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New York Natural Heritage Program
New York Natural Heritage Program
A Partnership between the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
625 Broadway, 5th Floor Albany, NY 12233-4757 (518) 402-8935, Fax (518) 402-8925 www.nynhp.org
Bay to Sound Project
Rare Species and Natural
Community Inventory
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New York Natural Heritage Program
THIS REPORT CONTAINS SENSITIVE DATA
This report contains information regarding the locations of rare species. This information is
considered sensitive. The release of information that identifies the locations of rare species or their
habitats may lead to the collection or disturbance of the animals and plants at those locations. NYS
DEC has the legal authority, under New York State Environmental Conservation Law, to restrict
access to such information. The following guidelines for the release of Natural Heritage data will
help ensure that the species involved are not harmed.
Any part of this report, or any documents or maps that are prepared using the data in this report and
that will be available to the public, should not identify the precise locations of rare species. Maps
made available to the public should generalize the information available in the report; i.e., they
should obscure precise locations within larger, more general areas of environmental sensitivity and
should not include species names. Documents made available to the public should only indicate the
presence of a species but not specify its precise location. Please contact the New York Natural
Heritage Program where precise locational information, electronic data, or sensitive species details
are requested.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Bay to Sound Project: Rare Species and
Natural Community Inventory
Richard M. Ring, Aissa L. Feldmann, Matthew D. Schlesinger, and Erin L. White
A report prepared by the
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4757
www.nynhp.org
for the
Town of Southold, New York
December 2012
Please cite this report as follows: Ring, R.M., A.L. Feldmann, M.D. Schlesinger, and E.L. White.
2012. Bay to Sound Project Rare Species and Natural Community Inventory. New York Natural
Heritage Program, Albany, NY.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 1
METHODS ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Survey Site Selection and General Field Methodology ............................................................................ 3
Rare Species Surveys ................................................................................................................................. 3
Natural Community Surveys .................................................................................................................... 4
RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Site Narratives .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Arshamomaque Preserve ........................................................................................................................ 10
Bloom Parcel ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Caroll/Waldron Parcels .......................................................................................................................... 11
Cia Cia Parcel (northern section) .......................................................................................................... 12
Cia Cia Parcel (southern section) .......................................................................................................... 12
Inlet Pond ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Manor Grove Parcel ................................................................................................................................ 15
Moore’s Woods ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Posilico (Beach) Parcel ............................................................................................................................ 18
Reese Parcel .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Sill Parcel ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Skipper Horton Park ............................................................................................................................... 20
Stackler Parcel .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Important Area Models .............................................................................................................................. 21
Conservation Guides ................................................................................................................................... 22
CONSERVATION PRIORITIES AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................... 26
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 27
LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................................................................. 27
APPENDIX A: The NY Natural Heritage Program and Our Methodology ......................................... 28
APPENDIX B: Conservation Guides for Element Occurences in the Bay to Sound Study Area ..... 31
Rare Animals ................................................................................................................................................ 32
Rare Plants .................................................................................................................................................... 47
Natural Communities ............................................................................................................................... 107
APPENDIX C: New York Natural Heritage Program Important Areas ............................................ 123
New York Natural Heritage Program
INTRODUCTION
The Bay to Sound Trails Project being undertaken by the Town of Southold calls for both
improvements to old trails and creation of just over two miles of new trails. In addition to the
Village of Greenport’s 195-acre Moore’s Woods, adjacent and surrounding land holdings by the
Town, the Village, and Suffolk County total approximately 656 acres (Figures 1 and 2). Taken
together, the parcels included in the study area comprise one of the largest onshore conservation
areas on the North Fork. They include a diversity of habitats, including beaches, estuarine salt
marshes and brackish ponds, swamps, open wetland complexes, and upland forest.
The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP), a partnership between the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation and the State University of New York College of
Environmental Science and Forestry, provides information to local and state government partners
on the locations of rare species and significant natural communities reported within the state. In
2012 the NYNHP undertook an inventory project at Moore’s Woods and the surrounding public
lands. The goal of this inventory was to locate and map rare plant and animal species and significant
natural communities within the study area, in order to better inform conservation and management
decisions. For the purposes of this report a “rare” species is one tracked by NYNHP for its
statewide
significance—referred
to hereafter and in the
NYNHP database as an
“element occurrence.”
In this report we
provide the results of
our rare species and
natural community
surveys and additional
information from the
NYNHP database. Our
intent is that these data
will be used to guide
the development of the
study area for public
use and recreation with
an eye toward
protection and
preservation of the
unique characteristics
of the landscape.
A red maple-hardwood swamp within Moore's Woods.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 1. The study area within the town of Southold, NY on the North Fork of Long Island.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
METHODS
This project used the New York Natural Heritage Program’s system of data collection, entry,
mapping, and retrieval. We are also part of NatureServe (www.natureserve.org), a cooperative
network of 74 Natural Heritage programs and conservation data centers throughout the Western
Hemisphere. These programs specialize in compiling biodiversity information by conducting
inventories of rare plants, rare animals, and ecologically significant natural communities aimed at
identifying the most sensitive resources in a defined geographic area. For an overview of NY
Natural Heritage methodology, see Appendix A.
Survey Site Selection and General Field Methodology
This study was not intended to be a complete
biological inventory of the study area. Rather,
priority was given to those areas with the
greatest potential for the presence of rare
species or exemplary natural communities. A
review of records in NY Natural Heritage
Program files and records from the NYS
DEC Endangered Species and Nongame and
Habitat Units provided a starting point for
determining potential rare species to target.
We also used aerial photos and other remote
sensing data to identify priority areas of
habitat for fieldwork. We consulted with
other scientists and field biologists familiar
with rare species locations and habitat within
the area. John Sepenoski of the Town of
Southold provided us with leads and basic
descriptions of the parcels as well as notes
and suggestions from local experts and
naturalists. Sites surveyed in 2012 are shown
in Figure 2.
Rare Species Surveys
Searches for priority species were completed
during the season when the species of interest
were easiest to detect. Botanical surveys were
conducted in June and September, to capture
both late and early-blooming species.
Zoological surveys were conducted in May,
June, and July.
Swamp Cottonwood is a rare tree species found at
Arshamomaque Preserve.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
When a rare species was detected, we attempted to map the extent of the population, and collected
data on population size, reproductive biology, and habitat characteristics. Observations on
disturbances, threats, and general site quality were also recorded. For rare plant species, voucher
specimens were collected for eventual deposition at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY,
except for small populations, in which case photographs served as vouchers of the occurrence.
Voucher specimens were also collected for rare insect species that are extremely difficult to identify
in the field or where confirmation by a specialist may be required to confirm a tentative
identification made in the field. These voucher specimens will also be deposited in the NYS
Museum.
Natural Community Surveys
Natural Community surveys were conducted from June 26 to June 29. This study used standard
inventory methodology developed by The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and the Natural
Heritage Network, and refined by NY Natural Heritage (Edinger et al. 2000). General survey
methodology for natural communities involves collecting data on all or most of the following for
each targeted community occurrence: plant species composition and structure in all strata,
unvegetated ground and water surfaces, soil properties, slope, aspect, elevation, geology, and
hydrology (Edinger et al. 2000). These data inform the identification of each community surveyed.
We also collect and record information on occurrence size, maturity, level of disturbance, abundance
of exotic species, threats, and landscape context. These data allow us to compare the quality and
assess the viability of each community occurrence in relation to others throughout the range of the
community, both within and outside of New York State.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 2: Project study area with parcel names, showing 2012 field survey locations.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
RESULTS
Two significant natural communities, six rare animal species, and thirteen rare plant occurrences
have been documented from the study area, including those documented prior to our surveys (Table
1; Figures 3-5).
Table 1. Element occurrences documented within the Bay to Sound study area.
Element Common Name Scientific Name Rank* Site Name ** Date of Last
Observation
Animal Brachymesia gravida Four-spotted
Pennant
AB Greenport Ponds 2012-07-12
Animal Sternula antillarum Least Tern D Pipes Cove 2008-06-05
Animal Fagitana littera Marsh Fern Moth E Arshamomaque 2012-07-12
Animal Libellula needhami Needham's Skimmer AB Greenport Ponds 2012-07-13
Animal Ischnura ramburii Rambur's Forktail E Greenport Ponds 2012-07-11
Animal Erythrodiplax
berenice
Seaside Dragonlet AB Greenport Salt
Marshes
2012-07-13
Plant Carex typhina Cat-tail Sedge CD Moore’s Woods 2012-06-27
Plant Tipularia discolor Cranefly Orchid BC Moore’s Woods 2008-12-25
Plant Salicornia bigelovii Dwarf Glasswort B Pipes Cove 2012-09-29
Plant Symphyotrichum
subulatum var.
subulatum
Salt marsh Aster E Pipes Cove 2004-09-15
Plant Symphyotrichum
subulatum var.
subulatum
Salt marsh Aster D Cia Cia South
Pond
2012-09-28
Plant Symphyotrichum
subulatum var.
subulatum
Salt marsh Aster CD Inlet Pond 2012-09-26
Plant Sabatia stellaris Sea-pink E Pipes Cove 2004-09-15
Plant Bolboschoenus
maritimus ssp.
paludosus
Seaside Bulrush E Inlet Pond 1993-07-27
Plant Agalinis maritima
var. maritima
Seaside Gerardia B Pipes Cove 2012-09-29
Plant Plantago maritima
var. juncoides
Seaside Plantain C Pipes Cove 2012-06-29
Plant Populus heterophylla Swamp Cottonwood B Arshamomaque
Wetland
2012-06-28
Plant Persicaria setacea Swamp Smartweed B Moore’s Woods 1992-09-25
Plant Carex debilis var.
debilis
White-edge Sedge AB Moore’s Woods 2012-06-29
Natural
Community
Coastal oak-
hickory forest
Coastal Oak-Hickory
Forest
B Moore’s Woods 2012-06-29
Natural
Community
Red maple-
sweetgum swamp
Red Maple-
Sweetgum Swamp
C Arshamomaque
Wetland
2012-06-28
* See Appendix A for an explanation of quality ranks. ** Site names in Table 1 are those used in the NYNHP database,
and may encompass more than one parcel of the study area.
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Figure 3. Mapped locations of extant rare animal populations within the study area.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 4. Mapped locations of extant rare plant populations within the study area.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 5. Mapped locations of significant natural communities within the study area.
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Site Narratives
The following are narratives of the findings our field surveys, listed alphabetically by parcel name.
Under each parcel the narratives are divided into rare plant, rare animal, and/or ecological
community sections. Please refer to Table 1 for rankings of element occurrences (rare species and
communities).
Arshamomaque Preserve
Rare animal surveys: On May 22 we surveyed Arshamomaque Preserve for rare amphibians.
Specific targets included Leopard Frogs (Rana spp.), Northern Cricket Frogs (Acris crepitans), Tiger
Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), and Marbled Salamanders (Ambystoma opacum). We walked the
preserve trail to the observation tower and back, deviating from the trail to visit vernal pools and
wetlands. Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), Green Frogs (Rana clamitans), and a Snapping Turtle (Chelydra
serpentina) were observed. On June 20 we walked the preserve trail with Dr. Hugh McGuinness (a
local moth expert with the Ross School) in search of a suitable location to set a moth trap.
We placed a black-light moth trap in the Preserve the evening of July 12 and retrieved it the
following morning. We placed the trap north of the observation tower, just off the boardwalk near a
shrubby area, swamp, and a cattail marsh with a large open water area—an area highlighted by Dr.
McGuinness as having a promising diversity of microhabitats for moths. After setting the moth trap,
an observer stayed in the observation tower until after dark to conduct a frog survey. Bullfrogs and
Green Frogs were the only species heard and at least three Northern Raccoons (Procyon lotor) were
observed at the base of the tower and climbing up it. At least 21 moth species were captured in the
moth trap as well as various other invertebrates including beetles, true bugs, and caddisflies. Among
the catch, four Marsh Fern Moths (Fagitana littera) were identified by Drs. McGuinness and Tim
McCabe, the latter a moth expert from the New York State Museum. This species is rare statewide
and occurs in at least two locations on the south fork of Long Island as well as in Columbia County.
Marsh Fern Moths are known to use the host plant Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris), which is found
mostly in shrub swamps and marshes, but more information on other host plants is still needed.
Another interesting find among the moths was one Brown-shaded Gray Moth (Iridopsis defectaria),
which was documented for the first time in New York State at a handful of sites on Long Island this
year.
An afternoon survey on July 13 revealed several common birds, odonates, and mammals along the
preserve trail to the observation tower and surrounding areas. We visited a mosaic of habitats for
rare odonates, including open, shrubby/grassy areas on the edge of wooded habitat, as well as marsh
and swamp habitats. While we did not find any rare species this day, the area was teeming with
thriving wildlife.
