River and Its Valley
Conserving Biodiversity in the Housatonic River Watershed of Western Massachusetts
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game I Division of Fisheries & Wildlife I Notuml Hentage & Endangered Species Program
2011 The River and Its VaHey
The Housatonic River watershed is highly valued for its native biodh"ersity. distinct habitats, and natural beauty.
A remarkably high number of state-listed plants and animals (112) occur in low elevations of rhe HOllsamnic Rive r watershed.
Only 15 percent of the land area in the watershed that is below 1,000 feet in elevation is protected; therefore, land protection in this aTea is a high priority for the Commonwealth of Massachuset[S and irs conservation partners.
Consen"ation partners are encouraged {Q use (h is report and associated documents to help establish priorities for habitat protectio n, restoratio n, and manage illenc
The RIVer end 11$ Volley; ,,
Introduction
There is something special about the Housatonic River protected , yet these areas include habitats for 112 species watershed in western Massachuse[[s, with irs broad river of state-listed plants and animals, as well as some of the va ll ey and the backdrop of the Berkshire Hills and Tacon state's least common natural communities, such as calcar ic Mountains. The forests, rich soils, and waterways of the eous fens. In contrast, 61 percent of lands in the water watershed helped shape the remarkable natural diversiry shed higher than 2,500 fee t in elevation are protected, but and special character of the region, as well as influence only 25 species of state-listed plants and animals inhabit how humans senled and used the land. The watershed those areas. Due to this disparity, protecting the remark has a long agricultural tradition, with farms and pastures able biodiversity of low-elevation areas of the Housatonic spread across the fiat, fertile floodpla in of the Iiousaronic River watershed is one of the highest conservation prio ri River and extending inro the nearby rolling hills . The wa ties in the State. tershed also has a lo ng industrial history whose heyday has Biodiversity conservation in the Housatonic water passed; this relied on natural commodities stich as timber shed faces several challenges. One is that the patches of and limestone, and was powered in part by the Housa critical habitat that support rare species in the watershed's [Onie River. The landscape is now a patchwork quilt of lowlands tend ro be small, fragmented, and ofren privately urban areas, brick mill buildings along the Housaronic owned. Therefore, it is not efficient, or even possible, for River, cou n try homes along winding roads, fields of cows the State to protect all of these lands, and local involve and corn, p roductive apple orchards, and sprawling for ment is essential. Given limited time and funding, we ests crisscrossed with old StOne walls. need to know where to focus efforts: where is conservation Many people recognize the natural beauty of the re work mOS t needed, and where will it be mOSt effective? gion, but they may not realize that the Housatonic River Another challenge is to raise awareness of how important Valley is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Mas the H ousatonic River and its floodplains are to regional sachusens, containing uncommon plants and animals and S(atewide biodiverSity. Such knowledge can inspire that can't be found elsewhere in the state. Long cherished citizens to become proud stewards of their own backyard by conservationists, the region's rarest species and natu biodiversity, and to become more engaged in town or re ral community types occur in areas that have re mained gional conservation efforts. relatively und isturbed over the last 300 years and in un likely places such as nondescript woodlots, small wetlands bordered by farms or developed areas, or even backyards .• v··' along (he river. Compared ro higher elevations, a d isproportionate number of state-listed plants, animals, and u ncommon or , , exem plary natural community types occur in low-eleva tion (less than 1,000 feet) areas of the H ousatonic River watershed. Low elevation areas have been subjected ro far more development than higher elevations, and far less of the land area is protected. In fact, only 15 percent of The Hous InlrodllcllQll The Housatonic River Watershed The Housatonic River watershed of western New England spans nearly 2.000 square miles of strikingly varied landscape. including the glacially-scoured Taconic Mountains and Berkshire Highlands in the north, the hills of western Connecticut, and the lowlands of the Atlantic coastal plain in the south. The Housatonic River meanders through expansive pastoral lands and Cllts sharply through sleep rocky rnvines along its 149-mile path In long Island Sound. lowlands of the HOllSl'l tonic River watershed fall within the Western New England Marble Valleys ecoregion, famed for its rich deciduous forests. calcareous wetlands. and limestone