State 1
Reference State (minimally-managed)

This site occurs in flat, low-lying areas characterized by very poorly-drained, semi-acidic peat soils and bog vegetation. Soil pH is typically between 4.5 and 6.0 throughout, allowing for more overall species diversity than true acid bogs, but also lacking many true acid bog indicator species. It is dominated by sphagnum moss and heath shrubs, and supports other common bog species such as cotton grass in lower quantities. This site may also support low cover of black spruce and larch trees in some areas.

Characteristics and indicators. The vegetation of this site is dominated by sphagnum moss and heath shrubs. It also supports other common bog species such as cotton grass in lower quantities. This site may sometimes support low cover of black spruce and larch trees, though the reason for tree presence or absence is poorly-understood.

Resilience management. This ecological site is resistant to major disturbances except for small scale hydrologic alterations that may create small patches of drained or ponded peatland (such as near a culvert). This ecological resistance can be attributed to the ability of these bogs to respond to large fluctuations in water, as the peat acts like a sponge, expanding and contracting with the water supply. There is also a general resistance to fire, insects, disease, construction, land management, etc. due to the wet nature and particular species on the site. Further study is needed to identify alternative states for this site.

Community 1.1
Medium Fen

A moderately minerotrophic peatland (intermediate between rich fens and poor fens) in which the substrate is a mixed peat composed of graminoids, mosses, and woody species. Medium fens are fed by waters that are moderately mineralized, with pH values generally ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. Medium fens often occur as a narrow transition zone between an aquatic community and either a swamp or an upland community along the edges of streams and lakes.

In medium fens, the herbaceous layer, dominated by the sedge Carex lasiocarpa, typically forms a canopy that overtops the low shrub layer. The physiognomy of medium fens may range from a dwarf shrubland to a perennial grassland, and be either shrub-dominated, herb dominated or have roughly equal amounts of shrubs and herbs.

The dominant species in medium fens are usually the sedge Carex lasiocarpa and sweet-gale (Myrica gale). In addition to sweet-gale, characteristic shrubs include leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), and young red maple (Acer rubrum). Other shrubs include black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), bog willow (Salix pedicellaris), meadow-sweet (Spiraea alba var. latifolia), hardhack (Spiraea tomentosa), and swamp rose (Rosa palustris). Alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia), and poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) may be present with low percent cover.

In addition to the sedge Carex lasiocarpa, characteristic herbs include marsh St. John's-wort (Triadenum virginicum), pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea), milfoil bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia), sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), arrowleaf (Peltandra virginica), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus), swamp goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), three-way sedge (Dulichium arundinaceum), buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), common cat-tail (Typha latifolia), and sundew (Drosera intermedia). Other herbs found in medium fens include blue flag (Iris versicolor), marsh cinquefoil (Comarum palustre), twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides), sedges (Carex utriculata, C. leptalea, C. stricta, C. limosa, C. interior), tufted loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora), alpine bulrush (Trichophorum alpinum), and narrow-leaf cat-tail (Typha angustifolia). A rare orchid of some medium fens is dragon’s mouth (Arethusa bulbosa).

(Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S2/S3 S2: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals (for species), acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable in New York State. S3: Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State.

Community 1.2
Rich Graminoid Fen

A strongly minerotrophic peatland in which the substrate is a predominantly graminoid peat that may or may not be underlain by marl. Rich fens are fed by waters that have high concentrations of minerals and high pH values, generally from 6.0 to 7.8. Rich graminoid fens are usually fed by water from highly calcareous springs or seepage.
The dominant species in rich graminoid fens are sedges, although grasses and rushes may be common. Shrubs may be present, but collectively they have less than 50% cover. Peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) are either absent or a minor component, with only the most minerotrophic species present. Other mosses, especially those requiring highly minerotrophic conditions, may be common.

Characteristic herbs include spike muhly (Muhlenbergia glomerata), swamp goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa), sedges (Carex flava, C. lasiocarpa, C. sterilis, C. aquatilis, C. prairea, C. hystericina), bog-rush (Cladium mariscoides), grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia glauca), sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), common cat-tail (Typha latifolia), spikerush (Eleocharis rostellata), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), blue flag (Iris versicolor), and hard-stem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus). Other herbs found in rich graminoid fens include alpine bulrush (Trichophorum alpinum), flat-topped white aster (Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata), cotton-grass (Eriophorum viridi-carinatum), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), spotted joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium maculatum), buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Ohio goldenrod (Oligoneuron ohioense), sedges (Carex stricta, C. buxbaumii, C. pellita, C. leptalea), spreading goldenrod (Solidago patula), fringed brome (Bromus ciliatus), marsh St. John's-wort (Triadenum virginicum), common horsetail (Equisetum arvense), marsh cinquefoil (Comarum palustre), field mint (Mentha arvensis), arrow-grasses (Triglochin maritimum, T. palustre), milfoil bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia), grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus), water-horehound (Lycopus uniflorus), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), golden ragwort (Packera aurea), fringed gentian (Gentianopsis crinita), and Kalm's lobelia (Lobelia kalmii).