Ecological community and rare plant surveys: We conducted a survey of the red maple-
sweetgum swamp (RM-SS) on June 27. We walked the preserve trail to the west and south through a
post-agricultural, successional upland forest of mixed composition, including Black Locust (Robinia
pseudoacacia), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Allegheny Blackberry
(Rubus allegheniensis), Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius), and Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora). Turning
east, we accessed the swamp. Our survey of the significant RM-SS that extends from north to south
through the power line and onto the Cia Cia Parcel is documented in the updated Element
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Occurrence Record. It is important to note that classification of this unique occurrence has been
challenging; although some areas show dominance by Red Maple (Acer rubrum), there is no
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) at all. The community is, instead, dominated by Swamp White
Oak (Quercus bicolor) with Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) and the rare Swamp Cottonwood (Populus
heterophylla)—an association of species that is not treated in our existing ecological community
classification (Edinger et al. 2002). It is being temporarily treated as an eastern outlier of red maple-
sweetgum swamp and is currently the only known occurrence of its kind statewide.
The population of Swamp Cottonwood is in fairly good condition, with the trees the dominant
species in the wettest portion of the swamp, and a variety of sizes/ages present. Cutting to maintain
the powerline right-of-way near the southern edge of the population has resulted in abundant
vegetative reproduction by root sprouting, as is typical of the genus. Continuing to limit
maintenance of the right-of-way to mechanical means (avoiding herbicides) would help this rare
species to persist at the site.
Bloom Parcel
Rare animal surveys: After setting the moth trap in the Arshamomaque Preserve on the evening of
July 12, we remained in the observation tower on the Bloom Parcel until after dark to conduct a frog
survey. Bullfrogs and Green Frogs were the only frog species heard. We stayed until at least three
Northern Raccoons were observed at the base of the tower and began climbing up it, at which point
the survey ended and the observer left the tower to raccoon use.
Ecological community and botanical surveys: We surveyed the Bloom parcel on July 27 and no
significant natural communities were observed. We first accessed the series of small trails from the
parking area on Route 48 and made our way to the large emergent wetland complex southeast of the
tennis courts. The marshes were strongly dominated by cattails (Typha spp.) with Blackgum (Nyssa
sylvatica), Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), bayberry (Myrica spp.) and Swamp Loosestrife
(Decodon verticillatus) around the edge. This wetland was checked for additional Swamp Cottonwood
trees known from Arshamomaque to the east, but none were found. Piles of rusty metal and other
refuse were observed.
The upland, forested, northwestern portion of the parcel contained a dense, tangled mix of non-
native species and some invasive exotics. We surveyed the northern edges of this successional
habitat; structure varied between somewhat closed canopy forest and open shrubland draped with
vines. Black Cherry was the dominant canopy tree, joined by the non-native Sycamore Maple (Acer
pseudoplatanus) and Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum) and Tatarian
Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) were the most abundant shrubs and they were almost completely
covered with vines, including Allegheny Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), Multiflora Rose (Rosa
multiflora), Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) was abundant. Because of the
dominance of non-native species there is a low likelihood of finding rare plant species at this site.
Caroll/Waldron Parcels
Rare animal surveys: Over 100 individuals (males, females, and tandem pairs) of Seaside
Dragonlets (Erythrodiplax berenice) were observed while we walked the railroad tracks that bisect the
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Caroll and Waldron parcels. There was evidence of breeding on these salt marshes and they appear
to be doing very well on these sites. This species was also observed breeding at nearby Cia Cia South
Pond and on salt marshes of the Stackler and Posilico parcels.
Rare plant surveys: We surveyed the area between Pipes Creek and Pipes Neck Road from the
beach to the railroad tracks, searching for rare plants of salt marshes. We rediscovered a previously
known population of Seaside Gerardia (Agalinis maritime var. maritima) just below the upland (high
tide) edges of the marsh. It was growing amongst Glasswort (Salicornia europaea), Sea Lavender
(Limonium carolinianum), and Perennial Salt Marsh Aster (Symphyotrichum tenuifolium var. tenuifolium),
often partially shaded by Marsh Elder. It previously had also been observed occupying the same
habitat north of the railroad tracks and on the west side of Pipes Creek, though we didn’t survey
those areas. The population is patchy and appears to be doing best when at least partially shaded by
shrubs or trees. Currently there is a small forested strip between Pipes Neck Road and the salt
marsh. As sea levels continue to rise, conservation of the adjacent uplands may allow these high salt
marsh habitats and the rare species that depend on them to migrate inland.
Cia Cia Parcel (northern section)
Ecological community and rare plant surveys: We surveyed the Cia Cia parcel on June 28 and
collected data on two significant natural community occurrences. The eastern three-quarters of the
parcel consists of upland coastal oak-hickory forest, and this small patch is part of the large
occurrence at Pipes Cove, which is centered around Moore’s Woods. Composition and structure
here are comparable to the other patches of this flat, poorly drained forest, and species dominance is
shared between typical upland species and those that can tolerate wetter conditions: White Oak
(Quercus alba), Pin Oak, Swamp White Oak, Pignut Hickory, Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata),
Blackgum, and Red Maple. Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), Highbush Blueberry, and American Witch-
hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) are common shrubs. Small, vernally flooded depressions with vegetation
typical of red maple-hardwood swamps occur within the larger forest matrix here, as is characteristic
for the whole occurrence. An investigation of the area’s hydrologic history is warranted, particularly
if restoration work of any kind is planned, as a cursory review of historical aerial photography
reveals varying amounts of flooding, particularly when more of the surrounding landscape was in
agriculture.
The west/northwest quarter of this parcel, which adjoins Arshamomaque Preserve via a large
powerline corridor, is a part of the red maple-sweetgum swamp occurrence. Flooded stands of
Swamp Cottonwood and Swamp White Oak extend from north to south here and transition into
(nearly dry at the time of survey) red maple-hardwood swamp with dominance of Red Maple and
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Please see the Arshamomaque Preserve section for additional
information on the swamp occurrence and the rare Swamp Cottonwood population.
Cia Cia Parcel (southern section)
This small parcel south of Route 25 and east of Pipes Neck Road is mostly forested with small
freshwater to apparently brackish ponds at its northern and southern ends.
Rare animal surveys: We visited the southern pond twice, mainly to look for rare odonates, and
were not disappointed. A visit in June produced an observation of a rare skimmer later identified as
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a likely Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami). In July, we detected Needham’s Skimmer for certain
as well as Seaside Dragonlet and one rare damselfly, Rambur’s Forktail (Ischnura ramburii). Territorial
behavior we observed suggests that all three species are breeding at this site. These are species
known to inhabit brackish waters—that this pond is brackish is further evidenced by the observation
of Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)—and Seaside Dragonlets were also observed in abundance on
nearby Waldron and Caroll Parcels. European Common Reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis)
encroachment is a potential
threat to odonates, as it may
decrease oviposition sites
available for females; many
odonates oviposit on native
emergent plants. Maintaining
some natural, wooded
landscape surrounding the
pond is important for the
maturation and roosting of
adult dragonflies, especially
when they are newly emerged
from their aquatic larval stage
and thus more vulnerable to
predation.
The other freshwater pond
was surveyed on July 11,
accessed by bushwhacking
through the woods about 180
m from the southern pond.
This small northern pond may be semi-permanent, although it was quite deep (1 m near the shore)
at the time of survey. The main portion of the pond had an open canopy, was covered by Duckweed
(Lemna sp.), and was bordered by shrubs including Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). At
least five common species of odonates were thriving at this location and turtles seem to be using the
site, as many turtle trails were observed along the surface of the water through the duckweed.
Rare plant surveys: A botanical survey resulted in a new record for a rare plant species, the Annual
Salt-marsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum var. subulatum), at the more southern pond. The margins
of this pond are being invaded by European Common Reed, and the site has been somewhat
degraded by recreational use, with trails and refuse observed along the pond’s edge. A single clump
of the rare aster was seen along a small footpath on the southern edge of the pond. This is an annual
species of open or disturbed habitats often at the upper edge of salt marshes or brackish wetlands.
The current use of this pond for recreation may actually be aiding this species by maintaining
openings in the dense European Common Reed.
Inlet Pond
Rare animal surveys: A survey on June 20 to Inlet Pond revealed a new location for Rambur’s
Forktail. Individuals of both sexes were observed here and are believed to be breeding at this site. A
Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami), which was documented at several
ponds in the study area.
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single state-listed Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) was observed foraging along the beach; the species is
not suspected to breed on this beach but has been known to breed nearby on the Stackler parcel as
recently as 2008. Bullfrogs were also in abundance at the site. We documented breeding populations
of Four-spotted Pennants (Brachymesia gravida) and Needham’s Skimmers, two later season species, at
this pond in July. Four-spotted Pennant males were also observed on the beach adjacent to the pond
actively defending territories and perching on the tops of shrubs. Four-spotted Pennants had been
observed at this location prior to our surveys and were first documented in the state at Skipper
Horton Pond in 2008 by Annette Oliveira. This site appears to be a new location for Needham’s
Skimmer. There was some Phragmites sp. observed along the shoreline of Inlet Pond, as well as some
litter along the edge near the observation platform at the pond. Another potential threat to the
habitat could be increased
inundation from the ocean
with more extreme storm
events. While the
species observed here are
known to withstand some
salinity, too much or too
frequent inundation from
the ocean could be
detrimental to some
odonate larvae living in the
pond. Maintaining the
natural landscape
surrounding the pond is
important for the
maturation and roosting of
adult odonates, especially
when they are newly
emerged individuals and
more vulnerable to
predation. On June 20 we also visited Prentice Pond, finding it largely dense and inaccessible, and
unencumbered by rare species.
We conducted a nighttime survey for calling frogs on June 20 as well, visiting both Inlet Pond and
Prentice Pond. We heard only Bullfrogs and Green Frogs.
We surveyed the beach adjacent to Inlet Pond for the rare Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle (Cicindela
hirticollis), a beach specialist that requires controlled or minimized recreation to avoid compaction of
larval burrows. There is only one historical record for this species on the north shore of Long
Island, so it was unlikely we would encounter this species. The beach habitat did not seem ideal for
this beetle in terms of dune structure, substrate (a bit too rocky), and recreation intensity, and we did
not detect any beetles in our survey.
Rare plant surveys: We conducted surveys of the shoreline area of Inlet Pond in both June and
September, seeking to relocate the rare Seaside Bulrush (Bolboschoenus maritimus ssp. paludosus), last
recorded at the site in 1993. The Seaside Bulrush was not seen during either survey. At that time the
rare species was found amongst Three-Square Bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens), which was the
Inlet Pond is home to rare dragonflies and rare plant species.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
dominant species along much of the shoreline of the pond. By 2012, European Common Reed had
become the dominant vegetation along most of the shoreline, with the native Three-Square Bulrush
reduced to relatively few patches. This pattern of native (and rare) species being crowded out by the
spread of European Common Reed has been repeated at countless similar habitats on Long Island.
It is possible that the rare Seaside Bulrush may still be present in the seed bank, and future surveys
are warranted.
A breeding pair of another invasive species, Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), nested at the north end of the
pond and may have affected the rare plants in the vicinity of their nest by trampling and/or
eutrophication. Amongst the bare mud and goose droppings at the northeast corner of the pond a
new, small population of the rare Annual Salt-Marsh Aster was discovered. The disturbed (by the
swans) and brackish soil is typical habitat for this species. Since it is an annual species of disturbed
habitats no management actions are recommended.
Ecological community surveys: We visited Inlet
Pond on June 29 and collected salinity data. At midday,
the pond’s salinity was just less than 5 ppt (fresh, but
borderline brackish); the water in Long Island Sound at
the same time was 25-30 ppt (the high end of brackish).
As these samples were collected in a hot drought year,
it can be assumed that this is normally a freshwater
pond, perhaps best classified as a maritime freshwater
interdunal swale (not a coastal salt pond), but more
survey work and salinity data are needed to confirm
this.
The southern end of the Inlet Pond parcel was
surveyed briefly in June; it is dominated by a dense
exotic shrub layer, and has a low potential for rare plant
or animal species.
Unusual storm events such as Hurricane Sandy in late 2012 likely affected the rare species and
habitats at this site significantly. Overwash from storm surges could increase the salinity of the pond
and set back succession along the beach. Many rare plants of beach and dune habitats colonize new
sites following storms, via either emergence from the seed bank or long-distance dispersal. This
valuable parcel merits additional survey work in future years to record the effects of Sandy.
Manor Grove Parcel
Rare animal surveys: We surveyed Manor Grove on June 20 for rare odonates and amphibians,
walking west from the old houses to the wetland. We conveniently encountered a rowboat there,
which we borrowed for a trip around the wetland, leaking into the Bloom parcel to the northwest.
We observed only common birds, herps, and odonates on this survey. Spring surveys of calling
amphibians would be ideal to follow up on the potential for rare frogs at this extensive site.
Four-spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida)was
detected at several ponds in the study area.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Ecological community and rare plant surveys: We briefly traversed the eastern (upland) half of
the Manor Grove parcel on June 28. No significant ecological communities were found. North of
Albertson Lane we encountered a successional red cedar woodland with robust liana-forming
Multiflora Rose reaching into the canopy. Turning north, we looked for Swamp Cottonwood and
healthy swamp communities, but instead found a woodland with sparse trees dominated by Gray
Birch (Betula populifolia), Black Locust, and Black Cherry and with dense Mile-a-minute Weed
(Persicaria perfoliata) at knee level. The large wetlands did not appear to be significant on a statewide
scale because of the dense cover of exotic species, which also makes the presence of rare plants here
very unlikely.
