• • • Acknowledgments

THIS BOOKLET 1 5 THE PRODU C T OF THE WORK OF MANY individuals. While based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National W etlands Inventory (NWI), this booklet would not have been produced with­ out the support and cooperation from the U.S. Envirorunental Protection Agency (EPA). Mario Paula served as project coordinator for the wetlands inventory and D an Montella was project coordinator for the preparation of this booklet. Ralph Tiner coordinated the effort for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Data compiled from the NWI serve as the foundation for much of this rcport. Information on the wetland status for this area is the result of hard work by Glenn Smith (FWS) who photointerpreted the aerial photographs. Qyality control was provided by the National Wetlands Inventory Center (NWIC) at St. Petersburg, Florida. Field review of draft maps was provided by the following individuals and organizations: Margaret Gargiullo and M arc Matsil (New York City Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Group); Ralph Tiner and David Edelstein (FWS), Patrick Nejand, Doug Adamo, and San­ dra Creamer (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), D an Montella, Mario Paula, Ericka Petrovich, John Cantilli, Mary Anne Thiesing, -Kathleen Drake, Bob Montgomerie, Dave Pohle, and Karen Sullivan (EPA); Bill W oods and Omei Medford Ryan (NYC Department of City Planning); D orrie Rosen (Staten Island Bluebelt); Richard Lynch (Sweetbay M agnolia Bioreserve Conservan­ cy); Ellen Hartig, Howard Snyder, Ann Litke, and Eymund Diegel (New York City Audubon Society's Wetlands Committee); Ray Matarazzo and Ed Johnson (Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences); Bonnie Petite, Olga Frederico, and John Rooney (Protectors of Pine Oak Woods). The contribu­ tions of these people improved the final results of the inventory. Final edits to the draft maps were done by Glenn Smith. NWIC produced fmal maps and digital data for this project. Special thanks to Don Woodard, Greg Pipkin, Becky Stanley, and Kurt Snider. Matt Starr and Gabe DeAllesio (FWS) assisted in preparing acreage summaries and some of the graphics used in the booklet. The booklet was designed by Craig Malone. Several individuals and organizations were instrumental in assisting widl the NWI and in providing information referenced in this report: New York City Audubon Society, Ellen Hartig, Mario Paula, Luis H ernandez (V.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service), Dana Gumb (NYCD EP), Pat Riexinger (New York State Department ofEnvironmefltal Conservation), Ray Matarazzo, Ellen Pratt (Protectors of Pine Oak Woods), Margaret Gargiullo, Marc Matsil, Michael Feller (NYC Parks & Recreation, Narural Resources Group), Carl Alderson (NYC Parks & Recreation, Salt Marsh Restoration Team), and HowJ.rd Snyder (Mariners Marsh Conservancy). I also wish to thank people who have contributed photographs for use in this publication. Photo credits are shown for each photo, except for those taken by the author. The booklet was reviewed by several people including Kathleen D rake, Mario Paula, Dan Montella, and Robert Nyman (EPA); Tom Snow, Steve Zahn, Andrew Finton, and Troy Weldy (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation); Sue Essig, John Swords, and G lenn Smith (FWS); Ellen Pratt (Protectors of Pine Oak Woods); Ellen Hartig; M argaret Gargiullo, Marc Matsil, and Carl Alderson (NYC Parks & Recreation).

This report should be cited as follows: Tiner, R W 2000. Wetlands of Staten Islaml, New York. Valuable Vanishing Urban Wild/ands. US. Fish and Wildl[fo Service, Ecologiml Services, Northeast Region, Hadley, MA. Prepared for Us. Euviron­ mental Protection Agency, Regio1J II, New York, NY. Cooperative National Wet­ lands Inventory Publicatioll.19 pt. I Wetlands of Staten Island, New York Valuable Vanishing Urban Wetlands

RALPH W. TINER

Regional Wetland Coordinator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 0 I 035

A Cooperative Notional Wetlands Inventory Publication with Funding Support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1

January 2000 Contents Preface ii What Are Wetlands? 1 Werland, Map' 7 Wetlands Inventory Acreage Summaries 8 General Distribution ofWetJands and Deepwater Habitats 9 Why Aso Worland, Worth Saving? 10 How Are Wetlands Changing? 14 How fue Wetlands Being Protected? 15 What Else Can Be Done to Protect and Restore Wetlands? 18 Wetland Resource Guide 19

Copies of this booklet may be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wetland Protection Section, Region II, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007-1866

CQ\oR: Main Creek at low tide SACK COVER: Sunset O'VCr Saw Mill Creek at high tide

1 Although the infonm.tion in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. Environmcnt'al Protection Agency under assistance agreement DW14941821-0l-0 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser­ vice, ir may nor nCC«S3rily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred. Preface

THIS REPORT IS BA SED LARGELY ON A mapping wetlands due to the quality and scale of wetlands invemory of Staten Island (Richmond the aerial photos. County), New York conducted by the U.S. Fish The inventory was designed to determine the and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inven­ status of wetlands and deepwater habitats on Stat­ tory (NWI) Program. The NWl is producing en Island (Richmond County). The inventory wetland maps and statistical information on the answers a few questions, including: (1) how much status and trends of the Nation's wetlands. To wetland acreage exists on the Island?, (2) where are date, wetland maps have been produced for wetlands most abundant?, and (3) what types are approximately 90 percent of the coterminous most common? The inventory results are present­ United States (lower 48 states). The earliest NWl ed in a series oflarge-scale (1:24,000) maps (iden­ maps are based on 1970s aerial photography and titying the location, type, and shape of most wet­ need updating, while the newest maps are com­ lands larger than 1 acre in size), a digit'J.! map data­ piled from 1990s photography. The NWI was ini­ base, and this booklet. The updated inventory uti­ tiated to provide government agencies and the lized 1994/95 aerial photography to map wetlands. American public with information on the current Wetlands were classified to various types, includ­ status of wetlands to aid in resource decision-mak­ ing emergent, scrub-shrub, and fo rested wetlands. ing. Wetlands provide many important functions Copies of individual maps may be ordered from: (e.g., flood storage, water quality protection, Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sys­ shoreline stabilization, and habitat for many fish tems (IRIS), Resource Information Laboratory, and wildlife) and are among the nation's most 302 Rice HaU, Cornell University, Ithaca, New valuable natural resources. Since European colo­ York 14853, (607) 255-4864 or 255-6520. nization, the coterminous U.S. has lost more than This booklet summarizes the results of the half of its original wetlands. Further loss or degra­ wetlands inventory for Staten Island. It provides dation of remaining wetlands will jeopardize wet­ brief descriptions of the area's wetlands, their dis­ land functions and the values they provide society. tribution, and their values. 1n addition, the book­ The wetlands survey for Staten Island was com­ let presents information on wetland changes, pro­ pleted by the NW1 with support from EPA tection and restoration, plus recommendations to Region II. It is an update of earlier NWI mapping improve management and conservation of wet­ based on 1970s 1:80,000 black and white photog­ lands and lists of resource agencies and additional raphy. This earlier survey was very conservative in readings.

Spring Pom/, with white water lily and soft rush (right/o regroll11(I) in bloom .

••n What Are Wetlands?

