Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Russell Cave National Monument Bridgeport, Alabama

Roberts, Thomas; Morgan, Kenneth

During the fall of 2005, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Russell Cave National Monument (RUCA). The inventory was conducted by walking transects of varying widths until the entire park had been systematically searched. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps did not indicate wetlands were present at RUCA, and no other published data were available that indicated wetlands occurred inside RUCA boundaries. Methods to identify areas as wetlands followed the definition and procedures outlined in the 1987 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wetland Delineation Manual. When a wetland was found, data were collected regarding wetland hydrology, hydric soils, dominant wetland plant species, location, wetland type, and estimated size. The potential functions and values of the wetland also were recorded. Functions included surface water storage, groundwater discharge to streams, carbon/nutrient export, provision of wildlife habitat, and support of wetland plants. Values included cultural importance, research and scientific value, and economic value. Additionally, observations regarding the presence of exotic plant species and alterations or degradations to the wetland and the potential for restoration also were recorded. Upon completion of the inventory, three palustrine wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled an estimated 0.07 acres, with the average wetland size being approximately 0.02 acres. Based on the Cowardin classification system, two wetlands were dominated by deciduous trees and were temporarily flooded (PFO1A). The remaining wetland was dominated by non-persistent herbaceous vegetation and was temporarily flooded (PEM2C). Using the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system, two of the sites were considered depression wetlands and one was a slope/seep wetland.

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Russell Cave National Monument Bridgeport, Alabama

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