Moore’s Woods
Rare animal surveys: We walked north from Skipper Horton Park along the small stream to the
densely vegetated wetland on June 18, detecting no rare species or even common odonates. We
surveyed a swamp in Moore’s Woods on June 18 and July 12 by bushwhacking northwest from
Skipper Horton Park until reaching a wet area in the woods, thick with trees and shrubs and knee-
deep muck. Aquatic vegetation and duckweed were observed throughout. Bullfrogs and Green
Frogs were observed here on June 18. More than 20 Great Blue Skimmers (Libellula vibrans) were
observed on July 12, including males and ovipositing females as well as tandem (mating) pairs. This
S3 species was recently moved to the NYNHP watch list following the New York Dragonfly and
Damselfly Survey (NYDDS) 2005-2009.
We walked the old road across from Silvermere Rd. on Route 25 to the north into Moore’s Woods
on May 22. On this rainy day, Bullfrogs and Green Frogs were observed. We surveyed Moore’s
Drain on July 13, via the same route. This survey revealed Great Blue Skimmers exhibiting breeding
behavior along the drainage. Due to the degraded condition of the habitat, it is questionable whether
eggs could hatch and larvae survive here; larval surveys were not conducted. However, the area
should be searched again in subsequent years. More than 12 individuals were observed, including
territorial males and ovipositing females. Two other common odonate species, habitat generalists
both, were observed exhibiting breeding behaviors in the drainage. Potential threats include litter
and run-off/pollutants from the sewage treatment plant.
Rare plant surveys: Four species of rare plants have been identified from Moore’s Woods. The
most significant of these by far is the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), which occurs in a relatively
mature portion of Moore’s Woods and is the only known extant population of this orchid in New
York State. The NYNHP’s last recorded observation of the species is from 2008. We didn’t observe
any plants 2012, though winter searches may be more suitable for this species, as it is relatively
inconspicuous and its leaves are evergreen. The population has endured at the site for at least 100
years, and remains in the seed bank even in years when leaves and flowers are not present. The area
is it known from has a mostly closed canopy of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and various oak
species, with Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) in the understory. Deer herbivory, trampling or
collection by humans, and competition from exotic species are potential threats to this population.
Publicizing the presence or precise location of this species at the site could threaten its existence, so
any educational materials or signs should not include its presence.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
We observed two rare sedge species within Moore’s Woods, White-edge Sedge (Carex debilis var.
debilis) and Cattail-sedge (Carex typhina). We found White-edge Sedge scattered at various locations
within the upland forests of Moore’s Woods and adjacent parcels, growing with other sedge species,
including C. swanii and C. pennsylvanica. It is almost certainly present at more locations than those
noted and mapped during our surveys. Deer herbivory and potential spread of exotic species are the
most apparent threats. The Cattail-sedge occurs in a wet opening near the southern boundary of
Moore’s Woods, growing in what appears to be an abandoned road. We found only a few scattered
clumps, although the small swamps and vernal pools to the north are good potential habitat. Spread
of exotic species and eventual shading by overstory trees are potential threats.
We searched for the other rare plant species known from Moore’s Woods, Swamp Smartweed
(Persicaria setacea), without success. Previously it had been found in Moore’s Drain. Although some
portions of this artificial wetland have been invaded by European Common Reed, potential habitat
still exists, and the rare species may persist in the seed bank or in areas we didn’t survey in 2012.
Ecological community surveys:
We visited the eastern side of
Moore’s Woods on June 26, and
the central and western portions
on June 27 and 29. On all visits,
we collected data on a new coastal
oak-hickory forest record that
includes ten patches across the
Pipes Cove study area, centered
on the intact expanse of Moore’s
Woods. This diverse, mature
forest is notable for having
extremely scarce invasive exotic
plants; the few invasives seen
(primarily Garlic Mustard) were
on the trail into the woods from
the parking area at the ball
fields/water tower and around the
perimeter of the forest. The
forest’s composition varies according to moisture regime, substrate, and micro-topography. The
most common, or matrix, forest type is a unique variant of the usually well-drained coastal oak-
hickory forest. This variant instead is vernally flooded, with poorly drained, clayey soils. The tree
canopy is characterized by a mix of oak species with hickories, Blackgum, and Red Maple. (See the
Element Occurrence Record for detailed compositional information.) Some areas of this oak-
dominated forest grade into coastal oak-laurel forest and have strong dominance of Mountain Laurel
in the shrub layer and decreased importance of hickories. This association was seen just north of
Skipper Horton Park.
Shallow, essentially unvegetated, vernally flooded depressions are common throughout the coastal
oak forest occurrence and are part of what makes it unique. While many of these features are likely
natural, others may be relict clay pits from Greenport's turn-of-the-20th-century clay mining
operations. Areas of moderately well-drained, mesic forest that can best be classified as oak-tulip
A red maple-hardwood swamp at Moore’s Woods.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
tree forest were observed in the western half of Moore’s Woods, and were included within the
boundaries of the oak-hickory forest element occurrence map. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) also
occurs in the red maple-hardwood swamps that grade into this occurrence as the soils become more
poorly drained and mucky in the north-central expanse of this parcel. The swamps are likely too
small to be significant from a statewide perspective, but they are intact and diverse; more survey
work would be needed to adequately document their composition. Extensive Skunk Cabbage
(Symplocarpus foetidus) seeps are characteristic of these swamp inclusions. Notably, we observed many
Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), which are on the NYNHP Watch List and are a NYS
DEC Species of Special Concern, throughout the coastal oak forest occurrence. They seem to be
thriving in the mosaic of upland and wetland habitats at Moore’s Woods.
Posilico (Beach) Parcel
Rare animal surveys: We surveyed the beach at Posilico on June 21 looking primarily for the
Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle (see Inlet Pond for background). While we did not find this beetle, we did
find several Salt marsh Tiger Beetles (Cicindela marginata, a NYNHP Watch List species) using the
spit of beach on the east side of the parcel, across from the beach at Stackler, where it was also
found. This species, as its name implies, is associated with salt marshes and also adjacent beaches.
We surveyed only along the edge of the salt marsh, so we do not have a sense of the full area of
occurrence. Little is known about the current status of this species, and few recent surveys have
been conducted. We know of only a few extant locations in New York but the species’ status will
remain S3 (vulnerable) and it will stay on the Watch List until a more complete assessment can be
done. There is concern for this species elsewhere in the Northeast with rising sea levels and
disappearing salt marsh habitat. The salt marsh just north of the beach at Posilico was also home to
the Seaside Dragonlet.
Rare plant surveys: A population of the rare Seaside Plaintain (Plantago maritima var. juncoides)
occurs at this site south of the footbridge over the creek. The population appears to be doing well,
with an estimated more than 1,000 rosettes observed. We found the plants scattered over much of
the upland area above the high tide line, but they were concentrated south of the foot-trail growing
on a pebbly substrate, growing amongst sparse patches of Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
and Sea Lavender.
Despite the active recreation usage, the natural community here is relatively intact, with a
predominance and good diversity of native plant species, including our native Prickly-pear Cactus
(Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa), although the invasive Gold-moss (Sedum acre) is well established.
Signs encouraging visitors to stay on the trails (except at the beachfront and below the high-tide
lines) would help this rare plant and the diversity of other native plants to persist at the site.
Reese Parcel
This area includes both upland forest and the northern portion of the salt marsh adjacent to Pipes
Neck Creek.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Rare plant surveys: Four rare plant species are known from the salt marsh portion of the parcel
adjacent to Pipes Neck Creek. In some areas, particularly on the northwestern limit of the salt
marsh, the edges between the salt marsh and the adjacent uplands have been invaded by European
Common Reed. Two of the rare plant species, Dwarf Glasswort (Salicornia bigelovii) and Seaside
Gerardia, were rediscovered and more precisely mapped during surveys in September 2012. Most of
the salt marsh appears to be in good condition, dominated by native species, and recovering from
past ditching. The other two rare plant species, Annual Salt-marsh Aster and Sea Pink (Sabatia
stellaris) were not seen in our 2012 searches, but good habitat for both is still present, and they likely
are still present in the seed bank.
Ecological community surveys: We visited the Reese parcel on June 28 and collected data on the
coastal oak-hickory forest element occurrence that is centered around Moore’s Woods. The oak
forest in this parcel is notable for having areas with a relatively dense shrub layer that includes
Mountain Laurel with Pepperbush and American Witch-hazel; much of it could be classified as
coastal oak-laurel forest. Vernally flooded depressions, essentially unvegetated shallow indentations
with stained leaves, were noted throughout. No swamps or emergent wetlands were seen. Eastern
Box Turtles were observed in this parcel; one was seen sheltering under the thin leaves of the rare
White-edged Sedge.
Sill Parcel
Rare animal surveys: Sill Pond was
surveyed on June 21 and July 12. In June,
five species of odonates were observed at
the pond, as well as Bullfrogs and Green
Frogs. In July, this site was documented as a
new breeding location for Four-spotted
Pennant and Needham’s Skimmer. Several
individuals of both sexes were observed for
each species at this site. Female Needham’s
Skimmers were observed in a grassy field
adjacent to the pond and territorial males
were observed at the pond. Four-spotted
Pennant pairs were observed in tandem
(mating) at the pond. Seaside Dragonlets
also were observed near the railroad tracks,
but do not appear to be breeding at this site
and probably came from an adjacent salt
marsh. Maintaining the natural landscape
surrounding the pond is important for the
maturation and roosting of adults, especially when they are newly emerged and more vulnerable to
predation.
Rare plant surveys: This parcel includes a freshwater pond and upland woods north of the railroad
tracks and west of Pipes Neck Creek, as well as an area of salt marsh and salt panne south of the
Sill Pond provides habitat for Needham Skimmers, a rare
dragonfly species.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
railroad tracks. See the description of the Reese Parcel for details on the rare plants within the salt
marsh habitat.
The pond north of the railroad tracks was surveyed for possible rare aquatic plants. Cut-leaved
Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum pinnatum) is a rare aquatic plant known historically from freshwater and
brackish ponds less than a mile south of the study area. During June and September botanical
surveys, the water of this pond was extremely turbid and had algal blooms over most of its surface.
No submersed or floating aquatic plants were seen, and the turbidity makes it unlikely habitat for
this rare plant.
Skipper Horton Park
Rare animal surveys: Rare animal surveys to the ponds at Skipper Horton Park were conducted on
June 18, July 10, July 12, and July 13. It was at this site in 2008 that New York Dragonfly and
Damselfly Survey volunteer Annette Oliveira first documented Four-spotted Pennants in New York
State. She also observed them here in 2009 as part of her efforts with the NYDDS. These ponds,
along with Sill and Inlet Pond, could represent a metapopulation for this species, but more research
is needed to determine this. In addition, she also observed Needham’s Skimmer at this site on Aug.
5, 2008, prior to our survey efforts in 2012. We again documented Needham’s Skimmer at Skipper
Horton Park ponds on each of our visits in June and July, and Four-spotted Pennants were observed
at the larger pond on July 12 and 13. Annette has observed Seaside Dragonlets at this location in the
past, but there is no evidence to suggest this as a breeding site for this species. We did find evidence
of their breeding nearby on the Cia Cia, Caroll/Waldron, Stackler, and Posilico parcels. Despite the
highly developed and modified condition of this site, it is clearly an important location for rare
odonates and care should be taken to protect these invertebrate species in future management of the
pond.
Stackler Parcel
Rare animal surveys: We surveyed the salt marsh and beach at this parcel on June 20. Our main
target was the Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle (see Inlet Pond for background), but none were detected.
However, we did detect the Salt marsh Tiger Beetle (see Posilico) in a small (approximately 10 m by
1 m) section of beach adjacent to the marsh. We saw 6-8 beetles there and would have likely seen
more had we walked through the marsh itself. We also detected a good population of Seaside
Dragonlet at the marsh here. A pair of Least Terns bred here in 2008 but surveys through 2012 have
not documented them since (Frederick Hamilton, NYSDEC, personal communication).
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Ecological
community and rare
plant surveys: We
surveyed the Stackler
parcel on June 28 in
conjunction with the
visit to the Reese
parcel, collecting data
on the large coastal
oak-hickory forest
occurrence (see
Moore’s Woods). The
composition was typical
of the larger
occurrence, with
canopy dominance
shared between oaks
(Quercus rubra, Q.
velutina, Q. palustris, Q.
alba, Q. bicolor),
hickories (Carya ovata,
C. glabra), Blackgum, and occasional American Beech. The shrub and herb layers were not
particularly dense here, as is standard for the oak-hickory matrix. This small parcel does have a
number of human-created channels running parallel to each other from the east to the salt marsh in
the west. They are assumed to be old drainage ditches, but could also have been used as roads to
mark the area for development. A small population of Multiflora Rose was found along one of these
dirt paths—it was one of the few patches of invasives seen in the coastal oak forest, and might be
expected along such a potentially fragmenting corridor. As in Moore’s Woods and the Reese parcel,
Eastern Box Turtles and White-edge Sedge were found in association with the forest, and vernally
flooded depressions were seen throughout.
