* 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:

Western Allegheny Tall Shrub Rich Fen (CEGL005088)

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*

ST : Buckthorn – Sedge (Carex Interior) – Golden Ragwort Fen

*(DCNR 1999, Stone 2006)

Similar Ecological Communities

The presence of heaths in these systems may at first be confusing, but a closer look should reveal a number of calciphilic species. Calciphiles that may occur include golden-fruited sedge (Carex aurea), yellow sedge (Carex flava), prairie sedge (Carex prairea), Atlantic sedge (Carex sterilis), sedge (Carex tetanica), thin-leaved cotton-grass (Eriophorum viridicarinatum), spike muhly (Muhlenbergia glomerata), and grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca). The presence of these calciphiles separates this community from Hemlock Palustrine Forest, Hemlock – mixed hardwood palustrine forest, Highbush Blueberry – Sphagnum Wetland, and Acidic Mixed Shrub – Sphagnum Wetland community types which may be in close proximity to this type.

Fike Crosswalk

Buckthorn - sedge (Carex interior) - golden ragwort fen

Conservation Value

Alder-leaved Buckthorn – Inland Sedge – Golden Ragwort Shrub Fen is a rare community in the state and may include rare plant species such as golden-fruited sedge (Carex aurea), yellow sedge (Carex flava), Atlantic sedge (Carex sterilis), sedge (Carex tetanica), spike muhly (Muhlenbergia glomerata), and grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca).

Threats

The greatest threats to Alder-leaved Buckthorn – Inland Sedge – Golden Ragwort Shrub Fen communities are disruptions to bedrock or glacial deposits such as drilling or mining in nearby areas and groundwater extraction, 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, from improperly lined underground waste disposal, and in agricultural areas from infiltration of pesticides, fertilizer, and bacteria from animal wastes. Invasive plant species can threaten the biological integrity of the community. Wetland soils and vegetation are sensitive and will be damaged by foot traffic or recreational vehicles as they are easily compacted.

Management

Drilling, mining, or other disruptions to bedrock or glacial deposits should not be undertaken within half a mile of a seepage 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. These wetlands may require periodic disturbance such as burning or grazing to maintain their open canopy which is indicative of this community and the rare species that occupy the community.

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 wetland) 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

NW Pennsylvania

Global Distribution

Unknown

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). 1999. Inventory Manual of Procedure. For the Fourth State Forest Management Plan. Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Advisory Service.  Harrisburg, PA. 51 ppg.

Stone, B., D. Gustafson, and B. Jones. 2006 (revised). Manual of Procedure for State Game Land Cover Typing.  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, Forest Inventory and Analysis Section, Forestry Division.  Harrisburg, PA. 79 ppg.