Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Potential effects for this species are described in the following Guilds: Riparian Habitats, Northern
Hardwood Forests and Lowland Forests.
Species Description
The blue beach is a small, understory tree that reaches a height of 10 meters. Distinguishable by it’s
fluted, “muscular” appearing gray trunk. This member of the Birch Family has simple, alternate finely
toothed leaves fruits borne on a distinctive 3‐lobed leafy bract in long hanging clusters (Farrar, 1995).
Species Habitat
This species thrives in deep shade and is common in the understory of late successional hardwood
forests in Minnesota (Smith, 2008). Additional habitat types include moist soils on lower slopes in valleys
and along the borders of streams and swamps (Farrar, 1995). Typical associates include maples,
basswood, oaks, black cherry, or paper birch. Although this species is shade tolerant, it still needs light
for seed germination. The species also spreads by root suckers, and often forms large colonies (Smith,
2008).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
Risk Factors
C. caroliniana is a common understory tree of the eastern United
States and Canada, known from Minnesota south to Texas, east to
Florida and north to Quebec and Ontario. It is a relatively common
understory component for forested areas along the St. Croix River
Valley.
USDA Plants Database at:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Minnesota&statefi
ps=27&symbol=CACA18
Carpinus caroliniana is only listed by the DRM, so point data from
DNR and CNF are not available. According to DRM, it is very
uncommon in the LLR (personal communication, DRM, 2009)
The primary risk factor to this species is conversion of forested habitat to an open setting. In some
instances, however, minimal clearing may benefit this species as some light is required for germination.
4.2.5.13 Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis)
Bitternut hickory is listed as DRM Sensitive.
Potential effects for this species are described in the following Guilds: Riparian Habitats, Lowland Forest
and Northern Hardwood Forests.
Species Description
Bitternut hickory is a tall, canopy tree most easily identified by it’s smooth, tight gray bark with shallow
fissures and distinctively bright yellow buds. The opposite leaves on this species are comprised of 7‐9
leaflets on a pinnately compound leaf (Smith, 2008)
Species Habitat
This species inhabits beech‐maple and mixed hardwood stands (Voss, 1985), river flood plains, welldrained
hillsides, and limestone glades (Stone, 1997 cf. U. S. Forest Service, 2001a).
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐56