Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed

Appalachian Mountain Club Credits Credits

Primary authors: David Publicover Doug Weihrauch (Land Use History) Ecological Atlas Contributing authors: Data Development: Doug Weihrauch (Alpine Ecosystems) David Publicover Johan Erikson (Geology) Cathy Poppenwimer of the Ken Kimball (Alpine Ecosystems, Dams, Water Quality) Graphic design: Kelly Short Upper Androscoggin River Map development: Canterbury Communications David Publicover Watershed

Acknowledgements Molly Docherty and Emily Pinkham of the Maine Dave Thurlow, Joe Homer, Andy Cutko, Emily Natural Areas Program and Lionel Chute and Sara Pinkham, Sue Gawlor, Marcel Polak and Ken Kimball Cairns of the New Hampshire Natural Heritage provided valuable reviews of portions of the atlas. Inventory provided valuable information on rare plants and animals occurring in the upper Androscoggin Funding for this project was provided by grants to the watershed, as well as unpublished drafts of natural Appalachian Mountain Club from the Doris Duke community classification and description manuals. Charitable Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Moriah Fund, the Surdna Foundation, Mark Anderson and Greg Kehm of The Nature the John Merck Fund, the Merck Family Fund, the Conservancy’s Eastern Conservation Science office in Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, the Ford Foundation, Boston, MA provided digital data on ecoregion bound- the Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust, and aries and TNC’s Ecological Land Units classification. Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

Barbara Barbieri of the Northern Forest Heritage The Appalachian Mountain Club thanks all those who Park provided access to the park’s collection of his- are working to ensure an ecologically, economically, torical photographs. and socially sustainable future for the upper Androscoggin River watershed and its communities. Appalachian Mountain Club January 2003 Copies of this Atlas are available on CD-ROM in Adobe PDF format from the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Published by the Appalachian Mountain Club

e HampshireNew © 2003 Maine

Boston office: New Hampshire offices: 5 Joy Street P.O. Box 298 Boston MA 02108 Gorham, NH 03581 617-523-0636 603-466-2721 WWW. OUTDOORS.ORG Map, Tables & Figures 3 8 7 . . 19 . . . . 28 . . Appalachian Mountain Club . . . 44 ...... 71 . . . . 22 . . . . 17 ...... 38 . . . . . 37 . . . . . . . . . 56–57 ...... 30 ...... 9 ...... 18 ...... 23 ...... 73 ...... 39 ...... 8 ...... 45 ...... Maps, Tables & Figures Maps, Tables categories by state studies...... 60 Androscoggin River watershed ...... 64–65 Map 1: Map 2: Upper Androscoggin River watershed ...... Major . watersheds. . of . New . England. . 4–5 ...... Map 16: Major soil groups...... Map . 17: ...... Distribution . of . Spodosols . in . the. . United . States. . . Map 18: ...... Ecoregions: . Domains...... 32 ...... Map . 19: ...... Ecoregions: Continental. Warm . Divisions . of . the . DomainHumid . Temperate ...... 33 . Map . 20: ...... 34 Ecoregions: Sections within the New England–Adirondack Province . . . Map . 21: ...... 34 Ecoregions: Subsections within the White Mountains Section . . . Map . 22: ...... 35 Ecological Land Units...... Map . 23: ...... Land . use/land . cover ...... 36 . . Map . 24: ...... Wetlands...... Map . . 25: ...... complex. Wetland . along . the River. Webb lower ...... Map . 26: ...... in Wetlands . the . UmbagogLake . 46 National Wildlife Refuge Map 27: ...... Natural. . communities . of . the . Presidential . Range alpine . zone.47 ...... Map . 28: ...... 54 Class 1A and 1B (Maine) lakes and Class A and B rivers (Maine and New Hampshire). . Map . 29: . . . 59 and Lakes rivers ranked as outstanding or significant in various resource Map 30: Sub-watersheds of the upper Androscoggin watershed . Map . 31: ...... habitat Potential . . for selected. 62 species in the Maine portion of the upper Map 32: Historic and current range of the gray wolf...... Map . 33: ...... Shoreline development. . . . . 66 . Map . 34: ...... Major . dams...... Map 3: Highways...... Map 10: Bedrock geology . . . . . Map . 11...... plutonic Ordovician . and . volcanic rocks...... Map . . 12: ...... 21 ...... Devonian plutonic . rocks...... 22 . . . . Map . 13: ...... Glacifluvial. . deposits...... Map . 14: ...... Shaded . relief . with Topography: . elevation . zones...... Map . . 15: ...... 24 ...... 27 Shaded relief with Topography: slope classes ...... 2 Map 35: Land conservation ...... 77 Map 4: Map 5: density Population ...... Map . 6: . Land . use...... 8 ...... Map . 7: Topography...... 9 ...... Map . 8: . Historical . development...... Map . 9: Locations . of . climate . data...... 11 ...... Precipitation...... Table 6: Table Area of major wetland types . . . . 7. . . Table ...... Upland . natural . communities . of . the. . upper . Androscoggin watershed...... 8. . . . Table ...... communities . Wetland of 50 the upper Androscoggin watershed . . . . . 9: . . Table ...... 51 Rare plant species 10. . Table . . . . . Largest . in lakes . the . upper . Androscoggin . watershed...... 11. . . . . Table ...... Rare or . special . concern . animals . of . the. . upper . Androscoggin . watershed. 58 ...... 67 Table 5: Table Forest types ...... Fig. 1: Fig. 2: Mean monthly temperatures for selected towns ...... Distribution. . of . annual . precipitation...... 17 ...... 1: Table Geologic time . . 2:. . Table ...... 3500 . over Peaks feet . elevation...... 3: . . Table ...... of . live Volume trees...... 4: . . . . Table ...... Land . use/land . cover...... 37 ...... List of Figures List of Tables List of Maps Table of Contents Table Notes, sources & additional information List of tree species Natural Heritage rarity ranking system List of wildlife species

Appendix B ...... 86 Appendix C ...... 87 Appendix D ...... 88 Introduction...... 6 Land use history...... 10 Climate ...... Geology ...... 17 ...... Topography. . . . 20 ...... Soils...... 25 ...... Ecological . land . 37 classification...... 29 ...... 33 . . . Forests. Wetlands ...... Natural. . communities. . . . 43 ...... 48 Alpine ecosystems ...... 52 Rare plants...... 55 and Lakes rivers ...... Wildlife.58 ...... Timber 63 harvesting ...... Shoreline . development...... 68 ...... 70 Dams ...... quality. Water ...... 72 ...... Land . conservation74 80 ...... Afterword...... 76 Appendix A:...... 82 Pontook Reservoir, upper Androscoggin River watershed,Pontook Reservoir, by Jerry & Marcy Monkman Cover photo: Cover

Table of Contents of Table

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed 2 4

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Upper Androscoggin

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Map 1 – Upper Androscoggin River watershed

The area covered by this atlas is outlined in red, and includes the watershed upstream of the confluence of the Androscoggin and Webb rivers in Dixfield, Maine. 5 Watershed River 6 Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Introduction Lakes, mountains and undeveloped forests define the landscape of the upper Androscoggin watershed Androscoggin upper the of landscape the define forestsundeveloped and Lakes,mountains Umbagog. and LowerRichardson,Aziscohos and UpperCupsuptic, Mooselookmeguntic, Rangeley, Lakeschain— Rangeley the lakesof great the into flow eventually rivers These Kennebago. and Cupsuptic Magalloway,Diamond, Dead and Swift river—the the of tributaries northern the form to combine they Eventually hillsides. forested the on streams small into collect snowmelt and rainfall settlement, human nearest the from miles many border.There, Canadian the along mountains low of slopes south the on journey its begins south. the to lying watersheds river Presumpscot and Saco smaller the with east, the to watershed RiverKennebec the and west the to watershed River Connecticut betweenthe lies watershed Its 2). and 1 (Maps Maine western and Hampshire New northern in miles square over3,500 of area an draining rivers, great The water that flows down the Androscoggin the down flows that water The England’s New of one is Androscoggin The River; all 60 of them referred either to the vast fast-water stretches of riverfast-watervastof stretches the to either referred them of 60 all River; Androscoggin River had over 60 names and meanings of the Androscoggin the of meanings and names over60 had River Androscoggin Androscoggin: "fish coming in the spring." The seven Indian tribes that lived along the along lived that tribes sevenIndian The spring." the in coming "fish or the large numbers of sea-run fish that were present there. present were that fish sea-run of numbers large the or —From "Fishery Management in the Androscoggin River" by S.E. DeRoche, 1967.DeRoche, S.E. byRiver" Androscoggin the in Management "Fishery —From The Abenaki Indians called it Amascogin, which means which Amascogin, it called Indians Abenaki The Introduction Brunswick before entering the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic the entering before Brunswick of city the near Bay Merrymeeting in Kennebec the with joining eventually Lewiston, and Auburn of cities twin the past landscape, developedheavily more a through flows it onward point Jay. this of From vicinity the in course southward its resumes it length, its along city mill great second the Rumford, passing After south. the from rivers Peabody,Pleasant the and and Wild north, the from Webb and Sunday,rivers Swift Bear,Ellis, tributaries—the other with joins stretchit this Along border.Maine the towardeast the to turn sharp makesa and Mountains White the of bulk great the against up comes it Eventually Berlin. of city mill paper historic the and Milan and Errol of villages rural Woods, the past 13Mile scenic the through south flows lake,it low shal- broad this wetlandsof marshy the Leaving begins. itself River Androscoggin the border, that Hampshire It is at Lake Umbagog, straddling the Maine/New the straddling LakeUmbagog, at is It

Robert J. Kozlow J. Robert Dixfield, Maine Dixfield, in Webb and rivers Androscoggin the of confluence the of upstream watershed coversthe It Maine. in counties Oxford and Franklin and Hampshire New in County Coos of parts including watershed, the of part ern appear.pitchpine and cedar red- hickory, oak, eastern white suchas species while disappear,whitecedar northern and tamarack spruce, blackand white suchas species northern common Less dominant. more become oak red and maple red hemlock,pine, white while dominant, less birchbecome yellowand white and maple, sugar fir, balsam spruce, red suchas species watershed, the of part southern tled set- heavily more the movesinto one As change.selves them- forests the maps, these on shown differences the to addition In 8–9). pages 6, to 3 (Maps characteristics several at looking by seen be can as landscapes, different distinctlytwoencompasses It England. New northern of much characterizes that divide the represents coast, the of cities bustling the to country north the of forests lated is the Great North Woods—a land of vast forests and forests vastWoods—a of North land Great the is This Island. Rhode of size the miles—overtwice square The area covered by this Atlas is the wilder north- wilder the is Atlas this coveredby area The unpopu- wild the from extending watershed, This

CT Lake Champlain 1 . This area encompasses over2,300 encompasses area This . River watershed River Androscoggin Upper Connecticut VT

MA Merrimack

RI NH Androscoggin Kennebec Saco Presumpscot St. John St. ME Penobscot 1 with the area north of the Mahoosucs. the of north area the with characteristics country” “north manyshares it because included was Mountains, White the of part northeast the and range Mountain Mahoosuc/Elephant the of side south the draining WebbRiver,the and Dam Shelburne betweenarea The river). TrailAppalachian the crossesthe (where Dam Shelburne of upstream area the only includes watershedAndroscoggin holding much promise for the future. the for muchpromise holding and history in rich area lynx—an and lion mountain wolf, suchas beasts wild and camps logging old of ghosts the echoeswith that land a is It waters. misty across out call loons and roam moose lakes,where undeveloped The official U.S. Geological Survey delineation of the upper the of delineation Survey Geological U.S. official The The area covered by this atlas is outlined in red. in outlined is atlas coveredthis byarea The England New of watersheds Major – 2 Map Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian 7 8

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Introduction

roads at all. at roads public haveno parts large and highways,fewer far has part (northern) upper The region. the of towns and cities the connecting highways and roads of network extensive an by criss-crossed is watershed the of part lower(southern) The Highways – 3 Map

e Hampshire New Maine People per square mile square per People >500 50–250 25–50 10–25 1–10 0–1 watershed LowerAndro watershed Andro Upper

much of the lowerportion. the of much throughout found that approaching densities havepopulation Maine in Rumford-Mexicoarea the and Hampshire New in area Gorham Berlin- the only and population, permanent haveno watershed upper the of parts Large lated. popu- heavily more much is lowerwatershed The Populationdensity: – 4 Map

e Hampshire New Maine Highways watershed LowerAndro watershed Andro Upper

roads. gravellogging private bybroken only are est for- of areas extensive and agriculture, for cleared never was land this of Much forest. in remains watershed northern the of portion whelming over- the contrast, In settlements. and roads public by blocks small into fragmented is and agriculture, for used previously land regrownfrom has forest existing the of Most agriculture. and developmentresidential or urban for cleared been have lowerwatershed the in forest of areasLarge use: Land – 5 Map

e Hampshire New Maine Lower Andro watershed LowerAndro watershed Andro Upper

ment. develop- and settlement agriculture, widespread to suited more much is plain, coastal Maine of Gulf the and foothills Appalachian gentler the of consisting lowerwatershed, The narrowvalleys. and slopes steep mountains, rugged of region a is watershed upper The watershed. the within use land and population roads, of distribution the on influence strong a had has land the of shape The Topography:– 6 Map

e Hampshire New Maine Land use Land Developed Agriculture/grassland watershed LowerAndro watershed Andro Upper Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian 9 10 Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Land Use History

Northern Forest Heritage Park Early loggers at work at loggers Early were who Anasagunticooks, the for true especially was valley. their This of resources abundant the of use made eachtribe as rare, warfare and limited was commerce betweentribes, hostilities as well as trade some of dence evi- is valley.there Although river different a occupied eachtribe settlers, European of arrival the to valley. Prior Androscoggin the inhabited who Anasagunticooks, the including England, New northern of tribes Abenaki ous past. recent more the to 10,000ago yearsaround from dating region the dot archaeologicalsites Other location. this from caribou migrating hunted humans prehistoric these that indicate site the from points projectile and knivesVariousstone England. New of all in found relics human oldest the are LakeAziscohos day present of shore the on encampment an from collected artifacts Paleo-Indian receded. glaciers recent most the 11,000 leastafter backat shortly years, dates region the in activity human of Evidence years. of thousands for valley Androscoggin upper the in land 1600AD) to BC (9,000 PeopleNative uashv enlvn naduigthe using and on living havebeen Humans These paleo-Indians were the ancestors of the vari- the of ancestors the were paleo-Indians These Land Use History History Use Land (1600 to 1800)(1600to Exploration thousand. few a numbered valley Androscoggin the within Anasagunticooks the and 10,000,around somewhere was nation Abenaki regional the of 1600population to the prior information, limited on based are estimates Although tribe. Anasagunticook the of center the was and England New in lage vil- native largest the reportedly was This Point. Canton to migrated Anasagunticooks summer,many Every commerce. and agriculture, fishing, of centers were that Hill) Bethel near and Falls Rumford (including river the along locations village permanent were there lifestyle, nomadic seasonally a led generally Anasagunticook the shelter. Although and clothing for hides and furs as well as opportunities fishing and hunting vided whichpro- locations, upstream and climate, winter mild and supply food consistent a whichprovided ocean, the betweenhighway a as acted river The transportation. of mode preferred the was birch-barkcanoe by river the ing travel- supplies, food other and fish abundant providing to addition In itself. River Androscoggin the was ple watershed. Androscoggin the muchof dering bor- terrain mountainous the by most than isolated more to the steep mountains and unnavigable rapids and falls and rapids unnavigable and mountains steep the to addition muchlater.In began Androscoggin upper the of 1750,by wayexploration under well was Androscoggin the lowerreachesof the of settlement Although period. this throughout continued region Androscoggin Canada. in settlement Francis St. the to retreating finally before Androscoggin, the reachesof upper the movedto tribes Abenaki other and Anasagunticooks the end, the In sides. all on losses large Wars)in Abenaki resulted the as known(collectively years 50 next over the war and peace cycleof alternating War).1675Philip’s in The (King war regional a into ed erupt- that England New throughout English and people native betweenthe tensions strong wereRiver, there Androscoggin the along rare conflicts and slow was ment settle- English Although English. the to land the ing” “sell- and settlements southern their abandoning river, 1615,moveup in to Anasagunticooks the began they struck plague a River.When Androscoggin the of tions lowersec- and regions coastal settle to began pioneers English thereafter, Bay. Shortly Merrymeeting in ing converg- Androscoggin) yetunnamed the and Kennebec (the rivers two of wrote he when Androscoggin the mentioned first Champlain de Samuel Frenchexplorer One of the most important resources to these peo- these to resources important most the of One While exploring the Maine coast in 1605in the coast Maine the exploring While English exploration and settlement of the of settlement and exploration English Map 7 – Historical Development in the upper Androscoggin River watershed River Androscoggin upper the Developmentin Historical – 7 Map Pinkham Notch built Notch Pinkham Berlin built in 1826;in built Berlin paper mill in 1886.in mill paper First road overroad First First sawmill in sawmill First around 1800.around settled 1774,settled 1806.Errol Connecticut River; Milan River; Connecticut Androscoggin ValleyAndroscoggin via Pioneers reach upper reach Pioneers Dames erected Dames Lower,Middle White Mountain National Forest. National Mountain White about 1855.about and Upper and Weeks Act of 1911Weeksof Act the creates Aziscohos Dam forms Dam Aziscohos Aziscohos Lake1911.Aziscohos Milan Berlin Errol Gorham Portland, ME begun in 1847; reached Gorham in 1851.in 1847;Gorham in reached begun ME Portland, Settlement migration continues upstream along upstream continues migration Settlement Railroad connecting Upper Androscoggin ValleyAndroscoggin with Upper connecting Railroad Shelburne 1780, Gorham 1803, Berlin 1824.1780, 1803,Berlin Shelburne Gorham

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife National LakeUmbagog Androscoggin River.1774,Androscoggin settled Gilead e Hampshire New

watershed begins in the 1850s. the in begins watershed Extensive logging in the upper the in logging Extensive Refuge created in 1992.in Refugecreated Maine Gilead human presence from 11,000from presence human ago. years Artifacts from the Vail Site indicate VailSite the from Artifacts Bethel Blueback Trout Blueback declared extinct from Rangeleyfrom extinct Appalachian Trail construction begins in 1920s;in Trailbegins Appalachian construction Lakes in 1905.Lakesin designated National Scenic Trail1968.Scenic in National designated Rumford Rangeley Bethel 1768. Bethel Settlement of Upper Androscoggin Upper of Rumford settled 1776,Rumfordsettled Valley intensifies after Valley intensifies Revolutionary War.Revolutionary watershed beginning in 1817.in beginning watershed region from the Kennebec the from region Pioneers settle Rangeley settle Pioneers Canton Point was the center the Pointwas Canton of the Anasagunticooks and Anasagunticooks the of the largest native village in village native largest the dammed 1890.dammed RumfordFalls New England. New Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian 11 12

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Land Use History toms to make room for agricultural fields and to produce to and fields agricultural for makeroom to toms service. their for payment as land granted were army Patriot the of matically,veterans as dra- increased area Rumford-Bethel-Gilead the of ment War, Revolutionary settle- the of end the At region. rior inte- the explore to settlers led shorelines Androscoggin lowerand coastline the along growth Increasing nings. begin- new and ownership land of promise this by ness settled. was region the as value in increase would land remaining their that hope the with free, or pensively inex- available land of amounts large made landowners as role, important an played speculation Land ship. owner- of condition a as land the work to obligated then were pioneers These families. or individuals to land the give or sell and lots into grant the divide or colony a ize organ- usually wouldlandowner the himself, task this do than Rather area. granted the developing improvingand for responsible was who landlord often-absentee an to Governor) a later (or Crown the by granted were lands wild Initially,the process. in townshipscomplicated a (17601825)to Settlement created. was valley Androscoggin the of headwaters northern the included that 1795,map By a Anasagunticooks. the by established markedtrails using and Androscoggin the of tributaries larger channeland main the navigating by traveled pioneers and explorers early these areas, settlement suitable and routes, trade safe materials, 1780s. raw search of the In until build not did watershed Androscoggin upper the in activity 1760’s, the by settled settlement largely whichwere rivers, Kennebec and Connecticut nearby Unlike the farming. for desirable less area the made terrain rough the difficult, access channel,whichmade main the of 1940circa watershed, RiverAndroscoggin upper the in Milan of view Aerial These pioneers cleared the forests along valley bot- valley along forests the cleared pioneers These wilder- this in live to motivatedwere settlers Early often was lands these of ownership and Settlement (1800 – 1850)(1800– Populationsand Economies Emerging east. the to RiverKennebec 1817 the in from beginning arrived region Rangeley the in arrived that settlers early The 17741806.in in Milan settledwest Errol the and to ley val- River Connecticut the from arriving Pioneers tled. set- been already had Androscoggin the along north ther fur- towns the of many upstream, migrating pioneers by 1824.until there established not was ment settle- permanent a and settled, be to Hampshire New in areas last the of one was 1803.Berlin in began Gorham of Settlementmove upstream. to continued heirs their or potash. and wood produce to forest more cleared and wool,for sheep raised furs, and food for trapped and hunted settlers early sale, or trade for and use personal for crops producing to addition In Shelburne. and Gilead, Bethel, of settlement early the in role important an played it limited, and difficult was farming Although homes. their for materials building more directly to settle the land. The first grist and saw and grist first The land. the settle to directly more settled. first was town the as up sprang mine lead a and camp potash small a Plantation), Maynesborough as known (then Berlin in although industry, local limited isolation This difficult. marketsoutside from or to travel made roads primitive few the but trade, or sale for locally available notwere that items with through travelwould peddler occasional The tasks. other among canning, weaving,and farming, carpentry, lumbering, in skilled be to had family pioneer The goods. needed locally producing towards geared was activity all and self-sufficient were valley Androscoggin

Although most towns along the river were settledwere river the along townsmost Although pioneers early the established, weretowns these As The settlers quickly began to use the river’s power river’s the use to quicklybegan settlers The upper the throughout Initially,settlements the Northern Forest Heritage Park Heritage Forest Northern (1850 – 1880)(1850– Growth Industrial Early summer. the into further drive river the extend and water of flow the 1836moderate toLakein Rangeley of outlet the at built was dam a problem, To this counter destination. final their to logs float to years four to two from took it Oftentimes, payload. driver’s the stranded often and summer the in rapidly dropped levels water spring, the in plentiful and swift were currents river the Although logjams. form or shoreline the stuckon become not did booms the that sure making rafts, log the with downstreamalong ride would drivers river The spring. await to river lakeor frozen nearby a oxto by skidded and winter the during cut were Androscoggin the near Treeslocated work. dangerous and difficult, woodsman. transient independent the to family pioneer settled the from shift to began populations and workers, migratory these with swell periodically would towns censuses, official in reflected not usually were numbers their timber. Although for demand increasing the meet help to Penobscotregions and Kennebec the from area the to recruited were drivers river and loggers Soon, Portland. to hauled laboriously were they logs, of surplus a had owners mill local the Whenever tributaries. its and River Androscoggin the of bottoms valley the along grew that pines white straight tall the for 1829.in incorporated it when 72 of population a had Berlin and 1830,by 400 to grown had Shelburne 135townspeople. 1836with in Gorham and 252 of population a 1800 with in incorporated was Rumford flourished: settlements the hardships, these Despite rebuilt. be to had it before years few a only lasted usually mill a fire, and Betweenflood eachspring. snowmelt the with arrived that freshets strong the to subject wereUnfortunately, mills the 1835.by mill grist a 1826and by place in was sawmill 1774;in Bethel a in Berlin in constructed were mills exists), at Lower Richardson Lake (Middle Dam), LowerRichardsonLake(Middle at exists), longer (no River Rapid the on constructed were Dams Berlin. to Lakesregion Rangeley the from logs the bring to quicklyerected were dams driving log new of series valley.upper the throughout changes dramatic and 1851,in rapid Gorham later,created yearstwo Berlin and in railroad the of arrival The Montreal. to Portland from Railway Lawrence St. and Atlantic the extending by area the to access developed and rights, water secured purchasedforestlands, They watershed. Androscoggin upper the in available resources potential the and lumber marketfor increasing the recognized Bangor and Boston, However,Portland, expensiveprocess. in businessmen and drawn-out a still marketwas to journey the dam, ing Getting the logs downstream to market was slow,marketwas downstreamto logs the Getting marketstrong a by driven was growth this part, In With quick and efficient transport available, a available, transport efficient quickand With driv- Lakelog Rangeley the of creation the Despite Log deck at the mouth of the MagallowayRiver, the of 1959 mouth the at deck Log tempted to abandon their marginal farms by the lure of lure the by farms marginal their abandon to tempted wereway.people the As along enterprises mill small the and drives log downriver eliminated nearly mill Falls Berlin the of completion the addition, In Rumford. and Bethel Gilead, Shelburne, of towns the River,bypassing Androscoggin Little the up come had Portland from railway The Androscoggin. the along townsother on town. in people of number actual the doubled residents 1860,part-time by residents 400 moderate reacheda population manent per- its dramatically. Although increased rivers Diamond Dead/Swift and Magalloway the Lakesand Rangeley the along logging place, in infrastructure the With overnight. practically boomtown a became Berlin mills, and dams, railroad, the of maintenance and operation, upstream. region vast the from harvested logs the ship and process, collect, to Falls Berlin at sawmill modern and dam new a built ately immedi- and shoreline, the along land the bought They falls. mighty above the right narrowed Androscoggin the where harnessed be could power that the recognized Companypreviously,Winslow location the this at mills up set had who settlers Likethe Falls. Berlin feet. five than more Richardsonlakesby the and Mooselookmeguntic of levels water the raised and Androscoggin the of flow the markedlyaltered dams larger These Dam). Errol day present the (near LakeUmbagog below and Dam), Lake(Upper Mooselookmeguntic However, these events had a very different effect different very a However,had events these construction, the surrounding activity this all With downstreamat built was type different a of dam A Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian

13 Northern Forest Heritage Park Heritage Forest Northern wage employment in Berlin, the populations of these was incorporated as a city in 1897, and its population once growing towns dropped quickly. As a result, some grew from 1,150 in 1880 to 9,000 by the turn of the of these towns retain their rural character today. century. Around the same time, ownership and control of the Rangeley Lakes dams were consolidated under the Late Industrial Growth Union Water Power Company. The Middle and Upper (1875 - 1900) Dams were soon reconstructed, raising the water level further and flooding out the “Narrows” that had been a If it were not for developments in paper manufac- middle lake between Upper and Lower Richardson turing, the logging boom in the region might have been Lakes. Although the restructured dams increased head- short lived. The narrow band of white pines along the water storage, water discharge was now primarily man- river corridors was being exhausted quickly. But shortly aged to augment low summer flows for the textile indus-

