NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF YELLOW BOGS IN . LEWIS, BLOOMFIELD AND BRUNSWICK, VERMONT

E. Thompson Nongame & Natural Heritage Program

ABSTRACT

Yellow Bogs in Essex County, Vermont is a unique ecological area characterized by boreal, lowland forests and extensive bog systems. Within the area, black spruce swamps, lowland bogs and other wetlands were delineated into natural area sites and were mapped and described. Endemic plant and animal species were also identified and described for each site; many of these species are restricted to the Nulhegan Basin, of which Yellow Bogs is a part. Recommendations are provided for the management of the rare plants and natural communities of the area

Technical Report 14 1989

Nongame & Natural Heritage Program Vermont Fish & Wiidiife Department Waterbury, VT 05676 (802)244-7331 INTRODUCTION

The Nulhegan Basin, the lowland area east of Island Pond and mostly north of Vermont Route 10~, exemplifies the boreal lowland character of the Northeast Kingdom. Here are found the state's most extensive bogs and softwood swamps, the only breeding populations of certain boreal b i rds, rare boreal plants, and abundant moose and other northern species. The Nulhegan Basin (not specifically the Nulhegan River watershed but the lowland area that is within that watershed) is an area roughly circular in outline, about 10 miles in diameter, of relatively flat topography. The Basin is sharply demarcated on all sides by prominent hills and mountains. The flatness of this circle in comparison w.lth the surrounding hills is striking when viewed from a plane or on a topographic map (see Figure 1) . Although the area has relat.ively little topography within itself, it is nevertheless relativel y high; the- basin sits at approximately 1100 to 1400 feet elevation. Geologically, the basin is a "soft pluton". The bedrock in the basin itself is granitic rock, while the surrounding hills are generally schists or other similar metamorphic rock. The pluton was formed when molten magma underneath the crust of the earth was pushed upward by volcanic force. The magma did not erupt as a volcano but remained just below the surface, which was composed of metamorphic sedimentary rocks. The heat of the magma further metamorphosed the rock at the surface, making it very hard and resista~t to weathering. Over time, however, weatheri ng did occur, finally revealing the igneous rock below the surface rock. With more time, this igneous rock (a relatively soft granitic rock known as quartz monzonite) weathered more quickly than the surrounding,. hardened rock. Hence, a ring of resistant rock now surrounds the basin, where softer rock has gradually eroded away. During more recent geological time, the basin has become an area of glacial outwash. Following the last glaciation, the basin was likely full of flowing water while surrounding highlands were dry. Hence the basin is full of sand and grav el deposits overlying the granite bedrock. Yellow Bogs is an area that has no formal boundary demarcation, but is generally considered .to encompass the northeastern quarter or so of the Nulhegan Basin. The area considered in this study is shown in Figure 2. It is mostly within the town of Lewis, although small portions of Brunswick and Bloomfield are included as well. It is mostly east of the • Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan and north of Vermont Route 105. All waters in the study area flow southeast into the Nulhegan River and thence east into the Connecticut at Bloomfield.

l OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study, as presented in the proposal, were: l. To map and describe the rare and exemplary natural communities of the Yellow Bogs area. 2. To locate and document any rare plants in the Yellow Bogs area. 3. To provide management suggestions for the natural communities and rare plants that can be integrated with management requirements for the rare animals present in the area.

METHODS

To meet these objectives, the following methods were used: l. Color infrared aerial photos at 1:20,000 scale were examined to determine areas of potentially significant natural communities. 2. The area was surveyed by small plane in April and October, prior to and following field work.

3. Se~eral areas identified from air photos and the flight were visited on foot during June, July and August. Species lists and community descriptions were made. 4. Areas of significant natural communities were mapped.

