Ecological Communities of New York State

Home , Clintonia umbellulata, Iona Island (New York), Minuartia groenlandica, Napeague State Park, Rome Sand Plains, Stockport Creek

Ecological Communities

of New York State

Carol Reschke

New York Natural Heritage Program N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation 700 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110-2400

March 1990 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The New York Natural Heritage Program is supported by funds from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy. Within DEC, funding comes from the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Lands and Forests. The Heritage Program is partly supported by funds contributed by state taxpayers through the voluntary Return a Gift to Wildlife program. The Heritage Program has received funding for community inventory work from the Adirondack Council, the Hudson River Foundation, the Sussman Foundation, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service (Finger Lakes National Forest), and each of the seven New York chapters of The Nature Conservancy (Adirondack Nature Conservancy, Eastern New York Chapter, Central New York Chapter, Long Island Chapter, Lower Hudson Chapter, South Fork/Shelter Island Chapter, and WesternNew YorJ< Chapter) This classification has been developed in part from data collected by numerous field biologists. Some of these contributors have worked under contract to the Natural Heritage Program, including Caryl DeVries, Brian Fitzgerald, Jerry Jenkins, Al Scholz, Edith Schrot, Paul Sherwood, Nancy Slack, Dan Smith, Gordon Tucker, and F. Robert Wesley. Present and former Heritage staff who have contributed a significant portion of field data include Peter Zika, Robert E. Zaremba, Lauren Lyons-Swift, Steven Clemants, and the author. Chris Nadareski helped compile long species lists for many communities by entering data from field survey forms into computer files. Robert E. Zaremba provided preliminary draft descriptions of several estuarine intertidal and open upland communities; Raymond Curran provided a draft description of boreal heath barrens. John Ozard provided reliable assistance in resolving computer problems during the preparation of this manuscript, and he produced the county map. The staff of the New York State Museum's Biological Survey has been very helpful in identifying specimens of plants and animals collected during field surveys. Earlier drafts of this classification have been reviewed by biologists from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, the Department of State's Coastal Zone Management Program, The Nature Conservancy, private environmental consulting firms, and from several academic institutions in New York State. Any remaining errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author. Thanks to Walt Sabin and Peter Zika for proofreading the final drafts of this manuscript, and to Frank Orsini for designing the cover. Thanks to all the people who reviewed and commented on various drafts of this manuscript, made suggestions regarding classification of communities, and provided a lot of encouragement, including:

Wint Aldrich James Glidden Paul Novak Richard Andrus Scott Gray John O'Pezio Robert H. Bathrick Andrew Greller David Odell Barbara Bedford Bradley Griffin John W. Ozard John M. Bernard Dennis Grossman Steward T. A. Pickett Michael J. Birmingham Tom Hart Richard Preall Paul Bishop Robert Henshaw Gerald Rasmussen Elizabeth Blair Joel Hermes Tom Rawinski Leigh Blake David Hunt John Renkavinsky Alvin Breisch Paul Huth Walt Sabin Lawrence P. Brown Jerry Jenkins Kathryn Schneider Janet Carroll Arthur Johnsen Rebecca Schneider Lee Chamberlaine Eric Karlin Edith Schrot Kim Chapman Edwin Ketchledge Dale Schweitzer James S. Clark Erik Kiviat Franz Seischab Steven E. Clemants Harold Knoch Timothy J. Sinnott Chad Covey Michael Kudish Nancy Slack Scott Crocoll Donald J. Leopold C. Lavette Smith Raymond Curran Gary Lovett Daniel Spada Anton Damman John Madsen Margaret Stewart Robert Daniels Peter Marks Lawrence E. Strait Nate Dickinson Michael J. Matthews Bryan Swift Robert Dirig Eugene McCaffrey Elizabeth Thompson Steven W. Eaton Joseph McMullen John Titus Brian Fitzgerald Patricia Mehlhop-Cifelli F. Robert Wesley Eric Fried Robert L. Miller John White Jean Gawalt Charles L. Mohler Kenneth F. Wich Frederick Gerty Terry Moore Robert E. Zaremba Bruce Gilman Jack Moser Peter Zika.

ii CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..... ii

INTRODUCTION viii

I. MARINE SYSTEM ...... 1 A. MARINE SUBTIDAL ...... 1 1. Marine deepwater community ...... 1 2. Marine eelgrass meadow ...... 1 B. MARINEJ..NTEBTIOAL •.•..••.•..•..•..•.••.....••••••••...... 1 1. Marine intertidal mudflats ...... 1 2. Marine intertidal gravel/sand beach ...... 1 3. Marine rocky intertidal ...... 2 C. MARINE CULTURAL ...... 2 1. Marine submerged artificial structure/reef ...... 2 2. Marine dredge spoil shore ...... 2 3. Marine riprap/artificial shore ...... 2

II. ESTUARINE SYSTEM ...... 3 A. ESTUARINE SUBTIDAL ...... 3 1. Tidal river ...... 3 2. Tidal creek ...... 3 3. Brackish subtidal aquatic bed ...... 4 4. Freshwater subtidal aquatic bed ...... 4 B. ESTUARINE INTERTIDAL ...... 4 1. Salt shrub ...... 4 2, High salt marsh ...... 4 3. Salt panne ...... 5 4. Low salt marsh ...... 5 5. Coastal salt pond ...... 6 6. Brackish tidal marsh ...... 6 7. Brackish intertidal mudflats ...... 6 8. Brackish intertidal shore ...... 7 9. Freshwater tidal swamp ...... 7 10. Freshwater tidal marsh ...... 7 11. Freshwater intertidal mudflats ...... 8 12. Freshwater intertidal shore ...... 8 C. ESTUARINE CULTURAL ...... 8 1. Estuarine channel/artificial impoundment ...... 8 2. Estuarine ditch ...... 8 3. Estuarine impoundment marsh ...... 9 4. Estuarine dredge spoil shore ...... 9 5. Estuarine riprap/artificial shore ...... 9

Ill. RIVERINE SYSTEM ...... 10 A. NATURAL STREAMS ...... 10 1. Rocky headwater stream ...... 10 2. Marsh headwater stream ...... 10 3. Midreach stream ...... 11 4. Main channel stream ...... 11 5. Backwater slough ...... 11 6. Intermittent stream ...... 12 7. Coastal plain stream ...... 12 B. RIVERINE CULTURAL ...... 12 1. Acidified stream ...... 12 2. Canal ...... 12 3. Ditch/artificial intermittent stream ...... 12 4. Industrial effluent stream ...... 13

lll CONTENTS

IV. LACUSTRINE SYSTEM ...... 14 A. NATURAL LAKES AND PONDS ...... 14 1. Great Lakes deepwater community ...... 14 2. Great Lakes aquatic bed ...... 14 3. Great Lakes exposed shoal ...... 15 4. Bog lake ...... 15 5. Oligotrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 6. Mesotrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 7. Eutrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 8. Summer-stratified monomictic lake ...... 17 9. Winter-stratified monomictic lake ...... 17 10. Meromictic lake ...... 18 11. Mad pond ...... 18 12. Inland salt pond ...... 18 13. Oxbow lake ...... 18 14. Coastal plain pond ...... 19 15. Oligotrophic pond ...... 19 16. Eutrophic pond ...... 19 B. LACUSTRINE CULTURAL ...... _ ...... 19 1. Acidified lake ...... 19 2. Cultural eutrophic lake ...... 20 3. Farm pond/artificial pond ...... 20 4. Reservoir/artificial impoundment ...... 20 5. Quarry pond ...... 20 6. Artificial pool ...... 20 7. Industrial cooling pond ...... 21 8. Sewage treatment pond ...... 21

V. PALUSTRINE SYSTEM ...... 22 A. OPEN MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS ...... 22 1. Deep emergent marsh ...... 22 2. Shallow emergent marsh ...... 22 3. Shrub swamp ...... 23 4. Cobble shore wet meadow ...... 23 5. Inland calcareous lake shore ...... _ ...... 23 6. Inland non-calcareous lake shore ...... 24 7. Coastal plain pond shore ...... _ ...... 24 8. Sinkhole wetland ...... _ ...... 24 9. Maritime interdunal swales ...... _ ...... 24 10. Pine barrens vernal pond ...... 25 11. Pine barrens shrub swamp ...... • ...... 25 B. OPEN PEATLANDS ...... 25 1. Inland salt marsh ...... 25 2. Sedge meadow ...... 26 3. Mar I pond shore ...... 26 4. Marl fen ...... 26 5. Rich sloping fen ...... 27 6. Rich graminoid fen ...... 27 7. Rich shrub fen ...... 28 8. Medium fen ...... 28 9. Inland poor fen ...... 28 10. Coastal plain poor fen ...... 29 11. Perched bog ...... 29 12. Patterned peatland ...... 30 13. Dwarf shrub bog ...... 30 14. Higbbush blueberry bog thicket ...... 31 C. FORESTED MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS ...... 31 1. Floodplain forest ...... • ...... 31 2. Red maple-hardwood swamp ...... 32 3. Silver maple-ash swamp ...... 32

iv CONTENTS

4. Vernal pool ...... 32 5. Perched swamp white oak swamp ...... 32 6. Hemlock-hardwood swamp ...... 33 7. Spruce-fir swamp ...... 33 D. FORESTED PEATlANDS ...... 33 1. Inland Atlantic white cedar swamp ...... 34 2. Coastal plain Atlantic white cedar swamp ...... 34 3. Red maple-tamarack peat swamp ...... 34 4. Pitch pine-blueberry peat swamp ...... 35 5. Northern white cedar swamp ...... 35 6. R.ichliemlocl':Jiaiclwooopeiit swamp ...... 36 7. Black spruce-tamarack bog ...... 36 C. PALUSTRINE CULTURAL ...... 36 1. Reverted drained muckland ...... 37 2. Impounded marsh ...... 37 3. Impounded swamp ...... 37 4. Reedgrass/purple loosestrife marsh ...... 37 5. Dredge spoil wetland ...... 37 6. Mine spoil wetland ...... 37 7. Water recharge basin ...... 37

VI. TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM ...... 38 A. OPEN UPLANDS ...... 38 1. Sand beach ...... 38 2. Great Lakes dunes ...... 38 3. Maritime beach ...... 38 4. Maritime dunes ...... 39 5. Maritime shrubland ...... 39 6. Maritime heathland ...... 39 7. Maritime grassland ...... 40 8. Hempstead Plains grassland ...... 40 9. Riverside ice meadow ...... 40 10. Riverside sand/gravel bar ...... 41 11. Shoreline outcrop ...... 41 12. Calcareous shoreline outcrop ...... 41 13. Cobble shore ...... 41 14. Alvar grassland ...... 42 15. Alpine meadow ...... 42 16. Cliff community ...... 43 17. Calcareous cliff community ...... 43 18. Shale cliff and talus community ...... • ...... 44 19. Rocky summit grassland ...... 44 20. Successional fern meadow ...... 44 21. Successional blueberry heath ...... 44 22. Successional old field ...... 44 23. Successional shrubland ...... 45 B. BARRENS AND WOODLANDS ...... 45 1. Serpentine barrens ...... 45 2. Dwarf pine plains ...... 46 3. Dwarf pine ridges ...... 46 4. Pitch pine-scrub oak barrens ...... 47 5. Pitch pine-oak-heath woodland ...... 47 6. Pitch pine-heath barrens ...... 48 7. Boreal heath barrens ...... 48 8. Sandstone pavement barrens ...... 48 9. Oak openings ...... 49 10. Calcareous pavement barrens ...... 49 11. Alpine krummholz ...... 50 12. Limestone woodland ...... 50 13. Ice cave talus community ...... • ...... 51

V CONTENTS

14. Calcareous talus slope woodland ...... 51 15. Acidic talus slope woodland ...... 52 16. Shale talus slope woodland ...... 52 17. Pitch pine-oak-heath rocky summit ...... 52 18. Spruce-fir rocky summit ...... 53 19. Red cedar rocky summit ...... 53 20. Northern white cedar rocky summit ...... 53 21. Successional red cedar woodland ...... 53 C. FORESTED UPLANDS ...... 54 1. Maritime oak-holly forest ...... 54 2. Mar,trme oiiJc forest ...... 54 3. Maritime red cedar forest ...... 54 4. Pitch pine-oak forest ...... 54 5. Appalachian oak-hickory forest ...... 55 6. Allegheny oak forest ...... 55 7. Chestnut oak forest ...... 56 8. Oak-tulip tree forest ...... 56 9. Appalachian oak-pine forest ...... 56 10. Rich mesophytic forest ...... 57 11. Beech-maple mesic forest ...... 57 12. Maple-basswood rich mesic forest ...... 58 13. Hemlock-northern hardwood forest ...... 58 14. Pine-northern hardwood forest ...... 59 15. Spruce flats ...... 59 16. Balsam flats ...... 60 17. Spruce-northern hardwood forest ...... 60 18. Mountain spruce-fir forest ...... 60 19. Mountain fir forest ...... 61 20. Successional northern hardwoods ...... 61 21. Successional southern hardwoods ...... 62 22. Successional maritime forest ...... 62 D. TERRESTRIAL CULTURAL...... 62 1. Cropland/row crops ...... 63 2. Cropland/field crops ...... 63 3. Pastureland ...... 63 4. Flower /herb garden ...... , , ...... 63 5. Orchard ...... , , ...... 63 6. Vineyard ...... 63 7. Hardwood plantation ...... 63 8. Pine plantation ...... , . . . . . 63 9. Spruce/fir plantation ..... , ...... 64 10. Conifer plantation ...... 64 11. Mowed lawn with trees ...... 64 12. Mowed lawn ...... 64 13. Mowed roadside/pathway ...... 64 14. Herbicide-sprayed roadside/pathway ...... 64 15. Unpaved road/path ...... 65 16. Paved road/path ...... 65 17. Roadcut cliff/slope ...... 65 18. Riprap / erosion control roadside ...... 65 19. Rock quarry ...... 65 20. Gravel mine ...... 65 21. Sand mine ...... 65 22. Brushy cleared land ...... 65 23. Artificial beach ...... 65 24. Riprap/artificial lake shore ...... , . . . . . 65 25. Dredge spoil lake shore ...... 66 26. Construction/road maintenance spoils ...... 66 27. Dredge spoils . , ...... 66 28. Mine spoils ...... 66

vi CONTENTS

29. Landfill/dump ...... 66 30. Junkyard ...... 66 31. Urban vacant lot ...... 66 32. Urban structure exterior ...... 66 33. Rural structure exterior ...... 67 34. Interior of barn/agricultural building 67 35. Interior of non-agricultural building . 67

VII. SUBTERRANEAN SYSTEM ...... 68 A. NATURAL CAVES ...... 68 1. Aquatic cave commumty ...... 68 2. Terrestrial cave community ...... 68 3. Talus cave community ...... 68 B. SUBTERRANEAN CULTURAL ...... 68 1. Mine/artificial cave community ...... 68 2. Sewer ...... 68 3. Tunnel ...... 68 4. Basement/building foundation ...... 69

REFERENCES 70

APPENDIX A: HERITAGE PROGRAM ELEMENT RANKS ...... 78

APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY ...... 79

APPENDIX C: KEY TO SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS ...... 87

INDEX ..... 91

COUNTY AND ECOZONE MAPS ...... 96

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Front cover: Pines reflected in the glassy surface of Lowery Pond, a meromictic lake that is one of the Junius Ponds, Seneca County.

Back cover, top left: A small patch of alpine krummholz in the alpine meadow near the summit of Algonquin Peak, Essex County.

Back cover, top right: Deep emergent marsh in the foreground and red maple-hardwood swamp in the background, at Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area, Clinton County.

Back cover, bottom left: A spruce-northern hardwood forest bordering Jordan Lake, Kildare Forest, St. Lawrence County.

Back cover, bottom center: An alvar grassland at Chaumont Barrens, Jefferson County.

Back cover, bottom right: Calcareous pavement barrens near Three Mile Creek Road, Jefferson County.

All photographs by Carol Reschke.

vu INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES impact statements and other forms of The primary objective of this report is to environmental review. In combination with the classify and describe ecological communities Heritage ranking system, the classification can be representing the full array of biological diversity used to establish priorities for land acquisition by of New York State. An ecological community is public agencies and private conservation a variable assemblage of interacting plant and organizations. Programs for long-term monitoring animal populations that share a common of environmental change can use the classification environment. As part of the New York Natural to guide the selection of monitoring sites. The Heritage Program inventory, this classification has classification and community descriptions provide been developed to help assess and protect the a general survey useful to students of the natural biological diversity of the state. The Natural history of New York State. Heritage Program inventory is a regularly updated database of information on rare animals, rare COMMUNl1Y CONCEPTS plants, and significant natural communities of In this classification a comm unity is defined New York State. This inventory also provides a as a variable assemblage of interacting plant and ranking system for determining priorities for animal populations that share a common conservation and management of New York environment. Most communities occur repeatedly States significant natural areas. in the landscape. The plants and animals in a community occupy a habitat, often modifying the The Natural Heritage Program inventory uses habitat. For example, the canopy trees in a a "coarse filter /fine filter" strategy to identify hemlock-northern hardwood forest shade the conservation priorities for protection of biological ground and keep the forest floor cool and dark, resources. Preservation of good examples of each a large deer population can modify the structure of the natural communities in the state serves as of a forest community by browsing the understory a coarse filter that assures the protection of most shrubs and saplings, and beavers can modify a of the species that make up the biological stream corridor by damming the stream and diversity of the state. The species that might not flooding the surrounding habitats. be protected in these representative communities, or the species that "fall through" this coarse filter No two examples of a community are because of their narrow or unusual habitat identical in composition or environment, however requirements, are rare species. Identifying and they are similar within a given range of variability. protecting viable populations of each of the rare The range of variability of each community (or species serves as the fine filter for "capturing" or the percent similarity between different examples protecting the state's biological diversity. of a community) is not defined quantitatively in this classification. Some communities are Developing and refining a classification of narrowly defined. Different exam pies of a communities is an essential step in the Heritage narrowly defined community, such as alpine inventory process. The inventory requires a krummholz, will be very similar. Other classification of discrete community types because communities are more broadly defined, such as these types are used as mapping units, and shrub swamp. The more broadly defined because the types are assigned ranks that community types provide a catch-all category for establish priorities for conducting the inventory. communities that are quite variable. This classification represents the fifth revision of a draft classification that has been in use by the Ecological communities form a complex Natural Heritage Program since 1985. mosaic in the landscape; they change through time, and they intergrade spatially and temporally. APPLICATIONS This classification is an attempt to establish a set In addition to serving as the framework for of discrete categories into which units of the the Natural Heritage Program inventory of intergrading landscape mosaic can be sorted and significant natural communities in New York organized. The classification is an artificial State, this community classification is designed to construct, and the community types are intended meet a variety of needs. The classification to be conceptually discrete, non-overlapping provides natural resource managers with a entities. For the purpose of organizing an standard set of terms and concepts to describe inventory of ecological communities, artificial wildlife habitats, and it also provides mapping boundaries between communities have been units to use in plans for managing public and drawn across the continuous ecological gradients private natural areas such as forest preserves, that occur in the real landscape. For example, wildlife management areas, parks, and nature near the summits of the Adirondack Mountains preserves. The classification can be used to there is a continuous change in communities identify ecological communities for environmental along an elevation gradient. On many mountains

viii INfROOUCITON

at an elevation of 3000 feet there is a mountain uplands. An additional subsystem, cultural, is fir forest, a forest dominated by balsam fir trees. included in each system. Definitions of the At higher elevations the trees become stunted and systems and subsystems are adapted from the deformed, and they form dense thickets; this Heritage Operations Manual (The Nature community, at an elevation of 4(XX) feet, is alpine Conservancy 1982), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife krummholz. On the summits of the highest Service wetland classification (Cowardin et al. peaks, at elevations above timberline ( about 4900 1979), and a U.S. Department of Agriculture feet), is an alpine meadow community. The ecological land classification (Driscoll et al. 1984). change from mountain fir forest to alpine krummholz to alpine meadow is a grad_11al The communities classified as cultural are transition on the mountain slopes. In order to created or maintained by human activfries, or th,,-y conduct an inventory and map occurrences, are modified by human influence to such a artificial boundaries between these communities degree that the physical conformation of the land are defined, with the recognition that in the or the biological composition of the resident landscape the transitions are often not so distinct. community is significantly different from the character of the land or community prior to Communities can be described at many modern human influence. Most, if not all, scales, ranging from a fine scale "microcosm" "natural" communities are to some degree exposed (such as the plankton in a drop of pond water) to to the influence of civilization in the form of acid a large scale "biome" (such as the eastern rain deposition, air and groundwater pollution, deciduous forest). An important consideration in logging, fire suppression and ignition, road the development of this classification has been to construction, and so forth. There is a continuous distinguish communities at a scale that is gradient of human-influenced disturbances appropriate for statewide inventory work, yet between "natural" and "cultural" communities. compatible with community classifications The decision to classify an intermediate developed by other Heritage programs in the community as cultural is based on its biological eastern U. S. To some extent the classification composition (such as presence of exotic species) reflects the amount of information available to and its lack of similarity to communities less the Heritage Program. Therefore, communities disturbed by human activities. Rather than that the Heritage Program has studied in detail emphasizing land use in the classification of (such as open uplands and open peatlands) may cultural communities, the intention is to be divided more finely than communities we have emphasize biological composition and environ studied only briefly (such as riverine and mental features. The Heritage Program does lacustrine communities). very little field work on cultural communities, and occurrences are not mapped or documented in ORGANIZATION the Heritage database. The classification is organized by "systems", and each system is composed of two to five The communities in this classification are "subsystems". Within each subsystem are many intended to include all the resident organisms, community types. System, subsystem, and including everything from earthworms, bacteria, community descriptions are included in the text. and fungi to shrubs and trees in a forest, or There are seven systems: marine, estuarine, everything from plankton to fishes and aquatic riverine, lacustrine, palustrine, terrestrial, and macrophytes in aquatic systems. In each system, subterranean. Marine and estuarine systems are certain groups of organisms and environmental divided into subtidal and intertidal subsystems. features are used as an index to habitat The palustrine system is divided into open conditions. The primary group of organisms and mineral soil wetlands, forested mineral soil the main environmental characteristics used to wetlands, open peatlands, and forested peatlands. describe and distinguish communities within each The terrestrial system is divided into open system are listed below. uplands, barrens and woodlands, and forested

System Group of organisms Environmental characteristics marine fauna (fishes, invertebrates) tidal regime, substrate estuarine vegetation tidal regime, salinity, substrate nvenne fauna (fishes) watershed position, stream flow Iacustrine fauna (fishes, invertebrates) trophic state, stratification, morphometry, water chemistry palustrine vegetation substrate, hydrologic regime terrestrial vegetation substrate, disturbance regime subterranean fauna (bats, invertebrates) hydrology, geological structure

ix INTRODUCTION

The commumttes in this classification are from "A" for an outstanding or pnstme example distinguished by physiognomy, composition of to "D" for a poor quality or degraded example. resident organisms, and ecological processes. The The Heritage Program documents as "significant" descriptions include dominant species (species all occurrences of rare communities (with state with the greatest abundance or percent cover), ranks of Sl and S2) regardless of EO rank, and codominant species (species with relatively high the highest quality occurrences (EO rank of "A") abundance or percent cover), and characteristic of more common communities (with state ranks species (species that are commonly found in the S3, S4, and S5). For example, all known community, although not necessarily abundant). occurrences of alvar grassland ( a rare The community descriptions are derived fron1 a communil}'), and only the best occurrences, such review of literature sources, species lists compiled as an old-growth forest, of beech~maple- mesic from both qualitative and quantitative field forest ( a common community) are documented as surveys conducted by Heritage Program biologists, significant natural areas. and in some cases, either from interviews with biologists studying communities or from reviewers' For many communities, examples are comments. The species lists are presented as a provided and sources of data are listed. representative sample. An individual occurrence Examples are selected from sites documented of a community may not include all the species either in the Heritage database or in the listed listed in the description, and the description sources. Each example is given as a site and includes only a very small proportion of the all county in which a good example of the the species present in a community. Some community is present; a map of the counties of descriptions also include a brief discussion of New York State is provided following the Index. ecologically important environmental charac A single site may include examples of several teristics (geology, soils, hydrology) and disturbance different communities. Sources are either patterns ( e.g. flood regime, fire regime) that literature cited in References, or unpublished data distinguish the community. For certain collected by the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) comm unities a more detailed description is or the Significant Habitat Unit (both programs provided than for other communities. In most are housed in the N.Y.S. Department of cases, the communities with more detailed Environmental Conservation's Bureau of Wildlife). descriptions have been the focus of Heritage These unpublished data sources are cited as inventory work; in some cases these communities either "NHP field surveys" or "Significant Habitat are not well-documented in the literature or are Unit files". described from New York State for the first time. Comments in the descriptions about variability of Community names simply provide a label for communities and relationships between commun each community type; the names are not intended ities are qualitative observations; evaluation of to identify all of the dominant or characteristic these observations will require quantitative species, or all the significant environmental sampling and analysis. qualities. Number codes could be used instead of names, but codes are not as easy to remember Following each community description is a nor as meaningful. In some cases the community brief summary of the distribution of the name includes dominant species ( such as black community in New York State, and the state rank spruce-tamarack bog). Some names include and estimated global rank currently assigned by physiographic provinces to which the community the Heritage Program. The statewide distribution is more or less restricted ( such as coastal plain of each community is described in terms of pond shore). Some names include adjectives "ecozones" or ecological zones of New York State denoting floristic affinities of the characteristic as described by Dickinson (1979) and Will et al. species (such as alpine meadow or boreal heath (1979). A map of these ecozones is provided on barrens). the inside of the back cover. The ranks are based upon the estimated number of occurrences In a few cases the term "Appalachian" is of each comm unity type as well as the used in this classification to refer to a community vulnerability of the community to human with floristic affinities to the so-called disturbance or destruction. An explanation of the "Alleghenian floristic element" (Curtis 1959, Eaton Heritage ranks is provided in Appendix A. In and Schrot 1987), which refers to a group of addition to global and state ranks assigned to species centered in the Cumberland and Great each community type, each occurrence of a Smoky Mountains of the southern Appalachians. community that is documented in the Heritage The term "Allegheny'' is here reserved for the database is assigned an "element occurrence rank" unglaciated portion of the Appalachian Plateau in (EO rank) that reflects the quality of the Cattaraugus County in and around Allegany State individual occurrence. These EO ranks range Park and the Allegheny River (note the two

X INTRODUCTION different spellings). This area is within the commmunities within a subsystem are usually "Allegany Hills" ecozone. The terms grouped in the list. Finally, read the descriptions "Appalachian" and "Allegheny'' are used by to determine which community type best fits the different authors to refer to the same geographic unknown community. In some cases a site will area. In this classification "Appalachian" is used be equally similar to two different community in a broad sense to refer to the Appalachian types; these sites are best described as highlands that extend from Quebec to Georgia. intermediate between the two most similar "Allegheny'' is used in a narrow sense to refer to community types. a specific portion of the Appalachian Plateau. The classification can be used in combination Plant nomenclature used in the community with the Heritage ranlimg sysiein to Iielp mal

xi MARINE COMMUNTTIES

I. MARINE SYSTEM Sources: Briggs and O'Connor 1971; Muenscher The marine system consists of open ocean 1939; Thayer et al. 1984. overlying the continental shelf, the associated coastline that is exposed to wind and waves, and shallow coastal bays that are saline because they lack significant freshwater inflow. The limits B. MARINE INTERTIDAL extend from mean high water seaward, beyond This subsystem includes the area between the the limits of rooted v<1Sc11lar vegetlltion. SaHnity highest tide level and the lowest tide level; the is greater than 18.0 parts per thousand (ppt) stibsfrate ,s peffooiciilly exposed and ffcioaed by ocean-derived salts. semidiurnal tides (two high tides and two low tides per tidal day).

A. MARINE SUBTIDAL This subsystem includes the area below the 1. Marine Intertidal mudflats: a community of lowest tide that is permanently flooded with tidal quiet waters, with substrates composed of silt or water. sand that is rich in organic matter and poorly drained at low tide. The substrate may be covered with algae. Characteristic organisms are 1. Marine deepwater community: a broadly polychaetes such as Polydora ligni, Streblospio defined community that includes both quiet and benedicti, Nereis virens, Lumbrinereis tenuis, and rough waters of the open ocean below the lowest Heteromastus filifonnis, mudsnail (Ilyanassa tide level and beyond the seaward limits of rooted obsoleta), softshell clam (Mya arenaria), and blue vascular vegetation. This community includes all mussel (Mytilus edulis). This community is an substrate types (ranging from rock bottom to important feeding ground for shorebirds such as unconsolidated bottom). American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus ), and willet (Catoptrophoms semipalmatus). Distribution: in the open ocean surrounding Long Island, in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal Lowlands and Manhattan Hills ecozones. Rank: GS SS Rank: GS S4 Source: Cowardin et al. 1979 Sources: Whitlatch 1982; Townes 1939.

2. Marine eelgrass meadow: a community of subtidal aquatic beds occurring in quiet waters 2. Marine intertidal gravel/sand beach: a below the lowest tide level where fluctuations in community washed by rough, high-energy waves, salinity are minor. Characteristic plants include with sand or gravel substrates that are well eelgrass (Zostera marina), sea lettuce (U/va drained at low tide. These areas are subject to lactuca), and algae such as Enteromorpha spp., high fluctuations in salinity and moisture. A Polysiphonia spp., and Cladophora gracilis. relatively low diversity community, it is perhaps Characteristic animals include bay scallop best characterized by the benthic invertebrate (Aequipecten irradians ), fourspine stickleback fauna including polychaetes (Spiophanes bombyx, (Apeltes quadracus), mummichog (Fundulus Pygospio elegans, Clymenella torquata, Scoloplos heteroclitus), northern pipefish (Syngnathusfuscus), fragilis, and Nephtys incisa) and am phi pods and threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus (l'rotohaustorius

1 MARINE COMMUNITIES

3, Marine rocky intertidal: a community ships, disposed waste, or any other introduced inhabiting rocky shores that are washed by rough, material that provides suitable habitat. high-energy ocean waves. Characteristic organisms are attached algae, mussels, starfish, Distribution: in the ocean surrounding Long urchins, and barnacles that are capable of Island, in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. withstanding the impact of the waves and periodic desiccation. The community is typically rich in Rank: G5 S5 species. Usually more than 60% of the substrate is covered by atfache

Sources: Conard 1935; Kiinstler and Capainolo Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal 1987. Lowlands and Manhattan Hills ecozones.

Rank: G5 S5 C. MARINE CULTURAL This subsystem includes communities that are Source: Briggs and O'Connor 1971. either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical conformation of the 3. Marine riprap/artificial shore: the wetland substrate, or the biological com position of the comm unity of a constructed marine shore in resident community is substantially different from which the substrate is composed of broken rocks, the character of the substrate or community as it stones, wooden bulkheads, or concrete placed so existed prior to human influence. as to reduce erosion. Characteristic organisms are attached algae, mussels, and barnacles; percent cover and species diversity are low 1. Marine submerged artificial structure/reef: compared to a marine rocky intertidal community. the aquatic community associated with an artificially introduced structure submerged in Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal marine waters that provides habitat for marine Lowlands and Manhattan Hills ecozones. fish and other marine organisms. This includes structures that have been intentionally sunk for Rank: G5 S5 the purpose of attracting fish, as well as sunken

2 ESTIJARINE COMMUNTilES

II. ESTUARINE SYSTEM Rank: G4 S3 The estuarine system consists of deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are Example: the Hudson River, from New York City usually semienclosed but have open, partly to Troy obstructed, or sporadic access to open ocean or tidal fresh waters, and in which ocean water is at Source: Gladden et al. 1988. least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff. The limit8 elllend from tlu:. upstream Jimit_of tidal influence seaward to an imaginary line closing the 2. Tidal creek: the aquatic community of a mouth of a river or bay. Salinity is usually less continuously flooded creek that drains the tidal than 30.0 parts per thousand (ppt) ocean-derived waters of a coastal salt marsh. The water is salts. brackish to saline (salinity between 0.5 and 30.0 ppt). Water levels fluctuate with the tides; the creek bottom is permanently flooded, but the A. ESTUARINE SUBTIDAL banks are exposed at low tide. Most tidal creeks This subsystem includes the area below the flow in a very sinuous pattern through the salt lowest tide; the substrate is permanently flooded marsh. Although the vertical banks of the creek with tidal water; it is continuously submerged. are regularly eroded and slump into the creek bottom, the position of the creek bed in the marsh is fairly stable and oxbows are rare. The 1. Tidal river: the aquatic community of sinuous meanders of the creek are not formed by continuously flooded substrates that support no recent erosion of the marsh, rather they are emergent vegetation. Within the river there are thought to be relicts of the drainage channels that two zones; the deepwater zone includes areas. were active in the tidal flats when the salt marsh where substrates are usually over 6 ft (2 m) deep grasses first became established. Characteristic at low tide, the shallows zone includes submerged plants include widgeon-grass (Ruppia maritima ), areas less than 6 ft (2 m) deep at low tide that and several cyanobacteria including Hydrocoleum lack rooted aquatic vegetation. In the river there lyngbaceum, Anabaena torulosa, and Agmenel/um is a vertical salinity gradient, with a surface layer quadruplicatum. Several fishes that are resident of fresh water (salinity less than 0.5 ppt) floating in tidal creeks at low tide also use the low salt over a deeper layer of brackish water ( salinity marsh when it is flooded by high tide. Character between 0.5 and 18.0 ppt). Salinities at any one istic fishes that have this distribution pattern place in the river may fluctuate as the tides flow include Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia ), in and out because the "salt wedge" of brackish mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), striped water alternately rises and falls with the tides. killifish (Fundulus majalis), sheepshead minnow Characteristic fishes include year-round residents ( Cyprinodon variegatus ), fourspioe stickleback as well as seasonal migrants or anadromous (Apeltes quadracus), threespine stickleback species that enter the river as adults to spawn (Gasterosteus aculeatus), and American eel and return to the ocean afterwards. The progeny (Anguilla rostrata ). Tidal creeks are also utilized of these anadromous fishes occupy the river as a as nursery areas for several important marine nursery area for the remainder of the year or fishes, including winter flounder longer. Characteristic fishes of the deepwater (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), black sea bass include Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcotf), ( Centropristis striata ), bluefish (Pomatomus hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus), and rainbow saltatrix), and striped bass (Marone saxatilis). smelt (Osmerus mordax). Characteristic fishes of the shallows include striped bass (Marone Distribution: in salt marshes along the seacoast in saxatilis), American shad (Alosa sapidissima), the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, and along the banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), spottail Long Island Sound in the Manhattan Hills shiner (Notropis hudsonius), tesselated darter ecozone. (Etheostoma olmstedi), and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus). Fishes that occur in both Rank: G4 S3S4 deepwater and shallows include bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchil/i), blueback herring (Alosa F.xamples: Hubbard Creek Marsh, Suffolk County; aestivalis), white perch (Marone americana), and Northwest Harbor, Suffolk County. alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Sources: Redfield 1972; Teal 1986; Webber 1967. Distribution: in the Hudson Valley and Coastal Lowlands ecozones.

3 ESfUARINE COMMUNITIES

3. Brackish suhtidal aquatic bed: the aquatic Semidiurnal submergence, warm water, copious community of continuously flooded substrates with deposits of mud, and varying salinity make the rooted aquatic vegetation. The water is brackish intertidal estuarine communities extreme and (salinity between 0.5 and 18.0 ppt) and the water specialized habitats (Fassett 1928). is usually less than 6 ft (2 m) deep at low tide. Characteristic species are waterweed (Elodea 1. Salt shrub: a shrubland community that forms nuttallii), coontail ( Ceratophyllum demersum ), the ecotone between salt marsh and upland naiad (Najas guadalupensis), sag_o pon

Sources: Metzler and Rosza 1982; Muenscher Distribution: in sheltered areas of the seacoast in 1937; Senerchia-Nardone et al. 1985. the Coastal Lowlands and Manhattan Hills ecorones.

4. Freshwater subtidal aquatic bed: the aquatic Rank: G5 S4 community of continuously flooded substrates with rooted aquatic vegetation. The water is fresh Examples: Hubbard Creek Marsh, Suffolk County; (salinity less than 0.5 ppt) and the water is Northwest Harbor, Suffolk County. usually less than 6 ft (2 m) deep at low tide. Characteristic species are waterweeed (Elodea Sources: Clark 1985; Clark 1986a; Conard 1935; nuttallii), tapegrass (Vallisneria americana), naiads Nixon 1982; Redfield 1972; NHP field surveys. (Najas guadalupensis, and N. minor), and pondweed (Potamogeton pe,foliatus). Two exotic weeds, Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) 2. High salt marsh: a coastal marsh community and water-chestnut (Trapa natans), are common that occurs in sheltered areas of the seacoast, in in the Hudson River aquatic beds. a zone extending from mean high tide up to the limit of spring tides. It is periodically flooded by Distribution: along the Hudson River from spring tides and flood tides. High salt marsh Newburgh to Troy, in the Hudson Valley typically consists of a mosaic of patches that are ecozone. mostly dominated by a single graminoid species. The dominant species in many large areas are Rank: G4 S3 either salt-meadow grass (Spartin a patens) or a dwarf form (6 to 12 in. tall) of cordgrass Sources: Metzler and Rosza 1982; Muenscher (Spartina altemiflora); also common are large 1937. areas dominated by spikegrass (Distichlis spicata), black-grass (Juncus gerardi), or a mixture of salt meadow grass and cordgrass. Characteristic species of the upper slope of the high marsh (the B. ESTUARINE INTERTIDAL area that grades into salt shrub) are black-grass, This subsystem includes the area between the switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ), sea-lavender highest tide level and the lowest tide level; the (Limonium carolinianum ), and slender saltmarsh substrate is periodically exposed and flooded by aster (Aster tenuifolius). Characteristic animals semidiurnal tides ( two high tides and two low include salt marsh mosquitoes (Aedes spp.), tides per tidal day). Some areas are only greenhead flies (Tabanidae), coffeebean snail irregularly exposed at low tide, while other areas (Melampus bidentatus), sharp-tailed sparrow are only irregularly flooded at high tide. (Ammodramus caudacutus), marsh wren

4 ESTIJARINE COMMUNITIES

(Cistothorus palustris), eastern meadowlark Rank: G3G4 S3 (Stumella magna), clapper rail (Ra/lus longirostris), and American black duck (Anas rubripes). Examples: Hubbard Creek Marsh, Suffolk County; High salt marsh is one wne within a coastal Northwest Harbor, Suffolk County. salt marsh ecosystem; it occurs in a complex mosaic with several other communities. Other Sources: Nixon 1982; Redfield 1972; NHP field communities in a salt marsh ecosystem include surveys. salt shrub at the l!Pllllld t>oider Qf the Jli_g!i, marsh; low salt marsh at the seaward border of the high marsh and along the edges of tidal 4. Low salt marsh: a coastal marsh community creeks that drain the high marsh; and salt pannes that occurs in sheltered areas of the seacoast, in in shallow depressions within the marsh. a zone extending from mean high tide down to mean sea level or to about 6 ft (2 m) below Distribution: in sheltered areas of the seacoast in mean high tide. It is regularly flooded by the Coastal Lowlands and Manhattan Hills semidiumal tides. The vegetation of the low salt ecozones. marsh is a nearly monospecific stand of cordgrass (Spartina a/temiflora), a coarse grass that grows Rank: G4 S3S4 up to about 10 ft (3 m) tall. A few species of marine algae can form dense mats on the surface Examples: Hubbard Creek Marsh, Suffolk County; sediments between the cordgrass stems, including Northwest Harbor, Suffolk County. knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) and rockweed (Fucus vesiculosus); sea lettuce (Ulva Sources: Clark 1985; Clark 1986a; Conard 1935; spp.) and green algae in the genus Enteromorpha Nixon 1982; Redfield 1972; NHP field surveys. can be abundant, especially in early summer. Other plants that are present in very low numbers include glasswort (Salicomia europaea), salt marsh 3. Salt panne: a shallow depression in a salt sand-spurry (Spergularia marina), and lesser sea marsh where the marsh is poorly drained. blite (Suaeda maritima). Characteristic animals Pannes occur in both low and high salt marshes. include clapper rail (Ral/us longirostris), willet Pannes in low salt marshes usually lack (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), marsh wren vegetation, and the substrate is a soft, silty mud. (Cistothorus palustris), seaside sparrow Pannes in a high salt marsh are irregularly (Ammodramus maritimus), fiddler crabs (Uca flooded by spring tides or flood tides, but the pugilator and U. pugna.x) nesting along creek water does not drain into tidal creeks. After a banks, and at high tide mummichog (Fundu/us panne bas been flooded the standing water heteroclitus) and several other small fishes that evaporates and salinity of the soil water is raised live in the tidal creeks at low tide. well above the salinity of sea-water. Soil water The low salt marsh is one zone within a salinities fluctuate in response to tidal flooding coastal salt marsh ecosystem; it occurs in a and rainfall. Small pond holes occur in some mosaic with several other communities. Low salt pannes; the pond holes are usually deeper than marsh grades into high salt marsh at slightly the thickness of the living salt marsh turf, and the higher elevations, and it grades into intertidal banks or 'walls" of the pond holes are either mudflats at slightly lower elevations. Tidal creeks vertical or they undercut the peat. Characteristic that drain the salt marsh flow in a sinuous plants of a salt panne include the dwarf form (6 pattern through the marsh, and a narrow band of to 12 in. tall) of cordgrass (Spartina a/temiflora), low marsh lines the banks of the tidal creeks. glassworts (Salicornia europaea and S. vi,ginica), Shallow depressions or pannes may also occur in marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata), salt marsh the low marsh. plantain (Plantago maritima ssp.juncoides), arrow grass (Triglochin maritimum ), and salt marsh sand Distribution: in sheltered areas of the seacoast in spurry (Spergu/aria marina). Widgeon-grass the Coastal Lowlands and Manhattan Hills (Ruppia maritima) grows in the pond holes; fishes ecozones. that may be permanent residents in large pond holes include mummichog (Fundulus heteroc/itus) Rank: G4 S3S4 and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). Examples: Hubbard Creek Marsh, Suffolk County; Distribution: in salt marshes along the seacoast of Northwest Harbor, Suffolk County. the Coastal Lowlands ecozone.