Land Use History after the Civil War, an increasing national appetite for try in Lewiston, rather than to float logs. reading newspapers, now made from pulpwood rather Berlin was not the only area along the than rags, created a new resource for the region. Spruce Androscoggin to take advantage of the growing paper and fir trees needed for this new market were so abun- industry. Although Rumford had missed the logging dant in the region that the first Maine Forest boom of the 1850’s when the railroad bypassed the area, Commissioner’s report in 1896 recognized the the pulpwood resources in the region could no longer be Androscoggin drainage as the most valuable spruce land ignored. Hugh Chisholm (who had already brought the in the Northeast. paper industry to Livermore downstream) capitalized on Berlin was poised to take advantage of this new the potential power at Rumford Falls and the largely resource. A businessman named William Wentworth unlogged watersheds of the Bear, Ellis, and Swift rivers. Brown added to the lumber operation at Berlin Mills by He purchased forestlands, brought rail service to the building or buying a number of pulp and paper mills region, and dammed the powerful falls to form the beginning in the 1880s. The first paper was produced in Oxford Paper Company. With this rapid development, 1886. By the turn of the century several major paper the population of the town skyrocketed to more than companies were in operation, and Berlin was home to 5,000. 14 three of the largest pulp and paper mills in the world. 15

The Berlin Mills Company (which was not renamed the Northern Forest Heritage Park Brown Company until 1917) controlled three million Growth in Tourism Driving logs was hard and dangerous work acres of timberland in New England and Quebec. Berlin (1850 - present)

Although the logging and paper industry emerged early rail lines, Gorham experienced a burst of growth effects were noticed. By 1880, the combination of dams as the dominant industry, it was not the only one to during this period as well. In addition to its proximity to and river contamination from timber, textile, and flourish in the region. Tourism and recreation began booming Berlin, it became a tourist destination as the municipal waste had put an end to salmon migrations around the same time as the budding timber industry gateway to the White Mountains. A number of restau- along the lower Androscoggin. But the previously pris- and continues to expand today. Even prior to the arrival rants and hotels sprung up in and around Gorham, tine and productive waters of the upper Rangeley Lakes of the railroad, a stage road from Andover to Lower including the Glen House in the shadow of the were soon experiencing similar problems. Increased sedi- Richardson Lake provided access to the extraordinary Presidential Range. From the Glen House, tourists mentation and water temperatures from timber harvest- fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the could take the Carriage Road all the way to the summit ing along spawning streams, along with unregulated Rangeley Lakes region. Brook trout weighing five of Mt. Washington, the tallest peak in New England. overfishing and non-native salmon introductions, caused pounds and more were not uncommon and drew Even at the summit, travelers could find shelter from the crashes in the once abundant brook trout populations. wealthy businessmen (known as “sports”) from as far harsh alpine environment at the Tip Top House, which Despite protections beginning in 1880, even the ubiqui- away as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Although was built in 1853. Bethel also experienced a tourism- tous blueback trout was declared extinct in the region by not as prized by the vacationing angler, blueback trout related boom at this time; its 1860 population of 2,523 1905. The loss of these fisheries, along with major were also abundant and an important local source of food was larger than any other time in the town’s history. changes in the public’s vacationing habits (such as the and income. They were caught in large quantities by net Though the days of the grand hotels is long since introduction of the automobile), led to the demise of and marketed to Boston and New York. past, the region has remained a major tourist destination, many of the luxury hotels and a drop in tourism in the The arrival of the railroad eased access to the and hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and region that lasted through the Depression. Northern Forest Heritage ParkHeritage Forest Northern Rangeley Lakes and led to the establishment of many wildlife viewing are an increasingly important part of the Downstream at Berlin and Rumford the growing sporting camps along the shorelines. Although timber and regional economy. paper industry introduced new stresses to the river other freight were the initial intended revenue source, the ecosystem. In addition to waste generated from logging, railroad companies quickly recognized the benefits of sawmills, and municipal sewer systems, developments in hauling passengers as well. They actively promoted the Overutilization pulpwood processing now added sulfur to the list of region as a tourist destination and helped to finance (1875 – ?) effluents being dumped directly into the Androscoggin hotels, steamboats and activities in the region. Sports and River. The amount and toxicity of waste was increasing their families would arrive by train and spend a week or a All of this recreational and industrial activity took and would soon test the limits of the Androscoggin. Log month at the lavish hotels or more remote camps. its toll on the land and local economies. Declines in fish drives, which continued through the 1950s, damaged The Wilson Saw Mills in 1887 As a hub and maintenance center for many of the populations were one of the first areas where these riverbottoms and shorelines and added large amounts of

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Climate 17

Appalachian Mountain Club Dec

Lewiston Nov

Bethel Maine Oct

New Hampshire Sep Errol Pittsburg

Upper Andro watershed Aug

Map 8 – Locations of climate data Data from Lewiston and Bethel, Maine, and Errol and Pittsburg, New Hampshire, (Figures 1 and 2) show how climate varies across the upper Androscoggin watershed. Jul Jun

Climate Climate May

Apr

Mar Feb

Lewiston Bethel Errol Pittsburg Mt. Washington Jan 0

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

The upper Androscoggin has watershed a Patterns in temperature can be seen in records for Part of this pattern is due to the effects of eleva- The effect of elevation can be seen in temperature Mean monthly temperature (oF) temperature monthly Mean Mean monthly temperature (°F) temperature monthly Mean Figure Figure 1 – Mean monthly temperatures (˚F) for selected towns temperate continental climate, characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and a relatively even distribution of precipitation throughout the Both temperatureyear. and precipitation vary across the region in response to latitude, elevation, and topography, distance from the ocean. the towns of Lewiston and Bethel (Maine) and Errol and Pittsburg (New Hampshire) (Map 8, Figure 1). As one farthermoves north, average monthly temperatures decline, with Pittsburg on average about colder 10°F than Lewiston. The difference is most pronounced in the winter—Lewiston is about 8°F warmer than Pittsburg in the summer but 12° warmer in the winter. Record highs range from about in 100°F the south to 95°F in the north, and record lows from -35 to -45°F. tion—on average temperature drops about 3°F with every foot gain1000 in elevation, and as one moves north in the watershed one is also gaining elevation. (Pittsburg and Errol are feet higher 1000 over in eleva- tion than Lewiston.) If all these towns were at the same elevation, the change as one northmoves would still occur but would be less pronounced. data from the summit of at Mount 6288 Washington, feet the highest point in the northeastern StatesUnited and often described as having the world’s worst weather. temperatures Average on the summit are about 20°F than lower in the surrounding valleys in the summer and 2 As a result of this public concern Congress passed The waters of the Androscoggin River also began Over the last several decades, other conservation Information Information on the Council Androscoggin River Watershed can be found at http://www.andro-watershed.org. 2 other other special areas, and that the private sector practice because responsible of forestry. Unfortunately, political and economic considerations, the state was unable to act, and the private timber interests had no incentive to stop logging at this unsustainable rate. The need for federal action became evident during a discussion regarding a tract of land in the northern Presidential Range. Upon of purchase the land, the Berlin Mills Company publicly expressed an interest in preserving the scenic character of the mountain range, but admitted that the area would be logged because they could not afford to do otherwise. created which the White Act thein 1911, Weeks Mountain National Forest (and other National Forests much of and 1937 throughout the east). 1914 Between the land within the forest boundary was returned to public ownership, with the of purchase smaller areas continuing to the present. The forests have largely regenerated, and today the forest encompasses about 750,000 acres, with acres 100,000 over lying within the Androscoggin watershed. to make a comeback in the For early decades, 1940s. the river had increasingly become an open with sewer, hun- dreds of thousands of tons of industrial and municipal waste The dumped each year. situation came to a head in Lewiston, when the smell of sulfur became unbearable during the particularly As drya result summer of 1941. of public pressure, the upstream paper mills were slowly persuaded to take steps leading to the phase-out of sulfur emissions and other pollutants. Some of the solutions implemented on the Androscoggin were incorporated into the federal Act Over of Clean time, 1972. Water efforts to reduce industrial waste and treat municipal sewage have been extremely successful, and today the river has to recovered the point where it is a valuable ecological, scenic and recreational feature of the land- scape. efforts have shaped the pattern of land ownership and use in the watershed there (see is page Today 76). increasing recognition that the ecological, social and eco- nomic future of the Androscoggin River watershed is intimately tied to how we treat the land. theIn 1999 Androscoggin Council River was Watershed formed with the mission “to environmental improve quality and promote healthy and prosperous communities in the Androscoggin Citizens, River landowners Watershed.” and public officials for searching answers to the question “How do we use the land without degrading its value to future generations?” are pointing the way to the future. In the first decade of the 20th century, the heavy Over Over time the fact that the forest was not limitless The White Mountains were particularly hard hit The growth and development of the paper industry

logging and devastating fires in the White Mountains led to criticism from the tourist industry, conservation groups (including the MountainAppalachian Club and the newly-formed Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests) and even the textile industry (due to concern about less reliable water flow). These groups advocated that the state buy back the high slopes and Conservation – (1900 present) became clear. became The clear. massive clearing of large areas is a thing of the past. Social pressure, education and scientific advances have led to significant in improvements how forestlands are the managed. globalization However, of the timber industry and the exposure of the region’s forests to an increasingly are marketplace competitive putting new pressures on both landowners and the forests they manage. The quality of timber management across the region is highly variable, and inappropriate practices such as overharvesting, high-grading (harvest- ing only the best quality trees) and liquidation harvesting (stripping a tract of all merchantable timber without con- cern for future management) remain a concern. Whether we have truly left behind the era of overutilization and entered a new era of sustainable forest management remains an issue of intense public debate. during this time. As the last area in the region to be logged, it contained large tracts of virgin spruce after the supply on surrounding lands had been exhausted. Timber interests had acquired the lands from the state of New Hampshire and began to intensively log them in the A 1870s. comprehensive railroad system was put in place, which gave access to the remotest mountainsides. Within the Androscoggin watershed, the peak period of logging railroad with activity was from to 1890 1910, lines built up the Wild River valley and from Berlin to Success (allowing access Pond to the north slope of the Mahoosuc Range). were Trees logged wherever they could be reached and vast areas were clearcut. Around the turn of the century devastating fires burned many areas, cutover leading to skies darkened by smoke and rivers with choked erosion from the barren slopes. Public concern that arose in the wake of these fires cre- ated the first conservation in movement the region. also had a direct effect on the surrounding land. As demand increased, timber extraction continued to expand. Whereas the initial round of harvesting had focused on large trees (primarily pine and spruce) suit- able for sawing into smaller lumber, trees could be uti- lized for pulpwood. Eventually hardwood as well as soft- wood pulp was used for papermaking, increasing the demands on the region’s forests. sediment sediment and organic debris to the river.

Land Use History History Use Land

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed 16 18

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Climate ibrate the model to ensure that the predictions match the real data as closely as possible.) as closely as data real the match predictions the that ensure to model the ibrate cal- to used is stations recordingfrom data precipitation Actual point. any at precipitation the predict to patterns er weath- and topography elevation, on information uses that model a of results the shows It watershed. the in points few a at only recorded is which precipitation, actual show not does map (This mountains. surrounding of effect shadow” “rain the to due LakesregionRangeley the in lowest and slopes mountain upper on highest is Precipitation Precipitation – 9 Map Mt. WashingtonMt. Mt. Cabot Mt. Mt. KelseyMt. Crystal Mtn. Crystal Carter Dome Carter

Rump Mtn. Rump e Hampshire New

Maine Goose-Eye Mtn. Goose-Eye Deer Mtn. Deer Snow Mtn. Snow Puzzle Mtn. Puzzle Spotted Mtn. Spotted TumbledownMtn. Precipitation (inches/year) Precipitation >80 60–80 50–60 46–50 42–46 38–42 33–38 watershed Andro Upper CrockerMtn. Figure 2 – Distribution of annual precipitation (percent per month) per (percent precipitation annual of Distribution – 2 Figure the on fall to less leaving mountains, surrounding the on heavily falls direction any from arriving Precipitation effect. shadow” “rain a whichcreate mountains, by sides all on surrounded is valley This Lakesregion. Rangeley the across PontookstretchingReservoir from Washington—aboutyear.100inchesper Mount of summit the at is watershed the in cipitation snow.pre- and highest The rain as moisture of densation con- to leading and hold can air the moisture of amount the reducing cool, they overmountains pass to rise masses air moist As elevation. with increases cipitation pre- year.of However,a amount precipitation the of es inch-45 to 40 receive watershed the phy.in townsMost topogra- and elevation by influenced strongly is and 9) 72°F.Washingtononly Mount is on temperature high record all-time winter.10-15°FThe the lowerin be described as a mixed continental-maritime climate. continental-maritime mixed a as described be properly more should it and patterns), precipitation cially (espe- region’sclimate the influence does Ocean Atlantic However,stream. the jet proximityof the the of flow the following east to west movesfrom weather averageits on since continental considered is climate England’s New ocean. the of effect mitigating the to due winters warmer and summers cooler with differences, seasonal pronounced haveless and masses air oceanic by marily pri- influenced are climates maritime contrast, In seasons). dry and wet pronounced and winters cold summers, (hot precipitation and temperature in fluctuations seasonal wide by characterized generally are and masses, air continental by primarily influenced those are climates Continental climates maritime and Continental

Percent of annual precipitation valley the is watershed the of part driest The (Map watershed the across varies also Precipitation 10.0 12.0 14.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 a e a p a u u u e c o Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan Pittsburg Lewiston watershed act as an abrupt boundary betweencontinen- boundary abrupt an as act watershed upper the of part central the stretchingacross mountains The movesnorth. one as increase all months driest and wettest the in falling precipitation of proportion the and temperatures, low and high record months, coldest and warmest betweenthe Differences north. to south from wettestmonths. the are August and July June, north the in year,whereas the of wettestpart the is December) through (October fall late watershed the of part southern the in seasons, dry wetor pronounced no are there Though 2). (Figure north to south from Pittsburg. or Bethel either in than less year inchesper 8 year—about inchesa 36 only is Errol in precipitation average The mountains. the behind valley 1998 ice storm damage storm 1998ice Finally, the seasonal extremes in climate change climate in extremes seasonal Finally, the varies also precipitation of timing seasonal The ocean. the of influence moderating the to closer climate maritime more a and north the to climate tinental con- more a with patterns, weather maritime and tal

Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian David Publicover David 19 Geology See map key on opposite page Geology The upper Androscoggin watershed is an by extreme heat and pressure), the Chain Lakes massif old and geologically complex landscape (Map 10). extends from the upper Moose River into the northeast- Though the rocks and mountains seem solid and ern corner of the Androscoggin watershed (the headwa- unchanging, they are the result of dramatic events that ters of the Kennebago River). These are the oldest rocks took place hundreds of millions of years ago. The land in Maine or New Hampshire—between 1 and 1.6 billion we see today was shaped by the collision of continents, years old. The formation is often described as “mysteri- extensive volcanic activity, and the rise and subsequent ous” because its origins are not well understood. It is erosion of two great mountain ranges. now thought to have been an isolated small piece of con- tinental crust (a “microplate”), though it has even been suggested that it represents the site of an ancient meteor Precambrian history impact. More than 544 MYBP3

At the beginning of the Cambrian period the coast Cambrian period of the ancestral North American continent lay to the 544 to 505 MYBP west of its current location, near present day Quebec City and Albany, New York. The Adirondacks, formed At some point the movement of the continents during an earlier continental collision over a billion years changed and Iapetus began to close. In the middle of the ago, were already an old range, worn down from hun- ocean a subduction zone was created—a seam in the dreds of millions of years of erosion. New England lay oceanic crust, where the western part of the ocean floor under an ocean known as the “proto-Atlantic” or Iapetus sunk underneath the eastern part. The tremendous heat (after the Greek god who was the father of Atlantis), and pressure created along this subduction zone led to a which opened when the North American and European high level of volcanic activity, and an island arc was 20 continental plates separated about 650 million years ago. formed—a line of volcanic islands, similar to the present- 21 Precambrian rocks are rare in New England, pres- day Aleutians. As Iapetus closed, this island arc was ent only in a few areas including parts of the Green and pushed toward the eastern edge of North America. Berkshire mountains. In northwestern Maine lies such In the late Cambrian period, this island arc (known an area of ancient rock—the Chain Lakes massif. as the Bronson Hill complex) collided with the Chain Consisting primarily of gneiss (very durable rock formed Lakes massif in an event known as the Penobscottian orogeny. Deep ocean-floor rocks caught in the vice of this collision are present as a band stretching from the 3Million years before present.

Key to Map 10 Upper Androscoggin watershed Highways Precambrian gneiss of the Chain Lakes Massif Cambrian to early Ordovician period ocean-floor sedimentary and volcanic rocks metamorphosed during the Penobscottian orogeny (Hurricane Mountain, Jim Pond, Dead River and Aziscohos formations) Ordovician period plutonic and volcanic rocks of the Bronson Hill island arc complex

Silurian-Devonian period sedimentary rocks of the Connecticut Valley-Gaspe trough metamorphosed during the Hampshire New Acadian orogeny (Frontenac and Ironbound Mountain formations)

Maine Late Ordovician to Silurian period ocean floor sedimentary rocks deposited in Iapetus and metamorphosed during the Acadian orogeny (Sangerville, Rangeley, Perry Mountain, Smalls Falls, Madrid and Quimby formations) Devonian period ocean floor sedimentary rocks deposited in Iapetus from an eastern source and metamorphosed during the Acadian orogeny (primarily Seboomook, Carrabassett and Littleton formations) Devonian period plutonic rocks intruded during the Acadian orogeny Map 10 — Bedrock geology Carboniferous period Sebago pluton Each group shown on this map is a consolidation of numerous individual geologic formations. Mesozoic period plutonic rocks

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club 13-Mile Woods section of the Androscoggin River, Silurian period Over the course of the Devonian period the North underground. These Devonian-age plutons underlie across Aziscohos Lake and the upper Magalloway River 440 to 410 MYBP American and Avalonian/European continental plates much of New Hampshire and central and Downeast to the vicinity of Moosehead Lake. came together in the second major event that shaped the Maine (Map 12), including the center of the upper The Silurian period was relatively quiet, marked by region’s landscape—the Acadian orogeny. Along with Androscoggin watershed from the Rangeley Lakes

Geology the erosion of the mountains built by the Taconic oroge- the somewhat later Alleghanian orogeny (marking the region south to the Mahoosucs and Ellis Pond. Ordovician period ny. Iapetus continued to close, but the zone of subduc- collision of Africa with North America south of New At the end of the Devonian period the rocks of the 505 to 440 MYBP—the Taconic orogeny tion and volcanic activity shifted to the eastern side of England), this collision resulted in the rise of the mod- present day upper Androscoggin watershed were in the ocean. Sediments eroded from the Bronson Hill ern Appalachian Mountains. The rocks of the region place, though they lay many miles underground. The About 450 million years ago the Bronson Hill complex collected in deep layers in Iapetus, as well as in were compressed, folded and thrust upward, with ridges heat and pressure of the Acadian orogeny had caused complex collided with North America, in the first of the Connecticut Valley—Gaspe trough to the west. following the northeast-southwest grain that marks the tremendous deformation and metamorphism of the orig- two great mountain-building events that would shape There are few plutonic rocks from this period, reflecting Appalachian landscape. The heat generated by the colli- inal rock forms. In the southwest portion of the water- the upper Androscoggin watershed. This event, known the lack of tectonic activity. By the end of the Silurian, sion led to the intrusion of large bodies of magma deep shed the heat and pressure were the greatest, and the as the Taconic orogeny, pushed ocean floor sedimentary the upper Androscoggin watershed had been reduced to rocks westward across the eastern margin of the North a landscape of low relief, with much of it once again American continent, creating the Taconic Mountains under water. Table 1 — Geologic Time Scale along the Vermont/New York border. The eroded core Era Period Epoch Time Major events of the Bronson Hill complex remains as a line of granitic (MYBP*) Holocene .08–present Rise of human civilization. plutons (pockets of molten rock that solidified under- Devonian period Quaternary ground) along the western New Hampshire border, 410 to 360 MYBP—the Acadian orogeny Pleistocene 1.8–.08 Period of extensive continental glaciation. Cenozoic Evolution of modern humans. across the northern White Mountains, and through the Mammals become dominant. Rangeley Lakes region to central and northeastern During the early Devonian period the ever-nar- Tertiary 65–1.8 Maine (Map 11). At the end of the Ordovician period, rowing Iapetus continued to fill with sediment, but the 145–65 Evolution of modern flowering plants. Cretaceous Extinction of dinosaurs. this line marked the eastern shore of northern New source of these deposits shifted. Sediment was now com- Extensive plutonic intrusions in White Mountain region. England. The largest of these Ordovician plutons is the ing from the east, from younger mountains along the Jurassic 213–145 Dinosaurs dominant. Jefferson Dome, extending from Bethlehem, New edge of the approaching land mass on the other side of Mesozoic First birds. Hampshire across Jefferson, Randolph and Berlin to the Iapetus. Rather than Europe proper, this land mass may Evolution of dinosaurs. Triassic 248–213 First mammals. Maine border north of the Mahoosucs. The large cliff on have been a “microcontinent” known as Avalonia that Breakup of Pangaea creates modern Atlantic Ocean. Mount Forest west of Berlin is an exposure of Jefferson lay between the larger North American and European 22 Permian 286–248 Formation of Pangaea. 23 Dome granite. continental plates. First coniferous trees. Alleghanian orogeny builds southern Appalachian Mountains; Carboniferous 360–286 intrusion of Sebago pluton. Lush forests; formation of coal deposits. First reptiles. Acadian orogeny builds modern northern Appalachian Mountains; Devonian 410–360 massive plutonic intrusions. Paleozoic Evolution of seed plants and trees; first forests. First insects and amphibians. Period of erosion; sediments deposited in Iapetus form many of Silurian 440–410 the rocks of the upper Androscoggin watershed. Evolution of modern fish and vascular plants. Ordovician 505–440 Taconic orogeny. Plants and animals first appear on land. Penobscottian orogeny. Cambrian 544–505 Iapetus closing–formation of Bronson Hill volcanic island arc. Major evolutionary diversification (the “Cambrian explosion”) cre- ates ancestors of most modern life forms. Evolution of multi-cellular animals. Precambrian time 4500–544 Formation of Adirondacks; opening of Iapetus. Algae and bacteria dominant. Development of oxygen-rich atmosphere. Evolution of photosynthesis. Origin of life. Upper Andro watershed Upper Andro watershed Formation of earth. Ordovician plutonic rocks Devonian plutonic rocks *Million years before present. This scale does not do justice to the relative length of the various periods. If the history of the earth is represented by a ruler Map 11 — Ordovician plutonic and volcanic rocks Map 12 — Devonian plutonic rocks 10 feet long, then the beginning of the Cambrian period (marking the first major expansion of life on earth) would have These are the remnants of the Bronson Hill island arc These bodies of magma pushed up underground during occurred at about 8.8 feet. The Taconic and Acadian orogenies would have occurred at about 9 feet. The Mesozoic era (the complex, which collided with the eastern shore of the Acadian orogeny about 360 to 400 million years “Age of Dinosaurs”) would have run from 9.4 to 9.9 feet, and the Pleistocene epoch (the “Ice Age”) would have begun at 9.996 North America during the Taconic orogeny about 450 ago, when the European continental plate collided with feet. The Holocene epoch (marking the rise of human civilization) would take up just the last 2 ten–thousandths of an inch, and million years ago. North America. the period of European settlement in the upper Androscoggin just 6 one–millionths of an inch—about the diameter of a virus!

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Topography

sandstones and mudstones that had collected on the years ago. floor of Iapetus were transformed into the highly resist- The glacier did not form in place, but flowed from Topography ant schists of the Presidential Range. Farther north north to south. As it moved it acted like a giant sheet of metamorphism was less extreme, and metasedimentary sandpaper, pulverizing the rock underneath it and

Geology rocks such as slate and phyllite were formed. rounding off the rough edges of the landscape. The material carried along underneath, within and on top of the ice was spread across the landscape, often being Late Paleozoic era to the deposited many miles from its bedrock source. Though Pleistocene epoch the surficial deposits left behind by the glacier take many 360 to 1.8 MYBP forms, they fall into two basic types: Till is pulverized rock that was smeared across the The New England region remained geologically surface of the landscape underneath the ice or dropped active for another 250 million years, though much of this in place when the ice melted. It contains a heteroge- activity had limited effect on the upper Androscoggin neous mix of material from finely ground clay and silt to watershed. The Alleghanian orogeny took place during sand and rock fragments. Till covers most of the uplands the Carboniferous and Permian periods (360 to 248 of the region, but is thin or absent on mountaintops and MYBP). The intrusion of the extensive Sebago pluton ridgelines and deeper on lower or convex slopes. (stretching from Bethel south to Lake Sebago) may have Glaciofluvial deposits (Map 13) are materials that been related to this collision. were moved and deposited by flowing water when the At the end of the Paleozoic era all the land masses glacier melted. Because the flowing water carried away of earth were joined in a single supercontinent known as much of the finer material, these deposits tend to be Pangaea (Greek for “all lands”). Reptiles of the period coarser-textured sand and gravel. They are found prima-

could have walked from the Androscoggin watershed to rily in valley bottoms and include alluvium (well-sorted Kimball Ken what is now southern Morocco. About 50 million years sand, gravel and cobbles deposited along river beds, often Richardson and Mooselookmeguntic lakes later, during the early Mesozoic era (248 to 65 MYBP), to depths of hundreds of feet) and kamic deposits (less North America began separating from Europe and well-sorted material deposited by water flowing off the Africa, leading to the formation of the modern Atlantic melting ice). The upper Androscoggin River watershed drains the heart of the White Mountains, has a greater 24 Ocean. The line of separation lay east of the earlier is one of the most rugged landscapes in New England proportion of its area in high-elevation land. 25 coastlines, as part of Avalonia was left joined to North (Map 14, page 26). From an elevation of just over 400 The mountainous nature of the landscape is also America. During the middle Mesozoic era a new group feet above sea level at the confluence of the reflected in the slope of the land (Map 15, page 27). of plutons intruded to the west and south of the Androscoggin and Webb rivers, the land rises over a ver- Only about a third of the land in the watershed is rela- Androscoggin. Though no plutons of this age lie within tical mile to the summit of Mount Washington, at 6288 tively flat (less than 10% slope4). Outside of the the upper watershed, today they make up the rocks of feet the highest point in the northeastern United States. Rangeley Lakes valley between the mountains, the the Kilkenny region, much of the southern and western The watershed contains two mountainous regions largest areas of flat ground are in the valleys of the Ellis White Mountains, and the Ossipee Mountains. For the separated by a valley that stretches from the and Webb rivers. About seven and a half percent of the last 100 million years the New England region has been Berlin/Milan/Errol, New Hampshire region across the watershed consists of steep ground (greater than 35% geologically stable. Rangeley Lakes, extending to Flagstaff and Moosehead slope). The greatest extent of steep ground is not sur- The major process shaping the upper Androscoggin lakes. South of this valley lie the great ranges of the prisingly in the Presidential and Mahoosuc Ranges, watershed for the last 360 million years has been erosion. White Mountains (the Presidential, Carter–Moriah and though steep slopes can be found on most of the water- Wind, ice, rain, and gravity have removed miles of over- Caribou–Speckled ranges), the Mahoosuc Range, and shed’s mountains. Across Maine and New Hampshire, lying rock, reducing the great mountains formed during Bemis and Elephant mountains. This range (sometimes only the Pemigewasset watershed has less flat ground the Acadian orogeny to the mature ranges we see today. called the Longfellow Mountains) continues northeast and more steep slopes. It was left to the glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch to put across the Saddleback–Sugarloaf and Barren–Chairback– The shape of the landscape has profoundly affected the finishing touches on the regional landscape. Whitecap ranges before ending at Mount Katahdin. To the uses to which people have put the land. Because of the north lie the high peaks of northern Coos County the difficult access, the upper Androscoggin region was (including Kelsey, Crystal, Magalloway and Rump one of the last places in New England to be settled (out- Pleistocene epoch mountains) as well as the Kennebago Divide and Mount side of the very remote areas of northern Maine, which 1.8 MYBP to 8,000 years ago—the “Ice Age” Snow in northwestern Maine. These mountains (known have never been settled). The steep ground (along with in Maine as the Boundary Mountains) continue along the harsh climate and infertile soils) limited the amount During the Pleistocene epoch, large glaciers cen- the Maine/Quebec border as far as Boundary Bald of land available for agriculture and development, and tered in eastern Canada expanded and retreated several Mountain north of Jackman. throughout its post-settlement history the primary use times across much of northern North America. The last Upper Andro watershed Within (or along the boundary of) the watershed for most of the land in the watershed has been timber glacial episode, known as the Wisconsin glaciation, Glaciofluvial deposits lie over 100 distinct peaks rising above 2700 feet in ele- harvesting. began about 25,000 years ago and reached its peak about vation, with 35 of these exceeding 3500 feet and 9 (all 18,000 years ago. At that time a sheet of ice thousands of within the White Mountain National Forest) exceeding 4 Slope as measured in percent reflects the elevation gain feet thick covered all of New England, extending south Map 13 — Glacifluvial deposits 4000 feet (Table 2, page 28). Nearly seven percent of the These deep deposits of sand and gravel were deposited across a specified distance. A 10% slope means that the land to Long Island and Cape Cod. Eventually the climate about 12,000 years ago in valley bottoms by water land in the watershed (almost 100,000 acres) lies above rises 1 vertical foot for every 10 horizontal feet. A slope of warmed and the glacier retreated, with the last of the ice from melting glaciers. 2700 feet. Of all the watersheds in northern New 100% is the same as 45 degrees (10 vertical feet for every 10 disappearing from northern New England 10-12,000 England, only the Pemigewasset River watershed, which horizontal feet).