RESULTS Map of Significant Natural Communities The results of the work are summarized on the attached map. This map should be used as the basis of information for planning and conservation work. Eight sites (some composed of several smaller sites) are identified as locations for significant natural communities and/ or rare plant habitat. These eight areas were assigned site names by the author. It should be noted that the natural area boundaries shown on the map are approximate only. In some cases the natural area boundary includes some non­ significant habitat that is regarded as important buffer area for the significant sites. The boundaries between natural communities are also only approximate; these communities (especially black spruce swamp and lowland bog) grade into one another and cannot be cleanly demarcated on a map . 2 significant Natural Communities - Description Three types of significant areas are identified: black spruce swamp, lowland bog, and other wetlands. Generalized description of these three types follow. Specific site descriptions for some of the areas can be found in Appendix I, and a list of plants found during the inventry is found in Appendix II. Black Spruce swamps - Black spruce stands are scattered throughout the Yellow Bogs area, but only the most extensive and/or least disturbed are identified here. These are wetlands, generally with shallow accumulations of peat, in which black spruce is the dominant tree. The trees are small, with diameters of 4 to 8 inches on the average. Although black spruce (Picea mariana) dominates in the canopy, balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and tamarack (Larix laricina) are present as well. The shrub layer is sparse, with scattered individuals of mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata), withe-rod (Viburnum cassinoides), red maple (Acer rubrum) and balsam fir. Where black spruce swamps intergrade with lowland bog areas, the spruce is more stunted and is present in the shrub layer as well as in the canopy. Other species are present in these transition areas as well. The ground layer in black spruce swamps is dominated by mosses such as Thuidium delicatulum, Pleuroziwn schreberi, Ptilium crista­ castrensis, and Sphagnum species. Scattered herbaceous plants are pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule), snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) and goldthread (Coptis qroenlandica) • The rare mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is found in these areas as well as upland forests in Yellow Bogs. Lowland bogs - Several small areas of lowland bog are present within the Yellow Bogs area. They are usually associated with black spruce stands, probably occupying the .sites where the peat is deepest. They are mostly small areas, with low species diversity. Black spruce is the dominant tree in these bogs, but the individuals are never as large as in the adjacent black spruce swamps. Stunted tamarack are present as well. There is a well-developed shrub layer, with such characteristic species as labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) . Characteristic herbs are carex disperma, small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), three-leaved false-solomon's seal (Smilacina trifolia), sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), and pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Sphagnum fuscum and other species of Sphagnum form a nearly continuous carpet under the herbaceous and woody vegetation. The largest of the lowland bogs is the westernmost one in the study area ("Western Bog"). In this bog there occurs a large population of the rare bog sedge, carex exilis.

3 Other wetlands - These are either open sedge meadows or shrub {alder) thickets. These are not uncommon communities in Vermont, so only the most extensive or otherwise unusual examples .are identified here. One of the wetland areas identified is actually an old blowdown, but is of ecological interest because of the successional processes that are taking place here. Succession has not been studied at the site, but it appears that paludification, or "swamping" is taking place here as in other areas of Yellow Bogs. Paludification is a process in which a landscape becomes wetter when a peatland raises its own water table and expands into adjacent upland areas. This process is probably active throughout much of the Yellow Bogs area, but is perhaps most dramatic in areas that have been cleared either naturally or by humans. Paludification is enhanced in cleared areas because evapotranspiration is significantly reduced with the loss of the canopy. Paludification, either natural or disturbance-induced, is a common phenomenon in northern climates but is fairly unusual in mostly temperate Vermont. Therefore paludif ied areas of both types in Yellow Bogs could serve as important research sites.

DISCUSSION

The results of this and other studies that have been done in Yellow Bogs are clear evidence that this is an important and highly unusual area in Vermont. The following can be said about the ecological significance of Yellow Bogs: Nowhere in Vermont is there such a high concentration of boreal bog systems. Nowhere in Vermont are there such extensive black spruce swamps. At least two rare boreal plant species occur in Yellow Bogs. The bryophyte {moss and lichen) flora, whicp has not been studied, may very well be unusual in Vermont. Paludification, an ecological process which appears to be rare in Vermont, occurs here and has likely contributed to the present-day character of Yellow Bogs. The area provides a significant amount of habitat for several boreal bird species; it is one of only a few significant areas of boreal bird habitat in Vermont. A number of unusual odonate (dragonfly and damselfly) species have been identified from the Yellow Bogs area. The Yellow Bogs area is, as a whole, a very unusual ecosystem in Vermont, tied together as a unit by its geological history, climate and hydrology. 4 There is no question that Yellow Bogs is an important natural· area. The question that does remain is how such an area, where timber harvesting is an important activity, can be managed to protect the natural features. Timber harvesting in upland areas is not necessarily detrimental to the specific natural areas that are identified in the report, but in the long term an ideal protection scheme for the entire Yellow Bogs area would include gradually phasing out timber harvesting in the entire area, except as necessary to manage for spruce grouse, white­ tailed deer, and other speci es that are determined to be important.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following management recommendations apply only to the rare plants and natural communities of Yellow Bogs. They should be integrated with management for the rare animals and game species which occur in and use Yellow Bogs. 1. No logging should occur in the areas of significant natural communities delineated on the attached map. 2. A primary buffer zone of 100 ft should be created around each area, in which no logging should occur. A secondary buffer zone of 200 ft should be delineated, within which only selective logging should occur. 3. Detailed inventory work should be conducted to further refine the boundaries of the significant natural communities. 4. Hunting and other recreational activities which do not involve the use of motorized vehicles are compatible uses of these areas. 5. The entire study area should be protected at some time in the future, and set asi de as a wilderness area with active management only as necessary to accommodate the needs of the rare species and important game animals.

