1): 13- (Cyperaceae), a rare summer annual of 22. occasionally flooded sites. Am. J. Bot. 90: 620-627. Kost, M.A. and M.R. Penskar 2000. Natural community abstract for coastal plain marsh. Baskin, C.C. and J.M. Baskin. 2001. Ecology, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy Lansing, MI. 5 pp. and Germination. Academic Press. 666 pp. McKenzie, P.M. 1998. Hall’s bulrush Elzinga, C.L., D.W. Salzer, and J.W. Willoughby. (Schoenoplectus hallii) Status Assessment. 1998. Measuring and Monitoring Plant U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Columbia, Populations. BLM Technical Reference MO. 46 pp. 1730-1. Bureau of Land Management. Denver, CO. 477 pp. McKenzie, P.M., S.G. Smith, and M. Smith. 2007. Status of Schoenoplectus hallii Gleason, H. A., and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual (Hall’s bulrush) (Cyperaceae) in the United of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 1: 457-481. States and Adjacent Canada. Second edition. The New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, Penskar, M.R. and P.J. Higman. 2003. Hall’s New York. lxxv + 910 pp. Bulrush Habitat Characterization and Monitoring Project: 1999-2002 Report. Godfrey, R.K. & Wooten. 1979. Aquatic and Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States. Region 3 Office, Minneapolis, MN. Report Monocotyledons. Athens, GA. Univ. of Number 2003-16. Lansing, MI. 27 p. + Georgia Press. 933 pp. appendices.

Herman,, K.D., L.A. Masters, M.R. Penskar, A.A. Penskar, M.R., A.A. Reznicek, W.W. Brodovich, Reznicek, G.S. Wilhelm, W.W. Brodovich, G.S. Wilhelm, L.A. Masters, K.D. Herman, and KP. Gardiner. 2001. Floristic Quality and K.P. Gardiner. 2001. Michigan Plants Assessment with Wetland Categories and Database – 2001. Pages C-1 to C-55 in: Examples of Computer Applications for the Floristic Quality Assessment with Wetland State of Michigan. 2nd Edition, Michigan Categories and Examples of Computer Dept. of Natural Resources, Wildlife Applications for the State of Michigan. 2nd Division, Natural Heritage Program. Edition, Michigan Dept. of Natural Lansing, MI. 19 pages + appendices. Resources, Wildlife Division, Natural Heritage Program. Lansing, MI. Higman, P.J. and M.R. Penskar. Hall’s Bulrush Habitat Characterization and Monitoring Penskar, M.R. and P.J. Higman. 2002. Special Project: 2003 Report. Report to U.S. Fish Plant Abstract for Schoenoplectus hallii and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Office, (Hall’s bulrush). Michigan Natural Minneapolis, MN. Report Number 2004- Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 4 pp. 14. Lansing, MI. 27 p. + appendices.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 27 Reznicek, A.A. The disjunct Coastal Plain flora U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1983. Soil in the Great Lakes region. 1994. Survey of Allegan County. Soil Conservation Biological Conservation 68: 203-215. Service, USDA, and Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. 178 pp. + maps. Schneider, R. 1994. The role of hydrologic regime in maintaining rare plant Voss, E. G. 1972. Michigan Flora. Part I. communities of New York’s coastal plan Gymnosperms and Monocots. Bull. pondshores. Biological Conservation 68: Cranbrook Inst. Sci. 55 and Univ. of 253-260. Michigan Herbarium. Xv + 488 pp.

Smith, M., S. Ammann, N. Parker, and P. Voss, E. G. 1985. Michigan Flora. Part II. Dicots Mettler-Cherry. A quantitative study of (Saururaceae-Cornaceae). Bull. Cranbrook styles and achenes of terminal and basal Inst. Sci. 59 and Univ. of Michigan flowers of Schoenoplectus hallii Herbarium. xix + 724 pp. (Cyperaceae), a rare plant of transient wetland habitats. Sida 22: 1159-1173. Voss, E.G. 1996. Michigan Flora. Part III. Dicots (Pyrolaceae-Compositae). Bull. Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Cranbrook Inst. Sci. 61 & Univ. of Chicago Region, 4th ed. Indiana Acad. Sci., Michigan Herbarium. xix + 622 pp. Indianapolis. 921 pp.

