Agenda - 06-23-2004-8b - Laserfiche WebLink

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diameter range situated just above the wet zone of the swamp forest. Other significant canopy 39 tree species adjacent to the swamp forest include southern red oak (Ouercus falcata), red oak (Q`uercus mbra~~boslu~ ostrawObeny ,,.,mrn~americana) and a vigorousspopnlatro of bush (E^ swamp doghobble (L°"~^thnr. racemosa) on hummocks along the wet edges, The herb layer is lush in zones with sedges Cazex species) being most common, and some grasses including gastern mannaara~s (Glyiceria sententrionalis), roughleaf'goldenrod (Solida2o m~os~, crane-fly orchid (Tinulari_____? ~S~°l°-r)' Alum root (Heuchera americana), several moss species including sphagnum (Splla?nurn specieoison~ ~caus radicansol and catbrier (Srm~laxm_.____ ro~~Oira) roTl'eme (Anisostichus canreopata), p ~'Y ~ vernal pools comprise an area of approximately .82 acres. It is significant that a similarly sized 8- acrevernal pool azea drains onto the site fiom the immediately adjacent eastern properly which was cieazcut during the previous yeaz. The adjacent vernal pools in the open area immediately off'site on the east were filled with algae growth, most likely resulting from increased sunlight accompanying the clearcut. The vernal pool on site within the swamp forest canopy presented a much healthier aspect with some pres tovided as great diversrty of animal L fe, in sp to of~theer, these pools within the forest canopy p prolonged lingering of the cold winter season. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Ranking, the ilpland Depression Swamp Forest holds a State Rank of S2 ("Imperiled in North Cazolina because of rarity or otherwise vulnerable to extirpation in the state") 'This same forest community holds a Global hank of G3 ("Either very raze and local throughout its range, or found locally in a restricted area."). This forest type has been described within Orange County but this is the first description for Efland Quad.. This being the case, this forest community merits very careful consideration prior to any human development on and adjacent to it See further comment in "Threats" and "TJabitat Enhancement" Basic Mesic Forest The approximate 2,19-acre hazdwood forest with scattered pine bordering the tributary of our Mile Branch flowing through the northwestern portion of the site is best described as a hybrid of the Basic Mesic Forest (Piedmont Subtype) and the Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) described in Classification of the Naturai Communities of North Cazolina Generally, the 50-foot stream buffer zone undulating back and forth across the 2-6-foot elevation rise from the creek bank defines the transition between tins Basic Mesic Forest community and the larger Dry Oak Hickory Forest bordering it. Composition of this forest community is a characteristic mixture of'sw~ehet g ~z IIusqu e a Spar ~._ P ciflua ,red maple (Acer rubrum ,black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), willow oak (Ouercu~l°-s) red oak (Quercns rubra), American ehn (Ulmus Americana shagbazk Hickory C a ovata with white oak (Ouercus alba) post oak (Ouercus stellata) and southern red oak (Oueicu__._._S ~?)~~) situated on the higher ground.. Also mixed in with this diverse forest type azeisolated specunens of Vrginia pine (Pious virRiniana),loblolly pine inustaeda and red cedaz (JuniPems vir iniana . Shrubs, though sp ~o mraccemosagh Vmeslin lode poison ~r.,..~;n;,,,,, ^nrvmbosum) and swamp doghobble (L ivy (Rhos radicans~, crossvine (Anisosti.___._._ thus ~aPr?opata and catbrier (Smilasc r___.___ oti?r?~Plra)° The herb layer is sparse, but diverse including crane-fly orchrd (Tipulari,_____ a diS~Pior)> IamP rush Juncos bluets (Houstonia caerulea) sedges (Carer species) effuses , alumroot (Heuchera Americana), _-._.----------- rough-leaf goldenrod (enl;davo ru[rosa) rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubesce~ and along ttre creek edges at the water line, cardinal flower (Lobelia cazdinalis),.