5 APPENDIX I SITE REPORTS

6 NATURAL COMMUNJ:TIES OF YELLOW BOGS site Report

NATURAL AREA SITE NAME: Big Swamp TOWN: Lewis MAPS: Bloomfield, VT 7.5 minute topographic map LOCATION: East of Canal Road, between Yellow Branch and Black Branch.

SIGNIFICANCE: 1 . One of the best examples in Vermont of a lowland black spruce forest (black spruce swamp) • This is an uncommon community type in the state. 2. Habitat for the rare black-backed woodpecker, spruce grouse, gray jay, rusty blackbird, bay-breasted warbler, and possibly Wilson's warbler.

GENERAL OESCRIPI'ION: This black spruce swamp is one of the many wetland areas that together comprise Yellow Bogs, a large complex of swamps, alder thickets, sedge meadows, and lowland bogs interspersed with upland spruce-fir forest. Yellow Bogs is one of the most extensive ·areas of boreal ha.bitat in the state. The area named "Big Swamp" is extensive and is relatively undisturbed. Its logging history is unknown, but there is no evidence of very recent logging. The upland surrounding the swamp, however, has been clearcut. The swamp has a canopy dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana), with lesser amounts of tamarack (Larix laricina) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). The shrub layer is sparse, allowing for long views in the forest in many places. Tall shrubs of mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata), withe-rod (Viburnum cassinoides) and red mapl e (Acer rubrum) are most common, but in some areas, low heath shrubs such as bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) and Labrador tea are present as well. In some places, balsam fir is quite abundant in the understory. The forest floor is a carpet of boreal mosses such as Pleurozium schreberi, Thuidium delicatulum and Ptilium crista-castrensis. These so-called feather mosses are abundant in boreal forests throughout the world, both uplands and wetlands. Another notable, though less common moss in this swamp is the umbrella moss, Splachnum sp., which grows specifically on old moose dung. Scattered throughout the forest are occasional vascular plants, though these are nowhere abundant. Bluebead lily (Clintonia borealis), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), winterberry (Gaultheria procumbens) and Carex trisperma are among the more common vascular plants. A small area of this site is classified as a lowland bog. This is a 7 small bog opening within the spruce swamp, where black spruce are still dominant but are quite stunted. The peat is quite shallow here in comparison to other lowland bogs (only about 18 inches in one place that was probed), and there is no open water. The shrub layer in this bog is dominated by heath shrubs such as leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), Labrador tea, rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) _and bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia). Common herbs are Carex pauciflora~ bog cotton (Eriophorum spissum) , three-leaved false-solomon's seal (Smilacina trifolia) and small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) • Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum fuscum, ~ magellanicum and ~ rubellum) dominate the ground layer.

8 NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF YELLOW BOGS Site Report

NATURAL AREA SITE NAME: Blowdown Bogs TOWN: Lewis MAPS: Bloomfield, VT 7.5 minute topographic map LOCATION: East of Canal Road, just northwest of Lewis/ Bloomfield t own line.

SIGNIFICANCE: l . Extensive areas of black spruce swamp, a.n unusual community type in Vermont.

2. Two areas of lowland bog, an unusual community type in Vermont.

3 . Excellent example of paludification, an ecological process which is rarely apparent in Vermont ecosystems. 4. Habitat for a rare boreal plant, mountina cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).

