20080868 Ver 2_Section III E Vegetation 2021 PCS Creeks Report_20220605

E. VEGETATION
According to the creeks monitoring plan clarifications developed with the assistance of the
Science Panel as required by the 2009 USACE permit conditions, annual monitoring of vegetation
is not necessary. Accordingly, since 2012, vegetation monitoring occurred on a less frequent
basis. No vegetation monitoring occurs during a transition year(s) (when mine activities occur
within a basin) or the first year following the transition year(s); however, baseline/pre-Mod Alt L
monitoring for any of the new creeks occurs for several sequential years before switching to a
longer interval. As mentioned in Section I. A. 2.0, at the August 2017 Science Panel meeting, it
was agreed that after four consecutive years of post -Mod Alt L data collection, the vegetation
survey can skip one year before surveys are conducted every other year. Consequently, a skip
year is defined as a year in which no vegetation survey was conducted either due to gaps in pre -
years, lack of data due to storm, or per the 2017 Science Panel meeting vegetation survey
clarification. Vegetation surveys for 2021 occurred in five impact creeks and four control creeks.
1.0 Results and Discussion
Locations of the Level TROLLs/vegetation transects are shown in Figures I-B1
through I-B18. Hurricane Irene on 26-27 August 2011 affected the vegetation in most of the
creeks in the study area to some degree, particularly the canopy, where downed trees altered the
amount of light to reach the ground. Tables III-E1 a and III-E1 b list dominant herbaceous species
and Tables III-E2a and III-E2b list dominant shrub and woody vine species found in transect plots
across the study years. Table III-E3 lists common and scientific names for all plants encountered
in the study, their National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) wetland indicator status, and their tolerance
of brackish conditions. As of 2021, only two of the 255 species have no NWPL indicator status
and brackish intolerance of one of the two is undetermined (293 is the total when species identified
only to genus are included). Appendix G includes 2021 data collected from plots at each of the
vegetation transects and 2021 photographs of the monitoring sites (on flash drive only).
For this report section, both distance from mouth of the creek and sample year
(pre- or post -Mod Alt L) were analyzed to track spatial and temporal changes in percent of
brackish intolerant species in transects. The first aspect compares percent of dominants
considered freshwater species (intolerant of brackish conditions) in transects according to their
general location in relation to each other. The second aspect compares transects over time.
Section II-B contains a pre- and post -Mod Alt L discussion of changes in vegetative
character in the five creeks surveyed in 2021. The discussion integrates vegetation, hydrology,
and/or salinity data.
a. Broomfield Swamp Creek
Pre -mod Alt L vegetation surveys in Broomfield Swamp Creek occurred for
the third year in 2021 in two transects; each transect begins near a Level TROLL and the two are
approximately 600 feet apart in a riparian area. Dominant herbaceous species at the upstream
transect were white -edge sedge (Carex debilis), giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), dwarf
palmetto (Sabal minor), and Virginia cutgrass (Leersia virginica) while the dominants of the
shrub/woody vine stratum were giant cane and dwarf palmetto (Tables III-E1 a and III-E2a). Three
quarters of dominant herbaceous species at the upstream transect were brackish intolerant
compared to half in the shrub/woody vine stratum. Dominant vegetation for the downstream
transect consisted of common reed (Phragmites australis), swamp dock (Rumex verticillatus),
and narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) in the herbaceous layer along with groundsel tree
(Baccharis halimifolia) and American elm (Ulmus americana) in the shrub/woody vine stratum.
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All three of the dominant herbaceous species at the downstream transect were tolerant of
brackish conditions while half of the shrub/woody vine dominant species were brackish intolerant.
The canopy stratum was very different between the upstream and downstream transects.
Upstream canopy coverage was 60 percent and dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and
American elm with a sub -canopy of water oak (Quercus nigra), sweetgum (Liquidambar
styraciflua), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), and laurel oak (Q. laurifolia). The
downstream canopy was completely open with dead bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) scattered
throughout.
b. SCUT1 (control)
This unnamed tributary to South Creek located downstream from
Broomfield Swamp Creek serves as its control creek. Vegetation was surveyed at two transects
approximately 500 feet apart in SCUT1 for the third year in 2021. In the upstream transect,
spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), and whorled marsh-
pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) were the dominant herbaceous species while giant cane,
groundsel tree, and dwarf palmetto were the dominant shrub/vine species (Table III-E1 b and III-
E2b). One third of the dominant herbaceous species and half the dominant shrubs are brackish
intolerant. The downstream transect consisted of whorled marsh-pennywort, Virginia cutgrass,
and coast cockspur (Echinochloa walteri) for dominant herbaceous species as well as dwarf
palmetto, groundsel tree, and eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) for dominant
shrub/vine species. For the downstream transect, two thirds of the dominant herbaceous species
and one third of the dominant shrub/vine species were brackish intolerant. For both transects a
past canopy was evident with scattered dead tree trunks while the sub -canopy consisted of willow
oak (Q. phellos), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora), and
American elm.
