Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH 5.1 NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY The US Fish & Wildlife Service has completed a National Wetland Inventory (NWI) for the entire country. The NWI classifies all wetlands and deepwater habitats according to “The Methodology for the Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats”, Cowardin et al, 1979. Per the Cowardin methodology, all wetlands belong to one of five major wetland Systems: Lacustrine (lakes and ponds); Riverine (rivers and streams); Marine (deep water saltwater environments); Estuarine (shallow tidal influenced saltwater wetlands) and Palustrine (everything else such as marshes, swamps, shallow ponds, etc). Within each System, Classes and Sub-Classes further subdivide wetlands according to common attributes. Each individual mapped wetland was assigned a code representing its System, Class and Subclass. Figure 7 shows the distribution of NWI wetlands as mapped by the USFWS within the Town of Wolfeboro. Lacustrine, Riverine and Palustrine wetlands all occur in Wolfeboro. Approximately 1,425 acres of the Town are mapped as Palustrine wetlands. Lacustrine wetlands (lakes and ponds) are described in more detail in Section 5.0. Palustrine wetlands as mapped by the NWI have the following approximate distribution of wetland classes in Wolfeboro: Table 7 Acres of Palustrine Wetlands by Class Palustrine Wetland Classes Acres Emergent wetlands 125 Forested wetlands 716 Scrub-shrub wetlands 436 Other wetland Classes 148 Total 1,425 Acres The Cowardin system descriptions for the Palustrine System and major wetland Classes in Wolfeboro are included below. The Palustrine System includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.501∞. The Palustrine System was developed to group the vegetated wetlands traditionally called by such names as marsh, swamp, bog, fen, pond, and prairie, which are found throughout the United States. The definitions (without the water regimen restrictions) for the various classes under this system are as follows: The Emergent Wetland Class is characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 13
Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH years, maintaining the same appearance year after year. These wetlands are usually dominated by perennial plants. The Forested Wetland Class is characterized by woody vegetation that is 6m (20ft) tall or taller. Forested wetlands are most common where moisture is relatively abundant, particularly along rivers and in the mountains. The Scrub-Shrub Wetland Class includes areas dominated by woody vegetation less that 6m tall. The species include true shrubs, young trees, and trees or shrubs that are small or stunted because of environmental conditions. Scrub-shrub wetlands may represent a successional stage leading to forested wetland, or they may be relatively stable communities. 5.2 LOCAL WETLAND STUDIES Two wetland studies have been performed for the Town of Wolfeboro. In 1980, Ray Lobdell completed the first wetland study, updating it in 1988. The second report was created by Barry Keith in 1996, titled Wetland Evaluation, Wolfeboro New Hampshire. These studies evaluated and inventoried Wolfeboro‟s wetlands, and identified important wetlands which resulted in the designation of a few selected wetlands as “Prime Wetlands” in accordance with state legislation and discussed in more detail in Section 5.3. Wetland complexes of special significance identified as a result of these studies are described below. Warren Brook This wetland and Heath and Ryefield Brooks serves as one of the major tributaries to Lake Wentworth. This large and uniquely rich wetland habitat is located in the eastern side of Lake Wentworth and is bisected by the Wolfeboro-Brookfield town line. The hydrologic value coupled with the unique flora and fauna, food chain production, historic importance and aesthetic and recreational value makes this wetland a particularly important critical resource for Wolfeboro and the Lakes Region. Batson Pond Batson Pond Wetland Complex is a relatively small area located in northernmost portion of Wolfeboro. This area is bordered to the east and south by Route 28 to the SW and by Pork Hill Rd., and to the NE and NW by the Ossipee-Wolfeboro town line. The overall remoteness and high aesthetic character of this area makes this wetland-pond complex highly desirable for recreation and education. Also historically this area was a farming community prior to the turn of the century. Food chain production, wildlife habitat, and unique rich vegetation makes this wetland exceptionally important. Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 14
Page 1 and 2: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire Natural Re
Page 3 and 4: Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfebor
Page 19: Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfebor
Page 71 and 72:
Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfebor
Page 73 and 74:
Page 75 and 76:
Page 77 and 78:
Page 79 and 80:
Page 81 and 82:
Page 83 and 84:
Page 85:
show all

Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?