5 ESTUARINE COMMUNfTIES

Sources: Clark 1985; Clark 1986a; Conard 1935; palustris), yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia), Nixon 1982; Redfield 1972; NHP field surveys. common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), song sparrow (Me/ospiza melodia ), Virginia rail (Ra//us limico/a), American goldfinch (Cardue/is tristis), 5. Coastal salt pond: a community inhabiting and eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus). marine shoreline lakes or ponds formed by Brackish marshes are best developed on sandspits that close off a lagoon or bay. The large river systems characterized by gentle slope water is brackish . or slightly . brackish. gradients_ co~J>'ed with . tidal influence over Occasionally the barrier beach is broken by considerable rustances. The downsireaiii-lm,its of hurricanes and the pond becomes saline until the the community begin where cordgrass (Spartina sandspit closes the pond again. Some ponds have a/temiflora) no longer dominates tidal creek or permanent (natural or artificial) inlets. river banks, and the upstream limits extend to Characteristic species are dwarf spikerush where the green seaweed Enteromo,pha (Eleocharis parvula), switchgrass (Panicum intestinalis can no longer be found. Brackish tidal virgatum), salt-meadow grass (Spartina patens), marshes can be distinguished from freshwater reedgrass (Phragmites australis), saltmarsh tidal marshes by the lack of species restricted to fleabane (Pluchea odorata), three-square (Sci,pus freshwater, such as spatterdock (Nuphar luteum americanus), rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), ssp. macrophyllum), sweetflag (Acorus pigweeds (Chenopodium spp.) and mock bishop's americanus), and blue flag (Iris versicolor), and a weed (Ptilimnium capillaceum ). decrease in cover of sedges ( Can,,: spp. and Cyperus spp.). Distribution: along the seacoast in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, and along the Hudson River Rank: G4 S 1S2 from New York City to Newburgh in the Triassic Lowlands and Hudson Valley ecozones. Examples: Oyster Pond, Suffolk County; Island Pond, Fisher's Island, Suffolk County. Rank: G4 S3S4

Source: NHP field surveys. Examples: Constitution Marsh, Putnam County; Iona Island, Rockland County; Piermont Marsh, Rockland County. 6. Brackish tidal marsh: a marsh community that occurs where water salinity ranges from 0.5 Sources: Metzler and Rosza 1982; Muenscher to 18.0 ppt, and water is less than 6 ft (2 m) 1937; Odum et al. 1984; Senerchia-Nardone et al. deep at high tide. This community consists of a 1985; Swift 1987; NHP field surveys. mixture of salt marsh and freshwater tidal marsh species, with no species attaining dominance over extensive areas ( although some species are locally 7. Brackish intertidal mudflats: a sparsely abundant in patches). The vegetation in a vegetated community, characterized by low brackish tidal marsh is dense and dominated by growing, rosette-leaved aquatics. The community tall graminoids. Characteristic plants are occurs on exposed intertidal mudflats where water narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), arrowleaf salinity ranges from 0.5 to 18.0 ppt. This (Peltandra virginica), pickerel-weed (Pontederia community is best developed where mudflats are cordata ), water smartweed (Polygonum nearly level so that broad expanses are exposed at punctatum), reedgrass (Phragmites australis), low tide. The rosette-leaved aquatics are marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris ), wild rice completely submerged at high tide, and they are (Zizania aquatica), soft-stem bulrush (Sci,pus usually coated with mud. Characteristic species tabemaemontanii), river bulrush (S. fluviatilis), are spongy arrowhead (Sagittaria calycina var. dwarf spikerush (Eleocharis parvula), arrowhead spongiosa), strap-leaf arrowhead (Sagittaria (Sagittaria latifolia ), lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis subulata), mudwort (Limose/la australis), three chinensis), rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), square bulrush (Sci,pus americanus), and yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and saltmarsh tapegrass (Vallisneria americana). fleabane (P/uchea odorata). Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a common weed in brackish Distribution: along the Hudson River from New marshes. Characteristic birds inlcude red-winged York City to Newburgh in the Triassic Lowlands blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), swamp sparrow and Hudson Valley ecozones; may also occur in (Me/ospiza georgiana), marsh wren (Cistothorus the Coastal Lowlands ecozone.

6 ESTUARINE COMMUNillES

Rank: G3G4 S1S2 (Carex grayi), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias Examples: Piermont Marsh, Rockland County; incamata). Constitution Marsh, Putnam County. Distribution: along the Hudson River from Sources: Muenscher 1937; NHP field surveys. Newburgh to Troy, in the Hudson Valley ecozone.

8. Brackish intertidal shore: a community of the Rank: G2G3 S1 intertidal gravelly or rocky shores of brackish tidal rivers and creeks where water salinity ranges from Examples: Roger's Island, Columbia County; 0.5 to 18.0 ppt. This community is usually Catskill Marsh, Greene County. sparsely vegetated. More data on this community are needed. Sources: DeVries and DeWitt 1986; McVaugh 1958; Westad and Kiviat 1985; NHP field surveys. Distribution: along the seacoast of Long Island in the Coastal Lowlands ecowne, and along the Hudson River from New York City to 10. Freshwater tidal marsh: a marsh community Poughkeepsie in the Triassic Lowlands and that occurs in shallow bays, shoals, and at the Hudson Valley ecozones. mouth of tributaries of large tidal river systems, where the water is usually fresh (salinity less than Rank: G3G4 S1S2 0.5 ppt), and less than 6 ft (2 m) deep at high tide. The vegetation in dominated by aquatics Example: Hands Creek, Suffolk County. that are emergent at high tide. Typically there are two zones in a freshwater tidal marsh: a low Source: NHP field surveys. elevation area dominated by short, broad-leaf emergents bordering mudflats or open water, and a slightly higher-elevation area dominated by tall 9. Freshwater tidal swamp: a forested or shrub graminoids. dominated tidal wetland that occurs in lowlands Characteristic plants of the low-elevation, along large river systems characterized by gentle broad-leaf emergent zone include spatterdock slope gradients coupled with tidal influence over (Nuphar luteum ssp. macrophyllum ), pickerel considerable distances. The swamp substrate is weed (Pontederia cordata), arrowleaf (Peltandra always wet and is subject to semidiurnal flooding virginica), and fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata). by fresh tidal water (salinity less than 0.5 ppt). Under the canopy of emergents (or between The characteristic trees are green ash (Fraxinus clones) there may be a sparse understory of pennsylvanica), black ash (F. nigra), red maple rosette-leaved aquatics such as narrow-leaved (Acer rnbrnm), slippery elm (U/mus rnbra) and arrowheads (Sagittaria subu/ata, S. graminea, and American hornbeam ( CIJIJ}inus caroliniana; S. rigida), and mud-plantain (Heteranthera northern white cedar (Thuja occidenta/is) is a renifonnis ). distinctive associate in at least one example in the Characteristic plants of the slightly higher, Hudson Valley. Common shrubs and vines are graminoid zone inlcude narrowleaf cattail (Typha alders (A/nus serru/ata, A. rngosa ), spicebush angustifo/ia), river bulrush (Scirpus fluviatilis), bur (Lindera benzoin ), arrowwood (Viburnum reed (Sparganium eu,ycarpum ), wild rice (Zizania recognitum ), silky dogwood ( Camus amomum ), aquatica), and blue flag (Iris versico/or). red-osier dogwood (C. sericea), gray dogwood (C. Other characteristic plants that occur in both Joemina ssp. racemosa ), Virginia creeper zones include arrowhead (Sagittaria latifo/ia), rice (Pa,thenocissus quinquefo/ius), and poison ivy cutgrass (Leersia o,yzoides), water-hemp (Toxicodendron radicans). Characteristic (Amaranthus cannabinus ), spotted jewelweed groundlayer species are rice cutgrass (Leersia (Impatiens capensis), estnary beggar-ticks (Bidens o,yzoides), sensitive fern (Onoc/ea sensibilis), bidentoides), sweetflag (Acorns americanus), clearweed (Pi/ea pumila), spotted jewelweed softstem bulrush (Scirpus tabemaemontanii), (Impatiens capensis ), common monkeyflower sedges (Carex hystericina, C. lacustris), and cyperus (Mimulus ringens), knotweeds (Polygonum (Cyperns spp.). Purple loosestrife (Lythrum hydropiper, P. hydropiperoides, P. sagittatum ), salicaria) and reedgrass (Phragmites australis) are skunk cabbage (SymploclJIJ}US foetidus), hog common exotics in this community. peanut (Amphicarpea bracteata), groundnut (Apios Some marshes include small areas of americana), wild yam (Dioscorea vil/osa), sedge sandflats, often dominated by one or a few

7 ESTIJARINE COMMUNffiES

species. Characteristic plants of sandflats include 12. Freshwater intertidal shore: a community of three-square bulrush (Scirpus americanus), water the intertidal gravelly or rocky shores of horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), Pennsylvania freshwater tidal rivers and creeks, sometimes bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica), mud-hyssop occurring at the base of cliffs. The vegetation (Gratiola neglecta), water smartweed (Polygonum may be very sparse. Characteristic species are punctatum ), and an exotic, black mustard heartleaf plantain (Plantago cordata), estuary (Brassica nigra). beggar-ticks (Bidens bidentoides), water-hemp Characteristic birds include marsh wren (Aniar-011thu_s cannabinus), stnar1'¥_eed (PofJ'Go__m,rn ( Cistothorns palustris), red-winged blackbird hydropiperoides ), cardinal flower (Lobelia (Agelaius phoeniceus), swamp sparrow (Me/ospiza cardinalis ), Pennsylvania bittercress ( Cardamine georgiana), Virginia rail (Rat/us limicola), song pensylvanica), mud-hyssop (Gratio/a neg/ecta), sparrow (Melospiza melodia ), yellow warbler golden club ( Orontium aquaticum ), and an exotic, (Dendroica petechia), least bittern (Ixobrychus black mustard (Brassica nigra). exilis), American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), willow flycatcher (Empidonax trail/ii), and Distribution: along the Hudson River from common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). Newburgh to Troy, in the Hudson Valley ecozone. Distribution: along the Hudson River from Newburgh to Troy, in the Hudson Valley Rank: G3G4 S2S3 ecozone. Examples: Tivoli Bays, Dutchess County; Inbocht Rank: G3G4 S2 Bay, Greene County.

Examples: Stockport Creek Marshes, Columbia Sources: McVaugh 1958; Muenscher 1937; NHP County; Catskill Marsh, Greene County. field surveys.

Sources: DeVries and DeWitt 1986; Metzler and Rosza 1982; Muenscher 1937; Odum et al. 1984; C. ESTUARINE CULTURAL Swift 1987; NHP field surveys. This subsystem includes communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a 11. Freshwater intertidal mudflats: a sparsely degree that the physical conformation of the vegetated community characterized by low rosette substrate, or the biological composition of the leaved aquatics. This community occurs on resident community is substantially different from exposed intertidal mudflats where the water is the character of the substrate or community as it fresh (salinity less than 0.5 ppt). This community existed prior to human influence. is best developed where mudflats are nearly level so that broad expanses are exposed at low tide. The plants are completely submerged in 3 to 4 ft 1. Estuarine channel/artificial impoundment: (0.9 to 1.2 m) of water at high tide; and they are the aquatic community of an estuarine channel or usually coated with mud. Characteristic species bay that was created or modified by a barrier or are strap-leaf arrowhead (Sagittaria subu/ata), dam which obstructs the outflow of water; an mud-plantain (Heteranthera reniformis), grass-leaf artificial estuarine deepwater community. arrowhead (Sagittaria graminea), stiff arrowhead (Sagittaria rigida ), three-square bulrush (Scirpus Distribution: in the Hudson Valley, Hudson americanus), golden club (Orontium aquaticum), Highlands, Manhattan Hills, and Coastal and wild rice (Zizania aquatica). Lowlands ecozones.

Distribution: along the Hudson River from Rank: G5 S5 Newburgh to Troy, in the Hudson Valley ecozone. 2. Estuarine ditch: the aquatic community of a Rank: G3G4 S2 ditch or narrow channel excavated in an estuarine marsh for the intended purpose of reducing Examples: Stockport Creek Marshes, Columbia mosquito populations. These ditches have not County; North Tivoli Bay, Dutchess County. been very effective in reducing mosquito populations; the ditches have probably done more Sources: Muenscher 1937; NHP field surveys. harm to the salt marsh vegetation than is justified

8 E5TUARINE COMMUNTilES

by the effectiveness of the mosquito control 4. Estuarine dredge spoil shore: the wetland efforts. community of a constructed estuarine shore in which the substrate is composed of dredge spoils. Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal This is a community with minimal vegetative Lowlands and Manhattan Hills ecozones. cover and relatively low species diversity.

Rank: GS SS Distribution: in the Hudson Valley, Hudson l:{~Hudson Highlands, Manhattan Hills, and Coastal Distribution: in the Hudson Valley, Hudson Lowlands ecozones. Highlands, Manhattan Hills, and Coastal Lowlands ecozones. Rank: GS SS Rank: GS SS

9 RIVERINE COMMUNITIES

Ill, RIVERINE SYSTEM example, introduced fishes), however the The riverine system consists of the aquatic introduced species are not usually dominant in communities of flowing, non-tidal waters that lack the stream community as a whole. persistent emergent vegetation, but may include areas with submerged or floating-leaved aquatic vegetation. The riverine communities in this 1. Rocky headwater stream: the aquatic classification are distinguished primarily by community of a small- to moderate-sized rocky position of the .tream in ~ watecsbed, and stream with a tnn

10 RIVERINE COMMUNITIES

water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia), and Characteristic fishes are deep-bodied fishes such waterweed (Elodea nuttallii). as suckers ( Catostomids) - especially redhorses (Moxostoma spp.), sturgeon (Acipenser spp.), and Distribution: throughout New York State. shad (Alosa spp.). Many of the fishes are anadromous. The species of these genera present Rank: G4 S4 in any one stream varies with the watershed. Five major watersheds in upstate New York were Example: Campbell Marsh, Jefferson County. distinguished by C. L. Smith 11985): the St. Lawrence-R.tver .. basln, Hudson-River,Delaware Sources: Gilman 1979; Haslam 1978; Peverly 1979; River, Susquehanna River, and Allegheny River. C. L. Smith 1985. Based on the fish communities, these watersheds could be treated as 5 separate community types; however an analysis of the invertebrate fauna and 3. Midreach stream: the aquatic community of the flora of main channel streams in these a stream that has a well-defined pattern of watersheds may show a greater similarity in the alternating pool, riffle, and run sections. Most invertebrate fauna and flora between watersheds of the erosion is lateral. Waterfalls and springs than is found in the fish assemblages. Other may be present; these are here treated as features characteristic fishes include warmwater fishes such of the more broadly defined community. as pickerel (Esox amen'canus), northern pike (E. Characteristic fishes include creek chub (Semotilus /ucius), largemouth bass (Micropterus sa/moides), atromacu/atus), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), and smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui). Although common shiner (Notropis comutus), and trout the middle of a main channel stream is too deep perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) in pools; rosyface for aquatic macrophytes to occur, the shallow shiner (Notropis rubel/us) at the head of pools; shores and backwaters typically have rooted tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), greenside macrophytes. Mosses in the genus Fontina/is are darter (E. blennioides), longnose dace (Rhinichthys characteristic of shallow areas. Two exotic weeds, cataractae), slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) or Eurasian milfoil (Myn'ophyllum spicatum) and mottled sculpin ( C. bairdi), and stonecat (Noturus water chestnut (Trapa natans) may also occur flavus) in riffles; and bluntnose minnow along shores and backwaters. More data on flora (Pimepha/es notatus) and northern hog sucker and invertebrate fauna are needed. (Hypentelium nigricans) in runs. Common introductions are rainbow trout (Sa/mo gairdnen'), Distribution: throughout the state north of the brown trout (S. trutta), and (in streams where it Coastal Lowlands ecozone. is not native) smallmouth bass (Micropterus do/omieui). Typical aquatic macrophytes include Rank: G4 S4 waterweed (Elodea canadensis) and linear-leaved pondweeds such as sago pondweed (Potamogeton Example: Mohawk River from Utica to the pectinatus). More data on this community are Hudson River needed. Source: C. L. Smith 1985. Distribution: throughout New York State.

Rank: G4 S4 S. Backwater slough: the aquatic community of quiet to stagnant waters in sloughs that form in Example: French Creek, Chautauqua County. embayments and old meanders that are partially cut off from a main channel stream by deposition Sources: C. L. Smith 1985; NHP field surveys. of a levee. Aquatic vegetation is usually abundant. Characteristic aquatic plants include waterweed (Elodea canadensis), and milfoil 4. Main channel stream: the aquatic community (Myn'ophyllum spp.). Characteristic fishes are of a large, quiet, base level sections of streams golden shiner (Notemigonus cryso/eucas), where there are no distinct riffles. Main channel pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), brown bullhead streams usually have clearly distinguished (Ictalurus nebulosus), and chain pickerel (Esox meanders. They are characterized by niger). More data on this community are needed. considerable deposition, with a relatively minor amount of erosion. Waterfalls and springs may Distribution: throughout upstate New York north be present; these are here treated as features of of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. the more broadly defined community.

11 RIVERINE COMMUNITIES

Rank: G4 S2S3 chemistry, or the biological compos11lon of the resident community are substantially different Sources: C. L. Smith 1985; NHP field surveys. from the character of the stream community as it existed prior to human influence.

6. Intermittent stream: the community of a small, ephemeral streambed with a moderate to 1. Acidified stream: the aquatic community of a steep gracli-,nt, wh-,re water flows onl_y <.lwiiig the stream that has received so much acid de_p!lsition spring or after a heavy rain. Fauna is limited to that the pH of the stream has decreased species that do not require a permanent supply of significantly. The dominant anions in running water, or that inhabit the streambed only precipitation in the Northeast are sulfate and during the rainy season. The streambed may be nitrate; the pH of this precipitation is less than covered with mosses; a characteristic moss is 4.7. The biota of streams may be more sensitive Bryhnia novae--angliae. More data on this to acidification than the biota of lakes. In the community are needed. Algonquin Highlands of Ontario, several species of mayflies and stoneflies have disappeared from Distribution: throughout New York State. acidified reaches of streams. Fish kills have been observed in streams following acid pulses (for Rank: G4 S4 example, after snowmelt). More data on this community are needed. Source: comments by Nancy Slack ( of Russell Sage College). Distribution: most common in the Adirondacks, may also occur throughout eastern New York in the Appalachian Plateau, Taconic Highlands, and 7. Coastal plain stream: the aquatic community Hudson Valley ecozones. of slow-moving, often darkly-stained streams of the coastal plain of Long Island. Often there is Rank: GS S5 abundant submerged vegetation: characteristic aquatic plants include pondweeds (Potamogeton Source: Schindler 1988. pusi/lus, P. epihydrns), naiads (Najas flexilis, N. guadalupensis), waterweeds (Elodea nuttallii, E. canadensis, E. densa), stonewort (Nitella sp.), 2. Canal: the aquatic community of an artificial bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), duckweed waterway or modified stream channel constructed (Lemna minor), and white water-crowfoot for inland navigation or irrigation. Most canals (Ranunculus trichophyllus). Watercress have a low gradient between locks; however, some (Nasturtium officinale), an introduced species, is feeder canals (built to supply water to another also common. Characteristic fishes include canal) have a steep gradient and are not American eel (Anguilla rostrata), redfin pickerel navigable. Characteristic fishes include brook (Esox americanus americanus), eastern banded stickleback ( Culaea inconstans ), central killifish (Fundulus diaphanus diaphanus), mudminnow (Umbra limi), brook silverside pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus ), banded sunfish (Labidesthes sicculus), and pikes (Esocidae). (Enneacanthus obesus ), and swamp darter (Etheostoma fusiforme). Distribution: throughout New York State.

Distribution: restricted to the Coastal Lowlands Rank: G5 S5 ecozone.

Rank: G3G4 Sl 3. Ditch/artificial intermittent stream: the aquatic community of an artificial waterway Sources: Beitel 1976; Greeley 1939; Muenscher constructed for drainage or irrigation of adjacent 1939. lands. Water levels either fluctuate in response to variations in precipitation and groundwater levels, or water levels are artificially controlled. B. RIVERINE CULTURAL The sides of ditches are often vegetated, with This subsystem includes communities that are grasses and sedges usually dominant. Exotic or either created and maintained by human activities, weedy species are common. Purple loosestrife or are modified by human influence to such a (Lythrum salicaria), reedgrass (Phragmites degree that stream flow, morphometry, water australis), and reed canary grass (Phalaris

12 RIVERINE COMMUNillES

arnndinacea) often become established and may by discharge of effluent from an industrial, form dense, monospecific stands. Reed canary commercial, or sewage treatment plant. The grass is often planted along ditches for erosion water or sediments may contain elevated control. Other plants that are characteristic concentrations of heavy metals, PCBs, ammonia, include sedges (Caret: spp.) and cattails (Typha and other pollutants. Relative to unpolluted spp.). streams of similar morphology, species richness of fishes is low, and pollution-intolerant species ( e.g. Distribution: throughout New York State. Ian11,reys,

Rank: G5 S5 Distribution: throughout New York State.

Rank: 05 S5 4. Industrial effluent stream: the aquatic community of a stream or a small section of a Source: Reash and Berra 1987. stream in which the temperature, chemistry, or transparency of the water is significantly modified

13 LACUsrRJNE COMMUNITIES

IV. LACUSTRINE SYSTEM however the introduced species are not usually The lacustrine system consists of waters dominant in the lake or pond community as a situated in topographic depressions or dammed whole. river channels, lacking persistent emergent vegetation, but including areas with submerged or floating-leaved aquatic vegetation. The lacustrine 1. Great Lakes deepwater community: the open communities in this classification are distinguished water community in any of the Great Lakes. In primarily by trophic state, annual cycles of general, the Great Lakes are summer-stratified thermal stratification and circulation, monomictic lakes: they usually do not freeze over morphometry ( size and shape of the lake basin in winter, they are mixed and isothermal in and drainage area), and water chemistry. The winter, and stratified in summer. One exception communities are described in terms of the free is that portions of eastern Lake Erie, along the floating organisms of the open water or limnetic New York shores, freeze over quite frequently. zone (including plankton and fish), the aquatic The Great Lakes are distinguished from inland macrophytes and fish near the shore or littoral summer-stratified monomictic lakes because of zone, and the bottom-dwelling organisms or their size and access to estuarine biota through benthos. The limnetic zone may be divided into the St. Lawrence River and Welland Canal. the epilimnion (upper lake zone), which is sunny, Characteristic fishes include cisco ( Coregonus mixed by the wind, and comparatively rich in tlltedii), lake whitefish (Coregonus c/upeafonnis), oxygen, and the hypolimnion (lower lake zone), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), lake trout which is darker, and comparatively rich in carbon (Salvelinus namaycush ), rainbow smelt ( Osmerns dioxide from respiration and decay. The mordax), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus ), quillback transition between the epilimnion and ( Ca,piodes cyprinus ), white bass (Marone hypolimnion is called the thermocline. The lake ch,ysops), burbot (Lota Iota), emerald shiner bottom or benthic zone may be divided into the (Notropis atherinoides), mooneye (Hiodon peripheral shallows or littoral zone, the slightly tergisus), and silver chub (Hybopsis storeriana). deeper sublittoral zone, and (in summer-stratified Two introduced salmonids that are now common lakes) the deep, cold region where currents are in Lake Ontario are coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus minimal and light is much reduced, called the kisutch) and chinook salmon (0. tshawytscha). profundal zone. These zones may each have a New York's share of the Great Lakes has been distinctive biota an any one point in time; significantly polluted and modified by however, many of the plankton and fish move introductions of non-native species; some between zones on a regular basis. introductions have resulted from migrations through the Welland and Erie canals. Many of This classification of lacustrine communities the formerly common native fish have apparently is based entirely on literature review and disappeared from Lake Erie or Lake Ontario discussions with aquatic ecologists. The Heritage including blue pike (Stizostedion vitreum glaucum), program has not done inventory work on lakes; bloater ( Coregonus hoyi), kiyi ( C. kiyi), shortnose we do not currently have in our files sufficient cisco (C. reighardi), shortjaw cisco (C. zenithicus), field data for a detailed evaluation of the spoonhead sculpin ( Cottus ricei), and deepwater lacustrine classification. Therefore the lacustrine sculpin (Myxocepha/us thompsoni). classification is more tentative and the communities are more broadly defined than in the Distribution: restricted to the Great Lakes Plain classification of estuarine, palustrine, and ecozone. terrestrial communities. This classification needs to be tested with field surveys, and it will Rank: G2G3 S1S2 probably need further refinement after field data are evaluated. Examples: Lake Ontario; Lake Erie.

Sources: Berg 1963, C. L. Smith 1985. A. NATURAL LAKES AND PONDS This subsystem includes the Great Lakes, and inland lakes and ponds in which the trophic 2. Great Lakes aqnatic bed: the aquatic state, morphometry, and water chemistry have not community of the protected shoals of the Great been substantially modified by human activities, or Lakes that occur in quiet bays that are protected the native biota are dominant. The biota may from extreme wave action, and support large include some introduced species (for example, areas of "weeds" or aquatic macrophytes. These non-native macrophytes, introduced fishes), bays may freeze over in winter and become

14 lACUSTRINE COMMUNfllES

inversely stratified. Characteristic fishes in the 4. Bog lake: the aquatic community of a aquatic bed include pickerel (Eso:x: americanus), dystrophic lake that typically occurs in a small, threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus acu/eatus ), shallow basin that is protected from wind and is longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), bluegill poorly drained. These lakes occur in areas with (Lepomis macrochirus), largemouth bass non-calcareous bedrock or glacial till; many are (Micropterus salmoides), Iowa darter (Etheostoma fringed by a floating mat of vegetation (in New exile), and tadpole madtom (Noturns gyrinus). York usually either bog or poor fen). Goldfish ( Carassius az,Tfl_tus) is an ~ntroduced fish Characteristic . features of a dystro_l',hic . lake that is well-established in Great Lakes aquatic include the fofiowmg: murky water that IS Stamed beds. Characteristic macrophytes include the brown, with low transparency; water that is low in algae Cladophora and Chara, tape grass plant nutrients (especially low in calcium), with (Vallisneria americana), pondweeds (Potamogeton low pH (less than 5.4); and the lake may have richardsonii, P. pectinatus, P. gramineus, and P. oxygen deficiencies in deeper water. Species pusil/us), naiad (Najas flexi/is), horned pondweed diversity in bog lakes is low in all types of aquatic (Zannichellia palustris), water stargrass organisms (phytoplankton, macrophytes, (Heteranthera dubia), and coontail (Ceratophyllum zooplankton, zoobenthos, and fish); many bog demersum ). Growth of Cladophora has been lakes have no fish at all. The abundance of each related to point sources of nutrient enrichment, species present is also low in all types of especially phosphorus enrichment. organisms, except for aquatic macrophytes and peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) along the edge of Distribution: restricted to the Great Lakes Plain the bog mat. The lack of calcium blocks ecozone. bacterial action, reducing the rate of decay of organic matter with subsequent accumulation of Rank: G4 S3 peat or muck sediments. Colloidal and dissolved humus material reduces transparency and Examples: Irondequoit Bay, Monroe County; increases acidity of the water. Characteristic North Pond, Oswego County. invertebrates include larvae of midges ( Chironomus spp.) and phantom midges Source: Clausen 1940. ( Chaoborus spp.) in the benthos. Characteristic macrophytes include water-shield (Brasenia schreberi), white water-lily (Nymphaea odorata), 3. Great Lakes exposed shoal: the aquatic yellow pond-lily (Nuphar luteum ssp. pumilum and community of the shallow littoral zone of the N. luteum ssp. variegatum ), and common Great Lakes that occurs along windswept shores bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris). that are exposed to wave action. Aquatic A common feature of bog lakes is the macrophytes are uncommon. The alga development of a false bottom at a depth of Cladophora grows on rocks in the wave zone; about 1 to 3 ft (0.3 to 0.9 m) below the surface. growth of Cladophora has been related to point The false bottom is composed of colloidal sources of nutrient enrichment, especially material and dissolved humus held in suspension phosphorus enrichment. The lake substrate may that appears to be a more or less continuous be sandy, gravelly, rocky, or with submerged bottom. When disturbed, the suspended material bedrock outcrops. Characteristic fishes include quickly clouds the upper layer of clear water, then stonecat (Noturus flavus), freshwater drum slowly settles when the water becomes quiet (Aplodinotus grunniens), mottled sculpin (Coitus again. Occasionally bog lakes become meromictic bairdi), and lake chub (Couesius plumbeus). Lake or chemically stratified; the chemical gradient sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) was once abundant supercedes the usual stratification by temperature. in shoal waters in the Great Lakes, has declined sharply, but should recover). More data on this Distribution: sparsely scattered throughout New community are needed. York State north of the coastal lowlands ecozone.

Distribution: restricted to the Great Lakes Plain Rank: G4 S3 ecozone. Examples: Spring Pond, Franklin County; Mud Rank: G4 S4 Lake, Rensselaer County.

Source: C. L. Smith 1985. Sources: Clausen 1940; Cole 1975; Maitland 1978.

15 IACUsrRJNE COMMUNfTIES

5. Oligotrophic dimictic lake: the aquatic Sources: Bloomfield 1978a; Cole 1975; Ferris et community of a nutrient-poor lake that typically al. 1980; Maitland 1978; Roberts et al. 1985. occurs in a deep, steeply banked basin. These lakes are dimictic: they have two periods of mixing or turnover (spring and fall), they are 6. Mesotrophic dimictic lake: the aquatic thermally stratified in the summer, and they community of a lake that is intermediate between freeze over and become inversely stratified in the an oligotrophic lake and a eutrophic lake. These winter. Characteristic fea_turesof an Lake George, Warren and Essex less than 2.5 m); water rich in plant nutrients Counties; Schroon Lake, Essex and Warr en ( especially high in phosphorus, nitrogen and Counties; Skaneateles Lake, Onondaga and calcium), high primary productivity (inorganic Cayuga Counties. carbon fJXed = 75 to 250 g/m '/yr); lake sediments that are rich in organic matter (usually consisting of a fine organic silt or copropel),

16 lACUSfRINE COMMUNITIES

water that is well-oxygenated above the summer oligotrophic to mesotrophic. The dominant fishes thermocline, but oxygen-depleted below the are salmonids such as cisco ( Coregonus artedii), summer thermocline or under ice; epilimnion and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). A volume that is relatively large compared with characteristic crustacean of the hypolimnion is hypolimnion; and a weedy shoreline. Senecella calanoides, which was named after Phytoplankton and zooplankton are usually Seneca Lake. Characteristic aquatic macrophytes abundant, but there are only a few species include pondweeds (Potamogeton gramineus, P. present; charac_teri~t_ic: ph_ytQJllankton _ are richar(is_onii, P. pe_ctinatusJ, horned _pcmdwc,ed cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Aquatic (Zanniche//ia pa/ustris), naiad (Najas flexilis), macrophytes are abundant in shallow water, and waterweed (Elodea canadensis), tapegrass there are many species present, but species (Val/isneria americana), and coontail diversity is generally lower than in mesotrophic ( Ceratophyllum demersum ). lakes. Typically these are the lakes with nuisance The best-known examples in New York are problems of exotic plants such as Eurasian water Cayuga and Seneca lakes. These lakes are very milfoil (Myriophy//um spicatum ), water chestnut deep (mean depths of 179 ft and 290 ft (Trapa natans ), and pondweed (Potamogeton respectively) relative to their size (66.4 sq. mi. crispus). The abundant profundal benthos is poor and 67.7 sq. mi. respectively). The Great Lakes in species, including only species tolerant of low ( e.g. Lakes Ontario and Lake Erie) are also oxygen; characteristic profundal invertebrates are summer-stratified monomictic lakes ( except the larvae of midges (Chironomus spp.) and phantom extreme west end of Lake Erie), but they are not midges (Chaoborus spp.). Usually there are many included in this community because of their larger species of fish, especially minnows (Cyprinidae). size and access to estuarine biota through the St. Characteristic fishes are warmwater fishes such as Lawrence River and the Welland Canal. yellow perch (Perea flavescens), largemouth bass (Micropterns salmoides ), bluegill (Lepomis Distribution: uncommon in upstate New York, macrochirns), pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus), yellow north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. bullhead (lctalurus natalis), brown bullhead (l. nebulosus), golden shiner (Notemigonus Rank: G3G4 S2S3 c,yso/eucas), and stocked white perch (Morone americana). Two additional species that are Examples: Cayuga Lake, Cayuga, Seneca, and characteristic of eutrophic lakes on Long Island Tompkins Counties; Seneca Lake, Seneca, are eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea) and Schuyler, and Yates Counties. pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus). More data on aquatic macrophytes are needed. Sources: Berg 1%3; Bloomfield 1978a; Muenscher 1928. Distribution: throughout New York State, usually at low elevations. 9. Winter-stratified monomictic lake: the aquatic Rank: G4 S3S4 community of a lake that has only one period of mixing each year because it is very shallow in Examples: Canandarago Lake, Otsego County; relation to its size ( e.g. Oneida Lake, with a Honeoye Lake, Ontario County; Onondaga Lake, mean depth less than 20 ft and surface area of Onondaga County; Saratoga Lake, Saratoga approx. 80 square miles), and is completely County. exposed to winds. These lakes continue to circulate throughout the summer; they never Sources: Bloomfield 1978a, 1980; Cole 1975; become thermally stratified in the summer. Maitland 1978. These lakes are only stratified in the winter when they freeze over and become inversely stratified (coldest water at the surface); they are eutrophic 8. Summer-stratified monomictic lake: the to mesotrophic. Characteristic fishes are walleye aquatic community of a lake that is so deep ( or (Stizostedion vitreum ), largemouth bass large) that it has only one period of mixing or (Micropterns salmoides), yellow perch (Perea turnover each year (monomictic), and one period flavescens ), and trout perch (Percopsis of stratification. These lakes generally do not omiscomaycus). Characteristic aquatic freeze over in winter ( except in unusually cold macrophytes include water stargrass (Heteranthera years), so the water circulates and is isothermal dubia), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), and during the winter. These lakes are thermally pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) stratified only in the summer; they are

17 IACUSTRINE COMMUNfTIES

Distribution: uncommon in upstate New York, This calcium carbonate is deposited on the north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. substrate and forms a marl sediment. Stoneworts ( Chara spp.), some other algae, cyanobacteria, Rank: G3G4 S2? and at least one species of moss (Didymodon tophaceus) can be involved in photosynthetic Example: Oneida Lake, Oneida and Oswego precipitation of calcium carbonate; stoneworts are Counties. usually present in marl ponds. Marl ponds have very_. linsects. No fishes are (Ruppia maritima), and has at least one species of known from Green Lake Fayetteville. More data small fish (probably a killifish, Fundulus sp.). on this community are needed. The bottom and shores of an inland salt pond are very mucky. More data on this community are Distribution: uncommon in upstate New York, needed. north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: known only from the Great Lakes Rank: G3G4 S1S2 Plain ecozone.

Examples: Green Lake Fayetteville, Onondaga Rank: G2 Sl County; Lowery Pond, one of Junius Ponds, Seneca County. Example: Carncross Salt Pond, Wayne County.

Sources: Berg 1%3; Eggleton 1956; Pendl and Sources: Calling and McKay 1981; NHP field Stewart 1986. surveys.

11. Marl pond: the aquatic community of a 13. Oxbow lake: the aquatic community of a small, shallow spring-fed pond in which the water small, shallow, usually stagnant lake or pond that has a high concentration of calcium; as a result occurs in an old river meander or oxbow that has of chemical or photosynthetic removal of carbon been cut off from a main channel stream by dioxide from the water, the calcium precipitates deposition of a levee. These are usually out of the water as calcium carbonate (CaCO ,).

18 lACUSTRINE COMMUNTTIES

eutrophic lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation. temperatures. Very small ponds with no inlet or More data on this community are needed. outlet may lack fish and have an abundance of aquatic insects. A characteristic fish of the cold Distribution: throughout New York State. water ponds is brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). More data on this community are needed. Rank: G4 S3 Distribution: little information is available; com111on i11 the Adirondacks, may al_s<> occur in 14. Coastal plain pond: the aquatic community the Appalachian Plateau, Taconic Highlands, and of the permanently flooded portion of a coastal Tug Hill ecownes. plain pond with seasonally and annually fluctuating water levels. These are shallow, Rank: G4 S4 groundwater-fed ponds that occur in kettle-holes or shallow depressions in the outwash plains Source: NHP field surveys. south of the terminal moraines of Long Island and New England. Aquatic vegetation may be abundant; characteristic plants include water 16. Eutrophic pond: the aquatic community of a shield (Brasenia schreberi), white water-lily shallow, nutrient-rich pond. The water is usually (Nymphaea odorata), bayonet-rush (Juncus green with algae and the bottom is mucky. militaris), spikerush (Eleocharis robbinsii), purple Eutrophic ponds are too shallow to become bladderwort ( Utricularia purpurea ), water milfoil stratified in the summer; they are winter-stratified, (Myriophyllum humile), naiad (Najas flexi/is), monomictic ponds. Aquatic vegetation is waterweed (Elodea spp.), pondweed (Potamogeton abundant. Characteristic plants include coontail oakesianus), and a peat moss (Sphagnum ( Ceratophyllum demersum ), duckweeds (Lemna macrophyllum). Characteristic fishes include minor, L. trisulca), waterweed (Elodea chain pickerel (Esax niger) and banded sunfish canadensis), pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), water (Enneacanthus obesus). Coastal plain ponds are starwort (Heteranthera dubia), algae (Cladophora breeding ponds for tiger salamander (Ambystoma spp.), yellow pond-lily (Nuphar luteum), and white tigrinum ). A series of coastal plain ponds are water-lily (Nymphaea odorata). Characteristic often hydrologically connected, either by fishes are usually warm-water fishes. More data groundwater, or sometimes by surface flow in a on this community are needed. small coastal plain stream. More data on this community are needed. Distribution: little information is available; probably occurs throughout New York State, and Distribution: in the Coastal Lowlands ecorone on is more common at low elevations. Long Island. Rank: G4 S4 Rank: G3G4 S2 Example: Black Pond, Jefferson County. Examples: Crooked Pond, Suffolk County; Scoy's Pond, Suffolk County. Source: Gilman 1979.