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Quebec Upper Andro watershed Upper Andro watershed Highways Quebec Highways Elevation (feet) Slope <1000 Flat (<10%) 1000–1500 Sloping (10–25%) 1500–2700 Moderate (25–35%) >2700 Steep (35–60%) Topography Very steep (>60%)

26 27

e Hampshire New

e Hampshire New

Maine

Maine

Map 14 — Topography: Shaded relief with elevation zones Map 15 — Topography: Shaded relief with slope classes

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Soils 29 (Map 16, 5 soil series, Appalachian Mountain Club are soils that are less are soils made up pri- (see page 32). These are Entisols Histosols . Of these, four are found in Spodosols and orders Inceptisols These soils are found on hills, ridges and Coarse-textured soils developed from granite, gneiss Soils are classified according to a hierarchical sys- The region also includes smaller areas of three At At the level of lowest classification is the These groups hide much of the local variability found in the region. region. Soils in any group will differ in characteristics such as depth, texture and drainage. In addition, the areas as shown on the map include soils from the other groups. More detailed maps of the distribution of soil series can be found in the coun- ty-level soils available from the surveys Natural Resources Conservation Service. 5 page 30): and schist: mountain slopes in the southern half of the watershed. They developed in deep deposits of till derived from granitic plutons and heavily metamorphosed rocks such as and schist gneiss. They are generally well-drained, sandy in texture, and contain many rocks. Because of the nature of the parent material they are very acidic and and moisture-holding capacity, texture (sandy, silty, and texture (sandy, moisture-holding capacity, bouldery), clayey, and chemistry (acidity and the avail- ability of nutrients critical to plant growth). tem in much the same way as plants and animals, with broad groups subdivided into increasingly detailed cate- gories. At the highest level, all soils around the world are grouped into twelve the upper Androscoggin watershed. The great majority of the region’s soils are the dominant soils of cool, humid forested regions. As a general rule they are coarse-textured, acidic, relatively infertile, and support primarily evergreen and upland hardwood forests. other orders. well well developed, often because they are forming in younger parent material. Many of these may develop into Spodosols time. over equivalent equivalent to an individual plant or animal species. Soil series are usually named for the town or geographic area in which they were first described. Soils maps developed by the DepartmentU.S. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service include nearly dif- 100 ferent soil series in the upper Androscoggin watershed. These may be grouped into a few broad classes marily of organic They matter. include bog soils, where deep accumulations of partially decayed plant matter (peat) have collected in ponds or poorly drained depres- sions. They also include thin soils of high mountain areas (sometimes called “duff” soils), where the glacier left behind only bare bedrock. Over thousands of years decaying plant matter (such as moss and evergreen nee- dles) has built up in a thin fragile the layer over bedrock. The vegetation has created its own soil—an example of pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps. Soils Soils Soil influences what organ- This refers to the original mate- The shape of the land influences Climate determines the rate and type of Soils are dynamic systems that change over ) parent material. Minerals will dissolve faster in Soils are one of the most basic features The types of soils found in any area are determined • Time: • material:Parent • Climate: • Topography: • Living organisms: These factors work together to create soils that vary that determine the character of a natural landscape. They determine what plant communities will grow in an area (and by extension, what types of wildlife will be found there), as well as what uses humans can make of the land. by five factors: time under the influence of climate and vegetation. The soils in the Androscoggin region (and all of New England) are relatively young, dating back only 12,000 years to the end of the glacial period. (In contrast, soils outside of recently glaciated regions may be well a over million years old.) rial in which the soils developed. Almost all soils in the region have glacial till or glaciofluvial deposits as parent material. In some local areas the parent material may be younger—for example, on landslide tracks or on river floodplains where sand and silt are regularly deposited. The type of parent material in which a soil develops is the primary factor governing its texture and fertility. chemical chemical and physical processes that break down (or weather hot climates wet than in cold dry climates; freezing and thawing will physically break up rocks in the soil. In addition, climate determines what type of vegetation and microorganisms will grow in an area, which in turn affects soil development. soil in many ways, including how the original parent material was deposited (thinner on ridgetops and upper slopes, deeper on slopes lower and in valley bottoms), whether the soil gains or loses material through erosion, and how water and over moves through the soil. Moist or poorly drained soils are often located in low areas and depressions, whereas soils in sloping areas may be well drained and drier. isms can grow in an area, but these organisms in turn affect the nature and development of soil in many ways. Plants and microorganisms are the primary source for adding organic matter and nitrogen (a critical plant nutrient) to soil. Plant roots and fungi (and the chemicals they secrete) promote the physical and chemical break- down of soil minerals. Earthworms, moles and other ani- mals tunnel through the soil, mixing the various layers. in many important characteristics such as depth, drainage

Robert J. Kozlow 3735 3705 3647 3607 3591 3680 3645 3600 3592 3590 3580 3580 3535 3562 Elevation Elevation (ft.) give give way to a true boreal forest composed of red spruce, balsam white fir, birch and mountain-ash. At even higher elevations about (above 4500 feet), conditions become even more and severe, the boreal forest gives way to true alpine communities (see page 52). Because of the sensitivi- ty of these higher elevation ecosystems, an elevation of feet 2700 is used by both the Coos County Planning Board and Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission to delineate high elevation protection zones, were greater limitations on land use and development apply. Peak name Peak Shelburne Moriah Kennebago West North Peak Rump* Divide Kennebago (south peak) Cow Ridge* 3645 Kennebago Divide Kennebago (north peak) East (west Kennebago peak) 3640 Stub Hill Old Blue 3640 Bemis North Baldface* Mount Success Boil* Mountains Twin Carlo Jackson* 5717 3774 3811 4610 4180 3815 3735 5798 3870 6288 5363 4832 4049 4422 Elevation Elevation (ft.) Ecologists commonly use an elevation of feet 2700

Peak name Peak Mount Washington* Mount Adams* Mount Jefferson* Mount Madison Carter Dome* Middle Carter Wildcat* Old Speck Mount Moriah Snow* (Alder Stream Twp.)Goose-Eye Unnamed (Oxbow Twp.)* 3960 East (east Kennebago peak)*White Cap Baldpate 3855 3825 Elephant Snow (Upper Cupsuptic Twp.)Stock Farm 3756 Table 2: 3500 over Peaks Table feet elevation *These peaks are on the watershed divide.

as a rough delineation of high-elevation ecosystems. It rep- resents the limit approximate lower of cloud average thisAbove elevation, forests encounter cover. a harsher climate, with colder temperatures, shorter sea- growing sons, and greater exposure to damage from wind, snow and ice, more acidic as soils. well rockier, as As thinner, a result of these conditions, the northern hardwood (beech- birch-maple) and mixed northern hardwood-spruce-fir forests that are common at and lower middle elevations The significance of feet 2700

Topography

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed 28 infertile. This group contains the most well-developed tured metasedimentary rocks such as slate and phyllite. See map key on opposite page

Soils Spodosols. The Skerry, Monadnock, Becket and The resulting soils are silty rather than sandy in texture Hermon series are the most common soils in this with fewer large rocks. However, because of their finer group6. texture and the presence of dense till layers that were compressed under the glacial ice, this group contains a Loamy soils developed from a combination of schist, higher proportion of poorly drained soils than the previ- phyllite, granite and gneiss: These soils are also found on ous groups. The Monarda, Cabot, Telos, Howland, hills and mountain slopes. They developed in glacial till Plaisted and Monson series are the most common soils derived from a mixture of rock types. In parent material, in this group. texture, drainage, acidity and fertility they are generally intermediate between the granitic soils of the previous Variable soils of high mountains: These soils are group and the slaty soils of the next group. The found on mountain slopes and ridges, primarily above Dixfield, Lyman, Colonel, Tunbridge and Marlow series 2500 feet in elevation. Because of the complex mountain are the most common soils in this group. topography they vary greatly in depth, with deeper deposits on concave slopes and thinner deposits on Silty soils derived from slate, phyllite, quartzite, ridgelines, though for the most part they are well sandstone and limestone: These soils are found on hills drained. All are characterized by cold temperatures and and plains in the northern part of the watershed. Because support upper-elevation spruce-fir forests. The this area was located away from the main zone of pluton- Saddleback, Enchanted, Surplus and Sisk series are the ic and metamorphic activity of the Taconic and Acadian most common soils in this group. This group also con- orogenies, the parent material was less heavily metamor- tains the Ricker series—a thin organic soil lying directly phosed. These soils contain less coarse-textured acidic on bedrock. material (granite, schist and gneiss) and more fine-tex- Soils developed in glaciofluvial and alluvial deposits: These soils are found in valley bottoms and developed in 6 Detailed technical descriptions of these soil series can be deep deposits of sand, gravel and silt deposited by glacial found on the Natural Resources Conservation Service website at http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/cgi-bin/osd/osdname.cgi meltwater and more recent flooding. Because these soils 30 are relatively flat and easily worked, they were the pri- 31 mary site for development and agriculture in the early settlement of this mountainous region. However, their low fertility and low moisture-holding capacity makes them poorly suited for growing crops. The Adams and Colton soils are characteristic of this group, though it also includes smaller areas of organic and wetland soils Key to Map 16 — Major soil groups that developed in ponds and poorly drained areas.

Upper Androscoggin watershed Highways Coarse-textured soils developed from granite, gneiss and schist (Skerry, Monadnock, Becket, and Hermon series, among others) Loamy soils developed from a combination of schist, phyllite, granite and gneiss (Dixfield, Lyman, Colonel, Tunbridge and Marlow series, among others) Silty soils derived from slate, phyllite, quartzite, sandstone and limestone (Monarda, Cabot,

e Hampshire New Telos, Howland, Plaisted and Monson series, Maine among others) Variable soils of high mountains (Saddleback, Enchanted, Surplus, Sisk and Ricker series, among others) Soils developed in glaciofluvial and alluvial Map 16 — Major soil groups deposits (mostly deep sandy soils such as The groups on this map show the dominant soils in different areas. However, each group is a consolidation of many Adams, Colton and Croghan series but also individual soil types, including some that are more common in other groups. including wetland and bog soils)

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Ecological Land Classification Land Ecological

Soils Spodosols Ecological Land Classification Spodosols are found throughout the world’s temper- ate forested regions. However, in the United States they O

are most prominent in northern New England and New Service ResourcesConservation USDANatural York and the upper Great Lakes region (Map 17). E Spodosols develop through a process known as pod- zolization. The process begins with the buildup of dead B plant material on the surface of the soil. Fine threads of fungi grow throughout this layer, breaking down this mate- rial and contributing to the pool of organic material. However, in the cool humid climate that characterizes these regions, this material does not fully decompose, but builds up as a layer (or horizon) of fine, black “greasy” material known as humus on top of the mineral parent material (photo, horizon O). Humus is very acidic, and as water moves downward through it, complex acidic organic compounds are dis- solved and carried downward with the water. This acidic gives well-developed Spodosols perhaps the most dramatic water draining through the soil dissolves the minerals in and photogenic profile of any soil type. Spodosols are most Domains the upper part of the parent material and carries them well-developed in coarse-textured parent material (especial- Humid Temperate downward in the soil. It is primarily iron- and aluminum- ly granite) that has a high proportion of quartz and low Humid Tropical based minerals such as mica and feldspar that are removed. amounts of calcium and magnesium (which help to neutral- Dry However, quartz, which is more resistant to these acids, ize the soil’s acidity). While they can be found under any Polar remains in place. This process creates a light gray quartz- type of forest, they are most strongly developed in areas rich horizon in the upper mineral soil (photo, horizon E7). dominated by evergreen trees (pine, spruce and hemlock). Map 18 — Ecoregions: Domains As the water drains farther into the soil, it reaches a The needles of evergreen trees are more resistant to 32 point where the dissolved organic and iron- and aluminum- decomposition than deciduous leaves, and their presence 33 based molecules are no longer soluble. At this point they promotes the buildup of humus and increases soil acidity. “Ecological land classification” refers to Ecoregions precipitate (come out of solution) and collect in a series of Under some evergreen forests, the O horizon may be over the process of dividing landscapes into different regions The ecoregional approach, developed primarily by distinctly-colored horizons below the E horizon (photo, a foot thick, giving the ground in these areas its soft and based on similarities in climate, topography, geology, the U.S. Forest Service, is a hierarchical system that horizon B). Darker brown horizons are layers where organ- spongy feel. soils, and dominant vegetation. These systems are an divides landscapes into a series of increasingly detailed ic matter has accumulated, whereas bright red and orange important tool that allow ecologists and land managers to classes. At the upper levels climate is the most important layers are zones of iron and aluminum accumulation. understand landscape patterns. They show what is factor, while at lower levels differences in topography, 7 “E” is short for eluviation, which refers to the process of The sequence of horizons created by podzolization unique about a particular region and what characteristics geology, soils and vegetation become increasingly impor- dissolving and leaching of material from this horizon. are shared with other areas. They help predict how dif- tant. The following maps show how the upper ferent regions may respond to human management and Androscoggin watershed is classified under this system. natural disturbances as well as larger stresses such as cli- Map 17 — mate change. They also allow us to understand whether Distribution of networks of conservation lands include all the different Domain Spodosols in types of landscapes in a particular region—an important The highest level of classification is the Domain. the United step in ensuring that all aspects of biological diversity are The entire world is divided into four domains based on States conserved. broad climatic patterns (Map 18). The upper The cool humid Over the years many different systems have been Androscoggin watershed, along with the entire eastern climate and developed for classifying landscapes. Soil maps are one United States, is part of the Humid Temperate Domain, coarse-textured such system, as are maps showing dominant vegetation characterized by large seasonal fluctuations in tempera- acidic parent (such as long-established classification of the world’s ture and sufficient rainfall to support forest vegetation. materials of vegetation into biomes—evergreen forest, deciduous for- northern New est, grassland, desert, tundra, etc.). However, more England are ideal recently-developed systems differ from these earlier sys- Division conditions for the tems in two major ways. First, they attempt to integrate Domains are divided into Divisions based on dif- development of several characteristics of a landscape into the classifica- ferences in precipitation, temperature (especially winter Spodosols. Percent of area tion, rather than being focused on only one aspect such temperatures) and dominant soil order, all of which 1–33% as soil or vegetation. Second, they focus more on the influence the dominant vegetation. The upper 34–66% underlying physical characteristics of the landscape, using Androscoggin watershed is part of the Warm 67–100% these to predict vegetation patterns, rather than having Continental Division, which is further divided into vegetation be the basis for the classification. mountainous and non-mountainous regions (Map 19, page 34). In eastern North America this division corre- sponds closely with the region where Spodosols are the

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club dominant soil type (see Map 17). Even at this upper level Adirondack Province is divided into five Sections (Map but have not been widely mapped. Landtype Associations of classification the differences between the northern 20), which recognizes differences in topography and delineating topographic differences (valleys, hills and Upper Andro watershed and southern parts of the watershed (described in the bedrock geology. The upper Androscoggin River water- lower slopes, upper mountain slopes, etc.) have been Subsections Introduction) are clear. The northern watershed is part shed is part of the White Mountains Section, which mapped in New Hampshire but not Maine. Landtypes, White Mountains of the Warm Continental Mountains Division (which stretches from central New Hampshire and northeastern which represent areas of tens to hundreds of acres with Connecticut Lakes Western Maine Foothills includes the northern Appalachians, Adirondacks and Vermont along the Longfellow and Boundary Mountains similar topography, soils and vegetation, have only been Mahoosuc-Rangeley Lakes Catskills), while the warmer, flatter southern watershed to northwestern Maine. mapped on the White Mountain National Forest. is part of the Warm Continental Division. Subsection Ecological Land Units Province At the next level the White Mountains Section is Ecological Land Units (or ELUs) is a system of land Divisions are divided into Provinces based prima- divided into seven Subsections, four of which occur in classification developed by The Nature Conservancy. rily on the dominant natural vegetation. The Warm the upper Androscoggin watershed (Map 21). ELUs are designed to help ecologists understand the Continental Mountains Division in the eastern United Classification at this level is based on localized differ- diversity of the physical landscape (especially as it affects States is not subdivided at the province level; the entire ences in bedrock geology, soils and topography. For the distribution of plant communities) at both broad and area is part of the New England–Adirondack Province example, the White Mountains subsection encompasses local levels, and to help conservation planners under- (also known as the Mixed Forest-Coniferous Forest- the rugged topography and granitic soils of this high stand how well systems of conservation lands represent Tundra Province). peaks region, whereas the Connecticut Lakes Subsection the full range of landscape conditions. reflects the finer-textured soils of the northern part of Unlike the ecoregional systems, ELUs are not a the watershed (see Map 16). hierarchical classification—that is, the system does not

Section There are additional levels in the ecoregional classi- subdivide broad groups into progressively smaller classes. Hampshire New

In the eastern United States, the Warm fication system below the Subsection level. These lower Instead, it classifies every point on the landscape accord- Maine

Ecological Land Classification Continental Mountains Division/New England- levels are the most relevant to individual land managers ing to three physical characteristics that strongly influ- ence what types of plant communities may be found there—elevation, bedrock geology, and topography. For the northern Appalachians region, these three character- istics were broken down into several groups: 34 • Elevation was broken into five zones: less than 800 35 feet, 800 to 1700 feet, 1700 to 2500 feet, 2500 to 4000 Map 21 — Ecoregions: Subsections within the Upper Andro watershed feet, and greater than 4000 feet. White Mountains Section Sections • Bedrock geology was broken into seven groups (such White Mountains 8 New England Piedmont as acidic granitic, acidic metasedimentary, or calcareous Green-Taconic-Berkshire Mountains metasedimentary) based on how each influences the shed, and ultramafic bedrock (with high levels of iron and Adirondack Highlands texture and fertility of soils derived from them. magnesium but little calcium) less than one-quarter of Catskill Mountains • Topography was broken into seventeen classes based one percent. Both of these bedrock types are known to on slope, topographic position (ridgetop, sideslope, support rare plants. Lands above 4000 feet (less than valley, etc.) and aspect. Flat areas also included infor- 0.5% of the area) are where alpine communities may be ME mation on whether they were wet or dry or whether found, and calcareous wet flats (less than 0.25% of the they contained deep sediments. area) may contain northern whitecedar swamps or cir- cumneutral fens (see Table 8, page 51). VT When combined, these three variables create 595 This information is helping ecologists develop NH possible combinations, though not every combination more efficient ways of conserving the region’s biodiver- actually occurs on the landscape. The upper sity. It allows networks of conservation lands to be Androscoggin watershed includes 329 of these combina- designed so that they encompass all aspects of a land- NY tions, though these may be combined into a few larger scape’s diversity while avoiding unnecessary duplication. groups to simplify presentation (Map 22, page 36). The It also allows ecologists to conduct field surveys of large MA most common ELU is north-facing slopes on acidic sed- areas more efficiently by identifying those parts of the RI imentary bedrock between 1700 and 2500 feet in eleva- landscape that are most likely to contain rare plants or CT tion, which makes up about 7.5% of the landscape. In uncommon vegetation types. Divisions total, dry flats and sideslopes with acidic bedrock make Warm Continental Mountains up about 70% of the upper watershed. Warm Continental Of more interest are ELUs that represent less com- mon parts of the landscape. ELUs underlain by calcium- rich bedrock make up less than 1.5% of the upper water-

Map 19 —- Ecoregions: Warm Continental Map 20 — Ecoregions: Sections within the New 8 Calcareous refers to rocks that contain high levels of calcium. Divisions of the Humid Temperate Domain England–Adirondack Province Soils derived from these rocks will be less acidic and more fertile than soils derived from acidic bedrock such as granite.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Forests Forests

Along with the mountainous topography, alpine areas, which are described later). At the most basic extensive forests are perhaps the most prominent charac- level are land cover maps that divide the landscape into a teristic of the upper Androscoggin landscape. These few basic classes such as evergreen forest, deciduous for- forests are the ecological, economic and cultural est, wetlands, and grasslands. These types of maps may lifeblood of the region. Though timber harvesting has include information on areas converted to other uses changed the structure and composition of these forests, (such as agriculture and developed areas), and are often areas converted to other uses (such as pastures and referred to as land use/land cover maps. The U.S. towns) occupy but a few percent of the land. Geological Survey has used satellite imagery to develop About 33 different species of trees occur in the this type of map for the entire United States, which is upper watershed (Appendix B). However, data from very useful for showing the basic character of large land- statewide inventories conducted every 10 to 15 years by scapes. Based on this data, about 90% of the upper the U.S. Forest Service show that six species—red Androscoggin watershed is forested, with a little more spruce, balsam fir, sugar and red maple, and yellow and than 2% in developed or agricultural use (Map 23, page white birch—make up about three-quarters of the tim- 38; Table 4). There is a relatively even mix of deciduous, ber volume in the upper watershed (Table 3). White mixed and evergreen forests (see Why are some trees ever- pine, hemlock and red oak, which are a major part of the green? on page 40). forests in the lower watershed, make up a much smaller Forest type maps are developed by foresters and land part of these northern forests. managers, usually from aerial photos. They show the dif-

Ecological Land Classification There are many ways to classify and map vegetation ferent types of forest stands in ways that are relevant to (which includes not only forests but also wetlands and forest management, and usually include information on species composition, size or height of trees, and density or crown closure. Forest types reflect the current condi- tion of the forest and will change as the forest changes. 36 For example, if a 50-foot-tall spruce-fir stand is clearcut, 37 Table 3 — Volume of Live Trees the forest type will change (perhaps to 5-foot-tall white percent of total birch) to reflect the new condition. Because these types of maps are usually developed for particular landowners, Species Franklin Coos they are not available for larger areas that encompass County, County, many ownerships. However, the periodic inventories ME NH conducted by the U.S. Forest Service give some indica- (1995) (1997) tion of the distribution of general forest types in the Softwoods region (Table 5, Page 39). Red spruce 12 13 Another type of classification system, known as White spruce 2 2 natural communities, is described on page 48. Black spruce 1 <0.5 Balsam fir 18 17 Eastern hemlock 4 2 Eastern white pine 3 3 Northern white-cedar 3 1 Table 4 — Land use/land cover Tamarack <0.5 <0.5 percent of total area Total softwoods 42 38 Deciduous forest 36.3 Hardwoods Mixed forest 27.9 Sugar maple 11 20 Evergreen forest 23.9 Red maple 13 8 Transitional forest1 1.7 Yellow birch 9 13 Woody wetlands 2.5 Map 22 — Upper Andro watershed Dry flats and gentle slopes with ultramafic, White birch 11 9 Herbaceous wetlands 0.8 Ecological Highways mafic or intermediate granitic bedrock American beech 4 4 Barren 0.2 Sideslopes with ultramafic, mafic or Land Dry flats and gentle slopes with acidic granitic bedrock intermediate granitic bedrock Quaking aspen 3 4 Agriculture 1.7 Northern red oak 1 <0.5 Developed 0.5 Units Sideslopes with acidic granitic bedrock Coves, draws and benches White ash 3 1 Water 4.5 Dry flats and gentle slopes with acidic Slope crests and ridgetops metasedimentary bedrock Black cherry <0.5 1 Steep slopes and cliffs Sideslopes with acidic metasedimentary bedrock Other hardwoods 3 2 1 Deep sediments Lands covered by shrubs or young trees, primarily recent Dry flats and slopes with calcareous or Total hardwoods 58 62 clearcuts or abandoned agricultural lands. moderately calcareous bedrock Wet flats Open water Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Despite the differences in classification schemes, Upper Andro watershed the common forests of the upper Androscoggin water- Highways shed fall into three major groups: Land use/land cover Forests Deciduous forest Northern hardwood (or beech-birch-maple) forests: Mixed forest These forests are dominated by a combination of Evergreen forest sugar maple, beech and yellow birch. White birch and Transitional forest red maple may also be present, especially in more heavily Woody wetland Herbaceous wetland disturbed areas. Softwoods (hemlock, white pine or red Barren spruce, but rarely balsam fir) may be present as a minor Agriculture component. They are generally found on lower or mid- Urban/residential dle slopes on better soils, primarily moist fine-textured Water tills.