VVETLAND S ARE LA N DS THAT ARE W etlands are lands transi tional between ter­ flooded or saturated at or near the ground surface restrial and aquatic systems where the water for varying periods during the year. The term table is usually at or near the surface or the "wetland" is derived from two words, "wet" and land is covered by shallow water. For purposes of this classification wetlands must have one "land." This implies that wetlands are lands that or more of the following three attributes: (1) at are at least periodically wct enough to limit uses of least periodically, the land supports predomi­ the land (e.g., usually can't farm wirhou( draining nantly hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is pre­ and can't build without fUlin g). Wetlands are the dominantly undraiJled hydric soil; and (3) the collection of wet environments that occur on the substra te is nonsoil and is sarurated with water landscape. They include salt marshes, inland or covered by shallow water at some time dur­ freshwater marshes, wet meadows, swamps, bogs, ing the growing season of each year.2 vernal pools, and seasonally inundated floodplains. Ponds and the shallow water zones of lakes are This definition focuses on three attributes: (1) also considered wetlands, while the deeper zones the degree of flooding or soil saruration (wetland (more than 6.6 feet) arc classified as deepwater hydrology); (2) wetland vegetation (hydrophyres) ; habitats. and (3) wet soils (hydric soils). All areas considered The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with wetlands must frequently have an excess of water wide scientific peer review, developed a technical for sufficient duration to stress plants and animals definition of wetland for the purpose of conduct­ not adapted for life in water or periodically saru­ ing a nationwide inventory of wetlands-the rated soils. Note that wetland laws and regulations National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). This defini­ have somewhat different definitions to identify tion fo rms the foundation for the Service's official wetlands for jurisdictional purposes (e,g., both the wetland classification system which has been federal regulatory wetland definition and the New adopted as the federal standard for reporting on York State freshwater wetland definition empha­ the status and trends of America's wetlands: size vegetated wetlands over nonvegetated types),3

2 So u rc ~ : C/aSJiji(alirm DjWrda" dJ ami Dupwaur flaMtalt DjtJx Unild StarN (1979) published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wash ­ ington, DC 20240. 3 For an analys is of wetland defini tions, consul! /V( ,la"d Illdimton; A Guidt /Q W~lla nd IdtnlifU:Qlian, [RlilllOliQ", ClaSJijitat iQn, and 1I1ap!;ng (see Addif iQ"(f1 RMnings).

Seasonally Temporarily Seasona lly W~ tlalld5 develop ill Rooded Reoded Wetlend Flooded _____ :"Net!a n

• • Joint or falllt

... .DenS9IyJoint8d or fellfted Zone , •

Verti cal sc ale gre atl y nagllorated.

WETLAN DS OF STATEN l SLAND, NEW YORK 1 Where Do Wetlands Form? Roughly one-quarter of the plants identified as potential hydrophytes grow exclusively in wet­ W etlands form in areas subject to frequent flood­ lands. These "obligate wetland" species include ing or prolonged soil saturation. These areas may plants such as water lilies, cattails (frequent in be covered by surface water from ocean-driven roadside ditches), buttonbush (a shrub typical of tides, river overflow, or runoff from adjacent shallow inland waters), leatherleaf (a low-growing uplands. 1n other areas, high groundwater tables evergreen shrub of northern bogs), and Atlantic TOPTOBOIIOM create waterlogged soils. For these wet conditions white cedar (an evergreen tree). 1n areas inundat­ Common reed to have a significant impact on plants, animals, ed by saltwater tides, plants must also be adapted (phragmites) occurs and soil properties, water must be present for an to salt stress. Salt-tolerant plants are called "halo­ mostly in 'Wellands, bllt extended period on a recu rring basis. Scientists phytes" and examples include smooth cordgrass it also colon ius have determined that the minimum wetness for a (occurring along tidal creekbanks) and common disturbed siles such as wetland is saturation within 1 foot of the ground glasswort (a succulent herb fou nd in saline landfills. surface for 2 weeks or more during the growing depressions and turning red in the fall). season in most years (every other year, on aver­ Soil development is also affected by pro­ Hydric mineral soil age).4 These areas are also wet for extended peri­ longed wetness. In areas frequently flooded for exhibiting typical gray ods during the "non-growing season" (late fall to very long periods, peat or muck accumulate at the JIIbsoi/. early spring). Water entering wetlands comes from soil surface because leaves and other organic mat­ Adventitious 'Water­ several sources including rainfall, snowmelt, tides, ter do not readily decompose under these condi­ roots of blac/.r. willow. river overflow, surface water runoff, lateral subsur­ tions. W here the organic layer is thicker than 16 face flow, springs, and other groundwater dis­ inches, the soils are called "organic soils". Soils charge. Besides flooding low-lying relatively flat with a thinner organic layer or lacking such layer areas (e.g., floodplains) along waterbodies, water are typically "mineral soils." H ydric mineral soils collects in depressions, at the toes of slopes, and usually possess a thick grayish layer below the even on slopes in association with drainageways, topsoil due to anaerobic conditions (lack of oxy­ seeps, and springs. ge n) which cause the soil environment to become When soils are fl ooded and/or saturated for a chemically reduced.6 Such soils lose all or most of few days or longer, most soils become oxyge n­ the red, yellow, or orange color of iron oxides deficient (anaerobic). This has a great impact on ("rust" color) characteristic of many well-drained plants. Since all plants require oxygen for survival (oxygen-rich) soils. Many "hydric soils" are pre­ and growth, only plants with special adaptations dominantly gray, mottled with orange or yellow can live in these periodically anaerobic soils. spots as iron is leached out of the soil or because These plants are called "hydrophytes." These iron occurs in a reduced state (ferrous iron). The water-tolerant plants have developed special more the water table fluctuates, the more orange adaptations, like shallow root systems, air-filled to yellow colors occur in the gray soiL Staten organs (aerenchyma tissue), and physiological Island possesses many soils derived from red till mechanisms (i nternal body processes), to cope which do not form typical hydric soil properties. with these oxygen-deficient conditions.S Out of Their red color predominates even when subject­ all the vascular plants that grow in the United ed to wetland hydrology, so gray colors are often States, only a third can tolerate the prolonged and lacking. Consequently, these soils complicate recurrent wetness imposed by wetlands. Surpris­ hydric soil identification on Staten Island. Areas ingly, most of these plants can also grow in possessing such soils that are wetlands can usual­ uplands to varying ly be recognized by considering landscape posi­ degrees. Many are quite tion, signs of wetland hydrology, hydrophytic veg­ common in both wet and etation, and special soil characteristics (contact dry habitats and some are the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation even cultivated for land­ Service for specifics). In addition, manmade scaping around houses hydric soils created fro m dredged material depo­ (e.g. , red maple, silver sition are common in certain areas of Staten maple, and pin oak). Island.

4 Source: Wula"ds Chara(UrUlics (",d Bo,,"dari~J (J995) publish~d by Nation~l Ac~demy p~ ss , Washington, DC 20418. 5 Foe an indcpth ~n31ysi s orhydrophytes ~nd thcir 3dapfations, consult W~t1a"d l"di(aUm.: A GlIid~ III Wet­ la"d Idmlijiings).

