Riparian ecosystems are interfaces that link …€¦ · Web viewTitle Riparian ecosystems are interfaces that link terrestrial and aquatic systems through an entanglement of ecological

Little Chazy River Riparian Biodiversity Assessment

Plant Community Survey

2008 Season Report

SUNY Plattsburgh

in cooperation with

TNC Adirondack Chapter/Champlain Valley Program.

April 2009

Submitted by:

Dr. Chris Martine (Principal Investigator), Dept. Biological Sciences, SUNY Plattsburgh ([email protected])

Collaborators: Dr. Ken Adams, Center for Earth and Environmental Science, SUNY PlattsburghMatthew Soranno, Natural Sciences Graduate Program, SUNY PlattsburghJillian Post, Center for Earth and Environmental Science, SUNY PlattsburghTom Berry, TNC

Partners:Dr. Tim Mihuc, Lake Champlain Research Institute, SUNY PlattsburghDr. David Franzi, SUNY PlattsburghDave Jaffe, Field Naturalist Program, University of Vermont Steve Kramer, Miner Institute

Table of Contents

Project summary………………………………………………………………………... 3

Literature review………………………………………………………………………...4

Project overview and objectives………………………………………………………...8

Experimental design………………………..…………………………………………..10

Plant community data analysis……………………………………………………...…16

Results (Importance)………………….………………………..………………………17

Results (Ordinations)…………………………………………………………………..20

Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………..30

Buffer recommendations………………………………………………………………32

Project dissemination……………………………………….………………………….36

References………………………………………………………………………………37

Appendix 1. Canopy cover percentages………………………………………………40

Appendix 2. List of species recorded in each site…………………………………….41

Appendix 3. Records for aquatic insects collected in survey sites…………………..55

Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………..56

Figures

Figure 1. Watershed map showing survey locations. …………………………………..10

Figure 2. Nested sampling strategy for riparian plant community surveys…............…..14

Figures 3-12. Ordination plots……………………………………………………….20-29

Little Chazy River Plant Community Survey 2008 Season Report, SUNY PlattsburghPage 2 of 56

Summary

The Little Chazy River is a 45-km long watercourse in the Lake Champlain basin with

headwaters in the eastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Land use along the river

varies from minimally-managed and largely undisturbed conservation holdings to high-

intensity agriculture. This latter use has inspired ongoing long-term research by faculty at

SUNY Plattsburgh on nutrient loading and hydrology in the watershed, which in itself

has led to a call for improvements in riparian buffer plantings. As a means to define the

appropriate native species for buffer plantings, community sampling and surveys were

conducted in 22 riparian habitats spanning the length of the river. Diversity and

abundance of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees were determined in the riparian areas

using sample lines/transects with a nested plot design. Multivariate ordination found that

some riparian plant communities mirror shifts in geology, soils, and elevation; and that

certain elements of these communities can be defined as functional species groups for

specific reaches of the river. These core species groups can now be used to inform buffer

planting recommendations made to owners of agricultural lands bordering the river. We

recommend further work in other reaches of the watershed to provide greater resolution

of the plant communities associated with the Little Chazy River. Additional surveys are

planned for summer 2009. The plant community survey work was funded by the

Environmental Benefit Program, administered by TNC Adirondack Chapter/Champlain

Valley Program, and carried out by a team of faculty and students from SUNY

Plattsburgh.


Literature Review (M. Soranno)

Riparian ecosystems are interfaces linking terrestrial and aquatic systems through

an entanglement of environmental gradients, ecological processes and community

assemblages (Gregory et al., 1991; Naiman et al., 1992; Spackman and Hughes, 1995).

These zones or corridors occupy the edges of ephemeral, intermittent and perennial

bodies of water such as streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands (Knopf et al., 1988; Gregory

et al., 1991; Naiman et al., 1992). As ecotones, riparian zones radically affect the

physical, chemical and biological processes that take place within the immediate

downstream and upstream aquatic ecosystems (Gregory et al., 1991; Shandas, 2007).

These interrelations persist throughout the landscape with variable intensity in space and

time (Gregory et al., 1991; Naiman et al., 1992).

Intact riparian ecosystems are considered to be some of the most diverse, dynamic

and complex terrestrial habitats (Gregory et al., 1991, Naiman et al., 1992; Naiman and

Decamps 1997) The high biodiversity-habitat ratio is a product of the heterogeneous

geomorphology of these relatively small, fluvial corridors. This heterogeneity results

from the natural disturbance regime found in these areas. Hydrological disturbances,

such as water level fluctuations, are most prevalent (Planty-Tabacchi et al., 1996). The

biodiversity-habitat ratio exceeds those of other ecological communities found in

comparatively sized areas (Becker et al., 2006).

Riparian corridors consist of relatively mesic plant communities, supporting

faunas that exist between aquatic and upland ecosystems. Metaphorically, these

vegetation corridors are referred to as the “aorta of an ecosystem” (Knopf et al., 1988).

This function is analogous to an aorta because riparian zones are vital integrating systems


of the landscape. These corridors act as biological highways (Knopf et al., 1988;

Gregory et al., 1991; Spackman and Hughes, 1995).

High levels of biodiversity have been detected in multiples studies focusing on

riparian vegetation (reviewed by Naiman et al., 1992). Riparian vegetation supports

biodiversity by providing an array of habitat and ecological services (Naiman et al.,

1992); and also regulates solar radiation and temperature regimes (Bedford et al., 1999;

Gregory et al., 1991), provides nourishment to aquatic and terrestrial biota, acts as a

source of large woody debris influencing stream and sediment flow (Gregory et al., 1991;

Bedford et al., 1999; Endreny, 2002; Lee et al., 2004), and acts as a sink for nutrient

uptake from upland systems (Gregory et al., 1991; Bedford et al., 1999; Endreny, 2002).

All riparian functions are directly related to the size of the stream, position of the

stream in the drainage basin and local geomorphology (Naiman et al., 1997). Riparian

plant communities are spatially impacted by the zone’s landforms. However, the

relationship is mutual as the vegetation influences the development of geomorphic

surfaces. For example, plant roots work at- and belowground to prevent erosion while

aboveground stems and woody debris of waterside vegetation form rough surfaces that

retard erosive forces (Gregory et al., 1991; Lee et al., 2004).

Planty-Tabacchi et al. (1996) reviewed ongoing research supporting the concept

that riparian ecosystems are highly susceptible to invasion of non-native species. The

shift in plant species composition can alter ecosystem integrity, with consequences for

associated biota. For example, the loss of native vegetation and decrease in floral

diversity can be mirrored by a decline in the invertebrate community. Invasions of

knotweed (Polygonum japonicum) in riparian ecosystems have been linked to lower


abundances of invertebrates as native plant species are displaced (Knopf et al., 1988;

Gerber et al., 2007). Riparian corridors are known to contribute to biotic and abiotic

dispersal of invasive species into intact communities (Knopf et al., 1988; Gregory et al.,

1991; Planty-Tabacchi et al., 1996; Gerber et al., 2007).

Vegetation communities in riparian habitats are commonly referred to as buffer

zones because of their ability to mitigate activities that might otherwise compromise the

integrity of associated aquatic systems. Generally, the word “buffer” means to lessen,

absorb or stabilize. Ecologically, a buffer is understood as a natural “shield” that

prevents harmful or undesired substances from penetrating an area, watershed or river,

thus helping to sustain proper functioning of said ecosystem. Nitrogen and phosphorus

are two leading agricultural pollutants of concern for the northeastern region of the

United States (Endreny, 2002).

The Little Chazy River (LCR) is watercourse in the Lake Champlain basin,

approximately 45 km long, with tributaries that surface in the eastern foothills of the

Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. The riparian ecosystems that border the

Little Chazy River have been subjected to an on-going degradation affecting their

integrity, the main cause being anthropogenic activity (agriculture, housing

development). These anthropogenic activities become more prevalent from the head

tributaries to where the river discharges into Lake Champlain. It is well understood that

the reduction of riparian zones greatly affects biotic and abiotic components of adjacent

aquatic ecosystems, as well as those upstream and downstream. However, effects

derived from the diminishing integrity have the potential to radiate throughout all

ecosystems within the watershed (Gregory et al., 1991).


In the Champlain Valley, a major concern is the input of pesticides, herbicides,

and other unwanted minerals into active channels that eventually outlet into Lake

Champlain. The intentional displacement of riparian vegetation, motivated by short-term

agricultural benefits, can lead to an absence of buffer zones where they are needed most.

Where agricultural fields are plowed to the channel’s edge and riparian vegetation is

removed, nutrient inputs have the potential to be at their highest levels. Studies

concerning the relationship between water quality and forested buffer strips are abundant.

For example, the Catskill and Delaware watershed, responsible for supplying New York

City with 90 percent of it drinking water, has been proposed as a model for the concept

that forested buffer strips are more efficient and less expensive to manage than water

filtration plants (Endreny, 2002).

In comparison with the U.S Pacific Northwest, the riparian management

objectives in the northeastern region are usually not linked to facilitating late successional

development. The northeastern prerogative is typically focused upon restoring riparian

vegetation to stabilize banks and filter pollutants (Sweeney et al., 2004; Keeton, et al.,

2007), a primary objective of our work on the Little Chazy River.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) addresses issues of riparian degradation by

communicating with and educating landowners, and by advocating for the restoration and

maintenance of riparian corridors on properties adjacent to active channels. Part of

TNC’s mission is to inform landowners on how to achieve the recommended objectives

and to mediate these practices.


Project overview and objectives

This project is an extension of the “Little Chazy River Watershed Nutrient-Runoff

Abatement Program” headed by Dr. David Franzi, SUNY Plattsburgh, funded by the

Environmental Benefit Program, and administered by the Nature Conservancy. The

project calls for TNC to survey and assess plant and animal communities and ecosystem

functions of the riparian zone for a number of reference reaches. The work complements

water quality and hydrologic measurements taken as part of the core project and allows

TNC to make recommendations for optimal ecosystem functions as part of agricultural

water quality buffers. This report details the results of the plant community element of

the project, separate from the related work done by Dave Jaffe of the University of

Vermont.