Hall’s bulrush 2004 Page 28 Appendix

A-1 A-2 Coastal Plain Marsh Community Abstract

State Distribution

High water level, Goose Lake, 1990

Low water level, Goose Lake, 1999

Top photo by Michael R. Penskar Bottom photo by Dennis A. Albert

Range: Coastal plain marsh is a Great Lakes Region plant species disjunct from their primary ranges along the wetland plant community comprised chiefly of species Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. In the upper Great from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Coastal plain Lakes Region this community occurs along the shores of marsh occurs on sand deposits associated with softwater seepage lakes, ponds and depressions where postglacial lakes and outwash channels in southwest water levels fluctuate both seasonally and yearly. Michigan and northern Indiana, northern and central Coastal plain marsh occurs on sandy, pitted outwash Wisconsin, and the southeastern Georgian Bay region of plains and sandy lakeplains (Chapman 1990, Kost et al. Ontario (Chapman 1990, Reznicek 1994). In southwest 2007). Similar to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, Michigan and northwestern Indiana, the greatest these level outwash plains and abandoned glacial concentration of coastal plain marshes is found on sand lakebeds harbor shallow depressions with gently sloping deposits associated with postglacial stages of Lake Michigan (Reznicek 1994). sides (Brodowicz 1989, Chapman 1990). Where these depressions reach groundwater and the sandy substrate Global and State Rank: G2/S2 is acidic, coastal plain marsh may occur. The sandy soils underlying coastal plain marsh are strongly to very Rank Justification: Coastal plain marshes are rare in strongly acidic and nutrient poor. Organic deposits of the Great Lakes Region and typically occur as small peat, muck, or sandy peat may overlay the sandy (e.g., less than 50 acres), isolated depressions. In substrate and in some basins a clay layer may occur Michigan, 42 coastal plain marshes have been identified several meters below sand (Chapman 1990). occupying 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) in all. Their significance as a conservation target is bolstered by the Coastal plain marshes typically contain distinct high numbers of rare plants, most of which occur as vegetation zones often occurring as concentric bands disjuncts from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. More around the center of depressions, lakes, and ponds. than 40 rare plants are found associated with coastal These zones may include open water, dense beds of plain marsh in Michigan. The community is very floating aquatic plants, and grass and rush dominated sensitive to hydrologic disturbance and may be severely moist meadow. Coastal plain marsh may be bordered by degraded by shoreline development, draining, damming, several other wetland communities. For example, dredging, or filling. Species diversity may also be coastal plain marsh along lakeshores is sometimes negatively impacted by disturbances to the seed bank bordered by a floating mat of open bog. Along the upper from ORV use (Wisheu and Keddy 1989). margin of the wetland, wet-mesic sand prairie may occur. Lastly, in extensive depressions, shrub-carr and Landscape Context: Coastal plain marsh is a grass- and hardwood swamp are often found bordering coastal plain rush-dominated wetland community harboring numerous marshes.

