_______________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT BIRD AREA CONSERVATION PLAN NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST- East and West Blocks ________________________________________________________________________ February 2012 Prepared by: Buzz Devine Ornithologist Plymouth, CT Dedication The Naugatuck State Forest Important Bird Area Conservation Plan is dedicated to the memory of Ed Jurzynski, a Beacon Falls resident and active member of the Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society, who worked tirelessly in his efforts to see the Naugatuck State Forest recognized as an IBA. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This plan was written with the assistance of several key individuals. Kate Elsishans provided expertise with design and construction of the more complex tables and assisted with research. Staff from The Connecticut State Library, and particularly, Denise Jernigan, was very helpful tracking down historical documents related to the Naugatuck River Valley. Wendy Howes reviewed and edited much of the earlier draft and provided numerous suggestions to improve the overall format and content, and Denise Jernigan did a final review. Geographic information and mapping was prepared by Kate Moran, GISP. Numerous individuals from the Connecticut Department of Environment Protection (CTDEP) supplied technical information within their specific areas of regulatory, wildlife, or fisheries expertise. These individuals include: Karen Zyko, Dawn McKay, Jenny Dickson, Laurie Saucier, Peter Picone, and Shannon Kearney-McGee of the Wildlife Division; Paul Hassler of the Waste Management Bureau; and, Tim Barry from the Inland Fisheries Division. Ms Kearney-McGee was particularly helpful supplying information and maps related to the Whip-poor-will research and avian surveys. Other CTDEP staff contributing information include: Donna Seresin, Carol Smith, Geoffrey Krukar, Min Huang, and Paul Rothbart. Several other individuals who answered questions are acknowledged directly in the text. Special acknowledgement must be given to Gerald Milne, CTDEP State Forester. Mr. Milne offered much assistance related to technical forestry issues; took time for several meetings; provided maps, documents, and other relevant information; answered numerous inquiries; and, reviewed the draft conservation plan. His help and assistance was invaluable to the successful completion of this project. Anthony (Tony) Johnson of Northeast Utilities provided a copy of the company’s management plan for the utility’s rights-of-way and was quite helpful answering questions about maintenance and management procedures. Roy Harvey was kind enough to provide a section of the Oxford Christmas Bird Count map presented in Appendix J. Gary Haine, Aquarion Water Company helped clarify historic information related to the Seymour Water Company and the reservoir property. A friend and former colleague, Tim Carr, Environmental Manager, GeoDesign LLC offered helpful suggestions and assistance with formatting and answered several questions related to geology of the area. Finally, Bill Moorhead’s extensive knowledge of Connecticut’s flora and critical habitats enlightened me with his expert assistance. Mr. Moorhead helped identify and/or confirmed the identification of numerous plants and several critical habitats found during site surveys. I also appreciate the stakeholders who responded to the IBA questionnaire and/or reviewed and commented on the draft Conservation Plan. Individuals answering the questionnaire included: Milan Bull, Connecticut Audubon; Greg Hanisek; Roy Harvey; Mark Szantyr; and, Sophie Zyla. Stakeholders providing comments related to plan review include: Audubon Connecticut; Bill Urban, Naugatuck Valley Audubon; Twan Leenders, Connecticut Audubon; Gerald Milne, CTDEP; Jeffery Ward, CT Agricultural Experiment Station; Greg Hanisek; Sophie Zyla; and Jeff Ruhloff. Anthony Zemba conducted the final peer review of the Conservation Plan, and offered extensive and thoughtful commentary, particularly on forestry issues. The author also acknowledge the assistance of Patrick Comins, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Connecticut, for his help and assistance during the early stages of the planning process and throughout the completion of the final product. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... viii 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 2.0 THE IMPORTANT BIRD AREA PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 3 3.0 SITE BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................................. 4 3.2 Historical Use .................................................................................................................................... 8 3.3 Abutting and Proximal Lands ......................................................................................................... 10 3.4 Stakeholders .................................................................................................................................... 12 4.0 NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY ............................................................................................. 16 4.1 Designation as an IBA .................................................................................................................... 16 4.2 Abiotic Features .............................................................................................................................. 16 4.2.1 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... 16 4.2.2 Topography .............................................................................................................................. 17 4.2.3 Water Features ......................................................................................................................... 18 4.2.4 Water Quality ........................................................................................................................... 18 4.2.5 Wastes Disposal Sites .............................................................................................................. 22 4.2.6 Bedrock Geology ..................................................................................................................... 22 4.2.7 Surficial Geology ..................................................................................................................... 23 4.2.8 Soils.......................................................................................................................................... 26 4.3 Land Use/Land Cover ..................................................................................................................... 26 4.4 Vegetation - Habitats and Natural Communities ............................................................................ 29 4.4.1 Forest Habitat ........................................................................................................................... 29 4.4.1.1 Deciduous Forest............................................................................................................... 33 4.4.1.2 Coniferous Forest ................................................................................................................ 34 4.4.2 Early Successional Habitats ..................................................................................................... 35 4.4.2.1 Grasslands ......................................................................................................................... 36 4.4.2.2 Shrublands ......................................................................................................................... 38 4.4.2.3 Forest Clearings and Wildlife Openings ........................................................................... 39 4.4.2.4 Rocky Summits and Outcrops (Barrens and Glades) ........................................................ 40 4.4.3 Lacustrine Systems - Reservoirs .............................................................................................. 43 4.4.4 Riverine Systems – Perennial and Intermittent Streams .......................................................... 45 4.4.5 Palustrine Systems - Wildlife Impoundment and Other Ponds ................................................ 46 4.4.6 Palustrine Systems - Vernal Pools, Wet Seeps, and Fire Ponds .............................................. 47 4.4.7 Palustrine Systems - Forested Wetland - Red Maple Swamp .................................................. 49 4.4.8 Palustrine Systems - Shrub Swamp Wetland ........................................................................... 50 4.5 Avian Species Information.............................................................................................................. 50 4.6 Avian Species Overview ................................................................................................................. 50 4.7 Avian Species of Conservation Priority or Concern ......................................................................