2 How Are Wetlands Identified?

Given that water collects in certain places on the terrain, the landscape position (e.g., along estu­ aries , rivers, and lakes) and landform (e.g., depressions, broad flats, floodplains, drain age­ ways, or seepage slopes) oftcn provide the first clues of the likely presence of wetland. There are also apparent signs of wetness, such as an area flooded for extended periods during the grow­ ing season or an area with saturated soils in the driest part of summer. Since many wetlands are dry for a significant portion of the year. they arc mos tly characterized by the prese nce of hydrophytes and hydric soils or substrates. The fed eral government has published lists of these plants and soils and developed scientific tech­ niques for identifYing wetlands? New York State also has developed somewhat similar pro­ cedures fo r delineating state-regulated wetlands. Field guides to wetland plants, hydric soils, or wetland identification have also been published to aid in recognizing wetlands (see Additional Readings) . Wetland maps are available to help locate wetlands through the V.S. F ish and Wildlife Service's NWI Program and the New York State Department of Environmental Con­ servation. These maps are derived by interpret­ ing aerial photographs and, therefore, tend to show the larger wetlands, with many small or narrow wetlands not designated. In addition, locating hydric soil map units on V.S.D.A. Nat­ ural Resources Conservation Service's county soil survey reports is another way to detect pos­ sible wetland areas. On-the-ground evaluation must be per­ formed to accurately identify wetlands and their boundaries, especially if the question concerns defining the limits of wetlands regulated by fed­ pheres). In contrast, the State of New York first Tor TO BOTTOM eral, state, or local authorities. Hydrophytic vege­ emphasizes hydrophytic vegetation for identify­ Seasonally flooded tation and hydric soils plus other signs of pro­ ing state-regulated wetlands, but also uses other foTeJUd wt!t1and in longed saturation are used to identify "regulated features (hydric soil properties and signs of wet­ Bloo mi1lgdale Woods. wetlands" subject to the federal Clean Water Act land hydrology) to recognize less obvious wet­ regulations.s Signs of wetland hydrology include lands.9 Remember, however, that not all wetlands Estuarille it/ fertidal observed water or soil saturation during the grow­ are vegetated- mud flats, sand bars, and beaches heach along Raritan ing season, water marks, silt deposits, water­ along exposed tidal shores and shallow bottoms of Bay ;11 Tot/enville. deposited debris (drift lines), water-stained leaves rivers, lakes, and ponds may not be colonized by (blackened leaves in depressions), and orange­ plants, but are still considered wetlands by scien- stained soil around living roots (oxidized rhizos- tt• sts.

7 For in formation on these lins and techniques. contact the U.S Army COll» of Engineers. U.S. Envin:mmental Protection Agency, or other federal agencies listtd at the end of this bookkt. 8 Source: C(Jrf'J o/l;,'ng;n~m W~tlll nt{J lfllimalion M mmal (1987) published by U.s. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Sta tion, Vicks· burg. MS. 9 Soun::e: Fmhwaur Wellands fXlintalilJn M anual (1996) published by N~ York Sta te Depanmem of Environmental Conserv ation, Divi sion of Fish and Wildlife. Al bany. NY.

W ETLANDS OF STATEN ] SLAND, NEW YORK 3 -

Richmond Cruk salt How Do Wetlands Differ? are commonly called "marshes", "wet meadows", marsh. Note exposed "swamps", and "bogs".l1 Their periodic wetness or crcekbed at low tide and A variety of wetland types exist due to differences shallow water habitat distinguishes them from landfill mound in soils, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, "deepwater habitats" of lakes, rivers, and reser­ (backgrou nd). and other factors. Staten Island contains both tidal voirs. Often, wetland types are named after their and non tidal wetlands. Tidal wetlands (e.g., salt dominant plant species, such as common reed marshes and tidal mudflats) are lowlands along marsh, cattail marsh, red maple-sweet g um coastal embayments and tidal rivers. Most arc swamp, and alder swamp. Other wetlands are flooded with brackish water by high tides, but a nonvegetated, periodically exposed flats or shallow few arc strictly freshwater wetlands whose water water areas along the shores of rivers, streams, levels rise and fall with the tides. Staten Island's ponds, and lakes. nontidal wetlands (e.g., fres hwater marshes, According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser­ swamps, and vernal pools) occur beyond the reach vice's classification system, wetlands are divided of ocean-driven tides. They are found on flood­ into five ecological systems: marine, estuarine, Old Place Creek salt plains along streams (i.e., lotic wetlands), in the palustrine, lacustrine, and riverine. The majority marsh (high marsh). shallow water zone and along the margins of lakes of Staten Island's wetl ands are e5tuan·ne wetland5 'With a', abundance of (i.e., lenric wetlands) , in ponds and along their and pahl5trine wetland5. Estuarine wetlands are high-tide bush shores, and in isolated depressions surrounded by tidal marshes, mudflats, and sandy beaches asso­ (background). upland (i.e., terrene wetlands). Some wetlands are ciated with coastal embayments (e.g., Raritan formed on slopes where Bay) and brackish rivers and streams. Marine groundwater seeps out wetland5 are essentially limited to the exposed from below ground {i.e., shoreline along the Atlantic O cean (e.g., Long terrene slope wetlands).l0 Island's South Shore beaches). Palustrine wet­ Most wetlands are lands are mostly inland vegetated wet areas colonized by plants and (marshes and swamps), but also include small,

10 Terms such as loric, kntic, and tem:l1e are furthered defined in /UyJ 10 un"hr"fH Potil;()11 Imd !Antiform D~S(ripl()fI for U.s. Wdla"ds (Optral;O",,' Draft) available (rom U.S. fish and Wildlife Service (ES-NWI), 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035. 11 Consul! I" Starth ajS_,mp'mlll for descriprions and illusrrations o( common wetland ~pccit, I,;I'/Ilil;"",,{ Rttldi"p).

4 shallow ponds. Lacustrim wetlands are generally Lemon C reek, Saw Mill Limited to aquatic beds, nonpersistent marshes Creek, Neck Creek, and (characterized by non woody vegetation that dies Old Place Creek. The back to the ground every year), and d1e shallow William T. Davis Refuge water zone (less than 6.6 feet deep) of lakes and in New Springville is an reservoirs. Riverille wetlands may be similarly excellent salt marsh to vegetated, but are contained within a river or vi sit, while the smaller stream channel. Most of the riverine wetlands arc Arlington Marsh (north nonvegerated periodically exposed shores and of Mariners Marsh) is also shallow stream bottoms. accessible to the public.

Estuarine Wetlands Palustrine Wetlands Estuarine wer1ands are tidal wetlands subjected to either daily inundation or less frequent flooding by Palustrine wetlands are salt water. Most of these wetlands are vegetated, predominantly vegetated but some are nonvegetated. The vegetated ones marshes and swamps, but are commonly called "salt marshes" (estuarine also include freshwater emergent wetlands) . They are dominated by halo­ ponds with or without phytes (salt-loving) plants. The nonvegetated macroscopic plant life. estuarine wetlands include beaches, intertidal Palustrine vegetated wet­ flats, and rocky shores along tidal rivers and lands may be separated coastal em bayments. into four major types based Estuarine wetlands may be divided into two on their dominant vegeta­ zones based on the frequency and duration of tion: (1) aquatic beds, (2) floodi.ng: (1) low marsh or regularly flooded zone emergent wetlands charac­ (inundated daily by tides), and (2) high marsh or terized by grasses, sedges, irregularly flooded zone (inundated less often than and other nonwoody daily). The low marsh is characterized by the tall plants, (3) scrub-shrub Conn of smooth cordgrass which grows to about 6 wetlands represented by feet in these places. Vegetation of the high marsh low- to medium-height is more varied with several dominant species (less than 20 feet tall) including smooth cordgrass (short form less than 3 woody plants, and (4) forested wetlands dominat­ Tor TO BOITOM feet tall), salt grass, salt hay grass, and black grass ed by trees (woody plants 20 feet or taller). Forllu r salt marsh at (actually a rush), plus high-tide bush (especially in Floating-leaved plants, free-floating plants, Midla nd B~a{h nqw ditched marshes). Salt marsh fleabane is common and submergent (underwater) plants form aquatic dominated by common in some marshes. In depressions within the high beds in waterbodies ranging from ponds to rivers re~d. marsh, either pools or pannes (shallow flats) may and streams. Among the typical species are white be found. The former may be colonized by wid­ water lily, spatterdock (yellow pond lily), water F,.~shwa te r marsh ;11 geon-grass or other submerged plants, while the milfoil, and duckweeds. Sharrots Pond (Clay Pit Long Potld Park. latter may be occupied by glassworts and stunted Ponds State Park Preserve) and Spring Pond (BIue Freshwater em~rgm t forms of other high marsh plants. Common reed Heron Park) are excellent examples of this wetland w etland in N ew (also known by its scientific name Phragmites) type. Sp ringville dominated occurs along the upper edges of many tidal wet­ On Staten Island, palustrine emergent wet­ by smartweeds. lands. It also forms virtual monoculrures in former lands arc mostly represented by marshes and to a salt marshes whose tidal flow is restricted by tide lesser extent by wet meadows. Marshes arc flood­ gates or is otherwise cut off. Plant diversity in estu­ ed for much of the year. Organic soils (mucks) or arine marshes typically increases along the upland mineral soils with high amounts of organic matter border. Here plants like American germander, sea­ commonly develop in these wetlands. Dominant side goldenrod, salt marsh fleabane, high-tide marsh species include common reed, cattails (both bush, groundsel-bush, and rose mallow may be broad-leaved and narrow-leaved types) , purple found with some freshwater wetland plants such as loosestrife, rose mallow, water-willow (swamp poison ivy, swamp rose, and marsh fern. loosestrife), bur-reed, and rice cutgrass. Wool­ Good examples of salt marshes can be grass and smartweeds are other common species. observed along Richmond Creek, Main Creek, Former estuarine marshes now restricted from