Spruce-fir forests: These forests are dominated by a combination of red spruce and balsam fir. They are found on sites that are too cold, dry, wet or infertile to support extensive growth of hardwood species. They are dominant above

2700’, where they include heartleaf white birch and PublicoverDavid mountain-ash. At middle elevations they are primarily found on rocky knobs and ridges with thin dry soils. In valley bottoms they are found on a variety of coarse-tex- tured, nutrient-poor, acidic soils. Other softwoods (including white pine, hemlock, tamarack, northern whitecedar and white spruce) as well as yellow and white Mature spruce-fir forest birch and occasionally red maple may be present, but 38 rarely sugar maple or beech. lower slopes on soils that are intermediate between the 39 better hardwood soils and the poorer softwood-dominat- Mixed hardwood-softwood forests: ed soils. This is a very broad type, and may include any of the major species of the region in various combinations Sometimes birch-aspen is included as a fourth cate- depending on the site, from spruce-fir forest with a sig- gory. However, this early successional type is inherently nificant amount of yellow birch or red maple, to north- temporary (see Disturbance, succession and old growth, page ern hardwood forests mixed with spruce, fir, hemlock or 41). Any of the three broad groups may become domi- white pine. They are generally found on middle and nated by white birch or aspen following a large distur- bance (such as a clearcut or severe fire). However, these species are shade-intolerant and relatively short-lived, and they will eventually be replaced by the longer-lived Table 5. Forest types and more shade-tolerant species characteristic of a partic- percent of total forested area ular site. Franklin Coos The information presented above reflects the cur- County County rent composition of the forest. However, almost every ME NH acre of the watershed’s forests has been affected by mul- Forest Types (1995) (1997) tiple cycles of timber harvesting over the past 150 years. For much of this period harvesting has selectively Northern hardwoods1 49 63 favored the removal of softwood trees, especially spruce Spruce/fir 30 24 and pine. This pattern, combined with the natural pat- Aspen/birch 17 10 terns of succession following disturbance, has converted White/red pine 1 1 many softwood stands to mixed stands and many mixed Oak 2 1 stands to hardwood stands. It is likely that early settlers Elm/ash/red maple 1 1 encountered a forest with more spruce, pine and hem- lock, and less maple, beech and aspen, than is found in today’s forests. Today one can find many stands where 1 The classification of forest types used by the U.S. Forest the mature overstory is primarily hardwood trees, but Map 23 — Land use/land cover Service in these inventories does not distinguish “mixed spruce and fir are plentiful in the regenerating understo- Only about 2% of the land area of the Upper Androscoggin watershed is in development or agricultural use. forests.” However, most forests shown as “Mixed forest” ry. In the absence of human manipulation, natural suc- on Map 23 would be included in the “Northern hard- cession will increase the amount of softwood in the wood” type. region’s forests.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Why are some trees evergreen? Short growing seasons: Above a certain elevation However, across much of the region, conditions are such One obvious feature of the region’s forests is the (about 2700’ in our area) or where cold air collects in that there is no distinct advantage for either evergreen or mixture of evergreen trees (such as spruce, fir, pine and valley bottoms, summer is too short for deciduous trees deciduous trees and the forest contains a mixture of both hemlock) and deciduous trees (such as maple, beech, to complete their annual cycle, and late frost presents a types. Forests birch and oak), often in the same small area. If an engi- high risk of killing newly-emerging leaves. Evergreen neer were to design a “biological solar energy collector” needles are able to start photosynthesizing as soon as (that is, a leaf), they would design something that looked temperatures are warm enough and continue as late as Disturbance, succession like a maple leaf—thin and flat. They certainly wouldn’t conditions remain favorable. and old growth design something like a spruce needle. What is the value Drought: The thick waxy surface of evergreen nee- The forests of our region are dynamic. While the of evergreen needles, that seem so poorly designed for dles reduces the loss of moisture through the leaf surface. broad patterns are determined by topography, soil and their major function of collecting sunlight? In addition, their compact and closely bunched shape climate, the composition and structure of any individual

These two growth forms represent different strate- maintains a layer of still air around leaf surfaces, thus area is constantly changing in response to natural and Clendenning Bruce gies that trees have evolved to deal with their environ- reducing the drying effect of wind. This allows them to human disturbance and forest growth. ment. Deciduous leaves do have higher rates of photo- survive dry periods that would damage or kill deciduous Disturbance is any impact on a forest that kills or synthesis per unit weight than evergreen needles. leaves and resume photosynthesis when conditions damages trees and opens up growing space for other However, because they only live for a few months there improve. trees. The primary human disturbance in the upper is little reason for a tree to put energy or nutrients into Nutrient-poor soils: In more fertile soils, deciduous Androscoggin watershed has been timber harvesting, making them tough. Thus they have a higher risk of trees are able to absorb sufficient nutrients (such as with agricultural clearing and abandonment also impor- Early successional stand being lost to late frosts, insects or drought. They are in nitrogen and calcium) to grow a new crop of leaves each tant in some areas. The primary natural disturbance is essence a “junk bond” strategy—high returns when year. However, if nutrients are scarce (as is the case in weather—wind, ice and snow. Insects and disease also times are good, but with a high risk of poor return or many of the acidic granitic soils of the region), a tree can play a role, sometimes (as with spruce budworm) a sig- severe events such as hurricanes or large fires are very total loss when times are bad. maximize its growth by retaining foliage (and the nutri- nificant one. Though human-caused fires have had a infrequent, occurring only every few centuries. In con- Evergreen needles are more expensive for a tree to ents used to grow it) for several years. This is somewhat major impact in some areas, large natural fires are very trast, timber harvesting has followed a different pattern, construct, since energy and nutrients have to go into fea- analogous to the difference between a rich society rare. creating disturbances that are much more frequent than tures such as thick coatings, “antifreeze” to survive win- (where resources are plentiful and possessions are thrown In general, the more severe a disturbance is, the less natural disturbances of similar scale and intensity. ters, and complex chemicals to ward off damage from out and replaced on a regular basis) and a poor society frequent it is. Storms that topple trees individually or in While the effects of disturbance are immediate and insects or fungi. (It is these chemicals that give many (where resources are scarce and possessions are held onto small groups are very common. Larger events, such as obvious, the growth of the forest leads to slower changes. 40 evergreen needles their pungent smell.) However, these and used for as long as possible because they are difficult severe windstorms, ice storms (such as the one in However, anyone who observes a patch of forest for 41 features, as well as their more compact shape, make them to replace). January 1998) or insect epidemics, that create openings more than a few years can see the changes that are taking better able to withstand environmental stresses and of many acres or damage forests across large areas, occur place. Existing trees get bigger, and new trees grow up in ensure their survival for several years. They are a “savings In combination, these factors lead to the domi- on average every few decades to a century or more. Very the spaces created by disturbance. The process of forest bond” strategy—not flashy, with but more assurance of a nance of deciduous trees on better sites—warmer lower steady return in both good and bad times. slopes with moist fertile soils. While softwood species Among the stresses that evergreen needles are able would also thrive on these sites, the greater productivity to deal with are: of deciduous trees allows them to outcompete the ever- green species. On poorer sites, evergreen species are able to survive conditions that deciduous species cannot.

A note on terms

People use a variety of terms to describe the two major types of trees in our region - “hardwood” versus “softwood”, for example. There are actually four sets of terms that are used:

Pine, spruce, Maple, birch, fir, hemlock, etc. beech, oak, etc. Evergreen Deciduous Refers to whether trees keep their leaves over the winter.

Softwood Hardwood Originated by loggers based on the density of wood. PublicoverphotosDavid Needleleaf Broadleaf Based on leaf shape. Conifer Angiosperm A botanical term referring to whether the tree produces seed in a cone or a true flower.

Though for our region these terms are often used interchangeably, there are exceptions where the categories do not correspond. The most notable is tamarack—a deciduous needleleaf conifer. Many understory shrubs (such as rhododendron) are evergreen broadleaf angiosperm, as is the live oak of the southeastern United States. Gingko (native to China but planted as an ornamental) is a deciduous broadleaf conifer. In tropical and dry forest regions of the world the correspondence between these terms breaks down completely. Strong winds can topple mature trees; old growth sugar maple (inset)

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Wetlands

development over time is known as succession. While the will promote regeneration of shade-intolerant species. process can be complex, one of the most important fac- Some species (such as white and yellow birch, white pine Wetlands tors governing succession is the tolerance of different and aspen), need bare mineral soil to be exposed for their tree species to shade. While every species will grow best seeds to germinate. Red maple can sprout from live Forests in full sunlight, they differ greatly in their ability to sur- stumps and may grow vigorously following a timber har- vive in the shade of other trees. vest. Shade-tolerant species may establish dense under- Some species, primarily white birch and aspen, are stories of seedlings; if these seedlings survive the distur- very shade-intolerant. They require full sunlight to grow bance they may have enough of a head start to compete and do not survive in shade. They are fast-growing, with faster-growing shade-intolerant species even in short-lived and produce large quantities of seeds that areas of full sunlight. need to find newly-disturbed areas to become estab- In the absence of major disturbance, succession will lished. These are known as early-successional species, since lead to the gradual replacement of less shade-tolerant and they will dominate the early stages of forest development shorter-lived trees by more shade-tolerant, longer-lived following a major disturbance. White pine is also shade- species. Over a period of several centuries, a late-succes- intolerant, but less so than white birch or aspen (and sional or old-growth forest will develop. In our region unlike these species, it is very long-lived). these forests are dominated by sugar maple, beech, yel- At the other end of the scale are species that are low birch, hemlock, spruce and white pine, which can shade-tolerant—sugar maple, beech, red spruce and hem- reach ages of 300-400 years and diameters of 3 to 5 feet. lock. They tend to be slower-growing but long-lived. Less shade-tolerant species will be present in lesser quan- These species can reproduce under dense canopies of tities, growing in small openings created by small-scale mature trees and survive for long periods as understory disturbance or the death of older trees. These forests will trees. (A 50-year-old hemlock may be only one inch in tend to have complex multi-aged structures with trees of diameter and six feet tall.) Balsam fir is also shade-toler- all sizes, as well as large accumulations of dead wood. ant (but less so than the other species), though it is Though detailed information on the pre-European set- short-lived. Red maple, oak and yellow birch are inter- tlement forest is scarce, it is likely that half or more of mediate in shade tolerance. the region’s forests would have been in this late-succes-

The development of forests will also be influenced sional condition at the time of settlement. David Publicover 42 by the type of disturbances that affect them, as well as Unlike earlier years, when old-growth forests were Marsh, Kennebago River 43 the different ways trees reproduce. Disturbances that cre- considered “biological deserts”, they are now recognized ate small openings, or remove only parts of the overstory, as rich and vibrant ecosystems—perhaps the most bio- will favor the regeneration of more shade-tolerant logically diverse part of the successional sequence. Wetlands are places where saturation with is only a very general description. Wetlands may be species, whereas disturbances that create large openings However, these forests have been almost totally eliminat- water for at least part of the year is the dominant factor grouped into a few broad types: ed from the eastern United States. controlling soil development and the nature of plant and Within the upper Androscoggin animal communities. They are transitional habitats Peatlands watershed, only a few remnant between drier upland forests and lakes, rivers and Peatlands are wetlands where vegetation is rooted patches are known, most only a streams. Most wetlands are found in flat valley-bottom in deep deposits of partially decomposed organic matter few acres in size. One of the areas where the water table lies near the surface or soils (peat). They usually form in ponds and wet basins such largest is a 30-acre red spruce for- are subject to seasonal flooding. However, they may also as kettlehole ponds (see Bog Succession, page 46). Bogs are est on the upper slopes of Elephant be found in upland areas along the margins of streams very acidic (pH <4.0) peatlands dominated by sphagnum Mountain. Larger areas of high- and ponds, in shallow basins, in areas where groundwater mosses and generally isolated from streamflow or elevation spruce-fir forest in the emerges at the surface (seeps), where dense soil horizons groundwater. Fens are less acidic peatlands containing a White Mountains may have restrict drainage, or where beaver dams have created mixture of sphagnum mosses and sedges. They have a escaped harvesting, but in these temporary ponds. higher level of available plant nutrients due to greater subalpine forests trees do not reach Wetlands are among the most ecologically impor- contact with groundwater. The distinction between bogs the age or size usually associated tant components of a landscape. They maintain water and fens is fuzzy; there are few true bogs in our region with old growth. quality by filtering sediment and pollutants from upslope and most areas that people might call bogs are more Restoring a component of areas. They regulate streamflow by acting as sponges, properly considered acidic fens. In addition to sphagnum old-growth forest to the region’s absorbing water at periods of high flow and slowly and sedge, acidic peatlands commonly contain evergreen landscape is one of the major goals releasing it throughout the year. They provide important shrubs and trees including black spruce, tamarack, of ecologists, and is a primary rea- habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, and contain a leatherleaf, sheep laurel and Labrador tea, as well as son for establishing ecological disproportionate number of rare plants and unusual nat- unique plants such as pitcher plant and sundew that reserves and other natural areas. ural communities. In the heavily forested landscape of obtain nutrients by catching and dissolving insects in While an early-successional forest the upper Androscoggin watershed, even small wetlands their leaves. Less acidic fens may contain a wider variety can be created in a matter of of a few acres make a significant contribution to main- of herbaceous and woody species, while the least acidic, hours, only time can create old- taining the diversity of plants and animals. most nutrient-rich fens (called calcareous or circumneutral growth. There are many different types of wetlands and fens) may contain northern whitecedar, as well as being many different ways to define them based on hydrology, prime sites for rare plants. David David Publicover soil characteristics, or vegetation. Detailed classification Softwood regeneration under a hardwood canopy of wetland types can be very complex, and the following

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Upper Andro watershed Major wetland types Shrub swamps and marshes Forested wetlands Wetlands KenKimball

Harper’s Meadow, Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

Swamps and Marshes is about 9.7% wetland. Swamps and marshes are wetlands in which plants are The most common wetland types are evergreen rooted in mineral soil, though some swamps accumulate forested swamps (primarily spruce-fir swamps, though a thick layer of woody peat and can be considered peat- also including northern whitecedar swamps and black lands. They may be found in basins, on poorly drained spruce-tamarack bogs) and deciduous shrub swamps 44 flats or river floodplains, or around the edges of ponds (usually dominated by alder, sweet gale and/or mead- 45 and streams. Swamps are dominated by woody vegeta- owsweet), which together make up nearly three-quarters tion, and may be broken into forested swamps and shrub of the wetland acreage. Deciduous forested swamps (pri- swamps. Evergreen forested swamps are dominated by marily red maple swamps), evergreen shrub swamps black and red spruce, balsam fir and tamarack, with (acidic bogs and fens) and marshes (primarily sedge northern whitecedar common in less acidic swamps. The meadows) are present in lesser amounts. Marshes are of dominant species of northern deciduous forested swamps particular interest, as they provide open grassy habitat is red maple, with white and yellow birch, elm, and black that is critical for many wildlife species (including pied- ash common associates. On low river terraces subject to billed grebe, American bittern, northern harrier, sedge frequent flooding silver maple is an important species. and marsh wrens, muskrat, mink and moose). Deciduous shrub swamps commonly contain speckled alder, sweet gale and meadowsweet. Table 6. Area of major wetland types within Marshes are dominated by grasses and sedges, usu- the upper Androscoggin watershed. ally growing in mineral soil or muck (a fine-textured mixture of mineral and organic soil) that remains saturat- Wetland Type Area Percent of Percent of ed for most of the year. Cat-tail marshes are a well- (acres) wetland watershed known example, though these are relatively uncommon area area in the upper Androscoggin watershed. Areas of shallow Marsh 3,800 7.0 0.2 water containing emerging or floating plants such as arrowhead, pickerelweed and pond lily (known as aquatic Swamps beds) are another type of marsh. Deciduous shrub 15,140 27.9 1.0 Evergreen shrub 2,050 3.8 0.1 The most comprehensive mapping of wetlands has Deciduous forested 5,730 10.6 0.4 Hampshire New

Maine been done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part Evergreen forested 25,220 46.5 1.7 of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) program. This system classifies wetlands according to broad types Unconsolidated1 2,260 4.2 0.2 without reference to species composition, and it does not specifically identify peatlands. The NWI has mapped Total 54,200 3.6 about 54,000 acres of wetlands in the upper Map 24 — Wetlands Androscoggin watershed, or about 3.6% of the area The most extensive wetlands are found along larger rivers, though small wetlands can be found along most streams 1 Loose deposits of silt, sand and gravel in riverbeds and in the watershed. (Map 24, Table 6). By comparison, the entire state of along lakeshores without well-developed vegetation. New Hampshire is about 3.1% wetland, whereas Maine

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Except for the steep slopes of the White Mountains r e v Lake Umbagog NWR boundary and other high peaks, wetlands are scattered throughout i

R

the watershed. The great majority of wetlands are small y Wetland types Carthage a patches of less than five acres, mostly spruce-fir swamps w Marsh

o

l l

and deciduous shrub swamp/meadows (often created by a Deciduous shrub swamp

g a Wetlands beaver activity). Nearly every major stream in the water- Evergreen shrub swamp shed has these small wetlands along parts of its length. M Deciduous forested swamp Larger wetland “complexes” (mixtures of several differ- Evergreen forested swamp ent types) may be found along slow-moving, meandering Tamarack swamp rivers with wide low floodplains, including the lower Magalloway, Cupsuptic, Kennebago, Ellis and Webb Halfmoon 01 234 rivers (Map 25). The most extensive and diverse wet- Pond miles lands lie around Lake Umbagog—the primary reason the Webb River area was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1992 Sturtevant (Map 26). Nearly 10% of the wetlands in the upper Pond watershed lie within the refuge boundary. One large area known as Harper’s Meadow, an extensive area of peat- land and floating bog on the northwest side of the lake, has been designated a National Natural Landmark in Route 142 recognition of its importance.

Wetland types Marsh Deciduous shrub Evergreen shrub Deciduous forest

46 Evergreen forest 47

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0 0.5 1.0 1.5 e

Harper’s r miles Meadow R Andro i sco c gg h in a rd Map 25 — Wetland complex along the lower Riv Lake s er on Webb River Umbagog L ake Ra pid R ive Pond in Bog Succession r the River A classic type of acidic peatland found in cold, humid northern climates is the “kettlehole bog”. These form in small ponds created when glaciofluvial sediments B Pond collected around detached blocks of melting glacial ice. A Over thousands of years these ponds have undergone a successional process that converts the pond into a peat- land. In the early stages, a floating mat of vegetation, com- De ad Cam posed primarily of sphagnum, sedge, cotton-grass and bridg C Pond e River short evergreen shrubs, advances out over the edges of the pond (A). As this “floating bog” advances, decomposing organic matter (peat) collects in the pond, and taller

e Hampshire New

shrubs and stunted trees (black spruce and tamarack) Maine B advance out on to the thicker parts of the mat (B). The water in the pond becomes very dark and acidic (“tannic”) from dissolved organic matter. Eventually the mat closes over the open water and the basin completely fills with peat (C). In the final stages the peatland will succeed to a forested bog dominated by black spruce and tamarack. Map 26 — Wetlands in the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Nearly 10% of the wetlands within the upper Androscoggin watershed are found within the refuge boundary. The extensive wetlands around the confluence of the Androscoggin and Magalloway Rivers (Harper’s C Meadow) are among the most critical wildlife habitat areas in the region.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Communities and species are also given global Of the 48 wetland communities described by Natural Communities ranks; many are globally common but rare in a particular MNAP, about 26 may be found in the upper state, usually because they are at the edge of their geo- Androscoggin watershed (Table 8, page 51). All wetlands graphical range. (Because a globally consistent classifica- are large or small patch types that exist in the broader The classification of vegetation into tion system for natural communities is still being devel- matrix of forest communities. Because Maine contains natural communities is a system that is particularly relevant oped, only well-recognized communities have been extensive areas of wetlands, most of these communities for the understanding and conservation of biological assigned G ranks.) Communities ranked S1 through S3 are relatively common. Because NHNHI’s delineation of diversity. The New Hampshire Natural Heritage are of high conservation priority, those ranked S4 and S5 wetlands is far more complex they are not included Inventory (the state agency responsible for maintaining of lower priority. However, because many of these com- here.11 However, more wetland communities would be information on the state’s biodiversity) defines natural mon communities have been highly altered by human ranked as rare in New Hampshire—the state has fewer communities as “recurring assemblages of species found use, high quality or “exemplary” examples (areas that are wetlands overall, and contains less calcium-rich bedrock in particular physical environments”. The equivalent still in a relatively natural condition) are also a priority that supports enriched wetlands such as northern white- Natural Communities agency in Maine, the Natural Areas Program, defines for conservation. Many very common communities are cedar swamps and circumneutral fens. In addition, New them as “an assemblage of interacting plants and animals ranked S4 rather than S5 because few exemplary exam- Hampshire’s classification identifies more narrowly-

and their common environment, in which the effects of PublicoverDavid ples have been protected. defined wetland types that are known from only a few recent human intervention are minimal”. Mapping of natural communities across broad areas locations, whereas these types would be included within Understanding the nature and distribution of natu- is rarely undertaken, both because of the large amount of more broadly defined and common communities in ral communities allows ecologists and land managers to fieldwork required, and because human alteration of Maine. understand what parts of a landscape are less common many areas has made identification of the underlying One important part of the landscape has received and make better decisions regarding the management of natural community difficult if not impossible. Ecologists much less attention—aquatic communities. Lakes, rivers, ecological systems. In addition, many rare plants or ani- Leatherleaf boggy fen, Goodwin Pond undertaking field surveys will generally focus on identi- ponds and streams can be as variable as upland and wet- mals are associated with particular natural communities, fying and mapping only those communities that are rare land communities, from steep rocky headwater streams allowing field surveys and conservation actions to be or exemplary. to broad meandering rivers, from acidic bog ponds to focused more efficiently. Maine’s system recognizes 97 different natural Of the 49 upland communities described by large lakes supporting many species of fish. Ecologists are The classification of natural communities differs communities—49 upland types and 48 wetland types. MNAP, about 29 are known from, or are likely to be working to develop classification systems of aquatic nat- from forest types in several important ways. It is more New Hampshire’s system recognizes 178 communities— found in, the upper Androscoggin watershed. Most of ural communities in order to better understand their detailed and better captures the full variability of the nat- 52 upland and 126 wetland. The larger number of com- these are forests and woodlands (Table 7, page 50), diversity. 48 ural environment. It includes consideration of the full munities in New Hampshire does not reflect a higher though they also include open areas such as cliffs and 49 range of vegetation and the associated physical environ- level of diversity in that state, but rather the delineation alpine communities. Of NHNHI’s 52 upland communi- 11 Readers seeking more information about the classification of ment, not just the most obvious characteristics of the of a greater number of more narrowly-defined commu- ties, about 35 may occur in the upper Androscoggin wetland communities in New Hampshire should see Appendix dominant vegetation. Finally, most community types are nities. The same area that the Maine system may classify watershed. As can be seen, the rarer types are mostly A. not based on the current condition of the vegetation, but as a single broad community may be made up of several small patch communities. on the mature vegetation that would exist in an area in different communities under the New Hampshire sys-