Under the advisement of the project leaders, Drs. Chris Martine and Ken Adams,

two SUNY Plattsburgh students were hired for eight weeks from May to July to conduct

the surveys. One student, Matthew Soranno, had already committed to the work as the

core of his Masters project (as advised by Dr. Martine). Mr. Soranno was joined on the

project by Ms. Jillian Post, a SUNY Plattsburgh undergraduate majoring in

Environmental Science. During the field season, Drs. Martine and Adams usually

accompanied the students to the survey sites. Each student continued to work on the

project after the field season, with Mr. Soranno concentrating on analyzing the data (with

guidance from Dr. Tim Mihuc, Lake Champlain Research Institute) and Ms. Post

focusing on labeling and mounting the project’s herbarium vouchers. Both students have


represented the project at scientific meetings, gaining critical skills in the presentation of

research findings.

The objective of this project was to identify the riparian plant communities along

the LCR, which include both native and exotic species. A completed inventory of the

flora can then serve as a functional template that TNC can use to facilitate landowner

restoration and maintenance efforts in riparian buffer zones. Implementation of these

practices usually occurs at the population-community level, concentrating directly on the

plant communities.

In May 2005, a 3 km stretch of vegetation was planted along a section of the

Great Chazy River, a neighboring waterway, to restore the virtually absent buffer

between the river and private farmland. That project’s objectives were to mitigate

pollutants and unwanted minerals, as well as improve wildlife habitat (April, 2006). The

cooperation of the landowners was an important component of the project and provides

an example of why riparian landowners should be advised on the necessity of riparian

zone integrity.

At the backend of the project, the collaborators mentioned above (and other

partners) were to recommend specific opportunities, as part of a comprehensive

agricultural nutrient buffer system, to:

Preserve or restore significant natural communities;

Maintain or enhance native biodiversity;

Protect or enhance species of conservation need.


Experimental Design

Riparian zone vegetation was sampled at 11 locations along the Little Chazy

River from the head tributaries to the lowest reaches. Riparian vegetation was sampled

on both sides of the channel at each location, thus 22 sites were sampled in total. No

targeted control was used. The locations were chosen based on three criteria: 1)

Proximity to Dr. Franzi’s water quality gauge stations, 2) ease of accessibility (including

permission from private land owners as appropriate), and 3) whether or not a location

occurred in the upper, middle, or lower reaches of the LCR watershed as defined by

previous work in the watershed by Drs. Adams and Franzi. Of 11 locations selected, 4

occurred in the upper reaches (minimally-disturbed to undisturbed woodlands), 4 in the

middle reaches (low-intensity agriculture and light residential areas), and 3 in the lower

reaches (high-intensity agriculture) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Watershed map showing survey locations. (Matt Soranno and Eileen Allen)


List of sites surveyed:

Upper reaches

“Cold Brook” (headwater feeder stream) N44.85313, W073.59886 “Robinson Brook” (headwater feeder stream) N44.84838, W073.59353 “Skeleton Dam” (downstream from dam at Chasm Lake) N44.84824,

W073.58955 “Below Million Dollar Dam” (far downstream from long-defunct dam)

N44.83429, W073.5673

Middle reaches

“Atwood Road” (upstream from Atwood Rd. NYSEG powerline ROW) N; 44.82298, W073.55303

“Parker Road” (upstream of Parker Rd. crossing) N44.82088, W073.54109 “Tracy Brook” (near junction with Sucker Rd.) N44.87732, W073.47025 “Northway” (just downstream of Rt. 87 overpass) N44.86868, W073.44979

Lower reaches

“Chazy Recreational Park” N44.89574, W073.43302 “Stetson Bridge” (upstream of Stetson Rd. crossing) N44.90179, W073.41548 “Shore Road” (upstream of Lakeshore Rd. crossing) N44.90469, W073.38396

Sampling methods

Unit area plot sampling was used to inventory the plant communities (Figure 2).

Slope gradient, canopy cover and stream width were taken as environmental variables.

All sampling measurements were recorded in metric. All dbh (diameter at breast height)

measurements were recorded to the nearest tenth of a cm. At each site, 12m transect lines

were installed perpendicular to the stream flow direction. Plant community sampling was

then achieved in the following manner.


Herbaceous Vascular Plants and Seedlings (LE 0.5 m tall)

Vascular plants less than or equal (LE) to 0.5 m tall were sampled in 1 m2 quadrats

centered at 2-, 7-, and 12 m from the main channel, on both streamsides, at each of the 22

sample sites (11 locations) along the Little Chazy River. Stem counts were recorded, by

species, in each plot.

Shrubs and Understory Species

Shrubs and understory species greater than (GT) 0.5 m tall and/or LT 10.0 cm dbh

(diameter at breast height) were sampled in 20 m2 (0.002 ha) circular plots (radius = 2.52

m), centered at the same 7 m point used in the herbaceous sampling on both streamsides.

Stem counts (aerial stems) were recorded by species at each plot. Circular plots were

installed using a prism and Nypole target (Nyland and Remele, 1975).

Mid- and Overstory Trees

Mid- and overstory trees with a dbh GT 10.0 cm were sampled in 80 m2 circular plots

(0.008 ha) (radius = 5.0 m), centered at the same 7 m point. Dbh was measured for each

tree in the plot to the nearest 0.1 cm and recorded by species. Circular plots were installed

using the same method as the shrub and understory inventory (Nyland and Remele,

1975).

Presence/Absence Transect

A 30m transect was run parallel to the stream channel. The length was equally divided at

the center of the 1m2 plot distanced 2m from the channel, 15m of transect extending in


either direction. Along this parallel transect, all new (unrecorded in the 1m2 plots)

species were recorded.

Other Plant Species Observed

This category was used for recording all observed species not captured in any of the

above sampling methods. The area of observation was a rectangle with its one side

running the length of the 30m presence/absence transect, and width equal to the

perpendicular sampling transect (12m) (Figure 2). Species in this category were not

included in the ordination analyses.

Slope Gradient

Using a clinometer, habitat slope was measured from the center of the 1m2 plot at 2m

from the streambank to the center of the 1m2 at 12m from the streambank.

Percent Cover

Percent cover (shading) by riparian trees was estimated using a concave densiometer at

the center of the 1m2 plot at 2m from the stream in each site.


Figur

Figure 2. Nested sampling strategy for riparian plant community surveys. (Jillian Post)


Recording of Taxa

Taxa were recorded using a 6-letter code made up of the first 3 letters of the genus name

and the first 3 letters of the specific epithet (i.e., QUERUB = Quercus rubra). Species

identifications were made by referencing numerous field guides: Wildflowers in the Field

and Forest: A field guide to the northeastern United States (Clements and Gracie, 2006),

Peterson Field Guide: Ferns of Northeastern and Central North America (Cobb, 2005),

Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada (Gleason

and Cronquist, 1991), Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States

(Knobel, 2007) and Peterson Field Guide: Trees and Shrubs (Petrides, 1972). Most grass

and sedge species identifications were determined by Dr. Tony Reznicek of the

University of Michigan during a Carex workshop attended by Mr. Soranno and Ms. Post.

Nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS Database.


Plant community data analysis

Plant community data were collected in three canopy levels for each of the 22

sites: mid- and overstory trees, shrubs/understory trees and herbaceous/seedlings.

Relative importance values were calculated for each species in each plot. Bray-Curtis or

NMS (non-metric multidimensional scaling) ordinations were performed using PCord

(McCune and Mefford, 1999; McCune and Grace, 2002) for each of the three vegetation

levels to expose any patterns in community assemblages. Non-metric Multidimensional

Scaling (NMS) is an ordination method that is applicable to data that are discontinuous.

Community (relative importance value) data were analyzed using NMS techniques based

on community similarity (Sorenson’s index) as the measure of dissimilarity between

study sites (McCune and Mefford, 1999).


RESULTS

Most important taxa at each siteTaxa listed are those with relative importance values > 0.05 in the overstory (OS), understory (US), 2m 1x1 plots (2m), 7m 1x1 plots (7m), and 12m 1x1 plots (12m); lists are ordered from highest values to lowest. Exotic species marked with *.

Upper

Robinson BrookOS: Tilia americanaUS: Diervilla lonicera, Acer spicatum, Cornus rugosa, Prunus virginiana, Corylus americana, Corylus cornuta, Rubus odoratus*, Tilia americana2m: Dryopteris marginalis, Mitella diphylla, Aster spp., Viola cucullata, Viola pubescens, Solidago spp., Maianthemum canadense, Maianthemum racemosum, Athyrium filix-femina , Poa alsodes. 7m: Fragaria vesca, Polygonatum biflorum, Aster spp., Maianthemum canadense, Dryopteris marginalis12m: Polypodium virginianum, Polygonum scandens, Maianthemum canadense, Diervilla lonicera, Aster spp., Rubus spp.