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The level sandy outwash plains and lakeplains that the wetland basin (Schneider 1994). Thus, the most contain coastal plain marsh depressions also support well diverse zone of a coastal plain marsh typically occurs as drained and droughty upland communities. The dry a graminoid-dominated outer ring and may contain as upland communities most commonly found bordering many as 50-60 different plant species (Chapman 1990). coastal plain marshes today are closed-canopy dry In the past, fire, in addition to fluctuating water levels, southern forest, dry-mesic southern forest, and oak-pine may have played an important role in replenishing the forest. However, in presettlement times, prior to fire coastal-plain-marsh seed bank. In presettlement times, suppression, the uplands bordering coastal plain marshes supported a variety of open-canopy, fire- coastal plain marshes were frequently bordered by fire- dependent barrens and prairies. As fires moved through dependent communities including oak openings, the uplands, they likely spread into adjacent coastal lakeplain oak openings, bur oak plains, oak barrens, plain marshes, especially during drought years or when oak-pine barrens, sand prairie, mesic sand prairie, and water levels were low as in late summer and early fall. woodland prairie. Because fire has been shown to increase seed Natural Processes: Water level fluctuations occur both germination, enhance seedling establishment, and seasonally and yearly. Seasonally water levels tend to be bolster flowering, it likely acted as an important highest during the winter and spring and lowest in late mechanism for maintaining plant species diversity and summer and fall. Less predictable are the yearly water replenishing the seed bank (Glenn-Lewin et al. 1990, level fluctuations. However, a pattern of short Warners 1997). drawdowns of 1-3 years followed by extensive periods Long distance seed dispersal among Midwest coastal of inundation has been recorded for coastal plain marshes in New York (Schneider 1994). Many coastal plain marshes and between the Midwest and Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains is thought to be facilitated by plain marsh species exist only as dormant seeds within migratory waterfowl (Brodowicz 1989). It is possible the soil seed bank during high-water years. Therefore, that waterfowl may also act to restore a species to a site processes that enhance seed germination, seedling where it has been depleted from the seed bank. establishment, and flowering during low-water years are important in maintaining the seed bank. Vegetation Description: The flora of coastal plain Because water level fluctuation facilitates seed marshes is characteristically dominated by monocotyledons, with annual species contributing germination, seasonal drawdowns are critical to the significantly to overall diversity. For the majority of survival on many coastal plain marsh species, especially species, flowering and seed set occurs in late summer annuals. As water levels begin to recede in early and and fall, when water levels are lowest. mid-summer, direct sunlight penetrates the exposed pond shore and triggers seed germination (van der Valk Coastal plain marshes typically contain four vegetation 1981). In addition, with sunlight reaching the substrate, zones (Chapman 1990). 1) The deepest portion of the soil temperatures rise during the day before cooling at depression is usually inundated and supports floating night. This diurnal temperature fluctuation also aquatic plants. This zone may contain Brasenia stimulates seed germination for many wetland species schreberi (water shield), Nuphar advena (yellow pond- (Thompson and Grime 1983). lily), Nymphaea odorata (sweet-scented waterlily), Potamogeton bicupulatus (waterthread pondweed), P. Fluctuating water levels also act to reduce competition from woody plants, which have been shown to illinoensis (Illinois pondweed), P. gramineus (pondweed), Scripus subterminalis (bulrush), outcompete and replace pondshore species (Keddy & Sparganium chlorocarpum (green-fruited bur-reed), and Reznicek 1982). When water levels are high, woody Utricularia species (bladderwort). 2) Occurring along species are unable to establish and prolonged flooding the lower shores and pond margins is a seasonally may results in tree and shrub seedling mortality. flooded zone with sparse graminoid cover where species Seasonal water level fluctuations also act as an such as and Eleocharis macrostachya (tall beak-rush), important mechanism for seed dispersal (Schneider E. robbinsii (spike-rush), Fimbristylis autumnalis 1994). As water levels rise during winter and spring, (sedge), Fuirena squarrosa (umbrella grass), and seeds deposited along the ponds low-water line float to Psilocarya scirpoides (bald-rush) may occur. the surface and are carried by wave action to the Potamogeton bicupulatus and Nuphar advena are often wetland basin’s outer margin. In addition to carrying found stranded along this lower shore. 3) In the dormant seeds, rising water levels also move sprouting saturated soil further from the shore, where seasonal seeds and organic matter into the upper shoreline in water levels typically reach their peak, is a dense early spring (Schneider 1994). This seasonal movement graminoid-dominated zone. This is the most floristically of plant propagules and organic matter acts to maintain diverse zone and typically includes species such as Aster diversity and nutrient levels at the upper elevations of dumosus (bushy aster), Calamagrostis canadensis

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A-4 Coastal Plain Marsh, Page 3