the absence of human manipulation. (However, a few tem. PublicoverDavid community types represent younger or transitional vege- Communities occur at different scales on the land- Cove Forests tation stages that typically follow natural disturbance such scape. Matrix communities are the most common wide- Uncommon natural communities occur in the most extreme parts of the envi- as fire.) Classification of natural communities is based ly-distributed types that cover the majority of the land- ronment—areas that are too wet, dry or cold to support widely-distributed communi- primarily on examination of areas that have remained rel- scape. Large patch communities are associated with more ties. Cove forests (known as the Maple-Basswood-Ash community in Maine and Rich atively unaffected by human activity (such as remnants of particular environmental conditions and cover fairly large Mesic Forests in New Hampshire) occur in a different type of extreme—very fertile old-growth forest)—one reason the identification and but discrete areas of the landscape, typically between 50 sites. These forests are dominated by sugar maple and white ash, two species that protection of such areas is a high priority for ecologists. and 1000 acres. Small patch communities typically occur require relatively good soils. (Basswood is also characteristic of this community but is Both the New Hampshire Natural Heritage in patches of 50 acres or less under very particular envi- uncommon in the north woods.) While this community may be widespread in other Inventory (NHNHI) and the Maine Natural Areas ronmental conditions. Many of the rarest communities areas with more fertile soils (such as the limestone belt of western Vermont), in the Program (MNAP) have classified the natural communi- occur as these small patches. acidic soils of the upper Androscoggin watershed it is limited to small concave pock- ties in their states. The two systems are somewhat differ- Communities (as well as plant and animal species) ets at the base of slopes or in gentle draws. In these areas, erosion of material from ent; while many communities are described and classi- are ranked according to their rarity in the individual upslope has formed deep, fine-textured, moist, nutrient-rich, less acidic soils. fied similarly, the correspondence is not exact. Some states10: Sugar maple and ash are found across the landscape, and if one looks only at communities are distinct and easily recognized, while the trees this community can easily be overlooked. What sets it apart is the understo- others grade continuously into one another. Deciding S1 Critically imperiled because of extreme ry vegetation. The moist, fertile soils support many uncommon and even rare plants— where to draw the lines requires both scientific analysis rarity or vulnerability to extinction maidenhair fern, Dutchman’s breeches, red and white baneberry, blue cohosh, squir- and human judgment, and there is no one right way to S2 Imperiled because of rarity or vulnerability rel corn, ginseng, large yellow lady’s-slipper and Goldie’s fern (our largest fern, reach- do it.9 to decline ing a height of up to four feet). Maidenhair fern S3 Rare While most uncommon forest communities are too dry, rocky or wet to sup- S4 Apparently secure port regular timber management, cove forests are very productive and well-suited to the growth of high quality timber. Very 9 The U.S. Geological Survey is leading an effort to develop a S5 Demonstrably secure few examples of this community have been left untouched by harvesting. Because of its potential to support rare plants, consistent vegetation classification system for the entire coun- both the Maine Natural Areas Program and the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory have been working to educate try. Information on this program (known as the National forest landowners and managers about its importance so they can better identify cove forests and either reserve them from Vegetation Classification Standard) may be found at 10 http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/nvcs.html. See Appendix C for a more detailed description of this rank- harvesting or manage them with a light touch that maintains mature tree cover and protects understory vegetation. ing system.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club 1 page 52 page on described aremunities com- alpine 50 Upland Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Natural Communities Acidic Cliff – Gorge (S4) Gorge – Cliff Acidic Open Circumneutral Boreal Ash - Oak Ironwood- TalusOak - WoodlandBirch Woodland(S4) Pine - Oak Woodland(S3) Pine Jack TalusSpruce Woodland(S4) Conifer Mixed - Spruce Red Woodland(S3) Pine Red Pine White - Pine Red Ash - Basswood - Maple (S4) Forest Hemlock Aspen - Birch - Aspen (S4) Forest Pine - Oak Northern - Oak Red Conifer Mixed - Pine White Birch Heartleaved - Fir Mountain - Fir - Spruce Forest Maple - Birch - Beech Northern - Spruce Broom-moss - Fir - Spruce Table 7 — Upland natural communities of the upper Androscoggin watershed Androscoggin upper the of communities natural Upland Table— 7 Maine community types New Hampshire community types community Hampshire New types community Maine Outcrop (S2) Outcrop Woodland(S2S3) (S3) Woodland(S4) (S3) Forest (S3) Forest (S5) Complex Forest Forest (S4) Forest Pine White - Hardwoods (S4) Forest (S3) Forest Subalpine (S4) Forest Feathermoss - Sorrel (S4) (S4) ForestHardwoods (S4) Forest Matrix Communities Matrix Small Patch Communities Patch Small Large Patch Communities Patch Large Woodland/ Cliff seep (S3S4), acidic variant acidic (S3S4), seep Cliff variant circumneutral (S3S4), seep Cliff maple/ironwoodtalus sugar - oak red Rich (S1S2?) barren Temperatetalus lichen fern wood birch/marginal black - oak Red woodland ridge rocky oak-pine/heathRed (S1) woodland ridge rocky pine Jack (S1) woodland/barren talus cold-air Subalpine (S3?) barren talus lichen Boreal talus maple birch/mountain - Spruce ridge rocky spruce/heath/cinquefoil Red (S2) forest/woodland pine Red (S3) forest fir balsam - pine white - pine Red (S3) forest mesic Rich for- fern cinnamon hardwood - hemlock Low (S4) forest Hemlock fern pine/heath/bracken white - oak red Dry (S5) forest pine - oak - beech - Hemlock (S3S4) forest fir balsam elevation High forest fir - spruce montane elevation High (S3S4) forest maple–beech sugar mesic Semi-rich (S4?) forest Beech (S5) forest yellowbirch - beech - maple Sugar hardwood northern – beech - Hemlock hardwood northern - spruce - Hemlock (S4) forest fir - spruce hardwood Northern (S2S3) forest fir - spruce Lowland woodland/forest (S2) woodland/forest (S3S4) forest/woodland talus (S2S3) (S3) forest/woodland (S3S4) (S4?) est (S3S4) forest (S4) (S4) forest (S3S4) forest Sparsely vegetated rock faces on acidic bedrock. acidic on faces rock vegetated Sparsely bedrock. calcareous on faces rock vegetated Sparsely communities. woodland other supporting that than acidic less is that bedrock on watershed the of part southernmost the in ridges dry on found is community This UAW. the of part southernmost the in slopes talus acidic warmer on found yellowbirch; and white and oak redby Dominated UAW. the of part southernmost the in ridges dry warmer on found is community woodland this pine, white and oak redby Dominated fire-dependent. Umbagog; Lakeof shore eastern UAWthe from the only knownIn pine. jack by dominated but woodlands spruce and pine red to Similar vegetation. no or little with boulders lichen-coveredof consists Hampshire New byrecognized nity commu- barren talus lichen The (talus). elevations upper and dle mid- at cliffs of base the at collect that boulders among soil acidic thin very growingin birch white and spruce red of forests Sparse blueberry). lowbush as (such shrubs heath and spruce redby ed dominat- elevations middle at ridges rocky on found forests Open communities. these maintain to necessary be may Fire elevations. middle to low at slopes upper and ridges of soils dry thin, on found are pine redby dominated woodlands and Forests soils. nutrient-rich these on found are species plant rare many because interest particular of is It concavelowerslopes. on collect that soils fertile deep on found is community this 49), page “coveforest”(see called Often UAW. the of part southern the in common More streams. along band a as often ravines, in and lowerslopes on soils acidic cool on found are forests Hemlock fire. natural from results it when community distinct a as types forest many of stage early-successional this recognizes Maine UAW. the of part southernmost the in elevationslow at primarily foundhardwoods; northern few with oak red and pine white by dominated soils well-drained on Forest southward. common more flats; and lowerslopes of soils well-drained on Found woods. hard- northern and pine white both contain forestsmixed These above4000’.Krummholz into transitions gradually above2700’and lies generally Forest Subalpine Fir-HeartleavedBirch The ridges. and slopes mountain elevation upper of evergreencommunities forest the are These types. major three beyondthe variations several recognizes Hampshire New though 39, 37and page on described as elevations middle and low of types forest common distributed widely the are These Description 1 Pipewort - Water Lobelia Aquatic Bed (S5 Bed Aquatic WaterLobelia - Pipewort (S5) Water-lilyBed MacrophyteAquatic - (S5) Bed MacrophyteAquatic Pickerelweed- Tussock(S3) MeadowSedge (S5) Marsh Cattail (S5) Marsh Shrub Graminoid Mixed (S2) Bog Alpine Heath - Cotton-grass Sedge - Cinquefoil Shrubby (S4) Lawn Moss Bog (S5) Lawn Fen Leatherleaf - Sedge (S4) Fen Boggy Leatherleaf (S4) Bog Shrub Dwarf Laurel Sheep (S4) WoodlandFen Alder - Holly Mountain (S5) Thicket Shrub Alder TallMixed(S4) Fen Sedge (S4) Fen Shrub MixedSweetgale (S4) Swamp Fern Sensitive - Maple Red (S4) WoodedFen Maple Red (S3) Forest SeepageHardwood TerraceRiverHardwood(S2) Forest (S3) Forest Floodplain Maple Silver Tamarack- (S4) WoodedSpruce Bog (S4) WoodlandFen Whitecedar Northern (S3) Forest Seepage Spruce - Cedar (S4) Swamp Whitecedar Northern (S4) Forest Fern Cinnamon Fir - Spruce Table 8 — Wetland communities of the upper Androscoggin watershed Androscoggin upper the WetlandTableof — communities 8 Marshes Forested swamps and peatlands and swamps Forested Shrub swamps and peatlands and swamps Shrub Circumneutral Fen (S2) Fen Circumneutral ) (such as great blue heron) and waterfowl. and heron) blue great as (such birds wading dragonflies, frogs, turtles, including species wildlife many for habitat important are They streams. and lakes,ponds of shores the along water shallow quiet in muck or soil mineral in rooted vegetation floating or emergent of composed are communities These growingseason. the throughout water standing with basins flat broad in soils organic or mineral on found sedge; tussock of tufts hummocky dense by Dominated southward. common more soil; mineral flooded semi-permanently on found shrubs; deciduous and cattail by dominated community recognized easily An beaveractivity. with associated often and soils mineral saturated on found acidic; strongly not grasses; and herbs shrubs, of variety wide a include can that community defined broadly A Range. Mahoosuc the in UAW primarily the found in depressions; bedrock small in form bogs high-elevation These Refuge.Wildlife National LakeUmbagog UAWthe from only known the in groundwater; calcium-rich moreby influenced basins peatland in found type rare A contact. water ground- little with areas nutrient-poor acidic most the in found is Bog Shrub Dwarf Laurel Sheep whereas margins), pond and (pools bogs of parts wettest the in found is Lawn Moss Bog hydrology, in nutrients. availableacidity, differences and to related are composition in differences The vegetation. bog” “peat classic the makeup communities four These boundary. peatland-upland the near basins peat-filled of edge the around found vegetation; peatland other and shrubs heath with mixed shrubs taller by Dominated peat. on occasionally but soil mineral on usually beaverdams; behind as such areas basin wet many in found swamp” “alder common The shrubs. than dominant more sedges with but Fen Shrub MixedSweetgale to waysmany in Similar beaverflowages. or basins peatland in water open to next found usually meadowsweet; and/or leatherleaf gale, sweet of mixture a by Dominated southward. common more soils; mineral saturated on tamarack); or spruce black not (but softwoods or hardwoods other with mixed maple Red southward. common more peatlands; larger of edge the at or basins small in conditions acidic less in found are peatlands maple-dominated Red seepage. groundwaterby saturated soil mineral on slopes shallow on found yellowbirch; and ash green or black by Dominated flooding. annual) not (but periodic to subject rivers large along races ter- flat of soils silty or sandy on foundhardwoods; other and maple sugar by Dominated flooding. annual to subject floodplains flat low of soils silty or sandy on found ferns; groundcoverof dense with maple silverby Park-like dominated forests succession. bog kettlehole in stage later a basins; peatland deep acidic very in found tamarack; and spruce black of forestopen-canopy Short, basins. peatland deep nutrient-rich more acidic, less in found tamarack; or spruce black whitecedar,with mixed possibly northern of forestopen-canopy Short, seepage. groundwater with saturated soil mineral on slopes gentle on found layer;well-developedherb but shrubs heath few with spruce red and whitecedar Northern plants. rare many for habitat providesuitable conditions acidic Less peat. woody layerof deep to shallow a with soil mineral on basins drained poorly in found layer;well-developedherb but shrubs heath few with whitecedar northern by Dominated channels. stream along areas flat on soils mineral saturated on found fern; cinnamon of carpet lush a but shrubs heath few with spruce red or black by Dominated (MNAP classification) (MNAP Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian 51 ties in the Presidential Range (Map 2712), which general- Alpine Ecosystems ly correspond to communities delineated by the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory. As can be seen from the S-ranks13, all of these communities are consid- The upper Androscoggin watershed contains region, Sugarloaf and Saddleback mountains in Maine, ered rare. The mapped communities include: one of the rarest and most unique ecosystems in the east- Mount Mansfield in Vermont, and Mounts Marcy and Krummholz: German for “crooked wood”, ern United States—the alpine zone. Found at the upper Algonquin in the Adirondacks. About 40% of the krummholz is a transitional community between the elevations of the region’s highest mountains (generally Presidential Range alpine zone (the eastern side of the upright trees of the subalpine forest below and the true above 4000 feet), alpine plants are adapted to the chal- northern Presidentials above the Great Gulf) lies within alpine zone above. It is dominated by black spruce, bal- lenges of short growing seasons, thin soils, and frequent the Androscoggin River watershed. sam fir and heart-leaved white birch, and may include Alpine Ecosystems winter exposure to freezing clouds, heavy icing, and the Alpine communities are characterized by low- shrub and herbaceous species found in lower elevation sandpapering effect of blowing snow. This alpine zone growing long-lived perennial plants that have evolved spruce-fir forests. This community is generally found has more in common with arctic areas a thousand miles adaptations to the harsh conditions of high-elevation along the lower margin of the alpine zone, but can also north than it does with the forests just a thousand feet environments. The alpine habitat is a mix of very be found as small patches in protected areas at higher ele- below. These higher mountains today are islands in a sea exposed areas and microhabitats protected from the fre- vations. (New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory of forest, the last remnants of the arctic vegetation that quent strong winds. Not surprisingly, these different communities: Black spruce and balsam fir krummholz once blanketed the entire region after the glaciers reced- microhabitats each have a set of plants specialized best to [S2S3]; Labrador tea-heath krummholz [S1S2]; Rhodora-sheep Doug WeihrauchDoug ed more than 10,000 years ago. survive in them. Growing behind the shelter of boulders laurel-Labrador tea boreal heath woodland [S?]; Labrador tea- There are only about 13 square miles of true alpine or in small depressions helps some species. Others grow- heath snowbank [S?]) area in the entire eastern United States. The largest area ing on more exposed ridges, where the snow blows off Birch-Alder: Along with krummholz, this is a (about 4.5 square miles) is found on the Presidential and frequent freeze/thaw cycles churn the soil, have transitional community between the subalpine forest and Range within the White Mountains, with another 2.9 deeper tap roots. Many alpine plants have small tough true alpine communities. It is dominated by heart-leaved square miles on Mount Katahdin. Smaller areas exist on leaves and compact growth forms that allow them to white birch and mountain alder. It is an early-succession- Heath shrub-rush community other high peaks across the northeast, including the withstand the affects of high winds, blowing snow and al community found in steep bowls that are frequently Mahoosuc and Franconia ranges in the White Mountain low temperatures. Some alpine species (such as black disturbed by avalanches or rockslides. (No NHNHI spruce, Labrador tea, sheep laurel and rhodora) are also equivalent.) killing early-summer frosts. These late-lying snowbanks found in acidic bogs at low elevations, and the same Heath shrub-rush: This community is quite vari- are generally found at higher elevations in areas that are 52 adaptations allow them to survive in both of these able but is dominated by dwarf heath shrubs such as protected from the blowing winter winds, such as lee- 53 extreme environments. However, many other alpine alpine bilberry, mountain cranberry, and Labrador tea as ward headwalls of ravines. (NHNHI community: Alpine species are found nowhere else in the region. well as highland rush and three-toothed cinquefoil. It is herbaceous snowbank [S1]) While it may seem that low temperatures are the the most common of the true alpine communities and Sedge meadow: Bigelow sedge is the primary most important factor in determining the distribution of can be found in all but the most extreme environments. component of this community, and in some places it alpine zones, they are just one of the climatic influences (NHNHI communities: Dwarf heath/graminoid meadows forms a nearly pure lawn. This community tends to that affect these areas. In fact, if temperature were the [S2]; Bilberry-crowberry dwarf shrubland [S1S2]) grow on flat, poorly drained areas, and is found only at only factor, many alpine areas would be covered by sub- Cushion-tussock: One of the most visually inter- the highest elevations. Because of its overall rarity and alpine forest. Equally important are high winds and the esting communities, it is dominated by plants growing in high elevation habitat, it is likely to be the community abrasive affect of blowing snow and ice, which can kill low dense mats including diapensia, alpine azalea and most susceptible to climate change. (NHNHI communi- any parts of plants extending above the protective winter Lapland rosebay. These cushion plants produce some of ty: Bigelow sedge meadow [S?]) snow cover. the most fantastic floral displays early in the growing sea- Fellfield: These are the sometimes-vast boulder Alpine ecosystems may be particularly sensitive to son. This community is generally found in exposed areas fields found above treeline. Although they are often the effects of changing climate, making them useful indi- such as at the tops of domes or ridgelines. (NHNHI overlooked from the perspective of vegetation, the boul- cators of the effects of such changes on the environment. community: Diapensia-dwarf heath shrubland [S1]) der surfaces support extensive lichen mats and various While species of lower elevations can potentially migrate Herbaceous snowbank: One of the rarer alpine plants grow in the spaces between the rocks. (NHNHI north as the climate warms, species on mountains can communities, it is found in areas where snow cover per- community: Boreal lichen talus barren [S3?]) only migrate to higher elevations, and may eventually sists into the summer. It is a wetland community charac- The alpine zone also contains small patches of wet- disappear when they can move no higher. But the effects terized by herbaceous plants such as ferns, lilies, and land communities that occur where water collects in of changing climate are still unclear. For example, if a grasses. Many of the species in this community are usu- bedrock depressions or where seepage from snowmelt or warming climate leads to warmer but wetter winters, ally found at lower elevations and would not normally be groundwater maintains wet conditions. These include more icing on upper mountain slopes could occur. able to survive in the alpine climate, but because they do alpine bog communities containing sphagnum moss as Under this scenario the treeline (the upper limit of not emerge until after the snowbank melts (sometimes as well as wet streambanks containing herbaceous and heath upright tree growth) could actually migrate downslope. late as July), they are protected from the otherwise shrub species. In addition, NHNHI describes one addi- In order to establish baseline information on the tional community not found in the Presidentials. Sheep current distribution of alpine communities, the laurel-heath/krummholz (S1) is found in the less extreme Appalachian Mountain Club has been mapping these 12 The areas shown on the map indicate the most common alpine environments of the Mahoosuc, Carter-Moriah communities for alpine zones across the northeast. These community in an area; all of these areas actually contain a mix- and Baldface ranges. Unlike the thin dry soils of other maps will allow ecologists in future decades to determine ture of communities, though the individual patches are too krummholz communities, this one has deeper organic

Robert J. Kozlow whether significant changes in treeline and the distribu- small to map. soils and occurs primarily on flatter ridges that may also tion of alpine communities have occurred. contain alpine bogs. Alpine zone, Presidential Range 13 The mapping distinguishes seven alpine communi- See Appendix C for an explanation of S-ranks.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed 54

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Alpine Ecosystems The 4.5 square miles above treeline is the largest alpine zone in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Rocky the of east States United the in zone alpine largest the is abovetreeline miles square 4.5 The zone alpine Range Presidential the of communities Natural 27— Map Alpine natural communities natural Alpine . 0.5 0 0.5 Water Roads–Buildings Cliff Fellfield Snowbank Herbaceous MeadowSedge Cushion–Tussock Shrub–Rush Heath Birch–Alder Krummholz WashingtonRoadAutoMount Railway Cog 1000’contours Treeline boundary watershed Androscoggin miles

Mt. EisenhowerMt.

0 0 0 4 f t . Mt. Franklin Mt. Mt. Monroe Mt. Mt. WashingtonMt. Mt. Jefferson Mt.

4000 ft. Great Gulf Mt. Adams Mt.

3000 ft. Mt. Madison Mt. very incomplete. Some areas (such as the alpine zone) alpine the (suchas areas Some incomplete. very cliffs. and ridges dry on found are few a though wetareas, in primarily found are species rare the of der remain- bedrock.The calcareous less contains state that because Hampshire New in rarer considered are these of Many swamps. and fens circumneutral and cliffs, ous calcare- woods, habitats—rich calcium-rich from known are third another Nearly Hampshire. New than Maine in rarer as ranked are species these of many habitat, alpine diverse extensiveand more Hampshire’s New of Because Mahoosucs. the in found also number smaller a with Range, Presidential the in found are these of All species. alpine are one-third TableOver in 9. shown species other. the in occur to knownnot but state one in rare are few other.A the in common relatively are but state one in rare ered consid- are others whereas states, both in rare considered are species these of half Overavailable. not was records older on 1982; since information watershed upper the of part Maine the in recorded havebeen species rare Thirty-three records. older from known 27 another 1982,since with found havebeen species 68 Hampshire, New For page). (Tablenext 9, watershed Androscoggin upper the from recorded havebeen Hampshire New or Maine either 114in of rare considered species plant total A plants. rare of locations known of databases tain main- Program Areas Natural Maine the and Inventory oped). devel- or dammed whichhavebeen of many rivers, large of floodplains and banks the along found those (suchas disappeared has habitat essential their because risk at be may Others abundant. relatively be may they area that within but area, limited geographically a occupy they because rare are areas) alpine in found those of many (suchas species Some use. human by altered heavily been have that areas in primarily exist or habitats, unusual or extreme occupy may They England. New northern in range geographical their of edge the at but places other in common be may They reasons. of number a for rare be may Species 373.lists Program Areas Natural Maine the and species, rare 387 lists Inventory Heritage Natural Hampshire New The rare. considered are eachstate states. both in found be will lists these on species most climate and soils havesimilar states two the Because places. other from region the to introduced been have that species of havehundreds states both addition, In species. separate or combine can classification plant in changes and found occasionally are species additional exact; not are numbers These Maine. to native species 1,432and Hampshire New to native species 1,532plant Our knowledge of the distribution of rare plants is plants rare of distribution the of knowledge Our the of most for account habitats of types Two Heritage Natural Hampshire New the Both in species plant native the of one-quarter About ae nrcnl opldlss hr are there lists, compiled recently on Based Rare Plants RarePlants in maintaining the region’s botanical diversity. botanical region’s the maintaining in factor important very a be to continue will and been has cooperation willing their managers, land or landowners private on obligations no create laws state Though lands. private on present be also may sites additional many and lands, private on However,are lands. others many believed. ously previ- than common more are rare be to thought were that plants that searchingindicates additional Often, lands. private for than lands public for available is tion informa- searched.Muchmore thoroughly been never haveareas large but extensivelysurveyed, havebeen Showy yellowShowylady’s-slipper Many known rare plant locations are on public on are locations plant rare knownMany

Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian Ron Paula Ron

55 Rare Plants Rare Table 9 — Rare plants known from the upper Androscoggin watershed

Scientific name1 Common Name # of sites2 Rank3 Status4 Habitat Scientific name1 Common Name # of sites2 Rank3 Status4 Habitat NH ME G NH ME NH ME NH ME G NH ME NH ME Adiantum aleuticum Aleutian maidenhair fern 1 G5? x S1 E Ultramafic rocky summits Hierochloe alpina Alpine sweet grass 2/2 2 G5 S2 S1 T Alpine Agrostis (borealis) (mertensii) Boreal bentgrass 0/4 1 G5 S3 S2 T Alpine Hippuris vulgaris Common mare's-tail 1/1 G5 S3 S3 T SC Quiet water Allium tricoccum Wild leek 1 G5 c S3 SC Rich woods Huperzia appalachiana Appalachian fir clubmoss 2 G4G5 c S2 SC Damp rocks and barrens Arctostaphylos alpina Alpine bearberry 0/1 G5 S1 S1 T T Alpine at high elevations (Arenaria groenlandica) (Minuarta groenlandica) Mountain sandwort 6 G5 c S3 SC Alpine/subalpine bare rock and gravel Impatiens pallida Pale jewel-weed 10 G5 c S2 SC Rich wet woods Arnica lanceolata Arnica 1/1 G3 S1 S2 T T Alpine Juncus stygius var americanus Moor rush 1/0 G5T5 S1 S2 SC Calcareous peatlands (Aster crenifolius var arcuans) Leafy-bracted aster 0/1 G5T4T5 SH c E Moist thickets, meadows and shores Liparis loeselii Loesel's twayblade 0/1 G5 S2 c T Bogs and damp woods (Symphiotrichium novi-belgii?) Listera auriculata Auricled twayblade 2/2 G3 S1 S1 E T Alluvial banks and alder swamps Betula glandulosa Dwarf birch 0/1 G5 S1 S1 T E Alpine Listera convallarioides Lily-leaved twayblade 2/0 G5 S2 c T Moist woods, swamps and fens Betula minor Small birch 1/2 G3G4Q S1S2 S1 E Alpine Listera cordata Heart-leaved twayblade 1/4 G5 S2 c T Moist woods and bogs Calamagrostis pickeringii Pickering's reed bent-grass 2/0 G4 S2S3 S1 T T Acidic peatlands and wet shores Littorella uniflora American shore-grass 1 G5 x S2 SC Shallow water and wet shores Calamagrostis stricta var inexpansa Neglected reed bent-grass 0/1 G5T5 SU S1 E E Rocky shorelines and outcrops Loiseleuria procumbens Alpine azalea 1/0 G5 S2 S1 T T Alpine Callitriche heterophylla Water-starwort 1 G5 c S3 Shallow water and wet shores Luzula confusa Northern woodrush 0/1 G5 S1 S1 E T Alpine Campanula uliginosa Greater marsh-bellflower 0/1 G5 S1 c Wet meadows and shores Luzula spicata Spiked woodrush 1/4 G5 S3 S1 T T Alpine (Camptosorus rhizophyllus) Walking-fern spleenwort 0/1 G5 S1 SX E PE Moist calcareous cliffs Malaxis unifolia Green adder's-mouth 0/7 G5 S2 c T Open woods, swamps and bogs (Asplenium rhizophyllum) Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed 1/0 G5 S2 SH T PE Thickets, swamps and streambanks Cardamine bellidifolia Alpine bitter-cress 1/3 G5 S1 S1 E E Alpine Myriophyllum farwellii Farwell's milfoil 0/1 G5 SH c T Ponds and slow streams Carex atratiformis Black sedge 1 G5 S1 S2 SC Calcareous mountain seeps and river Osmorhiza (chilensis) (berteroi) Mountain sweet-cicely 0/6 G5 SH c E T Rich woods banks Oxyria digyna Mountain sorrel 1/0 G5 S1 x T Alpine Carex baileyi Bailey's sedge 0/1 G4 S1S2 S1? T SC Wooded swamps Panax quinquefolius Ginseng 0/1 4 G3G4 S2 S2 T E Rich woods Carex bigelowii Bigelow's sedge 3/2 3 G5 S3 S2 SC Alpine Paronychia argyrocoma var albimontana Silverling 5 G4T3Q S3 S1 T T Bare rock and gravel of mountain tops Carex capillaris Hair-like (capillary) sedge 0/1 1 G5 S1 S1S2 T T Calcareous wet habitats and riverbanks Carex capitata ssp arctogena Head-like sedge 0/1 G5T4? S1 x T Acidic rocky or gravelly soil Petasites frigidus var palmatus Sweet coltsfoot 0/1 G5T5 S1 c E Moist meadows and swamps Carex chordorrhiza Creeping sedge 1/0 G5 S1 c Peatlands Phleum alpinum Alpine timothy 1/0 G5 S2 S1 T T Alpine Carex diandra Lesser panicled sedge 1/0 G5 S1 c E Calcareous peatlands and meadows Phyllodoce caerulea Mountain-heath 2/0 G5 S2 S1 T T Alpine Carex eburnea Ebony sedge 1 G5 S1 S1 E E Calcareous cliffs and rivershores Pinus banksiana Jack pine 2/1 G5 S1S2 c T Rocky shores and ledges Carex exilis Meagre sedge 1/0 G5 S1 c T Peatlands Poa fernaldiana Wavy bluegrass 0/4 G5?T3 S2S3 S1 E E Alpine Carex livida Livid sedge 1/0 1 G5T5 S1 S2 SC Calcareous peatlands Poa glauca White bluegrass 0/3 G5 S2S3 SH T SC Dry calcareous rocky or gravelly areas Carex norvegica Intermediate sedge 1 G5T5? x S1 E Calcareous cliffs Poa pratensis ssp alpigena Alpine meadow grass 0/1 G5T5 SH x E Alpine Carex sparganioides Bur-reed sedge 1 G5 S1 S1 E E Rich woods (Polygonum viviparum) (Persicaria vivipara) Viviparous knotweed; 1/1 G5 S1 S1 T E Alpine Carex tenuiflora Sparse-flowered sedge 1 G5 x S2 SC Calcareous peatlands alpine bistort 56 Carex umbellata Hidden sedge 0/3 G5 SU c E Dry woods and clearings Potamogeton confervoides Alga-like pondweed 1 G4 c S3 SC Cold acidic ponds 57 Carex Wiegandii Wiegand's sedge 1 G3 S1S2 S3 T SC Forested peatlands Potamogeton nodosus Knotty pondweed 0/1 G5 S2 c Streams and ponds (Cassiope hypnoides) (Harrimanella hypnoides) Moss bell-heather 1/2 G5 S2 S1 T T Alpine Prenanthes boottii Boott's rattlesnake-root 2/0 G2 S1 S1 T E Alpine Castilleja septentrionalis Pale painted-cup 1/2 G5 S1 S3 T SC Alpine Prenanthes serpentaria Gall-of-the-earth 0/1 G5 SH x Dry woods and barrens Clematis occidentalis Purple clematis 1 G5T5 c S2 SC Calcareous rocky slopes and open woods Pyrola asarifolia Pink wintergreen 2/2 G5 S2 c E SC Rich cold woods Coeloglossum viride ssp bracteatum Green-bracted orchis 1/0 G5T5 S3 c Rich woods and meadows Rhododendron lapponicum Lapland rosebay 2/0 G5 S2 S1 T Alpine Cynoglossum (boreale) Hound's-tongue; 0/1 1 G5T4 S1 S1 E E Rich woods Rubus chamaemorus Baked apple-berry; cloudberry 2/0 G5 S1S2 c E Alpine (virginianum var boreale) northern wild comfrey Sagittaria cuneata Wapato 0/3 G5 SH c T Shallow water and muddy shores Cypripedium arietinum Ram's-head lady's-slipper 0/1 G3 S1 S1 E E Damp or mossy woods or bogs Salix herbacea Dwarf willow 1/1 G5 S1S2 S1 T T Alpine Cypripedium parviflorum Small yellow lady's-slipper 0/1 G5 S1 c E Moist woods, fens and wet shores Salix pellita Satin willow 0/4 G5 S1 c T Damp thickets and wet shores Cypripedium pubescens Large yellow lady's-slipper 0/1 G5 S2 c T Rich woods Salix planifolia Tea-leaved willow 2/0 G5 S2 S1 T T Alpine (Deschampsia atropurpurea) Mountain hairgrass 1/0 G5 S2 SH PE Alpine Salix uva-ursi Bearberry willow 3/0 G5 S2S3 S1 T Alpine (Vahlodea atropurpurea) Saxifraga rivularis Alpine brook saxifrage 0/1 G5? S1 x E Alpine Diapensia lapponica Lapland diapensia 4/3 5 G5 S3 S2 T SC Alpine Senecio pauperculus Dwarf ragwort 0/1 G5 S2 c T Rocky streambanks; Dicentra canadensis Squirrel-corn 3 G5 S2S3 S1 T T Rich woods ledges and meadows Draba (lanceolata) (cana) Lance-leaved draba 1/0 G3G5 S1 S1 E E Calcareous cliffs and slopes Silene acaulis var exscapa Moss campion 1/2 G5T5 S1 SX T PE Alpine Dryopteris filix-mas Male fern 1 G5 x S1 E Calcareous ledges and rocky woods Solidago calcicola Rock goldenrod 0/2 G4G5Q SH HYB PE Calcareous cliffs Dryopteris fragrans Fragrant fern 3/3 2 G5 S1 S2 T SC Calcareous cliffs and rocky slopes Solidago (cutleri) (multiradiata) Cutler's goldenrod 2/0 1 G5T4 S3 S2 T T Alpine Dryopteris goldiana Goldie's fern 2/1 4 G4 S2 S2 T SC Rich woods Sparganium androcladum Branching bur-reed 0/1 G4G5 SH c Muddy shores and shallow water Eleocharis (pauciflora var fernaldii) (quinqueflora) Few-flowered spike-rush 1/0 G5T?Q S1 S1 E E Calcareous shores and fens Spiranthes casei Case's lady's-tresses 0/1 G4 S1 x E Dry bluffs and sandy places Empetrum (atropurpureum) Purple crowberry 6/3 G5 S2 c T Alpine Vaccinium boreale Alpine blueberry 4/1 2 G4 S3 S1S2 T Alpine (eamesii ssp atropurpureum) Veronica wormskjoldii Alpine speedwell 1/0 G4G5 S1 S1 E E Alpine Epilobium ciliatum Ciliated willow-herb 1/4 G5 S2 c T Wet rocks and springy areas Viola canadensis Tall white violet; Canada violet 1 G5 c S1 E Rich woods Epilobium hornemannii Hornemann willow-herb 4/4 G5 S2 S1 T E Alpine Viola nephrophylla Kidney-leaved violet 0/1 G5 S2 c T Calcareous fens and ledges Equisetum palustre Marsh horsetail 0/1 G5 S1 c T Swamps, meadows and streambanks Viola palustris Alpine marsh violet 0/1 G5 S2 S1 T E Alpine Equisetum pratense Meadow horsetail 0/1 G5 S2 c T Moist woods Woodsia glabella Smooth woodsia 1/1 1 G5 S1 S1 E T Calcareous cliffs Equisetum variegatum Variegated horsetail 0/1 G5 S2 c SC Damp (often calcarous) shores and bogs Euphrasia oakesii Oakes' eyebright 0/1 G4 S1 S1 E E Alpine Festuca (rubra var prolifera) (prolifera) Proliferous fescue; 1/0 G5T4 S1 S1 E E Alpine Footnotes arctic red fescue 1 Because of revisions to botanical nomenclature, some species are referred to by different names in New Hampshire and Maine. In these cases, the first entry is the name used Galium kamtschaticum Boreal bedstraw 1/0 G4 S2 S2 SC Rich cool woods and streamsides in New Hampshire and the second the name used in Maine. Geocaulon lividum Northern comandra 1/3 4 G5 S2 S2 T SC Alpine or peatlands 2 For New Hampshire, the first number represents records more than 20 years old; the second number represents sites where the plant has been confirmed to be present since Geranium carolinianum var confertiflorum Carolina cranesbill 1/0 G5T5 SH c E Rocky woods and dry fields 1982. For Maine, all records are less than 20 years old. 3 Geum peckii Mountain avens 4/1 G2 S2 x T Alpine See Appendix C for a full explanation of global and state ranks. An entry of “x” indicates that the species is not known from that state; an entry of “c” indicates that it is present in the state but not considered rare (though it may be uncommon). (Gnaphalium supinum) (Omalotheca supinum) Mountain cudweed 0/1 G5 S1 S1 E E Alpine 4 Legal status of the plant in the state: E – Endangered, T – Threatened, SC – Special Concern (rare but not currently listed as Threatened or Endangered), PE – Possibly Hackelia deflexa var americana Beggar's-lice 0/1 G5TU S1 S1 E E Rich bluffs and rocky woods Extirpated (not documented in the state within the last 20 years). There are no plant species listed as Threatened or Endangered by the federal government known from the Hieracium robinsonii Robinson's hawkweed 1/0 G2 S1 SH E PE Rich bluffs and rocky woods upper Androscoggin watershed.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Umbagog nearly fivefold. The only true reservoirs in the Watersheds Lakes & Rivers region are Aziscohos Lake (which did not exist until the A watershed is an area of the landscape in which all narrow Magalloway River valley was dammed in 1911) water drains to a common point. The upper and Pontook Reservoir (created when the first dam at Androscoggin watershed as defined for this atlas includes Lakes and rivers join with the mountains Table 10. Largest lakes in the upper that site was built in 1909). all lands from which water drains to the Androscoggin and forests to shape the ecological, economic and cultur- Androscoggin watershed During the 1980s the states conducted assessments River at its confluence with the Webb River in Dixfield, al landscape of the upper Androscoggin watershed. Few of their lakes and rivers to better understand the impor- Maine. However, every watershed is made up of many Lakes & Lakes Rivers areas in the eastern United States possess the combina- Name Size (acres) tant resource values associated with them. Maine evalu- smaller watersheds; those of small headwater streams may tion of large lakes and high mountains that are found in Mooselookmeguntic Lake 14,100 ated both lakes and rivers; New Hampshire assessed be only a few tens of acres in size. At a larger scale, all this region. Lake Umbagog 7,850 rivers but not lakes. The purpose of these projects was to rivers draining into the Atlantic Ocean between Cape Cod For thousands of years these waters have supported Aziscohos Lake 6,700 guide state planning agencies in making decisions about and the Bay of Fundy are considered part of the Gulf of the lives of the people who lived here. For native people Rangeley Lake 6,000 the use and management of the region’s waters. The Maine watershed. Understanding the extent of the water- they served as the primary transportation routes, as well Upper Richardson Lake 4,200 evaluations took similar (though not identical) approach- shed of a particular water body is important for making as supplying much of their food. For early settlers they Lower Richardson Lake 2,900 es, rating the significance of lakes and rivers in a range of well-informed land use decisions. Any activity that alters also provided food and travel routes, as well as water Cupsuptic Lake 2,200 resource categories—areas such as fisheries, scenic quali- the flow of water in a watershed, or which creates sedi- power for early mills. As the towns grew the lakes and Webb (Weld) Lake 2,200 ty, wildlife habitat, historic and cultural values, and ment or pollution, has the potential to impact the waters rivers provided a means to transport logs and generate Kennebago Lake 1,700 recreational opportunities. The rankings in the individ- draining that watershed. electricity, as well as an attraction for the growing tourist Ellis (Roxbury) Pond 920 ual categories were then combined into a single overall The upper Androscoggin watershed may be divid- industry. For much of human history they also provided Parmachenee Lake 910 rating showing the composite value of each river and ed into over 20 sub-watersheds (Map 30, page 62). Some the primary source of drinking water. In addition, lakes Beaver Mountain Lake 540 lake. of these are quite large—the Magalloway River drains and rivers are critical to the survival of many species of Sturtevant Pond 520 Class A rivers14 and Class 1A lakes are the “gems” nearly 300 square miles, whereas the Pleasant River wildlife. Unfortunately, over time they also came to Pond in the River 510 of the landscape, with high value for many resources. In drains just 25 square miles. Also, these subunits show serve as the primary means of disposing of industrial and Maine, only 5% or the river and stream miles and only only drainage directly into the named feature. The full human wastes. However, with the success of pollution 7% of the lakes received this rating. With the exception watershed of any lake or river includes all upstream control efforts over recent decades, the region’s waters which flows about 90 miles from Lake Umbagog to of Lake Umbagog, the large lakes of the Rangeley Lakes watersheds as well—the full watershed of have once again become an invaluable source of scenic Dixfield, Maine (about half its total length of 177 miles), chain were all rated Class 1A (Map 28). Umbagog was Mooselookmeguntic Lake, for example, also includes beauty, recreational opportunity and wildlife habitat. to the Rangeley River, extending barely one mile rated 1B only because many of the most important fea- 58 The most obvious aquatic features of the region are between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic lakes. tures (such as extensive wetlands) lie on the New 59 the Androscoggin River itself and the large lakes of the With two exceptions, the lakes of the region are Hampshire side of the lake and were not considered in Rangeley Lakes chain. However, within the upper natural features, though they have been significantly the Maine lakes study; if it lay entirely in Maine it cer- Androscoggin watershed lie over 100 “great ponds” expanded by damming. The construction of dams in the tainly would have been rated 1A as well. (lakes over 10 acres in size), nearly 450 miles of named 1800s raised the levels of the Rangeley Lakes between The Swift Diamond, Dead Diamond, rivers, and about 3,000 of miles of mapped perennial and four and nine feet, joining the previously separate Upper Androscoggin and Magalloway rivers in New intermittent streams. Fourteen lakes exceed 500 acres in and Lower Richardson lakes and Mooselookmeguntic Hampshire, and the Kennebago River in Maine were all size (Table 10). Rivers range from the Androscoggin, and Cupsuptic lakes, and expanding the size of Lake rated Class A or B. The rivers in New Hampshire are not necessarily of higher value—the results indicate the differences between the rivers studies in the two states. The value of the Androscoggin River does not change simply because it crosses a state border. However, rivers were evaluated relative to other rivers in each state. Because more of New Hampshire’s rivers have been affected by human activity, the wilder rivers of the north country are especially valuable to that state. Even if rivers and lakes did not rank at the top of the list for overall value, many are important in particular categories. Map 29 (page 60) shows rivers and lakes con- sidered outstanding or significant for fisheries, ecological or wildlife habitat values, scenic or recreational values, or undeveloped character (rivers only). Of particular note are the Dead Diamond and Swift Diamond rivers, which were rated outstanding in several categories. They lie in Upper Andro watershed a watershed that is almost totally undeveloped and repre- 1A lakes/A rivers Bruce Clendenning Bruce sent the most natural river system in the state. 1B lakes/B rivers Map 28 — Class 1A and 1B lakes (Maine) and Class A and B rivers (Maine and New Hampshire) 14 The ratings assigned by the state rivers studies should not be These represent the features with the highest overall confused with water quality rankings, which use similar letter resource value as rated by state studies. More than 100 lakes and ponds are found throughout the upper watershed designations.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club the watersheds of Rangeley Lake and the Cupsuptic and Kennebago rivers.