bedrock. Hund reds of millions of years ago. a shallow marine sea once existed in this region. That sea disappeared when continents converged and connected along a seam that today separates New York and the Lake Champlain basin from the rest of New England. The ancient sea left a legacy of calcium-rich soils that today support a high diversity of plants. animals. and habitats that are uncommon elsewhere in Massachusetts and New England. The last glaciers. which retreated just 10.000- 14.000 years ago. rounded the mountains and broadened the valleys. helping to shape the varied terrain that enhances the reg ion's natural diversity and beauty. Patterns of human settlement and natural resource exploitation have also strong ly influenced the natural diversity in the region. but some areas have remained relatively undisturbed over the last 300 years. and the watershed continues to include remarkably diverse natural communities. plants. and animals D Housatonic River Watershed Westem New England Ecoregions Wcslom Now England Marblo Valloys (1) Lower Berl<.shire Hills (2) -Berl<.sh,re TronS'liO During 2008-2009, the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) undertook an ambitious, watershed-specific biological study to improve Surveys at a Glance knowledge ofstate-listed species and natural communities in the Housatonic River warershed (Table \) (see foot Personnel: Reldwork was conducted by nearly 50 note) . Approximately 50 researchers, including N H ESP people, tndudtng NHESP staff. expert consultants. uni staff, expert consultants, academic scientists, and graduate versity researchers and their techntClsns. students. and volunteer assistants. students, conducted more than 9,000 hours offield stud Survey Sites: More than 1.800 locations were surveyed. ies. Sciemists snorkeled in the I iousatonic River to find With nearly 2.500 site VISits. elusive freshwater mussels, clambered up and down steep Time: Reldv-lork W"QS conducted on approximately 495 riverbanks to catch dragonAies, set nets and traps to catch days. or 9.000 person-hours. dunng the field seasons of 2008-2009 fish, waded through wetlands seeking turtles and salaman Species and Natural Communities: 46 state-listed ders, crept through stinging nettle and poison ivy to find plant speCies. 30 state-listed antmal speCies. and 18 state-lis ted plants, and swaned mosquiroes while liStening pri ority natural communtties were identified. Surveys up for marsh birds at dawn. They also assessed and mapped dated 135 eXlsttng records and documented 170 new uncommon natural communities and vernal pools. The records for state-listed speCies and uncommon natural communities. study area included the Housatonic River and its flood plain, the lower reaches of its rriburaries, and other habitats in low-elevation areas of the warershed. Surveys sought new populations ofstate-listed species and uncom mon natural communities, updated records nearing 25 years of age, and updated older records (>25 years) that were no longer included on regulatory maps. Additional objectives were to identify high-priority sites for conserva tion and management, and ro provide conservation plan ning materials ro 19 towns within the study area. Pla nts Thirty-one state-listed or Watch List plant species were targe£ed for surveys, primarily along the Housaronic Riv er floodplai n in Sheffield, Great Barrington, Lenox, and Thi5 project was funded lhrollgh the Mass.' c ~ l se tl s Sllb·Council of the HOI.l6atolHc RIver Trustee Council under the nllSpiceli of the Massachusetts and Department of Llle In terior (001) Natural Resou rce Damages Assessment and RestoraltOn (NRDJ Program. as part of a legal scuJeme nt Wi th the Genera l ElectriC Company for releasing poiychlonnated biphenyls Into the HOUS.1tOllIC River and its fIooopialn Green Orogon (Arisaema dracontlum). 1';Itr""" s-.. NH ESP BIOlog ical Surveys Table 1. State-listed speCies and prionty natural communities either speCifically targeted or found dunng 2008-2009 SUiVeys. Black Maple Acermgrum SC Triangle Floater Alasmidoma IIIldulala SC Block Cohosh ,4c/aea racemasa E Creeper Slrop/IIIIIS I/fIOu/aIUS SC Climbing Funillory AOlulma fungosa SC Total ~ecies 2 SlI"Ioll flowered Agrllnony Agmoonia parvrflora E Fish Green Dragon Arisaema OraconllU!n T BurOOI LOla /ola SC Mountain Spleenwort AspiemlNn mall/anum E Trout Perch Percopsis OflllsrotnaycrlS H SlI"Iooth Rock cress Boechera laevigala T Bndle Shiller NOIfOplS blfrena/lis SC Purple Cress cardatlllile douglassli E Longnose Sucker Ca/os/amus calas/Ofnus SC Foxtail Sedgc carex a/opecoidea T Total ~ecies Davis's Sedge carex daVIS/I E Salamanders • Gray's Sedgc carexgrayl T Four-loed Salamander HemidaC£ylium sculatulll NL HalJ)'-fruited Sedge carex flicllocarpa T Jefferson Salamander Alllbystollla jeffersomanulII SC Tuckerman's Sedge carex lu(j(erm8lm E Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum T Cat-tail Sedge carex ryphllla T Total S(!!cies 3 Narrow leaved Spnng Beouty Claytoma wrgmlCa E Turtles Hcmlock Parsley Coniasel/lwm dnllel/S8 SC IAbod Tur~e G/yplemys inscu/pla SC ShClYoY L.