Sources: Muenscher 1939; Theall 1983; NHP field surveys. B. LACUSTRINE CULTURAL This subsystem includes communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, 15. Oligotrophic pond: the aquatic community of or are modified by human influence to such a a shallow, nutrient-poor pond. The water is very degree that the trophic state, morphometry, water clear and the bottom is usually sandy or rocky. chemistry, or biological composition of the Oligotrophic ponds are too shallow to become resident community are substantially different stratified in the summer; they are winter-stratified, from the character of the lake community as it monomictic ponds. Aquatic vegetation is sparse, existed prior to human influence. and species diversity is low. Characteristic species are rosette-leaved aquatics such as pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum ), water lobelia (Lobelia 1. Acidified lake: the aquatic community of a dortmanna), and quillwort (lsoetes echinospora). formerly oligotrophic or mesotrophic, dimictic Oligotrophic ponds may have either cold-water or lake that has received so much acid deposition warm-water fishes, depending upon summer (pH less than 4.7; sulfate and nitrate are now the

19 lACUSTRINE COMMUNITIES

dominant anions in precipitation in the Northeast) Distribution: throughout New York State. that the pH of the lake has decreased Rank: GS SS significantly. The changes in diatom assemblages in sediment cores from a few of these lakes have Sources: Bloomfield 1978a, 1980. been used to infer the pH history of these lakes. Acidified lakes show a large decrease in pH (with pH usually less than 5.25) during the last 30 years 3. Farm pond/artificial pond: the aquatic relative to pH cl!a11~s <11!!:!!!& Jl!1; pr_i:vi_Ql!§ community of a Slll_all pond cons_tructed on centuries. Associated with the decrease in pH agricultural or residential property. These ponds are significant changes in the biota of the lake, are often eutrophic, and may be stocked with such as a decrease in the number of species of panfish such as bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) fishes, diatoms, and most aquatic macrophytes and yellow perch (Perea flavescens). The biota present, and a change in the composition of are variable (within limits), reflecting the species species assemblages. Typically there are blooms that were naturally or artificially seeded, planted, of benthic green algae and cyanobacteria, and an or stocked in the pond. increase in the growth of peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) or bladderworts (Utricu/aria spp.). One Distribution: throughout New York State. bladderwort (Utricu/aria geminiscapa) and one pondweed (Potamogeton confervoides) are Rank: GS SS reported to be restricted to lakes with pH less than 5.1. 4. Reservoir/artificial impoundment: the aquatic Distribution: most common in the Adirondacks, community of an artificial lake created by the but may also occur throughout eastern New York impoundment of a river with a dam. Reservoirs in the Appalachian Plateau, Taconic Highlands, are constructed to collect water for municipal and Hudson Valley ecozones. and/or agricultural water use, to provide hydroelectric power, and to improve opportunities Rank: GS SS for recreational activities ( e.g. boating, swimming) and development. Characteristic fishes include Example: Silver Lake Webb, Herkimer County. chain pickerel (Esox niger) and other pikes (Esocidae); brown bullhead (Icta/urus nebulosus) Sources: Charles 1984; Roberts et al. 1985; or yellow bullhead (I. natalis) or both of these; Schindler 1988; Singer et al. 1983; Whitehead et bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) or pumpkinseed al. 1986. (L. gibbosus) or both of these; golden shiner (Notemigonus cryso/eucas), and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas ). Reservoirs are often 2. Cultural eutrophic lake: the aquatic stocked with rainbow trout (Sa/mo gairdneri). community of a formerly eutrophic to mesotrophic lake that has received an increase in Distribution: throughout New York State. nutrients ( especially phosphorus and nitrogen) from sewage effluent, agricultural runoff, and Rank: GS S5 other pollutants. This nutrient enrichment has resulted in a significant increase in productivity of the lake (especially in the phytoplankton); annual 5. Quarry pond: the aquatic community of an productivi?; of these lakes exceeds 300 g excavated basin that is created as part of a rock carbon/m /yr. An extremely eutrophic lake is quarrying operation. The sides of the basin are characterized by high amounts of photosynthetic often very steep, thereby eliminating any shallow pigment in the water and, consequently, low shoreline habitats. Water levels usually fluctuate, transparency; blooms of cyanobacteria are reflecting recent precipitation patterns. common from midsummer through fall. Distribution: throughout New York State north of Characteristic macrophytes are weedy exotics such the Coastal Lowlands ecowne. as Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), water chestnut (Trapa natans), and Rank: GS S5 pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). These macrophytes may grow to high densities, excluding other species and thus severely reducing species 6. Artificial pool: the aquatic community of a diversity. small pool that is constructed for recreational activities ( e.g. swimming) or as a decorative

20 lACUSfRINE COMMUNITIES

element in a landscape design. The water is 8. Sewage treatment pond: the aquatic typically chlorinated and flushed on a regular community of an artificial pond constructed for basis to reduce or eliminate the growth of algae sewage treatment ( chemical and biological and bacteria; there is minimal development of any decomposition of sewage) prior to release to a aquatic biota. stream or aquifer.

Distribution: throughout New York State. Distribution: throughout New York State.

Rank: G5 S5 Rank: GS S5

7. Industrial cooling pond: the aquatic community of an artificial pond constructed as a holding pond to allow for cooling of high temperature industrial effluents.

Distribution: throughout New York State.

Rank: G5 S5

21 PALUSTRINE COMMUNITIES

V. PALUSTRINE SYSTEM plant litter to decompose, so there is little or no The palustrine system consists of non-tidal, accumulation of peat. perennial wetlands characterized by emergent vegetation. The system includes wetlands permanently saturated by seepage, permanently 1. Deep emergent marsh: a marsh community flooded wetlands, and wetlands that are seasonally that occurs on mineral soils or fine-grained or intermittently flooded (these may be seasonally organic soils (muck or well-decomposed peat); the dry) if the vi;getlllive cover is predominantly substrate is flooded by waters that are not subject hydrophytic and soils are hydric. Wetland to violent wave actfoit. Water depllis citff range communities are distinguished by their from 6 in to 6.6 ft ( 15 cm to 2 m); water levels composition, substrate, and hydrologic regime. may fluctuate seasonally, but the substrate is Peatlands are a special type of wetland in rarely dry, and there is usually standing water in which the substrate primarily consists of the fall. Characteristic vegetation includes accumulated peat (partly decomposed plant emergent aquatics such as yellow pond-lily material such as mosses, sedges, and shrubs) or (Nuphar /uteum), white water-lily (Nymphaea marl ( organically derived calcium carbonate odorata), cattails (Typha /atifo/ia, T. angustifo/ia), deposits), with little or no mineral soil. Stable soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus tabemaemontanii), hard water levels or constant water seepage allow little stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus }, bur-reed aeration of the substrate in peatlands, slowing (Sparganium eurycarpum}, arrowleaf (Peltandra decomposition of plant litter, and resulting in peat virginica}, and wild rice (Zizania aquatica). or marl accumulation. In this classification, Characteristic animals include American bittern peatlands are characterized by their hydrologic (Botaurns lentiginosus), least bittern (Ixobrychus regime; water source and water chemistry are exilis ), red-winged blackbird (/lgelaius phoeniceus), important factors. Minerotrophic peatlands (fens) marsh wren (Cislo/horns palustris), Virginia rail are fed by groundwater that contains minerals (Ra/lus limicola}, pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus obtained during passage through or over mineral podiceps), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), and soils or aquifers. Ombrotrophic peatlands (bogs) painted turtle ( Chrysemys pieta). are fed primarily by direct rainfall, with little or Marshes that have been disturbed are no groundwater influence (Damman and French frequently dominated by aggressive weedy species 1987). The vegetation of ombrotrophic peatlands such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum sa/icaria) and is depauperate; plants in the families Sphagnaceae reedgrass (Phragmites australis). Deep emergent and Ericaceae are prominent. The vegetation of marshes also occur in excavations that contain minerotrophic peatlands is comparatively rich in standing water (e.g. roadside ditches, gravel pits). species; plants in the families Cyperaceae and Poaceae are prominent (Heinselman 1970). Distribution: throughout New York State. In a natural landscape there are continuous gradients from ombrotrophic to strongly Rank: G5 S5 minerotrophic wetlands; there are also continuous gradients in soils from mineral soils to peat soils. E.xample: Chippewa Bay, St. Lawrence County. The boundaries between different types of wetlands are not always discrete. Several Sources: Bray 1915; Gilman 1976. different types of wetlands may occur together in a complex mosaic. 2. Shallow emergent marsh: a marsh meadow community that occurs on mineral soil or muck A. OPEN MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS soils that are permanently saturated and This subsystem includes wetlands with less seasonally flooded. This marsh is better drained than 50% canopy cover of trees. In this than a deep emergent marsh; water depths may classification, a tree is defined as a woody plant range from 6 in to 3.3 ft (15 cm to 1 m) during usually having one principal stem or trunk, a flood stages, but the water level usually drops by definite crown shape, and characteristically mid to late summer and the substrate is exposed. reaching a mature height of at least 16 ft ( 5 m) Characteristic plants include bluejoint grass (Driscoll et al. 1984). The dominant vegetation (Calamagrostis canadensis), reed canary grass may include shrubs or herbs. Substrates range (Phalaris arnndinacea), rice cutgrass (Leersia from mineral soils or bedrock to well-decomposed oryzoides}, mannagrass (Gfyceria canadensis), organic soils (muck). Fluctuating water levels sedges ( Carex stricta, C. /acustris ), three-way sedge allow enough aeration of the substrate to allow (Dulichium arnndinaceum ), bulrushes (Scirpus cyperinus, S. atrovirens), sweetflag (Acorus

22 PALUSTRINE COMMUNillES

americanus), wild iris (Iris versicolor), water research is needed to distinguish the different smartweed (Polygonum amphibium ), marsh types of shrub swamps in New York. bellflower (Campanula aparinoides), and tufted Characteristic birds include American bittern loosestrife (Lythrum thrysiflora). Characteristic (Botaurus /entiginosus), alder flycatcher animals include pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus (Empidono.x alno,um ), and Lincoln's sparrow podiceps) and northern leopard frog (Rana (Me/ospiza lincolnii). pipiens). Shallow emer_gent marshes typicall_y occur in Distribution: throughout New York State. lake basins and along streams. Deep and shallow emergent marshes often intergrade, and they may Rank: G5 S5 occur together in a complex mosaic in a large wetland. A shallow emergent marsh has less than Sources: Bray 1915; McVaugh 1958; Shanks 1966. 50% cover of sedges ( Carex spp. ), distinguishing this marsh from a sedge meadow, which has at least 50% cover of sedges. 4. Cobble shore wet meadow: a community that occurs on the cobble shores of lakes and streams Distribution: throughout New York State. where the substrate is moist from seepage or intermittent flooding. The substrate is a mixture Rank: G5 S5 of cobbles and sand. They are likely to be scoured by floods or winter ice floes, but there is Example: Black Pond, Jefferson County. apparently no significant accumulation of pack ice. Vegetation may be sparse. Characteristic species Sources: Bray 1915; Gilman 1976; Hotchkiss 1932. include water-plantain (A/isma plantago-aquatica), beggar-ticks (Bidens frondosa), spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), common horsetail (Equisetum 3. Shrub swamp: an inland wetland dominated arvense), boneset (Eupatorium pe,foliatum ), by shrubs that occurs along the shore of a lake or silverweed (Potentilla anserina), creeping river, in a wet depression or valley not associated spearwort (Ranuncu/us reptans), and three-square with lakes, or as a transition zone between a (Scirpus americanus). Where seepage water is marsh, fen, or bog and a swamp or upland calcareous, characteristic species include sedges community. The substrate is usually mineral soil (Carex aurea, C. flava, C. granu/aris, C. viridula), or muck. This is a very broadly defined type that variegated horsetail (Equisetum variegatum ), brook includes several distinct communities and many lobelia (Lobe/ia kalmii), marsh fern (Thelypteris intermediates. Shrub swamps are very common palustris), rushes (Juncus nodosus, J. alpinus, J. and quite variable; the data currently available are pe/ocarpus), and mosses such as Campylium not sufficient for dividing shrub swamps into stellatum and Drepanocladus sp. More data on more discrete communities. In northern New this community are needed. York many shrub swamps are dominated by alder (A/nus incana ssp. rngosa); these swamps are Distribution: not well known, reported from the sometimes called alder thickets. A swamp Lake Champlain Valley sub-wne of the dominated by red osier dogwood (Camus sericea ), Champlain ecozone. silky dogwood ( C. amomum ), and willows (Sa/be spp.) may be called a shrub carr. Along the Rank: G3? S2S3 shores of some lakes there is a distinct zone dominated by water-willows (Decodon Example: Valcour Island, Essex County. verticillatus). Characteristic shrubs that are common in these and other types of shrub Source: NHP field surveys. swamps include meadow-sweet (Spiraea /atifo/ia ), steeple-bush (Spiraea tomentosa), gray dogwood (Camus foemina ssp. racemosa), swamp azalea 5. Inland calcareous lake shore: the gravelly, (Rhododendron viscosum ), highbush blueberry sandy, or muddy shore of an inland lake or pond (Vaccinium co,ymbosum ), male-berry (Lyonia with calcareous water and seasonally fluctuating ligustrina ), smooth alder (A/nus serru/ata ), water levels. The substrate is either saturated or spicebush (Lindera bemoin ), willows (Sa/be flooded. Vegetative cover may be sparse; the bebbiana, S. discolor, S. /ucida, S. petio/aris), wild dominant species are herbaceous. Characteristic raisin (Viburnum cassinoides), buttonbush species include spikerushes (Eleocharis acicularis (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and arrowwood and E. palustris), marsh rush (Juncus canadensis), (Viburnum recognitum). More documentation and hard-stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), soft-stem

23 PALUSI'RJNE COMMUNmES

bulrush (S. tabemaemontanii), water plantain pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum ), sedge ( Carex (Alisma plantago-aquatica), water stargrass walteriana ), horned rush (Rhynchospora (Heteranthera dubia), creeping spearwort macrostachya), bald-rush (Psiloca,ya sci,poides), (Ranunculus reptans), white water-crowfoot nutrush (Sc/eria reticu/aris), panic grasses (Ranunculus longirostris), and lake-cress (Panicum acuminatum, P. verrncosum ), sundews (Annoracia aquatica). More data on this (Drosera intennedia, D. filifonnis), Canadian St. community are needed. John's-wort (Hypericum canadense), bladderworts (Utricutan .·aj~nfea, U. Jibrosa}, uatio_la(G)ratio/a Distribution: not well known, probably throughout aurea ), 1udWigJa (Ludwigia sphaerocarpa , rose upstate New York north of the Coastal Lowlands coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea), and large yellow-eyed ecozone. Occurrences are reported from the grass (Xyris smalliana ). Data on characteristic Appalachian Plateau, Taconic Highlands, and animals are needed. Champlain ecozones. Distribution: in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone on Rank: G4? S3S4 Long Island.

Example: Song Lake, Cortland County. Rank: G3G4 S2

Source: NHP field surveys. Examples: Peasy's Pond, Suffolk County; Crooked Pond, Suffolk County.

6. Inland non-calcareous lake sh ore: the Sources: Graham and Henry 1933; Parker 1946; gravelly, sandy or muddy shore of an inland lake NHP field surveys. or pond with seasonally fluctuating water levels where the water is not calcareous. The substrate is either saturated or flooded. Vegetative cover 8. Sinkhole wetland: a small wetland that occurs may be sparse; the dominant species are in a poorly drained limestone sinkhole; in some herbaceous. Characteristic species include areas there are many sinkholes in a group that smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum ), water are hydrologically connected underground, even lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna), cyperus (Cyperns though they are clearly separate at the ground squarrosus), sedge (Fimbristylis autumnalis), surface. The substrate is a dark muck that is rich spikerush (Eleocharis obtusa), jointed rush (luncus in organic matter. Some sinkhole wetlands are articulatus), mud-hyssop (Gratia/a neglecta), and encircled by a ring of green ash (Fraxinus marsh purslane (Ludwigia palustris ). More data pensylvanica) or willow (Salix sericea or S. on this community are needed. petiolaris). Characteristic species include sedges ( Carex vulpinoidea, C. /acustris ), mannagrass Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north (Glyceria spp.), bulrush (Scilpus cyperinus), beak of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. rush (Rhynchospora capillacea), bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), spikerush (Eleocharis Rank: G4G5 S4 sp.), water plantain (A/isma plantago-aquatica), water purslane (Ludwigia palustris ), and water Source: NHP field surveys. parsnip (Sium suave). Data on characteristic animals are needed.

7. Coastal plain pond shore: the gently sloping Distribution: not well known; reported from the shore of a coastal plain pond with seasonally and Eastern Ontario Plain sub-zone of the Great anually fluctuating water levels. The substrate is Lakes Plain ecozone. sandy, gravelly, or mucky. Vegetative cover varies with the water levels. In dry years when water Rank: G3? S1 levels are low and the substrate is exposed, there is a dense growth of annual sedges and grasses. Source: NHP field surveys. In wet years when the water level is high and the substrate is flooded, vegetation is sparse, and only a few emergents and floating-leaved aquatics are 9. Maritime interdunal swales: a mosaic of apparent. The vegetation of this pond shore wetlands that occur in low areas between dunes community can change dramatically from one year along the Atlantic coast; the low areas or swales to the next depending on fluctuations in are formed either by blowouts in the dunes that groundwater levels. Characteristic species include lower the soil surface to groundwater ]eve~ or by

24 PALUSfRINE COMMUNITIES

the seaward extension of dune fields. Soils are Rank: G3G4 S2 either sand or peaty sand; water levels fluctuate seasonally and annually, reflecting changes in Examples: Albany Pine Bush, Albany County; groundwater levels. The dominant species are Rome Sand Plains, Oneida County. sedges and herbs; low shrubs are usually present, but they are never dominant. These wetlands Source: NHP field surveys. may be quite small (less than 0.25 acre or 0.1 ha); species diversity is usual_ly lQw. The composition may be quite variable between 11. Pine barrens shrub swamp: a shrub different interdunal swales. Characteristic species dominated wetland that occurs in shallow include twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides), cyperus depressions in the coastal plain, often as a (Cyperus spp.), beakrush (Rhynchospora transition zone between a coastal plain pond capite/lata), marsh rush (Juncus canadensis), shore and either pitch pine-scrub oak barrens or round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifo/ia ), pitch pine-oak forest. Characteristic species threadleaf sundew (D. filiformis), cranberry include leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), (Vaccinium macrocarpon), stiff yellow flax (Linum highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), striatum ), bladderwort (Utricu/aria subulata ), sweet pepper-bush (Clethra alnifo/ia), male-berry slender yellow-eyed grass (Xyris torta), bayberry (Lyonia ligustrina), fetterbush (Leucothoe (Myrica pensylvanica ), and highbush blueberry racemosa ), buttonbush ( Cephalanthus occidentalis ), (Vaccinium co,ymbosum ). Data on characteristic and winterberry (llex glabra). Virginia chain fern animals are needed. (Anchistea virginica) and Sphagnum are common in the groundlayer. More data on this community Distribution: near the seacoast in the Coastal are needed. Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: only reported from the Coastal Rank: G3G4 S2 Lowlands ecozone.

Examples: Napeague Dunes, Suffolk County; Rank: GS S3 Atlantic Double Dunes, Suffolk County. Example: Jones Pond, Suffolk County. Sources: Johnson 1985; NHP field surveys. Source: NHP field surveys.

10. Pine barrens vernal pond: a seasonally fluctuating, groundwater-fed pond that occurs in B. OPEN PEATLANDS pine barrens, either in low areas of the coastal This subsystem includes peatlands with less plain, or between dunes. The dominant species than 50% canopy cover of trees. The dominant are graminoids and herbs; at some sites these are vegetation may include shrubs, herbs, or mosses. mixed with low shrubs. These wetlands may be Substrates range from coarse fibrous or woody small. Characteristic species include three-way peat, to fine-grained marl and organic muck. sedge (Du/ichium arundinaceum ), woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne 1. Inland salt marsh: a wetland that occurs on ca/yculata), black chokeberry (Aronia saline mudflats associated with inland salt springs. melanocarpa), black huckleberry (Gaylussacia The mucky substrate is permanently saturated and baccata), mountain holly (Nemopanthus seasonally flooded. Vegetation is sparse, with less mucronatus), and peat moss (Sphagnum fa/lax). than 50% cover. Species diversity is low. Stunted trees may be present on hummocks Characteristic species are salt-tolerant plants within the wetland; characteristic trees include red including salt marsh bulrush (Scirpus maritimus), maple (Acer rubrum ), gray birch (Betula seaside atriplex (Atriplex patula ), salt marsh sand populifolia), pitch pine (Pinus rigida), and quaking spurry (Spergularia marina), creeping bent grass aspen (Populus tremuloides). A characteristic (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris), salt-meadow animal is Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousii). More grass (Diplachne maritima ), dwarf spikerush data on this community are needed. (Eleocharis parvula ), and narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifo/ia). These salt springs are rare, Distribution: only known from sandplains in the and they usually occur within a deep or shallow Great Lakes Plain and Hudson Valley ecozones. emergent marsh. In New York occurrences the surrounding marsh is usually dominated by purple

25 PALUsrRJNE COMMUNTilES

loosestrife (Lythrnm sa/icaria); since purple 3. Marl pond shore: the marly shore of an loosestrife is not very salt-tolerant, it usually does inland pond. In glaciated terrain, marl deposition not grow in the inland salt marsh. Data on occurs most often in depressions, lakes, or ponds characteristic animals are needed. in areas with morainic hills of coarse-textured Small areas of inland salt marsh are reported outwash gravels. Marl pond shores typically from saline wetlands that were artificially created. occur on inactive lacustrine marl deposits in One example is a wetland bordering Wolf Creek kettleholes. Water levels may fluctuate below an old salt factory in Wyoming_ Coun_ty; seasonally, the substrate is usuall_y saturat'?d. plants reported from this site include salt-meadow Vegetation is sparse. Characteristic species grass (Spa,tina patens), black grass (Juncus include tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), gerardii), and glasswort (Salicomia europaea). sedge (Carex viridula), spikerush (E/eocharis palustris ), silverweed (Potentilla anserina ), boneset Distribution: historically a rare community, many (Eupatorium pe,fo/iatum ), cardinal flower (Lobelia sites have been destroyed or degraded by salt cardina/is), water-horehound (Lycopus virginicus), extraction operations, filling, and development. field mint (Mentha arvensis), and water smartweed Remnants are currently known from a few sites (Polygonum amphibium ). Data on characteristic in the Drumlin and Erie-Ontario Plain sub-zones animals are needed_ of the Great Lakes Plain ecozone. Distribution: known only from the Finger Lakes Rank: G2 Sl Highlands sub-zone of the Appalachian Plateau ecozone, and from the Erie-Ontario Plain sub Example: Carncross Salt Pond, Wayne County. zone of the Great Lakes Plain ecozone.

Sources: Calling and McKay 1981; Faust and Rank: G3G4 S1 Roberts 1983; Muenscher 1927; NHP field surveys. Example: Cortland Marl Ponds, Cortland County.

Sources: Seischab 1984; Tufts 1976; NHP field 2. Sedge meadow: a wet meadow community that surveys. has organic soils (muck or fibrous peat). Soils are permanently saturated and seasonally flooded; there is usually little peat accumulation in the 4. Marl ren: a strongly minerotrophic wetland in substrate. The dominant species is tussock-sedge which the substrate is a marl bed derived from ( Carex stricta ), usually with at least 50% cover. either lacustrine marl deposits or actively Other characteristic herbs include sedges (Carex accumulating marl that is exposed at the ground spp.), bluejoint grass (Ca/amagrostis canadensis), surface. The marl substrate is always saturated sweetflag (Acorns americanus), spotted joe-pye and may be either seasonally flooded or weed (Eupatorium maculatum ), tall meadow-rue permanently flooded ( e.g. adjacent to seepage (Tha/ictrum pubescens), purple-stem angelica pools or streams). Vegetation may be sparse, (Angelica purpurea), and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.). and there is usually some exposed bare marl. More data on this community are needed. The dominant species are graminoid. Sedge meadows typically occur along streams Characteristic species include sedge (Carex flava), and near the inlets and outlets of lakes and hard-stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), variegated ponds; they also occur in lake basins as a zone horsetail (Equisetum variegatum ), twig-rush near the upland edge of a shallow emergent (C/adium mariscoides), beakrush (Rhynchospora marsh. A sedge meadow does not form a capillacea), spikerush (Eleocharis rostellata), floating mat, instead it is covered with water nutrush (Sc/eria verticil/ata), jointed rush (Juncus during flooding. When water levels are low, wticu/atus), panic grass (Panicum flexile), arrow there is little or no open water. grass (Triglochin palustris), grass-of-Parnassus (Pamassia glauca), pitcher-plant (Sarracenia Distribution: common in the Adirondacks, and purpurea), water-horehound (Lycopus uniflorus), sparsely scattered throughout upstate New York, Kalm's lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), and Ohio north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis ). The alga Chara vulgaris is common in marl pools and along Rank: GS S4 stream banks. The mosses Drepanocladus revolvens and Campylium stellatum colonize the Sources: Jeg]um 1974; McVaugh 1958, NHP field marl, and they may initiate hummock formation surveys. (Seischab 1984). Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla

26 PALUSTRJNE COMMUNITIES

frnticosa) and sedge (Carex ebumea) commonly corymbosum ), gray dogwood ( Camus foemina ssp. occur on hummocks. Data on characteristic racemosa), smooth shadbush (Amelanchierarborea animals are needed. var. /aevis), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana), Distribution: known primarily from the Erie northern gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum ), and dwarf Ontario Plain sub-zone of the Great Lakes Plain raspberry (Rubus pubescens). ecozone; also reported from the Hudson Valley Rich sloping fens may occur upstream (i.e. ecozone. higher in the watershed) from and _grade intorich hemlock-hardwood swamps; the swamps occur on Rank: G2G3 Sl more level ground and have greater than 50% canopy cover of trees. Data on characteristic Examples: Bergen Swamp, Genesee County; animals are needed. White Lake Swamp, Onondaga County. Distribution: only known from the Central Sources: Bernard et al. 1983; Seischab 1977, 1984; Appalachian and Finger Lake Highlands sub Seischab and Bernard 1985; NHP field surveys. zones of the Appalachian Plateau ecozone. May also occur in other parts of the state with calcareous glacial deposits. S. Rkh sloping fen: a small, gently sloping, minerotrophic wetland, with shallow peat deposits, Rank: G3 S 1S2 that occurs in a shallow depression on a slope composed of calcareous glacial deposits. Sloping Examples: East Malloryville Tamarack Swamp, fens are fed by small springs or groundwater Tompkins County; Bear Swamp Sempronius, seepage; these are headwater wetlands with cold Cayuga County. water constantly flowing through them. The structure of the community is variable; usually Source: NHP field surveys. there are scattered trees and shrubs, and a nearly continuous groundlayer of herbs and bryophytes. Species diversity is usually very high. 6. Rich graminoid fen: a strongly minerotrophic Characteristic herbs include the sedges Carex peatland in which the substrate is a predominantly [lava, C. interior, C. steri/is, C. lepta/ea, C. lacustris, graminoid peat which may or may not be C. hystericina, and C. aquatilis, cottongrass underlain by marl. Rich fens are fed by waters (Eriophornm viride-carinatum), cattail (Typha that are rich in minerals, and have high pH /atifolia), spike muhly (Muhlenbergia glomerata), values, generally from 6.0 to 7.8; rich graminoid marsh fern (Thelypteris pa/ustris), crested wood fens are usually fed by water from highly fern (Dryopteris cristata), cinnamon fern calcareous springs or seepage. The dominant ( Osmunda cinnamomea ), common horsetail species are sedges, although grasses and rushes (Equisetum arvense ), black-eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia may be common. Sphagnum is either absent, or laciniata), spreading goldenrod (Solidago patula), a minor component, with only the most golden ragwort (Senecio aureus), marsh-marigold minerotrophic species present. Other mosses, (Caltha palustris), bog-candle (P/atanthera especially those requiring highly minerotrophic di/atata), tall meadow-rue (Thalictrnm pubescens), conditions, may be common. Characteristic round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), skunk species include the sedges Carex aquatilis, C. cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), flat-top white /asiocarpa, C. [lava, C. hystericina, and C. prairea, aster (Aster umbel/atus), turtle-heads (Che/one twig-rush (C/adium mariscoides), cattails (Typha glabra), purple avens (Geum rivale), showy lady's latifolia and T. angustifolia), spike muhly slipper ( Cypripedium reginae ), spreading (Muhlenbergia glomerata), spikerush (E/eocharis globeflower (Trollius /axus), and swamp goldenrod roste//ata), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), (Solidago uliginosa). Characteristic mosses hard-stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), sundew include Aulacomnium palustre, Sphagnum (Drosera rotundifo/ia), pitcher-plant (Sarracenia wamsto,jii, T omenthypnum nitens, Campylium purpurea), wild iris (Iris versico/or), cranberry ste/latum, and Cratoneuron filicinum. Trees and (Vaccinium macrocarpon), grass-of-Parnassus shrubs collectively have less than 50% cover in (Pamassia glauca ), rose pogonia (Pogonia the community; characteristic species include red ophiog/ossoides), flat-top white aster (Aster maple (Acer rubrnm ), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ), umbe//atus), bladderwort (Utricu/aria minor), white pine (Pinus strobus), red osier dogwood marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), and royal fern (Camus sericea), alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus (Osmunda regalis). Shrubs may be present, but alnifolia), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium collectively they have less than 50% cover in the

27 PALUSTRINE COMMUNITIES

community. Characteristic shrubs include red and pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea). osier dogwood (Comus sericea), shrubby cinquefoil Characteristic mosses include Campylium stel/atum (Potentilla fruticosa), hoary willow (Salix candida), and Sphagnum wamsto,fii. Data on characteristic gray dogwood (Comus foemina ssp. racemosa), animals are needed. bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), and alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia ). Characteristic Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New mosses include Campylium stellatum, York; reported from the Appalachian Plateau, Drepanocladus revolvens, Scop_idium scop_ioides, Great Lakes Plain, Mohawk Valley, Taconic Tomenthypnum nitens, Sphagnum contortum, S. Highlands, Tug Hill and St. Lawrence, and wamsto,fii, and S. teres. A characteristic animal Adirondacks ecozones. is bog turtle ( Clemmys muhlenbergii). More data on characteristic animals are needed. Rank: G3G4 S1S2

Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New Examples: Miller Pond, Columbia County; Summit York; reported from the Appalachian Plateau, Lake Swamp, Otsego County, Great Swamp Great Lakes Plain, Mohawk Valley, Hudson Pawling, Dutchess County. Valley, and Taconic Highlands ecozones. Sources: Andrus 1980; NHP field surveys. Rank: G 3 S1S2

Examples: Bergen Swamp, Genesee County; 8. Medium fen: a moderately minerotrophic Junius Ponds, Seneca County; Quaker Pond Fen, peatland (intermediate between rich fens and Monroe County. poor fens) in which the substrate is a mixed peat composed of graminoids, mosses, and woody Sourr:es: Andrus 1980; Goodwin 1943; Seischab species. Medium fens are fed by waters that are 1984; Shanks 1966; NHP field surveys. moderately mineralized, with pH values generally ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The dominant species are sedges; certain mosses, herbs, and woody 7. Rich shrub fen: a strongly minerotrophic plants are common associates. The dominant peatland in which the substrate is a woody peat, sedge is typically Carex lasiocarpa, and the which may or may not be underlain by marl or dominant mosses may be Sphagnum limestone bedrock. Rich fens are fed by waters subsecundum, S. teres, or Calliergonella cuspidata. that are rich in minerals, and have high pH Other characteristic species include twig-rush values, generally from 6.0 to 7.8. The dominant (Cladium mariscoides), tussock-sedge (Carex species are shrubs. Some shrub fens are stricta), cattail (Typha latifolia), marsh fern dominated by low shrubs (under 4 ft or 1.2 m) (Thelypteris palustris), sweet-gale (Myrica gale), that collectively have 80 to 90% cover in the meadow-sweet (Spiraea latifolia), and cranberry community. Other shrub fens are dominated by (Vaccinium macrocarpon). More data on tall shrubs ( over 4 ft or 1.2 m) that collectively characteristic plants and animals are needed. have 50 to 70% cover in the community; in these Medium fens often occur as a narrow fens there are openings with low shrubs and transition zone between an aquatic community graminoids locally dominant. Sphagnum is either and either a swamp or an upland community, absent, or a minor component, with only the most along the edges of streams and lakes. minerotrophic species present. Other mosses may be common. Characteristic shrubs are shrubby Distribution: not well known, probably is sparsely cinquefoil (Potentilla fmticosa), hoary willow (Salix scattered throughout upstate New York north of candida), red osier dogwood (Comus sericea), the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. speckled alder (A/nus incana ssp. rugosa ), poison sumac (Toxicodendron vemix), swamp birch Rank: G3G4 S2S3 (Betula pumila), swamp fly honeysuckle (Lonicera oblongifolia), and alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus Examples: Dunham Bay Marsh, Warren County; alnifolia). Red maple (Acer rubrum) and Harris Lake Fen, Essex County. tamarack (Larix laricina) are often present as saplings or stunted trees. Characteristic herbs Sources: Andrus 1980; NHP field surveys. include the sedges Carex aquatilis, C. lacustris, and C. lasiocarpa, hard-stem bulrush (Sci,pus acutus), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), royal 9. Inland poor fen: a weakly minerotrophic fern (Osmunda regalis), wild iris (Iris versicolor), peatland that occurs inland from the coastal plain

28 PALUSTRINE COMMUNITTES

in which the substrate is peat composed primarily and shrubs include twig-rush ( Cladium of Sphagnum, with admixtures of graminoid or mariscoides), sedge (Carex exilis), beakrushes woody peat. The dominant species are Sphagnum (Rhynchospora alba, R. fusca), rushes (luncus mosses, with scattered sedges, shrubs, and stunted spp.), knotted spikerush (Eleocharis equisetoides), trees. Poor fens are fed by waters that are swamp loosestrife (Lysimachia temstris ), fibrous weakly mineralized, and have low pH values, bladderwort ( Utricularia fibrosa ), rose pogonia generally between 3.5 and 5.0. Characteristic (Pogonia ophioglossoides), grass pink (Calopogon mosses include Sp_hagr,um rub_ellum, S. magellanicum, S. papil/osum, S. nemoreum, S. :t3:"'si'. J~liiit~:or~e(T~al~tavzt'!:1%i: fuscum, S. angustifolium, S.fa/lax, and S. russowii. white water-lily (Nymphaea odorata), hardhack Characteristic herbs include sedges (Carex (Spiraea tomentosa), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne oligospenna, C. exilis, C. limosa), white beakrush calyculata), water willow (Decodon verticil/atus), (Rhynchospora alba), cottongrasses (Eriophorum sweet pepper-bush (Clethra alnifolia), and sweet vaginatum ssp. spissum, E. vi,ginicum ), round-leaf gale (Myrica gale). Scattered stunted trees such sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), and pitcher-plant as Atlantic white cedar ( Chamaecyparis thyoides) (Sarracenia purpurea). Shrubs and dwarf shrubs and red maple (Acer rubrum) may also be usually have less than 50% cover; characteristic present. species include small cranberry (Vaccinium o,ycoccos), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), sweet Distribution: restricted to the Coastal Lowlands gale (Myrica gale), black chokeberry (Aronia ecozone. melanocarpa), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), bog rosemary (,4.ndromeda polifolia Rank: G3? Sl var. glaucophylla), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum ). Scattered stunted trees such as Examples: Bow Drive Marsh, Suffolk County; tamarack (Larix laricina) or red maple (Acer Sweezy Pond, Suffolk County. rubrum) may also be present. Many of our "kettlehole bogs" are inland poor fens, according Sources: Andrus 1980; NHP field surveys. to this classification, since they are weakly minerotrophic. Poor fens often include hummocks that are essentially ombrotrophic 11, Pe.-.:hed hog: an ombrotrophic ( or very islands within a weakly minerotrophic peatland. weakly minerotrophic) peatland that occurs in More data on this community are needed. shallow depressions in rock outcrops where there is a perched water table. Vegetation is Distribution: throughout upstate New York north dominated by peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) and of the Coastal Lowlands ecowne. ericaceous shrubs, and the substrate is a shallow peat overlying bedrock. Water in a perched bog Rank: G4 S3 is usually very acid (pH less than 5.0), has low amounts of dissolved minerals, and is especially Examples: Massawepie Mire, St. Lawrence low in calcium ions. Species diversity is usually County; Brennan Beach Fen, Oswego County; low. Characteristic species include several peat Willis Brook Bog, Franklin County. mosses (Sphagnum fuscum, S. rubellum, S. nemoreum, and S. magellanicum ), leatherleaf Sources: Andrus 1980; NHP field surveys. (Chamaedaphne calyculata), sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), steeple-bush (Spiraea tomentosa), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon ), and sedges 10. Coastal plain poor fen: a weakly (Carer spp.). More data on this community are minerotrophic peatland that occurs on the coastal needed. plain, in which the substrate is peat composed primarily of Sphagnum, with admixtures of Distribution: only known from the Lake graminoid and woody peat. The dominant species Champlain Transition sub-wne of the Champlain are Sphagnum mosses, with scattered sedges, ecowne and the Shawangunk Hills sub-zone of shrubs, and stunted trees. Poor fens are fed by the Hudson Valley ecozone. waters that are weakly mineralized, with low pH values, generally between 4.0 and 5.5 (Andrus Rank: G3G4 S1S2 1980). Characteristic mosses include Sphagnum l:>artlettianum, S. fa/lax, S. f/avicomans, S. Examples: Altona Flat Rock, Clinton County; magellanicum, S. recurvum, S. papillosum, S. Sam's Point, Ulster County. ton-eyanum, and S. henryense. Characteristic herbs

29 PALUsrRJNE COMMUNfllES

Sources: Andrus 1980; Damman and French 1987; Example: Spring Pond Bog, Franklin County. NHP field surveys. Source: NHP field surveys.

12. Patterned peatland: a large peatland with a gentle slope or divide in which the vegetation 13. Dwarf shrub bog: an ombrotrophic or weakly consists of a mosaic of high and low areas minerotrophic peatland dominated by low-growing, (relative to water levels) that are called strin_llS evergreen, ericaceous . shrubs and peat mosses and flarks, respectively. the strings and. flarks (Sphagnum spp.). These bogs have more than occur as narrow or broad bands of vegetation that 50% cover of low-growing shrubs. Water is extend perpendicular to the direction of water usually nutrient-poor and acidic. The dominant flow across the slope of the peatland. The strings shrub is often leatherleaf ( Chamaedaphne or hummocks (high, relatively dry areas) are caiyculata), which may have more than 50% usually ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic, cover. Other prominent shrubs and herbs are and the flarks or hollows (low, relatively wet sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia ), bog laurel (K areas) are more minerotrophic than the strings. polifolia), huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), Patterning in peatlands may occur regardless of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), the ombrotrophic or minerotrophic nature of the small cranberry (Vaccinium mycoccos), and the peatland; there are many types of patterns that sedge Cara trisperma. Other characteristic, but can occur. In New York, the most pronounced less common plants are round-leaf sundew patterning occurs on a very large (550 acre or 223 (Drosera rotundifolia ), tawny cottongrass ha) bog that is primarily ombrotrophic and is (Eriophorum virginicum ), pitcher plant (Sarracenia slightly raised at the center. This bog has a purpurea), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), subtle ladderform pattern of slightly raised linear bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. hummocks (strings) and broad, shallow hollows glaucophylla), water-willow (Decodon verticil/atus), (flarks) along one of the slopes, as well as several arrowleaf (Peltandra virginica), marsh St. John's small ponds. In this peatland, the dominant peat wort (Triadenum virginicum ), and the sedges moss is Sphagnum rubellum; this moss forms a Carex canescens and Rhynchospora alba. nearly pure carpet in some areas of the bog, and Scattered stunted trees may be present, including it is common on the hummocks (strings). Other black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack (Larix common mosses include Sphagnum cuspidatum laricina), and red maple (Acer rubrum). and S. majus in hollows (flarks). Characteristic Characteristic peat mosses that form a nearly herbs of the flarks include pod-grass (Scheuchzeria continuous carpet under the shrubs include palustris), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), Sphagnum magellanicum, S. rubel/um, S. fa/lax, S. sedges ( Cara exilis, C. oligosperma ), cottongrass papillosum, and S. angustifolium. Characteristic (Eriophorum vaginatum ssp. spissum ), and pitcher animals include common yellowthroat (Geothlypis plant (Sarracenia pu,purea). Characteristic species trichas), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), of the strings include sedges ( Cara pauciflora, C. savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), limosa), false Solomon's-seal (Smilacina trifolia), masked shrew (Sorex cinereus), meadow jumping meadow-sweet (Spiraea latifolia), lowbush mouse (Zapus hudsonius), southern bog lemming blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium ), black (Synaptomys cooperi), and wood frog (Rana chokeberry (Aronia melanoca,pa ), black spruce sylvatica). (Picea mariana), and tamarack (Larix laricina). A dwarf shrub bog may form a floating mat The trees on the bog mat are stunted and are around a bog lake or along the banks of an usually widely spaced on hummocks or strings. oligotrophic stream; it may also occur as a large Low ericaceous shrubs such as leatherleaf or small mat completely filling a basin. A dwarf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Labrador tea (Ledum shrub bog may grade into either a highbush groenlandicum), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), blueberry bog thicket or a black spruce-tamarack sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), and bog bog. rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla) are common in the strings, as well as in the Distribution: occurs throughout upstate New York flatter, unpatterned portions of the bog. Data on north of the Coastal Lowlands ecowne. characteristic animals are needed. Rank: G4 S3 Distribution: only known from the Western Adirondack Foothills ecozone. Examples: Bay Pond Bog, Franklin County; Massawepie Mire, St. Lawrence County; Little Rank: G3G4 Sl Cedar Pond, Orange County.