c. Jacks Creek
Pre -mod Alt L vegetation data collection occurred in 1998-2005 and 2011-
2014. Mod Alt L activity occurred in Jacks Creek in 2015 and reduced the pre -Mod Alt L —317-
acre drainage basin to 150.36 acres. Post -Mod Alt L surveys occurred in 2017-2020 with 2021
being the first skip year.
d. Jacobs Creek
Pre -Mod Alt L vegetation data were collected in 2011-2013. Mod Alt L
activity occurred in the Jacobs Creek basin during 2014 and 2015 and reduced the pre -Mod Alt L
—524-acre drainage basin to 202.45 acres. Post -Mod Alt L surveys occurred 2017 — 2020 with
2021 being the first skip year.
e. Drinkwater Creek
Only one pre -Mod Alt L vegetation survey occurred (2011). Mine activity
from 2012 to 2014 reduced the pre -Mod Alt L —372-acre basin to 153.32 acres. Post -Mod Alt L
surveys occurred in 2016-2019 and 2021 while 2020 was a skip year.
The three brackish intolerant species, giant cane, eastern poison ivy, and
slender spikegrass (Chasmanthium laxum) were the dominant species in the herbaceous stratum
for 2021. Slender spikegrass was a new dominant for Drinkwater Creek, however it was found in
past surveys. In the shrub and woody vine stratum, giant cane has remained the dominant for all
years of monitoring (Tables III-E1 a and III-E2a). Drinkwater Creek is the only monitoring location
that has had only brackish intolerant and wetland species throughout all survey years. The
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canopy is 80 percent closed and made up of swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), laurel
oak, red maple and sweetgum with an understory coverage of 30 percent and consisting of green
ash, sweetgum, and red maple.
f. Tooley Creek
Pre -Mod Alt L years include 1998-2001 and 2010-2011; however, due to
the large amount of Hurricane Irene debris in the west prong, only the east prong of Tooley Creek
was surveyed in 2011. After Mod Alt L activities ended in the drainage basin in 2013, a —257-
acre basin remained out of the —571-acre pre -Mod Alt L basin. No survey occurred in 2014
(transition year). Post -Mod Alt L vegetation surveys occurred in 2015-2018 and 2020 while 2019
and 2021 were skip years.
g. Long Creek (control)
Vegetation surveys in Long Creek have occurred every year since 2011.
The surveys documented nine dominant herbaceous species, five of which are intolerant of
brackish conditions (Table III-E1 b). For 2021, whorled marsh-pennywort, three -rib arrowgrass
(Triglochin striata), shrubby camphorweed (Pluchea odorata), and water pimpernel (Samolus
valerandi ssp. parviflorus) were the dominant herbaceous species. Only one of the four dominant
herbs was brackish intolerant. The majority of herbaceous dominants were brackish intolerant
for 2011- 2017, shifting in 2018, and since 2019 brackish intolerant dominants were in the
minority. Wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) and giant cane have been the two shrub/vine dominants
since 2017 (Table III-E2b). The shrub stratum had no brackish intolerant species until 2017 when
the tolerances became evenly split between freshwater and non -freshwater. Canopy cover was
higher in the first two surveys (70 percent) but reduced to moderately open (50 percent) for the
past nine years. Despite differences in percentages, the canopy has consisted of the same
species over the years: swamp tupelo, water oak, swamp red bay (Persea palustris), sweetgum,
and red maple.
h. Huddles Cut Main Prong
Mod Alt L activities in the Huddles Cut drainage basin ended in 2011, with
—289.46 acres of the —552-+acre pre -Mod Alt L basin intact. Pre -Mod Alt L vegetation survey
years were 1998-2001 and 2007-2009 while post -Mod Alt L survey years were 2013-2014, 2016-
2019, and 2021. The year 2020 was a skip year and no survey was conducted.
For the main prong of Huddles Cut, common duckweed (Lemna minor) was
the only dominant herb species in five of the seven transects. Common duckweed was also a
co -dominant at transect HMW9 where narrowleaf cattail had a relative importance value over 20
percent. At HMW8, common reed (Phragmites australis) became the only herbaceous dominant
in 2021, which was the first time since 2017 that duckweed was not a dominant (Table III-E1 a).