WE:'fL!\NDS OF STATEN I SLAND, N EW YORK 5 tidal flow are dominated Buttonbush and rose mallow colonize shallow by common reed. Rem­ ponds or water-filled depressions within forested nant vegetation from pre­ wetlands. Arrow-leaved tearthumbs, Joe-Pye­ existing estuarine marshes weeds, and goldenrods may occur in some of the may be found, including more open wet thickets. salt marsh fleabane, marsh Most of Staten Island's inland wetlands are orach, and creeping benr­ deciduous forested wettands whose trees lose grass . Examples of these their leaves each fall. Common trees include red wetlands are found in the maple, black gum, sweet gum, black willow, pin South Beach and Midland oak, and swamp white oak. Red maple and sweet Beach neighborhoods. gum appear to be the most frequent species. Trees Plantlife along the in lesser numbers are American elm, cottonwood, shores of ponds is diverse. black cherry, ironwood, sycam ore, green ash, white Flowering herbs like ditch ash, silver maple, white oak, river birch, and sas­ stonecrop, water purslane, safras. Some state-rare and -endangered trees water plantain, rose mal­ occur in wetlands in Staten Island forested wet­ low, water-willow, rose lands, including sweet bay, swamp cottonwood, mallow, smartweeds, and possibly willow oak (and hybrids), persim­ swamp milkweed, water mon, and pawpaw. These plants are southern horehound (bugleweed), species near the northern limit of their ranges. false pimpernel, marsh St. Inrroduced (non-native) trees such as tree-of­ John's-wort, and beggar­ heaven occur in some wetlands. ticks may occur with vari­ Many forested wetlands have an abundance ous grasses (e.g., switch­ of shrubs typical of scrub-shrub swamps (listed grass and millet), sedges above) plus others like spicebush, highbush blue­ (e.g., wool-grass, umbrella berry, swamp azalea, wi nterberry, serviceberry sedges, and spikerushes), (shadbush), and chokeberry. Southern wild raisin and woody species espe­ (or possum haw) is a rare shrub occurring in Stat­ cially buttonbush. Typical en Island wetlands (near its northern limit). Poi­ wetland shrubs and trees son ivy grows vigorously in many forested wet­ may form the upper edge lands. Ferns, like cinnamon fern and sensitive of the pond shore. fern, are common in many swamps. Other swamp TOPTO uorrOM W et meadows are seasonally wet fields. They fore st herbs (nonwoody plants) include skunk usually have gray-colored hydric mineral soils cabbage, jewelweed, jack-in-the-pulpit, Canada Swut gum-red maple reflecting prolonged saturation by high ground­ mayflower, cleanveed, false nettle, enchanter's swamp at Wolfe's Pond water tables. Some meadows are inundated for nightshade, turk's-cap lily, asters, manna-grasses, Park. brief periods. They typically have high water white grass, wood reed, and sedges (e.g., tussock Vernal pool fowled tables in winter and spring, often with pockets of sedge and fringed sedge). Lizard's tail may occur wetland in Long Pond standing water. In summer, the water tables are in wetter depressions, while Joe-Pye-weed, New Park. quite low and many times, no water can be found. York ironweed, and jewelweed may occur in open A variety of plants grow in these meadows includ­ areas within rhe forests. Vines such as Virginia Red maple swamp il1 ing flowering herbs such as purple loosestrife (an creeper and common greenbrier are typical vines Tollenvil/e. invasive species with conspicuous purplish blooms of Staten Island's fores ted wetlands. Invasive in late summer), blue vervain, jewelweed, golden­ plants such as multiflora rose, Japanese honey­ rods, Joe- Pye-weeds, boneset, smarrweeds, and suckle, and Japanese knotweed occur in abun­ asters, plus grasses or grasslike plants including dance in places. the ubiquitous common reed, reed canary grass, Small vernal pools may exi st within and near sedges, bulrushes, soft rush, and other rushes. forested wetlands. These shallow ponds hold Shrubs and saplings of trees typical of woody wet­ water from late fall through mid-summer and lands are often interspersed in wet meadows. selVe as vital breeding grounds for many wood­ Low woody growth (less than 20 feet tall) land amphibians (e.g., spotted sa1amanders and typifies scrub-shrub wetlands. Southern spring peepers) . Mariners Marsh in northwestern arrowwood, smooth alder, common elderberry, Staten IsLand (Arlington) contains vernal pools, silky dogwood, willows, sweet pepperbush, and sweet gum swamps, pin oak swamps, and several broad-leaved meadowsweet are typical species. freshwater ponds . • Wetland Maps

A TOTAL OF 4 LARGE- SCALE (I :24,000) wetness as PEMIA (temporarily flooded type), National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps were PEM1C (seasonally flooded), PEMIE (seasonal­ prepared fo r Staten Island: Arthur Kill, Elizabeth, ly flooded/saturated), and PEM1F (semiperma­ Jersey C ity, and the Narrows. These maps show nendy flooded). Palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands the general location of wetlands and deepwater are designated as PSS-types (e.g., PSSIE fo r habitats throughout the Island. These habitats shrub swamps like alder swamps), whereas forest­ were identified through photointerpretation of ed wetlands are shown as PFO-types (e.g., spring 1994/95, 1:40,000 color infrared aerial PFOIE for broad-leaved deciduous swamps like photography. With this scale imagery, most wet­ red maple-sw"eet gum swamps). For more infor­ lands larger than 1 acre in size are likely to be mation on the codes, see NWI Maps Made Easy: A mapped, along with smaller conspicuous depres­ User's Guide /0 N ational Wetlands I nventory Maps oj sional wetlands (such as ponds) . Wetlands are the N ortheast R egion (available from the U.S. Fish classified by their vegetation type or substrate (for and Wildlife Service, ES-NWl, 300 Westgate non vegetated areas) , predicted water regime Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035). An example (hydrology), and other features. The maps use an of a portion of an NWI map for the Arthur Kill alpha-numeric code (a series of letters and num­ quadrangle in Staten Island is shown below. bers) to designate different types. For example, Copies of the NWI maps are available for pur­ estuarine wetlands are designated by the letter "E" chase from the Cornell Institute for Resource such as E2EM1N (regularly fl ooded emergent Information Systems (IRIS), 302 Rice Hall, Itha­ wetland), E2EM1P (irregularly flooded emergent ca, NY 14853. In addition, for use in geographic wetland; E2EM5P .: Phragmites-dominated), and information systems, NWI maps are available in E2USN (regularly flooded unconsolidated shore = digital form and may be downloaded from the tidal mudflat). Estuarine and marine deepwater Internet (http://wetlands.fws.gov). Tryout the habitats have the following codes, for example, Wetlands Interactive Mapper at this site to obtain E1UBL (estuarine subtidal unconsolidated bot­ information on the location of wetlands in your tom) or M IUBL (marine). Palustrine wetlands neighborhood. You may also be able to view an begin with the letter "P". Palustrine emergent aerial photo of your neighborhood through the wetlands are classified in categories of increasing Terraserver View at this site.