Riparian Areas Riparian areas are transitional zones along the shores of streams, rivers and lakes—places that influence, and are influenced by, the presence of open water. They are an especially important part of the landscape. Riparian areas (and the wetlands that are often part of them) are Lakes & Lakes Rivers used by over 90% of the region’s wildlife species. In addition to serving as travel corridors (much as they did for native people and early settlers), they are the primary habitat for species such as belted kingfisher, mink and otter. They protect aquatic habitats by stabilizing banks, filtering sediment and pollutants from upslope areas, and shading streams. Leaves and insects falling from over- hanging vegetation is an important part of the food chain of small streams and rivers, and larger logs create pools and ripples. Large trees in these areas are the primary

nesting sites for bald eagles, osprey, heron, wood ducks Clendenning Bruce and mergansers. Many rare plants are associated with streamside wetlands and forests. In addition, they are criti- A) Inland B) Ecological/ cal scenic areas—the places most obvious to fishermen, fisheries wildlife value canoers, and other recreational users of lakes and rivers. There are many ways to define riparian areas. Based on vegetation, they can range from narrow bands of alder Magalloway River 60 brush a few feet wide to extensive floodplain forest and 61 wetland complexes. Along smaller streams there may be no distinctive riparian vegetation outside of the stream have changed dramatically, and the fishery has declined channel itself. Riparian areas can also be defined by func- dramatically from its historical abundance. Blueback tion they serve. A single tree height may be all that is trout were declared extinct from the Rangeley Lakes in needed to shade a stream, and water quality can be pro- 1905, the victim of overfishing and competition from tected by buffers 50 to 100 feet wide, but wildlife habitat introduced species. Fluctuating lake and river levels associated with larger lakes and rivers can extend hun- caused by dam operations altered aquatic habitat and dreds of yards into adjacent upland forests. blocked passage to tributary streams used for spawning by Riparian areas along the region’s major rivers have brook trout. Numerous species have been introduced to recovered from the damage caused by the pounding of the region’s waters, often by fishermen or state agencies millions of logs during the days of the river drives. Today seeking to establish new opportunities for fishing. foresters and land managers are increasingly recognizing Today, of the 30 or so species of fish found in the the need to better protect these ecologically critical areas. upper Androscoggin watershed, over one-quarter are Some are going beyond state regulations designed to pro- exotic species, including many of the most important tect only water quality, and are delineating broader ripar- game species. Landlocked salmon were introduced to the ian “special management” zones in which harvesting uses Rangeley Lakes in 1875 and were the primary game a lighter touch to maintain mature forests and protect species by the early 1900s. Rainbow and brown trout, their full range of values. smallmouth bass, and rainbow smelt are species that were not native to Maine and New Hampshire but which have been introduced to the region’s waters. Lake trout, yel- Fishing low perch and alewife are native to other parts of both Fish have always been an important part of the states but have been introduced into the Rangeley Lakes. C) Scenic/ D) Undeveloped Androscoggin landscape—the name itself refers to the As with many other aspects of the region’s ecologi- recreational character abundance of fish in the river. They formed an important cal systems, fish populations are now governed as much value (rivers only) part of the diet of native people and early settlers, and by human decisions as by natural processes. Population were one of the early attractions bringing tourists to the levels of many species are controlled by fishing regula- Map 29 — Lakes and rivers ranked as Upper Androscoggin watershed area. Anecdotal records from the 1800s show that it was tions and stocking, and dam operations determine the common for fisherman to catch dozens of brook and quality of important components of aquatic habitat. outstanding or significant in various resource Lakes and rivers rated outstanding categories by state studies blueback trout a day, some exceeding 10 pounds. Lakes and rivers rated significant Fishing is still an important recreational use of the upper Androscoggin region. However, fish populations

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Wildlife Wildlife

When people are asked what they most value about nature, wildlife is often at the top of this list. For most people, wildlife means large charismatic animals such as bear, moose and eagle. For others it means game species—deer or grouse. However, in the broader sense, wildlife includes all types of animals, from large mam-

Lakes & Lakes Rivers Magalloway River Kennebago mals to the most obscure insect. Cupsuptic River About 287 species of terrestrial vertebrates (mam- River mals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) are found in Maine or New Hampshire15. Of these, about 232 may poten- tially be found in the upper Androscoggin watershed (Appendix D)—16 amphibians, 10 reptiles, 51 mammals, Mooselookmeguntic and 155 birds. About three-quarters of these are relative- Dead Rangeley ly common. However, nearly 60 are at least somewhat Diamond & Lake Swift Lake rare—either listed as Threatened or Endangered by state Diamond or federal wildlife agencies, or ranked as S1, S2 or S3 or Rivers tracked as a species of special concern by state natural Clendenning Bruce heritage programs16 (Table 11, page 67). A few (such as lynx and golden eagle) are rarely seen in the area. Undoubtedly the most geographically restricted is the Richardson American pipit, a species common in the arctic but in Lake Lake our region found only on the uppermost slopes of Umbagog Swift Mount Washington and Mount Katahdin. Young moose River 62 Each species has its own niche or set of habitat con- 63 Upper ditions that it needs to survive. Many common species within these broad habitats their needs may be quite spe- Androscoggin Tributaries are generalists that use a wide range of habitats. Others are cific. For example, wood frogs breed only in vernal pools Ellis Webb more habitat-specific, requiring particular forest types or (small depressions in the forest that hold water only in Dead River River Cambridge age classes, certain types of wetlands, the presence of the early summer), and brown creeper constructs its nest River open water, particular features such a large trees with under loose flaps of bark on recently dead trees. cavities, or the presence of particular food sources. Milk snake (Map 31b) - a habitat generalist that is Bear River Researchers at the University of Maine, working at the northern edge of its range in the upper with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Gap Analysis Androscoggin watershed. Program, have developed potential habitat maps for all Boreal chickadee (Map 31c) - a softwood forest Sunday River species in the state based on detailed land cover maps and specialist at the southern limit of its range. information on each species’ geographical range. (Similar Beaver (Map 31d) - a riparian specialist found maps have been developed for New Hampshire, but they along streams and lakeshores. Many species (including Middle Androscoggin Tributaries are much more general in their delineation of potential mink, river otter, wood duck and merganser) have simi- habitat). These maps give an indication of where particu- lar distributions. Moose lar species may be found, though whether a species is Red-winged blackbird (Map 31e) - though com- River actually found in a particular area will depend on local mon and widespread, this bird is found only in non- Pleasant Wild River conditions (such as forest age class, the presence of suit- forested areas such as marshes, shrub swamps and grass- Peabody River River able nest trees, etc.). A few examples are presented lands. here17: White-winged crossbill (Map 31f) - a softwood Black bear (Map 31a) - a true generalist using a forest specialist; both the white-winged and the less wide variety of habitats throughout the region. The common red crossbill feed only on the seeds of conifer- e Hampshire New maps for many other species show a similar pattern, but ous trees such as spruce and pine. Their populations may

Maine rise and fall dramatically with the availability of this food Upper Androscoggin watershed source. 15 This includes only species that breed here; dozens of other Palm warbler (Map 31g) - despite its name, this Subwatershed boundaries birds are winter residents or commonly seen during spring and fall migration. habitat specialist is one of the northernmost warblers, breeding in shrubby northern bogs. Map 30 — Sub-watersheds of the upper Androscoggin watershed 16 See Appendix C for an explanations of S-ranks. Bicknell’s thrush (Map 31h) - one of our most Red arrows show where water flows out of each subwatershed. habitat-limited species, found only in stunted high-ele- 17 See Appendix A for sources of more detailed information on all of the region’s wildlife species. Continued on page 67

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Wildlife

NH ME NH ME NH ME NH ME A) Black bear B) Milk snake E) Red-winged blackbird F) White-winged crossbill 64 65

NH ME NH ME NH ME NH ME

C) Boreal chickadee D) Beaver G) Palm warbler H) Bicknell’s thrush

Map 31 — Potential habitat for selected Upper Androscoggin watershed species in the Maine portion of the upper Potential habitat (Maine only) Androscoggin River watershed

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club vation spruce-fir forests. concern in some areas). “Wildlife management” now Ghosts of the Past In pre-settlement times the distribution of species means more than providing deer for hunters. Foresters was mostly under the control of natural forces, though and land managers realize that the future of the region’s native people did affect habitat in some areas. Over the wildlife is in their hands. Sustainable forest management Wildlife last two centuries, however, human activities have now focuses less on maintaining the flow of timber and replaced natural disturbances as the primary force shap- more on the condition of the forest, to ensure that the ing wildlife habitat. The extensive clearing of land for full range of habitat conditions are being maintained. agriculture caused a decline in forest species and a large The establishment of wilderness areas and ecological increase in species using grasslands and shrubby habitats reserves over time will allow the restoration of old (though this had less affect on the upper Androscoggin growth forest habitat that is favored by many species. watershed than areas farther south). Unregulated hunting The upper Androscoggin watershed and other large and trapping greatly reduced the numbers of deer, undeveloped forest areas are especially important to the moose, bear, beaver, marten and other species. region’s wildlife. Many areas to the south have been so Development along rivers and lakes has reduced the heavily developed that wildlife is limited to species that availability of critical riparian habitat. Timber harvesting can co-exist with humans in a fragmented landscape. reduced the amount of old forest and increased habitat The extensive forests of northern New England are for species using younger or more open forests. among the few places in the east where large landscapes In many ways, prospects for the region’s wildlife can be managed in a way that maintains all native have improved. The regrowth of abandoned agricultural species. land has allowed many forest-based species to recover (to the point where maintaining sufficient open habitat is a

Table 11 — Rare or special concern animals of the upper Androscoggin watershed

RANK1 LEGAL STATUS2 RANK1 LEGAL STATUS2 Species NH ME G NH ME Fed. Species NH ME G NH ME Fed. 66 Historic range 67 Mammals Birds (continued) Range in 1974 Eastern small-footed myotis S1 S1 G3 E Sora S3 S3 G5 Northern long-eared myotis S3 S4 G4 Long-eared owl SU SU G5 Eastern pipistrelle SU SU G5 Common nighthawk S2 S4 G5 T Rock vole S4 S3 G5 Whip-poor-will S3 S4 G5 W Woodland vole S4 S1 G5 Three-toed woodpecker S1 S3 G5 T Northern bog lemming SH S1 G5 T C Black-backed woodpecker S3S4 S4 G5 Map 32 — Historic and current range of the gray wolf Pine marten S2 S5 G5 T Horned lark S3 S3S4 G5 Canada lynx S1 S2 G5 E T Cliff swallow S5 S5 G5 W Gray wolf SX SX G4 E Gray jay S3S4 S5 G5 Three large mammal species that were once ings give a hint that they may be present in low num- Eastern cougar SH SUSX G4 E Tufted titmouse S5 S3 G5 widespread across northern New England have been bers, but there is little evidence of a permanent breed- Blue-gray gnatcatcher S4 S2 G5 extirpated from the region: ing population. Birds Eastern bluebird S4 S3 G5 Bicknell’s thrush S2S3 S4 G5 The eastern timber wolf (a subspecies of the gray Woodland caribou once ranged across the north- Common loon S3 S4 G5 T Pied-billed grebe S1 S4 G5 E Brown thrasher S3 S5 G5 wolf) was considered a threat by early settlers and ern United States and were an important part of the American bittern S3 S3 G4 American (water) pipit S1 S1 G5 E active persecution eliminated it from New England by diet of native people of the region. Over-hunting Great blue heron (rookery) S4 S4 G5 Yellow-throated vireo S4 S3 G5 the mid-1800s. Though they are well-established in eliminated them from the region by the early 1900s. Green-winged teal S3 S5 G5 Philadelphia vireo S3 S4 G5 the upper Great Lakes states, the closest population to Today the closest population is in Quebec’s Gaspe Blue-winged teal S3 S4 G5 Tennessee warbler S3 S5 G5 Cape May warbler S3 S5 G5 the upper Androscoggin watershed lies north of the Peninsula. An attempt to reintroduce the species to Ring-necked duck S3 S5 G5 Common goldeneye S3 S5 G5 Palm warbler S3 S4 G5 St. Lawrence River in Quebec. The U.S. Fish and central Maine in the 1980s was unsuccessful. Red-breasted merganser NP S2 G5 Wilson’s warbler S3 S4 G5 Wildlife Service has identified large areas of Maine Wolves and cougar played a critical ecological Osprey S2 S4S5 G5 T Field sparrow S3 S5 G5 (extending into northern New Hampshire) as suitable role in the region. Their function as large carnivores Bald eagle S1 S4 G4 E E T Vesper sparrow S2S3 S3 G5 habitat, and wolves could become re-established here, has only partially been filled by black bear, bobcat, Golden eagle SH S1 G4 E E Eastern meadowlark S3 S4 G5 Rusty blackbird S2 S5 G5 though the St. Lawrence River valley presents a con- lynx and coyote, all of which feed primarily on smaller Northern harrier S2 S3 G5 E Cooper’s hawk S2 S3 G4 T siderable obstacle to their migration. Whether wolves animals. As long as large areas of northern New Northern goshawk S4 S3 G4 Reptiles and Amphibians should be actively re-introduced has been a subject of England remain as relatively remote, contiguous, Red-shouldered hawk S4 S3 G5 Spring salamander S4 S3 G5 considerable (and often contentious) public debate. undeveloped forest, their return to the area (through Merlin S3 S2 G4 Northern leopard frog S3 S3 G5 The eastern cougar (also known as the cata- either natural recolonization or active re-introduction) Peregrine falcon S1 S1 G4 E E E Wood turtle S3 S4 G4 Eastern ribbon snake S5 S3 G5 mount or mountain lion) was also eliminated by hunt- will remain a possibility. The limiting factor is not the Spruce grouse S3S4 S5 G5 Virginia rail S4 S4 G5 ing and trapping by the late 1800s. Though the species condition of the habitat, but the increasing human originally extended as far south as Tennessee, its cur- presence in the region, and our willingness to share 1 rent status in the east is unknown. Occasional sight- the land with these magnificent creatures. See Appendix C for an explanation of S-ranks. Ranks for birds refer to breeding status. NP - not known to be present. 2 E - Endangered; T - Threatened; C - Candidate for listing; W - Special Concern.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Timber Harvesting “The first cut was for long logs, fifty- six feet in length. The next was for spruce, For two hundred years timber harvesting forests were depleted and the Great Depression reduced fir, and pine with a minimum stump diame- has shaped the landscape of the upper Androscoggin demand for wood products. However, with the econom- ter of fourteen inches, breast high. Then it watershed. While the impacts of development and dam- ic boom that followed World War II harvesting in the building are more intense, timber harvesting affects more maturing forests of the region picked up. Foresters began was cut for four-foot pulpwood of spruce, of the watershed than any other use. to apply principles of silviculture that were first intro- fir, and poplar, at a nine-inch stump diame- The technology of harvesting has changed consid- duced into this country from Germany in the early Timber Harvesting erably since the early years. Crosscut saws and hand axes, 1990s, and timber was increasingly managed as a crop. ter. The next cutting was for old-growth horse skidding and river drives were the norm until the “Logging” had become “forest management”, though maple and yellow and white birch for fur- Great Depression of the 1930s. Around the time of the focus was first and foremost on timber, and “sustain- niture making, at a stump diameter of over World War II, chainsaws replaced axes, motorized skid- ability” meant sustaining the flow of wood products. ders replaced horses, and hauling by truck replaced the However, despite the theoretical goal of creating a sus- twelve inches. Finally all species of hard- river drives. (The last long-log drive on the tainable even flow of timber, harvesting continued to be wood and softwood with a stump diame- Androscoggin took place in 1937, though driving of driven primarily by economic demand and the condition pulpwood continued until 1963.) Today a network of of the forest. ter of eight inches or over were cut for logging roads reaches into every corner of the forest. The last half century has seen a continuing trend of four-foot pulpwood.” Even chainsaws are disappearing, as more and more har- both increasing timber volume and increasing harvest vesting is done with mechanized harvesting machines. levels. The region may now be at a turning point, where —Robert E. Pike in Tall Trees, Tough Men (1967), describing David PublicoverDavid Over the same period the philosophy of land man- harvests have finally caught up to growth. Data from the progression of logging on Dartmouth’s Second College agement has also changed. To early settlers, the forest periodic inventories conducted by the U.S. Forest Grant between 1887 and 1937. was something to be cleared for other uses. The early Service show that across northern New Hampshire and timber barons gave no thought to sustainability—the western Maine18, total timber volume increased nearly old-growth forests were a resource to be mined, and 20% between the early 1970s and the early 1980s (con- when the timber was gone they simply moved on to tinuing a decades-long trend), but changed little between land managers now realize their job includes more than Shelterwood harvest 68 other areas. Even as land came into long-term ownership the early 1980s and the mid 1990s. Harvesting of soft- growing trees—it means identifying and protecting eco- 69 of paper companies and families, the forests were not woods has been particularly heavy. Across Coos and logically sensitive areas and ensuring that the full range of an appropriate balance can be struck between the “eco- truly managed—they were simply allowed to regrow Franklin counties, the volume of red spruce and balsam biological diversity is being conserved. Ecologically- nomically rational” and the “ecologically sustainable”— until the trees were once again large enough to harvest. fir growing stock19 declined by about one-third over the minded foresters are turning to a more “naturalistic” whether the region has left behind the boom and bust Following the boom years from the mid-1800s to last inventory period. While some of the heavy harvest- style of management, using natural patterns of distur- cycles and entered a period of true economic and eco- the early 1900s, harvesting in the region declined as the ing of balsam fir was salvage of tree killed by spruce bud- bance as guide to harvesting, with the goal of maintain- logical sustainability, or whether economic forces will worm, the epidemic had run its course by the mid- ing a forest that more closely resembles the composition continue to push the region toward another round of 1980s. Harvest of red spruce (which is less affected by and structure of the natural forest. There is little overharvesting and depletion. budworm) was also very heavy. Much of the heavy har- question that the practice of forestry vest of spruce and fir during this period was due to the has improved considerably over the regional shortage of softwood timber created by the epi- past 20 years. demic. While the volume of hardwoods increased some- On the other hand, commercial what, the total volume of growing stock declined nearly forest landowners are now part of a 10% over this period, showing the rapid changes in the global economy. In this highly com- forest that timber harvesting can cause. petitive environment, the corporations Today the management of the region’s forests is and investor groups that own about being driven by two opposing forces. On the one hand, 60% of the upper watershed are under forestry is making the transition from managing timber strong pressure to meet the financial to truly managing forests. “Sustainability” means more expectations of shareholders. Advances than just maintaining the flow of wood—it means main- in harvesting and wood processing taining all aspects of the forest ecosystem. This change is technology are allowing trees to be being driven by both an increasing public concern about harvested at ever-younger ages. From the ecological impacts of timber harvesting and increased a purely economic perspective, there is scientific understanding of forest ecology. Foresters and little incentive to grow large trees or maintain mature, high volume stands of timber, though these are critical Clendenning Bruce 18 Carroll, Grafton and Coos counties in New Hampshire and components of a healthy forest ecosys- Franklin and Oxford counties in Maine. tem. The influence of these two 19 Trees large than 5” in diameter at breast height suitable for opposing forces will to a large degree Bruce Clendenning use as sawtimber or pulpwood. determine the future of the region’s Timber harvesting forests. It remains to be seen whether Clearcut