Cold BrookOS: Acer negundoUS: Corylus cornuta, Gaylussacia baccata, Acer rubrum, Quercus rubra, Prunus serotina2m: Brachyelytrum aristosum, Maianthemum canadense, Onoclea sensibilis, Amelanchier spp., Lonicera spp.*, Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamaedaphne calyculata7m: Maianthemum canadense, Aster spp., Solidago spp., Trientalis borealis, Vaccinium sp. 12m: Maianthemum canadense, Aralia hispida, Spiraea tomentosa, Acer rubrum, Vaccinium sp., Bidens spp., Aster spp., Pinus strobus

(Downstream of) Skeleton Dam OS: Acer rubrumUS: Spiraea alba var. latifolia, Prunus serotina, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium sp.2m: Impatiens spp., Vicia cracca*, Solidago spp., Aster spp.7m: Solidago spp., Vaccinium sp., Carex spp., Pteridium aquilinum , Apocynum androsaemifolium, Rosa carolina12m: Maianthemum canadense, Aster spp., Fragaria vesca, Acer rubrum, Vicia cracca*, Vaccinium sp., Pteridium aquilinum, Apocynum androsaemifolium

(Downstream of) Million Dollar Dam OS: Tsuga canadensis, Quercus rubra, Tilia americana, Pinus rigida, Pinus strobus, Fraxinus americana, Betula alleghaniensis, Acer saccharumUS: Prunus virginiana, Quercus rubra2m: Maianthemum racemosum, Polygonatum biflorum, Maianthemum canadense, Trifolium spp., Solidago spp., Arisaema triphyllum, Laportea canadensis7m: Polygonatum biflorum, Maianthemum canadense, Vaccinium sp., Amphicarpaea bracteata , Acer rubrum, Solidago spp., Carex pallescens, Gaultheria procumbens12m: Maianthemum canadense, Athyrium filix-femina , Pteridium aquilinum , Polygonatum biflorum, Trientalis borealis


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Middle

(Upstream of) Atwood Road (powerline right-of-way)OS: Tsuga canadensis, Quercus rubra, Acer saccharum, Betula alleghaniensis, Tilia americanaUS: Acer saccharum, Rubus pensilvanicus , Rubus odoratus, Ribes spp., Sambucus racemosa, Ostrya virginiana, Fraxinus americana, Tilia americana2m: Rubus sp., Trientalis borealis, Solidago spp., Athyrium filix-femina , Dryopteris marginalis, Plantago rugelii, Acer rubrum, Vicia cracca*, Galium spp., Boehmeria cylindrica , Carex spp.7m: Quercus rubra, Rubus spp., Rubus odoratus, Panicum sp., Dryopteris marginalis, Carex sp., Tilia americana, Athyrium filix-femina , Solidago spp., Galium spp., Amphicarpaea bracteata 12m: Rubus spp. Acer saccharum, Quercus rubra, Dryopteris marginalis, Tilia americana

(Upstream of) Parker RoadOS: Acer saccharum, Betula alleghaniensis, Tilia americanaUS: Fraxinus americana, Tilia americana2m: Onoclea sensibilis, Matteuccia struthiopteris , Onoclea sensibilis, Solidago spp., Impatiens spp., Boehmeria cylindrica , Equisetum spp., Ranunculus abortivus , Urtica dioica, Galium spp.7m: Onoclea sensibilis, Equisetum spp., Carex gynandra , Galium spp., Athyrium filix-femina , Polygonum spp., Impatiens spp. 12m: Onoclea sensibilis, Equisetum spp., Amphicarpaea bracteata , Impatiens spp., Matteuccia struthiopteris, Ranunculus abortivus , Anemone canadensis, Acer saccharum, Athyrium filix- femina, Boehmeria cylindrica

Tracy BrookOS: NoneUS: Alnus incana ssp. rugosa, Lonicera spp.*, Fraxinus pennsylvanica2m: Impatiens spp., Oxalis stricta , Apios americana, Polygonum sagittatum, Potentilla norvegica7m: Phalaris arundinacea, Carex gracillima, Impatiens spp., Solidago spp., Bidens spp., Boehmeria cylindrica12m: Carex gracillima, Oxalis stricta , Impatiens spp., Galium spp., Lonicera spp.*, Solidago spp.

(Downstream of) Northway [I-87]OS: Tilia americana, Acer saccharum, Fraxinus nigra, Juglans cinereaUS: Fraxinus nigra, Tilia americana, Amelanchier laevis, Cornus amomum, Corylus americana, Lonicera tatarica*, Prunus serotina, Viburnum lentago2m: Onoclea sensibilis, Matteuccia struthiopteris , Ranunculus abortivus , Solidago spp., Rhamnus cathartica*, Lysimachia nummularia*, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Carya cordiformis 7m: Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Onoclea sensibilis, Lysimachia nummularia*, Solidago spp., Lonicera spp.*, Aronia melanocarpa, Circaea alpina12m: Lysimachia nummularia*, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Galium spp., Circaea alpina, Corylus cornuta, Solidago spp., Prunus virginiana, Matteuccia struthiopteris , Rubus spp., Vitis sp.

Lower

Chazy Recreational ParkOS: Acer saccharum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Acer negundo, Pinus strobusUS: Rhamnus cathartica*, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Cornus amomum, Tilia americana, Lonicera spp.*, Malus sp.*, Ulmus rubra


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2m: Matteuccia struthiopteris , Onoclea sensibilis, Solidago spp., Lysimachia nummularia*, Ranunculus abortivus , Rhamnus cathartica*, Carya cordiformis, Parthenocissus quinquefolia7m: Rhamnus cathartica*, Lysimachia nummularia, Impatiens spp., Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria striata, Lysimachia ciliata12m: Plantago rugelii, Carex spp., Rhamnus cathartica*, Prunus serotina, Solidago spp., Viola pubescens

(Upstream of) Stetson Road BridgeOS: Ulmus rubra, Acer saccharum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Populus alba*US: Ulmus rubra, Rhamnus cathartica*, Acer negundo, Ribes americana, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Populus alba*2m: Boehmeria cylindrica , Oxalis stricta , Glyceria striata, Viola cucullata, Impatiens spp., Phalaris arundinacea, Solidago spp., Amphicarpaea bracteata , Thalictrum pubescens7m: Lysimachia nummularia*, Impatiens spp., Aster spp., Acer negundo, Lithospermum officinale*, Lysimachia ciliata, Urtica dioica, Geum canadense, Oxalis stricta, Amphicarpaea bracteata, Bidens spp. 12m: Urtica dioica, Aster spp., Lysimachia ciliata, Acer negundo, Solidago spp., Oxalis stricta, Anemone canadense, Bidens spp., Taraxacum officinale*, Fraxinus pennsylvanica

(Upstream of) Lake Shore Road BridgeOS: Acer negundoUS: Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Cornus sericea, Acer rubrum2m: Impatiens spp., Urtica dioica, Amphicarpaea bracteata , Solidago spp., Galium spp., Aster spp., Acer negundo7m: Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum, Aster spp., Amphicarpaea bracteata , Galium spp., Leucanthemum vulgare *, Trifolium hybridum*, Equisetum sp. Solidago spp.12m: Trifolium hybridum*, Bidens spp., Lythrum salicaria*, Thelypteris palustris

Ordination results on following pages. Figures 3-12.


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Figure 3. Ordination results showing site-by-site comparisons for the overstory layer; upper, middle, and lower reaches do not cluster.


Figure 4. Ordination results showing species-by-species comparisons. Upper, middle, and lower reaches do not cluster based on tree species composition.


Figure 5. Understory plots. Ordination results showing site-by-site comparisons, including clustering of upper and lower reach sites into discreet groups.


Figure 6. Understory plots. Ordination results showing taxa-by-taxa comparisons, including clustering of upper and lower reach sites into discreet species groups.

Key defining species in upper region: Diervilla lonicera, Acer spicatum, Cornus rugosa, Prunus virginiana, Corylus americana, Corylus cornuta, Rubus odoratus*, Tilia americana, Myrica gale, Vaccinium spp., Hamamelis virginiana, Spiraea alba var. latifolia

Key defining species in lower region: Malus sp.*, Acer negundo, Ulmus rubra, Populus alba*, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Cornus sericea, Acer rubrum, Lonicera spp.*, Rhamnus cathartica*, Viburnum trilobum, Ribes americana.



Figure 7. All 1x1 plots at 2m from streambank. Ordination results showing site-by-site comparisons, including clustering of middle and lower reach sites into a discreet group based on similarity of their compositions at the 2m plot level.


Figure 8. All 1x1 plots at 2m from streambank. Ordination results showing taxa-by-taxa comparisons of herbaceous/seedling plots, including clustering of middle and lower reach sites into a discreet group based on shared species at the 2m plot level.

Key defining species: Lonicera sp.* (Lonsp), Lysimachia nummularia* (Lysnum), Calamagrostis canadensis (Calcan), Circaea alpina (Ciralp), Rhamnus cathartica* (Rhacat), Matteuccia struthiopteris (Matstr), Onoclea sensibilis (Onosen), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Parqui), Ranunculus abortivus (Ranabo), Solidago spp (Solsp), Anemone canadense (Anecan), Thalictrum pubescens (Thapub), Prunus serotina (Pruser), Amphicarpaea bracteata (Ampbra), Polygonum spp. (Polsp), Equisetum sp. (Equsp), Boehmeria cylindrica (Boecyl), Galium spp. (Galsp), Rubus allegheniensis (Ruball), Vicia cracca (Viccra), Plantago rugelii (Plarug), Vitis spp. (Vit sp), Acer negundo (Aceneg), Lysimachia ciliata (Lyscil), Urtica dioica (Urtdio), Oxalis stricta (Oxastr), Impatiens sp. (Impsp), Apios americana (Apiame), Glyceria striata (Glystr), Phalaris arundinacea (Phaaru), Quercus rubra (Querub), Bidens spp. (Bidsp), Cornus sericea (Corsto), Acer saccharinum (Acesac2).




Figure 9. All 1x1 plots at 7m from streambank. Ordination results showing site-by-site (triangles) comparisons of herbaceous/seedling plots, including clustering of upper reach sites into a discreet groups (except for one side of Skeleton Dam (SDsw) location.)


Figure 10. All 1x1 plots at 7m from streambank. Ordination results showing taxa-by-taxa (+ signs) comparisons of herbaceous/seedling plots, including clustering of upper and lower reach sites into discreet groups of species.

Key defining species, Upper: Vaccinium sp. (Vac sp); Corylus cornuta (Corcor); Dryopteris marginalis (Drymar), Maianthemum canadense (Maican),;Trientalis borealis (Tribor); Gaultheria procumbens (Gaupro); Hamamelis virginiana (Hamvir); Pinus strobus (Pinstr); Aralia nudicaulis (Aranud); Polygonum biflorum (Polbif); Polygonum scandens (Polsca); Diervilla lonicera (Dielon); Fragaria vesca (Fraves); Aster spp. (Astsp), Rosa carolina (Roscar); Apocynum androsaemifolium (Apoand), Pteridium aquilinum (Pteaqu).


Figure 11. Ordination results showing site-by-site comparisons of 1x1 herbaceous/seedling plots at 12m. Little pattern is shown.


Figure 12. Ordination results showing taxa-by-taxa comparisons of 1x1 herbaceous/seedling plots at 12m. No clear site-related pattern evident.