Important Area Models
In addition to the mapped actual locations of known rare species and exemplary natural
communities in the study area, the NYNHP creates maps from GIS models called Natural Heritage
Important Areas. These are models created to identify the lands and waters that support the
continued presence and quality of known populations of rare animals and rare plants, or of
documented examples of rare or high-quality ecological communities. They include the specific
locations of the element occurrences, but also extend beyond those locations to include additional
habitat and areas supporting the natural ecological processes critical to maintaining the rare species
or natural communities.
At a local scale with numerous element occurrences, such as the Bay to Sound project area, these
models may be of limited usefulness. As shown in Figures 6-8 below, the combined various plant,
animal, and natural community models encompass nearly all of the study area. This certainly
highlights the importance of these remaining natural areas to the viability of the rare species and
Seaside Gerardia is a rare plant found along the margin of salt marshes on the Reese
and Stackler parcels.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
ecological communities found there. It could be a goal of conservation planning that Important
Areas remain intact and are highlighted as supportive buffers for the core Element Occurrences
within. Please see Appendix D for additional information on Important Area Models.
Conservation Guides
The NY Natural Heritage Program has developed online conservation guides designed to help land
managers, decision-makers, planners, scientists, consultants, and the interested public better
understand the rare species and natural communities that characterize New York. Copies of
Conservation guides to the rare species and natural communities documented within the study area
are included in Appendix B; the guides will also be updated periodically to incorporate new
information, and are available online at http://www.acris.nynhp.org/. (Two of the new dragonfly
species found in the study area, the Seaside Dragonlet and the Four-spotted Pennant, are recent
additions to our tracked fauna and so do not yet have completed Conservation Guides. Contact the
NYNHP for more information on these species if desired.)
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 6. Important Area Model for extant rare animal populations.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 7. Important Area Model for extant rare plant populations.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Figure 8. Important Area Model for natural communities.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
CONSERVATION PRIORITIES AND CONCLUSIONS
The significance of Moore’s Woods itself, at the heart of many of the newly acquired conservation
lands included in the study area, is underlined by the delineation of the coastal oak-hickory forest
natural community as a new element occurrence. The corresponding concentration of rare plant
species at Moore’s Woods is another reflection of the high conservation value of this natural
community. The spread of invasive exotic plants, along with deer herbivory, may be the most
pressing threats to the health of the natural community. Many of the surrounding uplands, such as
the forested portions of the Bloom and Manor Grove parcels, are heavily infested with exotics.
Moore’s Woods is currently traversed from southwest to northeast by a wide gravel trail.
Subdividing the parcel further or constructing more trails or drainage channels would facilitate entry
of invasives. Activity that fragments the habitat and introduces human activities would also affect
resident wildlife species; for example, the large Eastern Box Turtle population could be vulnerable to
nest predation by edge-loving predators such as the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and domestic
cats (Felis silvestris catus) and collection pressure. Any recreational development of the sites should
proceed with an emphasis on preventing the spread of invasive plants into the vulnerable core of the
forest. Maintaining the closed forest canopy wherever present and utilizing existing trails, and/or
concentrating new trail construction in the less pristine areas of other parcels, would help maintain
the character of the natural community, as well as the rare species it contains.
Most of the significant rare animals documented in our inventory are invertebrate species dependent
on lacustrine or estuarine aquatic habitats. The recent discovery of Four-Spotted Pennants and new
locations for other rare species illustrate both the importance of the area for rare odonates and the
need for ongoing inventory work. Maintaining vegetative buffers around their breeding habitats
should help preserve their water quality and their associated rare animals.
Our surveys did not detect leopard frogs, which are known historically from the area but which are
now suspected to have disappeared from Long Island entirely. The cause of this disappearance is
unknown. The extensive network of wetlands and uplands in Moore’s Woods, Bloom, Manor
Grove, and Arshamomaque appears to contain excellent habitat for leopard frogs. Our project scope
did not allow an additional visit but we recommend calling surveys in early spring (March-April) be
conducted in the future. Surveys of the network of vernal pools, particularly in the Moore’s Woods,
Stackler, and Reese parcels, for other characteristic and unique species such as Marbled Salamander
would be appropriate at that time as well. These vernal pools may be worthy of documentation in a
new Element Occurrence Record, but more data are needed.
Preservation of the salt marshes adjacent to Pipes Cove itself presents a particular challenge given
our current era of climate change and associated storm events. Maintaining the adjacent upland
buffers may allow these habitats (and the several associated rare animal and plant species) to migrate
inland in response to rising sea levels.
Finally, the NYNHP by its mandate emphasizes species and natural communities that are considered
to be of conservation priority on a statewide scale, and the results detailed above reflect that
perspective. Local conservation priorities may justifiably differ, and areas not highlighted on our
maps by the presence of element occurrences may nonetheless be valued for their abundance or
diversity of more common or even “locally rare” species. The diversity of “common” birds, reptiles,
and flowering plants within the study area, particularly Moore’s Woods, has been well documented.
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New York Natural Heritage Program
Our inventory was by necessity brief and not inclusive of all parcels within the study area, and
represents only a snapshot of the ecological and biological diversity to be found. Nevertheless, the
high concentration of rare species documented speaks to the successful past stewardship of these
natural areas by the Town of Southold and its partners. We hope that it will serve as a guide for both
continued ecologically sound management and continued investigations of the biological diversity
they contain.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Funding for this project was provided by a grant from Suffolk County to the Town of Southold.
John Sepensoski of the Town of Southold arranged permissions and parking permits for field
surveys, as well as providing tours and insights into the habitats of several parcels. Guy Tudor
provided notes on both fauna and flora of the Greenport area, particularly Moore’s Woods. Special
thanks to Hugh McGuinness for accompanying us to sites to recommend habitats for placement of
moth traps and for identifying moths captured on our surveys. We appreciate Annette Oliveira for
her odonate survey work and excellent finds on study area properties prior to our 2012 inventory as
part of the NYDDS. She first documented Four-spotted Pennant at Skipper Horton Park in 2008,
the first sighting for this species in NY. We also thank her for making a special trip out to meet us
for an afternoon survey at Inlet Pond. We extend gratitude to Annette, Diana Van Buren and the
North Fork Audubon Society for hosting annual "Dragonfly Days" in the area and promoting
odonate education and conservation.
Thanks also to Mike and Susan Laspia of The Nature Conservancy for arranging housing at
Mashomack Preserve during fieldwork.
NY Natural Heritage Program Staff
Andrea Chaloux (Environmental Review Specialist) – NYNHP database assistance
Nick Conrad (Database Manager) – quality control for element occurrence records.
Aissa Feldmann (Ecologist) – natural community inventory, report writing, GIS assistance
Richard Ring (Botanist) – rare plant inventory, report writing
Matthew Schlesinger (Chief Zoologist) – animal inventory, report writing
John Schmid (GIS Specialist) – Important Area Model and map production
Erin White (Zoologist) – animal inventory, report writing
LITERATURE CITED
Edinger, G. J., D. J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T. G. Howard, D. M. Hunt, and A. M. Olivero. 2002.
Ecological communities of New York State, Draft Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition
of Reschke, C. 1990. Ecological Communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage
Program, Albany, New York. 136 pp.
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2012. Element occurrence database. Albany, NY.
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APPENDIX A: The NY Natural Heritage Program and Our Methodology
OVERVIEW OF THE NEW YORK NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM
NY Natural Heritage is a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYS DEC) and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science
and Forestry. Our mission is to facilitate the conservation of rare animals, rare plants, and significant
natural communities. We accomplish our mission by combining thorough field inventories, scientific
analyses, expert interpretation, and the comprehensive databases on New York’s flora and fauna to
deliver high quality information to partners working in natural resource conservation. The NY
Natural Heritage database contains information on the status and location of 174 natural community
types, 714 rare plant species, and 432 rare animal species across New York. NY Natural Heritage is
an active participant in NatureServe – a nonprofit organization that links an international network of
biodiversity data centers. The Natural Heritage Network includes Natural Heritage Programs in all
50 states and several interstate regions. There are also 21 Conservation Data Centres, the
international equivalent of Natural Heritage Programs, in Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
These programs work with NatureServe to develop biodiversity data, maintain compatible standards
for data management, and provide information about rare species and natural communities that is
consistent across many geographic scales – from ¼-acre wetland sites to the North American
continent.
HERITAGE METHODOLOGY
The Natural Heritage Network specializes in compiling biodiversity information through conducting
surveys for rare species and significant natural communities and delivering the resultant data to
facilitate conservation. Natural Heritage Programs, NatureServe, and The Nature Conservancy have
spent more than two decades developing and refining the inventory methodology used
internationally by the Natural Heritage Network. The Natural Heritage Network considers each
plant species, animal species, and natural community type to be an “element” of biodiversity. The
documented locations of rare plants, rare animals, and significant natural communities are called
“element occurrences.” These terms are used throughout this report. We used our database of
element occurrences as one component of the remote GIS assessment in this project.
THE COARSE FILTER/FINE FILTER APPROACH
Heritage inventory methodology works by focusing on the identification, documentation, and
mapping of all occurrences of rare species and significant ecological communities. A “coarse
filter/fine filter” approach is used to identify and prioritize the protection of these significant
biological resources. Ecological communities represent a “coarse filter,” aggregates of biodiversity at
a scale larger than the species level as defined in Reschke (1990) and Edinger et al. (2002). Their
identification and documentation can be used to describe whole assemblages of plant and animal
species, both common and rare. The conservation of the best remaining examples of the natural
communities ensures the protection of most of the common species that make up the biological
diversity of the state. Rare animals and plants often have narrow or unusual habitat requirements.
These species may “fall through” the coarse filter, and are sometimes not protected within
representative communities. Identifying and documenting viable populations of each of the rare
species serves as the “fine filter” for protecting the state’s biological diversity. This coarse filter/fine
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New York Natural Heritage Program
filter approach to a natural resources inventory has proven to be an efficient means of identifying
the most sensitive animals, plants, and ecological communities of an area.
Element Occurrence Quality/Viability: Individual occurrences of rare plants, rare animals, and
natural communities are ranked according to their quality, or perceived viability, based on factors
such as size, condition, and landscape context in which they are found. All occurrences of the
elements documented in this report have been assigned a quality rank of A-F, H, or X (Table A-1).
Combinations of letters, or intermediate ranks, such as AB, BC, and CD are also possible.
Table A-1. Explanation of element occurrence quality ranks used in NY Natural Heritage database
reports.
Element
Occurrence
Rank
Definition
A EXCELLENT
B GOOD
C MARGINAL
D POOR
E EXTANT. Existing, but not enough information to rank A-D
F FAILED TO FIND. Not found at the previously documented site, but potential
habitat was observed and /or a more thorough searching is needed.
H HISTORICAL. No recent field information. For animals this means the
particular population has not been seen, or in the case of a nest, has not been
active within the last 15 years. For plants a “historical” rank means that the
population has not been observed within the last 20 years.
X EXTIRPATED. Believed to no longer exist. In many cases, habitat has been
significantly altered and is believed to be no longer suitable for maintenance of
the element.
Plant and animal occurrences, or populations, can be assigned any of the ranks listed above.
Species occurrence ranks are based on historical evidence of presence and/or on current population
data. The element occurrence rank of a species is determined by evaluating total population size,
density, condition, the reproductive health of the population, ecological processes needed to
maintain the population, total landscape condition, and a series of other factors. Each of these
factors is compared against specifications gathered from other populations throughout its global
range. A final element occurrence rank is calculated from this comparative review. Generally, an A-
ranked occurrence is considered to represent one of the largest, most viable populations within a
natural landscape known to support populations of the species. Significant natural communities are
also assigned any of the ranks listed above, which are based on quality and are evaluated within the
context of the known or hypothesized distribution of that particular community. Several ecological
and spatial factors must be considered when determining the element occurrence rank of a
community. These include the occurrence size, maturity, evidence and degree of unnatural
disturbance, continued existence of important ecological processes, overall landscape context, and
existing and potential threats. A-ranked community occurrences are among the largest and highest
quality of their type. These community occurrences should be large enough to provide reasonable
assurance for long-term viability of component ecological processes. They are essentially
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New York Natural Heritage Program
undisturbed by humans or have nearly recovered from past human disturbance, typically exhibiting
little or no unnatural fragmentation. Exotic or particularly invasive native species are usually lacking
in high-quality community occurrences, or, if present, are observed at very low levels.
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APPENDIX B: Conservation Guides for Element Occurences in the Bay to
Sound Study Area
31
Marsh Fern Moth
Fagitana littera (A Noctuid Moth)
Photo credits: Steve Walter
Scientific Name Fagitana littera
(Guenee, 1852)
Family Name Noctuidae
Owlet Moths
Did you know?
Fagitana littera has been impacted by habitat loss
and, in the past, by DDT spraying for mosquitoes
and gypsy moths.