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club 70 Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River WatershedRiver Androscoggin Upper the of Atlas Ecological Shoreline Development rivers were not considered separately—if one side was side one separately—if considered notwere rivers of sides two the First, ways. of couple a in development lakes.Aziscohos and Richardson,Umbagog Mooselookmeguntic, Kennebago, of portions along are shoreline undeveloped of extensiveareas most The road. logging a by paralleled are watershed upper the in rivers other the of another.Most or degree one to developed been Lake,havealso Mooselookmeguntic of shore eastern the Lakeand Rangeley as well as Maine, Bethel, downstreamof tributaries the of Most centuries. twofor settlement human of location primary the been has this as surprising, not is This developed. considered was Hampshire New Milan, downstreamof Natural: Natural/roaded: Natural/highway: Developed: 20 33 (Map classes four into grouped lakeswere and rivers major of shorelines values. nic sce- for consideration with designed not if areas these of quality scenic the degrade also may Development tants. pollu- of range wide a contribute can fields and town highways, from runoff and construction), proper with controlled be can this (though rivers and streams to ment sedi- of source primary the are roads Logging corridors. travel and habitat wildlife riparian degrades or eliminates structures and roads of Construction ways. many in tems homes. vacation and camps recreational of development the for sites prime Lakeshoresare roads. logging and highways towns, cities, of construction the for sites mary pri- Valleythe lakeshorelines. are bottomsand river near land is affected most been has that area One widespread. are development of impacts the uses, other to verted con- land the of percent few a only with forested,heavily remains region However, the place. though wild even a is watershed Androscoggin upper the UnitedStates, developed. See Appendix A for details about how this information was information this how about details for A Appendix See 1 vate logging road within within road logging vate improvedpri- or road public secondary a with but tion mile. tion but with a state or federal highway within within highway federal or state a with but tion buildings. of clusters or lands agricultural cities, and / 4 mile. The map overemphasizes the level of riverbank of level overemphasizes the map The River Androscoggin the of length the of Most Compared to other areas in the eastern the in areas other to Compared To illustrate the extent of this development, the development, this of extent To the illustrate ecosys- region’s the affected has development This shorelines without roads or development within development or roads without shorelines shorelines within within shorelines shorelines surrounded by natural vegeta- natural by surrounded shorelines shorelines surrounded by natural vegeta- natural by surrounded shorelines 20 Shoreline Development ShorelineDevelopment ): 1 / 1 4 / 4 mile. mile of developed townsdeveloped of mile 1 / 4 Mooselookmeguntic Lake to the left. the Laketo Mooselookmeguntic and right, center,the upper Laketo Rangeley in is Maine Oquossoc, Mountain. Bald around developmentshorelineshowing image Satellite Bethel and Rumford/Mexico. and Bethel Berlin/Gorham, suchas centers town or city through passes river the where places to limited are River Androscoggin the of areas developedHeavily oped. undevel-relatively is zone shoreline actual the areas these In buffer.forested a by river the from separated fields or settlements rural low-density contains developed as shown shoreline the muchof itself, Androscoggin the along even Second, here. shown than gories cate- developed less into fall wouldmany separately ered consid- were banks two the if side; one only along ment develop- or haveroads rivers Many roaded. or developed considered was segment entire that roaded or developed

© 2001 CNES, Licensed by SPOT Image Corp. Image SPOT by Licensed CNES, 2001 © © 2002 Delorme (www.delorme.com); Delorme 2002 © semi-natural character. semi-natural a retaining itself corridor river the with settlements), small and (fields uses rural low-intensity of consists ment develop- this proximity.of close much in However,haveroadsitself, not Androscoggin do the shorelines on even few lakeshores,and and rivers to close located been has watershed upper the in development most Historically developmentShoreline — 33 Map Shoreline development Shoreline

Developed Natural/Highway Natural/Roaded Natural watershed Androscoggin Upper

e Hampshire New Maine Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Appalachian 71 reduces the deposition of nutrient-rich sediments in process. Today the granting of these licenses must con-

Dams Dams floodplain areas; instead these sediments settle out in still sider recreational uses, fish and wildlife habitat, and aes- waters impounded behind the dams. thetics along with power generation. Dam operators may Recently, dams like the Edwards Dam on the be required to install fish passageways or allow sufficient Kennebec River have been removed because the envi- flows to maintain aquatic habitat. For example, opera- ronmental and economic costs of maintaining them were tion of the Errol dam must keep the water level in Lake greater than the benefits they provided. For the foresee- Umbagog from fluctuating during the loon breeding able future the major dams of the Androscoggin water- season. While these actions do not eliminate the impacts shed will be part of the landscape. However, the lakes created by dams, they are helping to mitigate some of the and rivers used as a free power source by the dam owners most damaging effects. are a publicly-owned resource, and therefore most dams in the region must operate under licenses granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Many of the original licenses were granted over a half century ago, and most large dams in the watershed have either recently been re-licensed or are in the re-licensing

Upper Androscoggin watershed Dams Flow Status Highly regulated Dammed; unregulated

KenKimball Free-flowing

72 Pontook dam on the upper Androscoggin River 73

Building dams was one of the earliest ways affects aquatic and riparian ecosystems. They block the in which settlers to the Androscoggin region exerted movement of resident and migratory fish, and the their influence over the natural landscape. The first dam impounded waters can flood out spawning habitat, trap at the outlet of Rangeley Lake was built in 1836, and pollutants and heat up the water causing the loss of over the next 75 years the large lakes and the essential dissolved oxygen. These dams change the natu- Androscoggin River itself were brought under human ral patterns of river flows and lake levels, which may control. Today the Androscoggin River is considered affect both spawning fish and breeding waterfowl. one of the most highly regulated rivers in the United Runoff from spring rains and snowmelt, and increased Map 34 — States, its flow controlled by water released from the runoff in the fall when transpiration by trees stops, is Major dams headwater storage reservoirs—the man-made Aziscohos captured in the reservoirs, reducing natural spring and The Androscoggin Lake and the natural but expanded Richardson, fall riverflows by 20 to 46%. During the naturally low is one of the most Mooselookmeguntic and Umbagog lakes. flow periods of late summer and the cold of winter, the highly regulated rivers in the Water leaving Big Island Pond at the head of the reservoirs release their stored water, increasing the natu- United States, Kennebago River will pass over or through 17 dams by ral riverflow by 28 to 54%. The result is an unnatural with its flow con- the time it leaves Rumford (Map 34), with another 12 year-round steady-state flow in the Androscoggin River. trolled by releases between Rumford and Merrymeeting Bay. Other dams To maintain this flow, reservoir levels can fluctuate dra- from the large lie at the outlets of Kennebago, Rangeley and Aziscohos matically—up to 45 feet on Aziscohos Lake. storage reservoirs lakes. The headwater storage dams have flooded over Water diverted through side channels or penstocks in the Rangeley 11,000 acres, and about 45% of the Androscoggin to power electric turbines can leave the natural riverbed Lakes chain. River’s length has been converted to slow-moving with minimal water or nearly dry. The Pontook Dam, impoundments. for example, diverts water out of the natural riverbed for The dams have provided a wide range of benefits. over two miles. By controlling flooding, the dams have For over a century they enabled the driving of logs, they also altered the composition of riparian wetlands and limit damage from devastating floods, and they provide diminished floodplain forests. Today’s riverside wetlands electric power for paper mills and towns. The total have lost species dependent on periodic flooding and hydroelectric generating capacity in the upper watershed gained aquatic bed wetlands in the riverine impound- Hampshire New Maine is about 100 megawatts, or about 2.5 to 3% of the total ments. Conversely, the large drawdowns in the headwa- electrical demand on an average summer day across ter storage reservoirs have diminished wetland diversity; Maine and New Hampshire. these areas are now dominated by facultative wetland However, the construction of dams also severely species that can survive dewatering. Flood control also

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Water Quality

As late as 1970, the Androscoggin was It does not break down but accumulates in the envi- considered one of the most polluted rivers in the United ronment. Though some mercury is naturally pres- States. Described as “too thick to paddle, to thin to ent, the primary sources are coal-burning power Water Quality Water plow,” it was a well-landscaped sewer that darkened the plants and municipal trash incinerators. Because paint on nearby buildings and threatened the health of Maine and New Hampshire lie downwind of most anyone unlucky enough to fall into it. major mercury sources, the levels of mercury in the As manufacturing and industry evolved in the late region’s lakes and rivers are among the highest in 1880s, the river was used not only as a log transportation North America. Both states maintain advisories system and as a source of power, but also to dispose of applicable to all lakes and rivers recommending lim- industrial and domestic sewage. Most destructive was the ited consumption of fish due to high mercury levels. introduction of the sulphite pulping process in the Unfortunately the headwater reservoirs and lakes, papermaking business and the subsequent discharge of whose levels are manipulated to store water for untreated wastewater. During the river driving days, downstream use, may be acting as traps for this mer- thousands of pulp logs also sank to become embedded in cury and providing the right conditions for bacteria the riverbed. The construction of dams resulted in the to convert inorganic mercury to the much more impoundment of water, increasing the water temperature toxic form of methyl mercury that accumulates as it and lowering oxygen levels in the water, reducing the moves up the food chain. Loons on Aziscohos Lake river’s ability to decompose organic waste. The cumula- and Lake Umbagog have been found to have very tive impact of the dams and waste discharges came at the high levels of mercury. Bruce Clendenning expense of aquatic life, including elimination by the 1880s of the Atlantic salmon that had migrated annually “Non-point source” pollution: Pollution that does Beaver pond in the upper Androscoggin River watershed as far upstream as the Rumford Falls in Maine. People not arise from a single source (such as a factory or were also were affected by the odor of “rotten eggs” sewer pipe), but rather comes from sources broadly 74 emanating from the river. In contrast, the river upstream dispersed across the landscape, can be difficult to roads, particularly logging and skid roads. While monitoring programs and are taking steps to ensure that 75 of Berlin, New Hampshire remained quite clean and has control. In undeveloped areas the major concern is proper road construction and maintenance can min- water quality meets the standards that have been set. long been a haven for fishermen, canoers, and campers. sediment, which comes primarily from unpaved imize erosion of sediment to streams, heavy rains or In New Hampshire, most waters (with the excep- Many of the nation’s rivers suffered similar fates blockage of drainage structures can occasionally tion of public drinking water supplies) are Class B. In until the passage of the federal Clean Water Act of 1972 cause “washouts”, leading to large inputs of sedi- Maine, the Cupsuptic, Kennebago, Rapid and Bear that put an end to untreated point source pollution. This ment. In agricultural areas below Bethel, movement rivers are Class AA, the Androscoggin River (between was paralleled by the infusion of millions of federal dol- of bacteria, sediment, fertilizer and pesticides to the New Hampshire border and Rumford) and the lars to subsidize the construction of municipal waste- rivers and lakes is a concern, and in developed areas lower portion of the Swift River are Class B, and the water treatment plants. Today all of the major industrial road salt, bacteria, heavy metals, toxic chemicals Androscoggin River downstream of Rumford is Class C. discharges are treated and there are four municipal such as oil and cleaning fluids, and trash can all be All other rivers in Maine’s upper Androscoggin water- wastewater treatment plants in the upper watershed (at transported to nearby waters. Today non-point shed are Class A. Berlin, Gorham, Bethel and Rumford/Mexico). Many source pollution is the nation’s largest water quality States also maintain lists of “water-quality old-timers have a difficult time accepting how clean the problem and the upper Androscoggin is not exempt impaired” rivers and lakes. Most waters that have been river is today. The river once again supports fish, bald from it. assessed are not impaired and meet the desired goals of eagles and osprey and much of it is clean enough for being swimmable and fishable. The exceptions are the swimming and boating. However, some outstanding Both New Hampshire and Maine have classified mercury advisory that applies to all lakes and rivers, and water quality issues still remain, including: rivers based on desired water quality and allowable uses. the dioxin advisory on the Androscoggin River down- New Hampshire has two classes (A and B) that apply to stream of Berlin. In addition, both Aziscohos and Dioxin: Dioxins are a family of chemicals that have a both lakes and rivers. Maine has four classes (AA, A, B Richardson lakes are considered impaired due to habitat wide range of adverse effects on human health. The and C) that apply to rivers and one (GPA) that applies to concerns. However, this is not related to water quality primary source in our region is dioxin created as a all lakes and ponds. The higher the classification, the but the large fluctuations in lake levels that result from byproduct of chlorine-based pulp and paper bleach- more stringent are the water quality goals and standards. operation of the dams. ing. Though changes in papermaking processes at Maine’s Class AA rivers are considered outstanding nat- the Berlin and Rumford mills have greatly reduced ural resources where the goal is to maintain water quality (and will eventually eliminate) dioxin releases to the parameters at natural levels, whereas Class C allows the

river, dioxin levels in fish remain a concern, and Hennin Simon greatest degree of change to water quality. Discharge of both Maine and New Hampshire recommend treated wastewater is prohibited in New Hampshire against eating any fish caught in the river from Class A and Maine Class AA waters but allowed for all Berlin to Merrymeeting Bay. other classes. However, the goal for all classes in both states is to maintain water that is swimmable, fishable, Mercury: Mercury is a toxic metal that is especially Great blue heron suitable for drinking after treatment, and which supports dangerous for pregnant women and young children. aquatic life. The states have implemented water quality

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Land Conservation

Land conservation means different things timber liquidated and the land subdivided for develop- to different people. At the most basic level it means ment. Over the past three decades, state and federal agen- ensuring that forests remain forests, so that they can con- cies and private organizations such as The Nature tinue to provide traditional uses such as timber manage- Conservancy and the Society for the Protection of New ment, wildlife habitat, and recreation. For some it means Hampshire Forests have protected many places with high a stronger level of protection, up to permanent designa- scenic, recreational or ecological value. Connecticut Lakes MBPL

Land Conservation Headwaters Bigelow tion as wilderness or ecological reserve that allows the For many years the primary tool of land protection Preserve area to be restored to a relatively natural condition. was outright purchase. However, over the last 30 years Pingree The land conservation movement in the United the use of conservation easements has become common. Forest States arose in the late 19th century—the time of Teddy An easement is a legal arrangement under which a Partnership Roosevelt, John Muir and Gifford Pinchot. Their efforts landowner retains ownership of the land as well as certain (PFP) led to the establishment of the National Forest and rights (such as the ability to harvest timber), but sells or National Park systems. The movement reached New donates other rights (such as the right to subdivide or Redington Base England with the establishment of the White Mountain develop the land) to a conservation agency or organiza- (US Navy) National Forest in the early 1900s, when people began to tion. Easements are permanent and stay with the land MBPL Richardson recognize that unconstrained logging was damaging even if the original owner sells it. They are primarily Unit places that people valued for other reasons. More recent- intended to limit development, but may include other ly, the effects of undesired change throughout the region provisions as well (such as a requirement to allow public have become evident. Where once shoreline develop- recreational access, or limitations on how timber man- PFP ment meant rustic camps owned by local residents, year- agement may be done). Easements are a valuable tool for round vacation homes now dot many lakeshores. keeping forest land in private ownership but preventing Lake Woodlots owned by families for many decades have been its conversion to other uses. Umbagog NWR Mount Blue sold to pay the costs of retirement, college tuition, med- Today about one-quarter of the upper State Park ical bills or estate taxes; many of these lots have had the Androscoggin watershed is under some form of conser- 76 Nash 77 vation protection (Map 35), including over 200,000 acres Stream owned by public agencies or private conservation groups State PFP and about 165,000 acres covered by conservation ease- Forest ment. These include:

White Mountain National Forest - established in 1911, the forest today encompasses nearly 750,000 MBPL Mahoosuc Unit/ acres, including about 103,000 in the Androscoggin Grafton Notch State watershed. The land is managed for a range of uses Park including timber harvesting, wilderness, recreation and WMNF wildlife habitat. Appalachian Trail - though construction of the trail was begun in the 1920s, it was not designated a National Scenic Trail until 1968. Much of the trail in the watershed lies on larger public land units, with the Pond of Safety rest protected by a narrow corridor owned by the National Park Service. White Mountain National Forest Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands - in the 1970s and Great Gulf Upper Androscoggin watershed Wilderness 1980s, the consolidation of “public reserve”21 lands Appalachian Trail throughout Maine led to the creation of the Mahoosuc Caribou/ Presidential- Speckled Mountain Conservation lands Unit (27,253 acres) and the Richardson Unit (22,208 Dry River Wilderness Federal lands acres). Wilderness Hampshire New State or town lands Maine Private conservation lands 21 These were small lots reserved for public use when town- Conservation easement ships were first surveyed in the 1800s. It was intended that Natural areas they would serve as town commons and sites for schools and churches when these areas were settled. However, many of these townships were never settled, and the lots remained as Map 35 — Land Conservation Marny Marny Ashburne forgotten and undesignated pieces held in common ownership Today about 25% of the land in the upper Androscoggin watershed has some form of conservation protection. Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge with other landowners until rediscovered and consolidated into a few larger public tracts.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge - The sell 25,000 acres in the Connecticut Lakes region to Wilderness and Ecological Reserves refuge was designated in 1992 to protect the critical the state, and re-sell 146,000 acres covered by a con- Well-managed timberlands provide many values wetlands and wildlife habitats around the lake. To date servation easement (including over 46,000 acres in the besides wood products, including habitat for most nearly 19,000 acres within the refuge boundary have Androscoggin watershed) to a private timberland man- wildlife species and opportunities for many types of been conserved. agement company. recreation. However, there are some values that are best Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust - since 1991 this provided by lands that are left alone—places where natu- non-profit land trust has conserved over 10,000 acres Land conservation efforts are continuing across the ral forces rather than human manipulations shape the and 20 miles of shoreline in the Rangeley Lakes region. While the threats faced by the north country are landscape. Wilderness and ecological reserve are terms used to region. These lands are now protected by a combina- less severe than in more rapidly-growing areas to the describe land permanently set aside as natural areas. tion of public ownership, RLHT ownership, and con- south, the region is not immune to change. Improved These lands allow for the restoration of the complex old- servation easements. road access is making remote areas more attractive to growth forest habitat that is favored by many species. Pingree Forest Partnership - in 2001 the non-profit people seeking refuge from the hectic pace of urban life. They provide the opportunity for scientific study of the New England Forestry Foundation purchased a con- Economic pressures are increasing on both large and workings of natural ecosystems, as well as a comparison

Land Conservation servation easement that will prohibit future develop- small forestland owners, creating incentives for overhar- for studying the effects of human management. They ment on over 750,000 acres of land owned by Maine’s vesting or subdivision. Today local citizens and officials, provide opportunities for backcountry recreation and for Pingree family, including over 110,000 acres in the public agencies, land trusts, landowners and conservation the types of education and spiritual renewal that can only upper Androscoggin watershed. organizations are working to shape a landscape that be provided by natural areas. They serve as an “ecological Pond of Safety - in 2001 the Trust for Public Land maintains the ecological, economic and social values of insurance policy,” ensuring that unappreciated aspects of helped protect over 12,000 acres along the divide the region’s forests and waters. The region has the biodiversity are not lost through ignorance. In addition, between the Androscoggin and Connecticut river opportunity for land conservation at a scale (and a price) visitors attracted to these natural areas are an important watersheds in Randolph, New Hampshire. About that is now out of the reach of more heavily developed part of the region’s tourist economy. 2,000 acres were added to the White Mountain areas. Land purchases by public agencies and non-profit Several areas within the upper Androscoggin water- National Forest, and over 10,000 acres were purchased organizations are helping protect the most ecologically, shed have been designated as various types of natural by the town for management as a town forest. recreationally and scenically significant areas, and conser- area. These lands generally allow low-impact recreational Connecticut Lakes Headwaters - in 2002 vation easements are maintaining large areas of open use (such as hiking, hunting and fishing) but prohibit International Paper sold 171,000 acres in northern space and ensuring that timber management takes a timber harvesting, road construction, or motorized trav- New Hampshire (the state’s largest private ownership) long-term sustainable approach. el.22 They include the Great Gulf and Caribou/Speckled 78 to the non-profit Trust for Public Land. TPL will re- Mountain Wilderness Areas on the White Mountain 79 National Forest, Maine’s Grafton Notch and Mount Blue State Parks, an ecological reserve established on MBPL’s Mahoosuc Unit, a “forever wild” easement held by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust on a tract along the lower Kennebago River, and the Appalachian Trail corridor (though this is primarily a scenic buffer). These areas total around 43,000 acres, or about 3% of the land area of the upper watershed, and none is larger than 12,000

acres. Other areas (including large parts of the White Clendenning Bruce Mountain National Forest) are also managed as natural area without being officially designated as such, though in total these amount to no more than another 5% of the upper watershed. Establishing a comprehensive system of ecological reserves that encompass the full diversity of the region’s Old growth has been almost totally eliminated in landscape is a goal of both ecologists and resource man- the East. Establishment of wilderness areas and agement agencies in Maine and New Hampshire. ecological reserves will allow old stands like the Determining the extent and distribution of reserve areas, one shown here to be restored to the landscape. and striking the appropriate balance between reserves and managed timberlands, is one of the most significant issues facing conservation planners. KenKimball

22 Some of these areas (such as state parks) may contain roads open for public use, and some may allow snowmobile use on 13 Mile Woods along the Androscoggin River is protected from development established trails.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club in a few miles of the river. Just as the current landscape has been shaped by Afterword The upper watershed is in some ways a land of con- decisions made over the past two hundred years, so deci- tradictions. On the one hand, this is a relatively wild and sions being made today will shape the landscape that citi- natural landscape. Human settlements cover but a few zens inhabit a century from now. In 1787, as he emerged

Afterword percent of the land, and its vast forests still support most from the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin wildlife species native to the region. On the other hand, was asked what the convention had given the American it is a landscape that is thoroughly dominated by humans. people. “A republic, if you can keep it”, he replied. The large lakes and the Androscoggin River have been Much the same could be said about the upper tamed by dams, their levels and flows determined more Androscoggin River watershed. We have been given a by human decisions than by natural patterns of rain and productive and beautiful landscape—if we can keep it. snowmelt. Populations of deer, moose, bear and other game species are controlled by wildlife managers. The largest carnivores—wolf, cougar and lynx—as well as caribou and blueback trout were long ago eliminated from the region. A network of logging roads reaches into the remotest corners of the watershed. And the forests themselves have been changed. They are much younger and less complex than those encountered by the first set- tlers, with a greater proportion of hardwoods and early- successional species. The large trees that were once com- mon (the two foot diameter spruce, the three foot diame- ter maple, birch and hemlock, the four foot diameter white pine) have been almost totally eliminated. Today the age, structure and composition of the region’s forests are to a large degree determined by the decisions of foresters and landowners. Larger forces beyond the control of local residents are also shaping the landscape. The ever-growing human

80 PublicoverDavid 81 population and the globalization of the economy are put- ting previously unknown pressures on landowners, local communities and the natural landscape. Deposition of acidic compounds in precipitation (sulfate from the burning of coal, nitrate from automobile exhausts) has The sun sets on Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge depleted the soil of essential calcium and reduced the cold tolerance of spruce at high elevations. But the most significant impacts may come from changes in the global From the wetlands of Lake Umbagog to the tourists have shared this landscape. Here lie the north- climate caused primarily by burning fossil fuels. These alpine areas of the Presidential Range, from the unpopu- ernmost settlements in the watershed—Rangeley, will affect the region in ways that scientists are just begin- lated headwaters of the Magalloway River to the historic Oquossoc, Wilson’s Mills, Wentworth’s Location, and ning to understand. Over the next century it is likely that mill towns of Berlin and Rumford, the upper Errol. red spruce, sugar maple and other northern species will Androscoggin River watershed is a special place. It has Next comes the most rugged part of the water- decline across the region, replaced by species of warmer absorbed the worst that uncontrolled human use can do shed—the high peaks of the White Mountains and the climates such as pine, oak and hickory. Cold-water fish to it—the massive liquidation of its vast old-growth Mahoosuc Range, stretching to the northeast across species such as brook trout will also suffer as the climate forests, the thoughtless pollution of the Androscoggin Bemis and Elephant Mountains to Saddleback and warms. River—and now stands at the brink of a new era. beyond. Traversed by the Appalachian Trail, this is a land There is much to celebrate in the region. There is a The landscape of the upper watershed can be of steep slopes, tough rock, and thin acidic soils. growing awareness that both economic prosperity and thought of as five distinct regions, each with its own eco- South of these mountains lies the foothills region of the quality of life in the upper Androscoggin watershed logical and cultural character. At the head of the water- the middle Androscoggin valley, stretching from Bethel are intimately tied to the health and sustainable manage- shed lie the northern tributaries—the Swift Diamond, to Dixfield. This is a transition zone between the north- ment of the natural landscape. The Androscoggin River Dead Diamond, Magalloway, Cupsuptic and Kennebago ern and southern parts of the Androscoggin watershed. has recovered from the damage caused by log driving and rivers. It is an area of long winters, low mountains, and Many species more common to the south reach the pollution. The management of the region’s forests and

slaty soils, where northern species such as white spruce, northern limit of their range in this part of the water- the operation of the region’s dams are taking a more KozlowJ. Robert balsam poplar and boreal chickadee drop south from shed. Here settlement and agriculture have been more environmentally sensitive approach. Action is being taken Canada. Almost entirely unpopulated, this part of the widespread, and it is the only part of the upper watershed to conserve open space and undeveloped shorelines for watershed is controlled by five large landowners. where most of the land lies in organized towns. both ecological and economic reasons, and recent conser- Below that lie the large lakes—Rangeley, Finally there is the Androscoggin River itself, for vation projects have protected large areas of the upper Mooselookmeguntic, Cupsuptic, Richardson, Aziscohos 10,000 years the focus of human activity in the region. watershed. The establishment of wilderness areas and and Umbagog—lying in a broad valley underlain by Even today, of the approximately 40,000 people who call ecological reserves will over time allow old-growth Alpine flowers bloom in the Presidential Range eroded granitic plutons. For 150 years loggers and the upper watershed their home, perhaps 85% live with- forests to be restored to parts of the landscape.

