Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Shiloh National Military Park, Shiloh, Tennessee

Roberts, Thomas; Morgan, Kenneth

During 2005, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Shiloh National Military Park (SHIL). A preliminary investigation based on National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps indicated that only ten to fifteen wetlands were present at SHIL. This comprehensive inventory was conducted by systematically searching transects throughout the entire park and identifying each jurisdictional wetland. Methods used to identify wetlands followed the definition and procedures outlined in the 1987 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wetland Delineation Manual (WDM). At each wetland located, data were collected that characterized hydrology, soils, and dominant plant species, location, wetland type, and estimated size. The functions and potential values of the wetland also were recorded. Potential functions included surface water storage, groundwater discharge to streams, carbon/nutrient export, provision of wildlife habitat, and support of wetland plants. Potential 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 were recorded. Upon completion of the field investigation, eighty-one wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled an estimated 376.63 acres. Based on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system, fifty-five were slope wetlands, twenty were depressions, four of the sites were riverine wetlands, and two were considered flats wetlands. Based on the Cowardin classification system, seventy-three of the wetlands were palustrine, forested wetlands dominated by deciduous trees (PFO1). Of these, fifty-one were seasonally flooded (PFO1C), eighteen were temporarily flooded (PFO1A), and four were seasonally flooded/saturated (PFO1E). Non-forested wetlands included one wetland having persistent vegetation that was seasonally flooded and in some portions semi-permanently flooded (PSS1E/F) and seven palustrine emergent wetlands having persistent vegetation (PEM1). Two of these were temporarily flooded (PEM1A), three were seasonally flooded (PEM1C), and two were seasonally flooded/saturated. One wetland of particular interest is the bottomland hardwood complex associated with Owl Creek. It is approximately 315 acres in size and likely supports a great variety of species and habitat types. Including this area, the average size of wetlands in the park is 4.65 acres. Excluding this area, the average wetland size is approximately 0.76 acres.

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Shiloh National Military Park, Shiloh, Tennessee

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