Summary
Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally.
This level of state protection means: The species is not listed or protected by New York
State.
Rarity G4, S2
A global rarity rank of G4 means: Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare in
parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
A state rarity rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals,
acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York
State.
Conservation Status in New York
This species has been impacted by loss of habitat and DDT spraying in the past. There are
approximately six recent localities documented for this species in southeastern New York,
including Long Island. Additional populations are expected to exist, but it is unknown how
many.
Short-term Trends
The short-term trends are unknown.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marsh Fern Moth (Fagitana littera)
32
Long-term Trends
Historical loss of habitat, DDT spraying in the 1950s aimed at mosquitoes and gypsy
moths, and possibly use of modern biocides aimed at mosquitoes, likely led to the
extirpation of some populations. Latham (1953) reports additional populations that were
lost to annual burning of marshes. However, several decades have since passed which
should have been sufficient for it to recover. This species' ability as a colonizer has enabled
it to reach small artificial habitats and to recolonize after fires in southern New Jersey, and
it is likely that it has rebounded on Long Island as recent records suggest.
Conservation and Management
Threats
The most immediate threat is invasive plants such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
and common reed (Phragmites australis), although for some acidic bogs this may not be a
threat. Mosquito spraying could be a threat in New York. It is very unlikely modern gypsy
moth (Lymantria dispar) suppression programs would target habitats for this moth and
even less likely that Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis - a bacterial l control used on gypsy moth
caterpillars) would impact larvae in June and later. While populations near Orient, Long
Island were eradicated by annual burning (Latham 1953) this is not likely to be a threat
today.
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
Keep the habitat open and control invasive plants. Deer will not likely negatively impact this
species because of the foodplant and habitat that it occurs in.
Research Needs
Documenting the foodplants used by this species, in addition to Marsh Fern (Thelypteris
palustris) would facilitate inventory. The old records from the Adirondacks require further
investigation.
Habitat
Fagitana littera is primarily a species of unforested wetlands such as coastal bogs, shrub swamps,
and marshes. In New Jersey, this species also occurs along wet powerlines, and from New Jersey
southward the species is characteristic of wet open pinelands. In northern Ohio, all four known
occurrences are in bogs (Rings et al. 1992), but in Wisconsin the species is characteristic of open
to shrubby wetlands in general (Ferge and Balogh 2000). From Latham's (1953) account, the main
habitat near Orient, Long Island, was marshland, although he found the larva in a cranberry bog
near Riverhead. The recent Columbia County collection was in a rather diverse calcareous wetland
complex. It is also reported as a wetland species in Quebec (Handfield 1999). Acid bogs and
calcareous fens might be the most likely places to find this species in New York, based on New
Jersey and New England habitats, but it could occupy other types of unforested wetlands.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marsh Fern Moth (Fagitana littera)2
33
Associated Ecological Communities
Other Probable Associated Communities
Deep emergent marsh
Dwarf shrub bog
Medium fen
Rich graminoid fen
Sedge meadow
Shallow emergent marsh
Shrub swamp
Identification Comments
See any published illustrataion such as Handfield (1999), Rockburne and Lafontaine
(1976). There are no similar species in North America.
Characteristics Most Useful for Identification
See any illustration for the adult which is unmistakable [such as Handfield (1999) or Rings
et al. (1992)]. Possibly a few experts could identity the larva based on Latham (1953), but
suspected larvae should be reared to adults to confirm the species.
Best Life Stage for Identifying This Species
The adult is best for identification purposes.
Behavior
The adults are nocturnal. The fact they are not collected commonly anywhere suggests
that, like many Noctuidae, they do not come readily to lights. However, there is no other
known method to find them. The larvae apparently remain on the ferns at all times.
Diet
The only documented foodplant is Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris), but at least south of
New York few habitats have that fern. It is not certain which other ferns are used, but Dale
Schweitzer (NatureServe) suspects that Virginia Chain Fern (Woodwardia virginica) is the
usual foodplant in New Jersey.
The Best Time to See
Based on collection dates in Ohio, Wisconsin, and New England the expected flight season
in New York would be most of June into early July with the larvae occurring after the adults.
A field collected larva pupated 4 July, suggesting the larval stage takes less than a month,
and a moth emerged on 26 July (Latham 1953). Collection dates for specimens from
Orient, Long Island were 4 June to 12 July for 20 specimens (Latham 1953), which is very
comparable to recent literature. There may be a partial second brood in New Jersey (in
July) and southward, but probably not in New York, although Latham (1953) states
"published records into September". While Latham thought that the eggs might overwinter,
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marsh Fern Moth (Fagitana littera)3
34
it is much more likely that pupae do instead.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Reproducing
Larvae present and active
Pupae or prepupae present
The time of year you would expect to find Marsh Fern Moth in New York.
Conservation Comments
There are no closely related or similar species in North America.
Taxonomy
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mandibulates (Mandibulata)
Class Insects (Insecta)
Order Butterflies, Skippers, and Moths (Lepidoptera)
Family Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Additional Resources
Links
NatureServe Explorer
http://natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=FAGITANA+LITTERA
Google Images
http://images.google.com/images?q=FAGITANA+LITTERA
References
Allen, T.J., J.P. Brock, and J. Glassberg. 2005. Caterpillars in the field and garden. Oxford
University Press, New York. 232 pp.
Brock, J. P., and K. Kaufman, 2003. Butterflies of North America. Kaufman Focus Field Guides,
Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY 284 pp.
Ferge, Leslie A., and George J. Balogh. 2000. Checklist of Wisconsin Moths (Superfamilies
Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimmallonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, and Noctuiodea).
Contributions in Biology and Geology of the Milwaukee Public Museum No. 93. Mil
Forbes, William T. M. 1954. Lepidoptera of New York and neighboring states part III. Cornell
University Experiment Station Memoir 329.
Handfield, Louis, 1999. Le Guide des Papillons du Quebec, Scientific Version. Broquet Inc,
Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, 155pp + plates.
Keys, Jr.,J.; Carpenter, C.; Hooks, S.; Koenig, F.; McNab, W.H.; Russell, W.;Smith, M.L. 1995.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marsh Fern Moth (Fagitana littera)4
35
Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (cd-rom), Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. GIS coverage in ARCINFO format, selected imagery,
and map unit tables.
Latham, Roy. 1953. Fagitana littera reared from a larva. Journal of the Lepidoterists' Society 7:172
Leonard, M. D. ed. 1928. A list of the insects of New York, with a list of the spiders and certain other
allied groups. Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station Mem. 101. Ithaca, New York.
1121 pp.
NatureServe. 2005. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia. USA
Rings, Roy, W., Eric H. Metzler, Fred J. Arnold, and David H. Harris. 1992. The Owlet Moths of Ohio
(Order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae). Ohio Biol. Surv. Bull. New Series, Vol. 9, no. 2, vi. + 219
pp., 16 color plates.
Rockburne, Eric W. and J. Donald LaFontaine. 1976. The Cutworm Moths of Ontario and Quebec.
Research Branch, Canada Department of Agriculture. Publication 1593. 164 PP.
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor,
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
acris@nynhp.org
This project is made possible with funding from:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River
Estuary Program
- Division of Lands & Forests, Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Information for this guide was last updated on Dec 17, 2012
This guide was authored by
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marsh Fern Moth (Fagitana littera)5
36
Rambur's Forktail
Photo credits: Ellen Pehek
Scientific Name Ischnura ramburii
(Selys, 1850)
Family Name Coenagrionidae
Pond Damsels
Did you know?
Rambur's Forktail often perches on bare ground
and flies along open shorelines, while most forktail
species have a different behavior, finding shelter in
low, dense vegetation along shores (Lam 2004).
Summary
Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally.
This level of state protection means: The species is not listed or protected by New York
State.
Rarity G5, S2
A global rarity rank of G5 means: Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite
rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
A state rarity rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals,
acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York
State.
Conservation Status in New York
In New York (close to the northern extent of its range), Rambur's Forktails have been
confirmed from Richmond, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties since the 1990s
(New York Natural Heritage Program 2010). Older records are from Staten Island and
Suffolk County prior to the 1990s (Donnelly 1999). New locations in recent years may be
due to increased survey effort rather than a population increase or expansion.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii)
37
Short-term Trends
No estimation of population size for this species has been made based on observations
from the late 1990s in Richmond, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties (New York
Natural Heritage 2010). General reports of observations made prior to this include locations
in Richmond and Suffolk counties, but information prior to the late 1990s is limited
(Donnelly 2004). Therefore, any new location information on Rambur's Forktail in New York
may reflect heightened interest in surveying for this species rather than a population
increase or a range expansion (NYS DEC 2005).
Long-term Trends
Recent observations have been noted in Richmond, Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk
counties in the late 1990s. Long-term information regarding population size is not available
prior to the late 1990s (New York Natural Heritage Program 2010). Since observations are
fairly recent, and the full extent and size of the populations have not been determined,
long-term trends are unclear.
Conservation and Management
Threats
Any activity which might lead to water contamination or the alteration of natural hydrology
could impact Rambur's Forktail populations (NYS DEC 2005). Such threats might include
roadway and agricultural run-off, ditching and filling, eutrophication, changes in dissolved
oxygen content, and development near their habitats (NYS DEC 2005). Groundwater
withdrawal is a potential threat in lentic habitats, as are invasive plant species replacing
native plants required for oviposition (New York Natural Heritage Program 2010). Both
emergence rates and/or species ranges may shift for odonate species as a result of climate
change (Kalkman et al. 2008).
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
Any efforts to reduce roadway and agricultural run-off, eutrophication, development of
upland borders and resulting increased groundwater withdrawal, and ditching and filling
activities should be considered when managing for this species (NYS DEC 2005).
Research Needs
Further research is needed to define the distribution and population size of the Rambur's
Forktail. In addition, research is required to understand the habitat requirements and
threats to this species, and to create appropriate management guidelines for its
persistence in known locations (NYS DEC 2005).
Habitat
In the northeast, Rambur's Forktail is found at coastal plain ponds, lakes, marshes, and
slow-flowing rivers or streams, often with brackish water (Nikula et al. 2003, Lam 2004).
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii)2
38
Associated Ecological Communities
Coastal Plain Pond
The aquatic community of the permanently flooded portion of a coastal plain pond with
seasonally, and annually fluctuating water levels. These are shallow, groundwater-fed
ponds that occur in kettle-holes or shallow depressions in the outwash plains south of the
terminal moraines of Long Island, and New England. A series of coastal plain ponds are
often hydrologically connected, either by groundwater, or sometimes by surface flow in a
small coastal plain stream.
Coastal Salt Pond
A community inhabiting marine shoreline lakes or ponds formed by sandspits that close off
a lagoon or bay. The water typically averages brackish or slightly brackish over long
periods of time, but may range rapidly from fresh to saline.
Other Probable Associated Communities
Brackish tidal marsh
Associated Species
Seaside Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax berenice)
Citrine Forktail (Ischnura hastata)
Fragile Forktail (Ischnura posita)
Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)
Identification Comments
Identifying Characteristics
Ischnura ramburii males have green shoulder stripes on the tops of the thorax and pale
green sides. The abdomen is black with pale rings. Abdominal segment 8 is usually all blue
and blue is present on the sides of segments 9-10. Postocular spots are small, round, and
blue. Females have three color forms: male-like, orange, and mature olive. The male-like
form has more bluish tinting to pale areas than males, but is otherwise similarly patterned.
The orange form has an orange thorax, no shoulder stripes, and a broad, black mid-dorsal
(top) stripe. The base of the abdomen is orange in this form and the rest of the abdomen is
black (Nikula et al. 2003). The mature olive form has an olive-sided thorax and abdominal
segments 1 and 2 are mostly pale, with the rest of the segments black on top (Lam 2004).
The Best Time to See
New York records from the 1990s to present indicate a flight season from June 14 to
September 2 (New York Natural Heritage Program 2010). An unvouchered observation
was made on 9/14/2009 and older records indicate the species can be observed into
October (Donnelly 1999). The species flies from June 8 through November 1 in New
Jersey (Bangma & Barlow 2010).
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii)3
39
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Present
Reproducing
The time of year you would expect to find Rambur's Forktail in New York.
Similar Species
Eastern Forktail(Ischnura verticalis): The Eastern Forktail is smaller than Rambur's, and
the male is blue on the top of abdominal segments 8-9, with green postocular spots. The
orange female of I. verticalis has dark shoulder stripes, while I. ramburii lacks these (Nikula
et al. 2003).
Furtive Forktail(Ischnura prognata): Segment 9 of the male Furtive Forktail is all blue,
while only segment 8 is blue in the male Rambur's Forktail.
Taxonomy
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mandibulates (Mandibulata)
Class Insects (Insecta)
Order Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)
Family Coenagrionidae (Pond Damsels)
Additional Resources
Links
Google Images
http://images.google.com/images?q=ISCHNURA+RAMBURII
NatureServe Explorer
http://natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=ISCHNURA+RAMBURII
References
Abbott, J.C. 2007. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the odonata of North America. Austin,
Texas. Available at http://odonatacentral.com (accessed February 28, 2007).
