A supplemental survey of the wetland communities found along broad-level uplands, streamheads and lowlands of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Yahn B. 2015. A supplemental survey of the wetland communities found along broad-level uplands, streamheads and lowlands of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) recently completed a two year wetland survey (2012-2013) to document rare wetland sites on broad-level uplands in Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) (please reference this report for further information) (KSNPC 2014). Once completed, further study of the remaining wetlands within the Park was proposed and granted. This report includes those surveys and the data collected, within the field season of 2014. Naturally-occurring wetlands found along broad-level uplands (e.g. flat ridge-tops) are rare in Kentucky (KSNPC 2011). These include ponds, marshes, shrub swamps and wet forests. Since European settlement, the majority have been impacted by farming, logging and urban development. Clearing and draining these wet areas along with the related soil disturbance are primary causes of wetland community decline. In some cases, these wetlands have been modified to create deep-water ponds, which also greatly affect the original ecological conditions. These wetland communities, when ecologically sound, protect a multitude of species including many rare plants and animals. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) biologists are responsible for “identifying… natural areas that represent the best known natural occurrences of rare native species, natural communities and significant natural features…”. KSNPC is also involved in working with others (like NPS) to protect biological diversity. In addition, KSNPC is a partner in the largest international biological data network in the world (i.e. NatureServe), and houses the most complete and accurate database of rare species and natural communities information in Kentucky (KSNPC 2009a). The supplemental 2014 surveys document some of the remaining wetland sites on broad-level uplands as well as some streamhead, streamside and lowland sites. Since the grant awarded for this survey was limited in funds, several potential wetland sites were not surveyed.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Yahn, Brian
- Date of Issue
- 2015-03
- Publisher
- Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
- Units
- CUPN , MACA
- Keywords
- Broad-level uplands, Classification, CUPN, flat ridge-tops, Inventory, Kentucky, MACA, Mammoth Cave National Park, Vegetation, Wetland, Wetland Communities, Wetlands, Wetlands Inventory Reports
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Wetland Communities