Characteristic shrubs include shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda), bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), red maple (Acer rubrum), alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia), red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), and hoary willow (Salix candida). Other shrubs found in rich graminoid fens include northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens), tamarack (Larix laricina), sweet-gale (Myrica gale), and swamp fly honeysuckle (Lonicera oblongifolia).

(Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S1/S2 S1: Typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals (for species), acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology and/or ecology making it especially vulnerable in New York State. S2: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals (for species), acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable in New York State.

Community 1.3
Inland Poor Fen

This site is a weakly minerotrophic, flat peatland that occurs inland from the coastal plain in which the substrate is peat composed primarily of peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) with admixtures of graminoid or woody peat. The dominant plants are peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.), with scattered sedges, shrubs, and stunted trees. Poor fens are fed by waters that are weakly mineralized, and have low pH values, generally between 3.5 and 5.0. This community typically develops where water moves through the peat mat, thus it often forms linear patches closely associated with open water.

Characteristic peat mosses include Sphagnum angustifolium, S. cuspidatum, S. fallax, S. fuscum, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, S. rubellum, and S.russowii.
Characteristic herbs include sedges (Carex oligosperma, C. exilis, C. limosa, C. trisperma, C. utriculata, C. paupercula, C. canescens, C. michauxiana, C. parviflora), white beakrush (Rhynchospora alba), cottongrasses (Eriophorum vaginatum, E. virginicum), round-leaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus), and pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Carex lasiocarpa may be present, but not dominant as in medium fens. A rare orchid of some inland poor fens is dragon’s mouth (Arethusa bulbosa).

Shrubs and dwarf shrubs are patchy and usually have less than 50% cover (i.e., not dominated by shrubs as in dwarf shrub bog). The taller sedges often overtop the short shrubs. Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. macrocarpon) are often dominant. Other characteristic shrubs include bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), sheep laurel (K. angustifolia), sweet-gale (Myrica gale), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), and Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum). Scattered stunted trees such as tamarack (Larix laricina), black spruce (Picea mariana), and red maple (Acer rubrum) may be present. Many of our “kettlehole bogs” are inland poor fens, according to this classification, since they are weakly minerotrophic. Poor fens often include hummocks that are essentially ombrotrophic islands within a weakly minerotrophic peatland.

This community shares many characteristics and species with coastal plain poor fen, but can be distinguished by its geographic location off the coastal plain along with having more northern or boreal indicator species (e.g., Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Larix laricina, Picea mariana).
(Edinger et al. 2014)

Resilience management. New York Natural Heritage Program State Rank: S3- Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in New York State.

Community 1.4
North-Central Interior and Appalachian Acidic Peatland

These Sphagnum and shrub peatlands occur in basins south of the Laurentian-Acadian region down to near the glacial boundary in the northeastern and north-central U.S. Unlike the true raised bogs of boreal regions, the vegetation is not raised above the groundwater level. They are found in colder regions, mostly in areas where glacial stagnation left coarse deposits and glacial depressions (many are "kettleholes"). The basins are generally closed, i.e., without inlets or outlets of surface water, and typically small in area. The nutrient-poor substrate and the reduced throughflow of water create oligotrophic conditions fostering the development of Sphagnum peat and the growth of peatland vegetation. In deeper basins, the vascular vegetation grows on a Sphagnum mat over water, with no mineral soil development. Ericaceous shrubs and dwarf-shrubs (e.g., Chamaedaphne calyculata) dominate, with patches of graminoid dominance. Some peatlands may have a sparse tree layer. Although these are often called bogs, in most cases they are technically fens (albeit nutrient-poor ones), as the vegetation remains in contact with the surface water.

Trees include Acer rubrum, Picea mariana, and Pinus rigida. Shrubs may include Alnus incana, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Decodon verticillatus, Gaylussacia baccata, Gaylussacia dumosa, Ilex verticillata, Larix laricina, Myrica gale, Aronia melanocarpa (= Photinia melanocarpa), Spiraea tomentosa, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Vaccinium oxycoccos, and Viburnum nudum. Forbs and graminoids may include Calla palustris, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex oligosperma, Carex pauciflora, Carex utriculata, Dulichium arundinaceum, Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum, Lysimachia terrestris, Osmunda regalis, Triadenum virginicum, Utricularia sp., and Woodwardia virginica.