Bangma J. and Barlow A. 2010. NJODES; The dragonflies and damselflies of New Jersey..
Donnelly, T. W. 1992. The odonata of New York State. Bulletin of American Odonatology. 1(1):1-27.
Donnelly, T.W. 1999. The dragonflies and damselflies of New York. Prepared for the 1999
International Congress of Odonatology and First Symposium of the Worldwide Dragonfly
Association. July 11-16, 1999. Colgate University, Hamilton, New York. 39 pp.
Donnelly, T.W. 2004b. Distribution of North American Odonata. Part II: Macromiidae, Corduliidae
and Libellulidae. Bulletin of American Odonatology 8(1): 1-32.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii)4
40
Kalkman, V. J., V. Clausnitzer, K. B. Dijkstra, A. G. Orr, D. R. Paulson, and J. van Tol. 2008. Global
diversity of dragonflies (Odonata) in freshwater. Hydrobiologia 595:351-363.
Keys, Jr.,J.; Carpenter, C.; Hooks, S.; Koenig, F.; McNab, W.H.; Russell, W.;Smith, M.L. 1995.
Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (cd-rom), Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. GIS coverage in ARCINFO format, selected imagery,
and map unit tables.
Lam, E. 2004. Damselflies of the northeast: A guide to the species of eastern Canada and the
northeastern United States. Biodiversity Books, Forest Hills, New York. 96 pp.
NatureServe. 2005. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia. USA
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2010. Biotics database. New York Natural Heritage Program.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, NY.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2005. Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy Planning Database. New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. Albany, NY.
Nikula, B., J.L. Loose, and M.R. Burne. 2003. A field guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of
Massachusetts. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program, Westborough, MA. 197 pp.
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor,
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
acris@nynhp.org
This project is made possible with funding from:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River
Estuary Program
- Division of Lands & Forests, Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Information for this guide was last updated on Dec 17, 2012
This guide was authored by
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii)5
41
Needham's Skimmer
Needham's Skimmer
Photo credits: Jesse W. Jaycox
Scientific Name Libellula needhami
Westfall, 1943
Family Name Libellulidae
Skimmers
Did you know?
This species of dragonfly was named after James
Needham, a famous American entomologist
(Dunkle 2000).
Summary
Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally.
This level of state protection means: The species is not listed or protected by New York
State.
Rarity G5, S2
A global rarity rank of G5 means: Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite
rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
A state rarity rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals,
acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York
State.
Conservation Status in New York
Needham's Skimmer is known to occur in six locations in Richmond, Rockland, Putnam
(two locations), and Suffolk counties since 1997 (New York Natural Heritage Program
2007). The species is also known to occur in Kings, Orange, and Westchester counties
(Donnelly 1999). Population estimates have not been determined. Further survey efforts
may result in the identification of additional populations or range expansions and may
enable population sizes to be determined.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)
42
Short-term Trends
No estimate of population size has been made for Needham's Skimmer based on
observations from 1997 to present (New York Natural Heritage Program 2007). Information
prior to this time frame is limited. Therefore, any new location information on Needham's
Skimmer in New York may reflect heightened interest in surveying for this species rather
than a population increase or a range expansion (Holst 2005).
Long-term Trends
Six recent observations of Needham's Skimmers have been made in Putnam, Richmond,
Rockland, and Suffolk counties since 1997 (New York Natural Heritage Program 2007).
The species is also known to occur in Kings, Orange, and Westchester counties (Donnelly
1999). Since there is limited historical information, few recent records, and the full extent
and size of the populations have not been determined, long-term trends are unclear.
Conservation and Management
Threats
Any activity which might lead to water contamination or the alteration of natural hydrology
could affect Needham's Skimmer populations. Such threats might include "...ditching,
filling, eutrophication...", agricultural run-off or other chemical contamination, increases in
sedimentation, and changes in dissolved oxygen content (Holst 2005).
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
Any measures to reduce water contamination or hydrological alteration such as chemical
contamination from agricultural run-off should be considered when managing for this
species (Holst 2005).
Research Needs
Further research is required to understand the habitat requirements and threats to this
species, and to create appropriate management guidelines for its persistence in known
locations (Holst 2005).
Habitat
Needham's Skimmer is a coastal species that inhabits ponds, lakes, tidal river areas, and brackish
wetlands in New York State (Dunkle 2000, New York Natural Heritage Program 2007, Nikula et al.
2003). Larvae are aquatic and found in the water during this lifestage, whereas adults are terrestrial
and are found in habitats surrounding ponds, lakes, and brackish wetlands.
Associated Ecological Communities
Brackish Intertidal Mudflats
A sparsely vegetated community, characterized by low-growing, rosette-leaved aquatics.
The community occurs on exposed intertidal mudflats where water salinity ranges from 0.5
to 18.0 ppt. This community is best developed where mudflats are nearly level so that
broad expanses are exposed at low tide. The rosette-leaved aquatics are completely
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)2
43
submerged at high tide, and they are usually coated with mud.
Brackish Tidal Marsh
A marsh community that occurs where water salinity ranges from 0.5 to 18.0 ppt, and water
is less than 2 m (6 ft) deep at high tide. The vegetation in a brackish tidal marsh is dense
and dominated by tall grass-like plants.
Tidal River
The aquatic community of a river under the influence of daily lunar tides. We restrict this
community to the continuously flooded portions of the river where plants do not grow out of
the water. A deepwater zone has depths averaging more than 2 m (6 ft) at low tide.
Salinities at any one place in the river may fluctuate as the tides flow in and out.
Identification Comments
Identifying Characteristics
Adult Needham's Skimmers are about 2.1 inches long with reddish-brown eyes. Adult
males have a bright red face, a reddish-brown thorax, and a bright reddish-orange
abdomen with a black dorsal (top) stripe (Dunkle 2000). Their posterior (rear) wing veins do
not become orange, as with Golden-winged Skimmers (Libellula auripennis). The stigma (a
blood-filled blister near the tip of the wing) is red. Females and immature males have a
brown face and their thorax is brown dorsally with a pale middle stripe and the sides of the
thorax are pale. They have a yellow face, the front half of their wings are tinged yellow, and
they have a yellow abdomen with a black dorsal stripe (Nikula et al. 2003).
Behavior
Adults of both sexes of Needham's Skimmer are known to forage in marshes in coastal
areas. "Males are territorial, and perch horizontally or obliquely from emergent or shoreline
vegetation" (Nikula et al. 2003). This is a more coastal species than the Golden-winged
Skimmer, which is believed to outcompete it in most habitats (Dunkle 2000).
Diet
Needham's Skimmer larvae feed on smaller aquatic invertebrates and adults feed on
insects which they capture in flight.
The Best Time to See
Adult Needham's Skimmers have been found in New York in July and August, but could
possibly be seen in late June and early September as well (Nikula et al. 2003, New York
Natural Heritage Program 2007).
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)3
44
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Present
Reproducing
The time of year you would expect to find Needham's Skimmer in New York.
Similar Species
Golden-Winged Skimmer(Libellula auripennis): The abdomen and face of the male
Libellula needhami is more red than that of the Golden-winged Skimmer (Dunkle 2000). In
addition, the tibia (or middle segment) of the hind legs are pale brown on the Needham's
Skimmer and black on the Golden-winged Skimmer. The posterior (rear) half of the wings
are suffused with orange-yellow on the Golden-winged Skimmer with an orange-yellow
leading edge basally, while the anterior (front) portion of the wings on Needham's Skimmer
are red-orange with a brownish leading edge basally (Nikula et at. 2003).
Taxonomy
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mandibulates (Mandibulata)
Class Insects (Insecta)
Order Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)
Family Libellulidae (Skimmers)
Additional Resources
Links
NatureServe Explorer
http://natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=LIBELLULA+NEEDHAM
I
Google Images
http://images.google.com/images?q=LIBELLULA+NEEDHAMI
References
Abbott, J.C. 2007. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the odonata of North America. Austin,
Texas. Available at http://odonatacentral.com.
Donnelly, T. W. 1992. The odonata of New York State. Bulletin of American Odonatology. 1(1):1-27.
Donnelly, T.W. 1999. The dragonflies and damselflies of New York. Prepared for the 1999
International Congress of Odonatology and First Symposium of the Worldwide Dragonfly
Association. July 11-16, 1999. Colgate University, Hamilton, New York. 39 pp.
Donnelly, T.W. 2004. The Odonata of New York State. Unpublished data. Binghamton, NY.
Dunkle, S.W. 2000. Dragonflies through binoculars: A field guide to dragonflies of North America.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)4
45
Oxford University Press: 266 pp.
Keys, Jr.,J.; Carpenter, C.; Hooks, S.; Koenig, F.; McNab, W.H.; Russell, W.;Smith, M.L. 1995.
Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (cd-rom), Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. GIS coverage in ARCINFO format, selected imagery,
and map unit tables.
Mead, K. 2003. Dragonflies of the North Woods. Kollath-Stensaas Publishing, Duluth, MN. 2003 pp.
NatureServe. 2005. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia. USA
Needham, J.G., M.J. Westfall, Jr., and M.L. May. 2000. Dragonflies of North America. Revised
edition. Scientific Publishers, Gainesville, Florida. 939 pp.
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2007. Biotics Database. Albany, NY.
New York Natural Heritage Program. No date. New York dragonfly and damselfly survey database.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, NY.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2005. Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy Planning Database. New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. Albany, NY.
Nikula, B., J.L. Loose, and M.R. Burne. 2003. A field guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of
Massachusetts. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program, Westborough, MA. 197 pp.
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor,
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
acris@nynhp.org
This project is made possible with funding from:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River
Estuary Program
- Division of Lands & Forests, Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Information for this guide was last updated on Oct 11, 2011
This guide was authored by
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Needham's Skimmer (Libellula needhami)5
46
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Coastal Oak-Hickory
Forest
Coastal oak-hickory forest
Photo credits: David Hunt
System Terrestrial
Subsystem Forested Uplands
Did you know?
Pignut hickory (Carya glabra), and sweet pignut
hickory (Carya ovalis) are two species of hickory
that occur within coastal oak-hickory forests. These
two species of hickory are actually very difficult to
distinguish from each other most of the year. The
main difference between the two species is the
husk of the fruit. "The fruit of pignut hickory is
pearshaped and the husks splits only about
halfway down. This last feature is the only
trustworthy one, since the other characteristics
intergrade" (Harlow 1957).
Summary
Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally.
Rarity G4, S3
A global rarity rank of G4 means: Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare in
parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
A state rarity rank of S3 means: Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles
of stream in New York State.
Conservation Status in New York
There are less than 10 documented occurrences statewide. These occurrences have good
viability and are protected on private or public conservation land. The community is
restricted to interior portions of coastal lowlands in Suffolk and possibly Nassau Counties
and is concentrated on knolls and mid to upper slopes of moraines. The acreage, extent,
and condition of coastal oak-hickory forests in New York is suspected to be declining.
Short-term Trends
The acreage, extent, and condition of coastal oak-hickory forests in New York is suspected
to be declining due to fragmentation and extirpation from residential and commercial
development, heavy deer browse, and invasive species.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest
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Long-term Trends
The number, extent, and viability of coastal oak-hickory forests in New York are suspected
to have declined substantially over the long-term. These declines are likely correlated with
the settlement of Long Island and the subsequent residential, agricultural and commercial
development.
Conservation and Management
Threats
The threats to the coastal oak-hickory forest are many and varied: displacement of the
community by commercial and residential development; invasive species; roads and trails
causing forest fragmentation and erosion; and deer browse. Some of the invasive species
that have been observed in the forest include Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii),
Black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia), bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), garlic mustard
(Alliaria petiolata) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). Deer browse on seedlings and
saplings are causing a loss of forest canopy regeneration.
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
To promote a dynamic forest mosaic, allow natural processes, including gap formation from
blowdowns and tree mortality, as well as, in-place decomposition of fallen coarse woody
debris and standing snags, to operate, particularly in mature and old growth examples
(Spies and Turner 1999). Management efforts should focus on the control or local
eradication of invasive exotic plants and the reduction of white-tailed deer densities.
Consider deer exclosures or population management, particularly if studies confirm that
canopy species recruitment is being affected by heavy browse. Generally, management
should focus on activities that help maintain regeneration of the species associated with
this community. Deer have been shown to have negative effects on forest understories
(Miller et al. 1992, Augustine and French 1998, Knight 2003) and management efforts
should strive to ensure that tree and shrub seedlings are not so heavily browsed that they
cannot replace overstory trees. If active forestry must occur, use silvicultural techniques
and extended rotation intervals that promote regeneration of a diversity of canopy,
subcanopy and shrub species over time (Busby et al. 2009) while avoiding or minimizing
both short-term and persistent residual disturbances such as soil compaction, loss of
canopy cover due to logging road construction, and the unintended introduction of invasive
plants.
