Rare Plant Survey at Assateague Island National Seashore

Staver, Lorie; Hall, John; Schwark, Amanda; Brighton, James; Leason, Diane

The unique environmental conditions found on Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS) are reflected in the dynamic continuum of habitats stretching from ocean to bay, including beaches, dunes, grass and shrublands, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and salt marshes. The diverse barrier island landscape provides habitat for a multitude of specialized plant species, at least 46 of which have been classified as rare, threatened, or endangered (RTE). ASIS has recently completed planning and environmental compliance for several projects within the park, as well as for demolition of multiple abandoned structures within the backcountry, which could potentially disturb some of these RTE populations. To identify the current locations of RTE species in these areas, surveys were conducted during spring and fall 2023. Timed meander surveys were conducted along roadways and parking lots, and along access roads and around dwellings where demolition is proposed. Recommendations include fencing to protect the most vulnerable species from disturbance during construction and demolition activities, and flagging populations of more abundant species to increase visibility and minimize disturbance during construction. Overall, avoidance by heavy equipment of wet areas (ditches and wet depressions), and sand dunes will prevent disturbance of the most vulnerable species. Populations of the less abundant species found are ultimately threatened by burial as the dunes migrate westward. Future monitoring is recommended to determine whether additional measures should be undertaken to preserve them, including assisting migration by transplanting seedlings raised from seed collected onsite or vulnerable individuals to new locations.

Rare Plant Survey at Assateague Island National Seashore

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