Conclusions

A primary goal of this study was that regions of the Little Chazy River would be

recognizable based on riparian vegetation patterns as related to levels of habitat

disturbance. The results support this assumption, with the understory and some

herbaceous level sampling data pointing to a gradient of minimal to intense disturbance

that manifests itself in the identification of 2-3 plant community regions (Figs. 6, 8, &

10).

The difference among communities is especially distinct when comparing the

understory communities of the headwaters region (much of it in conservation holdings)

and the lower part of the river (much of it in high-intensity agriculture). While native

shrubs of minimally-disturbed woodlands (such as Corylus and Hamamelis) seem to

define the upper reaches, four exotic taxa (Rhamnus cathartica, Populus alba, Lonicera

spp., and Malus spp.) are prominent in the lower ones. The upper reaches also stand apart

in the 7m herbaceous/seedling sampling where herbs of intact woodlands are most

prominent (Fig. 10).

This divergence likely exists because of differences in disturbance patterns, but

probably is also linked to the fact that the floodplain areas closest to the mouth of the

river are highly dynamic habitats influenced by lake water. Given this dynamism and the

assumption that these sites were historically in clayplain forests (before being cleared for

farming), any recommendations for buffer plantings in the lower reaches should not,

generally, reflect the species compositions encountered in the upper reaches. Meanwhile,

the middle (intermediately disturbed) region of the river, more similar in soils and

geology to the (non-barren) upper reaches, is an appropriate area for woody buffer


plantings selected based on the species surveyed in the upper region. For non-woody

species, however, the middle and lower reaches are strongly associated in the nearest-to-

bank (2m) plots (Figs. 7 & 8). Here they share a large grouping of weedy and edge-

tolerant herbs. It would seem that any amount of disturbance in the middle regions is

enough to allow the riparian corridor to move these species up- and downstream.

The overall contrast between the signals provided by the understory and the

overstory species compositions is also worth considering. Although the understory

component shows a clear pattern (Figs. 5 & 6), the overstory sampling (Figs. 3 & 4) is

highly variable across all sites and shows only weak patterns (though qualitatively they

are recognizable). Our sense is that the understory (and off-bank herbaceous

communities) reflects recent disturbance patterns, while the overstory (consisting of

older, larger trees) is a relict of pre-disturbance species distributions that were (and

continue to be) more or less consistent over the length of the river. The outlier sites are

the lowest reaches and the areas of the upper reaches where sandstone barrens reach or

approach the riverbank. In terms of buffer recommendations, each of these less common

habitats is best considered in a different light than the more widespread hardwood

riparian forest found over much of the Little Chazy River. In particular, the lower reach

riparian zones seem to represent an opportunity to move forward The Nature

Conservancy’s efforts to restore clayplain forest habitats in the Champlain Valley.


Buffer Recommendations

Based on the results of the 2008 plant community survey, we recommend that woody

buffer plantings reflect three categories of sites: one general (hardwood riparian forests of

upper and middle reaches) and two specific (sandstone barrens and clayplain forests).

Little Chazy River hardwood riparian forests (west of I-87)

Suggestions for native trees (wet sites)

Acer negundo L. (boxelder)

Acer rubrum L. (red maple)

Acer saccharinum L. (silver maple)

Fraxinus nigra Marsh. (black ash)

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. (green ash)

Ulmus rubra (slippery elm)

Suggestions for native trees (mesic sites)

Acer saccharum Marsh. (sugar maple)

Betula alleghaniensis Britton (yellow birch)

Fraxinus americana L.

Juglans cinerea L. (butternut)

Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch (hophornbeam)

Tilia americana L. (basswood)

Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière (eastern hemlock)

Quercus rubra L. (red oak)


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=QURU

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TIAM

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=OSVI

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=FRAM2

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BEAL2

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACNE2

Suggestions for native shrubs (wet sites)

Alnus incana (L.) Moench ssp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen (speckled alder)

Cephalanthus occidentalis L. (common buttonbush)

Cornus amomum Mill. (silky dogwood)

Cornus sericea L. (redosier dogwood)

Spiraea alba Du Roi var. latifolia (Aiton) Dippel (white meadowsweet)

Spiraea tomentosa L. (steeplebush)

Suggestions for native shrubs (mesic sites)

Acer spicatum Lam. (mountain maple)

Amelanchier laevis Wiegand (Allegheny serviceberry)

Corylus americana Walter (American hazelnut)

Corylus cornuta Marsh. (beaked hazelnut)

Diervilla lonicera Mill. (northern bush honeysuckle)

Sambucus racemosa L. (red elderberry)


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=DILO

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COCO6

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SPTO2

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COAM2

Little Chazy River sandstone barrens riparian forests

Suggestions for native trees


Pinus banksiana Lamb. (jack pine)

Pinus resinosa Aiton (red pine)

Pinus rigida Mill. (pitch pine)


Suggestions for native shrubs

Gaylussacia baccata (Wangenh.) K. Koch (black huckleberry)

Vaccinium corymbosum L. (highbush blueberry)

Vaccinium pallidum Aiton (lowbush blueberry)


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VACO


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PIRI

Little Chazy River clayplain forests (lower reaches east of I-87)

(based on community description of Thompson and Sorenson, 2005)

Suggestions for native trees (wet sites)

Quercus bicolor Willd. (swamp white oak)

Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (bur oak)

Ulmus americana L. (American elm)

Suggestions for native trees (mesic sites)


Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch (shagbark hickory)

Pinus strobus L. (eastern white pine)

Quercus alba L. (white oak)


Suggestions for native shrubs (wet sites)

Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray (common winterberry)

Viburnum dentatum L. var. lucidum Aiton (northern arrowwood)

Suggestions for native shrubs (mesic sites)

Hamamelis virginiana L. (American witchhazel)

Rosa carolina L. (Carolina rose)

Viburnum acerifolium L. (mapleleaf viburnum)


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ROCA4

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HAVI4


http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PIST

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CAOV2

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=QUMA2

Project dissemination

Project dissemination will be achieved through a comprehensive report completed jointly

with the other project partners (Dr. Franzi of SUNY Plattsburgh and Steve Kramer of the

Miner Institute) and presented to the Lake Champlain Technical Advisory Committee

and the New York State DEC, as well as through research poster presentations made by

Mr. Soranno, Ms. Post, and Dr. Martine at the following meetings in 2009:

April 18: Sigma Xi Northeast Regional meeting, SUNY Oswego

April 24: Sigma Xi Student Research Symposium, SUNY Plattsburgh

May 1: American Society of Plant Biologists Northeast Regional

Meeting, SUNY Plattsburgh

July 25: Annual meeting of the Botanical Society of America,

Snowbird, Utah

Jillian and Matt at Sigma Xi Northeast Regional Meeting, Oswego, NY


References

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Bedford, B. L., Walbridge, M. R., and Aldous, A. (1999). Patterns in Nutrient Availability and Plant Diversity of Temperate North American Wetlands. Ecology. Vol. 80, No. 7, pp. 2151-2169.

Clements, S. & Gracie, C. (2006). Wildflowers in the Field and Forest: A field guide to the northeastern United States. New York: Oxford University Press.

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Dieterich, M., Woodcock, T., Adams, K., and Mihuc, T. (2006). Indirect Effects of forest Management on Riparian Zone Characteristics in the Adirondack Uplands of New York. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry. Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 273-279.

Edinger, G. J., et al. (2nd ed., 2002). Ecological Community of New York State. New York: New York Natural Heritage Program.

Endreny, T. A. (2002). Forest Buffer Strips: Mapping the water quality benefits. Journal of Forestry. pp. 35-40.

Gerber, E., Krebs, C., Murrell, C., Moretti, M., Rocklin, R., and Schaffner, U. (2008). Exotic Invasive Knotweeds (Fallopia spp.) Negatively Affect Native Plant and Invertebrate Assemblages in European Riparian Habitats. Biological Conservation. pp. 1-9.

Gleason, H. A. & Cronquist, A. (1991). Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. New York: New York Botanical Garden.

Graves, A. H. (1992). Illustrated Guide to Trees and Shrub: A handbook of the woody plants of the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Gregory, S. V., Swanson, F. J., McKee, W. A., and Cummings, K. W. (1991). An Ecosystem Perspective of Riparian Zones. BioScience. Vol. 41, No. 8, pp. 540-551.

Harlow. W. M. (1957). Trees of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.


Harlow, W. M. (1959). Fruit Key and Twig Key: To trees and shrubs. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Farrar, J. L. (1995). Trees of the Northern Untied States and Canada. Iowa: Blackwell Publishing Professional.

Keeton, W. S., Kraft, C. E., and Warren, D. R. (2007). Mature and Old-Growth Riparian Forests: Structure, Dynamics, and Effects on Adirondack Stream Habitats. Ecological Applications. Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 852-868.

Knobel, E. (1977). Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Knopf, F. L., Johnson, R. R., Rich, T. Samson, F. B., and Szaro, R. C. (1988). Conservation of Riparian Ecosystems in the United States. Wilson Bulletin. Vol. 100, No. 2, pp. 272-284.

Lee, P., Smyth, C., and Boutin, S. (2003). Quantitative review of riparian buffer width guidelines from Canada and the United States. Journal of Environmental Management. Vol. 70, pp. 165-180.

McCune, B. and M. J. Mefford. 1999. Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data, Version 4.25, MjM Software, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, U.S.A.

Naiman, R., DeCamps, H. & McClain, M. E. (2005). Riparia: Ecology, conservation, and management of streamside communities. Massachusetts. Elsevier Academic Press.

Naimen, R. J., Decamps, H., and Pollock, M. (1992). The Role of Riparian Corridors in Maintaining Regional Biodiversity. Ecological Applications. Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 209-212.

Naimen R. J. and Decamps, H. (1997). The Ecology of Interfaces: Riparian zones. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. Vol. 28, pp. 621-658.

Petrides, G. A. (1972). Peterson Field Guide: Trees and Shrubs. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Planty-Tabacchi, A.-M., Tabacchi, E., Naimen, R. J., Deferrari, C., and Decamps, H. (1996). Invasibility of Species-Rich Communities in Riparian Zones. Conservation Biology. Vol. 10, No. 2. pp. 598-607.

