Significant Ecological Features of the Appalachian Trail Corridor in Vermont

Vermont Fish and Wildlife

Report focusing on the Significant Ecological Features found along the Appalachian Trail Corridor in Vermont. This project was initiated as part of a program to inventory the entire length of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail for threatened, endangered and sensitive species and exemplary natural communities. In Vermont, the Appalachian Trail extends for 142 miles from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, along the spine of the Green Mountains, then east through the Vermont Piedmont to the Connecticut River. Background data were collected from Vermont Nongame & Natural Heritage Program (VNNHP) files, topographic maps, National Wetlands Inventory maps, bedrock geology maps, soil maps, and individuals familiar with the trail. This process resulted in the identification of 172 potential sites. Field surveys were conducted at 107 sites, including all high priority sites and some of the low priority sites. A total of 32 sites were found to contain occurrences of threatened, endangered or sensitive species or exemplary natural communities. Low priority sites that have not been visited will be assessed from aircraft in 1991. Field evaluation of natural communities and rare species was based on rarity, quality of the occurrence, degree of disturbance, and level of threat. VNNHP field forms were used to record field data. All data were entered into the VNNHP map and computer database, which are managed and maintained by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.