* limited to sites with higher soil calcium
Vascular plant nomenclature follows Rhoads and Block (2007). Bryophyte nomenclature follows Crum and Anderson (1981).

International Vegetation Classification Associations:

USNVC Crosswalk:

None

Representative Community Types:

Golden-saxifrage Forested Seep (CEGL006193)

NatureServe Ecological Systems:

None

NatureServe Group Level:

None

Origin of Concept

Fike, J. 1999. Terrestrial and palustrine plant communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bureau of Forestry, Harrisburg, PA. 86 pp.

Pennsylvania Community Code*

HS : Golden Saxifriage – Pennsylvania Bitter-Cress Spring Run

*(DCNR 1999, Stone 2006)

Similar Ecological Communities

Seep communities are differentiated from this spring run community because seepages are diffuse groundwater flow, while at a spring the groundwater flow coalesces into a recognizable channel. Generally the volume of springs is higher.

Fike Crosswalk

Golden Saxifrage – Pennsylvania Bitter-cress Spring Run

Conservation Value

The springs where the Golden Saxifrage – Pennsylvania Bittercress Spring Run community is found are valuable to aquatic habitat and water quality in-streams. Springs, which are fed by groundwater, are usually a source of clean water that flows at a relatively constant rate and temperature throughout the growing season. Springs help to maintain cool water temperatures, water quality, and constancy of flow in streams, which is valuable for aquatic ecosystems and human use.

Threats

The greatest threats to these communities are groundwater extraction and bedrock disruptions such as drilling or mining in nearby areas, which can contaminate or alter the flow patterns of the groundwater that feeds the seepage. Groundwater pollution can also occur from improperly installed septic systems, improperly lined underground waste disposal, and in agricultural areas, infiltration of pesticides, fertilizer, and bacteria from animal wastes. Removal of natural vegetation cover adjacent to the wetland can affect water levels and temperatures by increasing solar heating, surface run-off, and sedimentation. Invasive plant species can threaten the biological integrity of the community.

Management

Extraction, drilling, mining, or other activities that impact the bedrock or flow of groundwater should not be undertaken within half a mile of a spring run wetland without a thorough understanding of bedrock layers and groundwater flows. Groundwater flow patterns do not always mirror surface watersheds, and in some cases aquifers may be contiguous over large areas. Seepage wetlands are also sensitive to trampling and other physical disturbance from recreational activities; trails should be sited away from the wetland, or elevated structures employed to prevent traffic in the wetland. A natural buffer around the wetland should be maintained in order to minimize nutrient runoff, pollution, and sedimentation. The potential for soil erosion based on soil texture, condition of the adjacent vegetation (mature forests vs. clearcuts), and the topography of the surrounding area (i.e., degree of slope) should be considered when establishing buffers. The buffer size should be increased if soils are erodible, adjacent vegetation has been logged, and the topography is steep as such factors could contribute to increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution. Direct impacts and habitat alteration should be avoided (e.g., roads, trails, filling of wetlands) and low impact alternatives (e.g., elevated footpaths, boardwalks, bridges) should be utilized in situations where accessing the wetland cannot be avoided. Care should also be taken to control and prevent the spread of invasive species within the wetland. Alterations to groundwater sources should be minimized.

Range Map

Pennsylvania Range

Statewide

Global Distribution

New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

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