.. '-- -- -,.. ------_.- ... , // _ ,J.~ ~ Sr:GUIN£

W ETLANDS OF STAT EN ISLAN D, N EW YORK 7 -

Wetlands Inventory Acreage Summaries

ACREAGES OF WETLANDS AND DEEPWATER survey are also reported for the Island. T hese habitats for Staten Island were compiled from numbers should not, however, be considered the digital NWI map data usi ng a geographic infor­ total stream miles, since many intermittent and mation system. The data include wetlands and smaller streams were not inventoried_ deepwater habitats generally 1 acre in size and Staten Island is surrounded by estuarine larger the target mapping unit of the NWI waters: Raritan Bay to the east and south, Arthur maps prepared for this area. W etlands that Kill to the west, Kill Van Kull to the north, and escaped detection because they were too smail, the Narrows (H udson River) to the northeast. too narrow, or too diffi cult to identify through Estuarine waters ascribed to Staten Island (Rich­ co nventional aerial photointerpretation tech­ mond County) totaled 28,374 acres, with the bulk niques are not included. Miles of small streams of th is acreage associated with Raritan Bay. Eigh­ and narrow (linear) wetlands mapped during the teen miles of linear estuarine wate rs were inven­ toried. The Island itsel f contains about 59 square­ miles of land mass. About 90 percent of Staten Island is now upland: mainly residential develop­ We~and Acreage by Type me nt (low and high intensity = 28% and 26%, respectively), upland forests (22%), and commer­ Estuarine Emergent' 1856 cial/ industrial/tra nsportation development (10%) .12 T he rest is wetland or deepwater habi tat. Wetlands occupy about 3407 acres of Staten Est uarine TIdal Flats/Baache s 478 Island, amounting to 9 perce nt of Richmond County. Vegetated wetlands predomi nate with Palustrine Emergent 323 almost 2750 acres inventoried (81% percent of the wetlands). Esruarinc emergent wetlands are

Palustrine Sc;rub-Shrub 37 the most abundant type (1856 acres) , represent­ ing 54 percent of all wetlands. Nearly six miles of linear estuarine wetlands were mapped (mostly Palus trine Forested 532 narrow tidal fl ats). Palustrine fo rested wetlands were next ranked in abundance, accounting for 181 532 acres or 16 percenr of Staten Island's wet­ lands. Emergem wetlands followed with 323 o 500 1000 1500 2000 acres (10% of all wetlands). Al most 7 miles oflin­ * Includes 22 acres 01 aquatic beds and 1 acre of Krub-sh rub wetlands ear palustrine wetlands were inventoried, with • • Includes 2 acres of aquotic beds palustrine forested wetlands predominating (5 .2 miles) . Estuarine waters surrounding Staten Island Percent by Wedand Type are the predominant deepwater habitat type. O nly 65 acres of lacustrine waters were invento­ ried (e .g., Silver Lake Reservoir and Grasmere Estuarine ndal Fla ts/ Beaches E~IiJClr i n e E~" Lake). M ost of the Island's rivers are tidal brack­

Palu ~tr i ne Emergen t ish (esruarine) ones including Richmond Cree k, Pond. Main Creek, and Lemon C reek. About 145 miles of fres hwater streams were mapped. Polustrine Forested

Po l u~ t ri ne Scrub-Shrub

12 Pcn:e n f1l ~s estim~ te d from New York M ulti-resolution L:lfld Chat2eleristic$ dan set derived from utdlite imagery (U.S. Geo­ logical Survey, ER OS Om Ccntcr, Sioux Fall,. SO) .

•

8 General Distribution of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats

"

o

Map Legend Estuarine Vegetated Wetlands Estuarine Nonvegetated Wetlands Palustrine Vegetated Wetlands Estuarine Waters Fresh Waters - Streams "" - County Boundary 2 o 2 Miles - Roadways

W ETLANDS OF' STATEN l SLAND, NEW Y ORK 9 Why Are Wetlands Worth Saving?

WETLANDS SUPPLY NUMEROUS ECOLOGI­ processing chemical and organic wastes, and cal, economic, and cultural benefits to local com­ reducing sediment loads to receiving waters. munities, including water quality protection, flood Wetlands are particularly good water filters. control, erosion control, fish and wildlife habitats, Due to their position between upland areas and aquatic productivity, and opportunities for recre­ deep water, wetlands can both intercept surface ation, aesthetic appreciation, and education. It water runoff from land before it reaches open must be recognized that all wetlands are not alike water and also help filter out nutrients, wastes, and in fo rm or function. Differences in vegetation, sediments from flooding waters. A 100- to 150- soils, hydrology, soil che mistry (e.g., brackish, foot vegetated buffer strip along a stream can sig­ fresh, acid, or alkaline), landscape position (e.g., nificantly improve water quality in many areas. estuarine, streamside, lakeside, or isolated), land­ The value of wetlands, streams, and ponds in stor­ form (e.g., depression, slope, and flat), and other ing and filtering storm water has been recognized factors greatly influence wetland functions. Dif­ in Staten Island with the establishment of the ferent parts of a single wetland may be performi ng Staten Island Bluebclt. New York C ity has pur­ different fu nctions or at different levels than the chased wetlands and waterbodies for stormwater rest of the wetland. While functions are per­ management purposes. The Bluebelt watersheds formed by individual wetlands, it must be recog­ include portions of Richmond Creek, Sweet nized that each wetland works in combination Brook, Blue HeroniSeguine Pond, Arbutus with other wetlands as part of a complex, integrat­ Creek, Wolfe's Pond, Lemon Creek, Sandy Brook, ed hydrologic and ecological system. Consequent­ and Mill Creek, and all ofJack's Pond and Wood ly the value of the wetland resources in a given D uck Pond. watershed or region is greater than the sum of the In some places, wetlands contribute to the values of individ ual wetlands. Any assessment of a recharge of groundwater sources. During periods of particular wetland must take this critical interrela­ heavy runoff, such as major stonns or snowmelt in tionship into account. the spring, wetlands adjacent to streams and in depressions collect excess water. When the water Water Quality and Source table drops, the water held in the wetland may Protection slowly percolate through the soil and eventually This marsh-pond into the aquifer, replenishing groundwater. When complex, part ofth e O ne of the most important fu nctions of wetlands streams are channelized and adjacent wetlands Lemon Creek Bluebell, is their ability to help maintain good surface water eliminated in the process of land development, is important for quality in rivers, streams, and reservoirs and to stormwater moves off the landscape more quickly, storaging water after improve degraded waters. Wetlands do this in sev­ and groundwater recharge is diminished. Whether heavy raim. eral ways, by removing and retaining nutnents, obtaining drin1cing water from groundwater or from reservoirs fed by surface waters, it is important for communities to protect the many functions wet­ lands serve in maintaining water quality. Since wet­ lands can improve water quality, artificial wetlands are being constructed for stormwater management or tertiary treatment of wastewater in many places across the country. Numerous shallow marshes have been and are being built along Staten Island Blue­ belt waterways as a common Best Management Practice to improve stormwater management and reduce sediment loading of the stream and lessen erosion downstream (e.g., Sandy Brook). Many wetlands are active points of ground­ water discharge. Some are the sources of streams and arc aptly named "headwater wetlands." These wetlands provide a source of water important for aquatic life. Wetlands along "Twin Streams of the Lenape" in Tottenville are a source of freshwater