30 PALUsrRINE COMMUNmES

Sources: Andrus 1980; Bray 1921; Damman and istically reaching a mature height of at least 16 ft French 1987; Karlin and Andrus 1986; Karlin and (5 m) (Driscoll et al. 1984). Lynn 1988; NHP field surveys. 1. Floodplain forest: a hardwood forest that occurs on mineral soils on low terraces of river 14. Highbush blueberry bog thicket: an floodplains and river deltas. These sites are ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic peatland characterized by their flood regime; low areas are dominated by tall, deciduous, ericaceous shrubs annually flooded in spring, and high areas are and peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.); the wafo, -is floodecfiri-egularly. Some sites mayl,e qinte ilry usually nutrient-poor and acidic. The dominant by late summer, whereas other sites may be shrub is usually highbusb blueberry (Vaccinium flooded again in late summer or early autumn co,ymbosum ), however in the southern part of (these floods are caused by heavy precipitation New York, from the Appalachian Plateau to the associated with tropical storms). This is a Taconic Highlands, swamp azalea (Rhododendron broadly defined community; floodplain forests are viscosum) may be codominant. In the northern quite variable and may be very diverse. part of the state mountain holly (Nemopanthus Characteristic canopy trees are silver maple (Acer mucronatus) may be codominant. Other saccharinum ), red maple (A- rubrnm ), sycamore characteristic shrubs and herbs includ winterberry (Platanus occidenta/is), cottonwood (Populus (I/ex verticillata), black huckleberry (Gay/ussacia deltoides), butternut (Jug/ans cinerea), black willow baccata), false Solomon's-seal (Smilacina trifolia), (Salix nigra), bitternut hickory (Ca,ya cordiformis), sedge (Carex trispenna), pitcher plant (Sarracenia swamp white oak (Quercus bico/or), white ash purpurea), cinnamon fern (Osmunda (Frarinus americana), black ash (F. nigra), and cinnamomea), and wild calla (Calla pa/ustris). basswood (Tilia americana). White willow (Salix Stunted trees may be present at a low density and alba), an introduced tree, has become established with less than 50% cover; red maple (Acer in some floodplain forests. Vines such as rubrnm) occurs in many bog thickets, less Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefo/ia), common are tamarack (Laro: /aricina), black virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), and poison spruce (Picea mariana), white pine (Pinus ivy (To.xicodendron radicans) may be common in strobus), and pitch pine (P. rigida). Characteristic the understory. Characteristic groundlayer species peat mosses include Sphagnum mage/lanicum, S. include sensitive fern ( Onoclea sensibilis), white centrale, S. nemoreum, and S. fimbriatum. snakeroot (Eupatorium ,ugosum ), Canada Characteristic animals include common goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), jewelweed yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), swamp sparrow (Impatiens capensis), jumpseed (Polygonum (Me/ospiza georgiana), song sparrow (Me/ospiza virginianum ), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin ). me/odia), meadow jumping mouse (Zapus Characteristic birds include yellow-throated vireo hudsonius ), masked shrew (Sorex cinereus ), (Vireo flavifrons), tufted titmouse (Paros bicolor), southern red-backed vole (C/ethrionomys gapperi), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and green frog (Rana c/amitans). and pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). The composition of the forest apparently Distribution: occurs throughout New York State. changes in relation to flood frequency and elevation of floodplain terraces along larger rivers. Rank: G4 S3 The composition of floodplain forests in New York State has not been studied in sufficient Example: Cicero Swamp, Onondaga County. detail to characterize compositional variations and how they correlate with flood regime and terrace Source: Damman and French 1987; Significant elevation. Habitat Unit files. Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. C. FORESTED MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS This subsystem includes seasonally flooded Rank: G3G4 S2S3 forests, and permanently flooded or saturated swamps. These forests and swamps typically have Examples: Doyles Islands, Delaware County; at least 50% canopy cover of trees. For the South Bay Creek Wetlands, Washington County. purposes of this classification, a tree is defined as a woody plant usually having one principal stem Sources: Gordon 1940; NHP field surveys. or trunk, a definite crown shape, and character-

31 PALUSTRINE COMMUNITIES

2. Red maple-hardwood swamp: a hardwood to the onset of Dutch elm disease and elm swamp that occurs in poorly drained depressions, yellows. Characteristic shrubs and vines are usually on inorganic soils. This is a broadly spicebush (Lindera benzoin ), gooseberries (Ribes defined community with many regional and spp.), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus edaphic variants. In any one stand red maple quinquefolia), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron (Acer mbmm) is either the only canopy dominant, radicans). These swamps generally have low herb or it is codominant with one or more hardwoods diversity; characteristic herbs are skunk cabbage including black ash (Froxinus nigr_a), American (Syr11jJlocapus Joetidus) ~d wood-n~ttle~I.aportea elm ([!/mus americana), .. swamp wliite . oak canadensis). Data on characteristic anunals are (Quercus bicolor), butternut (Jug/ans cinerea), and needed. bitternut hickory ( Carya cordifonnis ). The shrublayer is usually well-developed and may be Distribution: in central and western New York in quite dense. Characteristic shrubs are spicebush the Appalachian Plateau ecowne, and in the (Lindera benzoin ), winterberry (flex vertici/lata), Champlain Valley sub-wne of the Lake black chokeberry (Aronia melanoca,pa), red osier Champlain ecozone. dogwood (Camus sericea), arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum ), wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides), Rank: G3G4 S2S3 and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium co,ymbosum). In southeastern New York black gum (Nyssa Source: Huenneke 1982. sylvatica), sweet pepperbush (C/ethra alnifolia), and swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) are also characteristic. The herbaceous layer is often 4, Vernal pool: a wetland in a small, shallow dominated by ferns, including cinnamon fern depression within an upland forest. Vernal pools (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (0. regalis), are flooded in spring or after a heavy rainfall, but sensitive fern (Onoc/ea sensibilis), crested wood are usually dry during summer. Many vernal fern (D,yopteris cristata ), and spinulose wood fern pools are filled again in autumn. This community (D,yopteris carthusiana). Characteristic herbs includes a diverse group of invertebrates and include skunk cabbage (Symploca,pus foetidus), amphibians that depend upon temporary pools as sedges such as Carex intumescens and C. lacustris, breeding ponds. Since vernal pools cannot jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), and skullcap support fish populations, there is no threat of fish (Scutellaria galericu/ata). Characteristic animals predation on amphibian eggs or invertebrate include marbled salamander (Ambystoma larvae. Characteristic amphibians include wood opacum ), Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma frog (Rana sylvatica), mole salamanders jeffersonianum ), black-crowned night heron (Ambystoma spp.), American toad (Bufo (Nycticorax nycticorax), and red-bellied americanus), green frog (Rana clamitans), and woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). More data on characteristic plants and Distribution: throughout New York State. invertebrates are needed.

Rank: GS S4S5 Distribution: throughout New York State.

Example: Great Swamp Pawling, Dutchess Rank: G4 S3S4 County. Source: Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program Sources: Cain and Penfound 1939; McVaugh 1958. 1988.

3. Silver maple-ash swamp: a hardwood swamp S. Perched swamp white oak swamp: a swamp that occurs on poorly drained soils along rivers, that occurs in a shallow depression on a forested lakeshores, and in poorly-drained depressions. hillside where the water table is locally perched These sites are characterized by uniformly wet above the surrounding groundwater level. The conditions with minimal seasonal fluctuations in water level fluctuates seasonally; the swamp may water levels. The dominant trees are silver maple be flooded in spring and nearly dry by late (Acer saccharinum ), with as much as 70% cover, summer. The dominant tree is swamp white oak mixed with smaller quantities (5 to 15% cover) of (Quercus bico/or), which may form a nearly pure, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), black ash (F. open canopy stand in areas that are permanently nigra), and white ash (F. americana). American saturated. [n better-drained areas where the soil elm (Ulmus americana) was a codominant prior is seasonally dry, the canopy cover is greater and

32 PALUSfRINR COMMUNfTIES

the canopy may include several other species such Sources: Bray 1915; McVaugh 1958; NHP field as scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), white oak (Q. surveys. alba), red maple (Acer ,ub,um ), white pine (Pinus strobus), and pitch pine (P. rigida). The understory is fairly open, with scattered ericaceous 7. Spruce-fir swamp: a conifer swamp that shrubs including black huckleberry ( Gaylussacia occurs along gentle slopes of islands or along the baccata), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium margins of drainage basins where there is some corymbosum ), lowbush blu_eberry (V. nutrient inp11t from groundwater discliar_ge _or angustifolium ), and pinkster (Rhododendron subsurface flow. In the Adirondacks these periclymenoides). The groundcover may be swamps are often found in drainage basins sparse, with scattered patches of Sphagnum where occasionally flooded by beaver ( Castor the canopy cover is closed. In areas with an canadensis ), in the Tug Hill plateau they occur on open canopy and wet soils, Sphagnum may form mineral soils. These swamps are usually dense, extensive carpets, mixed with sedge ( Carex with a fairly closed canopy (80 to 90% cover). stipata ), woolgrass (Sci,pus cyperinus ), mannagrass The dominant trees are usually red spruce (Picea (Glyceria striata), marsh fern (Thelypteris rubens) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); either palustris), arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum), and one may be dominant in a stand, or they may be poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Data on codominant. In the Adirondacks, black spruce characteristic animals are needed. (Picea mariana) or white spruce (P. glauca) may replace red spruce as a codominant tree. The Distribution: not well known; reported from the shrublayer is sparse; characteristic shrubs include Finger Lakes Highlands sub-zone of the green alder (A/nus viridis ssp. crispus), mountain Appalachian Plateau ecozone. ash (Sorbus americana), and wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides). Characteristic herbs are Rank: G3G4 S1S2 cinnamon fern ( Osmunda cinnamomea ), mountain wood fern (Dryopteris campyloptera), wood sorrel Examples: South Hill Swamp, Tompkins County; ( Oxalis acetosella ), and gold thread ( Coptis Blueberry Patch Swamp, Schuyler County. trifo/ia); in northern New York, creeping snowberry ( Gaultheria hispidula) and dewdrop Sources: Tufts 1976; NHP field surveys. (Dalibarda repens) are also common. Characteristic bryophytes are Sphagnum spp., Bazzania trilobata, Pleurozium schreberi, and 6. Hemlock-hardwood swamp: a mixed swamp Brotherel/a recurvans. A characteristic bird is that occurs on mineral soils in depressions which olive-sided flycatcher ( Contopus boreal is). receive groundwater discharge, typically in areas Spruce-fir swamps occur in lowlands where where the aquifer is a basic or acidic substrate. they may grade into either spruce flats or balsam These swamps usually have a fairly closed canopy flats (upland forests). A spruce-fir swamp is (70 to 90% cover), sparse shrublayer, and low distinguished from spruce flats by the lower species diversity. The characteristic canopy trees elevation of the swamp, wetland soils, presence in are hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), yellow birch the swamp of patches of Sphagnum spp., and the (Betula a/leghaniensis), and red maple (Acer absence of black cherry (Prunus serotina), a ,ub,um). The most common shrub is highbush characteristic species of spruce flats and balsam blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). flats. Characteristic herbs are cinnamon fern ( Osmunda cinnamomea) and sensitive fern ( Onoclea Distribution: most common in the Adirondacks sensibilis). Groundcover may also be fairly ecozone, and extending south into the sparse. A characteristic bird is golden-crowned Appalachian Plateau ecozone. kinglet (Regulus satrapa). This is a common and widespread swamp Rank: G3G4 S3? community. Some occurrences are very small (1 to 2 acres). Water levels in these swamps Sources: Braun 1950; Zoo 1914. typically fluctuate seasonally: they may be flooded in spring and relatively dry by late summer. D. FORESTED PEATLANDS Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north This subsystem includes peatlands with at of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. least 50% canopy cover of trees. Substrates range from coarse woody or fibrous peat to fine Rank: G4G5 S4 grained marl and organic muck.

33 PALUSTRINE COMMUNfllP.~

l. Inland Atlantic white cedar swamp: a conifer cinnamon fern ( Osmunda cinnamomea ), marsh or mixed swamp that occurs on organic soils fern (Thelypteris palustris), wintergreen (Gaultheria (usually peat) in poorly drained depressions procumbens), sundew (Drosera intennedia), between hills of the Ridge and Valley Province of pitcher plant (Sarracenia pwpurea ), and sedges southeastern New York (i.e. the Hudson such as Carex walteriana. Massachusetts fern Highlands) and northern New Jersey. The (Thelypteris simulata) and two sedges (Carex characteristic tree is Atlantic white cedar atlantica and C. collinsii) are characteristic of ( Chamaecyparis thyo_ides); the c,,nol'Y cover of these swam_ps in New England; these s_p_ecies Chamaecyparis in these swamps is quite variable, occur in New York but they have not recently ranging from nearly pure stands to as little as been reported from New York Chamaecyparis 30% of the canopy. In mixed stands the swamps. A characteristic butterfly is Hessel's codominants are typically red maple (Acer hairstreak (Mitoura hesseli). More data on rubrum), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), and characteristic animals are needed. hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Characteristic small trees and shrubs are winterberry (I/ex verticillata), Distribution: restricted to the Coastal Lowlands smooth winterberry (/. laevigata), rosebay ecowne. (Rhododendron maximum), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ), swamp azalea Rank: G3G4 Sl (Rhododendron viscosum ), and sweet pepperbush (C/ethra alnifolia). In a dense stand of Example: Cranberry Bog County Park, Suffolk Chamaecyparis, the groundlayer is very shaded, County. and the groundcover is predominantly bryophytes, including several species of Sphagnum, and at Sources: Eyre 1980; Laderman 1987; Laderman least one characteristic liverwort, Palavicinia lye/Iii. 1989; NHP field surveys. In mixed stands with a more open canopy some characteristic herbs are cinnamon fern ( Osmunda cinnamomea), interrupted fern (0. claytoniana), 3. Red maple-tamarack peat swamp: a mixed wild calla ( Calla palustris ), and sedges such as swamp that occurs on organic soils (peat or Carex dispenna and Rhynchospora alba. Data on muck) in poorly drained depressions. These characteristic animals are needed. swamps are often spring fed or enriched by seepage of minerotrophic groundwater resulting in Distribution: only known from the Hudson a stable water table and continually saturated soil. Highlands ecozone, and the Mongaup Hills sub Soils are often rich in calcium. The dominant zone of the Appalachian Plateau ecozone. trees are red maple (Acer rubrum) and tamarack (Larve laricina). These species usually form an Rank: G2G3 Sl open canopy (60 to 70% cover) with numerous small openings dominated by shrubs or sedges. Example: Little Cedar Bog, Orange County. Characteristic shrubs are poison sumac (Toxicodendron vemir), red osier dogwood Sources: Eyre 1980; Laderman 1989; Lynn 1984; (Comus sericea), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium NHP field surveys. corymbosum ), alders (A/nus rugosa, A. senulata ), shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia), meadow-sweet 2. Coastal plain Atlantic white cedar swamp: a (Spiraea latifolia ), black chokeberry (Aronia conifer or mixed swamp that occurs on organic melanocarpa), and swamp birch (Betula pumila). soils along streams and in poorly drained Characteristic herbs are sedges such as Carex depressions of the coastal plain of New England, lepta/ea, C. lacustris, and C. stricta, cattail (Typha Long Island, New Jersey, and southward. Atlantic latifolia ), crested wood fern (Dryopteris cristata ), white cedar ( Chamaecyparis thyoides) makes up royal fern (Osmunda regalis), marsh fern over 50% of the canopy cover. In mixed stands (Thelypteris palustris), spreading goldenrod in New York, red maple (Acer rubrum) is the (Solidago pan,la ), meadow-rue (Thalictrum codominant tree. Characteristic shrubs are sweet pubescens), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), and pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), winterberry (I/ex skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus ). Data on glabra ), bayberry (Myrie a pensylvanica ), and characteristic animals are needed. These swamps swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum ). The are closely related to and often grade into rich groundlayer dominants are several species of shrub fens and rich graminoid fens. Sphagnum moss. Characteristic herbs, typically found in sunny openings in the swamp, include

34 PALUSfRINE COMMUNITlES

Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New Soils are often rich in calcium. At some sites York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. these soils have developed above a marl substrate. The characteristic tree is northern white cedar Rank: G3G4 S2S3 (Thuja occidentalis), which makes up more than 30% of the canopy cover. Thuja may form nearly Examples: Drowned Lands Swamp, Columbia pure stands, or it may be mixed with other County; Quaker Pond Fen, Monroe County. conifers and hardwoods, including red maple (Acer rnbrnm), hemlock (TsuBa canadensis), Sources: McVaugh 1958; NHP field surveys. balsam nr (Abies liaisamea ), tamaiaclc (Lam laricina), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), black ash (Fraxinus nigra ), white pine (Pinus 4. Pitch pine-blueberry peat swamp: a conifer strobus ), and black spruce (Picea mariana ). The swamp that occurs in shallow depressions in sand shrublayer is usually sparse; characteristic species plains where peat has accumulated over a poorly are dwarf raspberry (Rub us pubescens ), red osier drained sandy soil called an Ortstein. This soil dogwood ( Comus sericea ), swamp fly honeysuckle has a horizon cemented by iron oxide; the (Lonicera oblongifolia ), and highbush blueberry cemented horizon impedes drainage, causing (Vaccinium corymbosum). The groundlayer is seasonal flooding. The dominant tree is pitch typically diverse, with many bryophytes and boreal pine (Pinus rigida). Gray birch (Betula herbs. There are typically many hummocks populifolia) and red maple (Acer rnbrnm) are formed by decaying downed trees or tip-up present at a low density. The canopy is open, mounds. Characteristic herbs on the hummocks with about 50 to 60 percent cover. There is a are the sedges Carex: lepta/ea and C. ebumea, oak dense shrublayer dominated by highbush fern ( Gymnoca,pium dryopteris ), gold thread blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ), with small (Coptis trifolia), starflower (Trientalis borealis), amounts of sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia ), bunchberry (Comus canadensis), miterwort blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides), wild raisin (Mite/la nuda ), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum (Viburnum cassinoides ), and black chokeberry canadense), blue bead lily (Clintonia borealis), (Aronia melanoca,pa). The groundcover is a snowberry (Gau/theria hispidu/a), and partridge hummocky carpet of peat mosses (Sphagnum berry (Mitchel/a repens). Characteristic herbs of spp.) with scattered herbs including wintergreen hollows between the hummocks are the sedge C. (Gaultheria procumbens), bracken fern (Pteridium intumescens, sensitive fern (Onoc/ea sensibi/is), aquilinum ), bunchberry ( Comus canadensis ), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), cinnamon fern Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense ), (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (0. rega/is), and bulrush (Sci,pus sp.). More data on this crested wood fem (Dryopteris cristata), showy community are needed. lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae), yellow lady's slipper ( Cypripedium ca/ceo/us ), and golden Distribution: only known from the Erie-Ontario ragwort (Senecio aureus). Characteristic Plain sub-zone of the Great Lakes Plain ecozone. bryophytes are several species of Sphagnum moss, Communities with a similar composition have feathermosses such as Hylocomium splendens and been described from the New Jersey Pine Ptilium crista-castrensis, and leafy liverworts such Barrens. as Bazzania trilobata and Trichocolea tomente/la. Characteristic birds include white-throated Rank: G3? Sl sparrow (Zonotrichia albicol/is), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), and golden-crowned Example: Huckleberry Swamp in the Rome Sand kinglet (Regulus satrapa). Plains, Oneida County. Distribution: scattered across upstate New York, Sources: Breden 1987; NHP field surveys. extending north from the Appalachian Plateau ecozone.

5. Northern white cedar swamp: a conifer or Rank: G3G4 S2S3 mixed swamp that occurs on organic soils in cool, poorly drained depressions in central and Examples: Bergen Swamp, Genesee County; northern New York, and along lakes and streams Nelson Swamp, Madison County; Summit Lake in the northern half of the state. These swamps Swamp, Otsego County. are often spring fed or enriched by seepage of Sources: Seischab 1984; Shanks 1966; NHP field cold, minerotrophic groundwater, resulting in a surveys. stable water table and continually saturated soils.

35 PALUSfRINE COMMUNITlES

6. Rieb hemlock-hardwood peat swamp: a mixed 7. Black spruce-tamarack bog: a conifer swamp swamp that occurs in central New York in or bog forest that occurs on acidic peatlands in depressions or concave slopes which receive cool, poorly drained depressions. The groundwater discharge, typically in areas where characteristic trees are black spruce (Picea the groundwater flows through calcareous gravels mariana) and tamarack (Laro: laricina); in any of glacial deposits. These swamps usually have a one stand, either tree may be dominant, or they fairly open caoopy (50 to 70% cover), scattered may be codominant. Caoopy cover is quite shrubs, aod a diverse groundlayer with sedges, variable, raoging from open canopy swamps with mosses, and forbs. The characterTuiic canopy as little as ..50%. cover of caoopy-frees fo dosed trees are hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) which caoopy swamps with 80 to 90% cover. In the usually has at least 20% cover, red maple (Acer more open canopy stands there is usually a well rubrum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), black developed shrublayer characterized by several bog ash (Fraxinus nigra), tamarack (Larix laricina), shrubs: leatherleaf ( Chamaedaphne calyculata ), white pine (Pinus strobus), smooth serviceberry bog laurel (Ka/mia polifolia), highbush blueberry (Amelanchier arborea var. laevis ), balsam fir (Vaccinium corymbosum ), Labrador tea (Ledum (Abies ba/samea), and northern white cedar groenlandicum), and mountain holly (Thuja occidentalis). In aoy one swamp there (Nemopanthus mucronatus). In closed caoopy may be very few (if aoy) stems of Abies or Thuja. staods the shrublayer may be sparse. The In the Cayuga Lake area, some of these swamps dominaot groundcover consists of several species are locally known as "fir tree swamps'\ even if of Sphagnum moss, with scattered sedges and there are only a few balsam fir present, because forbs. Characteristic herbs are the sedge Caret these are the only places locally where native trispenna, cotton grass (Eriophorum spp.), pitcher balsam fir can be found. Characteristic shrubs plant (Sarracenia purpurea), aod small craoberry and vines are alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus (Vaccinium oxycoccus). In shady areas where the alnifolia), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium caoopy is dense, gold thread (Coptis trifolia) aod corymbosum), red osier dogwood (Comus sericea), creeping snowberry (Gaultheria procumbens) may northern gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum ), wild raisin be found. Vascular plaot diversity is usually low (Viburnum cassinoides), virgin's bower (Clematis in these swamps; however the bryophyte aod vi11]iniana),aod dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens). epiphytic lichen flora may be relatively diverse. Characteristic herbs are the sedges Carex Characteristic animals include three-toed bromoides, C. interior, and C. scabrata, manna woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), black-backed grass ( Glyceria striata), cinnamon fern ( Osmunda woodpecker (Picoides arcticus ), olive-sided cinnamomea), royal fern (0. regalis), sensitive flycatcher (Contopus borealis), gray jay (Perisoreus fern (Onoclea sensibilis), marsh marigold (Caltha canadensis), Lincoln's sparrow (Me/ospiza palustris), golden ragwort (Senecio aureus), lincolnii), white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia meadow-rue (Thalictrum pubescens), miterwort albicollis), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus (Mite/la nuda), starry Solomon's seal (Smilacina satrapa), spruce grouse (Dendragapus canadensis), stel/ata), spreading goldenrod (Solidago patula), and four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium white hellebore (Veratrum viride), swamp thistle scutatum). (Cirsium muticum), purple avens (Geum rivale), globeflower (Trollius laxus ssp. laxus ), and swamp Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New saxifrage (Saxifraga pensylvanica). Characteristic York; more common to the north in the mosses are Sphagnum russowii, S. wamsto,fii, S. Adirondacks ecozone. centrale, Aulacomnium palustre, aod Campylium stel/atum. Data on characteristic animals are Rank: G4G5 S3 needed. Examples: Bolton Swamp, Warren County; Distribution: not well known; reported from the Massawepie Mire, St. Lawrence County; Spring Central Appalachians and Finger Lake Highlands Pond Bog, Fraoklin County. sub-zones of the Appalachiao Plateau ecozone. Sources: Bray 1921; Shanks 1966; NHP field Rank: G3G4 S2S3 surveys.

Example: Michigan Hollow Swamp, Tompkins County. C. PALUSTRINE CULTURAL This subsystem includes communities that are Sources: Tufts 1976; NHP field surveys. either created and maintained by humao activities, or are modified by human influence to such a

36 PALUsrRJNE COMMUNITIE.5

degree that the physical conformation of the 4. Reedgrass/purple loosestrife marsh: a marsh substrate, the hydrology, or the biological that has been disturbed by draining, filling, road composition of the resident community is substan· salts, etc. in which reedgrass (Phragmites austra/is) tially different from the character of the substrate, or purple loosestrife (Lythrum sa/icaria) has hydrology, or community as it existed prior to become dominant. This community is common human influence. along highways and railroads. Distribution: throughout New York State.

1. Reverted drained muckland: a wetland with Rank: G5 S5 muck soils that has been drained and cultivated (e.g. for vegetable crops), and subsequently allowed to flood and thereby revert to a wetland. S. Dredge spoil wetland: a wetland in which the substrate consists of dredge spoils; reedgrass Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north (Phragmites australis) is a characteristic species. of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: G5 S5 Rank: G5 S5

2. Impounded marsh: a marsh (with less than 50% cover of trees) in which the water levels 6. Mine spoil wetland: a sparsely vegetated have been artificially manipulated or modified, wetland in which the substrate consists of mine often for the purpose of improving waterfowl spoils. habitat. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) may become dominant when water levels are low. Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New Vegetation often consists of species planted to York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. improve waterfowl habitat, such as proso millet (Panicum milaceum ), foxtail millet (Setaria Rank: G5 S5 italica), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum ). 7. Water recharge basin: the aquatic community Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of a constructed depression near a road or of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. development that receives runoff from paved surfaces and allows the water to percolate Rank: G5 S5 through to the groundwater, thereby recharging the groundwater. These basins are intermittently Source: Giles 1969. flooded during periods of heavy precipitation. On Long Island some of these are important as breeding habitat for amphibians such as tiger 3. Impounded swamp: a swamp (with at least salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum ). 50% cover of trees) where the water levels have been artificially manipulated or modified, often Distribution: throughout New York State. for the purpose of improving waterfowl habitat. Red maple (Acer rub rum) is a characteristic tree. Rank: G5 S5 Often there are many standing dead tree trunks. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and duckweed (Lemna minor) may become dominant in the understory.

Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone.

Rank: G5 S5

37 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES

VI. TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM 2- Great Lakes dunes: a community dominated The terrestrial system consists of upland by grasses and shrubs that occurs on active and habitats. These habitats have well-drained soils stabilized sand dunes along the shores of the that are dry to mesic ( never hydric), and Great Lakes. The composition and structure of vegetative cover that is never predominantly the community is variable depending on stability hydrophytic, even if the soil surface is occasionally of the dunes, the amount of sand deposition and or seasonally flooded or saturated. In other erosion, and distance from the lake. Unstable words, this is a broadly cl:efiiied sysrem · ttrat dtlttCS are spMsely , egetated, chM"aeteristie speaes includes everything except aquatic, wetland, and include beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), tall subterranean communities. wormwood (Artemisia campestris var. caudata), beach-pea (Lathyrus japonicus var. glaber), red osier dogwood ( Camus sericea ), silky dogwood ( C. A. OPEN UPLANDS amomum ), sand cherry (Prunus pumila ), sand This subsystem includes upland communities dune willow (Salix cordata), and cottonwood with less than 25% canopy cover of trees; the (Populus deltoides). Vegetation of stable dunes is dominant species in these communities are more dense, and can eventually become forested. shrubs, herbs, or cryptogammic plants (mosses, Characteristic species of stable dunes include lichens, etc.). Three distinctive physiognomic starry Solomon's seal (Smilacina stellata), types are included in this subsystem. Grasslands jointweed (Polygonella articulata), seaside spurge include communities that are dominated by (Euphoroia polygonifolia ), common hairgrass grasses and sedges; they may include scattered (Deschampsiaflexuosa), poison ivy (Toxicodendron shrubs (never more than 50% cover of shrubs), radicans ), and bittersweet ( Celastrus scan dens). and scattered trees ( usually less than one tree per More data on this community are needed. acre, or 3 trees per hectare). Meadows include communities with forbs, grasses, sedges, and Distribution: only known from the eastern shore shrubs codominant; they may include scattered of Lake Ontario, in the Eastern Ontario Plain trees. Shrublands include communities that are subzone of the Great Lakes Plain ecowne. dominated by shrubs (more than 50% cover of shrubs); they may include scattered trees. Rank: G3G4 S1S2 Examples: El Dorado Beach, Jefferson County; 1. Sand beach: a sparsely vegetated community Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, Jefferson that occurs on unstable sandy shores of large County. freshwater lakes, where the shore is formed and continually modified by wave action and wind Source: Significant Habitat Unit files; NHP field erosion. Characteristic species include beach-pea surveys. (Lathyrus japonicus var. glaber), sea-rocket (Cakile edentula ssp. lacustris), silverweed (Potentilla anserina), tall wormwood (Artemisia campestris 3. Maritime beach: a sparsely vegetated ssp. caudata), sand dropseed (Sporobo/us community that occurs on unstable sand, gravel, cryptandrus), panic grass (Panicum spp.), cyperus or cobble ocean shores above mean high tide, (Cyperus spp.), beggar-ticks (Bidens spp.), and where the shore is modified by storm waves and knotweed (Polygonum spp.). Sand beaches wind erosion. Characteristic species include provide feeding areas for migratory birds, and beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), sea-rocket nesting habitat for shorebirds such as spotted (Cakile edentula ssp. edentula), seaside atriplex sandpiper (Actitis macularia). Characteristic (Atriplex patula), seabeach atriplex (A. arenaria), insects are tiger beetles ( Cincindela spp.). More seabeach sandwort (Honkenya peploides), salsola data on this community are needed. (Salsola kali), seaside spurge (Chamaesyce polygonifolia), and seabeach knotweed (Polygonum Distribution: throughout New York State. glaucum ). This community is an important nesting ground for birds such as piping plover Rank: G5 S5 (Charadrius melodus), least tern (Stema antillarum ), common tern (S. hirundo), and Example: Southwick Beach State Park, Jefferson roseate tern (S. dougallii). County. Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal Source: NHP field surveys. Lowlands ecozone.

38 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES

Rank: G5 S5 This is usually a low diversity community dominated by one or more species of shrubs or Examples: Fire Island National Seashore, Suffolk stunted trees. Characteristic species include County; Napeague Beach, Suffolk County. beach-plum (Prunus maritima), sand-rose (Rosa rugosa), wild rose (R. virginiana), bayberry Sources: Art 1976; Johnson 1985; Significant (Myrica pensylvanica), eastern red cedar (luniperns Habitat Unit files. virginiana), shining sumac (Rhus copallinum ), poisfflt~ (Tm:ieodt:11drt»1 "7diMttcJ}, blaek cherry (Prunus serotina), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium 4. Maritime dunes: a community dominated by corymbosum), American holly (I/ex opaca), and grasses and low shrubs that occurs on active and shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis). stabilized dunes along the Atlantic coast. This Characteristic birds include great egret community consists of a mosaic of vegetation (Casmerodius a/bus) and black-crowned night patches. This mosaic reflects past disturbances heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). such as sand deposition, erosion, and dune migration. The composition and structure of the Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal vegetation is variable depending on stability of the Lowlands ecozone. dunes, amounts of sand deposition and erosion, and distance from the ocean. Characteristic Rank: G4 S4 species of the active dunes, where sand movement is greastest, include beachgrass (Ammophila Example: Fire Island, Suffolk County. breviligulata), dusty-miller (Artemisia stel/eriana), beach pea (Lathyrns japonicus ), sedge ( Carer Soun:es: Clark 1986b; Robichaud and Buell 1983; silicea), seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), Taylor 1923. and sand-rose (Rosa rngosa). Characteristic species of stabilized dunes include beach heather (Hudsonia tomentosa), bearberry (Arr:tostaphylos 6. Maritime heathland: a dwarf shrubland uva-ursi), beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), community that occurs on rolling outwash plains cyperus (Cyperns polystachyos var. macrostachyus), and moraine of the glaciated portion of the seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), beach Atlantic coastal plain, near the ocean and within pinweed (Lechea maritima), jointweed (Polygonella the influence of offshore winds and salt spray. articulata), sand-rose (Rosa rugosa), bayberry This community is dominated by low heath or (Myrica pensylvanica), beach-plum (Prnnus heath-like shrubs that collectively have greater maritima), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), than 50% cover. Characteristic shrubs include and the lichens C/adina submitis and Cetraria bearberry (Arr:tostaphylos uva-ursi), beach heather arenaria). A few stunted pitch pines (Pinus (Hudsonia tomentosa), blueberry (Vaccinium rigida) or post oaks (Quen:us stellata) may be angustifolium ), black buckle-berry ( Gaylussacia present in the dunes. Characteristic birds are baccata ), bayberry ( Myrie a pensylvanica ), and gadwall (Anas strepera) and short-eared owl (Asio beach-plum (Prunus maritima). Grasses and forbs flammeus). are present, but they do not form a turf; characteristic species include common hairgrass Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal (Deschampsia fle.xuosa ), little bluestem Lowlands ecozone. (Schizachyrium scoparium ), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvancica), rush (Juncus greenei), asters Rank: G4 S3 (Aster dumosum, A. linariifolius, A. solidagineus), bushy rockrose (Helianthemum dumosum ), and Examples: Napeague Dunes, Suffolk County; Fire New England blazing star (Liatris scariosa var. Island National Seashore, Suffolk County. novae-angliae). A characteristic bird in winter is yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coro11ata). Sources: Andrle and Carroll 1988; Art 1976; This community intergrades with maritime Johnson 1985; Robichaud and Buell 1983; grassland, and the two communities may occur Zaremba 1989. together in a mosaic.

Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal 5. Maritime shrubland: a shrubland community Lowlands ecowne, in eastern Long Island. that occurs on dry seaside bluffs and headlands that are exposed to offshore winds and salt spray. Rank: G3 Sl

39 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNTilES

Example: Montauk Mountain, Suffolk County. species that still occur in this community include rush (Juncus greenei), wild indigo (Baptisia Sources: Zaremba 1989; NHP field surveys. tinctoria), dwarf cinquefoil (Potentil/a canadensis), rough goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), early goldenrod (Solidago juncea), butterfly-weed 7. Maritime grassland: a grassland community (Asclepias tuberosa), stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta), that occurs on rolling outwash plains of the fringed violet (Viola fimbriatula), bird's-foot violet glaciated portion of ·tile AtlM1tie eeast&I· j!laift, (V. pedata), stiff leaf este,. {Awe, lintuiifeliU5), near the ocean and within the influence of boneset (Eupatorium hyssopifolium ), and northern offshore winds and salt spray. This community is dewberry (Rubus flagellaris). Characteristic birds dominated by grasses that usually form a turf; the include vesper sparrow (P(J(}(!cetes gramineus), grasses collectively have greater than 50% cover. savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Low heath shrubs may be present, with less than grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum ), 50% cover. The dominant grasses are little and bobolink (Dolichonyx o,yzivorus). bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ), common hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa), and poverty Distribution: only known from the Coastal grass (Danthonia spicata). Other characteristic Lowlands ecozone, in western Long Island. species include Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex pensylvanica), rush (Juncus greenei}, Indian grass Rank: GlQ Sl (Sorghastrnm nutans), Atlantic golden aster (Pityopsis falcata ), bushy rockrose (Helianthemum Sources: Cain et al. 1937; Seyfert 1973; NHP field dumosum), hoary frostweed (H. propinquum), flat surveys. top goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), white topped aster (Aster patemus), pussy's-toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia ), bitter milkwort 9. Riverside ice meadow: a meadow community (Polygala polygama), bayberry (Myrica that occurs on gently sloping cobble shores and pensylvanica), shining sumac (Rhus copallinum), rock outcrops along large rivers in areas where and northern dewberry (Rubus flagellaris). A winter ice floes are pushed up onto the shore, characteristic lichen is Claaina rangiferina. forming an ice pack that remains until late spring. The ice scours the meadow, cutting back woody Distribution: along the seacoast of the Coastal plants. The late-melting ice pack, which is up to Lowlands ecozone, in eastern Long Island. 8 ft (2.4 m) deep in late April or early May (in the southern Adirondacks), creates a cool Rank: G2G3 Sl microclimate in late spring, and shortens the growing season. The ice pack deposits organic Example: Conscience Point, Suffolk County; matter that has accumulated in the ice during the Shinnecock Hills, Suffolk County. winter, apparently enriching the sandy soils of the cobble and rocky shores. Within this community Source: Taylor 1923; NHP field surveys. there is a gradient of two to three vegetation zones that vary with elevation above the river and soil moisture. Along the river there is often a 8. Hempstead Plains grassland: a tall grassland narrow zone of seepy, wet meadow; characteristic community that occurs on rolling outwash plains species of this riverside seep include sweet-gale in west-central Long Island. This community (Myrica gale), twig-rush (C/adium mariscoides), occurs inland, beyond the influence of offshore Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis), stiff winds and salt spray. Historically this community willow (Salix rigida ), silky dogwood ( Comus covered approximately 38,000 acres ( about 15,000 amomum }, three-way sedge (Dulichium hectares) of western Long Island; less than 30 arundinaceum ), slender spikerush (Eleocharis acres remain today, and most of these are elliptica), beakrush (Rhynchospora capitellata), severely degraded. This community was cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon ), brook lobelia dominated by species characteristic of midwestern (Lobelia kalmii), and rose pogonia (Pogonia tallgrass prairie: big bluestem (Andropogon ophioglossoides}. Where the cobble shores are gerardii}, little bluestem (Schizachyrium broad and the soil is coarse and dry, there is a scoparium), Indian grass (Sorghastrnm nutans), zone of grassy meadow. The dominant grasses and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ). These include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little species are present in today's remnants, but they bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium }, and Indian are not always dominant. Other characteristic grass (Sorghastrnm nutans); in at least one

40 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNIT11lS

location, nutrush (Scleria triglomerata) 1s The shoreline is exposed to wave action and ice codominant. Characteristic species of the dry scour. The vegetation is sparse; most plants are meadow include sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), rooted in rock crevices. Characteristic species woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus), include blueberries (Vaccinium angustifo/ium, V. meadow-sweet (Spiraea /atifolia), sand-cherry pallidum ), black huckleberry ( Gay/ussacia (Prunus pumila), butterfly-weed (Asclepias baccata), poverty-grass (Danthonia spicata), and tuberosa), wild rose (Rosa virr{iniana), frostweed common hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa). (Helim11hem1m1 em1atkl111e), flDd hush elO'ltlr Grustese and feliese lieheRs may b@ oommen ea (Lespedeza capitata). Farthest from the river the rocks. More data on this community are there may be a shrubby wne that includes some needed. tree saplings and seedlings. Characteristic species of the shrubby zone include hazelnut ( Cory/us Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north americana), virgin's-bower (Clematis virr{iniana), of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera ), ostrich fem (Matteuccia s/1Uthiopteris ), interrupted fern Rank: GS S5 (Osmunda claytoniana), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), deer-tongue grass (Panicum Source: NHP field surveys. clandestinum), and flat-top white aster (Aster umbel/atus). Data on characteristic animals are needed. 12. Calcareous shoreline outcrop: a community that occurs along the shores of lakes and streams Distribution: along upper reaches of large rivers, on outcrops of calcareous rocks such as limestone reported from the Hudson River in the and dolomite. The vegetation is sparse, most Adirondacks ecozone, Delaware River in the plants are rooted in rock crevices. Mosses and Appalachian Plateau ecozone, and St. Regis River lichens may be common on the rocks. in the St. Lawrence Plains subwne. Characteristic species include wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis ), sedges ( Carex ebumea, C. Rank: G2G3 Sl granularis), silky dogwood (Comus amomum), red osier dogwood ( Com us sericea ), and meadow-rue Example: South of The Glen, Warren County. (Tha/ictrum spp.). Characteristic mosses include Torte/la tortuosa and Tortu/a rura/;s. More data Source: NHP field surveys. on this community are needed.