--.dy's slipper CypflpedllNn regiliae SC Bog Tl lrt~ Glyplemys muhlenbergll E Vllright's Spike nJsh Eieexilafls olatidra E Enstern Box Turt~ Terrapene c carolma SC Intcnned.ate Spike-sedgc E/eocharlS IllIennedla T Total S(!!cies 3 Ovate Spike-rush EleodlarlS ovala E Marsh Birds HalJ)' Wild Rye Elymus Vlllosus E Virg inia Rail Ra//us Nmicola NL Dwarf Scouring-rush EqUise1U1II sorpoides SC Som Porzana caroNna NL Frank's Lovcgrass Eragrosl/s frankli SC Amencan Bittern Bolallrus lenl/glllosus E Andrews' Bott~ Genbon Geflluma atidrewsll E Least BIttern Ixobryd lus exilis E GlOnt St. John's-wort HyperiClnn ascyrOf) E King ~ i l Rall(ls etegans E Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia slpillh/lC8 E Common Moorhen Gallllwia dlloropus SC HOIJ)' Honeysuckle LorllCera /niSula E Pied billed Grebe Podilymbus podiCeps E Many-frUited False-Ioosestrifc Lud.vig18 po/ycarpa E Sedge Wren CislOillOrus piale/ISIS E Winged Monkeyllovver Mlfmllus ala/us E Marsh Vllren Cis/O/llOfUS pall/S/NS NL Comb Water-mil foil MynOpily/llIm veniclllalUm E Green Hernn &Jlofldes VIre5CfJfIS NL Tiny Cow-lily NI/plrar microphylla E Total S(!!cies 10 Drooping Speargmss Poa salll.lellSIS ssp. lal/gllida E Priority Palustrine Natural Community Types Hill's Pondwccd Polall/age/Of) hillii SC Acidic Graminoid Fen S3 Ogden's Pondwced Polall/age/Of) ogdenli E Alluvial Red Maple Swamp S3 Bur Oak Querws macrocarpa SC Black Ash Swamp S2 Yellow Oak QI/ercus mueli/enbergll T Black Ash Red Maple Tamarack ColcorCQUS Seepage Swamp S2 Bnstly Buttercup RanUilCl.llus pellsy/valllcus T Calcareous Basin Fen SI Swamp Dock RlNnex vema/laWs T Calcareous SlOping Fen S2 Wapato Sagl"ar/8 wneala T Level Bog S3 Long styled S."micle SatliCtlla ooorala T Major llVer Fkxidpimn Forest S2 Wild Senna Sefllla Ilebecarpa E Red Maplc-Black Ash -Bur Oak Swamp S2 Shining Wedgegmss SpilenO(J/1OI1S nilida T Small river Aoodplaln Forest S2 Small Dropseed Sporobolus neg/eclUs E Spruce-Fir Boreal Swamp S3 Crooked-stem Aster SympllyotricJwm prenalllhoides T TransiUonal Floodplain Forcst S2 CUlver's-JOOI VeromcastrulI/ VlrgllllQJII/ T Priority Terrestrial Natural Community Types Barren Strawbcny waldslellll8 fragarioldes SC Calcareous Forest Seep S2 Total Sl!ecies .6 Calcareous Rock Cliff Comm\lnity S3 Bunerflies and Moths Calcareous Rocky SUllumVRock Outcrop S2 01011 Skipper ElIP/lres dIon T High Terrace FIoodplOin Forest S2 Mustard 'IIItlite Aens oIeracea T Rich. MeSIC Forest S3 Ostrich Fern Borer Papalpema sp. 2 near plerisll SC Rldgctop Pitdl Pine-Scrub Oak Commullily S2 Total Sl!ecies 3 Yellow Oak Dry C'llcoreOliS Forest S2 Dragonflies Total Natural Communities 19 Arrow Cl ub toil SIy/l/fUS SfJlilHYJpS T Zebra Clubtoil Sly/urus swdden SC 'Ranks Brook Snaketail Opliiogomplws aspefSllS SC Regulatory Ranks (Massach lJsetts Endangered Species Act, MESA): Rime Suakclllil OjJIliuYUllljJIWS (;dwlw; T E= Emj6llgcrlXl. T = TIlrea lcllC{]. SC = SpeCIal Collcerll. Skil~t Clubtail GOfnplN)S venlnCOS!lS SC Spine crowned Clubtail GOfnplN)S ablXeVlal!ls E Non-Regulatory Ranks : WL = Watch List. NL = Not Listed H = Histonc. Rapids Clubtail GOfnplN)S quadnc%r T SI -S5 State Ronks Harpoon Club tail GOfnplN)S deS(IlpluS E Ocdlaled Darner Boyena grafiana SC M(SA ranks are subjed to change: please viSjt the NIl(SP website lor Stygl(ln Shadowdmgon NCinorordll1ia yamaskaoellslS SC updated lists: wvvw.mass.gov/dfwclc/dfw/nhcsp Total Sl!ecies 10 The RivCf and Its Va lley: Conservul{J BicidiverSity in the Housatollic Rrve r Watershed of Western Massachusetts Rich. Mesic Forest with Wild Leek (Nlium rnooccum). Sl..... Jo;ffison Flower of OJIver'S-TOOt (Veronicasrrum virglflicum) ...... Gonett NHESP Pinsfield. Surveyors exceeded expectations, finding 165 Skipper and Mustard White, and one SpeCial Concern records of46 state-listed plam species, including multiple moth, the Ostrich Fern Borer. Surveys focused on larvae new records ofsome, resulting in new or updated records and adults. These insect species each require a particular of 22 Endangered species (4 6 records), 15 Threatened host plan t during the caterpillar phase of their lives; the species (68 records), and 9 Special Concern species (51 Dion Skipper eats sedges, the Mustard White eats plants records) . Populations of four species never before docu in the mustard family, and the Ostrich Fern Borer eatS memed in rhe study area were located: Smooth Rock-cress, SIems and rootS of the Ostrich Fern. These host plams Purple Cress, Cat-tail Sedge, and Barren Strawberry. One were also surveyed. For the Mustard White, surveyors up species, the Rich Woods Sedge, had not been documented dated a historic record (>25 years old), confirmed popula in Massachusens si nce 1922. Survey results for srate-listed tions at three known locations, and identified rwo new plams reinforced the exceptionally high conservation val locations. The Dion Skipper was found at six locatio ns, ue of the Housatonic River Roodplain in