Dominant shrub species at the two downstream transects (HMW8 and HMW9) were the non -
freshwater variants of groundsel tree and bigleaf marsh -elder (Iva frustescens), remaining the
same for most post -Mod Alt L years, as opposed to wax myrtle and poison ivy being the primary
dominants in the pre- years (Table III-E2a). Shrub dominants at the three middle transects
(HMWS, HMW6 and HMW10) shared similarities in having a mixture of non -freshwater and
brackish intolerant species. This dominant shrub mixture of wax myrtle and/or groundsel tree with
poison ivy have varied from year to year, but generally had the same species and percentages
when comparing pre- vs post -Mod Alt L years. At the upper ends of Huddles Cut, transects
HMW12 and HMW2 exhibited a slight decrease in brackish intolerant dominant shrub/vine
species in the post- years compared to the pre- years. Given that common duckweed, the sole
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dominant herbaceous species for those transects in the past five surveys is brackish intolerant,
future analysis may be needed to consider metrics other than salinity tolerance. The majority of
HMW12 and HMW2 was shallow open water leaving little opportunity for new vegetation to grow.
There were no new dominants in the herbaceous or shrub/woody vine layer in 2021.
The two most downstream wells in the main prong along with upstream
well HMW2 had the greatest change in average percentages of brackish intolerant herbaceous
or shrub/woody vine dominants from pre- to post -Mod Alt L (Figure III-E1 and Figure III-E2). The
most downstream transect showed a shift of 33 to 75 percent of dominant species intolerant of
brackish conditions in the pre -Mod Alt L and 0 to 43 percent in the post -Mod Alt L years (Figure
III-E1). Transect HMW6 had a narrow range of intolerant dominants (50-67 percent) in the pre -
years and then changed to encompass all percentages (0-100 percent) over the course of seven
post -years. Remaining transects showed a broad range of percentages in pre- and post- data
which are consistent with most estuarine environments over a long period of time (Figure III-E1).
When all transects are combined (Figure III-E2) the first set of pre- years (1998-2001) shows a
relatively consistent group of percentages, 37 to 88, and after skipping a few years, the next range
(2007-2009) of percentages become slightly wider at 25 to 90 percent. After the transition years,
the 2013 and 2014 surveys (first two post- years) show a new group of dominants ranging from 0
to 43 percent. The next group of post- data (2016-2018) resembles the first set of pre- years;
however, percentages shifted slightly in favor of less freshwater species. Finally, the two most
recent surveys (2019 and 2021) show a wide range of intolerant dominants (0-100 percent).
While there were short term changes in dominant species immediately after the transition years,
the most two most recent sets of post- years are comparable to pre -Mod Alt L conditions.
For the pre -Mod Alt L years, the average number of dominant herbs in the
main prong ranged from 2.9 (HMWS) to 6.1 (HMW2) while the range for post -Mod Alt L years was
1.3 (HMW12) to 2.7 (HMW8). The average number of main prong dominant shrubs pre -Mod Alt
L ranged from 2.1 (HMW10) to 3.1 (HMW12) and from 1.1 (HMW2) to 3.4 (HMW10) for the post -
Mod Alt L years.
Canopy trees had begun to die prior to 2011, then Hurricane Irene toppled
a majority of the remaining canopy at most transects. Only one of the seven transects had any
post -Mod Alt L canopy, which covered only the last two plots at the edge of the swamp in the
ecotone between the swamp and surrounding forest. As of the 2021 survey, no transects had
canopy cover. Red maple, pine, and laurel oak seedlings and/or saplings were the only tree
species present in vegetation transects that year.
i. Huddles Cut West Prong
Huddles Cut west prong has been combined with Huddles Cut main prong
for Mod Alt L activities, drainage basin acreages, and years of surveys.
The most upstream transect, HWW8, continued with duckweed as the only
herbaceous dominant since 2016 (Table III-E1 a). Dominant shrubs at that transect were the non -
freshwater species groundsel tree and wax myrtle (Table III-E2a). The next most upstream
transect HWW2, was dominated solely by common reed in the herb stratum in the past five
surveys. Shrub and woody vine dominants included giant cane, silky dogwood (Corpus
amomum), and eastern poison ivy. All three shrub/vine species are brackish intolerant, which is
the first occurrence of all brackish intolerants since a pre -Mod Alt L year. Transect HWW2 ends
at the toe of the mine's berm which is less inundated and has allowed giant cane and dogwood
to continue thriving. The two downstream transects HWW4 and HWW7 shared common
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duckweed as the dominant herb along with dominants wax myrtle and eastern poison ivy in the
shrub/vine stratum. No new dominants occurred in 2021.
The two most upstream wells in the west prong (HWW8 and HWW2) had
the greatest change in average percentages of brackish intolerant herbaceous or woody
vine/shrub dominants from pre- to post -Mod Alt L (Figure III-E3 and Figure III-E4). The
downstream transects varied in percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions.