5. Habitat for rare boreal birds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a diverse area, including some black spruce swamp, a lowland bog, a shrub swamp, and some upland spruce-fir forest. The lowland bog is dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana) in the canopy (which is sparse) and in the shrub layer. Characteristic low shrubs and herbs are bog-cotton (Eriophorum spissum), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) , rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), small bog sedge (Carex paupercula), and small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). The black spruce swamp is dominated by black spruce, with tamarack (Larix laricina) scattered in the canopy. The shrub swamp is a formerly forested area which suffered a blowdown several years ago. At present, the area is· a wetland dominated by alder (Alnus rugosa), tamarack, and mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata). The ground layer is a carpet of sphagnum (mostly~. wulffianum and ~. fimbriatum) which has grown over and covered logs which fell during the blowdown. The growth of the sphagnum over the fallen logs is an indicator of the wet conditions that result when evapotranspiration is reduced because of the loss of the canopy. The sphagnum itself also increases the wetness of the site by drawing the water table upward. This process is called paludification and is common in the moist, cool environment of the subarctic, but is rarely observed in Vermont. It is likely that paluduification is an important 9 ecological process in many of the wetland areas within Yellow Bogs, but at this site it is especially well displayed. The upland spruce-fir forests are not unusual in themselves, but protect the surrounding wetlands from disturbance. In addition, they provide habitat for a rare boreal plant species, mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) •

10 NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF YELLOW BOGS site Report

NATURAL AREA SITE NAME: Yellow Branch swamps TOWNS: Lewis, Bloomfield, and Brunswick MAPS: Bloomfield, VT 7 .5 minute topographic map LOCATION: On east and west sides of Yellow .Branch, in vicinity of Brunswick/Bloomfield/Lewis town corner.

SIGNIFICANCE: l. Several pockets of black spruce swamp, an unusual natural community in Vermont. 2. Habitat for a rare boreal plant species, mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).

GENERAL DESCRIPrION: several small areas of black spruce occupy the low, flat areas along the Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan. These areas are dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana), with some tamarack (Larix laricina) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) present in the canopy as well. The shrub layer is quite variable: in some areas it is sparse and in some areas it is quite dense. Mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata), balsam fir and red maple (Acer rubrum) are common components of the shrub layer. Boreal mosses (Pleurozium schreberi, Thuidium delicatulum and Ptilium crista-castrensis) carpet the ground. Herbaceous plants are scarce. Surrounding the black spruce swamps are upland areas of spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests. Many of these areas have been logged in recent years. The spruce swamps lie mostly on the east side of Yellow Branch, but one small area is on the west side of the stream.

11 NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF YELLOW BOGS Site Report

NATURAL AREA SITE NAME: Central Wetlands TOWN: Lewi s MAPS: Bloomfield, VT and Spectacle Pond, VT 7.5' topographic maps LOCATION: Along Yellow Branch and its east fork, east of Lewis Pond Road and south of Four Mile Road.

SIGNIFICANCE: 1. Extensive alder swamps and sedge meadows. 2. Three small open lowland bogs (an unusual community type in Vermont) . 3. Black spruce swamps, an unusual community type in Vermont.

GENERAL DESCRIPI'ION: This natural area is very diverse, encompassing three separate areas along Yellow Branch and its eastern fork. The westernmost area is an extensive wetland area directly associated with the stream. It includes large alder swamps, sedge meadows (beaver meadows) , some black spruce swamp and a small lowland bog. The central area of the three is a chain of lowland bogs connected by black spruce swamp. These tiny, shrubby bogs are typical of the lowland bogs of this area. They are dominated by low, stunted black spruce (Picea mariana), with some tamarack (Larix laricina) in the low canopy as well. The dense shrub layer is composed of black spruce, mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata), rhodora (Rhododendron canadense) and leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata). Typical herbs are Carex pauciflora, bog-cotton (Eriophorum spissum) , pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and Carex trisperina. Sphagnum fuscum, the peat moss typical of the most nutrient-poor bog habitats, dominates here. The eastern area is an extensive alder and sedge wetland, with some black spruce swamp. This area was not ground-checked.

12 NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF YELLOW BOGS Site Report

NATURAL AREA SITE NAME: Western Bog TOWN: Lewis MAPS: Spectacle Pond, VT 7.5 minute topographic map LOCATION: About l mile northeast of McConnell Pond, between the North Branch of the Nulhegan and the western fork of Yellow Branch.