Development and Mitigation Considerations
Fragmentation of coastal forests should be avoided. It is also important to maintain
connectivity with adjacent natural communities, not only to allow nutrient flow and seed
dispersal, but to allow animals to move between them seasonally. Strive to minimize
fragmentation of large forest blocks by focusing development on forest edges, minimizing
the width of roads and road corridors extending into forests, and designing cluster
developments that minimize the spatial extent of the development. Development projects
with the least impact on large forests and all the plants and animals living within these
forests are those built on brownfields or other previously developed land. These projects
have the added benefit of matching sustainable development practices (for example, see:
The President's Council on Sustainable Development 1999 final report, US Green Building
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 2
108
Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification process at
http://www.usgbc.org/). A cross-section of coastal oak-hickory forest occurrences should
be protected, including the largest ones, the most mature ones, and the ones in the best
landscape block.
Inventory Needs
Survey for additional large examples in central to western Suffolk County. Some leads to
follow up on include Caleb Smith State Park, Wildwood State Park, and Butler-Huntington
Preserve among others.
Research Needs
A critical assessment of the long-term effects of heavy deer browse on this community,
particularly addressing oak and other canopy species seedling recruitment, is needed.
Rare Species
Black-edge Sedge (Carex nigromarginata)
Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
Slender Pinweed (Lechea tenuifolia)
Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum var. venosum)
Bushy Rockrose (Crocanthemum dumosum)
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
White-m Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
Small White Snakeroot (Ageratina aromatica var. aromatica)
Dwarf Hawthorn (Crataegus uniflora)
White Milkweed (Asclepias variegata)
Globose Flatsedge (Cyperus echinatus)
Scotch Lovage (Ligusticum scothicum ssp. scothicum)
St. Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides ssp. multicaule)
Identification Comments
The forest is usually codominated by two or more species of oaks, usually white oak (Q.
alba), black oak (Quercus velutina) and chestnut oak (Q. montana). Scarlet oak (Quercus
coccinea) is also a common associate. Mixed with the oaks, usually at moderate densities,
are one or more of the following hickories: pignut (Carya glabra), mockernut (C. alba), and
sweet pignut (C. ovalis). These hickories can range from nearly pure stands to as little as
about 25% cover. There is typically a subcanopy stratum of small trees and tall shrubs
including flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium
corymbosum). The shrublayer and groundlayer flora may be diverse. Common low shrubs
include maple-leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium,
V. pallidum) and black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Characteristic groundlayer
herbs are Swan's sedge (Carex swanii), panic grass (Panicum dichotomum), poverty grass
(Danthonia spicata), cow-wheat (Melampyrum lineare), spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila
maculata), rattlesnake weed (Hieracium venosum), white wood aster (Aster divaricatus),
false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex
pensylvanica), and white goldenrod (Solidago bicolor).
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 3
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The Best Time to See
Early spring is a good time to catch many of the understory trees and shrubs in bloom.
Flowering dogwood and maple-leaf viburnum provide visual sprays of color in the spring.
Mid to late summer is a good time to snack on ripening blueberries and huckleberries.
Characteristics Most Useful for Identification
A hardwood forest with oaks (Quercus spp.) and hickories (Carya spp.) codominant that
occurs in dry well-drained, loamy sand of knolls, upper slopes, or south-facing slopes of
glacial moraines of the Atlantic coastal plain.
Elevation Range
Known examples of this community have been found at elevations between 4 feet and 150
feet.
Similar Ecological Communities
Coastal oak-holly forest: This is a mixed deciduous-evergreen broadleaf forest that
occurs on somewhat moist and moderately well drained silt and sandy loams in low areas
on morainal plateaus. The elevation afforded by the raised plateau protects these areas
from overwash and salt spray. In New York State, this forest is best developed on the
narrow peninsulas of eastern Long Island. The trees are usually not stunted, and are
removed from the pruning effects of severe salt spray. Coastal oak-holly forests differ from
coastal oak-hickory forests from the lack of significant hickory in the overstory, being
generally on moister sites, and typically having less species diversity.
Appalachian oak-hickory forest: This is a hardwood forest that occurs on well-drained
sites, usually on ridgetops, upper slopes, or south- and west-facing slopes. The soils are
usually loams or sandy loams. This is a broadly defined forest community with several
regional and edaphic variants. The dominant trees include one or more of the following
oaks: red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Q. alba), and black oak (Q. velutina). Mixed with
the oaks, usually at lower densities, are one or more of the following hickories: pignut
(Carya glabra), shagbark (C. ovata), and sweet pignut (C. ovalis). Common associates are
white ash (Fraxinus americana), red maple (Acer rubrum), and hop hornbeam (Ostrya
virginiana). This forest is typically somewhat enriched with a subcanopy stratum of small
trees and tall shrubs. Appalachian oak-hickory forests differ from coastal oak-hickory
forests in that they only occur north of the Coastal Lowlands ecozone.
Coastal oak-heath forest: This is a large patch to matrix low diversity hardwood forest
that typically occurs on dry, well-drained, sandy soils of glacial outwash plains or moraines
of the Atlantic coastal plain. The forest is usually codominated by two or more species of
oaks: scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), white oak (Q. alba) and black oak (Q. velutina).
Chestnut oak (Quercus montana) is also a common associate. Pitch pine (Pinus rigida)
and trees of other genera, if present, typically occur at less than 1% cover each in the
canopy. The shrublayer is well-developed typically with a low, nearly continuous, cover of
dwarf heaths such as blueberries (Vaccinium pallidum, V. angustifolium) and black
huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Coastal oak-heath forests differ from coastal
oak-hickory forests from the lack of hickory in the overstory, having a low continuous cover
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 4
110
of heath species in the shrub layer, and a general overall low diversity of shrubs and
herbaceous plants.
Coastal oak-beech forest: This is a hardwood forest with oaks (Quercus spp.) and
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) codominant that occurs in dry well-drained, loamy
sand of morainal coves of the Atlantic coastal plain. Some occurrences are associated with
maritime beech forest. Beech can range from nearly pure stands to as little as about 25%
cover. The forest is usually codominated by two or more species of oaks, usually black oak
(Quercus velutina) and white oak (Q. alba). Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) and chestnut
oak (Q. montana) are common associates. Red oak (Quercus rubra) may be present at low
density and is a key indicator species along with sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and paper
birch (Betula papyrifera). There are relatively few shrubs and herbs. Coastal oak-beech
forests differ from coastal oak-hickory forests due to the significant amount of beech in the
canopy, and by typically having poorer diversity in the herbaceous plant strata.
Coastal oak-laurel forest: This is a large patch low diversity hardwood forest with
broadleaf canopy and evergreen subcanopy that typically occurs on dry well-drained,
sandy and gravelly soils of morainal hills of the Atlantic coastal plain. This forest is similar
to the chestnut oak forest of the Appalachian Mountains; it is distinguished by lower
abundance of chestnut oak (Quercus montana) and absence of red oak (Quercus rubra),
probably correlated with the difference between the sand and gravel of glacial moraines
versus the bedrock of mountains.
Characteristic Species
Trees > 5m
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Mockernut Hickory (Carya alba)
Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis)
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra)
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana)
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Post Oak (Quercus stellata)
Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Shrubs 2-5m
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Oblong-leaf Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Mockernut Hickory (Carya alba)
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra)
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 5
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Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Photinia arbutifolia
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana)
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)
Shrubs 0.5-2m
Coast Pepper-bush (Clethra alnifolia)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Early Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)
Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)
Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)
Herbs
Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Swan Sedge (Carex swanii)
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata)
Wavy Hair Grass (Deschampsia flexuosa)
White Wood-aster (Eurybia divaricata)
Canada May-flower (Maianthemum canadense)
New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis)
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 6
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Trees > 5m
Shrubs 2-5m
Shrubs 0.5-2m
Vines
Herbs
Nonvascular
0 20 40 60 80 100
This figure helps visualize the structure and "look" or "feel" of a typical coastal oak-hickory forest. Each bar represents
the amount of "coverage" for all the species growing at that height. Because layers overlap (shrubs may grow under
trees, for example), the shaded regions can add up to more than 100%.
International Vegetation Classification System Associations
This New York natural community encompasses all or part of the concept of the following
International Vegetation Classification (IVC) natural community associations. These are
often described at finer resolution than New York's natural communities. The IVC is
developed and maintained by NatureServe.
Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (CEGL006336)
NatureServe Ecological System Associations
This New York natural community falls into the following ecological system(s). Ecological
systems are often described at a coarser resolution than New York's natural communities
and tend to represent clusters of associations found in similar environments. The
ecological systems project is developed and maintained by NatureServe.
Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Dry Hardwood Forest (CES203.475)
Additional Resources
Links
The Nature Conservancy - Long Island Chapter
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13653.html
NatureServe Explorer
http://www.natureserve.org/
Long Island Botanical Society
http://libotanical.org/
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 7
113
References
Augustine, A.J. and L.E. French. 1998. Effects of white-tailed deer on populations of an understory
forb in fragmented deciduous forests. Conservation Biology 12:995-1004.
Busby, Posy E. and G. Motzkin. 2009. Dwarf beech forests in coastal New England: topographic
and edaphic controls on variation in forest structure. American Midland Naturalist 162(1):
180-194.
Busby, Posy E., G. Motzkin and B. R. Hall. 2009. Distribution and dynamics of American beech in
coastal southern New England. Northeastern Naturalist 16(2): 159-176.
Edinger, Gregory J., D.J. Evans, Shane Gebauer, Timothy G. Howard, David M. Hunt, and Adele M.
Olivero (editors). 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised
and expanded edition of Carol Reschke's Ecological Communities of N
Greller, A. M., J. M. Mansky, and R. E. Calhoon. 1982. An oak, hickory-dogwood forest on central
Long Island, New York. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 109(2): 219-225.
Greller, Andrew M. 1977. A classification of mature forests on Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey
Bot. Club 140 (4):376-382.
Harlow, William M. 1957. Trees of the eastern and central United States and Canada. Dover
publications Inc. New York, NY.
Keys, Jr.,J.; Carpenter, C.; Hooks, S.; Koenig, F.; McNab, W.H.; Russell, W.;Smith, M.L. 1995.
Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (cd-rom), Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. GIS coverage in ARCINFO format, selected imagery,
and map unit tables.
Knight, T.M. 2003. Effects of herbivory and its timing across populations of Trillium grandiflorum
(Liliaceae). American Journal of Botany 90:1207-1214.
Miller, S.G., S.P. Bratton, and J. Hadidian. 1992. Impacts of white-tailed deer on endangered and
threatened vascular plants. Natural Areas Journal 12:67-74.
NatureServe. 2005. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia. USA
NatureServe. 2009. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version
7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Data last
updated July 17, 2009)
Reschke, Carol. 1990. Ecological communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage
Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Latham, NY. 96 pp. plus
xi.
Rosza, R. and K. Metzler. 1982. Plant communities of Mashomack. In: The Mashomack Preserve
Study. Vol. 2: Biological Resources. S. Englebright, ed. The Nature Conservancy, East Hampton,
New York.
Sneddon, L. 1998. North Atlantic Coast classification. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy,
Eastern Conservation Science, Boston, MA. July 1998.
Sneddon, L., M. Anderson and K. Metzler. 1996. Community alliances and elements of the eastern
region. Second draft. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Region
Conservation Science, Boston, MA. April 11. 234 pp.
Sneddon, L., M. Anderson, and J. Lundgren. 1998. International classification of ecological
communities: terrestrial vegetation of the northeastern United States. July 1998 working draft.
Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Sc
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 8
114
Spies, T.A. and M.G. Turner. 1999. Dynamic forest mosaics. Pages 95-160 in: M. L. Hunter, Jr.,
editor. Maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
The President's Council on Sustainable Development. 1999. Towards a Sustainable America:
Advancing Prosperity, Opportunity, and a Healthy environment for the 21st Century. Washington,
DC. 97 pp. plus appendices.
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor,
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
acris@nynhp.org
This project is made possible with funding from:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River
Estuary Program
- Division of Lands & Forests, Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Information for this guide was last updated on Oct 06, 2011
This guide was authored by
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Coastal Oak-Hickory Forest 9
115
Red Maple-Sweetgum
Swamp
Ecologist in red maple-sweetgum swamp, Staten Island
Photo credits: Aissa L. Feldmann
System Palustrine
Subsystem Forested Mineral Soil
Wetlands
Did you know?
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is aptly named
- the resin from the tree was used as a chewing
gum by several Native American tribes. The
Cherokee, Choctaw, Koasati, and Rappahannock
would knock a piece of bark from the sweetgum
tree, causing resin to flow from the tree. The sap
hardened after a week and was collected for
chewing gum.
Summary
Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally.
Rarity G4G5, S1
A global rarity rank of G4G5 means: Apparently or Demonstrably Secure globally -
Uncommon to common in the world, but not rare; usually widespread, but may be rare in
some parts of its range; possibly some cause for long-term concern due to declines or
other factors. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.
A state rarity rank of S1 means: Typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining
individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology makes it especially
vulnerable in New York State.
