Chris V. Noble

Potential Disconnect between Observations of Hydrophytic Vegetation, Wetland Hydrology Indicators, and Hydric Soils in Unique Pitcher Plant Bog Habitats of the Southern Gulf Coast

Abstract The Sarracenia spp. (pitcher plant) bogs located along the southern Gulf of Mexico represent a unique natural resource characterized by endangered and endemic wetland floral communities that include a number of carnivorous plants (e.g., pitcher plants and Drosera spp. [sundews]). Despite the prevalence of obligate wetland plant species and indicators of wetland hydrology, the soils underlying this niche ecosystem often lack clear indicators of hydric soil morphology, posing challenges to wetland delineation and resource management. The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils and an interagency team of soil scientists investigated saturated conditions and anaerobic soil conditions in pitcher plant bogs. Our results demonstrate that many of the pitcher plant-bog soils examined failed to meet an approved hydric soil indicator. Herein, we discuss potential factors preventing the formation of typical hydric soil morphologies including: low organic-matter content, high iron-concentrations, extensive bioturbation, presence of high-chroma minerals (e.g., chert), and short saturation-intervals. Our examination of soil morphology and condition in these unique and ecologically valuable habitats indicates that additional studies are required to address the apparent disconnect between observations of soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and indicators of wetland hydrology to ensure the appropriate management of these endemic natural resources.

Operational draft regional guidebook for the functional assessment of high-gradient headwater streams and low-gradient perennial streams in Appalachia

Abstract : The HGM Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of ecosystem functions at a site-specific scale. This report uses the HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook to: (a) characterize high-gradient (greater than four percent channel slope) ephemeral and intermittent streams, known collectively as headwater streams, and wadeable, shadeable perennial streams with less than four percent slope, known as perennial streams, in the Appalachian region; (b) provide the rationale used to select functions for the headwater and perennial stream subclasses; (c) provide the rationale used to select assessment variables at the stream, riparian/buffer zone and watershed levels;( d) provide the rationale used to develop assessment equations; (e) provide data from reference streams and document their use in calibrating variables and assessment equations; and (f) outline the necessary protocols for applying the functional indices to the assessment of stream functions. The rapid assessments provided in this guidebook utilize structural components of streams and their watershed and can be used in conjunction with assessment of water quality and biotic communities if desired.