Distribution: throughout upstate New York north 10. Riverside sand/gravel bar: a meadow of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, at sites where community that occurs on sand and gravel bars the bedrock is calcareous. deposited within a river channel. The community may be very sparsely vegetated, depending on the Rank: G3G4 S3? rates of deposition and erosion of the sand or gravel. Characteristic species include sandbar Examples: El Dorado Beach, Jefferson County; willow (Salix exigua), sand-cherry (Prunus pumila), Valcour Island, Clinton. dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum ), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ), and poison ivy Source: NHP field surveys. (Toxicodendron radicans). More data on this community are needed. 13. Cobble shore: a community that occurs on Distribution: throughout New York State. the well-drained cobble shores of lakes and streams. These shores are usually associated with Rank: GS S5 high-energy waters ( such as high-gradient streams), and they are likely to be scoured by Sources: NHP field surveys. floods or winter ice floes. This community includes both active and stable shores. Active cobble shores have loose cobbles that are moved 11. Shoreline outcrop: a community that occurs by waves or river currents; these shores are along the shores of lakes and streams on outcrops sparsely vegetated, and they have comparatively of non-calcareous rocks such as anorthosite, few species. Stable cobble shores have cobbles granite, quartzite, sandstone, gneiss, or schist. embedded in sand or peat, usually with vegetation

41 1ERRESrRIAL COMMUNillES

rooted between the cobbles, and are generally Within the grassland are patches of rock more diverse than active cobble shores. outcrop with a distinctive assemblage of mosses, Characteristic species include Indian grass lichens, and small herbs, much like the rock (Sorghastrnm nutans), big bluestem (Andropogon outcrops in calcareous pavement barrens. These gerardii), dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium ), outcrops have dry, very shallow soils (less than an deer-tongue grass (Panicum c/andestinum), flat inch deep). Characteristic species of these top goldenrod (Euthamia graminifo/ia), beggar outcrops include the mosses Tortella tortuosa and tielerweed (.%te11tilla B,yum eespitieium, whieh ferm a mat -at the anserina), and bluejoint grass (Ca/amagrostis borders of the outcrop, and herbs including canadensis). More data on this community are southern hair grass (Agrostis hiemalis), false needed. pennyroyal (Trichostema brachiatum ), early saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis), harebell Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north (Campanula rotundifolia), small skullcap of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. (Scutellaria parvula var. leonardii), rock sandwort (Minuartia michauxii), thyme-leaf sandwort Rank: G4G5 S4 (Arenaria serpyllifolia), rough cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica), and sleepy catch-fly (Silene antirrhina). Example: Doyles Islands, Delaware County. A characteristic bird is upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). More data on Source: NHP field surveys. characteristic animals are needed. This community is usually surrounded by, or in a mosaic with calcareous pavement barrens. 14_ Alvar grassland: a grassland community that Patches of the dry grass-savanna assemblage of occurs on shallow soils over level outcrops of calcareous pavement barrens may occur within calcareous bedrock (limestone or dolomite). moist alvar grassland. The term "alvar" has been Apparently alvar grasslands are restricted to areas used for similar communities on limestone that are seasonally flooded in spring or after outcrops in Ontario and Sweden, and on dolomite heavy rainfall, as well as seasonally dry by late outcrops in Michigan. In Ontario this community summer. Alvar grasslands range in size from 2 and related communities (such as calcareous acres (0.8 ha) to 50 acres (20 ha) or more. This pavement barrens) are collectively called "alvar". community may include two or three species assemblages that seem to be correlated with soil Distribution: only known from a few outcrops of moisture and soil depth. Chaumont limestone in Jefferson County, in the Wet alvar grassland areas are closest to the Eastern Ontario Plain ecowne. water table, with soils about an inch deep. Codominant species are slender spikerush Rank: G2 Sl (Eleocharis elliptica var. elliptica), balsam groundsel (Senecio paupercu/us), Crawe's sedge Example: Chaumont Barrens, Jefferson County. (Carex crawei), and the mosses Bryum cespiticium, and Drepanoc/adus spp. Sources: Catling et al. 1975; Reschke and Gilman Moist alvar grassland areas have slightly 1988; Slack et al. 1988; NHP field surveys. deeper soils than the wet alvar areas, and they are apparently somewhat higher above the water table. The dominant species are tufted hairgrass 1S. Alpine meadow: a meadow community that (Deschampsia cespitosa) and prairie dropseed is similar to arctic tundra. Alpine meadows occur (Sporobolus heterolepis)_ Other characteristic above timberline (about 4900 ft or 1620 m) on species include sedges ( Carex crawe~ C. moles/a, the higher mountain summits and exposed ledges C. castanea, C. vulpinoidea, C. granularis ), slender of the Adirondacks. This community consists of wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum ), brome grass a mosaic of small grassy meadows, dwarf (Bromus kalmii), spike muhly (Muhlenbergia shrublands, small boggy depressions, and exposed glomerata), balsam groundsel (Senecio bedrock covered with lichens and mosses. The paupercu/us), upland white aster (Solidago flora includes arctic-alpine species that are ptarmicoides), golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), restricted (in New York) to these meadows, as white camas (Zigadenus e/egans ssp. glaucus), well as boreal species that occur in forests and Indian paintbrush ( Castilleja coccinea), prairie bogs at lower elevations. The soils are thin and smoke ( Geum triflornm ), and the mosses Bryum organic, primarily composed of sphagnum peat or pseudotriquetrnm and Ditrichum flexicau/e. black muck. The soils are often saturated

~~42 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES~~

because they can be recharged by atmospheric bedrock ( such as quartzite, sandstone, or schist) moisture. Characteristic species of the grassy or consolidated material; these cliffs often include meadows include deer's hair sedge (Scirpus ledges and small areas of talus. There is minimal cespitosus), Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), soil development, and vegetation is sparse. bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), alpine Different types of cliffs may be distinguished sweetgrass (Hierochloe alpina), common hairgrass based on exposure and moisture; these variations (Deschampsia f/exuosa), mountain woodrush are not well-documented in New York, therefore (Luzu/a pam'fhna), arctic mm (.hmrns trijidrtt), the assemblages associated -with -these vmiations three-toothed cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata), (sunny, shaded, moist, or dry areas) are combined bunchberry (Comus canadensis), mountain in one community. Characteristic species include sandwort (Minuartia groenlandica), and dwarf rock polypody (Polypodium vi,ginianum ), marginal rattlesnake-root (Prenanthes nana). Characteristic wood fem (Dryopteris ma,ginalis), common species of the low shrublands are bog bilberry hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa), mountain laurel (Vaccinium uliginosum), leatherleaf (Kalmia latifolia), and hemlock (Tsuga (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Labrador tea (Ledum canadensis). A characteristic bird that nests on groenlandicum), dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa), cliffs is the common raven (Corvus corax). More black crowberry (Empetrnm nigrum ), lapland data on this community are needed. rosebay (Rhododendron lapponicum), diapensia (Diapensia lapponica ), and bearberry willow (Salix Distribution: throughout upstate New York north uva-ursi). On a few mountains there are of the Coastal Lowlands ecowne, where bedrock distinctive patches of low shrublands consisting of is not calcareous. dwarf birches including Betula glandulosa, B. minor, and stunted B. cordifolia. Characteristic Rank: G5 S4? species of the small boggy depressions include the peat mosses Sphagnum nemoreum and S. fuscum, Examples: Wallface Mountain, Essex County; cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum ), Smiley Cliff, Ulster County. bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), and small cranberry (Vaccinium axycoccos). Rock outcrops that are Source: NHP field surveys. relatively undisturbed by trampling are covered with arctic-alpine lichens such as map lichen (Rhizocarpon geographicum) and may have 17. Calcareous cliff community: a community scattered cushions of diapensia. Characteristic that occurs on vertical exposures of resistant, birds include dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) calcareous bedrock (such as limestone or and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia dolomite) or consolidated material; these cliffs albicollis). often include ledges and small areas of talus. This community is very sensitive to trampling There is minimal soil development, and vegetation because of the thin, often saturated soils and the is sparse. Different types of calcareous cliffs may very slow growth rate of the vegetation in the be distinguished based on exposure and moisture; stressful alpine environment. Every effort should these variations are not well-documented in New be made to minimize off-trail trampling by the York, therefore the assemblages associated with many hikers who climb to these meadows in the these variations (sunny, shaded, moist, or dry High Peaks. areas) are combined in one community. Characteristic species include purple cliff brake Distribution: restricted to the Adirondack High (Pel/aea atropurpurea), bulblet fern (Cystopteris Peaks subzone of the Adirondacks ecowne. bulbifera), early saxifrage (Saxifraga vi,giniensis), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana ), and Rank: G3G4 Sl northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). More data on this community are needed. F.xamples: Algonquin Peak, Essex County; Haystack Mountains, Essex County. Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, where bedrock Sources: DiNunzio 1972; LeBlanc 1981; NHP field is calcareous. surveys. Rank: G4 S3S4

~~16. Cliff community: a community that occurs F.xamples: Thatcher State Park, Albany County; on vertical exposures of resistant, non-calcareous Tony's Nose, Columbia County.~~

~~43 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES~~

~~Source: NHP field surveys. Rank: G3G4 S3~~

&:ample: Sugarloaf Mountain, Orange County. 18. Shale cliff and talus community: a community that occurs on nearly vertical Source: NHP field surveys. exposures of shale bedrock and includes ledges and small areas of talus. Talus areas are composed of small fragments that m-e unstable 2tt Sot:ltsslomrl: fern meadow. a meadow and steeply sloping; the unstable nature of the dominated by ferns that occurs on sites that have shale results in uneven slopes and many rock been cleared (for logging, farming, etc.) or crevices. There is minimal soil development, and otherwise disturbed. Characteristic ferns that may vegetation is sparse. Different types of shale be dominant include bracken fern (Pteridium cliffs may be distinguished based on exposure and aquilinum) and hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia moisture; these variations are not well punctilobula); blueberries (Vaccinium documented in New York, therefore the angustifolium, V. pa/lidum) are common assemblages associated with these variations associates. This community may be relatively (sunny, shaded, moist, or dry areas) are combined short-lived; it gradually succeeds to a blueberry in one community. Characteristic species include heath or a forest community. More data on this blunt-lobed woodsia (Woodsia obtusa), rusty community are needed. woodsia (W ilvensis ), penstemon (Penstemon hirsutus ), herb-robert (Geranium robertianum ), Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north cyperus (Cyperus filiculmis), little bluestem of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. (Schizachyrium scoparium ), panic grass (Panicum linearifolium ), Pennsylvania sedge (Carer Rank: G4 S4 pensylvanica), and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana ). A characteristic invertebrate is the Sources: NHP field surveys. silvery blue butterfly ( G/aucopsyche lygdamus lygdamus), which feeds on wood-vetch (Vicia caroliniana). More data on this community are 21. Successional blneberry heath: a shrubland needed. dominated by ericaceous shrubs that occurs on sites with acidic soils that have been cleared (for Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New logging, farming, etc.) or otherwise disturbed. York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, Characteristic species include blueberries where bedrock is shale. (Vaccinium co,ymbosum, V. pallidum, V. myrtilloides, V. stamineum ), black huckleberry Rank: G4 S3? ( Gay/ussacia baccata ), wintergreen ( Gau/theria procumbens), trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens), &:amp/es: Neversink Guymard Cliffs, Orange poverty-grass (Danthonia spicata ), and common County; Whetstone Gulf, Lewis County. hairgrass (Deschampsia flei:uosa). This community may be relatively short-lived; it Sources: Hotchkiss 1932; NHP field surveys. gradually succeeds to a forest community. More data on this community are needed.

19. Rocky snmmit grassland: a grassland Distribution: throughout New York State. community that occurs on rocky summits and exposed rocky slopes of hills. Characteristic Rank: G4 S4 species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), poverty-grass (Danthonia spicata), &:ample: Finger Lakes National Forest, Schuyler Indian grass (Sorghasttum nutans), ebony County. spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron ), dittany (Cunila origanoides), and eastern red cedar Source: NHP field surveys. (Juniperus virginiana ). More data on this community are needed. 22. Successional old field: a meadow dominated Distribution: not well known; currently reported by forbs and grasses that occurs on sites that from the Hudson Valley, Hudson Highlands, have been cleared and plowed (for farming or Triassic Lowlands ecozones. development), and then abandoned.

~~44 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNTTIES~~

Characteristic herbs include goldenrods (Solidago Distribution: throughout New York State. a/tissima, S. nemora/is, S. rngosa, S. juncea, S. canadensis, and Euthamia graminifolia ), Rank: G4 S4 bluegrasses (Poa pratensis, P. compressa), timothy (Ph/eum pratense ), quackgrass (Agropyron repens ), Example: Finger Lakes National Forest, Schuyler smooth brome (Bromus inennis), sweet vernal County. grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum ), orchard grass (Diu;tyli& glomer;itQ}, Gommoo GbiGkw@@d ( Cerastium arvense ), common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), old-field cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex), calico aster (Aster /ateriflorns), New B. BARRENS AND WOODLANDS England aster (Aster novae-angliae ), wild This subsystem includes upland communities strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), Queen-Anne's that are structurally intermediate between forests lace (Daucus corota), ragweed (Ambrosia and open canopy uplands. Several physiognomic arlemisiifo/ia ), hawkweeds (Hieracium spp. ), types are included in this subsystem. Savannas dandelion (Taraxacum ojficinale), and ox-tongue are communities with a sparse canopy of trees (Picris hieracioides). Shrubs may be present, but (25 to 60% cover), and a groundlayer that is collectively they have less than 50% cover in the predominantly either grassy or shrubby ( these will community. Characteristic shrubs include gray be called, respectively, grass-savanna and shrub dogwood (Comus foemina ssp. racemosa), silky savanna). Woodlands include communities with dogwood (Comus amomum), arrowwood a canopy of stunted or dwarf trees (less than 16 (Viburnum recognitum), raspberries (Rubus spp.), ft or 4.9 m tall), and wooded communties sumac (Rhus typhina, R. glabra), and eastern red occurring on shallow soils over bedrock with cedar (Juniperns virginiana). A characteristic bird numerous rock outcrops. The term "barrens" is is the field sparrow (Spizella pusilla). This is a commonly applied to both savannas and relatively short-lived community that succeeds to woodlands ( e.g. pine barrens). a shrubland, woodland, or forest community.

Distribution: throughout New York State. 1. Serpentine barrens: a grass-savanna community that occurs on shallow soils over Rank: G4 S4 outcrops of serpentine bedrock. The appearance and composition of vegetation on serpentine soils Example: Finger Lakes National Forest, Schuyler is often striking because it represents an abrupt County. change from surrounding vegetation on non serpentine soils. In New York this community is Sources: Mellinger and McNaughton 1975; NHP known only from Staten Island, where the field surveys. remnants are relatively disturbed. The best examples of this community occur in southeastern Pennsylvania and northeastern Maryland. On 23. Successional shrubland: a shrubland that Staten Island, the open grassland areas are occurs on sites that have been cleared (for dominated by little bluestem (Schizachyrium farming, logging, development, etc.) or otherwise scoparium), panic grasses (such as Panicum disturbed. This community has at least 50% virgatum and P. phi/adelphicum ), Indian grass cover of shrubs. Characteristic shrubs include (Sorghast,um nutans ), and poverty-grass gray dogwood (Comus foemina ssp. racemosa ), (Danthonia spicata). Characteristic forbs in the eastern red cedar (Juniperns virginiana), grassy areas are heath aster (Aster ericoides ), raspberries (Rubus spp.), hawthorne (Crataegus calico aster (A. lateriflorus), small white snakeroot spp.), serviceberries (Ame/anchier spp.), choke (Eupatorium aromaticum ), old-field cinquefoil cherry (Prunus virginiana), wild plum (Prnnus (Potentilla simplex), and green milkweed americana), sumac (Rhus glabra, R. typhina), (Asclepias viridiflora). Trees and shrubs are nanny-berry (Viburnum /entago ), arrowwood scattered in the barrens; usually there is roughly (Viburnum recognitum ), and multillora rose (Rosa 20 to 40% cover of trees and 15 to 30% cover of multiflora). Characteristic animals include shrubs. On Staten Island, the characteristic woody American robin (Turdus migratorius), willow plants are gray birch (Betu/a populifolia), black flycatcher (Empidonax trail/ii), blue-winged oak (Quercus velutina), sassafras (Sassafras warbler (Vennivora pinus), and rat snake (Elaphe albidum ), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), obsoleta). bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), shining sumac

~~45 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

(Rhus copallinum ), sawbrier (Smilax glauca ), This community also provides prime habitat for arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum ), and the buck moth (Hemileuca maia); the largest and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, V. pallidum ). most dense population of buck moths in New A characteristic butterfly is the arogos skipper York occurs in the dwarf pine plains. (Atrytone arogos arogos). The remnant serpentine barrens of Staten Distribution: restricted to the Coastal Lowlands Island are currently lacking many of the species ecozone. that cliara

Rank: G2 Sl 3. Dwarf pine ridges: a woodland community dominated by dwarf individuals of pitch pine Sources: Reed 1986; NHP field surveys. (Pinus rigida) and black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), which occurs on flat-topped summits of rocky ridges. The bedrock is a white quartzite 2. Dwarf pine plains: a woodland community conglomerate; soils are very thin, and they are dominated by dwarf individuals of pitch pine rich in organic matter from litter that has (Pinus rigida) and scrub oak (Quercus ilicifo/ia) accumulated on the bedrock. Characteristic that occurs on nearly level outwash sand and woody plants associated with the dwarf pines in gravel plains in eastern Long Island. The soils the tall shrub "canopy" are wild raisin (Viburnum are infertile, coarse textured sands that are cassinoides), black chokeberry (Aronia excessively well-drained. The canopy of dwarf melanocarpa), and stunted gray birch (Betula pitch pines and scrub oaks is generally from 4 to populifolia ). There is also a low shrub stratum 8 ft (1.2 to 2.4 m) tall, and it may form a dense with blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. thicket. The community includes very few species pallidum), sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), and of vascular plants. The majority of the biomass sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia). Characteristic in the community consists of seven woody plant groundlayer species are wintergreen ( Gaultheria species: pitch pine, scrub oak, black huckleberry procumbens), bunchberry (Comus canadensis), (Gaylussacia baccata), blueberry (Vaccinium Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), pallidum ), hudsonia (Hudsonia ericoides ), moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule), and cow bearberry (Arctostaphy/os uva-ursi), and wheat (Melampyrum lineare). More data on wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). The characteristic animals are needed. huckleberries and blueberries form a low shrub The dwarf pine ridges community grades into canopy under the pines and oaks. The the pitch pine-oak-heath rocky summit community, groundcover under the oaks and pines includes which occurs on the top and upper slopes of many foliose and fruticose lichens; the lichen flora ridges. The dwarf pine ridges are distinguished is probably more diverse than the vascular plant primarily by the height of the canopy pines: flora in this community. Characteristic lichens stands with pines less than 16 ft (4.9 m) tall are include Cetraria arenaria, Cladina mitis, C. classified as dwarf pine ridges. submitis, Cladonia alpestris, C. cristatella, Parmelia rudecta, P. saxatilis, and Peltigera canina. There Distribution: only known from the Shawangunk are numerous sandy openings in the shrub thicket Hills sub-wne of the Hudson Valley ecozone. with scattered bearberry, wintergreen, hudsonia, and a few low herbs such as jointweed Rank: G1G2 Sl (Polygonella articulata), stiff-leaf aster (Aster linariifolius), and orange-grass (Hypericum Example: Sam's Point, Ulster County. gentianoides). This community is a favored nesting area for prairie warbler (Dendroica Sources: Olsvig 1980; NHP field surveys. discolor) and brown thrasher (Toxostoma rnfum); pine warbler (Dendroica pinus) and ovenbird (Seiurns aurocapillus) are also characteristic birds. IBRRESfRIAL COMMUNTilES

4. Pitch pine-scrub oak barrens: a shrub-savanna Examples: Albany Pine Bush, Albany County; community that occurs on well-drained, sandy Edgewood Oak Brush Plains, Suffolk County. soils that have developed on sand dunes, glacial Sources: Cryan and Turner 1981; Forman 1979; till, and outwash plains. Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) Kerlinger and Doremus 1981; Olsvig 1980; NHP is the dominant tree; the percent cover of pitch field surveys. pine is variable, ranging from 20 to 60%. The shrublayer dominants are scrub oaks (Quercus ilicifolia aad Q. prinoides), whiffi. eften farm S. l'iteh pine oak heath woodland: a jJioo barrens dense thickets. Beneath this tall shrub canopy is community that occurs on well-drained, infertile, a low shrublayer primarily composed of sweet sandy soils in eastern Long Island ( and possibly fern ( Comptonia peregrina ), blueberries on sandy or rocky soils in upstate New York). (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. pallidum ), and The structure of this comm unity is intermediate black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). These between a shrub-savanna and a woodland. Pitch scrub oak thickets cover 60 to 80 percent of the pine (Pin us rigida) and white oak (Quercus alba) community; pitch pines are scattered through the are the most abundant trees, and these form an shrub thicket, occurring as emergent trees within open canopy with 30 to 60% cover. Scarlet oak an extensive shrubland. Within the shrub thickets (Quercus coccinea) and black oak (Q. velutina) are small patches of grassland dominated by the may also occur in the canopy. The shrublayer is following prairie grasses: big bluestem dominated by scrub oaks (Que1cus ilicifolia, Q. (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem prinoides ), and includes a few heath shrubs such (Schizachyrium scoparium ), and Indian grass as huckleberry ( Gaylussacia baccata) and (S01ghastrum nutans). These grassy areas are blueberry (Vaccinium pa/lidum ). The density of usually found near ant mounds, along trails, and the shrublayer is inversely related to the tree in some of the low areas between dunes where canopy cover; where the trees are sparse, the the water table may be very close to the soil shrubs form a dense thicket, and where the trees surface. This community can be rich in species. form a more closed canopy, the shrublayer may Characteristic forbs include bush-clovers be relatively sparse. Stunted, multiple-stemmed (Lespedeza capita/a, L. hirta, L. procumbens, and white oaks may be present in the shrublayer if L. stuevii), pinweed (Lechea vil/osa), milkwort the site has burned regularly. Characteristic (Polyga/a nuttallii), goat's-rue (Tephrosia species of the groundcover include bearberry virginiana), and wild lupine (Lupinus perennis). (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Pennsylvania sedge Characteristic butterflies in the barrens of the ( Carex pensylvanica ), golden heather (Hudsonia northern Hudson Valley include Karner blue ericoides), beach heather (Hudsonia tomentosa), butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and frosted and pinweed (Lechea villosa). Like other closely elfin (Incisa/ia irus). Buck moth (Hemileuca related pine barrens communities, the woodland maia) is a characteristic species throughout the provides habitat for buck moth (Hemileuca maia) range of the community, but the density of buck and prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor). moths is usually low. Characteristic birds include This community is adapted to periodic fires; rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), the fire frequency has not been documented, but common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), field it probably burns less frequently than pitch pine sparrow (Spizella pusil/a), prairie warbler scrub oak barrens (i.e. more than 15 years (Dendroica discolor), brown-headed cowbird between fires). This community may have a fairly (Molothrus ater), indigo bunting (Passerina low species richness: it is more diverse than dwarf cyanea ), brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum ), and pine plains, but less diverse than pitch pine-scrub whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus). oak barrens. This comm unity is adapted to and maintained by periodic frres; frequency of fires Distribution: currently known only from the ranges from 6 to 15 years. Coastal Lowlands ecozone.

Distribution: mainly known from the Coastal Rank: G3G4 S2S3 Lowlands ecozone and the Central Hudson subzone of the Hudson Valley ecozone; small Examples: Rocky Point Pine Barrens, Suffolk examples are reported from the Appalachian County; Dwarf Pine Barrens, Suffolk County. Plateau ecozone. Source: NHP field surveys. Rank: 02 Sl

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6. Pitch pine-heath barrens: a shrub-savanna seasonally flooded because the soils have a community that occurs on well-drained, sandy or discontinuous subsurface layer of podzolized soil rocky soils. This is a broadly defined community (an ortstein), which impedes water drainage. The with several regional variants. The most dominant shrubs are blueberries (Vaccinium abundant tree is pitch pine (Pinus rigida); in some myrtilloides, V. angusnfolium, V. vacil/ans ), black stands there is an admixture of one or more chokeberry (Aronia melanoca,pa ), meadow-sweet species including big tooth aspen (Populus (Spiraea lanfolia), and mountain fly honeysuckle g,vmtlide,tltlt}, white 1'fflC {Pi,tttf 31r6bU3), or jack (l-tHtieml llilkffli}. -Othel' ehfl!'aeteristie JH11111s pine (P. banksiana). The percent cover of trees include spreading ricegrass (Orywpsis asperifo/ia), is variable, ranging from 30 to 60%. The small ricegrass (Oryzopsis pungens), swamp shrublayer is dominated by heath shrubs such as dewberry (Rubus hispidus), Canada goldenrod black huckleberry ( Gaylussacia baccata ), (So/idago canadensis), flat-top goldenrod blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium, V. pallidum, (Euthamia graminifo/ia ), northern tree clubmoss and V. myrtilloides), and sheep-laurel (Kalmia (Lycopodium dendroideum), running-pine angusnfolia), as well as sweet-fern (Comptonia (Lycopodium digitatum ), lichens ( Cladonia peregrina). This shrublayer may be quite diverse. alpestris, C. pyxidata, C/adina rangiferina), and Characteristic groundlayer species include mosses (Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ), wild commune, and Dicranum spp.). Trees may be sarsaparilla (Ara/ia nudicaulis ), Canada mayflower scattered through the barrens, or they may be (Maianthemum canadense), cow-wheat confined to the edges of open shrublands. (Me/ampyrum lineare), wild strawberry (Fragaria Characteristic trees are black spruce (Picea vi,giniana), moccasin flower (Cypripedium acau/e), mariana), white pine (Pinus strobus), black cherry Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex pensy/vanica ), and (1'1Unus serotina), and tamarack (Larix laricina). bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum). More data are needed on characteristic animals Characteristic birds include ovenbird (Seiurus of this community. aurocapil/us), veery (Catharus fuscescens), common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), Distribunon: only known from the Adirondacks chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), ecozone. and wood thrush (Hy/ocich/a mustelina). This comm unity is distinguished from pitch Rank: G3G4 Sl pine-scrub oak barrens by the dominance in the shrublayer of heath shrubs rather than scrub oaks Example: Oswegatchie Plains, St. Lawrence (Quercus ilicifolia and Q. prinoides). Scrub oaks County. may be present, but they are never abundant or dominant in the shrublayer of pitch pine-heath Sources: Bray 1915; Bray 1921; Curran 1974. barrens.

Distribution: known from sandplains in northern 8. Sandstone pavement barrens: an open canopy and north-central New York, from the Great woodland that occurs on very shallow soils over Lakes Plain ecozone, Western Adirondack sandstone bedrock; this community is best Foothills subzone, and the Champlain Valley developed where the bedrock is nearly !eve~ thus subzone. forming a pavement. In New York the dominant tree is jack pine (Pinus banksiana), although Rank: G4 S2S3 white pine (P. strobus) or red pine (P. resinosa) are reported as locally dominant in some sites in Examples: Clintonville Pine Barrens, Clinton southern Quebec. Other characteristic trees County; Rome Sand Plains, Oneida County. include red maple (Acer rubrum ), paper birch (Betula papyri/era), red oak (Quercus rubra ), and Source: NHP field surveys. scarlet oak (Q. coccinea). The shrublayer is dominated by heath shrubs including blueberry (Vaccinium angusnfolium ), black huckleberry 7. Bo real heath barrens: a dwarf shrubland or (Gaylussacia baccata), black chokeberry (Aronia shrub-savanna dominated by heath or heath-like melanoca,pa ), and sweet-fern ( Comptonia shrubs. Boreal heath barrens occur on nearly peregrina). The groundcover includes many level outwash plains of the Adirondacks, in frost lichens and mosses, which may form a continuous pockets lying in valleys. Soils are sandy, dry, and cover in some areas. Characteristic lichens poor in nutrients. Boreal heath barrens are include C/adina spp., Cladonia spp., Stereocaulon

~~48 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITlES~~

sp., and Xanthopannelia sp.; characteristic mosses grows in small clones, and northern dewberry include Polytrichum spp. and P/eurozium schreberi. (Rubus flagel/aris). More data on characteristic Herbs are scattered through this mossy carpet; animals are needed. common herbs include bracken fern (Pteridium Distribution: only known from the Erie-Ontario aquilinum), wintergreen (Gau/theria procumbens), Plain subzone of the Great Lakes Plain ecozone. poverty-grass (Danthonia spicata), and common hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa). More data on Rank: G2 Sl cltaraetemtie animals are needed. This community is only known from the Example: Rush Oak Openings, Monroe County. northernmost counties of New York, north of the Adirondacks and from southern Quebec; its Sources: Shanks 1966; NHP field surveys. distribution outside of this range is unknown, however similar communities may occur in Ontario, Maine, Minnesota, and Iowa. 10. Calcareous pavement barrens: a savanna community that occurs on nearly level outcrops of Distribution: only known from the Champlain calcareous bedrock (limestone and dolomite). Transition and Champlain Valley sub-zones of the The community consists of a mosaic of shrub Lake Champlain ecozone. savanna, grass-savanna, and rock outcrop vegetation. The trees are either widely spaced or Rank: G2? S1 in small clusters; they are usually rooted in rock crevices. Characteristic trees include eastern red Examples: Altona Flat Rock, Clinton County; cedar (Juniperus virginiana ), northern white cedar Gadway Road Flat Rock, Clinton County. (Thuja occidentalis), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), white ash (Fraxinus americana), Source: NHP field surveys. paper birch (Betula papyri/era), white pine (Pinus strobus), shagbark hickory (Ca,ya ovata), eastern hop hornbeam (Ost,ya virginiana), white spruce 9. Oak openings: a grass-savanna community that (Picea glauca), basswood (Tilia americana), occurs on well-drained soils. In New York, these American elm (CJ/mus americana), rock elm (U. savannas originally occurred as openings within thomasii), and pin-cherry (Prunus pensylvanica). extensive oak-hickory forests. They were Many of the shrubs occur in dense thickets; restricted to excessively well-drained sites such as they are rooted either in rock crevices or in on knobs or hilltops with shallow soil over shallow soil over bedrock. Characteristic shrubs dolomite outcrops, sandy to gravelly soils of include gray dogwood ( Comus foemina ssp. kames and eskers, or gravelly glacial deltas and racemosa), fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), terraces. The best remnants occur on dolomite downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum ), knobs. Characteristic trees in New York common juniper (Juniperus communis), round occurrences are chinquapin oak (Quercus leaf dogwood (Camus rugosa), juneberry muhlenbergii), white oak (Q. alba), and black oak (Amelanchier spp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron (Q. velutina); these oaks typically occur as open radicans), meadow rose (Rosa blanda), wild grown trees with broadly spreading canopies. The honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), buffalo-berry oaks are sparsely distributed amidst a grassy (Shepherdia canadensis ), and snowberry groundlayer dominated by Indian grass (Symphoricarpos a/bus). (Sorghastrnm nutans), little bluestem The groundlayer in the grass-savanna areas (Schizachyrium scopmium ), and big bluestem is quite diverse. Characteristic herbs include (Andropogon gerardii). Characteristic forbs in the poverty-grass (Danthonia spicala ), panic grasses grassy groundlayer include thimbleweed (Anemone (Panicum flexile, P. philadelphicum ), sedges ( Cara cylindracea), butterfly-weed (Asc/epias tuberosa), pensylvanica, C. ebumea, C. aurea), slender tick-trefoils (Desmodium glabellum, D. spikerush (Eleocharis elliptica var. elliptica), panicu/atum), wild bergamot (Monarda fistu/osa), bastard-toadflax ( Comandra umbel/ala), harebell everlasting (Antennmia sp.), heath aster (Aster (Campanu/a rotundifolia), wild strawberry ericoides), early goldenrod (So/idago juncea), and (Fragaria virginiana), pale bluets (Hedyotis black-eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Shrubs are longifolia), penstemon (Penstemon hirsutus), scattered through the grassy area, and they may upland white aster (Solidago ptarmicoides), balsam be locally dominant under the shade of larger groundsel (Senecio pauperculus), wild columbine trees. Characteristic shrubs include gray dogwood (Aquilegia canadensis), blue phlox (Phlox (Camus foemina ssp. racemosa), which typically divaricata ), aster (Aster ci/io/atus ), and goldenrod

~~49 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES~~

(Solidago hispida). Fruticose and foliose lichens shaded; the groundcover consists of a thick carpet are locally common in the grassy areas, including of mosses, with scattered lichens and herbs. The Cladina rangiferina, C. mitis, Peltigera canina, and dominant bryophytes are Sphagnum nemoreum, Cetraria arenaria. Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium, The numerous small exposures of bedrock Polytrichum juniperinum, P. strictum, Ptilidium have a distinctive flora of lichens, mosses, and ci/iare, and Paraleucobryum longifolium. Cladina small herbs, much like the outcrops in an alvar rangiferina and Cetraria is/andica are the most grassland. Charaeterislic Sjleeies afreck autcrajls camman lichens. Charaeterislic herbs include include the lichens C/adonia pocillum and bunchberry (Comus canadensis), large-leaf P/acynthium nigrum; the mosses Torte/la tortuosa, goldenrod (So/idago macrophylla), common wood Tortu/a rnra/is, Ceratodon purpureus, Grimmia sorrel ( Oxa/is acetosel/a ), goldthread ( Coptis apocarpa, and Bryum a,xenteum; and several trifolia), and Canada mayflower (Maianthemum herbs: southern hairgrass (Agrostis hiemalis), early canadense). Characteristic birds include blackpoll saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis), small skullcap warbler (Dendroica striata), white-throated (Scutellaria parvula var. /eonardii), and false sparrow (Zonotrichia a/bicol/is ), dark-eyed junco pennyroyal (Trichostema brachiatum ). (Junco hyemalis), yellow-rumped warbler Characteristic birds include prairie warbler (Dendroica corona/a), and gray-cheeked thrush (Dendroica discolor) and upland sandpiper (Catharns minimus). (Bartramia /ongicauda). Characteristic butterflies include Olympia marble butterfly (Euchloe Distribution: restricted to the Adirondack High olympia), an elfin (Incisa/ia polios), and a dusky Peaks. wing (Erynnis /uci/ius). This community has been described from Rank: G3G4 S2 Ontario, where this and related communities are called "al var". Examples: Algonquin Peak, Essex County; Haystack Mountains, Essex County. Distribution: mainly known from the Great Lakes Plain ecozone; small examples also occur on Source: NHP field surveys. limestone in the Appalachian Plateau and Champlain ecozones. 12. Limestone woodland: a woodland that occurs Rank: G2G3 S1S2 on shallow soils over limestone bedrock, and usually includes numerous rock outcrops. The Examples: Limerick Cedars, Jefferson County; tree canopy may be open or closed. There are Chaumont Barrens, Jefferson County. usually several codominant trees, although one species may become dominant in any one stand. Sources: Calling et al. 1975; Reschke and Gilman Characteristic canopy trees in some stands are 1988; NHP field surveys. primarily conifers such as northern white cedar (Thuja occidenta/is), white pine (Pinus strobus), white spruce (Picea glauca), and balsam fir (Abies 11. Alpine krummholz: a dwarf woodland ba/samea). In other stands the characteristic dominated by balsam fir (Abies balsamea) that canopy trees are primarily hardwoods such as occurs at or near the summits of the high peaks eastern hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), sugar of the Adirondacks at elevations of 3500 to 4900 maple (Acer saccharnm ), shagbark hickory ( Carya ft (1067 to 1494 m). Approximately 85% of the ovata), white oak (Quercus alba), bur oak (Q. canopy consists of balsam fir; common associates macrocarpa), red oak (Q. rnbra), and basswood include mountain paper birch (Betu/a cordifo/ia) (Tilia americana ). There are also stands that and black spruce (Picea mariana). Less common include mixtures of these conifers and hardwoods. are red spruce (Picea rnbens), old-field juniper More data are needed on these variations in (Juniperns communis), tamarack (Lam /aricina), canopy composition and related changes in and northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). understory composition. The shrublayer is The trees form dense stands of stunted trees; at variable, becoming more dense where the canopy the uppermost elevations below timberline the is open and soils are deeper. Characteristic trees are under 5 ft ( 1.5 m) tall, with branches shrubs include gray dogwood ( Comus foemina ssp. extending to the ground (i.e. there is no self racemosa), wild honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), pruning of lower branches), and an average dbh alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus a/nifolia), prickly of 3 in (7.6 cm). The groundlayer is densely gooseberry (Ribes cynos-bati), raspberries (Rubus

~~50 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

idaeus, R. occidentalis ), bladdernut (Staphylea saxicola and Mnium hymenophylloides from trifo/ia), juneberry (Ame/anchier spp.), and poison Wilmington Notch in the Adirondacks. A ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). The groundlayer characteristic animal is the rock vole (Microtus may be quite diverse, with many grasses, sedges, chrotorrhinus). and forbs. Characteristic herbs include sedges In the midwest, similar cold air producing (Carex ebumea, C. pensylvanica, C. platyphylla), talus slopes have been called "algific talus slopes", marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis), and they are the habitat of a rare species of snail. raltlesnake fem (Bot,yc,~it1111 vi'!/illit11111111), bracken In New ¥efk these eemmW>ities ·B88G to oo fern (Pteridium aquilinum ), barren strawberry surveyed; special attention should be paid to their (Wa/dsteinia fragarioides), big-leaf aster (Aster invertebrate fauna. macrophyllus), wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), black snakeroot (Sanicula Distribution: not well known, reported from the marilandica), herb-robert (Geranium robeTtianum), Adirondacks ecowne and the Shawangunk Hills Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), subzone of the Hudson Valley ecozone. false Solomon's-seal (Smilacina racemosa ), early meadow-rue (Tha/ictrum dioicum ), white trillium Rank: G3? S1S2 (Trillium grandif/orum ), and blue-stem goldenrod (Solidago caesia). Shaded rock surfaces and Examples: Indian Pass, Essex County; Sam's crevices often support ferns such as rock polypody Point, Ulster County. (Polypodium virginianum) and maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). More data Sources: Core 1968; comments by Norton Miller on characteristic animals are needed. (of the New York State Museum Biological Survey); NHP field surveys. Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New York north of the Coastal Lowlands ecowne, at sites where the bedrock is limestone. 14- Calcareous talus slope woodland: an open or closed canopy woodland that occurs on talus Rank: G3G4 S2S3 slopes composed of calcareous bedrock such as limestone or dolomite. The soils are usually Examples: Chaumont Barrens, Jefferson County; moist and loamy; there may be numerous rock Valcour Island, Clinton County. outcrops. Characteristic trees include sugar maple (Acer saccharum ), white ash (Fraxinus Sources: Reschke and Gilman 1988; NHP field americana ), eastern hop hornbeam ( Ost,ya surveys. virginiana), white oak (Quercus alba), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana ), and northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Shrubs may be 13. Ice cave talus community: a community that abundant if the canopy is open; characteristic occurs on rocks and soil at the base of talus shrubs include round-leaf dogwood ( Comus slopes that emit cold air. The emission of cold rugosa), downy arrowwood (Viburnum air results from air circulation among the rocks of rafinesquianum ), prickly ash (Zanthaxylum the talus slope where winter ice remains through americanum), and bladdernut (Staphylea trifo/ia). the summer. The air is cooled by the ice deep in Herbaceous vegetation may be quite diverse; the talus, and settles; gravity eventually forces the characteristic species include bulblet fern air out along the face of rocks at the base of the ( Cystopteris bulbifera ), lady fern (Athyrium slope (Core, 1968). The vegetation is distinctive asplenioides), bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix), because it includes species characteristic of Solomon's-seal (Polygonatum pubescens), wild climates much cooler than the climate of the area ginger (Asarum canadense), white baneberry where the ice caves occur. For example, at the (Actaea pachypoda ), early meadow-rue ice caves of the Shawangunks in southeastern (Thalictrum dioicum ), bloodroot (Sanguinaria New York, there are northern species such as canadensis), blue-stem goldenrod (Solidago black spruce (Picea mariana ), hemlock (Tsuga caesia), and white wood aster (Aster divaricatus). canadensis), mountain ash (Sorbus americana), Rock outcrops may have ferns such as walking and creeping snowberry ( Gaultheria hispidula); the fern ( Camptosorus rhiwphyllus) and maidenhair surrounding communities are mostly pine barrens spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). and oak forests. Some rare bryophytes have been collected from these talus slopes, including Mylia taylori from the Shawangunks and Anastrophy/lum