' 0 once used by native Americans. Seepage wetlands also been constructed at on slopes in Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Great Kills, Main C reek, discharge groundwater that helps mai ntain Ellis and PraUs l sland for ero­ Swamp and freshwater flows from its creek. sion control.

Flood Control Aquatic Productivity Wetlands have often been referred to as "natural sponges" that absorb flooding waters, yet they Wetlands are among the actually function more like "natural tubs," storing most productive natural water overflowing riverbanks or collecting in iso­ ecosystems in the world lated depressions. By temporarily storing flood and some types of wet­ waters, wetlands help protect adjacent and down­ lands may be the highest, stream property owners from flood damage (e.g., rivaling our best cornfields wetlands in Bloomingdale Woods). Trees and in biomass production. other wetland plants help slow the speed of flood Some marshes annually waters. This action combined with water storage produce more than 10 tons aJlows wetlands to lower flood heights and reduce of organic matter per acre. the watcr's erosive force. Wetlands in and down­ Wetlands can be regarded stream of urban areas are especially valuable for as the farmlands of the flood protection, since urban development aquati••c envIr onment sJllce• (impervious surfaces) increases the rate and vol ­ great volumes of food ume of surface water runoff, thereby increasing (plant material) for aquatic the risk of flood damage downstream (e.g., Oak­ organisms are produced wood Beach and Prince's Bay neighborhoods). every year. Although direct grazing of most wetland Erosion Control and Shoreline plants is generally limited, Stabilization their major food value comes from dead leaves Located between streams and high ground, many and stems that break down wetlands are in a good position to buffer the land in the water to form small against erosion. Wetland plants are most impor­ particles of organic materi­ TOPTO BOTTOM rant in this regard, si nce they increase the durabil­ al called "detritus." This detritus serves as the prin­ ity of the sediment through binding soil with their cipal food for many small aquatic invertebrates and ColI~tively. small basin roots, dampen wave action by friction, and reduce forage fishes that are food for larger predatory fi sh­ wetlands like this red current velocity through fr iction. Tidal wetlands es, such as bluefish and striped bass. These larger maple-sweet gum swamp and lakeside and streamside wetlands are impor­ fi shes are, in turn, consumed by people. Thus, wet­ near Mount Lorello store tant shoreline stabilizers, thereby preven ting ero­ lands provide a source of food for people as well as much rainfall. sion of sediments that could jeopardize important for aquatic animals. About two-thirds of commer­ Destruction and fish habitat and lower water quality. Wetland cially and recreationally important coastal fishes in channelization of plants are so effective at stabilizing the soil that the U.S. depend on tidal wetlands. wetlands severely redllce planting of wetland vegetation is being used to the water storage capacity control shoreline erosion in many places across the Fish and Wildlife Habitat of natural draj1/(~ge country. Bioengineering techniques (e.g., systems. This plus biodegradable mats with wetland plants) arc Wetlands are critical habitats, providing food, inlTeased stoml'water preferable to structural erosion control measures water, cover, breeding grounds, or nursery arcas for rzmofffi'Om urban (e.g., rock rip-rap), especially from an environ­ many species. Some wetland-dependent animals developmnlt lead 10 more mental standpoint because they provide habitat breed in wetlands and spend a considerable flood damage. and aesthetic values while protecting the shore­ amount of time in uplands, such as vernal pool line. The New York City Parks & Recreation's breeders (e.g., spring peepers, and spotted sala­ Salt marsh plantings help Natural Resources Group has used a combination manders). l3 Others like painted and snapping tur­ stabilize erotiitJg of mats and salt marsh grass planting to stabilize tles live in Staten ls1and wedands and waterbodies shorelines. New York part of the shoreline of Arthur Kill. Wetlands have and nes t in uplands. Green frogs and bull frogs are City's Salt Marsh Restoration Team ill

13 For dcKriplio n ~ and iUu Slralion$ or ,,,,,tland animals, consult /" Search 0/ S'l.Vamp/and (listed undcr Additional RradingJ). actiotJ.

W ETLANDS OF STATEN I SLAND, NEW YORK 11 also common in Staten Island marsh wrens nest in reed and cattail marshes. Barn ponds and associated marshes. swallows can be see n fl ying over marshes and M ost coastal and freshwater ponds feeding on airborne insects. A large number fishes feed in wetlands or upon of other songbirds feed, nest, and/or raise their wetland-produced food and use young in Staten Island wetlands (e.g., swamp wetlands as nursery grounds sparrow, song sparrow, yellow warbler, yel­ (e.g., bluefish, striped bass, lowthroat, gray catbird, and northern oriole). Adantic silversides, menhaden, Woodpeckers hunt for insects in forested wetland flounder, American eel, killifish, trees. Woodcock and northern harrier (marsh Fiddler crabs. and carp). Hundreds of inverte­ hawk) are common in scrub-shrub and emergent brates also live in wetlands, wetlands, respectively. The latter species nests in including fiddler crabs and salt Phragmites-dominated marshes in Bloomfield and marsh snails in estuarine wet­ feed s in salt marshes. Many songbirds migrating lands and dragonflies, mosqui­ north (in spring) and south (in the fall) pass toes, aquatic beedes, water strid­ through Staten Island and seek out wetlands for ers, and certain butterflies in food and shelter. freshwater wetlands. An estimat­ The muskrat is perhaps the most characteris­ ed 43 percent of the nation's tic wetland mammal on Staten Island. Other threatened and endangered mammals observed in wetlands include meadow species rely directly or indirectly voles, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and Black-crowned night heron. on wetlands for their survival. white-tailed deer. Birds are perhaps the most conspicuous animals associated Rare Species Habitat with Staten Island's wetlands. Typical wetland species found in Some of Staten Island's wetlands are vital for marshes, ponds, and creeks maintaining biodiversity in the state by supporring include herons (great blue and state-listed rare and endangered species. Among green), night herons (black­ the state-rare and endangered plants are three crowned and yellow-crowned), trees (willow oak, sweet bay, and swamp cotton­ egrets (great and snowy), glossy wood), two shrubs (possum haw and American ibises, waterfowl (wood ducks, strawberry-bush), four herbs (primrose-leaf violet, Nesting osprey. mallards, Canada geese, soapwort gentian, square-stemmed spike-rush, moorhens, and pied-billed and eastern gama grass), two parasitic herbaceous grebes), belted kingfishers, vines (buttonbush dodder and southern dodder), ospreys, and herring gulls. The and one aquatic floating plant (American feather­ wading birds are easily observed foil). Sweet bay (magnolia) grows in wetlands pro­ feeding on mudflats and exposed tected in the Staten Island Corporate Park, while creek beds at low tide, while willow oak and rare hybrid oaks occur in private­ waterfowl are seen in open water ly-owned wetlands in Tottenville. Records show bodies throughout the Island. that the federally-listed American burying beetle Gregarious wading birds (night and sea beach tiger beetle occurred in Staten herons, egrets, and ibises) nest in Island wetlands. Great egret. co lonies on islands surrounding Staten Island, especially on Isle Natural Products of Meadows, Pralls Island, and Shooters Island (the "Harbor A wealth of natural products may be derived from Herons Complex" in northwest­ wetlands, including timber, fi sh and shellfish, ern Staten Island). Many water­ wildlife, and blueberries. Forested wetlands may fowl overwinter in tidal areas provide some firewood for local residents. Wetland around Staten Island (e.g., can­ wildlife may be hunted or trapped for food or sup­ vasback, black duck, buffiehead, plemental income. These activities were probably teal, merganser, wigeon, scaup, more prevalent in the past when more open land gadwall, mallard, ruddy duck, existed on the Island. Blueberries may be gathered northern shoveller, and brant). by local residents for pies and jellies or to eat fresh. Sharp-tailed sparrow. Red-winged blackbirds and The Raritan Bay region has a long history of