Quinby, P. A., Willot, S., and Lee, T. (2000). Determining the Average Width of the Riparian Zone in the Cassesls-Rabbit Lakes Area of Temagami, Ontario using Understory Indicator Species.


Shandas, V. (2007). An Empirical Study of Streamside Landowners’ Interest in Riparian Conservation. Journal of the American Planning Association. Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 173-184.

Spackman, S. C. and Hughes, J. W. (1995). Assessment of Minimum Stream Corridor width for Biological Conservation: Species richness and distribution along mid-order streams in Vermont, USA. Biological Conservation. Vol. 71, pp. 325-332.

Sweeney, B. W., Bott, T. L., Jackson, J. K., Kaplan, L. A., Newbold, J. D., Standley, L. J., Hession, W. C., and Horwitz, R. J. (2004). Riparian deforestation, stream narrowing, and loss of stream ecosystem services. PNAS. Vol. 101, No. 39, pp. 14132-14137.

Thompson, E.H. and Sorenson, E.R. 2005. Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont. Hanover, NH: Vermont Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy.

United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2009). Plants Database. Web site: http://plants.usda.gov/


http://plants.usda.gov/

APPENDIX 1. Canopy cover percentages (to the nearest 1.0).

Site Canopy (%)Upper: Robinson Brook SE 81Upper: Robinson Brook NW 81Upper: Skeleton Dam SW 0Upper: Skeleton Dam NE 0Upper: Cold Brook S 42Upper: Cold Brook N 59Upper: below $Million Dam E 85Upper: below $Million dam W 65Mid: Atwood Road NE 88Mid: Atwood Road SW 82Mid: Parker Road NW 22Mid: Parker Road SE 21Mid: Northway W 87Mid: Northway E 78Mid: Tracy Brook E 49Mid: Tracy Brook W 71Low: Chazy Rec Park SE 91Low: Chazy Rec Park NW 87Low: Stetson Bridge NW 74Low: Stetson Bridge SE 70Low: Lake Shore Road NE 87Low: Lake Shore Road SW 99

APPENDIX 2. List of species recorded in each site at the following levels: herbaceous/seedlings, shrub/understory, mid-/overstory, presence/absence, and other


observed. Most records represented with voucher specimens deposited in the SUNY Plattsburgh Herbarium.

Robinson Brook – Southeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:MITDIP – Mitella diphylla – Two-leaved mitrewort VIOCUC – Viola cucullata – Marsh blue violetVIOPUB – Viola pubescens – Downy yellow violetMAIRAC – Maianthemum racemosum – False Solomon’s SealPOLSCA – Polygonum scandens – Climbing false buckwheatPOLBIF – Polygonatum biflorum – Smooth Solomon’s sealRANREC – Ranunculus recurvatus – Hooked crowfoot“Aster” sp. Solidago sp. ATHFIL – Athyrium filix-femina – Lady fernFRAVES – Fragaria vesca – Woodland strawberryMAICAN – Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflowerDIELON – Diervilla lonicera – Bush honeysuckleTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*DRYMAR - Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal/Evergreen wood fernPOAALS – Poa alsodes

Shrub/Understory:FRAAME – Fraxinus americana – White ashRUBODO – Rubus odoratus – Flowering raspberryACESPI – Acer spicatum – Mountain mapleCORAME – Corylus americana – American hazelnutPRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry DIELON – Diervilla lonicera – Bush honeysuckle

Mid and Overstory:TILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood

Presence/Absence:VERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleboreTRIERE – Trillium erectum – Purple trilliumCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelnut

OSMCIN – Osmunda cinnamomea – Cinnamon FernAMPBRA – Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaACTPAC – Actaea pachypoda – White baneberryCORRUG – Cornus rugosa – Round-leafed dogwoodONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernThalictrum sp. –

Other Observed Species:ACEPEN – Acer pensylvanicum – Striped mapleACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oak

Robinson Brook – Northwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:MAIRAC – Maianthemum racemosum – False Solomon’s SealMAICAN – Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflowerAster sp. – DRYMAR - Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal/Evergreen wood fernVIOPUB – Viola pubescens – Downy yellow violetSolidago sp. – MITDIP – Mitella diphylla – Two-leaved mitrewort AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutIMP SPP2 – Impatiens sp. – Touch-me-notPOLVUL – Polypodium vulgare – Common polypodyRUB SPP2 – Rubus sp.

Shrub/Understory:ACESPI – Acer spicatum – Mountain mapleCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelCORRUG – Cornus rugosa – Round-leafed dogwoodTILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood PRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry

Mid and Overstory:TILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood


Presence/Absence:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleVERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleboreARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaTRIERE – Trillium erectum – Purple trilliumATHFIL – Athyrium filix-femina – Lady fernCLEVIR – Clematis virginiana – Virgin’s bowerOSMCLA – Osmunda claytoniana – Interrupted fernULMAME – Ulmus americana – American elmRibes sp. OSMREG – Osmunda regalis – Royal fernACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleTIACOR – Tiarella cordifolia – Foam-flowerTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens- Tall-meadow rueGALASP – Galium aparine – CleaversACTPAC – Actaea pachypoda – White baneberryQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oak BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleCARGRA – Carex gracillimaCARPRA – Carex prasinaPOAALS – Poa alsodes

Other Observed Species:BETALL – Betula alleghaniensis – Yellow birchPINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pineSAMRAC – Sambucus racemosa – Red elderberryAMECAN – Amelanchier canadensis – ShadebushOSMREG – Osmunda regalis – Royal fern

Cold Brook – South

Herbaceous/Seedlings:TRIBOR – Trientalis borealis – StarflowerMAICAN – Maianthemum canadensis – Canadian mayflowerSPITOM – Spiraea tomentosa - SteeplebushSPILAT – Spiraea latifolia - MeadowsweetEUTGRA – Euthamia graminifolia – Common flat-topped goldenrodSOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldenrodViola sp. ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernCHACAL – Chamaedaphne calyculata – LeatherleafLYSTER – Lysimachia terrestris – Bulbil loosestrifeCALCAN – Calamagrostis canadensis

Hypercium sp. Vaccinium sp. PINSTR – Pinus strobus – Easter white pineARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaDESFLE – Deschampsia flexuosaPTEAQU – Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken fernQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakARAHIS – Aralia hispida – Bristly sarsaparillaACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleBIDFRO – Bidens frondosa – Devil’s begger-ticks

Shrubs/Understory:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelnutQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakVIBCAS – Viburnum cassinoides – Wild raisinAmelanchier sp. GAYBAC – Gaylussacia baccata – Huckleberry AROMEL – Aronia melanocarpa – Black chokeberry

Mid and Overstory:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red maplePINBAN – Pinus banksiana – Jack pine

Presence/Absence:HYDAME – Hydrocotyle americana – Marsh pennywortSCIATR – Scirpus atrocinctusOSMREG – Osmunda regalis – Royal fernKALANG – Kalmia angustifolia – Sheep laurelRUBALL – Rubus allegheniensis – BlackberryRUBHIS – Rubus hispidus – Swamp dewberryHAMVIR – Hamamelis virginiana – Common witch-hazelIREVER – Iris versicolor – Northern blue irisSAMPUB – Sambucus pubens – Red elderberryPOLVUL – Polypodium vulgare – Common polypody

Other Observed Species:MELLIN – Melampyrum lineare – Cow-wheatKALLAT – Kalmia latifolia – Mountain laurelBETALL – Betula allegheniensis – Yellow BirchOSMCIN – Osmunda cinnamomea – Cinnamon fernJUNEFF – Juncus effusesCARGYN – Carex gynandra Lysamachia sp. IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-not


GAUPRO – Gaultheria procumbens – WintergreenPOLSCA – Polygonum scandens – Climbing false buckwheatVERSCU – Veronica scutellata – Narrow-leaved speedwellFAGGRA – Fagus grandifolia – American beechPRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – ChokecherryCYPACA – Cypripedium acaule – Pink lady’s-slipperRIBGAL – Ribis glandulosum – Skunk currantRUBOCC – Rubus occidentalis – Black raspberryCARSTR – Carex striata

Cold Brook – North

Herbaceous/Seedlings:ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernAmelanchier sp. – BRAARI – Bracheylytrum aristosumSOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldenrodPOLBIF – Polygonatum biflorum – Smooth Solomon’s sealMAICAN – Maianthemum canadensis – Canadian mayflowerOCLACU – Oclemena acuminatus – Whorled-leaved asterViola sp. TRIBOR – Trientalis borealis – StarflowerPOLSCA – Polygonum scandens – Climbing false buckwheatAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutBOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelntRUBOCC – Rubus occidentalis – Black raspberryPRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherry

Shrubs/Understory:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleSPILAT – Spiraea latifolia - MeadowsweetCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelntPRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherry

Mid and Overstory:CARCAR – Carpinus caroliniana – American hornbeamTILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood

Presence/Absence:Carex sp.

PARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelBIDFRO – Bidens frondosa – Devil’s begger-ticksCIRLUT – Circaea lutetiana – Common enchanter’s-nightshadeSPITOM – Spiraea tomentosa - SteeplebushThalictrum sp. ARANUD – Aralia nudecalis – Wild sarsaparillaIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakHYDAME – Hydrocotyle americana – Marsh pennywortDRYSPI – Dryopteris spinulosa – WoodfernPOTNOR – Potentilla norvegica – Rough cinquefoilHypercium sp. EUTGRA – Euthamia graminifolia – Common flat-topped goldenrodRibes sp.