Pre -Mod Alt L data for HWW7 was 50 to 85 percent while post- data range was 0 to 67 percent
(Figure III-E3). Transect HWW4 had similar percent ranges for pre- and post- intolerant
dominants, which did not show a drastic change after mine impacts. The two upstream transects
have a definite separation for the seven years of pre- and seven years of post -Mod Alt L (Figure
III-E3). As can be seen on Figure III-E4, in the first year of monitoring (1998) transect HWW7 had
the least amount of dominant brackish intolerant species until after the transition years, where it
fell to 0 percent. Since the west prong of Huddles Cut is a smaller offshoot on the main prong,
the "All Transects" graph (Figure III-E4) has shown this side behaved similar to the main prong
on a reduced scale. The pre -Mod Alt L data starts off generally with more brackish intolerant
species and moves slightly less freshwater. Immediately after the transition years the percent of
dominant intolerant species is the lowest out of the 14 years; however, over time settled into a
middle -ground of fresh and brackish species.
For the pre -Mod Alt L years, the average number of dominant herbs in the
west prong ranged from 2.3 (HWW7) to 3.4 (HWW2) while the range for post -Mod Alt L years was
1.1 (HWW8) to 2.4 (HWW4). The average number of west prong dominant shrubs pre -Mod Alt L
ranged from 2.0 (HWW7) to 3.0 (HWW8) and from 1.7 (HWW8) to 2.9 (HWW2) for the post -Mod
Alt L years.
The canopy at most west prong transects was already fairly open and the
moderate understory dominated by wax myrtle had begun to die prior to Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The few dominant canopy trees included red maple, swamp tupelo, and green ash with a few
American elm and laurel oak along some transects. By 2013, the first post -Mod Alt L survey, all
transects were completely open, the understory was gone, and most snags and dead branches
that had been scattered across the transects were no longer visible and either underwater (in the
more downstream portion of the prong), washed out during flooding that resulted from Hurricane
Irene, or decomposed. The upper reaches of the west prong had storm -toppled trees and
branches along the ecotone edge of the swamp and surrounding forest. Canopy conditions have
remained similar since 2013. The increase in standing water has affected the recolonization of
species that were present in pre -Mod Alt L years.
j. Porter Creek
Pre -Mod Alt L vegetation monitoring at Porter Creek began in 2011 and
continued through 2015. Mod Alt L activity occurred in Porter Creek from 2016 to 2018 and
reduced the pre -Mod Alt L —2,438-acre drainage basin to 840.22 acres. The three post -Mod Alt
L surveys occurred in 2019-2021.
A vegetation transect (PCWS) at the upstream portion of Porter Creek was
dominated in the herbaceous stratum by great bladder sedge (Carex intumescens) and Japanese
honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which is a non -wetland plant (Table III-E1 a). The shrub
dominants for PCWS have remained the same two species, giant cane and American hornbeam
(Table III-E2a) for six of the eight surveys. All dominants for the PCWS transect have been
brackish intolerant in both pre- and post -Mod Alt L surveys. A 90 percent canopy cover for this
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transect consists of 60 percent red maple, 10 percent each of laurel oak and swamp chestnut oak
(Quercus michauxii), and 5 percent each of sweetgum and American elm.
The downstream vegetation transect at PCW9A was dominated by marsh
seedbox (Ludwigia palustris) and Virginia cutgrass, both of which are brackish intolerant (Table
III-E1a). A new shrub dominant, groundsel tree, was the first non -freshwater shrub dominant at
the downstream Porter Creek transect. Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) has remained
a shrub/vine dominant since the first survey; however, the relative importance value decreased
for 2021 (Table III-E2a). Canopy for the downstream transect is half open and half 75 percent
covered with small red maples, American elms, green ash, laurel oaks, and common persimmon.
k. DCUT11
Pre -Mod Alt L vegetation surveys at a single transect on this unnamed
tributary of Durham Creek began in 2013 and continued through 2017. Mod -Alt L impacts began
in 2018 and continued into January 2019; therefore, 2020 was the first post -Mod Alt L survey.
The second year of post -Mod Alt L vegetation monitoring occurred in 2021.
Herbaceous dominant species at the DCUT11 transect were lizard's tail
(Saururus cernus), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), and
Nepalese browntop (Microstegium vimineum) (Table III-E1 a). Lizard's tail was the only non -
freshwater species at this transect found to date and has been a dominant since 2016. Dominants
in the woody vine/shrub stratum included eastern poison ivy and Chinese privet, both of which
are brackish intolerant and have been the only dominants for four of the seven surveys (Table III-
E2a). The tree canopy cover is roughly 70 percent, made up of mostly southern red oak (Q.
falcata), cherrybark oak (Q. pagoda), and American elm, with some smaller percentage of green
ash, tulip poplar, sweetgum, and red maple.