Massachuserrs. and three of these were new. The Ostrich Fern Borer was found at six ofseven survey sites, all new occurrences. The Moths and Butterflies Gold-sporred Ghost Moth, a globally rare species, was Surveys targeted rwo Threatened bunerRies, the Dion identified during Ostrich Fern Borer surveys in Sheffield. BIOlog ical Surveys Riffle SMketail (Oph!ogomphus caro/us). GlennCaboere Mustard White (Pier!s o/eracea) . MW NeIsorl Ntl ESP Dmgonflies documemed the distribution and status of all mussel spe Dragonflies are insects whose aquatic la rvae inhabit wet cies in the Housatonic River and its tributaries. Biologists lands, lakes, and rivers of all sizes, and whose terresrrial snorkeled and waded at 44 sites in the HousatOnic River adulrs are agile Aiers, often observed well upland of their and eight sites in five tributaries. Although both of the larval habitat. Stare-lisred riverine dragonAies were sur stare-listed mussels were found ro be widespread in rhe veyed in shallow water, on riverbanks, and within nearby Housatonic Ri ver, densi ties were usually low, populations uplands along 50 miles of the Housatonic River and 31 of were generall y comprised of older animals, and there was its tributaries. A tOtal of 48 species were recorded during litrl e evidence of reproduction. An anomaly is that one of rhe surveys. The ten state-listed species found doubled the the state's best populations of Triangle Floater was docu number known from the study area. Also, t he number of memed in the Housatonic River in Pittsfield. It appears state-lis ted species occurrences increased from eight to 29. that some fres hwater mussel populations in the Housa These statistics highlight the importance of the Housa tonic Ri ver may be in decli ne, but long-term monitOring tOnic River and its tributaries for conservation of riverine is needed to provide bener information about trends. dragonflies in Massachusetts. Fish Freshwate r Mussels The upper HousatOnic Ri ver histOrically supported a high This project targeted nvo state-listed freshwater mussel diversiry ofborh resident and migratory fi sh species, but species-Triangle Floater and Creeper-and surveys also many were lost d ue to dam construction and other land scape alterations during the last three centuries. Four fish species were targeted during the recent surveys, three of which are Species of Special Concern: Longnose Sucker, Bridle Shiner, and Bu rbot. The latter species has not been seen in the MassachusettS portion of the Housatonic watershed for more than 70 years. Surveys also targeted [he Trout-Perch, last documented in the 1940s near rhe mouth of the Green River but now presumed exti rpated from the state. Of the target species, only the Bridle Shin er was found during the survey, and only in Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham. Salamanders The Jefferson Salamander and Four-tOed Salamander Creepers (Srrophitus undu/atus). E!!>on NedeeIJ were the primary focus of amphibian surveys, although The RiVe!" and Its Valley: Conservu1{J BiodiverSity in the HousatoOlc Rrve r Watershed of Westem Massachusctts Triangle Rooter (Afasmldonla undufala) In Its natural position on the nver bon am, where It feeds by filte ri ng food from the water. Elhoo N The Marbled Salamander (AmbYSloma opncum) was documented In Massachusens's Housatonic watershed for the first time. SteveJolv>oo<1 BIOlogical Surveys Wood TurtJe (Gtyptemys insw/pta) from Hop Brook EthM-. Amencan Bittern (Botaurus fentJgmosus) . Sal.! Ga>try a variery of other salamanders, frogs, and roads were also except the Pied-billed Grebe. The Virginia Rail (nor srare documemed. Visual searches of egg masses, larvae, and lis£ed) was the most commonly noted marsh bird species, adults of the Jefferson Salamander were conducted during occurring at 62 percent of all survey sites. The Least Bit April and May. This species was idemified at 56 vernal tern, King Rail, and Sedge Wren, all Endangered species pools and 21 mher small warerbodies, gready increasing in Massachuse[[s, were found at the fewest locarions. Tar the number of known populations in the warershed. The ger species were identified in a variety of marsh rypes, bur Four-toed Salamander was removed from the Massachu especially where can ai.l was present. Most of the wetlands serrs Endangered Species (MESA) List in 2008, after the also contained the invasive Common Reed and Purple surveys in this study were iniriared . Four-wed Salamander Loosestrife, both known ro alter wetland habirar, making surveys targeted nests and a.dult females, and fou nd rhem it less suitable for some species of birds. at seven of 32 sites. Finally, rhe Marbled Salamander, a Threatened species never before documented in the Hou Vernal Pools satonic River watershed in Massachusets, was found at Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh warer that ryp i three vernal pools in Srockbridge. call y fill in the wimer or spring and rerain water until they Tu rtles Surveys targeted the Wood Turtle