Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Little River Canyon National Preserve Fort Payne, Alabama

Morgan, Kenneth; Granstaff, Matthew; Roberts, Thomas

During 2006 - 2008, an inventory was conducted to collect baseline information on wetlands at Little River Canyon National Preserve (LIRI). A preliminary investigation based on National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps indicated that 18 wetlands were present at LIRI. 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. Each wetland was classified using both the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) system and the Cowardin system. 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 interpretation, 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, 127 wetlands had been located and characterized. These wetlands totaled an estimated 71.1 acres (28.7 ha). Based on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system, 107 were slope wetlands, 14 were depressions, and 8 were considered riverine wetlands. Based on the Cowardin classification system, 113 of the wetlands were palustrine, forested wetlands dominated by deciduous trees (PFO1). Of these, 96 were temporarily flooded (PFO1A) and 16 were seasonally flooded (PFO1C), and 1 was intermittently exposed (PFO1E). Eight riverine wetlands were identified; all were considered to be upper perennial with rock bottoms comprised of bedrock (R3RB1). Five palustrine scrubshrub wetlands dominated by broad leaved deciduous species (PSS1) also were found. Two of these were temporarily flooded (PSS1A), 1 was seasonally flooded (PSS1C), and 2 were seasonally flooded/saturated (PSS1E). Only 1 palustrine emergent wetland (PEM) was found, this wetland was dominated by persistent vegetation and was temporarily flooded (PEM1A).

Inventory and Classification of Wetlands at Little River Canyon National Preserve Fort Payne, Alabama

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