I. DCUT19 (control creek)
Vegetation surveys at a single transect on this unnamed tributary of
Durham Creek began in 2013 and continued through 2017, then monitored again in 2020-2021
coinciding with its impact creek, DCUT11.
The 2021 survey of DCUT19 found the herbaceous dominant species
netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata), Nepalese browntop, and Japanese honeysuckle (the
only non -wetland dominant) (Table III -El b). These three species are brackish intolerant and have
been dominants at least three years of pre -Mod Alt L. The dominant species in the woody
vine/shrub stratum were giant cane, American hornbeam, muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia),
and sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana); all of which are brackish intolerant species and similar to
2015-2017 survey years (Table III-E2b). The transect at DCUT19 has a 90 percent canopy cover
of 70 percent tulip poplar and 30 percent sweetgum with a subcanopy of American hornbeam and
red maple.
m. Duck Creek (control creek)
Vegetation surveys at Duck Creek began in 2011 and continued through
2017, skipped in 2018, and were monitored again 2019-2021. Duck Creek serves as a control
creek for Porter Creek. At the most upstream transect (DKCW1 B), giant cane, netted chainfern,
great bladder sedge, and blunt spikerush were the dominant herb species for 2021. Giant cane
continues to be the only dominant shrub and woody vine species at the most upstream transect
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(Tables III-E1 b and III-E2b). Downstream of DKCW1B on the same prong of Duck Creek, giant
cane, Nepalese browntop, eastern poison ivy, and lizard's tail were the dominant herbs at
DKCW2A along with giant cane and sweet gum being dominants in the shrub/vine stratum. The
lizard's tail at DKCW2A was the only non -freshwater species at Duck Creek in 2021.
On the southern prong of Duck Creek, vegetation transect DKCW3A had
Nepalese browntop, slender spikegrass, giant cane, and great bladder sedge as the dominant
herbs. Shrub dominants for this transect were giant cane and sweetgum, which were the same
in six of the 10 surveys; giant cane has been a dominant shrub in every survey. All dominants
have been brackish intolerant at DKCW3A since 2017. Downstream of DKCW3A, DKCW4B
dominants in 2021 included Nepalese browntop, partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), and great
bladder sedge in the herb stratum while eastern poison ivy and red bay (Persea borbonia) were
the shrub/woody vine dominants. Red bay was the only new dominant in Duck Creek for 2021.
The canopy tree species were similar among Duck Creek transects, but in
different percentages. Canopy species included sweetgum, red maple, tulip tree, and swamp
chestnut oak. Bald cypress was also a dominant tree in the canopy at the most downstream
transect (DKCW4B). Most transects also contained a sub -canopy of younger specimens of the
canopy species as well as American holly (Ilex opaca), green ash, red bay, and American
hornbeam. Land adjacent to the Duck Creek transects was logged in 2015, which did not change
the canopy coverage over the surveyed vegetation but allowed more sunlight in laterally at the
edges. Since 2015, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of species and overall
herbaceous coverage at each transect.
2.0 Summary and Conclusions
Most of the dominant species surveyed in 2021 were dominants in previous years.
There were a few new dominants in the surveyed transects. At Broomfield Swamp Creek, Virginia
cutgrass, dwarf palmetto, and narrowleaf cattail were added as dominants; however, this site is
still in the pre -Mod Alt L monitoring phase. The control to Broomfield, SCUT1, had whorled
pennywort and Virginia cutgrass as new dominants, slightly increasing the brackish intolerant
weighted species for the herbaceous stratum. Groundsel tree and poison ivy were added in the
shrub/vine stratum. Drinkwater was the only other impact creek with a new dominant, slender
spikegrass; however, that introduction did not change from the brackish intolerant dominance of
that transect. Another control, Duck Creek transect DKCW1B, added great bladder sedge as a
dominant, which is the first time that transect had four brackish intolerant dominants. The transect
at the downstream portion of Porter Creek (PCW9A) had groundsel tree as a new dominant, which
is the first non -freshwater shrub dominant at this transect.
Comparisons of pre- and post -Mod Alt L percentages of brackish intolerant
dominants for creeks with the most years of data showed the number of dominant brackish
intolerant species decreased in Huddles Cut. Dominant non -wetland percentages reduced over
the years and were almost non-existent for all creeks except Porter Creek, DCUT11, and
DCUT19. Through a SIMPROF based on the presence/absence of species, temporally closer
years were more similar to one another than less recent years for all creeks, including control
creeks (see Section II-B). For the creeks with many years of data (Jacks Creek, Tooley Creek,
and Huddles Cut), some of the differences seen between pre- and post -Mod Alt L may be related
to changes in the ecosystem over the years due to natural processes, disturbances from
hurricanes, and sea level rise.
