Biodiversity of the Moodna Creek Watershed - Orange County Water ...

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Moodna Biodiversity L. Heady, 19 June 2008 DRAFT its summer wetland habitats. Similarly, spotted turtle needs to make overland movements to access different seasonal habitats. Local planning boards, decision makers, landowners, and conservation leaders should be educated on the habitat needs of these protected and declining species, to ensure their ability to persist in the watershed. • Dragonflies and damselflies. Orange County has the second highest number of dragonfly and damselfly species in the United States. In North America, about 15% of dragonfly species are at risk of extinction in the foreseeable future. (Dunkle 2000) Aquatic dragonflies and damselflies use a variety of wetland habitats, and can be impacted by fish stocking, mosquito control, pesticides, hydrologic alteration, removal of aquatic vegetation, and other changes to habitat quality. Outreach and education to landowners and local leaders on conservation-oriented practices may help generate a sense of stewardship responsibility around this local natural legacy. Grasslands, Shrublands, and Farmland The history of agricultural practices in the watershed, along with current farming activity, has maintained important early-successional habitats like meadows and shrubby old fields. A number of wildlife species are dependent on these grassland habitats for breeding and foraging. In addition, agricultural lands can provide a ‘permeable’ landscape that is important for connecting core habitats across the landscape. While some farms and farming practices (e.g., large-scale industrial operations) cause damage to habitats and ecosystems, other farms (e.g., small-scale family farms) support species that are disappearing as rural countryside converts to suburban neighborhoods. (Miller et al. 2005) Finally, old and active farms create the pastoral landscape that adds to local scenery and a community’s “sense of place,” as well as sustain a region’s ability to provide locally-grown food and contribute to groundwater infiltration. Grasslands. Grassland-breeding birds are especially dependent on open, grass-dominated fields for nesting. Studies have found that patches greater than 100 acres (40 ha) are necessary to support a diversity of breeding grassland birds; considerably larger patches, however, have greater potential for high species diversity and breeding success (Helzer and Jelinski 1999, Herkert 1991). Some of the smaller patches of grassland in the Moodna watershed are suitable for species that require less area for breeding, such as bobolink. (See Appendix A.) Grassland species that were reported as ‘confirmed breeders’ in the watershed during the 2000-2005 NYS Breeding Bird Atlas include bobolink, eastern meadowlark, and savannah sparrow; several additional grassland species were observed during the Atlas but breeding was not confirmed. (See Appendix B.) The open, grassy areas at Stewart International Airport have historically supported grassland breeding birds, including upland sandpiper (NYS Threatened) in the 1980s. Given the recent expansion of the airport, it is uncertain whether grassland habitat remains available; however, small local airports and other facilities with large ‘lawns’ may provide suitable breeding or overwintering habitat if managed appropriately. Northern harrier (NYS Threatened) and shorteared owl (NYS Endangered) have been observed using grasslands near Purgatory Swamp as overwintering habitat. For information on the values of wet meadow habitat, see the “Wetlands” section. 18
Moodna Biodiversity L. Heady, 19 June 2008 DRAFT Shrubland and Early Successional Forest. If not managed as grassland, inactive fields eventually evolve into shrubland and the early stages of young forest. Some grassland bird species prefer the structural difference provided by woody vegetation. Species documented as ‘confirmed breeders’ in the watershed during the NYS Breeding Bird Atlas include blue-winged warbler, brown thrasher, eastern towhee, field sparrow, indigo bunting, prairie warbler, and willow flycatcher. (See Appendix B.) Old fields and shrublands are also valuable as part of the habitat complex of eastern box turtle (NYS Special Concern – Watch List), which was documented in nearly all subbasins in the southern half of the watershed during the NYS Herp Altas (Appendix C). While primarily a species of riparian corridors, wood turtle also uses field habitats, and other turtle species may seek nesting sites in open, exposed areas of meadows. Larger mammals, snakes, and raptors prey upon the mice, voles, and other small mammals living in old fields, and a number of rare butterflies and other invertebrates are also associated with early-successional habitat. Threats and Conservation Opportunities • Grassland habitat mapping. Little is known about areas in the Moodna watershed that provide important habitat for grassland-dependent species. As part of their NRI or open space planning processes, communities in the watershed can map and evaluate grassland habitat to inform future planning and conservation decisions. Large grasslands (greater than 100 acres [40 ha]), or those known to support breeding birds of conservation concern, should be priorities for protection or management. Local naturalists and members of bird clubs may be interested in volunteering to assist with such a project, by identifying suitable habitat, breeding sites, and nesting success. • Grassland management and mowing. Grassland-breeding birds are ground-nesters, and therefore are especially vulnerable to mowing and other farming equipment. Mowing areas with ground-nesting birds should be avoided before August 1. While some young birds may be fledged by late June, species such as savannah sparrow and eastern meadowlark raise a second brood later in the season, and the young fledge in late July. If herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) are a conservation concern, then mowing should occur after the first frost (late November or early December.) (LaBruna and Klemens 2007, Mitchell et al. 2006) If mowing is essential prior to August 1 (such as in fields leased to farmers for hay), try to avoid areas where birds are frequently seen and/or leave small patches unmowed to provide cover and feeding areas for the remainder of the summer until birds depart on southward migrations. It is not necessary to mow every year for grassland birds. Mowing can be limited to every one to three years in fields not harvested for high-quality hay. If managing for a shrubby field habitat, then mowing can be even less frequent. • Public outreach. Educate the public on the values of grasslands, and provide appropriate opportunities for community members to visit grasslands and observe wildlife. Partner with local land trusts and conservation organizations to educate landowners on stewardship and management strategies for grassland conservation. This may be especially effective on properties with large “ornamental” meadows that are not hayed for income. Reach out to local farmers who may be interested in maintaining some wildlife habitat on their lands, and explore cost-share programs like the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program. 19
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Page 9 and 10: Figure 1. Ecological Communities of
Page 15 and 16: Figure 3. Analysis of Riparian Buff
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Page 37 and 38: Appendix A. Flagship Species of the
Page 43 and 44: Appendix B. Birds of Conservation C
Page 45: Appendix C. Reptiles and Amphibians

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