(blue-joint grass), Carex scoparia (sedge), Cladium three-awned grass), Bartonia paniculata (panicled mariscoides (twig-rush), Eleocharis melanocarpa screw-stem), Carex albolutescens (greenish-white (black-fruited spike-rush), Euthamia remota (coastal sedge), Echinodorus tenellus (dwarf burhead), plain flat-topped goldenrod), Gnaphalium obtusifolium Eleocharis equisetoides (horsetail spike-rush), E. (low cudweed), Polygala cruciata (cross-leaved melanocarpa (black-fruited spike-rush), E. microcarpa milkwort), Rhynchospora capitellata (beak-rush), (small-fruited spike-rush), E. tricostata (three-ribbed Rubus hispidus (swamp dewberry), and Sphagnum spike-rush), Fuirena squarrosa (umbrella grass), subsecundum (moss). 4) Lastly, many coastal plain Gratiola virginiana (round-fruited hedge-hyssop), marshes contain a temporarily flooded shrub and tree Hemicarpha micrantha (dwarf bulrush), Isoetes zone. Shrubs in this zone may include Aronia prunifolia engelmannii (Engelmann’s quillwort), Juncus (black chokeberry), Cephalanthus occidentalis brachycarpus (short-fruited rush), J. vaseyi (Vasey’s (buttonbush), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), rush), J. scirpoides (round-headed rush), Lechea Cornus spp. (dogwoods), Spiraea tomentosa pulchella (Leggett’s pinweed), L. stricta (bushy (steeplebush), and Vaccinium corymbosum (smooth pinweed), Ludwigia alternifolia (seedbox), highbush blueberry). When this zone is underlain by Lycopodiella margueritae (appressed bog club moss), muck, Decodon verticillatus (whorled loosestrife) may Lycopodiella subappressa (appressed bog club moss), occur (Brodowicz 1989). If present, the overstory is Panicum longifolium (long-leaved panic grass), P. typically comprised of Acer rubrum (red maple), Nyssa polyanthes (panic grass), P. verrucosum (warty panic sylvatica (black gum), Quercus palustris (pin oak), and grass), Polygala cruciata (cross-leaved milkwort), occasionally Salix nigra (black willow). Common Potamogeton bicupulatus (waterthread pondweed), ground-layer species of this zone include Woodwardia Platanthera ciliaris (yellow-fringed orchid), Psilocarya virginica (Virginia chain-fern), Bartonia virginica scirpoides (bald-rush), Pycnanthemum verticillatum (screw-stem), and Sphagnum mosses (Brodowicz 1989). (whorled mountain mint), Rhexia mariana (maryland meadow beauty), R. virginica (meadow beauty), If the coastal plain marshes is bordered by dry, open Rhynchospora macrostachya (beak-rush), Rotala sand above the high-water line, the following species ramosior (tooth-cup), Sabatia angularis (rose pink), typically occur Aristida purpurascens (three-awned Scirpus hallii (Hall’s bulrush), S. torreyi (Torrey’s grass), Aureolaria pedicularia (annual false foxglove), bulrush), Scleria pauciflora (few-flowered nut-rush), Helianthemum bicknellii (rockrose), Lechea villosa Scleria reticularis (netted nut-rush), Scleria (hairy pinweed), and Panicum virgatum (switch grass) triglomerata (tall nut-rush), Sisyrinchium atlanticum (Brodowicz 1989). The occurrence of dry, open sand (eastern blue-eyed-grass), Sporobolus heterolepis above the high-water line instead of forest was probably (prairie dropseed), Triplasis purpurea (sand grass), more common prior to fire suppression. Utricularia inflata (floating bladderwort), and U. Michigan Indicator Species: The following species are subulata (bladderwort). considered to be indicators for coastal plain marsh in Rare animal species associated with coastal plain marsh Michigan: Aristida necopina (three-awned grass), Aster in Michigan include: Lepyronia gibbosa (Great Plains dumosus (bushy aster), Bulbostylis capillaris (sedge), spittlebug), Orphulella p. pelidna (barrens locust), Cyperus rivularis (umbrella sedge), Eleocharis Papaipema beeriana (blazing star borer), Papaipema robbinsii (spike-rush), Eriocaulon septangulare sciata (culvers root borer), Spartiniphaga inops (pipewort), Euthamia remota (coastal plain flat-topped (Spartina moth), Acris crepitans blanchardi goldenrod), Fimbristylis autumnalis (sedge), (Blanchard’s cricket frog), Clemmys guttata (spotted Hemicarpha micrantha (dwarf-bulrush), Hypericum turtle), Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s turtle), canadense (Canadian St. John’s-wort), Juncus biflorus Terrapene c. carolina (Eastern box turtle), Elaphe o. (two-flowered rush), J. pelocarpus (brown-fruited obsoleta (black rat snake), Sistrurus c. catenatus rush), J. scirpoides (round-headed rush), Lycopodiella (Eastern massasauga), Botaurus lentiginosus (American inundata (bog clubmoss), Panicum spretum (panic bittern), Buteo lineatus (red-shouldered hawk), grass), Rhynchospora capitellata (beak-rush), Rotala Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle), Nycticorax ramosior (tooth-cup), Scleria triglomerata (tall nut- nycticorax (black-crowned night heron), Rallus elegans rush), Scirpus smithii (bulrush), Spiranthes tuberosa (king rail), Cryptotis parva (least shrew), and Microtus (little ladies’-tresses), Stachys hyssopifolia (hyssop pinetorum (woodland vole). hedge-nettle), Triadenum virginicum (marsh St. John’s- wort), Viola lanceolata (lance-leaved violet), and Xyris Conservation and Management: Protection of the torta (yellow-eyed-grass). regional and local hydrologic regime is critical to the long-term preservation of coastal plain marsh Other Noteworthy Species: Rare plants associated communities (Schneider 1994). When the water levels with coastal plain marsh in Michigan include: Aristida are stabilized, perennials and woody species may longespica (three-awned grass), A. tuberculosa (beach