and Easrern Box Tur tle, both of which are species of Special Concern. Wood Turtle surveys were conducted at eight sires along the Housatonic River and at 32 sires in 15 tributaries. They were found throughour the study area, and the presence of juvenile Wood Turtles indicates recem successful re production. Eastern Box Turtles were not found, despite anecdotal accoums of their presence in Berkshire County and the discovery of a shell in 2009. Marsh Birds In 2008 and 2009, surveys targeted ten species of marsh birds at 81 survey sites. Surveyors broadcast recordings of birdcalls to elicit vocal responses, nored rhose birds rhat were seen or heard, and described habitat conditions. All target species were identified at least once during surveys, A vernal pool In Pittsfield. Nceho.ney The RiVe!" and Its Valley: Conservu"I{J BiodiverSity in the Housatorllc Rrver Watershed of Westem Massachusclls Early spri ng at a Red Maple - Black Ash - Bur Oak Swamp In Sheffield. Patnc.o Swa.n. NtltSP dry during the summer. In Massachuseus, ve rnal pools shed, bU[ only 70 had been certified. Over (WO consecu provide imponanr breeding habirar for amphibians, es tive springs, a total of520 Potemial Vernal Pools were sur peciall y salamanders, and are protected by state wetland veyed in the study area. Of these, 361 contained obligate regulations. Prior studies analyzing ae rial photographs in vernal pool species, including salamanders, wood frogs, dicated (ha t as many as 786 vernal pools (i.e., Potential and fairy shrimp, and therefore met current vernal pool Vernal Pools) may occur in rhe Housatonic River warer- certification cri teria. Priority Na tura l Communities Twelve types of Priority Natural Communities had been previously identified in the study area, including one C ri t ically Imperiled type (Calcareous Basin Fen) and eleven others deSignated as Vulnerable or Imperiled. Surveys were intended ro upd ate existing records of the Priority Natural Community types, and to describe any new ex amples of them. Target community types were identified at 47 survey sites. Ecologists updated 20 existing records and documented 27 new ones. A total of 18 Priority Natural Community types were observed, and several of these were the first documented records in the watershed, including Alluvial Red Maple Swamp, Calcareous Rocky Summit, and High-terrace Floodplain Forest. In addition, an entirely new community type was idemified and de scribed in Lenox: Red Maple-Black Ash-Bur Oak Swamp. Jefferson Salamander (Ambysromajeffersomanum) eggs. Nooto et.ney BIOlog ical Surveys Special Places The four areas profiled here are j uSt a sample of the many ows W ildl ife Sanctuary. In 2009, 12,280 acres in this re special places found throughout the watershed. This re gion was designated as the Upper Housatonic River Area pan focuses specifically on low·elevation areas because of Critical Environmemal Concern (ACEC) by the Mas they are biologically rich and under-protected compared sachusens Executive Office of Energy and Environmen to the highlands. tal Affairs. This designation emphasi-zes the exceptional val ue of this area for natural biod iversi£)" archaeological Upper Housatonic River Valley resources, agriculture, and recreaTion. One of the most biologically diverse areas III the Hou SatOnic wa[ershed lies along the Housatonic Ri ver corri dor berween the urban and industrial lands of Pittsfield and Woods Po nd in Lee. This area includes a long, low grad ient reach of the Housa[Qnic River and lower ends of irs Eas t and West branches, extensive Aoodplain wet lands and forests, and high- SpeCial Places Upper Housatonic River Valley ,West-- Brnnch HousatonIC RIver m I'ltLSfield. HousatoniC Rrver IIoodplnlf1 in Lenox _r_NH ESP Wetlands Lakes and Ponds ,-Lower Woods Pond In Lenox/Lee The River and Its Valley: Conscrvul{J BuxliverSity in the Hoo satofllc Rrve r Watershed of Westem Massachusetts Looking across the Housntonic River toward October Mountain in the Housatonic \klley Wildlife Management Area. EtJ.> Nedeeu Hop Brook Valley Some lands in the va lley are already protected. For The pasroral Hop Brook Valley in Lee and Tyringham, example, the 20G-acre Tyringham Cobble, originally pro along with a reach of the nearby Housatonic River cor tected by town residents, is now owned by The Trustees ridor at the mouth of Hop Brook, has become an island of Reservations. The presence of the Appalachian Trail of Priority Natural Communities and habitat for state presents opportunities for landowners and conservation listed species. Urban and industrial lands in Lee effectively groups to work together to protect more lands along it. isolate this valley from the biologically rich floodplai ns of Much of the valley is comprised of privately owned wet the Housatonic River thac exist north of Woods Pond lands and sprawli ng tracts of former or current crop and and to the west in Stockbridge. H ighland areas that sur grazing lands, and thus protection of biodiversity in the round the