A suggestion from the 2021 science panel meeting (discussion of the 2020 report)
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recommended use of a prevalence index to evaluate potential changes in vegetation data
between pre- and post- data. Use of the prevalence index was applied on Huddles Cut data and
the results of this investigation will be presented and discussed at the 2022 science panel
meeting.
Logs, stumps, and tree mounds (fallen and live) are common along these
transects, as well as canopy gaps caused by trees and shrubs falling due to softened soil and
storms. Over time, these factors provide establishment sites for many herbs that otherwise would
not be (or had not been) able to grow within plots. However, this microtopography is random, and
while a plot might be bare, a tree mound a few feet away outside of the transect might have
several species growing on it, while the opposite could also be true as well. One of the benefits
of plots alternating along the transect axis is to capture some of this variability. As the stumps
and logs decay and the tree mounds subside, the herbs that are intolerant of prolonged inundation
are flooded out, and then those intolerant of brackish conditions do not thrive once more direct
and/or prolonged contact with brackish water occurs. Also, as adjacent trees, shrubs, and vines
expand to fill gaps in the canopy, shade -intolerant herbs die out. These recurring processes
partially influence the composition of the herbaceous stratum and, to a lesser extent, the shrub
stratum.
Hurricane Irene in 2011 caused a substantial change in the vegetation community
at many of the creeks, particularly in the canopy and sub -canopy. The tree canopy at many of
the long-term monitored creeks has become more open, with at least some of the die -back likely
due to increased salinities in past years (2003-2014). Hurricane Irene toppled much of the canopy
and sub -canopy at Jacks Creek, Tooley Creek, and Huddles Cut, and left some portions of these
creeks with no canopy cover.
Salinity decreased each year at all stations from 2013 to 2016, increased in 2017,
and declined in 2018-2019. There was a slight increase in 2020 salinity levels, but a decrease in
2021 (see Section III -A). Huddles Cut was the only impact creek that had Aqua TROLL stations
(two most upstream) where post -Mod Alt L salinity was significantly higher than pre -Mod Alt L.
The salinity data includes additional post -Mod Alt L years because effects from mine activities
could influence salinity in the same year of disturbance; therefore, there are no transitional years
for salinity. Vegetation, however, might not show an effect from mine activities or salinity
fluctuations immediately.
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Huddles Cut — Main Prong
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Figure III-E1. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions at Huddles Cut
transects arranged by distance from mouth of creek for pre- and post -Mod Alt L years. Each
symbol represents a yearly value (pre -years include 1998-2001 and 2007-2009 and post -years
include 2013-2014, 2016-2019, and 2021). Some annual values overlap.
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• HMW8
v HMW9
• HMW6
• HMW10
A HMW5
O HMW2
• HMW12
Figure III-E2. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions for Huddles Cut main
prong transects by years; symbols represent yearly values and may overlap in some years.
III-E-9

100 -
• 90 -
�' o
m .
a) 80-
Q
Cj 70 -
c -
c • 60 -
E °
o m 50 -
o o 40-
m ▪ m
2 a) 30 -
a o
20 - v
Huddles Cut — West Prong
• Pre -Mod Alt L (7 years)
v Post -Mod Alt L (7 years)
•
•
••
••
•
•
vv
vv
HWW8
v
•
•
•
•
10 - HWW7
•
•
v
v
HWW4
v
HWW2
0 v 1 1 1 Iv
2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400
Distance from Mouth of Creek (feet)
Figure III-E3. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions at Huddles Cut
transects arranged by distance from mouth of creek for pre- and post -Mod Alt L years. Each
symbol represents a yearly value (pre -years include 1998-2001 and 2007-2009 and post -years
include 2013-2014, 2016-2019, and 2021). No post -Mod Alt L data were collected for HWW10
(eliminated in 2009 by permitted mine expansion). Some annual values overlap
Percent of Dominant Species
Intolerant of Brackish Conditions
100
90
80
70
60
50 -
40 -
30 -
20 -
10-
S A • •
• O.
O 0
•
0
1998 2000 2002 006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
Huddles Cut — West Prong
4
V All Transects
A
0 0
••
O
TRANSITION YEARS
•
V
A A606. 0
O
O
Year
• HWW7
o HWW4
✓ HWW2
O HWW8
Figure III-E4. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions for Huddles Cut west
prong transects by years; symbols represent yearly values and may overlap in some years.