12 LEFT Aerial v iew ojtb e Artbur Kill locale sbowing tidal wetlands andJo nner tidal wetlands (now landfills and oil tank farnli).

BELOW, TOPTO BOTTOM M uskrat lodge and heavily grazed marsb planl! reat-out~} .

Swamp cottonwood, a providing fi sh and shellfish for commercial and Quality of Life rare wetland plant in recreational harvest. The Lenape Indians collect­ New York, occurs 0 1/ ed oysters from Arthur Kill and fi shed with seines Outdoor recreational activities take place in and Staten Island. and weirs made from reeds (probably marsh around wetlands: fishing, hunting, bird watching, plants). Large shell middens (signs of former nature photography, hiking, boating, ice skating, Wetlands provide Indian settlements) were found by colonists in and cross-country skiing. Many Staten Islanders opportunities for young Tottenville. Colonists also harvested shellfish and enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature and spend and old to leam about fish from the Raritan Bay estuary. In the 1600s time walking on trails around and through wet­ na/ure. and 1700s, oysters were gathered at low tide in lands at places like the many places on Staten Island, including Arthur William T. Davis Wildlife Kill. Oystering ,vas the main industry of Tot­ Refuge (New Springville), renville in the 1800s. From 1900 on, water pollu­ Clay Pit Ponds State Park Pre­ tion increased in Raritan Bay which closed shell­ serve (Charleston), or numer­ fishing. Today, shellfish are commercially harvest­ ous New York City parks. ed but must be relocated to eastern Long Island Wetlands are great places for for depuration (purification) prior to going to outdoor study and gaining an market. Over time, fi shing effort increased with appreciation of natural history more sophisticated means of harvest employed and ecology by students of all and a great rise in sport fi shing. Dams construct­ ages. In residential areas, wet­ ed over many New Jersey rivers and other alter­ lands often provide a privacy ations led to significant declines in alewives, shad, barrier between neighbors. and striped bass as they were separated from their Some neighborhoods in native spawning grounds. Landfills converted southern Staten Island have an tidal marshes along Fresh Kill, Main Creek, and almost rural feel to them due Richmond Creek to trash-heaped hills, while to surrounding large wetland marshes in Bloomfield were ftlled for oil storage and upland fotest complexes. facilities. These types of activities destroyed hun­ Many times, properties bor­ dreds of acres of productive fish nursery grounds dering wetlands have higher and further contaminated remaining habitats. property values than those that While Raritan Bay is still an important resource, do nor. Urban wetlands arc it is a mere shadow of what it was before often among the few remain­ increased water pollution, shoreline development, ing pieces of "natural habitat" sedimentation, boat traffic, and overfishing rook providing Staten Island resi­ their toll on the Bay.14 Nonetheless, commercial dents with some sense of wild­ and sport fi shing are still popular in the Bay. ness and open space.

14 For mon:: on [ht history of [his unlllry, oonluh TIH Fu/xriu ojRflrirlltl B".Y by C.L. MllCKem.it. RUfgers Uni­ vcrsi!)' Press, 1'. 0. Uox 5062, New BrurlS\vi~k, NJ 08903.

W ETLANDS OF STATEN l SLAND. NEW Y ORK 13 Sialen bland once had an abundance ofJolt manhts. with ntarly 5600 acra prtunt ill 1870. Since then. about two-thirds ofthtm havt been filltd arid many of tht rtmaining onu art polluttd to varying degrm . (1870 data compiledfrom historical map. courtesy of the US.DA. Natural &sourus Comervation Service) Remaining Coastal Wetlands in 1994/5 Coastal Wetlands in 1870 • Remnants Now Freshwater Wetlands in 1994/5

How Are Wetlands Changing?

Natural processes and human actions affect wet­ Today, only about 1800 acres (32%) of these orig­ lands in various ways. Changes in vegetation often inal wetlands remain tidal. An estimated 300 acres result from natural events such as droughts, rising of former tidal wetlands (or 5%) have become sea level, hurricanes, episodic floods, and animal non tidal freshwater marshes and swamps due to Filled tidal wetland; in actions (e.g., beaver and muskrat). Rising sea level flow restrictions, mostly in the Midland Beach the Bloomfield-Gu(fport also causes long-term changes in wetland hydrol­ and South Beach neighborhoods. Nearly two­ area. Tidal marsh filling ogy and the extent of estuarine waters. People thirds (63%) of Staten Island's tidal wetlands was widespread in tlu have both positive and negative impacts on wet­ (about 3500 acres) have been filled for various 1950s (lnd 1960s, bllt lands. Unfortunately, most human activities cause purposes. In some cases, people are having a posi­ has been grt!fltly reduud a loss of wetland acreage or damage the quality of tive effect on wedand acreage and quality through byflderal al/d slate laws the remaining wetlands. For example, tidal wet­ restoration and creation efforts, but these projects thai suR. 10 protect water lands were once a vast resource in Staten Island, are rather limited undertakings considering the quality and wellands. comprising roughly 5600 acres in the late-1800s. magnitude of historic wetland losses. Major human impacts to Staten lsland's wet­ . t lands include: (1) filling for commercial, industrial, • and residential development, (2) filling for trash disposal (e.g., sanitary landfills), (3) filling for roads and highways, (4) filling for disposal of dredged material, (5) excavating and channeliz.ing wetlands • - for navigation and flood control projects, (6) con­ structing ponds, (7) directly or indirectly discharg­ ing pollutants (e.g., oil, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, sediment, domestic sewage, and agricultural wastes), (8) altering wetland hydrolo­ gy, and (9) spreading invasive species and exotic species (e.g., common reed, purple loosestrife, and Japanese knotweed). Use of motorized vehicles (e.g., dirt bikes) on trails through wetlands disturbs wildlife and vegetation, while local dumping has placed trash in many wetlands.