narrow and steeply-sloped Hop Brook Valley valley benefits greatl y from local involvement in conserva are large tracts of mostly inract forestlands that are either tion efforrs. state-owned (Seartown Stare Forest) or privately held; in addition, the Appalachian Trail National Scenic Corridor passes th rough this valley en roure from Bearrown State Forest to Upper Goose Pond. The Hop Brook Valley contains several Priority Natu ral Community types, including Calcareous Sloping Fen, Small-river Floodplain Forest, Calcareous Forest Seep, and Rich Mesic Foresf, as well as high qualiry examples of more common community types such as Deep Emergent Marsh and Wet Meadow. Eight state-listed plant species, incl uding the Endangered Andrews Bottle Gemian and Tuckerman's Sedge, occur in the valley's wetlands. Ten state-lis ted animal species are found here as well. Wetlands offer habi tat for marsh birds such as American Bittern and King Rai!, and stream habitats suppOrt rare mussels, drag onflies, turrles, and fish. Walking trails ot Tyringham Cobble. !len KrTt>oI SpeC ial Places r;rRING HAM '~ . ~ Hop Brook VaHey Wet meadow in the Hop Brook Valley in Tyringham. PatrooSoTer The Rive!" and Its Valley: Conservu1{J BiodiverSity in the Housatorllc Rrver Watershed of Westem Massachusetts Konkopot Brook and Its expanSIVe floodplain wetlands In Stockbridge. E,""", Ne Middle Housatoni c River Va ll ey only place where the state-Endangered Sedge Wren was High-qualiry su eam, werland, and upland habitats are documemed d uring the 2008-2009 marsh bird surveys, clustered in pans of Srackbridge and Great Barrington. and American Bi ttern and Common Moorhen were also The Konkapot Brook watershed drains nonh through identified in these wetlands. The area includes a Critically the Monumem Va lley from Grear Barrington inra Srack Imperiled Calcareous Basin Fen and rwo of the stare's best bridge, with Bearrown Mounrain rising to the east and the dramatic cliffs of Monument Mountain to the west. Extensive wetlands all along the stream corridors of both Kon kapot Brook and its tributary Agawam Brook host a significant diversity of plant and bird species. The Hou satonic River corridor in Stockbridge, near the mouth of Konkapor Brook, supporrs stare-listed aquaric species de spi te being heavily modified through urban, agricultural, and recrealionalland use. Kampoosa Bog lies just north of the Srackbridge village center and is one of the most im portant wecland habitats in the state. The Kampoosa Bog Drainage Basin was deSignated an Area of Critical Envi ronmental Concern in 1995 because it comains a premier example of a calcareous fen, which supports many rare species. Overall , 48 state-listed species occur in these areas. They consist of32 planrs and 16 animals, including birds, dragonflies, freshwater mussels, amphibians, and rep tiles. The vast wetlands along Konkapot Brook are the Sedge Wren (Clstothorusplatensis) . Jcny~ SpeC ial Places STOCKBRIDGE LEE GREAT BARRINGTON Lakes and Ponds Middle H ousatonic River Valley and largest examples of Black Ash-Red Maple-Tamarack low-elevation su eam and wedand habirars in the val Calcareous Seepage Swamps. ley floor below, but conservation partners and res idents 1l1e proximity of these valuable habi tats to road should seek ways to proteCf more ofthese important areas ways, ra il ways , and developed areas, as well as the high in Stockbridge and Grear Barringron. percentage of privately owned lands in the area, makes it difficult to protect them. 1he extensive protected lands of Beanown State Forest and MonumelH MoulHain Reser fairy Shrllllp varian undoubtedly help to mainrain rhe qualiry of rhe Ethan Ne The River and Its Valley: Conscrvul{J BiodiverSity in the Hoosatofllc Rrve r Watershed of Westem MassachusctLS umestone outcrops thot support calcium-loVIng plonts ore common throughout the southern HousotonlCR IVer Volley_ ~ Botch« Southern Housatonic River Va lley Li ke Kam poosa Bog in Stockbridge, the Schenob Brook The lower Housatonic River Valley in the towns of Shef Drainage Basin was designated an Area of Critical Envi field and Grear Barringron, including rriburary watersheds ronmemal Concern, in this case in 1990, largely because of Schenob Brook, Hubbard Brook, and the Green River, is one ofthe most biologically rich areas in the entire state. The town of Sheffield ra nks third in Massachusetts for the number of records of state-listed species and Priority Nat ural Communities, and is the only rown omside of the southeastern coastal plain or Cape Cod that ranks in the ro p ten of these rowns of highest biooiversiry. This area co ntains exceptionally high concentrations of state-listed plants (64 species), including 32 Endan gered and 16 Threatened species. Most of these state listed plant species inhabit the region's numerous flood plain forests, rich woods, and calcareous wetlands, cl iffs, and Outcrops. Twenty state-listed animals also occur here, incl uding species rarely, if ever, encountered elsewhere in