These peatlands occur in kettle depressions on pitted outwash and moraines and in flat areas and shallow depressions on glacial outwash and glacial lakeplain. Groundwater and surface water feed these temperate peatlands. It is not strongly calcareous and may be acidic in some places but not as much as boreal sites. These peatlands occurred in landscapes dominated by either forest or grassland/savanna. The fire regime is not well known but periodic surface fires likely helped limit the cover by trees. The basins in which these occur tend to be small and, where open water is still present, these peatlands form where wave energy is low. These peatlands are characterized by organic soils composed of saturated peat that contains partially decomposed sphagnum mosses and frequently fragments of sedges and wood. The peat soils are acidic, cool, and characterized by low nutrient availability and oxygen levels. The water-retaining capacity of sphagnum peat is tremendous and as a result these are saturated, anoxic systems with water tables near the surface.
NatureServe Element Code: CES202.606
(NatureServe, 2022)

Resilience management. The cool, nutrient-poor water which feeds into this system favors peat development. This water can come from surface runoff or groundwater. Basins in which these peatlands occur are small, which limits the amount of nutrients that can be brought in by surface water. Groundwater sources flow through nutrient-poor, neutral to somewhat acidic substrates. Once peat begins to develop, it tends to create conditions favorable for continued peat development by contributing to the acidic, anoxic character of the water. Alterations in wetland hydrology and agricultural development can threaten examples of this system. These can occur due to ditching, road construction, quarrying/mining, or development of crop fields or pastures that affect groundwater or surface waterflows into sites. Both reductions and increases in groundwater or surface water input can negatively affect this system. Partial drainage of a site can lead to increased fertility as peat decomposes; this allows species typical of richer swamps or uplands to colonize. Increased surface waterflow can flood the peatland and transform it to an inundated wetland rather than a saturated peatland and can transport sediment and higher nutrient loads. Periodic fires infrequently help keep woody plants in check, and a reduction in this frequency will result in increased growth by these species. However, fires that occur when the peat has dried out (due to prolonged drought or a reduction in water input) can burn the peat and create mineral soil wetlands. Invasive species tend to increase after perturbations to other processes that maintain peatlands but can invade without changes, as well. Particularly aggressive invasive species that may threaten the diversity and vegetative structure of this peatland system include <a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=FRAL4" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Frangula alnus</i></a> (= Rhamnus frangula), <a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PHAR3" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Phalaris arundinacea</i></a>, <a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PHAU7" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Phragmites australis</i></a>, <a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=TYAN" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Typha angustifolia</i></a>, and Typha x glauca. Disturbance near this system, whether crop fields, road building, urban development, or other activities, can serve as seed sources for invasive species. NatureServe Element Code: CES202.606 (NatureServe, 2022)

State 2
Semi-natural State

Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics driven by natural disturbances, processes, and pressures (may have some anthropogenic influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the Semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.

Community 2.1
Invasiveness and Biological Introductions

Introduction of invasive species, pathogens, and/or pests resulting in shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics. More research is needed to determine the extent of these effects on the semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.

Community 2.2
Ponded/Flooded

During periods of heavy precipitation and seasonal high water tables, sites may become flooded and ponded.

State 3
Cultural State

Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics that are primary driven by anthropogenic disturbances and pressures (may have some associated natural influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the cultural state associated with this ecological site.

Community 3.1
Drained

Hydrological alteration is implemented and site is drained

Community 3.2
Urbanization

Hydrological alteration is implemented, site is drained, landscape is altered, landscape is developed. Alternatively, surrounding area to ecological site is developed and constructed, resulting in changes to ecological site composition, dynamics, and functions.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Climate change, hydrological alteration, increased nutrients or chemicals (pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer) transported to surface water, significant increase in flooding events and annual precipitation, introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

hydrologic alteration (barrier, obstruction, dam, diversion), landscape alteration, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape development

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

remediation of hydrologic alteration, management of invasive species, pests, and pathogens, restoration of key native plant species, restoration of terrestrial and aquatic habitat

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

hydrologic alteration (barrier, obstruction, dam, diversion), landscape alteration, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape development

Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 1

remediation of hydrologic alteration, seeding, planting, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil, establishment of key native plant species

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

remediation of hydrologic alteration, seeding, planting, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil, establishment of key native plant species