14 How Are Wetlands Being

People are trying to improve the fate of wetlands various agencies can also promote wetland conser­ through various means. Wetland protection efforts vation if maintained over a long period. Acquisi­ typically involve acquisition, regulation of tion of adjacent buffer areas is also important to impacts, and restoration. Public education is protecting wetland functions and values. A 300- essential to increase awareness and understanding foot vegetated buffer around wetlands and along of the natural functions provided by wetlands, streams may provide adequate protection of including the protection of local and regional wildlife habitat and help maintain high quality water quality. An informed public should be able aquatic habitat. to make the best choices regarding natural The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has pub­ resource utilization. Trained staff from numerous lished a report entitled Regionally Significant environmental agencies can provide information Habitats and Habitat Complexes oj the New York and sometimes technical assistance to local gov­ Bight Watershed that includes descriptions of ernments and community/environmental groups numerous Staten Island wetlands and their eco­ interested in developing local wetland protection logical significance. Many of these sites are already strategies (see Wetland ReJource Guide). in public ownership, but others remain privately owned and are high priorities for acquisition or Wetland Acquisition other protection. The City of New York is acquiring many wet­ Acquisition of wetlands and other aquatic lands, streams, ponds, and adjacent lands for its resources is the most effective way [0 protect van­ Bluebelt system. In addition to providing ishing natural resources. A wetland can be pro­ stormwater storage and natural filtration, this sys­ tected permanently by direct purchase or by secur­ tem protects wetlands for wildlife and to preserve ing conservation easements (c.g., acquiring specif­ open space for people to enjoy. The City has also ic development rights) . Protected wetlands are established numerous parks on Staten Island that Emergent wetland often maintained as wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, contain wetlands, including Blue Heron Park, along the shom of parks, or conservation areas by government agen­ Wolfe's Pond Park, Lemon Creek Park, and Wolfe's Pond, part of the cies and private conservation organizations. Stew­ Bunker Ponds Park in the southern part; New York City park. ardship agreements between property owners and LaTourette Park, Basket Willow Swamp, and system.

WETLANDS OF STATEN I SLAND, NEW YORK 1 S nation's \vaters. Wetlands of virrually any size may be regulated if they meet certain regulatory criteria. The New York State D epartment of Envi­ ronmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has two separate programs for regulating wetlands: onc for tidal wetlands and another for freshwater wet­ lands. T idal wetlands of any size plus a contiguous ISO-foot buffer are subject to state regulations. The fre shwater wetland regulations apply to fresh­ \vater wetlands 12.4 acres or larger (plus smaller wetlands of unusual local importance) and an adjacent 100-foot buffer zone. All wetlands regu­ lated by New York State are shown on two sets of official wetland maps (one for tidal wetlands and the other for freshwater wetlands), alrhough boundaries may be modified based on field inspections. These maps may be reviewed at NYS­ N(w York City's Salt William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge within the DEC Regional Offices and county and local gov­ Marsh IVstoration Greenbelt in the middle of the Island; and Saw ernment offices. Permits are required for activities Tmm utilizes volunteers Mill Creek Park, Eibs Pond Park, and Mariners including filli ng, draining, dredgi ng, excavation, filch as the City Marsh in northern section. The City has also erection of strucrures, clearcutting, and discharge Vohmteer Corps acquired the rare sweet bay magnolia swamp at of pollutants. (p;c/ur(d), school groups, Teleport. State and federal governments maintain Because state regulations typically exclude alld others to r(stor( salt wetlands on their lands. Clay Pit Ponds State Park most small fre shwater wetlands, municipalities in marsh(J lilu this OtiC at Preserve, and newly acquired St. Francis Seminary New York State are encouraged to adopt local Old Piau Creek that and Mount Loretto possess considerable freshwa­ ordinances to regulate activities affecting freshwa­ was damaged by all oil ter wetland acreage. G ateway National Recreation ter wetlands smaller than 12.4 acres. These small­ spill. Area contains significant acreage of esruarine wet­ er wetlands play critical roles in the local environ­ lands. ment (e.g., flood storage, streamflow maintenance, wildlife habitat, and open space), especially since Wetland Regulation most are part of a larger network of wetlands. Local wetland protection can also be achieved by While acquisition is critical to protecting many including specific wetland protection provisions in wetlands, regulations that limit the adverse effects zoning, subdivision, or site plan review laws. of various human activities on wetlands are also necessary to prevent degradation of natural Wetland Restoration resources and property. In the 1970s and 1980s, the federal government and several eastern states, During the past decade, there has been increasing including New York, enacted laws to regulate interest in restoring narural communities. It seems activities that adversely impact wetlands. T hese that we have reached a point in our history where laws, plus local wetland zoning ordinances, pro­ we have developed a heightened sense of appreci­ vide government jurisdiction over certain uses of ation of the natural world around us. Nature, once wetlands (e.g., filling, excavation, and impound­ viewed as an entity to be conquered and put into ment) and require that permits be secured before cultivation, habitation, or other human use, is now engaging in such activities. For information on regarded by many people as desireable in its own federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, right without human manipulation. Working contact the appropriate resource agency (see Wet­ within the natural fabric of the land is becoming a land Resource Guide). standard building practice in many areas, but this Through Section 404 of the federal Clean philosophy needs to be more widely adopted. Water Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland restoration involves returning a wet­ (Corps) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill land to a place where one once existed or rehabili­ material into waters of the United States, including tating a damaged wetland whose functions are wetlands. The U.s. Environmental Protecti on impaired in some way. The first situation requires Agency (EPA) oversees this program given irs locating former wetland sites (e.g., agricultural mandate to protect and improve the quality of our lands on drained hydric soils, filled areas lacking ,. any structures, impoundments not supporting wet­ think beyond the limits of those habitats and pro­ Spal/erdock (yellow land vegetation, and excavated areas in existing vide adequate buffers and connections between pOlld lily) heds nearly wetlands). The goal of restoration in these cases suitable habitat areas. By maintaining and restor­ fill Sharrot/s Pond would be to re-establish a vegetated wetland of ing vegetated buffers around wetlands and water­ duri'lg a low water year some kind at these sites. T he second type of wet­ bodies, we can greatly help preserve and improve al Clay Pil Ponds Stale land restoration involves repairing a significantly their biological integrity and critical fu nctions. Park Preserve. altered wetland (e.g., diked wetlands, partly drained T he Urban Resources Partnership consists of wetlands, wetlands subject to excess sedimentation, seven agencies/organizations including EPA, U.S. wetlands receiving leachate from a neighboring H ousing and Urban Development, U .S. Forest landfill, and wetlands invaded by exotic or invasive Service, NRCS, National Park Service, Cornell species) to improve its fu nctions. There are many Cooperat.ive Extension, and NYSDEC. This former tidelands on Staten Island that may be suit­ partnership aims to provide grant money and able for wetland restoration (e.g., South Beach and technical assistance to under-served communities Midland Beach). The NYC Department of Parks in New York City. One of the grants is going to a & Recreation's Natural Resources Group has been local tenants association for restoration of Eib's restoring salt marshes for nearly a decade (e.g., Saw Pond. This project will enhance the existing site Mill Cree~ Old Place Marsh, and Pralls Island), and will serve as a framework for educating youth while the NYC Department of Environmental and other local residents about environmental Protection has restored wetlands in the Richmond stewardship and their local environment. Creek drainage. The New York-New Jersey Harbor Esruary Riparian habitat restoration is the revegeta­ Program is one of 28 national estuary programs tion of streambanks to improve water quality and established by EPA. The program involves public wildlife habitat. While a lOO-foot buffer may pro­ agencies, private organizations, and citizens in vide adequate water quality protection, a 300-foot natural resource planning. A comprehensive con­ buffer is recommended to maintain sufficient servation and management plan has been prepared habitat for wetland-dependent species and to pro­ and signed by the governors of New York and tect areas designated as critical wildlife habitat. To New Jersey. The program is targeting sites for protect fish and wildlife species associated with habitat restoration and acquisition (visit their wetlands and other aquatic habitats, we need to website at www.hudsomiver.org/hep).

W ETLANDS OF STATEN ] SLAND, NEW YORK 17