SIGNIFICANCE: l. One of the largest lowland bogs (an uncommon community type) in the Nulhegan Basin. 2. Habitat for a rare boreal bog plant (Carex exilis).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This large bog occupies a flat area just southwest of the western fork of Yellow Branch. An elongate open bog mat is dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack (Larix laricina), and low ericaceous shrubs such as leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) and rhodora (Rhododendron canadense) . Characteristic herbs are Carex oligospenna, Carex trisperma, tawny cotton grass (Eriophorum virginicum), bog-cotton (Eriophorum spissum) and the rare bog sedge (Carex exilis) • This is the largest and most open of the lowland bogs identified in this study. It is a fine example of this community type. Surrounding the open bog mat is a large area of black spruce-tamarack swamp. This swamp is dominated by black spruce, with tamarack less abundant. The shrub layer is quite dense in places.

13 APPENDIX II

PLANTS FOUND IN WETLANDS OF YELLOW BOGS

Scientific Name Common Name Vascular plants Abies balsamea balsam fir Acer rubrum red maple Alnus rugosa speckled alder Andromeda glaucophylla bog rosemary Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry Calamagrostis canadensis blue-joint grass Calla palustris calla lily Carex pauciflora small bog sedge carex crinita sedge Carex paupercula sedge Carex disperma sedge carex trisperma sedge carex brunnescens sedge carex exilis bog sedge carex limosa sedge carex canescens sedge carex lacustris sedge carex stricta sedge Carex oligosperma sedge Chamaedaphne calyculata leatherleaf Clintonia borealis bluebead lily Coptis groenlandica goldthread Cornus canadensis bunchberry Cypripediu.m acaule pink lady's slipper Orosera rotundifolia round-leaved sundew Oryopteris cristata crested shield fern Eriophoru.m spissum bog cotton Eriophoru.m virginicum tawny cotton grass Gaultheria procumbens winterberry Gaultheria hispidula creeping snowberry Glyceria canadensis manna grass Goodyera pubescens downy rattlesnake-plantain Hypericum virginicum marsh St. Johnswort Juncus ef fusus rush Kalmia polifol i a bog laurel Kalmia angustifolia sheep laurel Larix laricina larch; tamarack Ledum groenlandicum labrador tea Lonicera villosa hairy honeysuckle Lonicera canadensis canada honeysuckle Maianthemum canadense canada mayflower Monotropa uniflora indian pipes Nemopanthus mucronata mountain holly . Osmunda cinnamomea cinnamon fern Oxalis montana mountain wood-sorrel Picea mariana black spruce Rhododendron canadense rhodora 14 Scientific Name Common .Name

Vascular plants, cont. ' .

Rhynchospora alba beak-rush Rubus pubescens low raspbery Salix spp. willow · Sarracenia purpurea pitcher plant Scirpus cyperinus wool-grass smilacina trifolia three-leaved false solomon's seal Sparganium chlorocarpum bur-reed Spiraea latifolia meadow-sweet Thelypteris palustris marsh fern Trientalis borealis starflower Typha latifolia cattail Vaccinium angustifolium low sweet blueberry Vaccinium myrtilloides hairy blueberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea mountain cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus small cranberry Viburnum alnifolium arrow-wood Viburnum cassinoides withe-rod Viola pallens northern white violet

Brvophvtes Aulocomnium palustre Hylocomnium splendens stair"".'step moss Pleurozium schreberi Polytrichum spp. Har-cap moss Ptilium crista-castrensis Knight's plume Sphagnum spp. Peat mosses Sphagnum f imbriatum Sphagnum wulff ianum Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum fuscum Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum recurvum Sphagnum flexuosum Sphagnum quinquefarium Sphagnum angustifolium Splachnum sp. Umbrella moss Thuidium delicatulum Fern moss Tomenthypnum sp.

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·... CURRENT USE PROGRAM CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR YELLOW BOGS NATURAL AREA

Applicant Organization: The Nature Conservanc) of Vermont, 27 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 229- 4425

Contact: Emily Seifert, Stewardship Manager or Lynn McNamara, Conservation Assistant

Name and Location of Property: Yellow Bogs Natural Area

Acreage: 80 acres

Town: Brunswick

Date of Application: 11 January 1999

Date of Management Plan Update: March 18, 20 l 0

Attribute(s) that Qualifies Property as Conservation Land:

..J An area with special ecological values ..J Fragile area '1 Habitat that supports rare or endangered species ..J Significant habitat for wildlife '1 Significant wetlands 0 Outstanding resource waters '1 Rare and irreplaceable natural area LJ Area with significant historical va..ue 0 Public water supply protection area O An area that provides public access to public waters O An open or natural area located near a population center or historically frequented by the public