~~51 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNillES~~

Distribution: throughout upstate New York north white oak (Q. alba), white pine (Pinus strobus), of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, at sites where white ash (Fraxinus americana), and eastern red the bedrock is calcareous. cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Characteristic shrubs and herbs include smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), Rank: G3G4 S3 scrub oak (Quercus prinoides), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), penstemon (Penstemon Example: Clarence Escarpment, Erie County. hirsutus), everlasting (Antennaria plantaginifolia), aoo Feeesy4'1ama sedg& (Gu& pensyA>a11ica). Sources: McVaugh 1958; Zenker! 1934; NHP field More data on this community are needed. surveys. Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. 15. Acidic talus slope woodland: an open to closed canopy woodland that occurs on talus Rank: G3G4 S3 slopes composed of non-calcareous bedrock such as granite, quartzite, or schist. Characteristic Example: Chemung Shale Slope, Chemung trees (in Columbia County) include sugar maple County. (Acer saccharnm), white ash (Fraxinus americana), chestnut oak (Quercus montana), red oak (Q. Sources: McVaugh 1958; NHP field surveys. rubra), and white oak (Q. alba); striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) and mountain maple (A. spicatum) are common subcanopy trees. 17. Pitch pine-oak-heath rocky summit: a Characteristic groundlayer species (in Columbia community that occurs on warm, dry, rocky County) include many ferns: bulblet fern ridgetops and summits where the bedrock is non (Cystopteris bulbifera), fragile fern (Cystopteris calcareous (such as quartzite, sandstone, or fragilis), christmas fern (Polystichum schist), and the soils are more or less acidic. The acrostichoides), marginal wood fern (Dryopteris vegetation may be sparse or patchy, with marginalis), silvery spleenwort (Athyrium numerous rock outcrops. Characteristic species thelypteroides ), and maidenhair fern (Adiantum include pitch pine (Pin us rigida ), chestnut oak pedatum ). Other common herbs include ricegrass (Quercus montana), scrub oak (Q. ilicifolia), (O,yzopsis racemosa), bloodroot (Sanguinaria common juniper (Juniperus communis), blueberry canadensis), blue cohosh (Caulophy/lum (Vaccinium angustifolium), sweet-fem (Comptonia thalictroides), ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and peregrina ), black huckleberry ( Gaylussacia zig-zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicau/is). baccata), Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex: pensylvanica ), Characteristic animals include copperhead poverty-grass (Danthonia spicata), common (Agkistrodon contortrix) and timber rattlesnake hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa), three-toothed (Crotalus horridus). More data on this cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata), and cow-wheat community are needed. (Melampyrum lineare ). Characteristic lichens include Cetraria arenaria and Cladonia spp. More Distribution: scattered throughout upstate New data on this community are needed. York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Distribution: common in the Hudson Valley Rank: G4? S3S4 ecozone, also occurs in the Appalachian Plateau ecozone, and along the St_ Lawrence River in the Sources: McVaugh 1958; Significant Habitat Unit St. Lawrence Plains subzone. files. Rank: G4 S3S4

16. Shale talus slope woodland: an open to Examples: Minnewaska State Park, Ulster County; closed canopy woodland that occurs on talus Mohonk Preserve, Ulster County; Shunnemunk slopes composed of shale. These slopes are Mountain, Orange County. rather unstable, and they are usually very well drained, so the soils are shallow and dry. The Sources: McVaugh 1958; Olsvig 1980; NHP field canopy cover is usually less than 50%, due to the surveys. instability of the substrate. Characteristic trees include chestnut oak (Quercus montana), pignut hickory ( Ca,ya glabra ), red oak (Quercus rubra ),

~~52 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNmES~~

18. Spruce-fir rocky summit: a community that ridgetops and summits where the bedrock is occurs on cool, dry, rocky ridgetops and summits calcareous (such as limestone or dolomite), and where the bedrock is non-calcareous ( such as the soils are more or less calcareous. The anorthosite, quartzite, or sandstone), and the soils vegetation may be sparse or patchy, with are more or less acidic. The vegetation may be numerous rock outcrops. The species have sparse or patchy, with numerous rock outcrops. predominantly boreal distributions. Characteristic The species have predominantly boreal species include northern white cedar (Thuja distributions. Char acte, istic c!pCCie~ include red oaithntttHs), eastern hope hornbeam f.Gst,ya spruce (Picea rubens), balsam fir (Abies virginiana), red pine (Pinus resinosa), upland balsamea), mountain ash (Sorbus americana), white aster (So/idago ptannicoides), sedge (Care:,: harebell ( Campanula rotundifolia ), three-toothed ebumea), and oatgrass (Trisetum triflorum ). More cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata), mountain data on this community are needed. goldenrod (Solidago spathu/ata ssp. randii), common hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa), and Distribution: in upstate New York north of the small ricegrass (Oryzopsis pungens). There are Hudson Highlands ecozone, where bedrock is usually many mosses and lichens growing on rock calcareous; more common in the northern part of outcrops. More data on this community are this range. needed. Rank: G3G4 S3 Distribution: primarily in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains. Source: NHP field surveys.

Rank: G4 S3S4 21. Successional red cedar woodland: a Example: Pitchoff Mountain, Essex County. woodland community that commonly occurs on abandoned agricultural fields and pastures, usually Source: NHP field surveys. at elevations less than 1000 ft (305 m). The dominant tree is eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana ), which may occur widely spaced in 19. Red cedar rocky summit: a community that young stands and may be rather dense in more occurs on warm, dry, rocky ridgetops and summits mature stands. Smaller numbers of gray birch where the bedrock is calcareous ( such as (Betula populifolia), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), limestone or dolomite), and the soils are more or buckthorn (Rhamnus cathaJtica), and other early less calcareous. The vegetation may be sparse or successional hardwoods may be present. On patchy, with numerous rock outcrops. slopes along the Finger Lakes, red cedar is Characteristic species include eastern red cedar commonly found mixed with white ash (Froxinus (luniperus virginiana), shagbark hickory (Carya americana) and black walnut (Jug/ans nigra). ovata), eastern hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Shrubs and groundlayer vegetation are similar to serviceberry (Ame/anchier spp.), little bluestem a successional old field; in some stands the (Schizachyrium scoparium), sedge (Care:,: ebumea), groundcover consists of a nearly pure stand of and everlasting (Antennaria plantaginifolia). More non-native bluegrasses such as Paa compressa and data on this community are needed. P. pratensis. A characteristic bird is the prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor). Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, where bedrock Distribution: throughout New York State. is calcareous; more common in the southern part of this range. Rank: G5 S5

~~Rank: G3G4 S3 Source: NHP field surveys.~~

~~Example: Nellie Hill, Dutchess County.~~

~~Source: NHP field surveys.~~

~~20. Northern white cedar rocky summit: a community that occurs on cool, dry, rocky~~

~~53 TERRESfRIAL COMMUNmES~~

C. FORESTED UPLANDS (Gaylussacia baccata), with bayberry (Myrica This subsystem includes upland communities pensyfvanica) and saplings of black cherry (Prunus with more than 60% canopy cover of trees; these serotina) as common associates. The sparse communities occur on substrates with less than groundlayer under this shrub thicket is dominated 50% rock outcrop or shallow soil over bedrock. by poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). In some stands the understory is a dense thicket of catbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). The presence of 1. Maritime oaJ;;-'111l!y r11~~t: a hardwood for!.lsl ~rillr Lhk!.m ~ !!21 w~ J111derstood: they may that occurs in low areas on the back portions of become established or be favored following maritime dunes; the dunes protect these areas disturbances such as insect infestations, heavy from overwash and salt spray. In New York browsing by deer, clear-cutting, fires, windthrow, State this forest is best developed on the narrow or exposure to salt spray. More data on this peninsulas of eastern Long Island and on the community are needed. barrier islands off the south shore. The trees are usually stunted and flat-topped because the Distribution: apparently restricted to eastern Long canopies are pruned by salt spray; the canopy of Island and islands in Block Island Sound, in the a mature stand may be only 16 to 23 ft ( 5 to 7 Coastal Lowlands ecorone. m) tall. The dominant trees are either holly (Ilex opaca), black oak (Quercus velutina), or beech Rank: G3G4 S2S3 (Fagus grandifolia). Other characteristic trees include sassafras (Sassafras albidum), shadbush Examples: Jessop's Neck, Suffolk County; (Amelanchier canadensis ), and post oak (Quercus Mashomack Preserve, Suffolk County. stel/ata). Vines such as Virginia creeper (Pa,thenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy Sources: Greller 1977; Rosza and Metzler 1982; (Toxicodendron radicans), and greenbrier (Smilax Taylor 1923; NHP field surveys. rotundifolia), sawbrier (S. glauca), and grape (Vilis spp.) are common in the understory, and they often grow up into the canopy. Shrubs such as 3. Maritime red cedar forest: a conifer forest highbush blueberry (Vaccinium co,ymbosum) and that occurs on dry sites near the ocean. Eastern black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) are red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the dominant common in the understory, especially at the tree, often forming nearly pure stands. A margins of the forest. Characteristic groundlayer characteristic groundlayer plant is eastern prickly herbs include wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), pear (Opuntia humifusa). More data on this starflower (Smilacina stel/ata), and Canada community are needed. mayflower (Maianthemum canadense ). There may be small, damp depressions that are somewhat Distribution: only known from the Coastal boggy; species found in these depressions include Lowlands ecorone. black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), shadbush, highbush blueberry, and chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). Rank: G3G4 Sl More data on characteristic animals are needed. Example: Orient Point, Suffolk County. Distribution: only known from the Coastal Lowlands ecowne. Sources: Conard 1935; Greller 1977; Robichaud and Buell 1983; NHP field surveys. Rank: G2G3 Sl

Example: Sunken Forest, Fire Island National 4. Pikh pine-oak forest: a mixed forest that Seashore, Suffolk County. typically occurs on well-drained, sandy soils of glacial outwash plains or moraines; it also occurs Sources: Art 1976; Greller 1977; NHP field on thin, rocky soils of ridgetops. The dominant surveys. trees are pitch pine (Pin us rigida) mixed with one or more of the following oaks: scar let oak (Quercus coccinea), white oak (Q. alba), red oak 2. Maritime oak forest: a hardwood forest that (Q. rubra), or black oak (Q. velutina). The occurs on exposed bluffs near the coast of eastern relative proportions of pines and oaks are quite Long Island. In sites exposed to wind and salt variable within this community type. At one spray, the understory may be a dense shrub extreme are stands in which the pines are widely thicket dominated by black huckleberry spaced amidst the oaks, in which case the pines

~~54 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

are often emergent above the canopy of oak (Viburnum acerifolium), blueberries (Vaccinium trees. At the other extreme are stands in which angustifolium, V. pallidum ), red raspberry (Rubus the pines form a nearly pure stand with only a idaeus), gray dogwood (Comus foemina ssp. few widely spaced oak trees. The shrublayer is racemosa), and beaked hazelnut (Cory/us comuta). well-developed with scattered clumps of scrub oak The shrublayer and groundlayer flora may be (Quercus ilicifolia) and a nearly continuous cover diverse. Characteristic groundlayer herbs are wild of low heath shrubs such as blueberries sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicau/is), false Solomon's (VaGCinium pal/kJJmJ, V. angustifolium) and black seal ~miJJH;infl r{IJ;emoSJi). P~vaniJ! se~ huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Tbe (Carex pensylvanica), tick-trefoil (Desmodium herbaceous layer is relatively sparse; characteristic glutinosum, D. panicu/atum ), black cohosh species are bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum ), (Cimicifuga racemosa), rattlesnake root wintergreen (Gau/theria procumbens), and (Prenanthes alba), white goldenrod (Solidago Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex pensylvanica). bicolor), and hepatica (Hepatica americana). Characteristic birds include rufous-sided towhee Characteristic animals include red-bellied (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), common yellowthroat woodpecker (Melane,pes carolinus), whip-poor (Geothlypis trichas), field sparrow (Spizella will (Caprimulgus vociferns), and wild turkey pusi/la), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), pine (Me/eagris gallopavo). warbler (Dendroica pinus), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus Distribution: throughout upstate New York north vociferns). of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone; most common This community combined with several types south of the Adirondacks ecozone. of barrens and woodland communities make up the broadly defined ecosystem known as the Pine Rank: G4G5 S4 Barrens. &/es: Finger Lakes National Forest, Schuyler Distribution: known from the Coastal Lowlands County; Long Eddy, Delaware County. and Hudson Valley ecozones. Sourr:es: McIntosh 1972; Ross 1958; NHP field Rank: G4G5 S4 surveys.

&le: Sears Bellows County Park, Suffolk County. 6, Allegheny oak forest: a hardwood forest that occurs on well-drained sites in the unglaciated Sourr;es: Greller 1977; Kerlinger and Doremus portion of the Allegheny plateau in southwestern 1981; Olsvig 1979; NHP field surveys. New York. This is a narrowly defined community (compared to the preceding) distinguished by a more diverse canopy and a richer groundlayer S. Appalachian oak-hickory forest: a hardwood flora that includes several southern Appalachian forest that occurs on well-drained sites, usually on species at the northern end of their range. These ridgetops, upper slopes, or south- and west-facing oak forests are characteristic of ridgetops, upper slopes. The soils are usually loams or sandy slopes, and south- and west-facing slopes; they loams. This is a broadly defined forest grade into rich mesophytic forests that occur on community with several regional and edaphic north- and east-facing slopes as well as on the variants. The dominant trees include one or more protected hollows and middle elevations of more of the following oaks: red oak (Querr:us hillsides with south and west aspects. rnbra), white oak (Q. alba), and black oak (Q. Codominant trees are white oak (Q. alba), red ve/utina ). Mixed with the oaks, usually at lower oak (Q. rubra), chestnut oak (Q. montana), and densities, are one or more of the following black oak (Q. ve/utina). American chestnut hickories: pignut ( Carya glabra ), shagbark ( C. ( Castanea dentata) was a significant canopy ovata), and sweet pignut (C. ova/is). Common codominant prior to the chestnut blight; chestnut associates are white ash (Fraxinus americana ), red sprouts are still common in the understory. maple (Acer rnbrum), and Eastern hop hornbeam Other common canopy trees are white ash (Ostrya virginiana). There is typically a subcanopy (Fraxinus americana), red maple (Acer rubrnm), stratum of small trees and tall shrubs including pignut hickory (Carya glabra), black birch (Betula flowering dogwood (Comus florida), witch hazel /enta), and big-tooth aspen (Populus (Hamamelis virginiana), shadbush (Amelanchier grandidentata). The shrub-layer is a mixed heath arborea), and choke cherry (Pnmus virginiana). with blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium, V. Common low shrubs include maple-leaf viburnum pallidum ), pinxter (Rhododendron

~~55 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

periclymenoides), black huckleberry (Gaylussacia 8. Oak-tulip tree forest: a mesophytic hardwood baccata), maple-leaf viburnum (Viburnum forest that occurs on moist, well-drained sites in acerifolium ), and mountain laurel (Kalmia southeastern New York. The dominant trees latifolia). Common groundlayer herbs are black include a mixture of five or more of the coho sh ( Cimicifuga racemosa ), wintergreen following: red oak (Quercus rubra ), tulip tree (Gaultheria procumbens), bracken fern (Pteridium (Liriodendron tu/ipifera), beech (Fagus grandifolia), aquilinum), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex black birch (Betula lenta ), red maple (Acer pensylvanica), wild sarsaparilla~- nzulicnuliS')., n1bntrn),-scarletDa.¥ (Q,1ern1r cocrinen), black.oak __ barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides), white (Q. velutina), and white oak (Q. alba). There is clintonia ( Clintonia umbellulata), three-lobed violet typically a subcanopy stratum of small trees and (Viola triloba), and rattlesnake weed (Hieracium tall shrubs dominated by flowering dogwood venosum). (Camus florida); common associates include witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), sassafras Distribution: only known from the Allegany Hills (Sassafras albidum ), red maple, and black cherry subzone of the Appalachian Plateau ecozone. (Prunus serotina). Common low shrubs include maple-leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium ), Rank: G3G4 S2 northern blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), and blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium, V. Example: Robinson Run Hill, Cattaraugus County. pallidum ). The shrublayer and groundlayer flora may be diverse. Characteristic groundlayer herbs Sources: Eaton and Schrot 1987; Gordon 1940; are white wood aster (Aster divaricatus), New NHP field surveys. York fern (Ihelypteris noveboracensis), Virginia creeper (Panhenocissus quinquefolia), Jack-in-the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ), wild geranium 7. Chestnut oak forest: a hardwood forest that (Geranium maculatum), Solomon's-seal occurs on well-drained sites in glaciated portions (Polygonatum biflorum ), and false Solomon's-seal of the Appalachians, and on the coastal plain. (Smilacina racemosa). This forest is similar to the Allegheny oak forest; it is distinguished by fewer canopy dominants and Distribution: most common on the northern half a less diverse shrublayer and groundlayer flora. of Long Island in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, Dominant trees are typically chestnut oak probably also occurs in the Manhattan Hills, (Quercus montana) and red oak (Q. ,ubra). Hudson Highlands, and Triassic Lowlands Common associates are white oak (Q. alba), ecownes. black oak (Q. velutina), and red maple (Acer rubrum). American chestnut (Castanea dentata) Rank: G4 S2S3 was a common associate in these forests prior to the chestnut blight; chestnut sprouts are still Source: Greller 1977; Rosza and Metzler 1982. found in some stands. The shrublayer is predominantly ericaceous; characteristic shrubs are black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), mountain 9. Appalachian oak-pine forest: a mixed forest laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and blueberry (Vaccinium that occurs on sandy soils, sandy ravines in pine pallidum). Common groundlayer plants are barrens, or on slopes with rocky soils that are Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), wild well-drained. The canopy is dominated by a sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis ), wintergreen mixture of oaks and pines. The oaks include one (Gaultheria procumbens), and cushions of the or more of the following: black oak (Quen::us moss Leucob,yum glaucum. velutina), chestnut oak (Q. montana), red oak (Q. mbra), white oak (Q. alba), and scarlet oak (Q. Distribution: most common on mid-elevation coccinea). The pines are either white pine (Pinus slopes of the Hudson Highlands ecozone, also strobus) or pitch pine (P. rigida); in some stands occurs in the Manhattan Hills and Coastal both pines are present. Red maple (Acer Lowlands ecozones, and in the southeastern ,ub,um ), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), beech portion of the Appalachian Plateau ecozone. (Fagus grandifolia), and black cherry (Prunus serotina) are common associates occurring at low Rank: G3G4 S4 densities. The shrublayer is predominantly ericaceous, usually with blueberries (Vaccinium Sources: Cain 1936; Conard 1935; Eyre 1980; angustifolium, V. pallidum) and black huckleberry Greller 1977; McIntosh 1972; McVaugh 1958; ( Gaylussacia baccata). The groundlayer is Ross 1958. relatively sparse, and species diversity is low.

~~56 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNfTIES~~

More data on composition and characteristic characteristic bird 1s wild turkey (Meleagris animals are needed. gallopavo ). In New York, rich mesophytic forests are Distribution: occurs in the Appalachian Plateau, best developed in the unglaciated portions of the Hudson Valley, and Taconic Highlands ecozones. Appalachian Plateau. In Cattaraugus County this forest typically occurs on north- and east-facing Rank: G4G5 S4 slopes, at middle elevations between Allegheny oak forest on upper slopi:£and hemlnck-northern Example: Rome Sand Plains, Oneida County. hardwood forest on lower slopes and in ravines. The rich mesophytic forest can be distinguished Sources: McVaugh 1958; NHP field surveys. from Allegheny oak forest by the lack of chestnut oak, black oak, and big-tooth aspen; and it can be distinguished from hemlock-northern hardwood 10. Rieb mesophytic forest: a hardwood or forest by the lack of yellow birch and American mixed forest that resembles the mixed mesophytic hornbeam. forests of the central Appalachians (south of New York), but is less diverse. It occurs on rich, Distribution: only known from the western part of moist, well-drained soils which are favorable for the Appalachian Plateau ecorone, primarily in the the dominance of a wide variety of tree species. Allegany Hills and Finger Lakes Highlands This forest is characterized by a canopy with a subzones. relatively large number of codominant trees. The codominants include five or more of the following Rank: G4 S2S3 species: red oak (Quercus rubra), beech (Fagus grandifolia), red maple (Acer rubrum), black birch Example: Allegany State Park, Cattaraugus (Betula lenta), white ash (Fraxinus americana), County. black cherry (Prunus serotina), cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata ), and white oak (Quercus Sources: Braun 1950; Gordon 1940; Shanks 1966; alba). Chestnut (Castanea dentata) was a NHP field surveys. characteristic tree before it was eliminated by chestnut blight. Less common in the canopy and subcanopy are tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), 11. Beech-maple mesic forest: a hardwood forest white pine (Pinus strobus), basswood (Tilia with sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and beech americana), bitternut hickory (Carya cordifonnis), (Fagus grandifolia) codominant. This is a broadly sugar maple (Acer saccharum ), Eastern hop defined community type with several regional and hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), and striped maple edaphic variants. These forests occur on moist, (Acer pensylvanicum). This forest has a well well-drained, usually acid soils. Common developed shrublayer with a variety of associates are basswood (Tilia americana), characteristic species including arrow-wood American elm (U/mus americana), white ash (Viburnum acerifolium ), witch hazel (Hamamelis (Fraxinus americana), yellow birch (Betula virginiana), pinkster (Rhododendron alleghaniensis), Eastern hop hornbeam (Ost,ya periclymenoides ), American fly-honeysuckle virginiana), and red maple (Acer rubrum). There (Lonicera canadensis), round-leaved dogwood are relatively few shrubs and herbs. ( Com us rugosa ), alternate-leaved dogwood ( C. Characteristic small trees or tall shrubs are altemifolia), smooth service-berry (Amelanchier American hornbeam (Ca,pinus caroliniana), laevis), bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), and striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum ), witch hazel blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum). The groundlayer (Hamamelis virginiana ), hobblebush (Viburnum is fairly rich in species. Characteristic herbs are lantanoides ), and alternate-leaved dogwood interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana), white (Comus altemifolia). Characteristic groundlayer clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata), yellow mandarin species are blue cohosh ( Caulophyl/um (Disporum lanuginosum ), white baneberry (Actaea thalictroides), christmas fern (Polystichum pachypoda), early meadow rue (Thalictrum acrostichoides), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema dioicum), partridge berry (Mitchel/a repens), triphyllum ), white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda ), round-leaf violet (Viola rotundifolia), black cohosh wild leek (Al/ium tricoccum ), wild ginger (Asarum ( Cimicifuga racemosa ), stoneroot ( Collinsonia canadense), false Solomon's seal (Smilacina canadensis), black snakeroot (Sanicula racemosa), and bloodroot (Sanguinaria marilandica), large-leaf aster (Aster macrophyllus), canadensis). There are many spring ephemerals blue-stem goldenrod (Solidago caesia), and tall which bloom before the canopy trees leaf out. rattlesnake root (Prenanthes trifoliolata). A Typically there is also an abundance of tree

~~57 TERRESfRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

seedlings, especially of sugar maple; beech and this forest. A characteristic bird is wild turkey sugar maple saplings are often the most abundant (Meleagris ga/lopavo). "shrubs" and small trees. Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) may be present at a low density. In Distribution: primarily known from the Great the Adirondacks a few red spruce (Picea rubens) Lakes Plain ecozone. may also be present. Characteristic birds include American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), red-eyed Rank: G4 S2S3 vireo (Vueo alimceus), menbird (Sei11ru< aurocapillus ), black-throated blue warbler Example: Great Gully, Cayuga County. (Dendroica caeru/escens ), least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus ), Acadian flycatcher Sources: Braun 1950; Eyre 1980; NHP field (Empidonax virescens), and red-bellied surveys. woodpecker (Melanerpes caro/inus). Within extensive areas of beech-maple mesic forest, there are often steep ravines and gullies 13. Hemlock-northern hardwood forest: a mixed where hemlock is locally dominant; these hemlock forest that typically occurs on middle to lower ravines (actually small patches of hemlock slopes of ravines, on cool, mid-elevation slopes, northern hardwood forest) are here considered a and on moist, well-drained sites at the margins of feature or subtype within the broadly defined swamps. In any one stand, hemlock (Tsuga beech-maple mesic forest. canadensis) is codominant with any one to three of the following: beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar Distribution: throughout New York State. maple (Acer saccharum ), red maple (A. ,ub,um ), black cherry (/'Junus serotina), white pine (Pinus Rank: G4 S4 strobus), yellow birch (Betu/a alleghaniensis), black birch (B. lenta), red oak (Querr:us ,ubra), and Examples: Smith Woods, Tompkins County; basswood (Tilia americana). The relative cover of Ampersand Mountain, Franklin County. hemlock is quite variable, ranging from nearly pure stands in some steep ravines to as little as Sourr:es: Eyre 1980; Gordon 1940; Heimburger 20% of the canopy cover. Striped maple (Acer 1934; Holmes et al. 1986; Leopold et al. 1988; pensylvanicum) is often prominent as a mid-story Mcintosh 1972; Shanks 1966; NHP field surveys. tree. The shrublayer may be sparse; characteristic shrubs are hobblebush (Viburnum /antanoides), maple-leaf viburnum (Viburnum 12. Maple-basswood rich mesic forest: a acerifolium ), and raspberries (Rubus spp.). In hardwood forest that typically occurs on middle to some ravines, especially in the southern part of lower elevation, concave slopes with north or east the state, rosebay (Rhododendron maximum) aspects (but not in ravines). Soils are rich, moist, forms a dense subcanopy or tall shrublayer. well-drained, and usually have a circumneutral Canopy cover can be quite dense, resulting in low pH. The dominant trees are sugar maple (Acer light intensities on the forest floor and hence a saccharum), basswood (Tilia americana), and relatively sparse groundlayer. Characteristic white ash (Fraxinus americana). Common groundlayer plants are Indian cucumber-root associates are bitternut hickory ( Ca,ya (Medeo/a virginiana), Canada mayflower cordifonnis), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), (Maianthemum canadense), shining clubmoss and American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). (Lycopodium /ucidulum ), common wood fern Characteristic tall shrubs are alternate-leaved (Dryopteris intermedia), mountain wood fern dogwood ( Comus a/temifo/ia) and witch hazel (Dryopteris campy/op/era), christmas fern (Hamamelis vilginiana); the shrublayer is usually (Po/ystichum acrostichoides), star flower (Trienta/is sparse. Spring ephemerals are usually abundant borea/is), bellwort (Uvu/aria sessilifo/ia), common in the groundlayer. Characteristic species are wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), partridge berry false Solomon's seal (Smilacina racemosa), white (Mitchel/a repens), foamflower (Tiarel/a cordifo/ia), baneberry (Actaea pachypoda ), spring beauty round-leaf violet (Viola rotundifolia), twisted stalk (Claytonia virginica), toothwort (Dentaria diphylla), (Streptopus roseus), purple trillium (Trillium dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucul/aria), erectum), and the moss Leucobryum glaucum. In squirrel-corn (Dicentra canadensis), troutlily forests that have beech as a codominant, beech (Erythronium americanum ), bloodroot (Sanguinaria drops (Epifagus virginiana) is a common herb. canadensis), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), and Characteristic birds include wild turkey (Meleagris purple trillium (Trillium erectum). Hemlock gallopavo ), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus ravines may be present as occasional features of pileatus), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus

~~58 IBRRESI1UAL COMMUNITIES~~

satrapa), black-throated green warbler (Dendroica Characteristic animals include pine warbler virens), and Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax (Dendroica pinus) in mature, well-spaced pines, virescens). pileated woodpecker (Drycopus pileatus), and This is a broadly defined and very eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina). widespread community, with many regional and edaphic variants. For example, in the Hudson Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north Valley, hemlock is sometimes codominant with of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, more common red oak; in the Adir<:>!!

Rank: G4G5 S4 1S. Spruce Oats: a mixed forest that occurs on Examples: Ampersand Mountain, Essex County; moist sites along the borders of swamps and in Big Basin in Allegany State Park, Cattaraugus low flats along lakes and streams in the County. Adirondacks. Soils are strongly podzolized, sandy, and seasonally moist, but not saturated and not Sources: Eyre 1980; Heimburger 1934; Leopold et peaty. The dominant trees are red spruce (Picea al. 1988; McIntosh 1972; McVaugh 1958; Ross rnbens) or black spruce (P. mariana), mixed with 1958; Shanks 1966; NHP field surveys. smaller numbers of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), black cherry (Prnnus serotina), and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). In some places in 14. Pine-northern hardwood forest: a mixed the Adirondacks, white spruce (Picea glauca) forest that occurs on gravelly outwash plains, replaces red spruce. Spruce and yellow birch, or delta sands, eskers, and dry lake sands in the sometimes these and hemlock, make up about Adirondacks. The dominant trees are white pine 75% of the canopy cover. Smaller numbers of (Pinus strobus) and red pine (P. resinosa); these other northern hardwoods, such as red maple are mixed with scattered paper birch (Betula (Acer ,ubrnm) and beech (Fagus grandifolia) may papyri/era) and quaking aspen (Populus also be present. The shrublayer is sparse or tremuloides). In some stands there is an patchy. Characteristic shrubs are Labrador tea admixture of other northern hardwoods and (Ledum groenlandicum ), sheep laurel (Kalmia conifers such as yellow birch (Betula angustifolia ), and blueberries (Vaccinium alleghaniensis), red maple (Acer ,ub,um), balsam angustifolium, V. myrtilloides). Typically the fir (Abies balsamea ), and red spruce (Picea groundcover consists of a luxuriant carpet of rnbens); these are never common in a pine mosses and herbs, with an abundance of feather northern hardwood forest. Characteristic shrubs mosses. Some common bryophytes are are blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium, V. Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens, myrtil/oides), sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), Ptilium crista-castrensis, Dicranum spp., and wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides ), and shadbush Bazzania trilobata; characteristic herbs are (Amelanchier canadensis). Characteristic herbs creeping snowberry ( Gaultheria hispidula ), are bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum ), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), dewdrop (Dalibarda wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ), trailing repens), bunchberry ( Comus canadensis), and arbutus (Epigaea repens), cow-wheat (Melampyrnm Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense). A lineare), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum characteristic bird is golden-crowned kinglet canadense), bunchberry (Camus canadensis), star (Regulus satrapa). flower (Trientalis borealis), bluebeads (Clintonia borea/is), painted trillium (Trillium undulatum ), Distribution: primarily known from the spreading rice grass ( Orywpsis asperifolia ), and Adirondacks ecozone. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica). Mosses and lichens may be common to abundant, Rank: G4? S3S4 especially the mosses P/eurozium schreberi, Brachythecium spp., and Dicranum polysetum.

~~59 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

Sources: Braun 1950; Eyre 1980; Heimburger intermedia), shining clubmoss (Lycopodium 1934; lucidulum ), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis ), bluebeads (Clintonia borealis), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), bunchberry (Comus canadensis), Canada 16. Balsam flats: a conifer forest that occurs on mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), Indian moist, well-drained soils of low flats adjoining cucumber-root (!,fedeola virginiana), and twisted swamps, gentle low ridges, and knolls within stalk (Streptopus roseus). Characteristic birds swamps. The dmuiuaot tree is bal.samfir (d.llies include Y<'!l!!-w,lx;l!ied (lyqi(i:il~r (§_rtljJidonax balsamea), which occurs either in pure stands or flaviventris), white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia in mixed stands with red spruce (Picea rubens) or albicollis), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus black spruce (P. mariana ), and possibly a few satrapa), pileated woodpecker (D,yocopus yellow birch (Betula allegheniensis), red maple pileatus ), and gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis ). (Acer rubrum), and black cherry (Prunus serotina). The shrublayer is patchy and sparse; characteristic Distribution: primarily known from the tall shrubs include hobblebush (Viburnum Adirondacks ecowue and the Tug Hill Plateau; lantanoides ), wild raisin (V. cassinoides ), and small examples may also occur in the Catskill mountain ash (Sorbus americana). The Peaks. groundlayer is typically a dense carpet of feather mosses, especially Hylocomium splendens. Rank: G3G4 S3S4 Characteristic herbs include wood sorrel ( Oxalis acetosel/a), bunchberry (Camus canadensis), Example: Five Ponds Wilderness Area, Herkimer creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula), County. bluebeads (Clintonia borealis), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), dewdrop (Dalibarda repens), Sources: Eyre 1980; Heimburger 1934; Leopold et spinulose wood fern (D,yopteris carthusiana), and al. 1988; Roman 1980; Zon 1914; NHP field lady fern (Athyrium asplenioides ). More data on surveys. this community are needed.

Distribution: only known from the Adirondacks 18. Mountain spruce-fir forest: a conifer forest ecozone. that occurs at high elevations in the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, usually at elevations Rank: G4 S2S3 ranging from 3000 to 4000 ft (about 900 to 1200 m). This forest occurs on upper slopes that are Example: Cold Brook Plains, Essex County. somewhat protected from the prevailing westerly winds, usually at elevations above spruce-northern Sources: Eyre 1980; Zon 1914; NHP field surveys. hardwood forests, and below mountain fir forests. Soils are strongly podzolized, and they tend to be highly organic. The dominant trees are red 17. Spruce-northern hardwood forest: a mixed spruce (Picea rubens) and balsam fir (Abies forest that occurs on lower mountain slopes and ba/samea). Common associates are mountain upper margins of flats on glacial till, primarily in paper birch (Betula cordifolia) and yellow birch the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, and in (B. alleghaniensis). Subcanopy trees that are the Tug Hill plateau. This is a broadly defined usually present at a low density include mountain community with several regional and edaphic ash (Sorbus americana ), mountain maple (Acer variants; it is one of the most common forest spicatum), pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) and types in the Adirondacks. Codominant trees are striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum ). The red spruce (Picea rubens), sugar maple (Acer shrublayer may consist primarily of seedlings and saccharum), beech (Fagus grandifolia), yellow saplings of canopy trees; other shrubs that are birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and red maple (Acer present in some stands include red elderberry rubrum ), with scattered balsam fir (Abies (Sambucus racemosa), mountain holly balsamea). Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) (Nemopanthus mucronatus), American fly and mountain maple (A. spicatum) are common honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis), and dwarf subcanopy trees. Characteristic shrubs are raspberry (Rubus pubescens). In the Catskills, hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides), American fly hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides) and mountain honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis), and Canada azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum) are also yew (Tams canadensis). Characteristic common. Typically there is a dense layer of groundlayer plants are common wood-sorrel feather mosses and other bryophytes carpeting the ( Oxalis acetosella ), common wood fern (D,yopteris forest floor; common bryophytes include

~~60 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

Pleurozium schreberi, Ptilium crista-castrensis, (Betula cordifolia) and occasional individuals of Bazzania trilobata, Brothere//a recurvans, Dicranum red spruce (Picea rnbens) and mountain ash scoparium, Hypnum pallescens, Hylocomium (Sorbus americana). The shrublayer is sp/endens, and Drepanoe/adus uncinatus. predominantly seedlings and saplings of balsam Characteristic herbs are common wood-sorrel fir, with occasional individuals of green alder (Oxa/is acetose//a), mountain wood fern (A/nus viridis ssp. crispa) and Labrador tea (Dryopteris campyloptera), bluebeads (Clintonia (Ledum groenlandicum). Red raspberry (Rubus bor£fllis). Canada Jrucyflower (MaiJlnth£nllim i"'1£uiJ aruLskunk cummt (Bjb~ glandulosumi canadense ), bunchberry ( Com us canadensis ), occur in recently disturbed areas. Characteristic large-leaf goldenrod (Solidago macrophy//a), herbs are common wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), mountain aster (Aster acuminatus), goldthread bluebeads (Clintonia borealis), Canada mayflower (Coptis trifo/ia), and shining cluhmoss (Maianthemum canadense), mountain wood fern (Lycopodium /ucidulum). Characteristic birds (Dryopteris campyloptera), bunchberry (Comus include white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia canadensis), large-leaf goldenrod (Solidago albicollis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), macrophylla ), mountain aster (Aster acuminatus ), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa), yellow goldthread (Coptis trifolia), and bristly clubmoss rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), blackpoll (Lycopodium annotinum). The forest floor is warbler (Dendroica striata), Swainson's thrush typically carpeted with mosses, including ( Catharns ustulatus ), boreal chickadee (Parns Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum fuscescens, hudsonicus ), and yellow-bellied flycatcher Drepanoeladus uncinatus, Polytrichum ohioense, (Empidonax flaviventris). Dicranum scoparium, and Plagiothecium laetum. A significant disturbance that is currently Characteristic birds include white-throated affecting mountain spruce-fir forests in the eastern sparrow (Zonotrichia albico//is), winter wren U.S. is spruce decline, a phenomenon that retards (Troglodytes troglodytes), blackpoll warbler the growth of red spruce and eventually kills (Dendroica striata ), yellow-rumped warbler many trees. The causes of spruce decline have (Dendroica coronata), gray-cheecked thrush not been substantiated, but atmospheric (Catharns minimus), yellow-bellied flycatcher deposition of pollutants ( acid rain) is likely a (Empidonax flaviventris), magnolia warbler contributing factor. (Dendroica magnolia), purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus), and Nashville warbler (Vennivora Distribution: on high-elevation slopes of the rnficapilla). Adirondack High Peaks and the Catskill Peaks. In certain areas mountain fir forests exhibit a distinctive pattern of disturbance and regrowth Rank: G2G3 Sl that is called "wave-regeneration". From a distance the forest appears to be very patchy, with Examples: Phelps Brook, Essex County; Cornell large areas of green canopy interspersed with Mountain, Ulster County. roughly crescent-shaped bands of dead trees. The "waves" consist of "troughs" of dead and Sources: Eyre 1980; Holway and Scott 1969; windthrown trees, grading uphill first into a zone Leopold et al. 1988; Mcintosh and Hurley 1964; of vigorous fir seedlings, then into a dense stand McLaughlin et al. 1987; Nicholson 1965; Sabo of fir saplings, and then to a "crest" of mature fir 1980; Slack 1977; NHP field surveys. trees that border another band of standing dead and windthrown trees.

19. Mountain fir forest: a conifer forest that Distribution: on high-elevation slopes of the occurs at high elevations in the Catskill and Adirondack High Peaks and Catskill Peaks. Adirondack mountains, usually at elevations ranging from 3500 to 4500 ft ( about 1100 to 1400 Rank: G3G4 S2S3 m). This forest typically occurs on cool upper slopes that are exposed to wind, at elevations Example: Whiteface Mountain, Essex County. above spruce-northern hardwood forests, usually above mountain spruce-fir forest, and below Sources: McIntosh and Hurley 1964; Nicholson alpine krummholz. Soils are typically thin (less 1965; Slack 1977; Sprugel 1976. than 20 in or 50 cm), and they tend to be highly organic and strongly acidic. The vegetation typically has a low species diversity; the tree layer 20. Successional northern hardwoods: a is almost entirely balsam fir (Abies balsamea), hardwood or mixed forest that occurs on sites with a small amount of mountain paper birch that have been cleared (for farming, logging, etc.)