III-E-10

Table III-E1a. Relative importance values of dominant herbaceous species surveyed in vegetation transects in five impact creeks through 2021: Broomfield Swamp Creek, Drinkwater Creek, Huddles Cut, Porter
Creek, and DCUT11. Grey shaded columns represent years without data (no survey or skip; dark shaded = transition years). Bold names and values indicate species considered intolerant of brackish conditions.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value
Relative importance value
pre -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Broomfield Swamp
Arundinaria gigantea
22.1
12.7
9.7
Creek/BSCW1
Carex debilis
39.2
35.6
33.1
Leersia virginica
5.2
Polygonum punctatum
7.6
Sabel minor
5.3
Broomfield Swamp
Echinocloa walteri
31.3
Creek/BSCW2
Hydrocotyle verticillata
24.1
Phragmites australis
24.4
21.5
24.8
Rumex verticillatus
16.8
17.5
Typha angustifolia
9.3
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jacks/JW2
Arundinaria gigantea
69.6
73.5
65.1
79.0
61.1
64.8
54.6
55.5
13.8
13.4
26.9
14.6
Echinochloa walteri
17.1
Hydrocotyle verticillata
19.3
17.0
26.3
27.5
20.1
Microstegium vimineum
66.9
8.5
15.6
Mikania scandens
10.9
36.4
Polygonum punctatum
10.3
21.0
13.1
38.4
29.5
Saururus cernuus
10.5
Jacks/JW3
*Agrostis perennans
4.8
Andropogon virginicus
8.1
Baccharis halimifolia
37.3
9.1
Carex debilis
8.1
Carex intumescens
6.9
9.0
Carex laevivaginata
6.1
Carex leptalea
5.1
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
4.2
Galium tinctorium
3.8
Glyceria striata
9.3
11.4
14.9
14.4
7.3
10.4
18.5
Hydrocotyle verticillata
5.2
16.2
6.4
16.2
Leersia oryzoides
5.0
7.3
11.8
Microstegium vimineum
43.4
16.9
4.7
12.5
8.6
14.4
9.8
19.1
Morella cerifera
18.4
Phragmites australis
76.1
64.5
96.7
71.7
Polygonum punctatum
25.2
39.4
30.9
Ptilimnium capillaceum
3.6
Saururus cernuus
13.0
14.8
12.3
9.9
9.9
8.4
Smilax rotundifolia
3.7
Symphyotrichum subulatum
42.7
Toxicodendron radicans
8.7
9.8
7.7
8.8
6.8
9.0
III-E-11

Table III-E1a (continuedl.
Creek/well transect
and number
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jacks/JW5
Am aranthus cannabinus
15.0
Bolboshoenus robustus
31.7
Carexintumescens
27.7
33.1
Carexlurida
12.1
Echinocloa walteri
6.1
12.5
7.4
Hydrocotyle verticillata
29.7
18.5
17.6
14.7
12.0
30.9
11.0
27.5
Leersia oryzoides
22.4
27.4
15.9
32.4
Phragmites australis
25.7
95.1
96.7
96.1
93.5
Pluchea odorata
15.0
22.9
16.0
Polygonum punctatum
16.6
9.2
9.3
22.2
15.6
Samolus valerandi ssp. parviflorus
6.9
11.4
12.8
18.0
Symphyotrichum subulatum
6.5
14.0
48.2
31.9
Jacks/JW7
Arundinaria gigantea
6.4
Carexintumescens
5.9
Glyceria striata
7.0
Hydrocotyle verticillata
7.8
10.1
9.0
11.8
29.8
30.2
29.9
Juncus coriaceus
11.3
10.6
8.4
Leersia virginica
21.1
13.7
9.8
Microstegium vimineum
53.8
37.3
9.4
25.1
10.4
6.1
11.5
17.7
19.2
45.1
35.6
19.1
Pluchea odorata
12.9
Polygonum punctatum
14.9
16.3
9.2
8.0
16.2
Samolus valerandi ssp. parviflorus
5.3
7.3
Saururus cernuus
20.2
18.4
14.9
16.5
21.3
20.8
18.3
Toxicodendron radicans
17.4
16.9
25.5
14.8
17.4
18.0
12.2
11.7
Unidentified herb
7.9
Jacks/JW9
Carexlurida
17.6
Echinocloa walteri
16.3
24.2
21.1
17.5
Hydrocotyle verticillata
27.9
31.3
31.1
31.0
12.5
35.6
39.2
38.2
Phragmites australis
26.1
Pluchea odorata
66.4
36.7
26.9
18.8
Polygonum punctatum
15.4
31.1
31.6
8.6
17.3
16.1
25.3
27.8
Sagittaria graminea
20.7
22.3
Samolus valerandi ssp. parviflorus
17.0
18.2
13.8
Saururus cernuus
13.9
Typha angustifolia
16.9
42.7
40.7
33.6
31.9
III-E-12

Table III-E1a (continuedl.
Creek/well transect
and number
Dominant species
Relative importance value
Pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jacobs/JCBW1
Arundinaria gigantea
Carexintumescens
*Eupatorium capillifolium
*Glechoma hederacea
Microstegium vimineum
52.7
16.1
17.5
20.4
28.8
33.3
14.7
42.4
13.7
39.3
15.2
13.4
33.2
16.6
33.9
Creek/well transect
and number
Dominant species
pre-
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Drinkwater/DWW1 C
.............................................................................................................