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become established displacing less competitive annuals. Because coastal plain marshes occur within a fire- Conversely, water level fluctuation promotes domination maintained landscape, studies aimed at understanding the by coastal plain marsh annuals. Even small changes in effects of fire on species composition and its role in seed hydroperiod may cause significant shifts in wetland bank expression and maintenance are also needed. community composition and structure. Thus, Studies comparing species genetic diversity within sites conservation strategies aimed at protecting coastal plain and among sites will help managers better understand marsh ecosystems must address groundwater the importance of long-distance propagule dispersal in management. maintaining species genetic diversity. During extended periods of inundation many coastal Similar Communities: Intermittent wetland, wet-mesic plain marsh species may exist only as seeds within the sand prairie seed bank. Seed bank maintenance, including periodic expression and rejuvenation during low water years, is Other Classifications: critical to the long-term survival of many coastal plain marsh species, especially annuals. Soil erosion resulting Michigan Department of Natural Resources from ORV use within the wetland or surrounding (MDNR): L, lowland brush; N, marsh; V, bog; Z, uplands may greatly disturb the seed bank, reducing water. plant density and diversity (Wisheu and Keddy 1989). Michigan Resource Information Systems (MIRIS): For species that depend on recruitment from the seed 6 (Wetlands), 612 (Shrub/Scrub Wetland), 6129 (Shrub bank such as annuals, significant soil disturbances may Swamp, Other), 62 (Non-Forested (non-wooded) result in extirpation from the site. Wetlands), 621 (Aquatic Bed Wetland), 622 (Emergent Because most coastal plain marshes occur adjacent to Wetland), 623 (Flats). fire-dependent communities such as oak barrens, oak- The Nature Conservancy National Classification: pine barrens, and sand prairies, it is likely that in the CODE; ALLIANCE; ASSOCIATION; COMMON past, fires commonly spread through the wetland, NAME especially during droughts or in late summer and fall when water levels are lowest. Though there has been no V.A.5.N.k.23; Rhynchospora spp. - Rhexia virginica specific research directed at the impacts of fire on seasonally flooded herbaceous alliance; Rhynchospora coastal plain marshes, fire does promote seed bank capitellata - Rhexia virginica - Rhynchospora expression and rejuvenation in other wetland scirpoides - Scirpus hallii Herbaceous Vegetation; Beak community types. Thus, seed bank maintenance using rush - Meadow beauty - Beak rush - Bulrush sp. Herba- prescribed fire may be a desirable management ceous Vegetation; Inland Coastal Plain Marsh. objective. In addition, fires during drawdown years or Related Abstracts: Lakeplain wet prairie, lakeplain during times of extended drought may help prevent wet-mesic prairie, oak barrens, oak-pine barrens, woody species from establishing. panicled screw-stem, appressed bog club moss, meadow Dispersal of plant propagules among coastal plain beauty, blazing star borer, culvers root borer, Blanding’s marshes may allow for the restoration of species that turtle, Eastern box turtle, Eastern massasauga, red- have been lost from a site (Schneider 1994). The loss of shouldered hawk, woodland vole. any single coastal plain marsh may negatively impact Selected References: population dynamics at other sites by eliminating opportunities for long distance dispersal of propagules Brodowicz, W.W. 1989. Report on the coastal plain which otherwise may have diversified the gene pool or flora of the Great Lakes Region. Michigan Natural replaced depleted species. Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. Research Needs: Because many rare, disjunct species Chapman, K.A. 1990. Community characterization occur only within a site’s seed bank during extended abstract: coastal plain marsh. Midwest Regional periods of inundation, studies aimed at determining Office of The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis, factors effecting seed viability and seed bank MN. 6 pp. maintenance are critical research needs. Long-term Glenn-Lewin, D. C., L. A. Johnson, T W. Jurik, A. studies of seed viability under both flooded and dry Akey, M. Leoschke, and T. Rosberg. 1990. Fire in conditions for rare, disjunct coastal plain marsh species central North American grasslands: vegetative are especially needed. Seed bank studies of historical reproduction, seed germination, and seedling sites which have been permanently flooded or drained establishment. Pp. 28-45 in S. L. Collins and L. L. may help answer questions of long-term seed viability Wallace (eds.), Fire in North American tallgrass for some species. prairies, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552