Conservation Status in New York
There are an estimated 10 to 30 extant occurrences statewide. A few documented
occurrences have good viability, but none of these are in excellent condition. A few are
protected on public land or private conservation land. This community has a very limited
statewide distribution that is primarily concentrated on Staten Island where there are
several small, good quality examples. The current trend of this community is probably
stable for occurrences on public land and private conservation land, or declining slightly
elsewhere due to moderate threats that include alteration of the natural hydrology,
development, and invasive species.
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp
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Short-term Trends
The number and acreage of red maple-sweetgum swamps in New York have probably
declined slightly, or remained stable, in recent decades as a result of wetland protection
regulations. Since World War II, urbanization has emerged as the predominant force
impacting wetlands in most parts of the region (Golet et al. 1993).
Long-term Trends
The number and acreage of red maple-sweetgum swamps in New York have probably
declined substantially from historical numbers likely correlated with agricultural and other
development. The principal causes of wetland loss in the Northeast prior to mid-1800s
include conversion of wetlands to agriculture, the construction of impoundments for
hydropower and water supply, and the cutting of swamp timber for lumber, fence posts,
and fuel wood (Golet et al. 1993). Extensive historical extirpation of red maple-sweetgum
swamps has been cited by Stevens (1992). More wetlands are being drained and filled for
development as undeveloped uplands in the metropolitan New York City area have
become very scarce. Reportedly, no old-growth examples remain north of Richmond
County (Stevens 1992).
Larger occurrences of this natural community (>12.5 acres) are protected under NY State
wetland laws.Conservation and Management
Threats
Red maple-sweetgum swamps are threatened by development in the surrounding
landscape and its assocaited run-off (e.g., residential, commercial, roads, utility ROWs, golf
courses, etc.), habitat alteration (e.g., excessive logging, ditching, pollution), and
recreational overuse (e.g., hiking trails, ATVs, trash dumping, illegal fires). Alteration to the
natural hydrological regime is also a threat to this community (e.g., impoundments, blocked
culverts). Several red maple-sweetgum swamps are threatened by invasive species, such
as tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Oriental bittersweet
(Celastrus orbiculatus), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa
multiflora), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and
reedgrass (Phragmites australis).Conversion of wetlands for agriculture was a major cause
of inland wetland loss in many areas of the Northeast historically, and it is still an important
factor today, most notably in New York (Golet et al. 1993).
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
Where practical, establish and maintain a natural wetland buffer to reduce storm-water,
pollution, and nutrient run-off, while simultaneously capturing sediments before they reach
the wetland. Buffer width should take into account the erodibility of the surrounding soils,
slope steepness, and current land use. Wetlands protected under Article 24 are known as
New York State "regulated" wetlands. The regulated area includes the wetlands
themselves, as well as a protective buffer or "adjacent area" extending 100 feet landward
of the wetland boundary (NYS DEC 1995). If possible, minimize the number and size of
impervious surfaces in the surrounding landscape. Avoid habitat alteration within the
wetland and surrounding landscape. For example, roads and trails should be routed
around wetlands, and should not pass through the buffer area. If the wetland must be
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 2
117
crossed, then bridges and boardwalks are preferred over filling. Restore past impacts, such
as removing obsolete impoundments and ditches in order to restore the natural hydrology.
Prevent the spread of invasive exotic species into the wetland through appropriate direct
management, and by minimizing potential dispersal corridors, such as roads.
Development and Mitigation Considerations
When considering road construction and other development activities minimize actions that
will change what water carries and how water travels to this community, both on the
surface and underground. Water traveling over-the-ground as run-off usually carries an
abundance of silt, clay, and other particulates during (and often after) a construction
project. While still suspended in the water, these particulates make it difficult for aquatic
animals to find food; after settling to the bottom of the wetland, these particulates bury
small plants and animals and alter the natural functions of the community in many other
ways. Thus, road construction and development activities near this community type should
strive to minimize particulate-laden run-off into this community. Water traveling on the
ground or seeping through the ground also carries dissolved minerals and chemicals. Road
salt, for example, is becoming an increasing problem both to natural communities and as a
contaminant in household wells. Fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals that increase
the nutrient levels in wetlands cause algae blooms and eventually an oxygen-depleted
environment where few animals can live. Herbicides and pesticides often travel far from
where they are applied and have lasting effects on the quality of the natural community.
So, road construction and other development activities should strive to consider: 1. how
water moves through the ground, 2. the types of dissolved substances these development
activities may release, and 3. how to minimize the potential for these dissolved substances
to reach this natural community.
Inventory Needs
Continue searching for large sites in good condition (A- to AB-ranked).
Research Needs
Research the hydrologic regime of red maple-sweetgum swamps and determine what
unique soil characteristics support this community. Assess examples (e.g., Arshamonaque)
that are dominated by swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), swamp cottonwood (Populus
heterophylla), and pin oak (Quercus palustris) that have little or no red maple or sweetgum
and determine if this is a new community type.
Rare Species
Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)
Thicket Sedge (Carex abscondita)
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)
Bent Sedge (Carex styloflexa)
Collins' Sedge (Carex collinsii)
Blunt Mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
Yellow-sided Skimmer (Libellula flavida)
Soapwort Gentian (Gentiana saponaria)
American Strawberry-bush (Euonymus americanus)
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 3
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Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Downy Carrion-flower (Smilax pulverulenta)
Possum-haw (Viburnum nudum var. nudum)
Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
Identification Comments
A hardwood swamp dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweetgum (Liquidambar
stryraciflua), that occurs on somewhat poorly-drained seasonally wet flats, over acidic
gleyed to mottled clay loam or sandy loam. This community often occurs in mosaic with
upland forest communities. The shrub layer is well developed and the herbaceous layer is
often dominated by ferns (Edinger et al. 2002).
The Best Time to See
The community vegetation is at its peak during midsummer; at this time ferns, sedges, and
herbs can be readily observed and identified. Striking seasonal leaf color can be enjoyed in
the fall.
Characteristics Most Useful for Identification
Red maple and sweetgum dominate the canopy in this swamp community, and may have
associates swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), red oak (Q. rubra) blackgum (Nyssa
sylvatica), and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). The understory is well developed; the shrub
layer may include sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), spicebush (Lindera benzoin),
highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and swamp azalea (Rhododendron
viscosum). The herb layer is dominated by ferns and includes cinnamon fern (Osmunda
cinnamomea), netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata), senstive fern (Onoclea sensibilis),
jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), and skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).
Elevation Range
Known examples of this community have been found at elevations between 8 feet and 190
feet.
Similar Ecological Communities
Hemlock-hardwood swamp: Hemlock-hardwood swamps occur in poorly-drained basins,
and have a high density of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the canopy. Sweetgum
may be in the canopy, but it is not a codominant.
Perched swamp white oak swamp: Perched swamp white oak swamps occur on hillsides
in shallow depressions where the local water table is perched above the surrounding
groundwater level. Swamp white oak is a canopy dominant in this community, whereas it is
present in relatively low densities in red maple-sweetgum swamps.
Red maple-blackgum swamp: Red maple-blackgum swamps occur in poorly-drained
basins, and have red maple and blackgum as canopy codominants; sweetgum, if present,
is low in density.
Silver maple-ash swamp: Silver maple-ash swamps are dominated by silver maple (Acer
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 4
119
saccharinum) and green ash (Acer pennsylvanica); sweetgum is not typically abundant in
this community.
Red maple-hardwood swamp: Red maple-hardwood swamps occur in poorly-drained
basins, and have a canopy composition that ranges from nearly pure red maple, to having
a variety of species; sweetgum, if present, is low in density.
Characteristic Species
Trees > 5m
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Shrubs 2-5m
Coast Pepper-bush (Clethra alnifolia)
Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Black Chokeberry (Photinia melanocarpa)
American Elm (Ulmus americana)
Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)
Shrubs < 2m
Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
Vines
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)
Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Herbs
Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Common Solomon's-seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus)
Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Netted Chainfern (Woodwardia areolata)
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 5
120
Trees > 5m
Shrubs 2-5m
Shrubs < 2m
Vines
Herbs
0 20 40 60 80 100
This figure helps visualize the structure and "look" or "feel" of a typical red maple-sweetgum swamp. Each bar represents
the amount of "coverage" for all the species growing at that height. Because layers overlap (shrubs may grow under
trees, for example), the shaded regions can add up to more than 100%.
International Vegetation Classification System Associations
This New York natural community encompasses all or part of the concept of the following
International Vegetation Classification (IVC) natural community associations. These are
often described at finer resolution than New York's natural communities. The IVC is
developed and maintained by NatureServe.
Red Maple - Sweetgum Swamp (CEGL006110)
NatureServe Ecological System Associations
This New York natural community falls into the following ecological system(s). Ecological
systems are often described at a coarser resolution than New York's natural communities
and tend to represent clusters of associations found in similar environments. The
ecological systems project is developed and maintained by NatureServe.
Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Pondshore (CES203.518)
Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Basin Swamp and Wet Hardwood Forest (CES203.520)
Additional Resources
References
Bray, W.L. 1915. The development of the vegetation of New York State. New York State College of
Forestry, Tech. Publ. No. 3, Syracuse, NY.
Breden, T.F., Y. Alger, K. Strakosch Walz, and A.G. Windisch. 2001. Classification of Vegetation
Communities of New Jersey: Second Iteration. Association for Biodiversity Information and New
Jersey Natural Heritage Program, Office of Natural Lands Managem
Edinger, Gregory J., D.J. Evans, Shane Gebauer, Timothy G. Howard, David M. Hunt, and Adele M.
Olivero (editors). 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 6
121
and expanded edition of Carol Reschke's Ecological Communities of N
Greller, A.M. 2000. Mixed hardwood swamp forest on rolling uplands near Lake Success on Long
Island. The Quarterly Newsletter of the Long Island Botanical Society. 10(2):18-20.
Greller, Andrew M. 1977. A classification of mature forests on Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey
Bot. Club 140 (4):376-382.
Grossman, D. H., K. Lemon Goodin, and C. L. Reuss, editors. 1994. Rare plant communities of the
conterminous United States: An initial survey. The Nature Conservancy. Arlington, VA. 620 pp.
Keys, Jr.,J.; Carpenter, C.; Hooks, S.; Koenig, F.; McNab, W.H.; Russell, W.;Smith, M.L. 1995.
Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (cd-rom), Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. GIS coverage in ARCINFO format, selected imagery,
and map unit tables.
NatureServe. 2005. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia. USA
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1995. Freshwater Wetlands:
Delineation Manual. July 1995. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources. Bureau of Habitat. Albany, NY.
Rheinhardt, R., D. Whigham, H. Khan, and M. Brinson. 2000. Vegetation of headwater wetlands in
the Inner Coastal Plain of Virginia and Maryland. Castanea 65(1):21-35.
Robichaud, B. and M.F. Buell. 1973. Vegetation of New Jersey: A study of landscape diversity.
Rutgers Univ. Press. New Brunswick, NJ. 340 pp.
Sneddon, L., M. Anderson and K. Metzler. 1996. Community alliances and elements of the eastern
region. Second draft. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Region
Conservation Science, Boston, MA. April 11. 234 pp.
Stevens, G. 1992. Assessment of wetland delineation on the Great Sweet-gum Swamp Site, Village
of Scarsdale, NY. Unpublished report. Hudsonia Ltd. Annandale, NY. June 30. 12 pp.
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor,
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
acris@nynhp.org
This project is made possible with funding from:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River
Estuary Program
- Division of Lands & Forests, Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Information for this guide was last updated on Oct 12, 2011
This guide was authored by
NYNHP Conservation Guide - Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp 7
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New York Natural Heritage Program
APPENDIX C: New York Natural Heritage Program Important Areas
What are Natural Heritage Important Areas? Important Areas are lands and waters that support the
continued presence and quality of known populations of rare animals and rare plants, or of
documented examples of rare or high-quality ecological communities. Important Areas include the
specific locations where the animals, plants, and/or ecological communities have been observed, but
go beyond these to also include
additional habitat for the rare animal and plant populations, including areas which may be
used by rare animals for breeding, nesting, feeding, roosting, or,
over-wintering areas that support the natural ecological processes critical to maintaining the
habitats of these rare animal and plant populations, or critical to maintaining these significant
communities.
How were Important Areas identified? Important Areas are delineated using GIS models. For rare
animals, the models are based on knowledge of the animal’s habitat and life history. For example,
the Important Area for a Blanding’s turtle would include the various wetlands it may use during
different seasons, as well as adjacent uplands it may use for nesting.
Important Areas also include land around these animal habitats, and around rare plant populations
and significant ecological communities, that sustain ecological processes and that provide a buffer
against disturbance. For example, for the wetland habitats identified for the Blanding’s turtle above,
the Important Area would also include an area around the wetlands that would contribute to
maintaining favorable water quality and flow in the wetlands. The size of these surrounding areas
can vary depending on the steepness and aspect of slopes, the type of soils, and the surrounding
land cover.
Important Areas do not include all potential habitat for the species within its range; rather, they are
the areas important to known populations and locations. Important Areas are based on best
available information, but do not represent a comprehensive inventory of resources or habitats.
Lands outside the Important Areas on these maps may also support rare animals and plants and
significant ecosystems, or provide ecological benefits. For additional information on Important Area
models please contact the New York Natural Heritage Program.
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