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Introduction Data website (http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/prism/prism- Ecological Land Classification Natural Communities The delineation of the upper Androscoggin River water- data.html). Digital data on ecoregions at the Division, Domain and The primary sources of information on natural commu- shed was based on 1:24,000 scale digital watershed data Section level was obtained from the U.S. Forest Service nities are the state agencies charged with maintaining infor- obtained from the Maine Office of Geographic Information Geology Ecoregions web site (http://www.fs.fed.us/institute/ecol- mation on the states’ biodiversity: Systems (MEGIS) and the University of New Hampshire Bedrock geology was derived from digital bedrock geol- ink.html). Detailed descriptions of the ecoregional units to Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP): Complex Systems Research Institute GRANIT database ogy data for Maine and New Hampshire obtained from the Section level can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/insti- http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mnap/home.htm (GRANIT). The lower Androscoggin River watershed and MEGIS and GRANIT. Assignment of geological formations to tute/ecoregions/ecoreg1_home.html. New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory (NHNHI): the watersheds shown in Map 2 were derived from U.S. the broad classes shown in Maps 10, 11 and 12 was based Ecoregion data at the Subsection level and Ecological http://www.nhdfl.org/formgt/nhiweb/

Appendix A Geological Survey (USGS) 1:2,000,000 scale digital hydro- on the interpretation of this data and other information by Land Unit data was provided by The Nature Conservancy’s Information on natural communities was derived from logic unit data obtained from the USGS National Atlas web- AMC. Eastern Conservation Science office in Boston, MA. natural community guides under development by MNAP and site (http://nationalatlas.gov). Delineation of glaciofluvial deposits (Map 13) was based Grouping of ELUs as shown on Map 22 represents AMC’s NHNHI that were provided to AMC in draft form: Base data appearing in Map 1 and many subsequent on U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil consolidation of a larger number of ELU groups developed • Gawlor, Susan C. Natural Community Keys and Profiles maps, including lakes, rivers, state and town boundaries, and Geographic Database (STATSGO) data. This map shows by TNC. (December 2001 draft). Maine Natural Areas Program, highways, were derived from USGS 1:100,000 scale Digital major soils groups that developed in glaciofluvial sediments. Augusta, ME. Line Graph data. Selection of features to include in the maps The description of the geologic history of the upper Forests • Sperduto, Daniel D. Natural Communities of New was made by AMC. Androscoggin River watershed was developed from a wide The list of tree species shown in Appendix C was Hampshire: A Guide and Classification (November Topographic representation (Maps 1 and 6) was range of sources. However, the primary sources were: derived from species range maps in the following sources: 2000 draft). New Hampshire Natural Heritage derived from U.S. Geological Survey 30-meter resolution • Campbell, D.W. 1998. Roadside Geology of Maine. • Fowells, H.A. 1965. Silvics of Forest Trees of the United Inventory, Concord, NH. Digital Elevation Model data. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula, MT. States. U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture Major roads (Map 3) shows all roads coded as “high- • Van Diver, Bradford B. 1987. Roadside Geology of Handbook No. 271. Washington, D.C. and from four publications currently available on the ways” in USGS 1:100,000 DLG data. Vermont and New Hampshire. Mountain Press • Preston, Richard J. Jr. 1976. North American Trees, 3rd NHNHI website (http://www.nhdfl.org/formgt/nhiweb/ Population density (Map 4) was derived from U.S. Publishing Company, Missoula, MT. edition. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA. reports.htm): Census Bureau 2000 census data. • Stearn, Colin W., Robert L. Carroll and Thomas H. • Sperduto, Daniel D. and Katherine F. Crowley. 2001. Land use (Map 5) was derived from U.S. Environmental Clark. 1979. Geologic Evolution of North America. John Information on the distribution of species (Table 3) and Overview of Natural Communities in New Hampshire. Protection Agency Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Wiley & Sons, New York, NY. forest types (Table 5) was derived from periodic statewide • Sperduto, Daniel D. and Katherine F. Crowley. 2001. (MRLC) data (http://www.epa.gov/mrlc/). • Marvinney, Robert G. and Woodrow B. Thompson. forest inventories conducted by the U.S. Forest Service Key to Upland Forest Communities in New Hampshire. 2000. A Geologic History of Maine. Maine Department Forest Inventory and Analysis Program. Much of this infor- • Sperduto, Daniel D. 2000. A Classification of Wetland 82 Land Use History of Conservation, Geologic Survey website mation is available in the following publications: Natural Communities in New Hampshire. 83 Information on land use history was derived from a (http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/pubedinf/fact- • Frieswyk, Thomas S. and Richard H. Widmann. 2000. • Nichols, William F., Joann M. Hoy and Daniel D. wide variety of sources. However, the three main sources sht/ bedrock/megeol.htm) Forest Statistics for New Hampshire: 1983 and 1997. Sperduto. 2001. Open Riparian Communities and were: Resource Bulletin NE-146. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Riparian Complexes in New Hampshire. • Jones, Page Helms. 1975. Evolution of a Valley: the Topography Northeast Forest Experiment Station, Newtown Androscoggin Story. Phoenix Publishing, Canaan, NH. Topographic information (including elevation, slope and Square, PA. Alpine Ecosystems (A fairly complete historical treatment of entire region, shaded relief) was derived from U.S. Geological Survey 30- • Frieswyk, Thomas S. and Anne M. Malley. 1985. Forest Natural communities of the alpine zone of the with emphasis on river industrial pollution and clean-up.) meter resolution Digital Elevation Model data. Slope was Statistics for New Hampshire: 1973 and 1983. Presidential Range were mapped by AMC researchers in the • Wight, D.B. 1967. The Androscoggin River Valley: developed using ArcView Spatial Analyst slope calculation Resource Bulletin NE-88. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, mid-1990s. Information on this project can be found in the Gateway to the White Mountains. Charles E. Tuttle Co., function. Broomall, PA. paper “Alpine Vegetation Communities and the Alpine- Inc. Rutland, VT. (A thorough treatment of early settle- • Griffin, Douglas M. and Carol L. Alerich. 1996. Forest Treeline Ecotone Boundary in New England as Biomonitors ment history.) Soils Statistics for Maine, 1995. Resource Bulletin NE-135. for Climate Change” available from AMC or at • Shirrefs, Herbert P. 1995. The Richardson Lakes: Jewels Information on soils in the region was derived from U.S. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Northeast Forest Experiment http://www.wilderness.net/pubs/science1999/Volume3/ in the Rangeley Chain. Bethel Historical Society, Bethel, Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Station, Radnor, PA. Kimball_3-13.pdf. ME. (A thorough historical account of Richardson Lake Geographic Database (STATSGO) data. Assignment of soil • Powell, Douglas S and David R. Dickson. 1984. Forest More general information on the alpine zone can be area with emphasis on recreation/tourism history.) mapping units to the broad groups shown in Map 16 was Statistics for Maine: 1971 and 1982. Resource Bulletin found in: based on soil type keys available on the Natural Resource NE-81. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Broomall, PA. • Slack, Nancy G. and Allison W. Bell. 1995. Field Guide Climate Conservation Service web sites for Maine and New to the New England Alpine Summits. Appalachian Monthly temperature and precipitation data for Hampshire. Some information was derived from customized tables Mountain Club, Boston, MA. Lewiston, Bethel, Errol and Pittsburg was obtained from the The STATSGO data show soils mapped at a very broad developed using the on-line FIA information retrieval system web site of The Weather Channel: (http://www. level. More detailed soils maps may be found in Natural at http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/4801/fiadb/index.htm Rare Plants weather.com/weather/climatology/monthly/[enter zip Resource Conservation Service county-level soil surveys. Information on land cover (Map 23 and Table 4) was Information on the total number of plants in Maine and code]). This data is interpolated from records for official Surveys for Coos County, NH and Franklin and Oxford derived from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Multi- New Hampshire was taken from: weather stations maintained by the National Climatic Data Counties, ME are currently being updated. To check on the Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) data • Gawlor, Susan C., John J. Albright, Peter D. Vickery and Center. Complete data from NCDC for these towns were availability of these surveys, and for additional information (http://www.epa.gov/mrlc/). Frances C. Smith. 1996. Biological Diversity in Maine. not available, however, the available data closely matches on soils, contact the NRCS county offices or visit the NRCS Maine Natural Areas Program, Augusta, ME. that obtained from The Weather Channel. state web sites: Wetlands • Vascular Plants of New Hampshire. List available from Precipitation data (Map 9) was derived from state-level New Hampshire: http://www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/Soil_ Information on the distribution of wetlands was derived NHNHI at http://www.nhdfl.org/formgt/ precipitation model data obtained from the U.S. Natural Data/index.htm from digital wetlands data obtained from the U.S. Fish and nhiweb/Documents/ w_flora.pdf. Notes, Sources Notes, & Additional Information Resources Conservation Service Climate Maps and Digital Maine: http://me.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/ maine%20 Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory program soil%20survey.htm (http://www.nwi.fws.gov/). Information on all rare plants in Maine and New

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Hampshire was taken from: Department, Concord, NH. patterns was obtained from U.S. Forest Service Forest Androscoggin river watershed (Map 34) was developed • NHNHI Plant Tracking List: http://www.nhdfl.org/ • Draft Application for Original License and Draft Inventory and Analysis data (see Forests, above). from several sources, including USGS 1:100,000 Digital Line formgt/nhiweb/Documents/w_plantT.pdf. Environmental Assessment for the Upper and Middle Descriptions of the historical development of the tim- Graph hydrology data; Delorme Atlases for Maine and New • Maine’s Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants: Dams Storage Project. Union Water Power Company, ber industry may be found in: Hampshire; “Hydropower Projects in Maine” (Maine http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mnap/fact- Lewiston, ME, 1999. • Rolde, Neil. 2001. The Interrupted Forest: A History Department of Environmental Protection, June 2000); and sheets/snameindex.htm (detailed fact sheets for many • Perry, John H. 1997. Historic Fisheries Timeline for the of Maine’s Wildlands. Tilbury House Publishers, numerous documents filed with the Federal Energy of the plants on the list are available through this link). Upper and Middle Dams Storage Project. Prepared for Gardiner, ME. Regulatory Commission related to licensing applications for Union Water Power Company by E/Pro Engineering • Pike, Robert E. 1967. Tall Trees, Tough Men. W.W. various projects within the region. Appendix A Lists of all records of rare plants known from the and Environmental Consulting. Norton & Company, New York, NY. upper Androscoggin River watershed were provided to • Irland, Lloyd C. 1999. The Northeast’s Changing Water Quality AMC by NHNHI and MNAP. Wildlife Forest. Harvard University Press, Petersham, MA. Information on the water quality classification of Information on wildlife species occurring in Maine and Maine’s rivers and lakes was obtained from The Maine Lakes and Rivers New Hampshire was derived from the list of wildlife species Many books have recently been published on emerging Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Land Representation of lakes and rivers was derived from occurring in New Hampshire obtained from New concepts of sustainable forestry. The most relevant for this and Water Quality (see http://www.state.me.us/dep/ USGS 1:100,000 scale Digital Line Graph data. Selection of Hampshire Fish and Game Department web site region are: blwq/class.htm; click on the link for “The Blue Book” for a features to include in the maps was made by AMC. (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Nongame/species_list. • Good Forestry in the Granite State: Recommended summary document on Maine standards). Information on the ratings of rivers was taken from the htm) and the following source: Voluntary Forest Management Practices for New Information on water quality in New Hampshire was following studies. • Gawlor, Susan C., John J. Albright, Peter D. Vickery and Hampshire. New Hampshire Division of Forests and obtained from the New Hampshire Department of • Maine Rivers Study. Maine Department of Frances C. Smith. 1996. Biological Diversity in Maine. Lands and the Society for the Protection of New Environmental Services Watershed Management Bureau Conservation, Augusta, ME, 1982. Maine Natural Areas Program, Augusta, ME. Hampshire Forests, Concord, NH, 1997. 2000 Section 305(b) water quality report (see http:// • New Hampshire River Protection and Energy • Biodiversity in the Forests of Maine: Guidelines for www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/wqsac/). Development Project Final Report. New England Rivers The list of wildlife species occurring in the upper Land Management. University of Maine Cooperative Center, Boston, MA, 1983. Androscoggin River watershed (Appendix D) and the indi- Extension Bulletin No. 7147, Orono, ME, 1999. Land Conservation vidual species range maps (Map 31) were developed using • Forestry for the Future. Northern Forest Alliance, Delineation of conservation lands (Map 35) in Maine The two studies took similar but not identical potential habitat maps developed by the Cooperative Fish Montpelier, VT, 1999. and New Hampshire was based on digital conservation approaches, and the ratings of the rivers in the two states and Wildlife Research Units at the University of Maine and lands data obtained from MEGIS and GRANIT. Delineation should not be considered fully equivalent. New Hampshire the University of Vermont as part of the USGS National Shoreline Development of recent conservation projects (including Pingree Forest 84 did not assign letter rankings; rivers shown as “Class A” Gap Analysis Program (http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/ The delineation of shoreline development (Map 33) Partnership, Connecticut Lakes Headwaters, Pond of Safety, 85 (Map 28) were those listed in the “highest composite river default.htm). was developed by AMC by reference to several sources, and Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge) was devel- resource values” category. For individual resource rankings Information about rare, threatened and endangered including US EPA MRLC data (see Forests, above), USGS oped by AMC based on maps supplied by project partners. of New Hampshire rivers (Map 29), those given a rating of wildlife species (Table 11) was developed from the following 1:100,000 Digital Line Graph roads data, USGS 1:24,000 Purchase boundaries of the White Mountain National “4” (highest significance) were considered “outstanding”, and sources: quad maps, and road atlases published by Delorme, Forest and the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge those given a rating of “2” (high significance) were consid- 1) List of endangered and threatened wildlife in New Yarmouth, ME. were provided by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish ered “significant”. Those given a rating of “1” (significant) are Hampshire obtained from the New Hampshire Fish and Developed shorelines: Areas shown as being developed and Wildlife Service. Digital data showing wilderness areas not shown; by excluding these the overall depiction of river Game Department web site (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/ or in agricultural use in the MRLC data were buffered by on the White Mountain National Forest was provided by values is more comparable to the standards used in the Wildlife/Nongame/endangered_list.htm). 1/4 mile. Any shoreline falling within these buffered zones the U.S. Forest Service. Digital data showing the MBPL Maine study. 2) New Hampshire Animal Tracking List (November was labeled as developed. Additional development was iden- Mahoosuc Unit ecological reserve was provided by Maine Information on Maine lakes was taken from databases 2000 version) obtained from NHNHI. tified by searching for clusters of buildings shown on USGS Natural Areas Program. for the the Maine Wildlands Lakes Assessment and the 3) List of endangered and threatened wildlife in Maine 1:24000 quad maps. Any shorelines within 1/4 mile of Maine Lakes Study provided to AMC by the Maine Land obtained from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries these clusters were also labeled as developed. (Isolated sin- Use Regulation Commission and the Maine State Planning and Wildlife web site (http://www.state.me.us/ifw/ gle structures were not considered.) Office, as well as the following source: wildlife/endangered/spplist.htm) Natural/highway, Natural/roaded and Natural shore- • Maine’s Finest Lakes: The Results of the Maine Lakes 4) Gawlor et al. Biological Diversity in Maine. lines: Any shoreline not labelled as developed was consid- Study. Maine State Planning Office, Augusta, ME, 1989. ered to be bordered by natural vegetation. Highways and Information on the range of gray wolf (Map 32) was improved roads were selected from USGS 1:100,000 DLG Delineation of watersheds (Map 30) was based on obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest roads data. This data was compared with more up-to-date 1:24,000 scale digital watershed data obtained from MEGIS Region web site (http://midwest.fws.gov/wolf/learn/ road atlases published by Delorme and corrected as neces- and GRANIT. range.htm) sary. Highways were buffered by 1/4 mile and all undevel- Information on fish was derived from the list of wildlife The best source of comprehensive information about oped shorelines falling within thes buffered zones were species occurring in New Hampshire obtained from New the region’s wildlife is: labelled Natural/highway. Natural/roaded shorelines were Hampshire Fish and Game Department web site • DeGraaf, Richard M. and Mariko Yamasaki. 2001. New similarly identified by buffering improved roads by 1/4 (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Nongame/species_list. England Wildlife: Habitat, Natural History and mile. All remaining shorelines were considered Natural. htm) and the following sources: Distribution. University Press of New England, Shoreline segments in any category less than 1/4 mile • Gawlor, Susan C., John J. Albright, Peter D. Vickery and Hanover, NH. long were not retained as separate segments but were com- Frances C. Smith. 1996. Biological Diversity in Maine. bined with adjacent segments. Maine Natural Areas Program, Augusta, ME. Timber harvesting Notes, Sources Notes, & Additional Information • Scarola, John F. 1973. Freshwater Fishes of New Information in this section was derived from a wide Dams Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game range of sources. Data on recent growth and harvesting Information on the location of dams in the upper

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Appendix C Appendix

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME HABITAT This ranking system is used by state Natural Heritage programs to describe the rarity of plant and animal species and natural communities. Ranks describe rarity both throughout a natural community's or a species’ range (globally, or "G" rank) and within a Softwoods particular state (statewide, or "S" rank). The rarity of sub-species and varieties is indicated with a taxon ("T") rank. For example, a Eastern white pine Pinus strobus Common, more so southward; on sandy soils at lower elevations. G5T1 rank shows that the species is globally secure (G5) but the sub-species is critically imperiled (T1). Red pine Pinus resinosa Occasional; dry or rocky soils Jack pine Pinus banksiana Rare (Lake Umbagog shoreline only); dry or rocky soils; fire-dependent.

Appendix B Code Examples Description Tamarack Larix laricina Occasional, more so northward; wooded swamps and bogs. 1 G1 S1 Critically imperiled because extreme rarity (generally one to five occurrences) Red spruce Picea rubens Very common and widespread; coniferous and mixed forests and or some factor of its biology makes it particularly vulnerable to extinction. wooded swamps. White spruce Picea glauca Occasional, more so northward; upland coniferous forests. 2 G2 S2 Imperiled because rarity (generally six to 20 occurrences) or other factors Black spruce Picea mariana Occasional; wooded swamps and bogs and krummholz. demonstrably make it very vulnerable to extinction or decline. Balsam fir Abies balsamea Very common and widespread; coniferous and mixed forests and 3 G3 S3 Either very rare and local throughout its range (generally 21 to 100 occurrences), wooded swamps. or found locally (even abundantly at some of its locations) in a Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis Common, more so southward; cool acidic soils in valley bottoms restricted range, or vulnerable to extinction or decline because of other factors. and ravines. Northern whitecedar Thuja occidentalis Occasional, more so northward; rich wooded swamps and bogs, 4 G4 S4 Widespread and apparently secure, although the species may be quite rare in occasionally in upland coniferous forests. parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Common natural communities Hardwoods may be ranked S4 if examples are not adequately protected. Black willow Salix nigra Uncommon (more common southward); riverbanks and riparian forests. 5 G5 S5 Demonstrably widespread and secure, although the species may be quite rare in parts of its range, particularly at the periphery. Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides Common and widespread; an early-successional species of upland forests. U GU SU Status uncertain, but possibly in peril. More information needed. Bigtooth aspen Populus grandidentata Occasional; an early-successional species of upland forests. H GH SH Known only from historical records, but may be rediscovered. A G5SH Balsam poplar Populus balsamifera Uncommon, more common northward; low wet areas. species is widespread throughout its range (G5), but considered historical in Hophornbeam Ostrya virginiana Occasional, more so southward; rich hardwood forests. the state (SH). Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Uncommon, more common southward; moist rich hardwood 86 forests. X GX SX Believed to be extinct. May be rediscovered, but evidence indicates that this is 87 White (paper) birch Betula papyrifera Common and widespread; an early-successional species of less likely than for historical species. A G5SX species is widespread through upland forests and wooded swamps. out its range (G5), but extirpated from the state (SX). Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis Common and widespread; hardwood and mixed forests on cool moist soils. system ranking rarity Heritage Natural Gray birch Betula populifolia Occasional, more so southward; an early successional species on Modifiers are used as follows: poor soils. Heartleaf white birch Betula cordifolia Uncommon; disturbed high-elevation forests and krummholz. Code Examples Description American beech Fagus grandifolia Common and widespread; hardwood and mixed forests on drier Q G5Q GHQ Questions or problems may exist with the species' or sub-species' taxonomy, soils. so more information is needed. Northern red oak Quercus rubra Common, more so southward; hardwood and mixed forests on warm dry soils. ? G3? 3? The rank is uncertain due to insufficient information at the state or global American elm Ulmus americana Occasional; floodplain forests and wooded swamps. level, so more inventories are needed. When no rank has been proposed the Black cherry Prunus serotina Occasional, more common southward; old farmsteads and global rank may be "G?" or "G5T?" or it may be left blank. abandoned agricultural lands. Pin (fire) cherry Prunus pensylvanica Occasional; an early-successional species of burns and disturbed areas. American mountain-ash Sorbus americana Uncommon; high-elevation coniferous forests. When ranks are somewhat uncertain or the species' status appears to fall between two ranks, Sugar maple Acer saccarum Very common and widespread; hardwood and mixed forests; the ranks may be combined. For example: dominant on better soils. Red maple Acer rubrum Very common and widespread; hardwood and mixed forests and swamps. G4G5 The species may be globally secure (G5), but appears to be at some risk (G4). Silver maple Acer saccharinum Occasional; floodplain forests. Striped maple Acer pensylvanicum Common and widespread; an understory tree of hardwood and G5T2T3 The species is globally secure (G5), but the sub-species is somewhat imperiled (T2T3). mixed forests. G4?Q The species appears to be relatively secure (G4), but more information is needed to confirm this Basswood Tilia americana Uncommon, more common southward; rich hardwood forests. (?) Further, there are questions or problems with the species' taxonomy (Q). White ash Fraxinus americana Common and widespread; rich moist hardwood forests. Black ash Fraxinus nigra Occasional; floodplain forests and wooded swamps. G3G4QS1S2 The species is globally uncommon (G3G4), and there are questions about its taxonomy Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Occasional, more so southward; floodplain and riparian forests. (Q). In the state, the species is very imperiled (S1S2). Tree species of the Tree upper Androscoggin

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Amphibians Birds (continued) Birds (continued) Birds (continued) Blue-spotted salamander Ambystoma laterale Sora Porzana carolina Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina Evening grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum Killdeer Charadrius vociferus American robin Turdus migratorius Eastern newt Notophthalmus viridescens Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis Mammals Dusky salamander Desmognathus fuscus Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Masked shrew Sorex cinereus Northern two-lined Eurycea bislineata American woodcock Scolopax minor Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum Water shrew Sorex palustris

Appendix D salamander Herring gull Larus argentatus American pipit Anthus rubescens Smoky shrew Sorex fumeus Spring salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus Black tern Chlidonias niger Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Long-tailed shrew Sorex dispar Redback salamander Plethodon cinereus Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Blue-headed vireo Vireo solitarius Pygmy shrew Sorex hoyi American toad Bufo americanus Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus Yellow-throated vireo Vireo flavifrons Northern short- Blarina brevicauda Gray treefrog Hyla versicolor Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus tailed shrew Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Philadelphia vireo Vireo philadelphicus Star-nosed mole Condylura cristata Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Barred owl Strix varia Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Hairy-tailed mole Parascalops breweri Green frog Rana clamitans Long-eared owl Asio otus Tennessee warbler Vermivora peregrina Little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus Pickerel frog Rana palustris Northern saw-whet owl Aegolius acadicus Nashville warbler Vermivora ruficapilla Northern myotis Myotis septentrionalis Northern leopard frog Rana pipiens Common nighthawl Chordeiles minor Northern parula Parula americana Eastern small- Myotis leibii Mink frog Rana septentrionalis Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia footed myotis Wood frog Rana sylvatica Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Chestnut-sided warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Ruby-throated Archilochus colubris Magnolia warbler Dendroica magnolia Eastern pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus Reptiles hummingbird Cape May warbler Dendroica tigrina Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Black-throated Dendroica caerulescens Eastern red bat Lasiurus borealis Painted turtle Chrysemys picta Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius blue warbler Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus Wood turtle Clemmys insculpta Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Snowshoe hare Lepus americanus Ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus Black-throated Dendroica virens Eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus Milk snake Lampropeltis triangulum Three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus green warbler Woodchuck Marmota monax Northern water snake Nerodia sipedon Black-backed woodpecker Picoides arcticus Blackburnian warbler Dendroica fusca Eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Smooth green snake Liochlorophis vernalis Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Pine warbler Dendroica pinus Red squireel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Redbelly snake Storeria occipitomaculata Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Palm warbler Dendroica palmarum Northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus Eastern ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus Olive-sided flycathcer Contopus cooperi Bay-breasted warbler Dendroica castanea American beaver Castor canadensis Common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis Eastern wood-pewee Contopus virens Blackpoll warbler Dendroica striata Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus 88 Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris Black-and-white-warbler Mniotilta varia White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus 89 Birds (breeding only) Alder flycatcher Empidonax alnorum American redstart Setophaga ruticilla Southern red-backed vole Clethrionomys gapperi Common loon Gavia immer Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Least flycatcher Empidonax minimus Northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Rock vole Microtus chrotorrhinus American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe Mourning warbler Oporornis philadelphia Woodland vole Microtus pinetorum Great blue heron Ardea herodias Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Green heron Butorides virescens Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Wilson’s warbler Wilsonia pusilla Southern bog lemming Synaptomys cooperi Canada goose Branta canadensis Horned lark Eremophila alpestris Canada warbler Wilsonia canadensis Northern bog lemming Synaptomys borealis Wood duck Aix sponsa Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea Meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius Green-winged teal Anas crecca Northern rough- Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Woodland jumping mouse Napaeozapus insignis Mallard Anas platyrhynchos winged swallow Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Common porcupine Erethizon dorsatum American black duck Anas rubripes Bank swallow Riparia riparia Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea Coyote Canis latrans Blue-winged teal Anas discors Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Red fox Vulpes vulpes Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina Common gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula Gray jay Perisoreus canadensis Field sparrow Spizella pusilla Black bear Ursus americanus Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Common raccoon Procyon lotor Common merganser Mergus merganser American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis American marten Martes americana Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator Common raven Corvus corax Song sparrow Melospiza melodia Fisher Martes pennanti Osprey Pandion haliaetus Black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus Lincoln’s sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Ermine Mustela erminea Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Boreal chickadee Poecile hudsonicus Swamp sparrow Melospiza georgiana Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Tufted titmouse Baeolophus bicolor White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Mink Mustela vison Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Northern river otter Lutra canadensis Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii Brown creeper Certhia americana Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Lynx Lynx canadensis Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis House wren Troglodytes aedon Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Bobcat Lynx rufus Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus Golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula Moose Alces alces Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater American kestrel Falco sparverius Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula Merlin Falco columbarius Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis Purple finch Carpodacus purpureus Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Veery Catharus fuscescens Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra Spruce grouse Falcipennis canadensis Bicknell’s thrush Catharus bicknelli White-winged crossbill Loxia leucoptera Ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus Swainson’s thrush Catharus ustulatus Pine siskin Carduelis pinus Virginia rail Rallus limicola Hermint thrush Catharus guttatus American goldfinch Carduelis tristis Wildlife Wildlife species of the upper Androscoggin

Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed Appalachian Mountain Club Published by the Appalachian Mountain Club WWW.OUTDOORS.ORG

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