Other Observed Species:ATHFIL – Athryrium filix-femina – Lady fernDRYMAr – Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal woodfernRIBGAL – Ribis glandulosum – Skunk currantFRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashVaccinium sp. ACESPI – Acer spicatum – Mountain maplePRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherryBETALL – Betula allegheniensis – Yellow birchPOLVUL – Polypodium vulgare – Common polypody

Skeleton Dam – Southwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:CALLAC – Calamagrostis lacustrisSPILAT – Spiraea latifolia – MeadowsweetGAUPRO – Gaultheria procumbens – WintergreenPTEAQU – Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken fernMAICAN – Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflowerACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleAmelanchier sp. VACPAL – Vaccinium pallidum – Hillside blueberryCALCAN – Calamagrostis canadensis – Bluejoint grass


CARSTR – Carex stricta – Tussock sedgePOAPRA – Poa pratensis – Kentucky BluegrassCARPRO – Carex projecta – Necklace sedge

Shrubs/Understory:SPILAT – Spiraea latifolia – MeadowsweetCEPOCC – Cephalanthus occidentalis – ButtonbushAmelanchier sp. ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleAROMEL – Aronia melanocarpa – Black chokeberryGAYBAC – Gaylussacia baccata – HuckleberryVACPAL – Vaccinium pallidum – Hillside blueberryMYRGAL – Myrica gale – Sweet fernVIBCAS – Viburnum cassinoides – Wild raisin

Mid and Overstory:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red maple

Presences/Absence:OXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelVERHAS – Verbena hastata – Common verbenaPOTNOR – Potentilla norvegica – Rough cinquefoilIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notMIMRIN – Mimulus ringens – Allegheny monkey flowerEUPPER – Eupatorium perfoliatum – BonesetPOLSAG – Polygonum sagittatum – Arrow-leaved tearthumbGALPAL – Galium palustre – Marsh bedstrawLonicera sp. SAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberryRANREC – Ranunculus recurvatus – Hooked crowfoot

Other Observed Species:NUPLUT – Nuphar variegata – Bullhead pond lillyVICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetchRUBALL – Rubus allegheniensis – BlackberryLACCAN – Lactuca canadensis – Tall lettuceLYSTER – Lysimachia terrestris – Bulbil loosestrifeLYSCIL – Lysimachia ciliata – Fringed loosestrifeTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens- Tall meadow-rueSalix sp.

Below Skeleton Dam – Northeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:VICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetchTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall-meadow rueSPILAT – Spiraea latifolia – MeadowsweetIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleAster sp. AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutSalix sp. SOLGIG – Solidago gigantean – Smooth goldenrodSOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldonrodLACCAN – Lactuca canadensis – Tall lettuceOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelRUBALL – Rubus allegheniensis – BlackberrySAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberryASTCOR – Aster/Symphyotrichum cordifolium – Common heart-leaved asterSOLCAE – Solidago caesia – Blue-stemmed goldonrodPTRAQU – Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken fernAPOAND – Apocynum androsaemifolium – Spreading dogbaneVACPAL – Vaccinium pallidum – Hillside blueberryROSCAR – Rosa carolina – Pasture roseFAGGRA – Fagus grandifolia – American beech PRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – ChokecherryFRAVES – Fragaria vesca – Woodland strawberryDIELON – Diervilla lonicera – Bush honeysuckleQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oak VACAUG – Vaccinium augustifolium – Low-bush Blueberry

Shrubs/Understory: SPILAT – Spiraea latifolia – MeadowsweetAmelanchier sp.APOAND – Apocynum androsaemifolium – Spreading dogbanePRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherryAROMEL – Aronia melanocarpa – Black chokeberryCORALT – Cornus alternifolia – Alternate-leaved dogwood


VACCOR – Vaccinium corymbosum – Common highbush blueberry

Presence/Absence:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleCORRUG – Cornus rugosa – Round-leaved dogwoodTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernAmelanchier sp. SALSER – Salix sericea – Silky WillowSAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common ElderMYRGAL – Myrica gale – Sweet Fern/BerryEUPPER – Eupatorium perfoliatum – BonesetCEPOCC – Cephalanthus occidentalis – ButtonbushSolidago sp.

Other Observed Species:HIEAUR – Hieracium aurantiacum – Orange hawkweed* AGRPUB – Agrimonia pubescens – Downy agrimonyLYSCIL – Lysimachia ciliata – Fringed loosestrifeTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodCLIVUL – Clinopodium vulgare – Wild basilSOLDUL – Solanum dulcamara – Bittersweet Nightshade* Crataegus sp. Pyrus sp.

Atwood Rd. – Northeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:BETALL – Betula alleghaniensis – Yellow birchVICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetchPLARUG – Plantago rugelii – American plantain BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleTRIREP – Trifolium repens – White clover*MAICAN – Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflowerSOLGIG – Solidago gigantean – Smooth goldenrodGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notCARCEP – Carex cephaloidea TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodPARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oak

AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutGalium sp. ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple

Shrubs/Understory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleFRAAME – Fraxinus americana – White ashOSTVIR – Ostryr virginiana – Americann hophornbeamTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodDRYMAR – Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal woodfern

Mid and Overstory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodBETALL – Betula alleghaniensis – Yellow birch

Presence/Absence:Ribes sp. – SAMPUB – Sambucus pubens – Red elderberryPINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pineSOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldenrodBARVUL – Barbarea vulgaris – Common wintercressOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelATHFIL – Athryrium Filix-femina – Lady fernCrataegus sp. TAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*ULMGLA – Ulmus glabra – Witch elmOSTVIR – Ostryr virginiana – Americann hophornbeamVIOCUC – Viola cucullata – Marsh blue violetRANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercupTHENOV – Thelypteris noveboracensis – New York fernHYDVIR – Hydrophyllum virginianum – Eastern waterleafONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernFAGGRA – Fagus grandifolia – American beechARCMIN – Arctium minus – Common burdock*POLACR – Polystichum acrostichoides – Christmas fernTHEPHE – Thelypteris phegopteris – Long beech fernSAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberry


POLBIF – Polygonatum biflorum – Smooth Solomon’s sealMAIRAC – Maianthemum racemosum – False Solomon’s SealTRIERE – Trillium erectum – Purple trilliumMAICAN – Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflowerOSMCLA – Osmunda claytoniana – Interrupted fernDRYSPI – Dryopteris spinulosa – Spinulose woodfern

Other Observed Species:Lonicera sp. Carya sp. Cardamine sp. Mitella sp. Actaea sp. CAUTHA – Caulophyllum thalictroides – Blue cohoshVIOPUB – Viola pubescens – Downy yellow violetVitis sp. Crataegus sp. ARITRI – Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit*ARCMIN – Arctium minus – Common burdock*TSUCAN – Tsuga canadensis – Northern hemlockMITREP – Mitchella repens – Partridge-berryCLEVIR – Clematis virginiana – Virgin’s bower

Atwood Rd. – Southwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleATHFIL – Athryrium filix-femina – Lady fernDRYMAR – Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal woodfernRibes sp.Solidago sp.RUBODO – Rubus odoratus – Flowerinig raspberryRUBALL – Rubus allegheniensis – Common blackberryRUBIDA – Rubus idaeus – Red raspberryQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oak

Shrubs/Understory:RUBPEN – Rubus pensylvanica – Pennsylvania blackberryBETALL – Betula allegheniensis – Yellow birchTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodRibis sp. SAMPUB – Sambucus pubens – Red elderberry

DRYMAR – Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal woodfernOSTVIR – Ostryr virginiana – American hophornbeam

Mid and Overstory:TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodTSUCAN – Tsuga canadensis – Northern hemlock

Presence/Absence:URTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleThalictrum sp. – IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*Solidago sp. RANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercupTRIERE – Trillium cf. erectum – Purple trilliumACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple VIOCUC – Viola cucullata – Marsh blue violetViola sp. VERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleboreARCMIN – Arctium minus – Common burdock*CARLEP – Carex leptonnervia

Other Observed Species:ACESPI – Acer spicatum – Mountain mapleARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaPRUSER – Prunus serontina – Black cherryEPIHEL – Epipactis helleborine – HelleborinePILPUM – Pilea pumila - clearweed

Parker Rd. – Northwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notURTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall meadow-rueARITRI – Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit*VICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetch


RANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercupEquisetum sp.Solidago sp.ATHFIL – Athryrium filix-femina – Lady fernGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawCLEVIR – Clematis virginiana – Virgin’s bowerPRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherrySOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldenrodONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernPolygonum sp.CARSCA – Carex scabrata CARGYN – Carex gynandraAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleHYLTEL – Hylotelephium telephium – Live foreverANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anemone

Shrubs/Understory:ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernFRAAME – Fraxinus americana – White ashATHFIL – Athryrium filix-femina – Lady fernSCIMIC – Scirpus microcarpus

Mid and Overstory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleTILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood

Presence/Absence:BARVUL – Barbarea vulgaris – Common wintercressEquisetum sp. POAPRA – Poa pratensis OXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelPARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperVICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetchTrillium sp. RANACR – Ranunculus acris – Common buttercupULMAME – Ulmus americana – American elmFAGGRA – Fagus grandifolia – American beechOSMREG – Osmunda regalis – Royal fernRUBIDA – Rubus idaeus – Red raspberryVERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleborePRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry

Other Observed Species:

ARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaOROUNI – Orobanche uniflora – Cancer rootIREVIR – Iris versicolor – Northern blue irisQUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakOSMCLA – Osmunda claytoniana – Interrupted fernMATSTR – Matteuccia struthiopteris – Ostrich fernAvens sp. PINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pine

Parker Rd. – Southeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernURTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notPARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperMATSTR – Matteuccia struthiopteris – Ostrich fernSolidago sp.ATHFIL – Athryrium filix-femina – Lady fernRANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercupOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelVERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleboreSCHTAB – Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani – rush sp.Polygonum sp.BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanut

Shrubs/Understory:TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodMATSTR – Matteuccia struthiopteris – Ostrich fernONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fern

Mid and Overstory:BETALL – Betula allegheniensis – Yellow birchACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple

Presence/Absence:FRAAME – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashARITRI – Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit*GALASP – Galium asprellum – Rouch bedstrawBARVUL – Barbarea vulgaris – Common wintercress


ARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleEquisetum sp. – VIOCUC – Viola cucullata – Marsh blue violetTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall meadow-rueRubus sp. FRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashSAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberry

Other Observed Species:VERAME – Veronica americana – American speedwellCERFON – Cerastrium brachypetalum – Mouse-ear chickweed*BRARAP – Brassica rapa – Field mustard*ULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmALNRUG – Alnus rugosa – Speckled alderSOLDUL – Solanum dulcamara – Bittersweet nightshade*

Northway – WestHerbaceous/Seedlings:LYSNUM – Lysimachia nummularia – Moneywort*IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notCARCOR – Carya cordiformis – Bitternut hickoryRHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*Lonicera sp. CIRALP – Circaea lutetiana – Common enchanter’s-nightshadeMATSTR – Matteuccia Struthiopteris – Ostrich fernSolidago sp. – ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernThalictrum sp.