~~61 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNmES~~

or otherwise disturbed. The dominant trees are A characteristic feature of successional usually any two or more of the following: quaking forests is the lack of reproduction of the canopy aspen (Populus tremuloides), big-tooth aspen (P. species. Most of the tree seedlings and saplings grandidentata), balsam poplar (P. ba/samifera), pin in a successional forest are species that are more cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), black cherry (P. shade-tolerant than the canopy species. serotina ), red maple (Acer rub rum), white pine Shrublayer and groundlayer dominants may (Pinus strobus), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), include many species characteristic of successional gr~ birch (S popu/ifolia), white~ (l"nainus old fields, or !hey may include species that americana), green ash (F. pensylvanica), or occurred on or near the site prior to disturbance. American elm (Ulmus americana). This is a broadly defined community dominated by light Distribution: primarily in the southern half of New requiring, wind-dispersed species that are well York, south of the Adirondacks. adapted to establishment following disturbance. Characteristic birds include chestnut-sided warbler Rank: GS SS (Dendroica pensylvanica), Nashville warbler (Vem,ivora ruficapilla) in young forests with aspen Sources: Eyre 1980; NHP field surveys. and birch seedlings, and yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) in mature aspen forests. A characteristic feature of successional 22. Successional maritime forest: a successional forests is the lack of reproduction of the canopy hardwood forest that occurs in low areas near the species. Most of the tree seedlings and saplings seacoast. This forest is a variable type that in a successional forest are species that are more develops after vegetation has burned or land shade-tolerant than the canopy species. cleared (such as pastureland or farm fields). The Shrublayer and groundlayer dominants may trees may be somewhat stunted and flat-topped include many species characteristic of successional because the canopies are pruned by salt spray. old fields, or they may include species that The forest may be dominated by a single species, occurred on or near the site prior to disturbance. or there may be two or three codominants. Characteristic canopy trees include black oak Distribution: throughout upstate New York north (Quercus velutina), post oak (Quercus stellata), of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis), white oak (Quercus alba), black cherry (Prunus serotina), Rank: GS SS black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sassafras (Sassafras a/bidum ), and red maple (Acer rubrum ). A small Source: Mellinger and McNaughton 1975. number of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) may be present. Vines that are common in the understory and subcanopy include riverbank grape 21. Successional sonthem hardwoods: a (Vitis riparia ), poison ivy (Toxicodendron hardwood or mixed forest that occurs on sites radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus that have been cleared (for farming, logging, etc.) quinquefo/ia), and greenbrier (Smilax spp.). Data or otherwise disturbed. The dominant trees are on groundlayer composition and characteristic usually any of the following: gray birch (Betula animals are not available. populifolia), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), sassafras (Sassafras albidum ), box elder (Acer negundo ), Distribution: in the Coastal Lowlands ecozone, in American elm (Ulmus americana), slippery elm low areas near the coast of Long Island. (U. rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (A. saccharinum ), and eastern red cedar Rank: G4 S3S4 (Juniperus virginiana). Certain introduced species are commonly found in successional forests, Example: William Floyd Estate (Fire Island including black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia), National Seashore), Suffolk County. tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Any of these Sources: Clark 1986b; Greller 1977. may be dominant or codominant in a successional southern hardwood forest. This is a broadly defined community dominated by light-requiring D. TERRESTRIAL CULTURAL species that are well-adapted to establishment This subsystem includes communities that are following disturbance. A characteristic bird is either created and maintained by human activities, chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica). or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical conformation of the

~~62 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITlES~~

substrate, or the biological composition of the S. Orchard: a stand of cultivated fruit trees resident community is substantially different from (such as apples, cherries, peaches, pears, etc.), the character of the substrate or community as it often with grasses as a groundcover. An orchard existed prior to human influence. may be currently under cultivation or recently abandoned. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina ), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and poison ivy 1. Cropland/row crops: an agricultural field (Toxicodendron radicans) may be common in planted in row crops such as cllfn. potal!J!:S, @g abi!!!.dOPJ;d orchards. __ Characteristic birds_ include _ soybeans. This community includes vegetable American robin (Turdus migratorius), eastern gardens in residential areas. kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus ), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), and in mature orchards with Distribution: throughout New York State. a minimum dbh of 10 in (about 25 cm), yellow bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). Rank: G5 S5 Distribution: throughout New York State at low elevations. 2. Cropland/field crops: an agricultural field planted in field crops such as alfalfa, wheat, Rank: GS S5 timothy, and oats. This community includes hayfields that are rotated to pasture. Characteristic birds include grasshopper sparrow 6. Vineyard: a stand of cultivated vines ( such as (Ammodramus savannarum ), vesper sparrow grapes, or raspberries), often with grasses as a (Pooecetes gramineus), bobolink (Do/ichonys groundcover. oryzivorous), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), and upland sandpiper (BaJtramia longicauda). Distribution: throughout New Yark State at low elevations. Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: G5 S5 Rank: G5 SS

7. Hardwood plantation: a stand of commercial 3. Pastureland: agricultural land permanently hardwood species planted for the cultivation and maintained ( or recently abandoned) as a pasture harvest of timber products. These plantations are area for livestock. Characteristic birds include usually monocultures: more than 90% of the grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum ), canopy cover consists of one species. Species vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), horned lark typically planted in New York are: black cherry (Eremophila alpestris), killdeer (Charadrius (Prunus serotina), red oak (Quen;us rubra), white vociferus), and upland sandpiper (Btlltramia oak (Q. alba), black walnut (Jug/ans nigra), hybrid longicauda). poplars (Populus spp.), and black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia). Distribution: throughout New York State. Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: GS S5 Rank: G5 S3

4. Flower/herb garden: residential, commercial, or horticultural land cultivated for the production 8. Pine plantation: a stand of pines planted for of ornamental herbs and shrubs. This community the cultivation and harvest of timber products, or includes gardens cultivated for the production of to provide wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, culinary herbs. Characteristic birds include windbreaks, or landscaping. These plantations American robin (Turdus migratorius) and may be monocultures with more than 90% of the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). canopy cover consisting of one species, or they may be mixed stands with two or more Distribution: throughout New York State. codominant species (in which case more than 50% of the cover consists of one or more species Rank: GS S5 of pine). Pines that are typically planted in New York include white pine (Pinus strobus), red pine (P. resinosa), Scotch pine (P. sylvestris), pitch pine

~~63 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

(P. rigida), and jack pine (P. banksiana). Rank: GS SS Groundlayer vegetation is usually sparse, apparently because of the dense accumulation of leaf litter. Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) is a 11. Mowed lawn with trees: residential, characteristic groundlayer plant. More data on recreational, or commercial land in which the this community are needed. groundcover is dominated by clipped grasses and forbs, and it is shaded by at least 30% cover of Distribution: throughout New Yark State. trees. OrJllllJlenllll Jl!!d/ or !!lltiY1. :;_1!!1it•§ llUlJ J:,e present, usually with less than 50% cover. The Rank: GS SS groundcover is maintained by mowing. Characteristic animals include gray squirrel (Sciurus caro/inensis), American robin (Turdus 9. Spruce/fir plantation: a stand of softwoods migratorius), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), planted for the cultivation and harvest of timber and mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). products, or to provide wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, windbreaks, or landscaping. Distribution: throughout New York State. These plantations may be monocultures with more than 90% of the canopy cover consisting of Rank: GS SS one species, or they may be mixed stands with two or more codominant species (in which case more than SO% of the cover consists of one or 12. Mowed lawn: residential, recreational, or more species of spruce or fir). Softwoods that commercial land, or unpaved airport runways in are typically planted in New York include Norway which the groundcover is dominated by clipped spruce (Picea abies), white spruce (P. glauca), grasses and there is less than 30% cover of trees. balsam fir (Abies ba/samea), and Douglas fir Ornamental and/or native shrubs may be present, (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Groundlayer vegetation usually with less than 50% cover. The is usually sparse, apparently because of the dense groundcover is maintained by mowing. accumulation of leaf litter. Speedwell (Veronica Characteristic birds include American robin officinalis) is a characteristic groundlayer plant. (Turdus migratorius), upland sandpiper (Bwtramia A characteristic bird is golden-crowned kinglet /ongicauda), and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus). (Regulus satrapa). More data on this community are needed. Distribution: throughout New York State.

~~Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: GS S5~~

Rank: GS SS 13. Mowed roadside/pathway: a narrow strip of mowed vegetation along the side of a road, or a 10. Conifer plantation: a stand of softwoods mowed pathway through taller vegetation (e.g. planted for the cultivation and harvest of timber meadows, old fields, woodlands, forests), or along products, or to provide wildlife habitat, soil utility right-of-way corridors (e.g. power lines, erosion control, windbreaks, or landscaping. This telephone lines, gas pipelines). The vegetation in is a broadly defined community that excludes these mowed strips and paths may be dominated stands in which pine, spruce, or fir are dominant, by grasses, sedges, and rushes; or it may be although they may be present at low densities. dominated by forbs, vines, and low shrubs that These plantations may be monocultures, or they can tolerate infrequent mowing. may be mixed stands with two or more codominant species. Softwoods that are typically Distribution: throughout New York State. planted in these plantations include European larch (Lari.x decidua ), Japanese larch (Lari.x Rank: GS S5 kaempferi), and northern white cedar (1huja occidentalis). Groundlayer vegetation is usually sparse, apparently because of the dense 14, Herbicide-sprayed roadside/pathway: a accumulation of leaf litter. Speedwell (Veronica narrow strip of low-growing vegetation along the officinalis) is a characteristic groundlayer plant. side of a road, or along utility right-of-way More data on this community are needed. corridors ( e.g. power lines, telephone lines, gas pipelines) that is maintained by spraying Distribution: throughout New York State. herbicides.

~~64 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITlES~~

~~Distribution: throughout New York State. Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. Rank: GS SS Rank: GS S5~~

15. Unpaved road/path: a sparsely vegetated road or pathway of gravel, bare soil, or bedrock 20. Gravel mine: an excavation in a gravel outcrop. These. roads or pathWll)'S are maintained d~IX!Iit frq_m wbJch gravel li_<1$ l>een re111Qved. by regular trampling or scraping of the land Often these are dug into glacial deposits such as surface. The subs tr ate consists of the soil or eskers or kames. Vegetation may be sparse if parent material at the site, which may be the mine is active; there may be substantial modified by the addition of local organic material vegetative cover if the mine has been inactive for (woodchips, logs, etc.) or sand and gravel. One several years. Near-vertical slopes are used by characteristic plant is path rush (Juncus tenuis). bank swallows (Riparia riparia) for nesting sites. A characteristic bird is killdeer ( Charadrius vocifen,s ). Distribution: throughout New York State.

~~Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: G5 S5~~

Rank: G5 S5 21. Sand mine: an excavation in a sand deposit or sand dune from which sand has been removed. 16. Paved road/path: a road or pathway that is Vegetation is usually sparse. A characteristic bird paved with asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, etc. is bank swallow (Riparia riparia). There may be sparse vegetation rooted in cracks in the paved surface. Distribution: throughout New York State.

~~Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: G5 S5~~

Rank: G5 S5 22. Brushy cleared land: land that has been clearcut or cleared by brush-hog. There may be 17. Roadcut cliff/slope: a sparsely vegetated cliff a lot of woody debris such as branches and or steep slope, along a road, that was created by slashings from trees that were logged. Vegetation blasting or digging during road construction. is patchy, with scattered herbs, shrubs, and tree saplings. The amount of vegetative cover Distribution: throughout New York State. probably depends on soil fertility and the length of time since the land was cleared. Rank: G5 S5 Distribution: throughout New York State.

18. Riprap/erosion control roadside: a sparsely Rank: G5 S5 vegetated slope along a road that is covered with coarse stones, cobbles, or gabions placed for erosion control. 23. Artificial beach: a sand beach constructed on a lake or river shore by depositing sand from Distribution: throughout New York State. outside the site onto the natural substrate; a sandy beach neither created nor maintained by Rank: G5 S5 natural lake shore or river processes. These beaches often provide nesting habitat for turtles.

19. Rock quarry: an excavation in bedrock from Distribution: throughout New York State. which building stone ( e.g. limestone, sandstone, slate) bas been removed. Vegetation may be Rank: G5 S5 sparse; plants may be rooted in crevices in the rock surface. 24. Riprap/artificial lake shore: a lake shore or pond shore that is covered with coarse stones,

~~65 'JERRESTRIAL COMMUNfllES~~

cobbles, concrete slabs, etc. placed for erosion 29. Landfill/dump: a site that has been cleared control. The vegetation is usually sparse. or excavated, where garbage is disposed. The bulk of the material in the landfill or dump is Distribution: throughout New York State. organic and biodegradable; although some inorganic material (plastic, glass, metal, etc.) 1s Rank: GS SS usually present.

~~DiWibution: throughout New York State. 25. Dredge spoil lake shore: a lake shore or pond shore that is composed of dredge spoils. Rank: GS SS The vegetation may be sparse.~~

Distribution: throughout New York State. 30. Junkyard: a site that has been cleared for disposal or storage of primarily inorganic refuse, Rank: GS S5 including discarded automobiles, large appliances, mechanical parts, etc.

26. Construction/road maintenance spoils: a site Distribution: throughout New York State. where soil from construction work and/or road maintenance materials have been recently Rank: GS SS deposited. There is little, if any, vegetation.

Distribution: throughout New York State. 31. Urban vacant lot: an open site in a developed, urban area, that has been cleared Rank: G5 S5 either for construction or following the demolition of a building. Vegetation may be sparse, with large areas of exposed soil, and often with rubble 27. Dredge spoils: an upland site where dredge or other debris. Characteristic trees are often spoils have been recently deposited. On sandy naturalized exotic species such as Norway maple dredge spoils along the Hudson River, (Acer platanoides), white mulberry (Morus alba), characteristic species of early successional deposits and tree of heaven (Ailanthus a/tissima ), a species include winged pigweed ( Cycloloma native to northern China and introduced as an atriplicifolium ), lovegrass (Eragrostis pectinacea ), ornamental. Tree of heaven is fast growing and purple sandgrass (Triplasis purpurea ), tall tolerant of the harsh urban environment; it can crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), and field sandbur dominate a vacant lot and form dense stands. (Cenchrus longispinus); cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is common on late successional Distribution: throughout New York State. deposits. Maritime dredge spoil islands along the seacoast of Long Island provide nesting habitat Rank: G5 S5 for herring gull (Larus argentatus), least tern (Stema antillarum), and piping plover (Charadrius melodus). 32. Urban structure exterior: the exterior surfaces of metal, wood, or concrete structures Distribution: throughout New York State, ( such as commercial buildings, apartment especially near large rivers, lakes, or the ocean. buildings, houses, bridges) or any structural surface composed of inorganic materials (glass, Rank: G5 SS plastics, etc.) in an urban or densely populated suburban area. These sites may be sparsely vegetated with lichens, mosses, and terrestrial 28. Mine spoils: a site where mine spoils have algae; occasionally vascular plants may grow in been deposited. These sites may be extensive. cracks. Nooks and crannies may provide nesting Mine spoils may include tailings, crushed rock, habitat for birds and insects, and roosting sites and overburden deposits. for bats. Characteristic birds include common nighthawk ( Chordeiles minor) on rooftops, Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north American robin (Turdus migratorius) on porches of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. or under shelter, and exotic birds such as rock dove (Columba livia) and house sparrow (Passer Rank: GS S5 domesticus ).

~~66 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES~~

Distribution: throughout New York State. 34. Interior of barn/agricultural building: the interior spaces of a barn or other agricultural Rank: G5 S5 building which provides shelter for livestock or storage space for agricultural products (hay, straw, silage, etc.). Characteristic animals besides the 33. Rural structure exterior: the exterior livestock are small rodents, bats, cats, native and surfaces of metal, wood, or concrete structures exotic birds such as barn swallow (Hirnndo {sud! as cororoercia) buildings, l!llms. ~. ru,lii:11') i!!ld rggc <.!Qve (_(q_/u,nba Ii via}. bridges) or any structural surface composed of inorganic materials (glass, plastics, etc.) in a rural Distribution: throughout New York State. or sparsely populated suburban area. These sites may be sparsely vegetated with lichens, mosses, Rank: G5 S5 and terrestrial algae; occasionally vascular plants may grow in cracks. Nooks and crannies may provide nesting habitat for birds and insects, and 35. Interior of non-agricnl tural building: the roosting sites for bats. Characteristic birds interior spaces of a house, garage, commercial include American robin (Turdus migratorius) on building, or industrial building that is used porches or under shelter, barn swallow (Hirnndo primarily by people for living space, work space, rnstica) under shelter, and exotic birds such as or storage space. A characteristic bird is chimney rock dove ( Columba /ivia ), house sparrow (Passer swift ( Chaetura pelagic a) which nests in chimneys domesticus), and European starling (Stumus and inner walls of buildings. vu/garis). Distribution: throughout New York State. Distribution: throughout New York State. Rank: G5 S5 Rank: G5 S5

~~67 SUBTERRANEAN COMMUNITIES~~

VII. SUBTERRANEAN SYSTEM remain within the talus through all or part of the The subterranean system consists of both summer; these are known as ice caves. aquatic and non-aquatic habitats beneath the Characteristic animals include tim her rattlesnake earth's surface, including air-filled cavities with ( Crota/us honidus) and small mammals. openings to the surface (caves), water-filled cavities and aquifers, and interstitial habitats in Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north small crevices. The Heritage Program has done of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. limited inventory werk -e& eaves;- we do net currently have in our files sufficient field data for Rank: G4 S3S4 evaluating the subterranean classification. For the characteristic species, I have relied upon comments from the staff of DEC's Endangered B. SUBTERRANEAN CULTURAL Species Unit, based upon their knowledge of bat This subsystem includes communities that are hibernacula and caves in New York. either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical conforrnation of the A. NATURAL CAVES substrate, or the biological composition of the This subsystem includes caves and cavities in resident community is substantially different from which the structure and hydrology have not been the character of the substrate or community as it substantially modified by human activities, and the existed prior to human influence. native biota are dominant. 1, Mine/artificial cave community: the biota of 1. Aquatic cave community: the aquatic an abandoned mine or artificial underground community of a subterranean stream or pond. excavation. Abandoned mines that are deep More data on this community are needed. enough to maintain stable winter temperatures are important bat hibernacula. Characteristic bats Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north include little brown bat (Myotis /ucifugus), Keen's of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. bat (Myotis keenii), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and Eastern pipistrelle (Pipistre/lus Rank: G4 S3S4 subflavus). Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north 2. Terrestrial cave community: the terrestrial of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. community of a cave, including the biota of both solution caves (in limestone) and tectonic caves. Rank: G4 S3S4 Temperatures are stable in deep caves. Small or shallow caves may have a temperature gradient ranging from cold (below freezing) to cool ( up to 2. Sewer: the biota of a subterranean conduit 50° F). Although many caves have ice on the constructed to carry off sewage and sometimes cave floor in winter, the ceiling is warm enough runoff from an urban or developed area. A for a bat hibernaculum. Characteristic bats that characteristic rodent is the Norway rat (Rattus hibernate in our caves include little brown bat norvegicus). (Myotis lucifugus), Keen's bat (Myotis keenii), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and Eastern Distribution: throughout New York State. pipistrelle (Pipistre//us subflavus ). Rank: 05 S5 Distribution: throughout upstate New York, north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone. 3. Tunnel: the biota of a subterranean Rank: G4 S3S4 passageway constructed to allow transportation routes to pass through rock. or earth obstructions or underground, including tunnels for roads, 3. Talus cave community: the community that footpaths, highways, railroads, and subways. occurs in small crevices and caves in a talus slope at the base of a cliff. This includes talus slopes Distribution: throughout New York State. that are cool enough to allow winter ice to Rank: 05 S5

~~68 SUB'IERRANEAN COMMUNfTIES~~

4. Basement/building foundation: the biota of animals include a wide variety of insects and an underground structure that was built primarily small vertebrates. as a support structure for a house, commercial building, or industrial building. This includes Distribution: throughout New York State. foundations of abandoned structures, as well as those that are actively used. Characteristic Rank: G5 S5

~~69 REFERENCES~~

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Faigenbaum, H. M. 1937. Chemical investigation Gordon, R. B. 1937. The primeval forest types of of the lower Hudson area. In: A biological survey southwestern New York. N.Y.S. Mus. Bull. No. of the lower Hudson watersbed. Suppl. to the 26th 321, Albany, N.Y. Ann. Repq 1936. N. Y.S. Conserv. Dept., Albaey, N.Y. Graham, H. W. and L. K. Henry. 1933. Plant succession at the borders of a kettlehole lake. Bull. Faigenbaum, H. M. 1939. Chemical investigation Torrey Bot. Club 60: 301-315. of the fresh waters of Long Island. In: A biological survey of the fresh waters of Long Island. Suppl. Greeley, J. R. 1929. Fishes of the Erie-Niagara to the 28th Ann. Rep., 1938. N.Y.S. Conserv. watershed. pp. 150-179 In: A biological survey of Dept., Albany, N.Y. the Erie-Niagara system. Suppl. to the 18th Ann. Rep., 1928. N.Y.S. Conserv. Dept., Albany, N.Y. Faigenbaum, H. M. 1939. Chemical investigation of the south shore and eastern bay areas of Long Greeley, J. R. 1939. Fresh-water fishes of Long Island. In: A biological survey of the salt waters of Island and Staten Island with annotated list. In: A Long Island, 1938. Suppl. to the 28th Annual biological survey of the fresh waters of Long Island. Report, 1938. A joint survey with the U.S. Bureau Suppl. to the 28th Ann. Rep., 1938. N.Y.S. of Fisheries. N.Y.S. Conservation Dept., Albany, Conserv. Dept., Albany, N.Y. N.Y. Greeley, J. R. 1940. Fishes of the watershed with Fassett, N. C. 1928. The vegetation of the annotated list. In: A biological survey of the Lake estuaries of northeastern North America. Proc. Ontario watershed. Suppl. to the 29th annual Boston Sox. Nat. Hist. 39: 73-130. report, 1939. N.Y.S. Conservation Dept., Albany, N.Y. Faust, M. E. and N. R. Roberts. 1983. The salt plants of Onondaga Lake, Onondaga County, New Greller, A. M. 1977. A classification of mature York. Bartonia 49: 20-26. forests on Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 104: 376-382. Ferris, J. J., N. J. Clesceri, and D. B. Aulenbach. 1980. The limnology of Lake George, New York. Guralnik, D. B., ed. 1980. Webster's New World Rensselaer Freshwater Institute, Report #76-5, Dictionary of the American Language. Second Troy, N.Y. College Edition. Simon and Schuster, New York, N.Y. Forman, R. T. T., ed. 1979. Pine Barrens: ecosystems and landscape. Academic Press, N.Y. Haslam, S. M. 1978. Riverplants. The marcrophytic vegetation of watercourses. Frost, D. R. 1985. Amphibian species of the Cambridge Univ. Press, New York, N.Y. world: a taxonomic and geographic reference. Allen Press, Inc. and The Association of Heimburger, C. C. 1934. Forest-type studies in the Systematics Collections, Lawrence, Kansas. 732 pp. Adirondack Region. Cornell Univ. Exp. Sta. Memoir 165, Ithaca, N.Y. Giles, R. H., ed. 1969. Wildlife Management techniques. The Wildlife Society, Washington, D.C. Heinselman, M. L. 1970. Landscape evolution, peatland types, and the environment in the Lake Gilman, B. A. 1976. Wetland plant communities Agassiz Peatlands Natural Area, Minnesota. Ecol. along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario. M.S. Monogr. 40: 235-261. thesis, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, N.Y. Hodges, R. W. et al. 1983. Check list of the Lepidoptera of America north of Mexico. E. W. Gladden, J_ B., F. R. Cantelmo, J. M. Croom, and Classey Ltd. and The Wedge Entomological R. Shapot. 1988. Evaluation of the Hudson River Research Foundation, Washington, D.C. 284 pp. ecosystem in relation to the dynamics of fish populations. Am. Fisheries Soc. Monogr. 4: 37-52.

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Johnson, C. W. 1985. Bogs of the Northeast. Lynn, L. M. and E. F. Karlin. 1985. The University Press of New England, Hanover, N.H. vegetation of the low-shrub bogs of northern New Jersey and adjacent New York: ecosystems at their Jones, J. K., Jr., et al. 1986. Revised checklist of southern limit. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 112: 436- North American mammals north of Mexico, 1986. 444. 0cc. Pap. Mus. Texas Tech. Univ., Lubbock. Maitland, P. S. 1978. Biology of Fresh Waters. Karlin, E. F. and R. E. Andrus. 1986. Sphagnum John Wiley and Sons, New York. vegetation of the low-shrub bogs of northern New Jersey and adjacent New York. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 113: 281-287.

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Metzler, K. and R. Rosza. 1982. Vegetation of Niering, W. A. 1953. The past and present fresh and brackish tidal marshes in Connecticut. vegetation of High Point State Park, New Jersey. Newsletter of the Connecticut Botanical Society Ecol. Monogr. 23: 127-148. 10(1): 1-3. Nixon, S. W. 1982. The ecology of New England Miller, L. D. and F. M. Brown. 1981. A high salt marshes: a community profile. U.S. Fish catalogue/checklist of the butterflies of America and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, north of Mexico. The Lepidopterists' Society Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-81/55. 70 pp. Memoir No. 2. 280 pp. Odum, W. E., T. J. Smith III, J. K. Hoover, and Mitchell, R. S. 1986. A checklist of New York C. C. Mclvor. 1984. The ecology of tidal State plants. N.Y.S. Museum, Bull. No. 458, freshwater marshes of the United States east coast: Albany, N.Y. a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-83/17. 177 Mohler, C. L. and P. L. Marks. 1983. Vegetation pp. environment relations in the central Finger Lakes region of New York. Draft manuscript. Section of Olsvig, L. S. 1979. Pattern and diversity analysis Ecology aod Systematics, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, of the irradiated oak-pine forest, Brookhaven, New N.Y. York. Vegetatio 40(2): 65-78.

Muenscher, W. C. 1927. Spartina patens and other Olsvig, L. S. 1980. A comparative study of saline plaots in the Genesee Valley of western New northeastern pine barrens vegetation. PhD thesis, York. Rhodora 29: 138-139. Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

Muenscher, W. C. 1928. Vegetation of Cayuga Ozard, J. 1981. Significant habitat covertypes - and Seneca Lakes. Appendix XII in: A biological codes and definitions. Pamphlet, Significant Habitat survey of the Oswego River system. Suppl. to the Unit, N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 17th Ann. Rep., 1927. N.Y.S. Conservation Dept., Delmar, N.Y. Albany, N.Y.

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Parker, D. 1946. Plant succession at Long Pond, Forest Papers No. 24, Harvard Black Rock Forest, Long Island, New York. Butler Univ. Bot. Studies Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, N.Y. 7: 74-88. Rosza, R. and K. Metzler. 1982. Plant Pendl, M. P. and K. M. Stewart. 1986. Variations communities of Mashomack. In: The Mashomack in carbon fractions within a dimictic and a Preserve Study. Vol. 2: Biological Resources. S. meromictic basin of the Junius Ponds, New York. Englebright, ed. The Nature Conservancy, East Freshwater Biology 16; 539-555. Ham__pton, N.Y.

Penfound, W. T. 1%7. A physiognomic classifi Sabo, S. R. 1980. Niche and habitat relations in cation of vegetation in conterminous United States. subalpine bird communities of the White Mountains Bot. Rev. 33: 289-326. of New Hampshire. Ecol. Monogr. 50: 241-259.

Peverly, J. H. 1979. Elemental distribution and Schindler, D. W. 1988. Effects of acid rain on macrophyte growth downstream from an orgarnc freshwater ecosystems. Science 239: 149-157. soil. Aquatic Botany 7: 319-338. Scott, J. T., T. G. Siccama, A. H. Johnson, and A. Rawinski, T. J. 1984. New England natural R. Breisch. 1984. Decline of red spruce in the community classification. Unpubl. report, The Adirondacks, New York. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club Nature Conservancy, Eastern Regional Office, 111: 438-444. Boston, Mass. Seischab, F. K. 1977. Plant community Reash, R. J. and T. M. Berra. 1987. Comparison development in the Byron-Bergen Swamp: a of fish communities in a clean-water stream and an rheotrophic mire in Genesee County, New York. adjacent polluted stream. Am. Midi. Nat. 118(2): Ph.D. thesis, SUNY College of Environmental 301-322. Science and Forestry, Syracuse, N.Y.

Redfield, A. C. 1972. Development of a New Seischab, F. K. 1984. Plant community England salt marsh. Ecol. Monogr. 42(2): 201-237. development in the Byron-Bergen Swamp: marl bed vegetation. Can. J. Bot. 62: 1006-1017. Reed, C. F. 1986. Floras of the serpentinite formations of Eastern North America, with Seischab, F. K., and J. M. Bernard. 1985. Early descriptions of geomorphology and mineralogy of plant succession on marl beds in the Byron-Bergen the formations. Contributions of the Reed Swamp. Bartonia 51: 58-o4. Herbarium No. XXX, Baltimore, Maryland. Senerchia-Nardone, P., A. Reilly, and M. M. Reschke, C. and B. Gilman. 1988. Vegetation of Holland. 1985. Comparison of vascular plant the limestone pavements in Jefferson County, New zonation at Iona Island Marsh (Hudson River York. Poster presented at the 15th Annual Natural Estuary) and Lord's Cove Marsh (Connecticut River Areas Conference, Syracuse, N.Y. Estuary). In: Polgar Fellowship Reports of the Hudson River National Estuarine Sanctuary Roberts, D. A., R. Singer, and C. W. Boylen. 1985. Program 1985. J.C. Cooper, Editor. Hudson River The submersed macrophyte communities of Foundation, New York, N.Y. Adirondack lakes (New York, U.SA.) of varying degrees of acidity. Aquatic Botany 21: 219-235. Seyfert, W. G. 1973. A study of the Hempstead Plains, Long Island, New York, and its vascular Robichaud, B. and M. F. Buell. 1983. Vegetation flora. M.S. thesis, C.W. Post College, Long Island of New Jersey. Rutgers Univ. Press, New University, Greenvale, N.Y. Brunswick, N.J. Shanks, R. E. 1966. An ecological survey of the Roman, J. R. 1980. Vegetation-environment vegetation of Monroe County, New York. relationships in virgin, middle elevation forests in Proc. Rochester Acad. Sci. 11: 108-252. the Adirondack Mountains, New York. PhD thesis, S UNY College of Environmental Science and Shelford, V. E. 1%3. The Ecology of North Forestry, Syracuse, N.Y. America. University of Illinois Press, Urbana, Illinois. Ross, P. 1958. Microclimatic and vegetational studies in a cold-wet deciduous forest. Black Rock

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Siegfried, C. A. 1986. Understanding New York June 9, 1988). The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Lakes. New York State Museum, Educational Va. Leaflet 26, Albany, N.Y. Theall, 0. 1983. An investigation into the Singer, R., D. A. Roberts, and C. W. Boylen. 1983. hydrology of Massachusetts' coastal plain ponds. The macrophytic community of an acidic lake in Unpubl. report for the Massachusetts Natural Adirondack (New York, U.SA.): a new depth Heritage Program, Massachusetts Div. of Fisheries record for aquatic angiospenns. Aquatic Bot. 16~ and Wildlife, B9ston. 36 1111· 49-57. Thompson, L. 1989. Natural communities of Slack, N. G. 1977. Species diversity and Vermont. Vermont Natural Heritage Program, community structure in bryophytes: New York State Agency of Natural Resources, Waterbury, Vt. studies. N.Y.S. Museum, Bull. No. 428, Albany, N.Y. Townes, H. K. Jr. 1939. Ecological studies on the Long Island marine invertebrates of importance as Slack, N. G. and J. M. Glime. 1985. Niche fish food or bait. In: A biological survey of the relationships of mountain stream bryophytes. salt waters of Long Island, 1938. Suppl. to the 28th Bryologist 88: 7-18. Annual Report, 1938. A joint survey with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries. N.Y.S. Conservation Dept., Slack, N. G., C. Reschke, and B. Gilman. 1988. Albany, N.Y. Scorpidium turgescens rediscovered in New York State. Bryologist 91: 217-218. Tufts, C. E. 1976. A preliminary inventory of some unique natural areas in Tompkins County, Smith, C. L. 1985. The inland fishes of New York New York. M.S. thesis, Cornell Univ., Ithaca. State. N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Albany. Webber, E. E. 1%7. Bluegreen algae from a Massachusetts salt marsh. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club Smith, T. 1985. Natural communities of 94: 99-106. Pennsylvania. Unpubl. report, Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, Harrisburg, Penn. Weisburd, S. 1986. Artificial reefs. Science News 130: 59-ol. Sprugel, D. G. 1976. Dynamic structure of wave regenerated Abies ba/samea forests in the Weiss, M. J., L. K. McCreary, I. Millers, M. Miller northeastern United States. J. Ecol. 64: 889-911. Weeks, and J. T. O'Brien. 1985. Cooperative survey of red spruce and balsam fir decline and Swift, B. 1987. An analysis of avian breeding mortality in New York, Vermont, and New habitats in Hudson River tidal marshes. Final Hampshire 1984. U.S.DA. Forest Service report. N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Northeastern Area, NA-TP-11, Broomall, Pa. Conservation, Albany. Welch, P. S. 1935. Lirnnology. McGraw-Hill Book Taylor, N. 1923. The vegetation of Long Island. Co., Inc. New York, N.Y. Part I. The vegetation of Montauk: a study of grassland and forest. Brooklyn Botanical Garden Westad, K. E. and E. Kiviat. 1985. Flora of Memoirs 2: 1-107. freshwater tidal swamps at Tivoli Bays, Hudson River National Estuarine Sanctuary. In: Polgar Teal, J. M. 1986. The ecology of regularly flooded Fellowship Reports of the Hudson River National salt marshes of New England: a community profile. Estuarine Sanctuary Program 1985. J.C. Cooper, U.S. Fish and Wild!. Serv. Biol. Rep. 85(7.4). Editor. Hudson River Foundation, New York, N.Y.

Thayer, G. W., W. J. Kenworthy, and M. S. Whitehead, D. R., D. F. Charles, S. T. Jackson, S. Fonseca. 1984. The ecology of eelgrass meadows E. Reed, and M. C. Sheehan. 1986. Late-glacial of the Atlantic coast: a community profile. U.S. and Holocene acidity changes in Adirondack (N.Y.) Fish and Wild!. Serv., Washington, D.C. lakes. In: Diatoms and lake acidity. J. P. Smol, R. FWS/OBS-84/02. 147 pp. W. Battarbee, R. B. Davis, and J. Meriliiinen (eds.), Dr. W. Junk, Dordrecht. The Nature Conservancy. 1982. Natural Heritage Program operations manual ( with revisions through

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Whitlatch, R. B. 1982. The ecology of New Zaremba, R. E. 1990. A comparison of maritime England tidal flats: a community profile. U.S. Fish heathlands of Holocene deposits to related and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program, communities in Massachusetts and New York. In Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-81/01. 125 pp. press: Proceedings of the first lowland heath conference, May 5, 1988, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Wiegand, K. M. and A. J. Eames. 1926. The flora of the Cayuga Lake basin, New York. Cornell Zenkert, C. A. 1934. Flora of the Niagara frontier Univ. Ag. ~- Sta. M_emcir 22, ri:gion._ -5JIIL Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci., Vol. 16, Buffalo, N.Y. Will, G. B., R. D. Stumvoll, R. F. Gotie, and R. S. Smith. 1979. The ecological zones of northern Zon, R. 1914. Balsam fir. Bull U.S. Dept. New York. Unpubl. report for N.Y.S. Dept. of Agriculture No. 55: 1-68. Environmental Conservation, Albany, N.Y.

~~77 HERITAGE RANKS~~

APPENDIX A: HERITAGE PROGRAM G5 Demonstrably secure throughout its range ELEMENT RANKS (however it may be rare in certain areas). GU Status unknown. C"'.mmunities and rare species are the mapping umts or "elements" of the Heritage inventory. Each community and species element is assigned STATE RANKS an "element rank" consisting of a combined global Sl TypLc;illy 5 feweroccurrens~s, few att<1 state rank. The ~ rank , e!lecls the = or v~ery rarity of the element throughout the world and remaining individuals, acres, or miles of the state rank reflects the rarity within New York stream, or especially vulnerable to State (The Nature Conservancy 1982). Global extirpation in New York State for other ranks for communities are not currently reasons. standardized by The Nature Conservancy, so the ranks listed in the community descriptions are S2 = Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few estimated global ranks. remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or very vulnerable to extirpation in New York State for other reasons. GWBAL RANKS S3 Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited Gl = Critically imperiled throughout its range acreage, or miles of stream in New York due to extreme rarity (5 or fewer State. occurrences, or very few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream) or S4 = Apparently secure in New York State. extremely vulnerable to extinction due to biological factors. S5 = Demonstrably secure in New York State.

G2 Imperiled throughout its range due to SH = No extant sites known in New York State rarity ( 6 - 20 occurrences, or few but it may still exist. remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream) or highly vulnerable to extinction SU State status unknown. due to biological factors.

G3 Either very rare throughout its range (21 - 100 occurrences), with a restricted range (but possibly locally abundant), or "Q" added to the rank indicates a question exists vulnerable to extinction due to biological whether or not the !axon is a distinct taxonomic factors. entity.

