Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Ninety Six National Historic Site

Roberts, Thomas; Morgan, Kenneth

During the summers of 2004 and 2006, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Ninety Six National Historic Site (NISI). The inventory was conducted by walking transects of varying widths until the entire park had been systematically searched. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps indicated at least four wetlands present at NISI. Methods to identify additional areas as wetlands followed the definition and procedures outlined in the 1987 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wetland Delineation Manual (WDM). When a wetland was found, data were collected regarding wetland hydrology, hydric soils, dominant wetland plant species, location, wetland type, and estimated size. The functions and potential 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 field investigation, forty-six wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled an estimated 14.7 acres, with the average wetland size being approximately 0.32 acres. Based on the Cowardin classification system, thirty-two of the wetlands were palustrine, forested wetlands dominated by deciduous trees (PFO1). Of these, fourteen were seasonally flooded (PFO1C), eleven were temporarily flooded (PFO1A), six were seasonally flooded/saturated (PFO1E), and one was semi-permanently flooded (PFO1F). Nonforested wetlands included two scrub-shrub wetlands having persistent vegetation that was seasonally flooded (PSS1C) and two palustrine emergent wetlands having persistent vegetation. One of these was temporarily flooded (PEM1A) the other was seasonally flooded (PEM1C). The remaining 10 sites were considered to be palustrine open-water wetlands (POW). Based on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system, twenty-nine of the sites were riverine wetlands, twelve were depressions, four were slope wetlands, and one was considered a lacustrine fringe wetland.

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Ninety Six National Historic Site

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