Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Cowpens National Battlefield, Chesnee, South Carolina

Roberts, Thomas; Morgan, Kenneth

During the summer of 2004, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Cowpens National Battlefield (COWP). 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 COWP, and no other published data were available that indicated wetlands occurred inside COWP 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 (WDM). When a wetland was found, data were collected regarding wetland hydrology, hydric soils, dominant plant species, location, wetland type, and estimated size. The functions and potential values of the wetland also were recorded. Functions included surface water storage, ground water 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 of the wetland and the potential for restoration of degraded wetlands also were recorded. Upon completion of the inventory, thirty-seven wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled approximately 13.36 acres, with the average wetland size being approximately 0.36 acres. Based on the Cowardin system, all of the wetlands located were classified as palustrine, forested, deciduous wetlands that were temporarily flooded (PFO1A). Using the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system thirty-two of the sites were slope wetlands and five were depressions.

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Cowpens National Battlefield, Chesnee, South Carolina

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