Shrubs/Understory:FRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashMATSTR – Matteuccia Struthiopteris – Ostrich fernONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleLonicera sp.

Mid and Overstory:TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodFRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple

JUGCIN – Juglans cinerea – Butternut

Presence/Absence:ALNRUG – Alnus rugosa – Speckled alderSANCAN – Sanguinaria canadensis – BloodrootVIBACE – Viburnum acerifolium – Mapleleaf viburnumEquisetum sp. MAIRAC – Maianthemum racemosum – False Solomon’s SealRHURAD – Rhus radicans – Poison ivyTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubesens – Tall meadow-rueVIBLEN – Viburnum lentago – NannyberryVitis sp. – PARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperCARCAR – Carpinus caroliniana – Hornbeam/IronwoodOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutCORAMO – Cornus amomum – Silky dogwoodSAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberry

Other Observed Species:ACTRUB – Actaea rubra – Red baneberryALLTRI – Allium tricoccum – Wild leekSOLGIG – Solidago gigantea – Smooth goldenrodMAICAN – Maianthemum canadensis – Canadian mayflowerRHUTYP – Rhus typhina – Staghorn sumacGALASP – Gallium asprellum – Rough bedstrawARITRI – Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpitBETPOP – Betula populifolia – Grey birchFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashVIBTRI – Viburnum opulus – Cranberrybush viburnumCORALT – Cornus alternifolia – Alternate-leaved dogwood

Northway - EastHerbaceous/Seedlings:PARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperMAIRAC – Maianthemum racemosa – False Solomon’s sealONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive FernSolidago sp.


RHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common BuckthornRANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercupAster sp. ANEQUI – Anemone quinquefolia – Wood anenomePRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – ChokecherryGALMOL – Galium mollugo – Wild madder*CARCOR – Carya cordiformus – Bitternut hickoryVITCIN – Vitis cinerea – Winter grapeRubus sp.

Shrubs/Understory:AMELAE – Amelanchier laevis – Smooth juneberryFRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashVIBLEN – Viburnum lentago – NannyberryACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashPINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pineOSTVIR – Ostryr virginiana – American hophornbeamCORAMO – Cornus amomum – Silky dogwoodCORCOR – Corylus cornuta – Beaked hazelnutLONTAT – Lonicera tatarica – Tartarian honeysucklePRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry

Mid and Overstory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleTILAME – Tilia americana – Basswood

Presence/Absence:DRYMAR – Dryopteris marginalis – Marginal woodfernSANCAN – Sanguinaria canadensis – BloodrootIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubesens – Tall meadow-rueLYSNUM – Lysimachia nummularia – Moneywort*AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaViola sp. – VERVIR – Veratrum viride – False helleboreOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelACTRUB – Actaea rubra – Red baneberry

ULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashRHUTYP – Rhus typhina – Staghorn sumacQUEBIC – Quercus bicolor – Swamp white oakRUBODO – Rubus odoratus – Fowering raspberry

Other Observed Species:BERVUL – Berberis vulgaris – European barberry*TAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*Rubus sp. – SISMON – Sisyrinchium montanum – Strict blue-eyed grassLEUVUL – Leucanthemum vulgare – Ox-eye daisy*HIECAE – Hieracium caespitosum – Yellow king-devil

Chazy Recreation Park – SoutheastHerbaceous/Seedlings:RHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutCarex sp. - FRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashVIOCUC – Viola cucullata – Marsh blue violetVIOPUB – Viola pubescens – Downy yellow violetTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubesens – Tall meadow-rueBARVUL – Barbarea vulgaris – Common wintercressANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anenomeSolidago sp. TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodPRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherryGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawAmelanchier sp. Carex sp.

Shrubs/Understory:RHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleFRANIG – Fraxinus nigra – Black ashAmelanchier sp. TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodVIBLEN – Viburnum lentago – Nannyberry


VIBTRI – Viburnum trilobum – Cranberry viburnumPRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry Lonicera sp.

Mid and Overstory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maplePINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pine

Presence/Absence:IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notTrillium sp. PARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*URTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleBURTHU – Berberis thunbergii – Japanese barberry*QUEBIC – Quercus bicolor – Swamp white oakPLARUG – Plantago rugelii – American plantainERIPHI – Erigeron philadelphicus – Common fleabaneRANABO – Ranunculus abortivus – Kidney-leaved buttercup

ACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernEquisetum sp.VALOFF – Valeriana officinalis – Garden valerian*

Other Observed Species:POLBIF – Polygonatum biflorum – Smooth Solomon’s sealHESMAT – Hesperis matronalis – Dame’s rocket*CIRDIS – Cirsium discolor – Field thistleMAICAN – Maianthemum canadensis – Canadian mayflowerVITCIN – Vitis cinera – Winter grapeCARCOR – Carya cordiformis – Bitternut hickorySalix sp.QUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red oakBETPOP – Betula populifolia – White birchCARCRI – Carex crinitaTSUCAN – Tsuga canadensis – Northern hemlockSPITOM – Sorbus - Mountain ashASCINC – Asclepias incarnata – Swamp milkweed

Chazy Recreation Park - Northwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:LYSNUM – Lysimachia nummularia – Moneywort*IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notSOLCAN – Solidago canadensis – Canada goldenrodCarex sp. Equisetum sp.PLARUG – Plantago rugelii – American plantainAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutBARVUL – Barbarea vulgaris – Common wintercressGLYSTR – Glyceria striata PHAARU – Phalaris arundinaceaVALOFF – Valeriana officinalis – Garden valerian*OXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelLYSCIL – Lysimachia ciliata – Fringed loosestrifeQUERUB – Quercus rubra –Red oakIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange-touch-me-not BOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrica – False nettleGLYSTR – Glyceria striata

Shrubs/Understory:COROBL – Cornus obliqua – Narrowleaf dogwoodONONSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashTILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodPyrus sp.

Mid and Overstory:ACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash

Presence/Absence:APIAME – Apios americana – GroundnutGLEHED – Glechoma hederacea – Ground ivy*ANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anemoneACTRUB – Actaea rubra – Red baneberryCALPAL – Calla palustris – Wild callaTrillium sp.Lysimachia sp.Ribes sp.


HYDVIR – Hydrophyllum virginianum – Eastern waterleafECHLOB – Echinocystis lobata – Wild cucumberSALNIG – Salix nigra – Black willowTHADIO – Thalictrum dioicum – Early meadow-rueTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall meadow-rueCratageous sp. BERTHU – Berberis thunbergii – Japanese barberry*RHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*ALLPET – Alliaria petiolata – Garlic-mustard*CARGRI – Carex griseaCORRUG – Cornus rugosa – Roundleaf dogwoodLonicera sp. CARCRI – Carex crinitaERIPHI – Erigeron philadelphicus – Common fleabaneACESAC – Acer saccharum - Sugar maple

Other Observed Species:ACESAC – Acer saccharinum – Silver maple

Stetson Bridge Rd. – Northwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:URTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutGALASP – Gallium asprellum – Rough bedstrawSOLGIG – Solidago gigantean – Smooth goldonrodOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelIMPCAP – Impatiens capensis - Orange touch-me-notEquisetum sp.Aster sp.LYSCIL – Lysimachia ciliata – Fringed loosestrifeGLYSTR – Glyceria striataACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderCIRLUT – Circaea lutetiana – Common enchanter’s-nightshadeCORSTO – Cornus stolonifera – Red-osier dogwoodLYSNUM – Lysimachia nummularia – Moneywort*

ANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anemoneFRAPEN – Fraxinus pennsylvanica – Green ashTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelionLITOFF – Lithospermum officinale – European gromwell*GUECAN – Geum canadense – White avensASTCOR – Aster/Symphyotrichum cordifolium – Common heart-leaved asterSOLCAN – Solidago canadensis – Canada goldenrodPOPALB – Populus alba – White poplarPARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeper

Shrubs/Understory:RIBAME – Ribes americanum – American black currantFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmRHACAR – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*POPALB – Populus alba – White poplar

Mid and Overstory:ULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmPOPALB – Populus alba – White poplarFRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash

Presence/Absence:VITCIN – Vitis cinerea – Winter grapeCORSTO – Cornus sericea – Red-osier dogwoodSALNIG – Salix nigra – Black willowCOROBL – Cornus amomum – silky dogwoodBIDFRO – Bidens frondosa – Devil’s begger-ticksVALOFF – Valeriana officinalis – Garden valerian*POLSAG – Polygonum sagittatum – Arrowleave tearthumb

Other Observed Species:Crataegus sp. Lonicera sp. ECHLOB – Echinocystis lobata – Wild cucumberEquisetum sp. TILAME – Tilia americana – BasswoodVIBLEN – Viburnum lentago – NannyberryERIPHI – Erigeron philadelphicus – Common fleabane


THAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall meadow-rue

Stetson Bridge Rd. – Southeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notURTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettlePARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderBIDFRO – Bidens frondosa – Devil’s begger-ticksTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*FRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash

Shrubs/Understory:ULMRUB – Ulmus rubra –Slippery elmACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red maple

Mid and Overstory:ULMRUB – Ulmus rubra –Slippery elmACENEG – Acer negundo – Box elderFRAPEN – Fraxinus pennsylvanica – Green ash

Presence/Absence:SOLGIG – Solidago gigantae – Smooth goldenrodLemna sp. COROBL – Cornus amomum – Silky dogwoodLYSNUM – Lysimachia nummularia – Moneywort*AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutPLARUG – Plantago rugelii – American plantainECHLOB – Echinocystis lobata – Wild cucumberGLEHED – Glechoma hederacea – Ground ivy*TILAME – Tilia americana - Basswood