Conservation Management Plan for Property:

Resource Inventory on which Plan is based:

Biological inventory work at Yellow Bogs occurred intensively in the 1980s. Yellow Bogs consists of a flat, low-lying area along the Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan River in the towns of Lewis, Bloomfield, Brunswick and Ferdinand. The soils in the area are saturated and perhaps paludified. Much of the area has been logged but a few areas of black spruce remain in a more intact condition. In addition, the area encompasses many other natural community types, rare plants and animals. There are many fine examples of natural communities of statewide significance including l)Oe of the best examples of a lowland black spruce forest (black spruce swamp), one of the largest lowland bogs in the Nulhegan basin, alder swamps and sedge meadows. Typical canopy trees include black spruce (Picea mariana) and larch (Larix laricina). Shrub layer species include mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronata), red maple (Acer rubrum), grey birch and heart­ leaved paper birch (Betula populifolia and cordifolia), labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum) and leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata). Sphagnum is abundant in places.

The most in-depth ecological inventory of this property was conducted by Elizabeth Thompson, a professional botanist and plant community ecologist, who has worked with The Nature Conservancy of Vermont, the Nongame & Natural Heritage Program, and as an independent consultant since 1984. She mapped the natural communities of Yellow Bogs in 1988 Prior to that, Peter Zika, consulting botanist for the NNHP, conducted a field survey of Yellow Bogs on July 20, 1983 and filed a report. Records of bird observations have been fi led with the NNHP by Chris Rimmer of YINS in 1987 (rusty blackbird), George Lisi and Frank Oatman in 1988 (Wilson's warbler), Lynn Erb in 1987 (gray jay and black-backed woodpecker) and Cedric Alexander of the VT F&W Department in 1988 (spruce grouse). TNC files refer to a study that VT F&W conducted on spruce grouse habitat in Yellow Bogs, but no date is given.

Rare species and outstanding natural communities in Yellow Bogs: • Natural communities: Dwarf shrub bog and black spruce swamp, both considered to be among the best examples in the state. • Rare plants: mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vilis-idaea), bog sedge (Carex exilis). • Rare birds: rusty blackbird (Euph:igus carolinus), Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusilia), gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis), black-ba.:ked woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), and spruce grouse (Dendragapus canadensis).

Conservation Management Plan

The Conservancy's Yellow Bogs Natural Area will be managed to maintain all native species within existing natural communities in the preserve and on neighboring properties, and that represent this biophysical region of Vermont. The Conservancy's approach r:o management at this preserve will be to let natural processes prevail; active management will be minimal. The land is growing back from previous intensive logging.

The majority of land in Yellow Bogs is private land, not under conservation ownership. All owners have their land open to public use, including hiking, canoeing, other forms of passive recreation, and hunting. Access is on foot via logging roads and up the Yellow Branch from the mainstem of the Nulhegan River. Route 105 is just to the south of the area. Since the land is considered too sensitive for intensive recreational use, the Conservancy will continue the present use pattern of allowing dispersed recreation, but will not construct any facilities to encourage more concentrated or intensive use. Hunting will still be allowed.

Research focused on basic ecology, viability, and management needs of key species and natural communities on Conservancy property will be enc()uraged. Researchers will be required to follow any protocols for preserve use established by Conservancy staff, should obtain permission from other owners for work on neighboring lands, and will need to obtain all pertinent state or federal permits.

2 . ~

This plan was prepared by Rose Paul, Director of Science and Stewardship. Rose is responsible for management of all the Conservancy's preserves in Vermont, totaling more than 20,000 acres. The Plan was updated by Lynn McNamara, Conservation Assistant, and Emily Seifert, Stewardship Manager, in 2010.

Action Summary 1999-2009:

Because this property is surrounded by the Silvio 0. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, and it is relatively inaccessible, we have not done any management here in the last I 0 years.

Actions Planned 2010-2020:

There is no management planned for the Yellow Bogs Natural Area.

References cited:

Erb, L.J. 1988. Records of Vermont Birds -- Swnmer Season 1987. VrNS.

Thompson, E.H. et al. 1988. Field Survey to Yellow Bogs on July 8, 1988.

Zika, P.F. 1983. Field Survey to Yellow Bog of July 20, 1983.

3