Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Guilford Corthouse National Military Park

Roberts, Thomas; Morgan, Kenneth

During the summer of 2004, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (GUCO). 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 GUCO, and no other published data were available that indicated wetlands occurred inside GUCO 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 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 inventory, two wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled an estimated 1.8 acres, with the average wetland size being approximately 0.9 acres. Based on the Cowardin classification system, both were considered palustrine, forested, deciduous wetlands, however, one was seasonally flooded (PFO1C), while the other was temporarily flooded (PFO1A). Using the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system, one wetland was considered a depression, the other a slope wetland.

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Guilford Corthouse National Military Park

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