Massachusetts. These include groundwater-dwelling amphipods and a species of snail restricted to calcareous habitats. The biological importance of th is region has long been recognized, and some of the most valuable lands are already protected, including Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield and wetlands in the Schenob Brook watershed. Ostrich Fern in the Housatonic River f1ooclpla in. M.,...".. Botch« Spec ial Places WetJands Lakes and Ponds 1 mile Southern Housatonic River Vaney The Rive!" and Its Valley: Conservu1{J BiodiverSity in the Housatorllc Rrvcr Watershed of Westem Massachusetts of its rema rkable calcareous seepage swam p and calcare and in the gendy ro ll ing hills to the east and west are pri OliS fens. The nearby Karner Brook Watershed in Egre vately owned. Similar to other low-elevation areas of the mont and Mount Washington is another Area of Critical Housaton ic watershed , the high proportion of privately Environmental Concern, designated in 1992. Although owned lands presents both challenges and oppon unities some areas are protected, much of the prime agricultural for land protection, which will benefi t greatly from la nd lands and forests along the Housatonic River floodplain owner awareness and participation. Plant diversity: (1) Drooping Speargrass (Poa saltuensis ssp. langUlda) . (2) Narrov.'-Ieaved Spring Beauty (Claytoma Vlrginica). (3) Tuckerman's Sedge (Carex tuckermami). (4) Low Bindweed CCa/ystegla splthamaea), (5) Showy Lady·s-shpper (Cypnpedium regmae). (6) Yeliow Lady·s slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum). (7) Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Photo6 1.3-7 by )en,..fer Garren. NHESP: Photo 2by lOny Goo Spec ial Places llle Housaronic River watershed is a complex mosaic unfortunate legacy of pollmion, suppOrtS Hate-listed of natural and developed lands and contains a broad dragonflies, mussels, fis h, and turtles. Nevertheless, range of habimt rypes; within that mosaic are numer NHESP records indicate that while very few native ous special areas that harbor high concentrations of species are known to have been extirpated from the state-listed plants, animals, and narural communities. watershed in the recent pas t, many are less common Srud ies carried Out in 2008 and 2009 provided up and less widely distributed than they once were. dated information about these imporrant conserva TIle 2008-2009 fi eld srudies help provide a new tion elements. Ten Endangered, fi ve Threatened, and scientific baseline, establishing benchmarks fo r mea six Special Concern species were added to the long suring how well we are preserving native species fo r list of state-l isted plants and animals already known generations to come. By improving our understand to occur in th e study area. New natural community ing of rhe region's species and hab itats, they also records were also added, including for several uncom strengthen the roles of the Massachusetts Endangered mon types such as High-terrace Floodplain Forest Species Act and Wetlands Protection Act in safeguard and Calcareous Rocky Summir. Even the Housaronic ing critical plant and wildlife habimts. And finally, the River itself, long known for its industrial history and results hel p guide local and state conservation organi unions-and local citiz.ens-in ra rgNin g new priority addition to the Town PCAs, a larger-scale prioritiza si tes for protection efforts in the region. Data were tion was also conducted, resulting in the delineation also viral for delineating Core Habitat in BioMtlp2 of Regional PCAs. Ecological connecrions are an im (see next page), a statewide biodiversity conservation pO rtant aspect of biodiversity conservation within plan produced in 20]0 by NHESP and llle Nature these Regional PCAs. Consequently, the Regional Conservancy. PCAs often contain select Town PCAs and transcend As part of the conservation planning process, Pri rown boundaries; this facilirates protection of lands ority Conservation Areas (PCAs) were chosen from both locall y within each town and within a broader BioMtlp2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural land regional context. 1lle separate areas of BioMap2 Core scape. One ro six Town PCAs were selected for each Habitat (BioMap2 Cores), areas of Critical Natural town within the Housatonic watershed. lllese PCAs Landscape, and Town and Regional PCAs are de usually contain high concentrations of state-listed scribed in detailed reports prepared for 19 towns in species and Priority Natural Communities, and are the watershed. often near or within large, relatively intact natural In many cases, locations of state-listed plantS, landscapes, such as extens ive tracts of forestland. In state-listed animals, and Priority Natural Communi- Conservi ng Biodiver.