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Keddy, P.A. and A.A Reznicek. 1982. The role of seed banks in the persistence of Ontario coastal plain flora. American Journal of Botany 69: 3-22. Kost, M.A., D.A. Albert, J.G. Cohen, B.S. Slaughter, R.K. Schillo, C.R. Weber, and K.A. Chapman. 2007. Natural Communities of Michigan: Classifica- tion and Description. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Report Number 2007-21, Lansing, MI. 314 pp. Reznicek, A.A. 1994. The disjunct coastal plain flora in the Great Lakes Region. Biological Conservation 68:203-215. Schneider, R. 1994. The role of hydrologic regime in maintaining rare plant communities of New York’s coastal plain pondshores. Biological Conservation 68:253-260. Thompson, K. and J.P. Grime. 1983. A comparative study of germination responses to diurnally- fluctuating temperatures. Journal of Applied Ecology 20:141-156. van der Valk, A.G. 1986 The impact of litter and annual plants on recruitment from the seed bank of a lacustrine wetland. Aquatic Botany 24:13-26. Warners, D.P. 1997. Plant diversity in sedge meadows: effects of ground water and fire. Ph.D. Diss., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 231 pp. Wisheu, I.C. and P.A. Keddy. 1989. The conservation and management of a threatened coastal plain plant community in eastern North America (Nova Scotia, Canada). Biological Conservation 48:229-238.

Abstract Citation: Kost, M.A. and M.R. Penskar. 2000. Natural community abstract for coastal plain marsh. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI 5 pp.

Updated January 2008. Copyright 2004 Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Michigan State University Extension is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity organization. Funding for abstract provided by Michigan Department of Natural Resources-Forest Management Division and Wildlife Division.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552

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