~~G4 Apparently secure throughout its range "?" added to the rank indicates uncertainty about (but possibly rare in parts of its range). the rank.~~

~~78 GLOSSARY~~

APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY extending generally parallel with the shore, but separated from it by a lagoon or marsh; it is rarely more than a few miles ( or several abundance: term referring to the the number of kilometers) long. individuals of a single species present in a community. base level: the theoretical limit or lowest level toward which erosion of the earth's surface abundant: a species with a relatively high constantly progresses; especially the level below number of individuals in a cgmmunty which a str~l!ID cannot erode its bed. acidic: describes water or soil with a pH less bedrock: the solid rock that underlies the soil than 5.5. and other unconsolidated material or that is exposed at the surface. alkaline: describes water or soil with a pH greater than 7.4. bentbos: organisms living in or on the bottom of an aquatic system such as a lake or a river. alluvium: unconsolidated material deposited by running water, including gravel, sand, silt, clay, biota: the complete flora and fauna of an area and various mixtures of these. from the taxonomic point of view. alpine: characteristic of any lofty mountain or bog: a nutrient-poor, acidic peatland that receives mountain system; implies high elevation, near or water primarily from direct rainfall, with little or above tree line, and a cold, windy climate. no influence of groundwater or runoff; vegetation consists primarily of peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) alvar: a Swedish term to describe barrens and and ericaceous shrubs. grassland vegetation that grows on thin soils over level outcrops of limestone or dolomite bedrock. boreal: describes the circumpolar forest region in the northern hemispher that is generally aquatic bed: a wetland or deepwater habitat dominated by conider tree species; the boreal dominated by plants that grow principally on or forest extends north to the treeless tundra and below the surface of the water for most of the south to the mixed conifer/deciduous forests or growing season in most years. temperate grasslands. aquatic macropbyte: an aquatic plant that is large brackish: describes marine and estuarine waters enough to be visible without magnification by a with moderate salinity, in the range of 0.5 to 18.0 microscope or handlens. ppt dissolved salts. assemblage: a non-committal term for a group of bryophyte: a collective term referring to mosses organisms that live together and can be studied; and liverworts. does not imply any particular scale. calcareous: formed of calcium carbonate or associate: any species that commonly occurs in magnesium carbonate by biological deposition or the same community or assemblage with one inorganic precipitation in sufficient quantities to particular species, is an associate of that species. effervesce carbon dioxide visibly when treated with cold 0.1 normal hydrochloric acid. bar: an elongated landform generated by waves and currents and usually running parallel to the canopy: the aerial branches of terrestrial plants shore, composed predominantly of unconsolidated (usually trees or shrubs), and their complement of sand, gravel, cobbles, or stones, and with water leaves, that form the uppermost layers of on two sides. vegetation in a community; a canopy is said to be complete ( or have 100% cover) when the ground barrens: a depauperate community with either a is completely hidden by the leaves when viewed low canopy coverage or with stunted individuals from above the canopy. of species which elsewhere reach considerable size; this term is applied to both savannas and channel: the bed of a single or braided woodlands. watercourse that commonly is barren of vegetation and is formed of modern alluvium. barrier beach: a narrow, elongate sand ridge rising slightly above the high-tide level and

~~79 GLOSSARY~~

characteristic species: a species that commonly d.b.h.: abbreviation for "diameter at breast occurs in a particular community, although it is height", which describes the diameter of a tree at not necessarily abundant; it may not occur in all a height of 4.5 ft (about 1.4 meters) above the examples of that community, but it may be ground; this measurement is used to estimate expected to occur in at least half the examples. basal area ( cross-sectional area of a tree at the same height), which is a measure of dominance circumnentral: describes water or soil with a pH in forests. of 5.5 to 7.4. den~Uy: term to indicate the number of clay: soil composed of very fine particles (with individuals per unit area. particle sizes less than 0.002 mm). deposition: the laying down of potential rock closed canopy: a forest canopy that has a high forming or soil-forming materials; sedimentation. percent cover; where the ground is completely or almost completey shaded by the canopy. desiccation: the process of becoming completely dry. coarse woody debris: describes the dead woody material in a forested community, such as dimictic: describes a lake that has two periods of standing dead trees, dead branches and twigs, mixing or turnover each year (spring and fall); logs, and stumps. these lakes are thermally stratified in summer, and they freeze over and become inversely coastal plain: any plain of unconsolidated fluvial stratified in winter. or marine sediment which had its margin on the shore of a large body of water, particularly the discharge: total volume of water per unit time ocean. flowing through a channel.

cobble: rock fragments 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to disturbance regime: describes a repeating pattern 25.4 cm) in diameter. of natural disturbance in a community, such as seasonal flooding, daily tidal flooding, periodic codominant: a species with relatively high fires, windthrow, erosion, and ice scouring. abundance or percent cover in a community; two or more species providing roughly equal cover, dominant: a species with the greatest abundance abundance, or influence in a community, and or percent cover in a community; a species with which in combination control the environment of so much cover, abundance, or influence in a the community. community that it controls the environment of the community; a species of great importance in a community: an assemblage of plants and animals community through size, number, or other interacting with one another, occupying a habitat, characters which enable it to receive the brunt of and often modifying the habitat; a variable external environmental forces and modify them assemblage of plant and animal populations before they affect the other members of the sharing a common environment and occurring community; for example, the dominant tree in a repeatedly in the landscape. forest receives the most sunlight and produces the most shade, thus modifying the environment of composition: a term that refers to all the species the forest. that comprise a community and their relative abundances. dwarf: a stunted growth form; for example, dwarf trees are less than 16 ft (4.9 m) tall. conifer: a cone-bearing tree of the pine family (Pinaceae), usually evergreen. dystrophic: describes lake water with a high content of organic matter; brown-water lakes. cover: the amount of ground surface that is covered or shaded by the leaves and stems of a ecosystem: living organisms and their plant species or a group of species in a environment functioning as an interacting unit. community. ecotone: the edge or transition between two cultivated: planted and maintained by people. different communities or ecosystems. cyanobacteria: organisms once known as effluent: liquid outflow from sewage works, "bluegreen algae". factories, farms, etc.

80 GLOSSARY embayment: a bay or a formation resembling a flat: a nearly level landform composed of bay. unconsolidated sediments such as mud or sand, or nearly level expanses of sedimentary rock. emergent: upright, rooted, herbaceous plants that may be temporarily to permanently flooded at the floating plant: a plant that floats freely in the base while the upper portions of the plant grow water or on the water surface and is not erect above the water surface; these plants do not anchored in the substrate; for example, duckweed tolerate prolonged inundation of the entire plant; (Lemna minor). for example, cattail (T;yphil lalifQ/i/1), floating-leaved aquatic: an herbaceous plant that ephemeral: something temporary; used to is rooted in the substrate with some leaves describe intermittently wet areas; see also: spring floating on the water suface; for example, white ephemeral. water lily (Nymphaea odorata). Plants such as yellow water lily (Nuphar luteum) that sometimes epilimnion: the upper, warm, circulating layer of have leaves raised above the water surface are water in a stratified lake. considered either floating-leaved or emergent, depending on their growth habit in a particular epiphytic: describes organisms (especially plants) site or community. that live on the surface of a plant; for example, an alga living on an aquatic plant, or a moss flora: all of the plant species that grow living on the bark of a tree. spontaneously in a particular area; a taxonomic list of species; the size of a flora is determined by ericaceous: describes plants belonging to the the number of species and is not influenced by heath family, the Ericaceae. the number of individuals of each species. erosion: the wearing away of the land surface by forb: an herbaceous plant that is not grass-like, running water, waves, moving ice and wind, or by especially used for broad-leaved herbaceous other geological processes. plants, and may include ferns and fem-allies. eutrophic: relatively rich in nutrients; generally forest: communities formed by trees with a referring to a habitat more nutrient rich than canopy cover of at least 61 percent or more at oligotrophic or mesotrophic habitats; especially maturity, with tree crowns usually interlocked. used for an aquatic system that has a higb concentration of plant nutrients such as nitrogen frequency: a measure of the commonness and and phosphorus, and supports higb plant widespread distribution of plant or animal productivity. individuals in a single example of a community. exemplary: an excellent example. fresh: describes water with salinity less than 0-5 ppt dissolved salts. exotic: an introduced species that is not native to New York State. gradient: a gradually changing factor; especially used for environmental variables, for example, a fauna: all of the animal species that grow in a gradient from wet to dry soils. particular site or area. graminoid: general term for any grass-like plant; feather mosses: term for large mosses that are including grasses (Poaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), pinnately branched and look like feathers or rushes (Juncaceae), and cattails (Typhaceae), as miniature ferns. well as some plants in other families. fen: an open peatland, sometimes with scattered grass: a plant in the grass family (Poaceae). trees, ocurring on minerotrophic sites that receive groundwater which has been in contact with soil grassland: an open canopy community or bedrock, and is richer in mineral-nutrient dominated by graminoids; forbs may be common, elements than rainwater; a peatland that is richer but there are relatively few shrubs and less than in nutrients and less acidic than a bog; vegetation one tree per acre. consists primarily of sedges, grasses, mosses and shrubs.

81 GLOSSARY grass-savanna: an upland community with a hydrology: describes the way water is distributed sparse canopy of trees (from 25 to 60% cover), in the landscape, moves on the ground surface and a groundlayer dominated by graminoids and and underground, and cycles by evaporation, forbs (with less than 50% cover of shrubs). precipitation, and flow. hydrophyte, hydrophytic: describes any plant gravel: a mixture composed primarily of small adapted to growing in water or on a very wet rock fragments 0.1 to 3 inches (2 mm to 7.6 cm) substrate ( one that is at least periodically in diameter. deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water cont~n!}. groundlayer: the herbs, shrubs, and woody vines found beneath the trees in a forest; or the lowest hypolimnion: the deep, cold, lower layer of water layer of vegetation in an open-canopy community. in a stratified lake. groundwater: water found underground in porous impoundment: a pond caused by a darn across a rock strata and soils. stream and used for purposes such as water supply or water power. hardwood: deciduous trees that are not conifers. introduced: describes an exotic species that headward erosion: erosion moving towards the became established in New York State by human headwaters or source of a stream. activities, either intentionally ( such as many cultivated plants) or accidentally; not native. heath shrub: a shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae); an ericaceous shrub. levee: and artificial or natural embankment built along the margin of a watercourse or an arm of heath-like shrub: shrubs that are similar in habit the sea, to protect land from inundation, or an and growth form to heath shrubs but not in the embankment that confines streamflow to its heath family (Ericaceae); broad-leaved, often channel. evergreen shrubs with leathery leaves and a compact growth form. limnetic zone: the open water area of lakes. heathland: a low shrubland dominated by heath litter layer: the uppermost layer of soil; it usually or heath-like shrubs. consists of fresh or partly decomposed organic debris such as fallen leave, twigs, fruits, etc. herb: a plant with no persistent woody stem above ground, as distinct from shrubs and trees; littoral zone: the shallow water wne at the includes graminoids and forbs. interface between the drainage basin land surrounding a lake and the open water of the herbaceous layer: the layer or stratum of lake. vegetation in a community in which herbs are common or dominant; usually the groundlayer. macrophyte: a plant (especially an aquatic plant) large enough to be visible without magnification high-enery waves: rough waves; waves that have by a handlens or microscope. enough energy to move large objects or modify landforms. maritime: describes sites or communities near the ocean and influenced by coastal processes. hollow: a microtopographic depression in a peatland; these can be of various sizes, and marl: an earthy, unconsolidated deposit intermittently with standing water. consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate mixed with clay in approximately equal proportions (35 to hummock: a moss-covered mound in a peatland, 65% of each); formed primarily under freshwater usually less than 40 cm high, and varying from lacustrine conditions, but also deposited by Jess than 1 to more than 10 square meters in decomposing algae in very alkaline wetlands. area; vegetation usually includes some dwarf shrubs, and sometimes includes tall shrubs or marsh: a wet area, periodically inundated with trees. standing or slow-moving water, that has a grassy or herbaceous vegetation and often little peat hydric: term describing areas with wet soils. accumulation.

82 GLOSSARY meadow: an open canopy community with forbs, mudflats: a level landform associated with shores graminoids and shrubs codominant; meadows may that is composed of unconsolidated mud have scattered trees, but there is less than 25% sediments; mudflats may be irregularly shaped or canopy cover of trees. elongate and continuous with the shore. native: describes species that naturally occur in mean high tide: the average height of the high New York State, and were not introduced by tide water over 19 years. human activities; indigenous. meander: one of a series of sumous loo_ps, with naturalized: describes s_pei:ies that were sine-wave form, in the course of a stream introduced into New York State by human channel. activities, and are successfully established and reproducing naturally without cultivation. meromlctic: describes a lake that has no annual periods of mixing and remains chemically nutrient-poor: providing low levels of plant stratified throughout the year. nutrients. mesic: term describing areas with moist, well nutrient-rich: providing high levels of plant drained soils; intermediate between xeric ( dry) nutrients. soils and hydric (wet) soils. oligotrophic: poor to extremely poor in nutrients; mesophytic: term describing vegetation referring to a habitat less nutrient-rich than characteristic of moist, well- drained soils. eutrophic or mesotrophic. mesotrophic: having moderate levels of nutrients; omhrotrophic: rain-fed; used especially to referring to a habitat intermediate in richness indicate peatlancls or portions of peatlands which between eutrophic and oligotrophic. receive water only from precipitation. microtopography: the fine scale topography of a open canopy: with very sparse cover of canopy site. trees; with less than 25% canopy cover. mineral soil: soil with less than 20% organic organic matter: material derived from the decay matter if the mineral fraction contains no clay; or of living organisms. less than 30% organic matter if the mineral fraction contains 50% or more clay. For more organic soil: soil with at least 20% organic information see Appendix D in: Cowardin et al. matter if the mineral fraction contains no clay, or (1979). with at least 30% organic matter ifthe mineral fraction contains 50% or more clay. For more minerotrophic: groundwater-fed; areas influenced details see Appendix D in Cowardin et al. (1979). by water that has been in contact with soil or bedrock, and is richer in mineral-nutrient outcrop: that part of a geologic formation or elements than rainwater. structure that appears at the surface of the earth. monomictic: describes a lake that has one period oxbow: a closely looping stream meander having of mixing or turnover each year. an extreme curvature such that only a neck of land is left between the two parts of the stream. morphometry: describes morphological features of a lake or stream and its included water mass; pack ice: ice formed from ice floes that were includes water depth, surface area, lenth of shore washed onto the shore of a river or lake. line, water volume, and slope and topography of the basin. panne: a low area within a salt marsh ( usually in high salt marsh) that is permanently saturated or mosaic: in a landscape, a complex pattern includes a small pond hole that is permanently composed of different types of communities or filled with water. assemblages that are intermingled. peat: the partially-decayed remains of plant muck: highly decomposed organic material in material accumulating on wet sites because of which the original plant parts are not water-logging; unconsolidated soil material recognizable; contains more mineral matter and consisting of accumulated, undecomposed ( or only is usually darker in color than peat. slightly decomposed) organic matter.

83 GLOSSARY peat moss: any moss in the genus Sphagnum. remnant: a portion or fragment of a pre settlement ecological community remaining after peatland: a wet area in which peat has the destruction of the bulk of the community by accumulated; in this classification, wetlands with human activities such as agricultural, residential, marl substrates are included in peatlands. or commercial development. perched water table: a water table held above rich: describes a nutrient-rich environment; can the regional level by an impermeable or slowly also be used to describe communities with high permeable layer. species diversity. periphytic: describes organisms living on the riffle: a portion of a stream that is shallow and surfaces of submerged plants. has a fast current ( relative to adjacent deeper portions of the stream). The water surface is pH: symbol for units in the measurement of disturbed by the current and may form standing acidity or alkalinity of soil, water, or other waves. substrates. rosette-leaved aquatic: a low-growing aquatic podzolized: describes a type of soil in which plant with leaves arranged in a circular cluster. organic matter, iron, aluminum, a small amount of phosphorus, and sometimes clay, have been rubble: an accumulation of loose angular rock translocated from the upper part of the mineral fragments, commonly overlying a rock outcrop. soil layers to the lower part. run: a portion of a stream that has a moderate polychaetes: a class of segmented marine worms to fast current; the water is deep enough that the including bristleworms, tube-worms, and fan water surface is smooth and unbroken by the worms. water current ( although it may be disturbed by wind). pond hole: a deep panne or low area within a salt marsh that is permanently filled with water; saline: general term for waters containing various pond holes have nearly vertical walls of salt dissolved salts. marsh turf. salinity: the total amount of solid material in pool: in a stream, a portion of the stream that grams contained in 1 kg of water when all the is deep and has a slow current ( relative to carbonate has been converted to oxide, the shallower portions of the stream); the water bromine and iodine replaced by chlorine, and all surface is calm unless disturbed by wind. the organic matter completely oxidized; here expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) dissolved poor: describes a nutrient-poor environment; can salts. also be used to describe communities with low species diversity. sand: composed primarily of coarse-grained mineral sediments with diameters larger than ppt: abbreviation for "parts per thousand". 0.074 mm and smaller than 2 mm. profundal zone: the deep, central area of a lake. sandspit: a small point or narrow embankment of land, consisting of sand deposited by longshore prominent: describes a species with a relatively drifting and having one end attached to the high percent cover or abundance in a community. mainland and the other terminating in open water, usually the sea; a fingerlike extension of quiet water: calm water, not subject to violent the beach. wave action. Secchi disk depth: a measure of the relic: a disjunct community, separated by other transparency of lake water determined by communities from its main geographical range. lowering a round, white or black-and-white disk into the water until it is not visible from above relict: pertaining to surface landscape features the water. that have never been buried and are products of past environments no longer operative in a given sedge: a grasslike herbaceous plant in the family area. Cyperaceae, especially a species of the genus Carex.

~~84 GLOSSARY~~

seepage: lateral water flow through the soil; it than the mean range; the highest high and lowest represents an important source of minerotrophic low tides during the lunar month. water to a peatland. stand: a particular example of a community. semidiurnal tides: tides that occur about every twelve hours, or twice in each tidal day. stone: rock fragments larger than 10 inches (25.4 cm) but less than 24 inches (60.4 cm). shallows: a relatively shallow place in an estuary or other body of water. slalti.lii:d: a term that desIDlx;s tbi; @nditi2_n o[ many temperate lakes during summer and winter shoal: a relatively shallow place in a stream, when layers of water within a lake have different lake, sea, or other body of water; a shallows. temperatures and different circulation patterns; for example, a summer-stratified lake bas an shrub: a perennial, woody plant that differs from upper, circulating layer of warm water that a tree by its low growth form and presence of overlays a lower, cnld layer; these layers are multiple stems or several branches starting at or separated by a relatively thin transition zone or near the ground; a shrub is usually less than 16 thermocline_ feet (5 meters) tall at maturity, and usually has several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems and a structure: the spatial arrangement of vegetation more or less busby appearance. layers within a cnmmunity.

shrubland: a community dominated by woody subcanopy: in a forest community, the tops and perennial shrubs, with more than 50% canopy braches of small trees and tall shrubs that form cover of shrubs, and less than 25% canopy cover a distinct layer beneath the tree canopy and of trees. above the shrublayer.

shru blayer: the layer of vegetation in a sublittoral: the portion of a lake bottom that is community that is dominated by shrubs. intermediate between the peripheral shallows or littoral zone and the deep, cnld, dark profundal shrub-savanna: an upland community with a zone. sparse canopy of trees (from 25 to 60% cover), and a groundlayer that is predominantly shrubby submerged aquatic: an aquatic plant, either (at least 50% cover of shrubs). rooted or non-rooted, which grows entirely beneath the surface of the water, except for the silt: soil composed of fine-grained mineral flowering parts in some species; for example, wild sediments; particles are intermediate in size celery (Va/lisneria americana). between sand and clay (particle sizes between 0.074 and 0.002 mm), and they were carried or substrate: the base material (soil or rocks) in laid down as sediment by moving water. which plants are rooted and from which they obtain nutrients. site: a place or location; not used here in the special sence employed by foresters. subtidal: in tidal wetlands, the permanently flooded area below the lowest tide. slough: a swamp or marsh that is part of an inlet or backwater. successional: describes communities that are changing relatively quickly as new species, usually species diversity: the number of speCJes that more shade-tolerant species, replace the more occur in an area or in a community; species sun-loving species that initially become established richness; not used in this classification to describe after a site is disturbed. species equitability or the relative abundances of species. swamp: a wooded wetland; an area intermittently or permanently covered with water, that has spring ephemeral: spring-flowering plants that shrubs and/or trees. emerge and flower in a forest before the leaves of canopy trees are fully grown, and then wither talus: rock fragments of any size or shape after the canopy leaves shade the forest floor. ( usually coarse and angular) derived from and lying at the base of a cliff or very steep, rock spring tide: tides occurring near the time of full slope; the accumulated mass of this loose broken or new moon, when the range of tides is greater rock formed chiefly by falling, rolling, or sliding.

85 GLOSSARY thermoclloe: the region of rapid temperature vernal: occurring in the spring. transition in a stratified lake. vine: any woody or herbaceous plant which trails, topography: configuration of the land surface. climbes, or creeps as contrasted to those which stand without support. tree: a woody perennial plant, usually having one principal stem or trunk, that has a definite crown wasbover: a deposit of sand caused by storms; of branches and leaves, and characteristically wasbovers occur in low areas along the coast reach.es a mature heighLoLatleast16fL{i~ where a baffler JlSWlily_ protects the__accafromJ.he. _ some species of oak (Quercus ), juniper full force of ocean waves and where storms (Juniperus), willow (Salix) and other plants may occasionally cause masses of sand to be carried grow as either trees or shrubs. over the barrier and onto the protected area (such as a marsh, interdunal swale, or lagoon). tree line: the upper limit of tree growth at high latitudes or at high elevations in mountains; watershed: the area drained by a river or river timberline. system. upland: sites with well-drained soils that are dry woodland: communities composed of trees with to mesic (never hydric). a canopy cover of 26 to 60 percent at maturity. A herbaceous and/or shrub understory is usually uoderstory: the lower layers of vegetation in a present. community; in a forest community, all the vegetation layers beneath the tree canopy and xeric: term describing areas with dry, well subcaoopy. drained soils. vascular plant: plants with a vascular system, including trees, shrubs, and herbs, but not including mosses, lichens, or algae.

~~86 KEY TO SYSIBMS AND SUBSYSIBMS~~

~~APPENDIX C: KEY TO SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS~~

The following key is a tool for identification of communities. This key is designed to help you find the appropriate system and subsystem in the classification for an unknown community. The key is arranged as a series of pairs of choices, and each pair is identified by a letter. Starting with the first pair (A and AA), read both choices of the pair, and select the description that most closely fits the community in question. At the end of each choice is the letter that identifies the next pair of choices to consider, or the name of the.subsystem Continue selecting .. from each subsequent pair.of choices until you reach a subsystem. After you have identified the system and subsystem using this key, read the community descriptions in the main text following the subsystem and select the description that most closely fits the community in question. Keep in mind that there are continuous ecological gradients in the landscape. If an unknown community does not fit well within any one community type described in this classification, it might be best described as intermediate between two community types.

~~A. Underground communities that are never exposed to sunlight (SUBTERRANEAN SYSTEM) ...... B~~

~~AA. Above-ground communities that are usually exposed to some sunlight ...... C~~

~~B. Natural caves and cavities in which the structure and hydrology have not been substantially modified by human activities and native species are dominant ...... NATURAL CAVES~~

BB. Artificial underground structures or cavities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence lo such a degree that the physical structure, hydrology, and species composition are substantially different from the structure, hydrology, and species composition of the site as it existed prior to human influence ...... SUBTERRANEAN CULTURAL

C. Aquatic or wetland communities: communities that are in water all year; or have wet soils all year; or are regularly flooded every day (such as flooded by tidal waters); or are regularly flooded at one or more seasons of the year (such as flooded in spring) and have predominantly hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soils ...... D

CC. Upland communities: communities on soils that are well-drained and never regularly flooded; or on soils that are usually well-drained and not hydric, lack predominantly hydrophytic vegetation, but may be regularly flooded for a short time each year (TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM) .... R

~~D. Tidal aquatic or wetland communities with some direct hydrological connection to the open ocean, and with regular, daily water level fluctuations caused by ocean tides ...... E~~

DD. Non-tidal aquatic or wetland communities that are not directly connected to the open ocean, or if directly connected, then upstream from the influence of regular, daily water level fluctuations caused by ocean tides ...... J

E. Marine communities: aquatic or wetland communities of the open ocean overlying the continental shelf, its associated high-energy coastline, and shallow coastal indentations or bays lacking significant inflow of fresh water, with water salinity exceeding 18.0 parts per thousand (ppt) ocean-derived salts (MARINE SYSTEM) ...... F

EE. Estuarine communities: aquatic or wetland communities of deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are usually semienclosed but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to open ocean or tidal fresh waters, with water salinity usually less than 18.0 ppt ocean-derived salts (ESTUARINE SYSTEM) ...... • ...... H

~~87 KEY TO SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS~~

~~F. Natural marine communities in which the substrate, hydrology, and species composition have not been substantially modified by human activities, or where native species are dominant . . . . G~~

FF. Disturbed or artificial marine communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical structure, hydrology, and species composition are substantially different from the structure, hydrology, and species composition of the site as it existed prior to human influence ...... MARINE CULTURAL

G. Aquatic marine communities of the subtidal zone, which is permanently flooded with tidal ocean waters, and occurs in the area below the lowest tide where the substrate is continuously submerged by ocean waters ...... MARINE SUBTIDAL

GG. Marine communities of the intertidal zone, which is located between the highest tide level and the lowest tide level where the substrate is periodically exposed and flooded by semidiumal tides (two high tides and two low tides per tidal day) ...... MARINE INTERTIDAL

~~H. Natural estuarine communities in which the substrate, hydrology, and species composition have not been substantially modified by human activities, or where native species are dominant . . . . . I~~

HH. Disturbed or artificial estuarine communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical structure, hydrology, and species composition are substantially different from the structure, hydrology, and species composition of the site as it existed prior to human influence ...... ESTUARINE CULTURAL

I. Aquatic estuarine communities of the subtidal zone, which is permanently flooded with tidal waters, and occurs in the area below the lowest tide where the substrate is continuously submerged by tidal waters ...... ESTUARINE SUBTIDAL

IL Estuarine communities of the intertidal zone, which is located between the highest tide level and the lowest tide level where the substrate is periodically exposed and flooded by semidiurnal tides (two high tides and two low tides per tidal day) ...... ESTUARINE INTERTIDAL

J. Aquatic communities of streams, lakes, or ponds, in those portions of the streams, lakes, or ponds that are characterized by lack of persistent emergent vegetation, although they may have submerged or floating-leaved aquatic vegetation ...... K

JJ. Wetland comm unities that are characterized by persistent emergent vegetation, including wetlands that are permanently saturated by seepage, permanently flooded wetlands, and wetlands that are seasonally or intermittently flooded (these may be seasonally dry) if the vegetative cover is predominantly hydrophytic and soils are hydric (PALUSTRINE SYSTEM) ...... N

K. Aquatic communities of a flowing, non-tidal stream, in portions of the stream that lack persistent emergent vegetation, but may include areas with submerged or floating-leaved aquatic vegetation (RIVERINE SYSTEM) ...... L

KK. Aquatic communities of a lake or pond in a topographic depression or dammed river channel, in portions of the lake or pond that lack persistent emergent vegetation, but may include areas with submerged or floating-leaved aquatic vegetation (LACUSTRINE SYSTEM) ...... M

~~88 KEY TO SYSI'EMS AND SUBSYSI'EMS~~

L. Aquatic communities of streams in which the stream flow, morphometry, and water chemistry have not been substantially modified by human activities, or native species are dominant ...... NATURAL STREAMS

LL. Aquatic comm unities of disturbed streams or artificial channels that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the stream flow, morphometry, and water chemistry are substantially different from the flow, morphometry, and chemistry of the site as it existed prior to human influence ...... •...... RIVERINE CULTURAL

M. Aquatic communities of lakes and ponds in which the trophic state, morphometry, and water chemistry have not been substantially modified by human activities, or native species are dominant ...... NATURAL LAKES AND PONDS

MM.Aquatic communities of disturbed or artificial lakes and ponds that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the trophic state, morphometry, and water chemistry are substantially different from the trophic state, morphometry, and chemistry of the site as it existed prior to human influence ...... LACUSTRINE CULTURAL

N. Natural wetland communities in which the physical structure of the substrate, hydrology, or species composition is not substantially modified by human activities, or wetlands where native species are dominant ...... 0

NN. Disturbed or artificial wetland communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical structure of the substrate, hydrology, and species composition are substantially different from the substrate, hydrology, and composition of the site as it existed prior to human influence; exotic species may be dominant ...... PALUSTRINE CULTURAL

0. Peatlands: wetlands in which the substrate primarily consists of accumulated peat (partly decomposed plant material such as mosses, sedges, and shrubs) or marl (organically derived or chemically precipitated calcium carbonate deposits), with little or no mineral soil; characterized by continuous saturation of the peat (despite water table fluctuations) caused by either capillary action of the peat or constant water seepage; continuous saturation allows little aeration of the substrate, slowing decomposition of plant litter, and resulting in accumulation of peat or a mixture of peat and marl ...... •.....•...... P

00. Wetlands in which the substrate primarily consists of mineral soil, bedrock, or fine-grained organic soils (muck or well-decomposed peat); fluctuating water levels allow enough aeration of the substrate to allow plant litter to decompose, so there is little or no accumulation of peat . Q

~~P. Peatlands with less than 50% canopy cover of trees; the dominant vegetation may include shrubs, herbs, or mosses ...... OPEN PEATLANDS~~

~~PP. Peatlands with at least 50% canopy cover of trees; the understory may include shrubs, herbs, and mosses ...... FORESTED PEATLANDS~~

~~89 KEY TO SYSIEMS AND SUBSYSIEMS~~

Q. Wetlands with less than 50% canopy cover of trees; the dominant vegetation may include shrubs or herbs; substrates range from mineral soils or bedrock, to well-decomposed organic muck ...... OPEN MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS

QQ. Wetlands with at least 50% canopy cover of trees; the understory may include shrubs, herbs, and mosses; substrates range from mineral soils or bedrock, to well-decomposed organic muck ...... FORESTED MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS

R. Natural upland communities in which the physical structure ofthe substrate, or species composition have not been substantially modified by human activities, or where native species are dominant ...... s

RR. Disturbed or artificial upland communities that are either created and maintained by human activities, or are modified by human influence to such a degree that the physical structure of the substrate, or species composition are substantially different from the substrate and composition of the site as it existed prior to human influence; exotic species may be dominant ...... TERRESTRIAL CULTURAL

~~S. Open communities with less than 25% canopy cover of trees; the dominant species are shrubs, herbs, or cryptogammic plants (mosses, lichens, etc.) ...... OPEN UPLANDS~~

~~SS. Wooded communities, with at least 25% canopy cover of trees ...... T~~

~~T. Forests: communities with more than 60% canopy cover of trees; substrates are deep to shallow soils that include less than 50% rock outcrop or very shallow soil over bedrock ...... FORESTED UPLANDS~~

TT. Wooded upland communities that are structurally intermediate between forested uplands and open canopy uplands; includes communities with a sparse canopy of trees (25 to 60% cover) and a groundlayer that is predominantly either grassy or shrubby; wooded communities dominated by stunted or dwarf trees (less than 16 ft or 4.9 m tall); and wooded communities with soils that include at least 50% rock outcrop or very shallow soil over bedrock ...... BARRENS AND WOODLANDS

~~90 INDEX~~

Acidic talus slope woodland ...... 52 Acidified lake ...... 19 Acidified stream ...... 12 Allegheny oak forest ...... 55 Alpine krummholz ...... 50 Alpine meadow ...... 42 Alvar grassland ...... 42 Appalachian oak-hickory forest ...... 55 Appal?chian oak-pine _forest ...... 56 Aquatic cave commun1ty • -· ...... , , • , , . . . 68_ Artificial beach ...... 65 Artificial pool ...... 20 Backwater slough ...... 11 Balsam flats ...... 60 BARRENS AND WOODLANDS ...... 45 Basement /building foundation ...... 69 Beech-maple mesic forest ...... 57 Black spruce-tamarack bog ...... 36 Bog lake ...... 15 Boreal heath barrens ...... 48 Brackish intertidal mudflats ...... 6 Brackish intertidal shore ...... 7 Brackish subtidal aquatic bed ...... 4 Brackish tidal marsh ...... 6 Brushy cleared land ...... 65 Calcareous cliff community ...... 43 Calcareous pavement barrens ...... 49 Calcareous shoreline outcrop ...... 41 Calcareous talus slope woodland ...... 51 Canal ...... 12 Chestnut oak forest . • ...... 56 Cliff community ...... 43 Coastal plain Atlantic white cedar swamp ...... 34 Coastal plain pond shore ...... 24 Coastal plain pond ...... 19 Coastal plain poor fen ...... 29 Coastal plain stream ...... 12 Coastal salt pond ...... 6 Cobble shore ...... 41 Cobble shore wet meadow ...... 23 Conifer plantation . . • . . . . . • ...... 64 Construction/road maintenance spoils ...... 66 Cropland/field crops ...... 63 Cropland/row crops ...... 63 Cultural eutrophic lake ...... 20 Deep emergent marsh ...... 22 Ditch/artificial intermittent stream ...... 12 Dredge spoil lake shore ...... 66 Dredge spoil wetland ...... 37 Dredge spoils ...... 66 Dwarf pine plains ...... • ...... 46 Dwarf pine ridges ...... 46 Dwarf shrub bog ...... 30 Estuarine channel/artificial impoundment ...... 8 ESTUARINE CULTURAL ...... 8 Estuarine ditch ...... 8 Estuarine dredge spoil shore ...... 9 Estuarine impoundment marsh ...... 9 ESTUARINE INTERTIDAL ...... 4 Estuarine riprap/ artificial shore ...... 9

~~91 INDEX~~

ESTUARINE SUBTIDAL ...... · , , · 3 ESTUARINE SYSTEM ...... 3 Eutrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 Eutrophic pond ...... · , , 19 Farm pond/artificial pond ...... 20 Floodplain forest ...... 31 Flower /herb garden ...... , . 63 FORESTED MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS ...... 31 FORESTED PEATLANDS ...... 33 FORESTED UPLANDS ...... 54 Freshwatei intertidal muaflats ...... -s Freshwater intertidal shore ...... 8 Freshwater subtidal aquatic bed ...... 4 Freshwater tidal marsh ...... 7 Freshwater tidal swamp ...... 7 Gravel mine ...... 65 Great Lakes aquatic bed ...... 14 Great Lakes deepwater community ...... 14 Great Lakes dunes ...... 38 Great Lakes exposed shoal ...... 15 Hardwood plantation ...... 63 Hemlock-hardwood swamp ...... 33 Hemlock-northern hardwood forest ...... 58 Hempstead Plains grassland ...... 40 Herbicide-sprayed roadside/pathway ...... 64 High salt marsh ...... 4 Highbush blueberry bog thicket ...... 31 Ice cave talus community ...... 51 Impounded marsh ...... 37 Impounded swamp ...... 37 Industrial cooling pond ...... 21 Industrial effluent stream ...... , ...... 13 Inland Atlantic white cedar swamp ...... 34 Inland calcareous lake shore ...... 23 Inland non-calcareous lake shore ...... 24 Inland poor fen ...... 28 Inland salt marsh ...... 25 Inland salt pond ...... 18 Interior of barn/agricultural building ...... 67 Interior of non-agricultural building ...... 67 Intermittent stream . . • . . . . . • ...... 12 Junkyard ...... 66 LACUSTRINE CULTURAL ...... 19 LACUSTRINE SYSTEM ...... 14 Landfill/dump ...... 66 Limestone woodland ...... 50 Low salt marsh ...... 5 Main channel stream ...... 11 Maple-basswood rich mesic forest ...... 58 MARINE CULTURAL ...... 2 Marine deepwater community .•...... 1 Marine dredge spoil shore ...... 2 Marine eelgrass meadow ...... 1 MARINE INTERTIDAL ...... 1 Marine intertidal gravel/sand beach ...... 1 Marine intertidal mudflats ...... 1 M".arme r1prap /ifi"alhart let s ore ...... 2 Marine rocky intertidal . , • , , • , . , ...... 2 Marine submerged artificial structure/reef ...... 2 MARINE SUBTIDAL ...... 1

~~92 INDEX~~

MARINE SYSTEM 1 Maritime beach ...... 38 Maritime dunes ...... •...... 39 Maritime grassland ...... 40 Maritime heathland ...... 39 Maritime interdunal swales ...... 24 Maritime oak forest ...... 54 Maritime oak-holly forest ...... 54 Maritime red cedar forest ...... 54 Maritime shrubland ...... 39 Mail fen ...... · . · 26 Marl pond ...... 18 Marl pond shore ...... 26 Marsh headwater stream ...... 10 Medium fen ...... 28 Meromictic lake ...... 18 Mesotrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 Midreach stream ...... 11 Mine/artificial cave community ...... 68 Mine spoil wetland ...... 37 Mine spoils ...... 66 Mountain fir forest ...... 61 Mountain spruce-fir forest ...... 60 Mowed lawn ...... 64 Mowed lawn with trees ...... 64 Mowed roadside/pathway ...... 64 NATURAL CAVES ...... 68 NATURAL LAKES AND PONDS ...... 14 NATURAL STREAMS ...... 10 Northern white cedar swamp ...... 35 Northern white cedar rocky summit ...... 53 Oak openings ...... 49 Oak-tulip tree forest ...... 56 Oligotrophic dimictic lake ...... 16 Oligotrophic pond ...... 19 OPEN MINERAL SOIL WETLANDS ...... 22 OPEN PEATLANDS ...... 25 OPEN UPLANDS ...... 38 Orchard ...... 63 Oxbow lake •...... 18 PALUSTRINE CULTURAL ...... 36 PALUSTRINE SYSTEM ...... 22 Pastureland ...... · · · · . · · · · · · · · · 63 Patterned peatland ...... 30 Paved road/path ...... 65 Perched bog ...... 29 Perched swamp white oak swamp ...... 32 Pine barrens shrub swamp ...... 25 Pine barrens vernal pond ...... 25 Pine plantation ...... 63 Pine-northern hardwood forest ...... 59 Pitch pine-blueberry peat swamp ...... 35 Pitch pine-heath barrens ...... 48 Pitch pine-oak forest ...... 54 Pitch pine-oak-heath rocky summit ...... 52 Pitch pine-oak-heath woodland ...... 47 Pitch pine-scrub oak barrens ...... 47 Quarry pond ...... 20 Red cedar rocky summit ...... 53 Red maple-hardwood swamp ...... 32

~~93 INDEX~~

Red maple-tamarack peat swamp ...... 34 Reedgrass/purple loosestrife marsh ...... 37 Reservoir/artificial impoundment ...... 20 Reverted drained muckland ...... 37 Rich graminoid fen ...... 27 Rich hemlock-hardwood peat swamp ...... 36 Rich mesophytic forest ...... 57 Rich shrub fen ...... 28 Rich sloping fen ...... 27 Riprap/artificial lake shore ...... 65 Rtprap/eroston conttot roadstde ...... 65 RIVERINE CULTURAL ...... 12 RIVERINE SYSTEM ...... 10 Riverside ice meadow ...... 40 Riverside sand/gravel bar ...... 41 Roadcut cliff/slope ...... 65 Rock quarry ...... 65 Rocky headwater stream ...... 10 Rocky summit grassland ...... 44 Rural structure exterior ...... 67 Salt panne ...... 5 Salt shrub ...... 4 Sand beach ...... 38 Sand mine ...... 65 Sandstone pavement barrens ...... 48 Sedge meadow ...... 26 Serpentine barrens ...... 45 Sewage treatment pond ...... 21 Sewer ...... 68 Shale cliff and talus community ...... 44 Shale talus slope woodland ...... 52 Shallow emergent marsh ...... 22 Shoreline outcrop ...... 41 Shrub swamp ...... 23 Silver maple-ash swamp ...... 32 Sinkhole wetland ...... 24 Spruce/fir plantation ...... 64 Spruce flats ...... 59 Spruce-fir rocky summit ...... 53 Spruce-fir swamp ...... 33 Spruce-northern hardwood forest ...... 60 SUBTERRANEAN CULTURAL ...... 68 SUBTERRANEAN SYSTEM ...... 68 S uccessional blueberry heath ...... 44 Successional fern meadow ...... 44 Successional maritime forest ...... 62 Successional northern hardwoods ...... 61 Successional old field ...... • ...... 44 Successional red cedar woodland ...... 53 Successional shrubland ...... 45 Successional southern hardwoods ...... 62 Summer-stratified monomictic lake ...... 17 Talus cave community ...... 68 Terrestrial cave community ...... 68 TERRESTRIAL CULTURAL ...... 62 TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM ...... 38 Tidal creek ...... 3 Tidal river ...... 3 Tunnel ...... 68 Unpaved road/path ...... 65

~~94 INDEX~~

~~Urban structure exterior ...... 66 Urban vacant lot ...... 66 Vernal pool ...... 32 Vineyard ...... 63 Water recharge basin ...... 37 Winter-stratified monomictic lake ...... 17~~

~~95 Eas~ern Adlr4)ndack Tranjsltlon~~

~~Tacor.-c GREAT / Mourt!tl.-.~~

~~ens~alaer Hills '.~~

~~TACONIC HIGHLAt,IDS~~

~~ECOZONES~~

~~m.k.b. Habitat Inventory Unit '., CLINTON~~

~~FRANKLIN ST LAWRENCE~~

~~ESSEX~~

~~LEWIS~~

~~• HAMILTON 1 n ' ' ~ WARREN ______~ OSWEGO HERKIMER '~~

f ~:c;-ARA !ORLEANS-;----~ ~ y 1_ 0.. WASl-!lNGTON 1 MONROE I WAYNE I - v'~~ ---,,_ , ONEIDA ~ -~ - -~ C~\'UGf ",~~ ) FULTON ___ $ARATOGA 1 ~ GENESEE - L__ - -) ": \ 1 i : 1 /-1 ------,- ~ I ·pNONDAGA ! -, ~J , 1----_____, 1 ONTARIO I I I --,, ...: ~ONTG0MERY , ._ , 1 .,.,..) ERIE j LIYINGST4 ______jENEqf\ L., ___ _J MADISON -J ~. - - __SC:\ff'NECTAOy,, / WYOMING,' I___ .' ' ' 1------~- 1 ---:__J ----- RENSSEtAER

~~..,~, I f __ ~ j ~~ES ·1 ~ ---, fHENANGO f SCHOHARIE I // '-~____...... ------,- 1--'--- 't-. r--6- CQl.RTLAND1. 1' OTSEGO ALBANY / I --i -' T MPKINS I~~

~~!'CHAUTAUQUA 1ALLEGANY II S -~~'=-~~ -- __'fl - ,1 , ___ / GREENE 1 I STEUBEN ----c_' TioGA __J COLUMBIA iCATTARAUGUS ) J DELAWARE ______.. HEMUNG'1 1 BROOME l 1 ULSTER~~

~~DUTCHE:SS SULLIVAN~~

~~ORANGE~~

~~COUNTIES OF NEW YORK STATE~~

~~KINGS~~