Rare Plant Inventory at Assateague Island National Seashore - Geospatial Data - Dataset as Delivered - NPS Inventory Program
Staver LW. 2024. Rare Plant Inventory at Assateague Island National Seashore - Geospatial Data - Dataset as Delivered - NPS Inventory Program. National Park Service
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). 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 in the backcountry. Seventeen previously reported RTE species were observed, and one additional RTE species, Spiranthes bightensis, was recorded. 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. Future monitoring is recommended.
- Type
- Geospatial Dataset
- Authors
- Staver, Lorie
- Date of Issue
- 2024-10-17
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- ASIS
- Keywords
- Assateague Island National Seashore, IMD, inventory, National Park Service, NPS, NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division, NPS Species Inventory Program, Vegetation Survey