Other Observed Species:LACBIB – Lactuca biennis – Tall blue lettuceGUELAC – Guem laciniatum – Rough avensACESAC –Acer saccharum – Sugar mapleRIBAME – Ribes americanum – American black currantSALNIG – Salix nigra – Black willow

RHACAR – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*

Lake Shore Rd. – Northeast

Herbaceous/Seedlings:CORSTO – Cornus sericea – Red-osier dogwoodBIDVUL – Bidens vulgata – Tall begger-ticksACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple Galium sp. Lemna sp. IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleFRAPEN –Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ashAcer sp. – seedlingsTHEPAL – Thelypteris palustris – Marsh fern

Shrubs/Understory:CORSTO – Cornus sericea – Red-osier dogwoodACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleFRAPEN –Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash

Mid and Overstory:ACESAC – Acer saccharum – Sugar maple

Presence/Absence:ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernHYDMOR – Hydrocharis morsus-ranae – European frog-bit*SAGLAT – Sagittaria latifolia – Common arrowhead

Other Observed Species:URTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmSOLGIG – Solidago gigantea – Smooth goldenrodSALFRA – Salix fragilis – Crack willowPRUAVI – Prunus avium – Sweet cherryARITRI – Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpitCOROBL – Cornus amomum – Silky dogwoodRHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*APIAME – Apios americana - GroundnutVIBLEN – Viburnum lentago - NannyberrySMIHER – Smilax herbacea – Carrion flower

Lake Shore Rd. - Southwest

Herbaceous/Seedlings:SMIHER – Smilax herbacea – Carrion flower


ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernURTDIO – Urtica dioica – Stinging nettleBidens sp. ACESAC – Acer saccharinum – Silver mapleSOLGIG – Solidago gigantea – Smooth goldenrodANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anemoneERIPHI – Erigeron philadelphicus – Common fleabaneAMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutEquisetum sp. LEUVUL – Leucanthemum vulgare – Ox-eye daisy*VITPAL – Vitis palmate – Cat grapeTRIHYB – Trifolium hybridum – Alsike clover*LYTSAL – Lythrum salicaria – Purple loosestrifeCERFON – Cerastrium fontanum – Mouse-ear chickweed*GALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawSTELON – Stellaria longifolia – Long-leaved stichwortASCSYR – Asclepias syriaca – Common milkweedVICCRA – Vicia cracca – Cow vetchASTCOR – Aster/Symphyotrichum cordifolium – Common heart-leaved asterDAUCAR – Daucus carota – Queen Anne’s lace*ARCMIN – Arctium minus – Common burdock*ALOPRA – Alopercurus pratensis CALCAN – Calamagrostic canadensis PHAARU – Phalaris arundinaceaPOAPRA – Poa pratensisCARPAL – Carex pallescensBROINE – Bromus inermis CERDEM – Ceratophyllum demersum – Coontail

Shrubs/Understory:FRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash

Mid and Overstory:(none)

Presence/Absence:Lemna sp. CORSTO – Cornus stolonifera – Red-osier dogwoodTrillium sp.HYDMOR – Hydrocharis morsus-ranae – European Frog-bit*

IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notULMRUB – Ulmus rubra – Slippery elmSALFRA – Salix fragilis – Crack willowGUELAC – Guem laciniatum – Rough avens

Other Observed Species:CARVUL – Carex vulpinoidea CARNOR – Carex normalisJUNTEN – Juncus tenuisMEDSAT – Medicago sativa – Alfalfa*POTREC – Potentilla recta – Rough-fruited cinquefoil*GALMOL – Galium mollugo – Wild madder*PASSAT – Pastinaca sativa – Parsnip*POPDEL – Populus deltoids – CottonwoodRHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*PRUSER – Prunus serotina – Black cherrySalix sp. RHUTYP – Rhus typhina – Staghorn sumacSOLDUL – Solanum dulcamara – Bittersweet nightshade*SAMPUB – Sambucus pubens – Red elderberryTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*

Tracy Brook – East

Herbaceous/Seedlings:IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notAPIAME – Apios americana - GroundnutOXASTR – Oxalis stricta – Common yellow wood-sorrelPOTNOR – Potentilla norvegica – Rough cinquefoilPOLSAG – Polygonum sagittatum – Arrow-leaved tearthumbLONXYL – Lonicera xylosteum – European honeysuckle*CARGRA – Carex gracillimaPARQUI – Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeperSOLRUG – Solidago rugosa – Wrinkle-leaved goldenrodSOLGIG – Solidago gigantea – Smooth goldenrodGALASP – Galium asprellum – Rough bedstrawHypericum sp.

Shrubs/Understory:FRAPEN – Fraxinus pensylvanica – Green ash


LONXYL – Lonicera xylosteum – European honeysuckle*ALNRUG – Alnus rugosa – Speckled alder


Presence/Absence:ONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernANECAN – Anemone canadensis – Canadian anemoneIris sp. CORSTO – Cornus sericea – Red-osier dogwoodPHAARU – Phalaris arundinacea GEULAC – Geum laciniatun – Rough avensASCSYR – Asclepias syriaca – Common milkweedCARSTI – Carex stipata COROBL – Cornus amomum – Silky dogwoodTHAPUB – Thalictrum pubescens – Tall meadow-rue

Other Observed Species:QUERUB – Quercus rubra – Red mapleASTCOR – Aster/Symphyotrichum cordifolium – Common heart-leaved asterBETALL – Betula allegheniensis – Yellow birchTAROFF – Taraxacum officinale – Common dandelion*ACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleCARCOR – Carya cordiformus – Bitternut hickorySOLDUL – Solanum dulcamara – Bittersweet Nightshade* ATHFIL – Athryrium Filix-femina – Lady fernEquisetum sp. FRAVIR – Fragaria virginiana – Common strawberryRUBALL – Rubus allegheniensis – BlackberryCerastium sp. PRUVIR – Prunus virginiana – ChokecherrySAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common elderberryPINSTR – Pinus strobus – Eastern white pine

Tracy Brook – South

Herbaceous/Seedlings:IMPCAP – Impatiens capensis – Orange touch-me-notBOECYL – Boehmeria cylindrical – False nettlePHAARU – Phalaris arundinaceaBIDFRO – Bidens frondosa – Devil’s begger-ticks

Shrubs/Uunderstory:ALNRUG – Alnus rugosa – Speckled alder


Presence/Absence:APIAME – Apios americana - GroundnutCOROBL – Cornus amomum – Narrowleaf/Silky dogwoodTRIREP – Trifolium repens – White clover*Clematis sp. – Salix sp. – VITPAL – Vitis palmata – Cat grapeONOSEN – Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive fernRHACAT – Rhamnus cathartica – Common buckthorn*AMPBRA –Amphicarpaea bracteata – Hog peanutAGRGIG – Agrostis giganteanACERUB – Acer rubrum – Red mapleIRIVER – Iris versicolor – Northern blue irisVIBCAS – Viburnum cassiniodes – Wild raisinASCINC – Asclepias incarnata – Swamp milkweedSOLGIG – Solidago gigantea – Smooth goldenrodCARRET – Carex retrorsaPopulus sp. Aster sp. POLSAG – Polygonum sagittatum – Arrow-leaved tearthumb

Other Observed Species:SAMCAN – Sambucus canadensis – Common ElderberryARANUD – Aralia nudicaulis – Wild sarsaparillaRibes sp. RUBIDA – Rubus idaeus – Red RaspberryECHLOB – Echinocystis lobata - Wild cucumberPHAARU – Phalaris arundinacea


APPENDIX 3. Records for aquatic insects collected in survey sites and identified by Luke Myers, Colorado State University / Lake Champlain Research Institute.

May 27, 2008 - C. MartineRobinson Brook

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies) Family: Leptophlebiidae, Paraleptophlebia sp., 1 male subimago

June 2, 2008 - C. Martine Little Chazy RiverUpstream of Million Dollar Dam44.8344N 73.5686

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)Family: Ephemeridae, Ephemera guttulata, 2 males and 1 female imagoFamily: Leptophlebiidae, Habrophlebioides americana, 4 male imagos and subimagos

Megaloptera (Fishflies and Dobsonflies)Family: Sialidae, Sialis sp., 1 male

June 3, 2008 - C. MartineLittle Chazy River44.8344N 73.5686W

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)Family: Ephemeridae, Ephemera guttulata, 1 male imagoFamily: Leptophlebiidae, Habrophlebioides americana, 5 male imagos

Trichoptera (Caddisflies)Family: Philopotamidae, Chimarra aterima, 1 male

Megaloptera (Fishflies and Dobsonflies)Family: Corydalidae, Nigronia serricornis, 1 male

June 5, 2008 - C. MartineLittle Chazy RiverUpstream of Atwood Road Powerline right-of-way44.8229N 73.5530W

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)Family: Ephemeridae, Ephemera sp., 1 male subimagoFamily: Heptageniidae, Stenacron sp., 1 male subimagoFamily: Leptophlebiidae, Habrophlebioides americana, 1 male subimago

Megaloptera (Fishflies and Dobsonflies)Family: Corydalidae, Nigronia serricornis, 1 male

June 16, 2008 - C. MartineLittle Chazy RiverChazy Lions Recreation Park, Chazy44.8959N 73.4332W

Plecoptera (Stoneflies)Family: Perlidae, Agnetina capitata, 1 female

Ackowledgments

Funding provided by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Thank you to Tom Berry (TNC), Dave Franzi (SUNY Plattsburgh), Dave Jaffe (University of Vermont), Steve Langdon and Yi Lu for assistance in the field and/or grant assistance. Logistical support also provided by the Lake Champlain Research Institute (LCRI). Tim Mihuc (LCRI) offered help with data analysis and proofreading. Eileen Allen (SUNY Plattsburgh) helped generate our watershed map. We are grateful for the outstanding grant management services provided by the SUNY Plattsburgh Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (Michael Simpson, Jennifer Breyette, Marlene Cummings, Melody Trombly, Cheryl DeCamp, and Darcy Rugar) and the administrative support of Janet Manor (SUNY Plattsburgh Dept. Biological Sciences).

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