A Natural Heritage Inventory of the Appalachian
Motivans KA. 2000. A Natural Heritage Inventory of the Appalachian. National Park Service. Appalachian Trail Corridor Maryland
This report documents the results of an inventory of rare, threatened and endangered(RT&E) vascular plants and exemplary examples of vegetative communities along the Appalachian Trail (AT.) in Maryland. An inventory of endangered, threatened and rare plants and exemplary natural communities was conducted in 2000 along the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail corridor. During this study, 32 occurrences of rare plant populations from 17 taxa were recorded at 8 Natural Heritage sites. Two of the plants recorded during the 2000 survey are globally rare, the Halberd-leaved rose mallow (Hibiscus laevis) and Snowy campion (Selene nivea). None of the plants found are listed as federally threatened or endangered. There were two natural communities regarded as exemplary in the corridor and several areas noted for high potential as habitat for rare animal species. Many rare plant populations inventoried in this study are under threat from competition by non-native invasive plants and trampling by recreationalists. Follow up inventories are recommended, as is continued monitoring and management to reduce threats. Trail managers need to be kept very aware of the location of rare plants as many of them occur adjacent to the trail.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Motivans, Karene
- Date of Issue
- 2000
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- APPA , NETN
- Keywords
- animal species, Endangered Species, exemplary natural comunities, follow ups, Inventory, managers, Rare Plants, Survey, Threatened