> ily The HousatoniC River Valley and Taconic Range from Spruce Peak In Great Barnngton, Ben Km>eI ties do not fa ll wi thin Town or Regional peAs; this does cally grown produce, protect important municipal water not diminish their importance, but rather highlights op supplies, keep areas open for nature-based recreation, and portunities for citizens or local conservation groups to pro preserve hisroricall y or culturally Significant areas. All of tect areas that are simply too small or isolated to become these reasons can be complementary, and such a broad region-wide or statewide priorities. It is not efficient, or range of conservation efforts can effectively protect more even possible, for the State ro protect every parcel of land area and bui ld a network of interconnected lands rhat are that harbors state-listed species and therefore local in even bener able ro suppOrt natural ecosystems and na volvement is essential. Many groups are actively involved tive species. 111e Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and wi th conservation and stewards hip in the watershed. Wildlife is committed to working with local and regional Protecting biodiversity is not the only reason ro con conservation partners to pro tect and restOre rhe natural serve lands. L1nd conservation is also a tool to preserve heritage and special places that are so important to the agricultural tradi tions, maintain valuable sources of 10 vitality and iden tity of the Housatonic River watershed. BioMap2 BioMap2 IS the most complete and accurote conservatJOn planning tool currently available to to'Nns and conservation partners In Massachusetts. It provides a frome work for statewide biodiversity protection and management that IS based on the location, Size, condition, and connectivity of imJX>rtant spe~es. habitats, and eco systems, BioMap2consists of two main components which complement each other: Core Habitat Identifies key areas to ensure the persistence of species of conservation concern, exemplary natural communities, and Intact ecosystems across Massachusens. The new speaes and priority natural community records recently collected In the Housatonic River wutershed were IncorJX>roted Into BKr Map2 Core Habitat. Critical Natural l andscape was created to Identify and pnontlze Intact landscapes In Massachusetts that are better able to sup port ecologlcol processes and disturbance regimes, and a ....,de i1rray of spe~es and habitats over long time frames . The River and Its Valley: Conservul{J BiodiverSity in the Hoosatorllc RMl r Walershcd ofWestenl Massachusctts For More Information A cknowledgments Housatonic River Natural Resource Restoration NHESP is grateful for the expertise and dedicotion of the nearly 50 people WNW.mo-housotonicrestorotion.orgl that contributed to the fieldwork for this prOject, including NHESP sbff, expert consulronts, university researchers and their technicians, students, Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program for and volunteer assistants, The primary investigators are listed here, Massachusetts WNW . mO$s,gov/depfcleonup/s~es/nrd/nrd . htm James Gibbs and Angela Sirois (State University of New York, ESF) Tom Lautzenheiser (Massachusetts Audubon Society) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program for John Baker (Clark University) New England Kimberly Ogden (University of Massachusetts Amherst) www.lws,gov/newenglondlContominonts-NROARhtm Ethan Nedeau (BiodlUwversity) Noah Charney (University of Massachusetts Amherst) Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Jennifer Strules (Independent Wildl ife Biologist) www.mos$.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhespinhesp.htm Potrici:l Serrentino (Independent Wildl ife Biologist) Michael Batcher (Independent Ecologist) Biodiversity in the Housatonic River Watershed David Wagner, Alexander Meleg, Michael C. Thomas, and Greg www.mos$.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/conserv.:Jtion/hous:lIonic.htm Hanisek (University of Connecticut) Fred Morrison (A Natuml Focus) Species Fact Sheets Suzanne Fowle (Independent Wildlife Biologist) WNW.mos$,gov/dfwelefdfw/nhesp/species_info/species_home,htm Marybeth Hanley (Independent BObnist) Willbm Moorhead (Independent Botanist) Natural Community Information Michael Jones (University of Massachusetts Amherst) WNW.mOS$,govldfwele/dlw/nhesp/nowroLcommunitieslnnturoLcom NHESP Staff: Michael Nelson, Chris Buelow, and Lori Erb munities.htm This project was fun ded through the Natuml Resource Damage Assess BioMap2 ment and Restomtion (NRDAR) Progrnms of the Massachusetts Execu www.mass.gov/dfweleldfw/nhespl1and_protection/biomap/biomap_ tive Office of Energy & Environmenbl Affairs and the U.S. Fish and Wi ldlife home,htm Service , using funding via the Massachusetts Sub-Cound of the Hou satonic River Trustee Council under the auspices of the Massochusetts and U.S, Deportment of the Interior (001) NROAR Progroms, os port of a Natural Heritage legol settlement with the General Electric Com pony for re leosing polychlo .... Endangered Species rinated biphenyls into the Housotonic River and its Hoodploin. . Program The Trustee Representatives of the Mossochusetts Sub-Counci l. K.::Jren M~ J$