.........................................
Arundinaria gigantea
Chasmanthium laxum
Glyceria striata
Microstegium vimineum
Toxicodendron radicans
Woodwardia areolata
...........................................................................................................
47.9
10.1
..........................
35.5
8.5
12.1
..........................
39.0
6.3
8.7
32.8
11.3
8.8
..........................
30.5
12.7
10.2
.............
27.8
10.6
13.8
Creek/well transect
and number
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Tooley/TW1
Arundinaria gigantea
Leersia virginica
Microstegium vimineum
Mikania scandens
Polygonum punctatum
Pluchea odorata
Samolus valerandi spp. parviflorus
Saururus cernuus
41.8
26.6
39.8
20.1
39.8
19.7
48.8
19.2
26.1
25.7
27.6
54.4
41.5
15.8
20.2
8.1
8.5
25.4
14.3
32.9
9.4
13.3
24.3
16.3
37.0
20.4
Too ley/TW3
Bolboshoenusrobustus
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Phragmites australis
Pluchea odorata
Polygonum punctatum
Samolus valerandi spp. parviflorus
Saururus cernuus
Symphyotrichum subulatum
19.1
31.6
53.4
9.1
19.0
10.2
12.6
12.0
24.0
20.0
31.0
42.2
42.8
48.6
21.5
45.5
51.7
31.7
23.0
56.9
21.0
43.1
Tooley/TW4
Arundinaria gigantea
Echinocloa walterii
*Eupatorium capillifolium
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Microstegium vimineum
Pluchea odorata
Polygonum punctatum
Smilax rotundifolia
54.3
76.6
27.6
29.2
55.2
12.1
49.2
Inaccessible due to hurricane debris
24.9
9.2
10.3
12.9
16.2
35.0
19.3
23.6
15.0
17.8
39.1
57.6
Too Iey/TW6
Arundinaria gigantea
Leersia virginica
Microstegium vimineum
Toxicodendron radicans
8.3
38.1
5.8
11.5
30.4
11.7
30.8
19.3
12.0
22.4
17.3
45.2
12.0
80.8
60.8
50.4
13.8
47.0
28.2
22.0
III-E-13

Table III-E1a (continuedl.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010 2011 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut Main/HMW2
Acerrubrum
5.9
11.4
9.2
Alnus serrulata
8.5
Bidens frondosa
7.3
Boehmeria cylindrica
14.5
4.5
Cicuta maculata
10.0
Cyperus odoratus
18.9
Decumaria barbara
6.6
11.4
7.9
7.4
Echinochloa walteri
15.3
*Eupatorium capillifolium
7.5
16.2
Galium tinctorium
6.5
8.9
Glyceria striata
9.0
Hydrocotyle verticillata
7.5
9.6
8.6
Lemna minor
69.0
52.5
Lemna sp.
71.8
63.0
66.6
Ludwigia palustris
13.6
10.9
Morella cerifera
7.8
9.9
Nyssa biflora
7.9
8.8
Osmunda regalis
9.1
*Parthenocissus quinquefolia
4.6
13.7
9.7
Pluchea odorata
4.7
33.5
Typha angustifolia
29.3
Rubus argutus
4.7
*Rubus flagellaris
10.3
Smilax bona-nox
7.8
Smilax rotundifolia
6.6
4.9
Sparganium americanum
6.5
Toxicodendron radicans
10.1
5.1
5.7
17.5
Ulmus americana
5.0
Unidentified herb
23.8
Unknown 1
12.4
Vaccinium corymbosum
9.2
Huddles Cut Main/HMWS
Bidens frondosa
10.8
Carexseorsa
9.7
9.1
Echinochloa walteri
14.0
*Eupatorium capillifolium
25.8
Hydrocotyle verticillata
20.6
Lemna minor
52.8
73.5
Lemna sp.
73.4
62.7
64.8
Morella cerifera
7.1
12.4
Osmunda regalis
21.9
30.4
15.6
26.9
30.5
27.6
34.0
Polygonum punctatum
31.1
Typha angustifolia
21.7
21.5
Toxicodendron radicans
15.2
22.1
16.8
14.4
17.7
25.1
22.0
Ulmus americana
10.1
III-E-14

Table III-E1a (continuedl.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010 2011 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut Main/HMVV6
Bacopa monnieri
22.6
Bidens frondosa
13.2
Cicuta maculata
10.4
Cyperusodoratus
32.4
28.1
Echinochloa walteri
40.4
Glyceria striata
6.4
Hydrocotyle verticillata
11.8
9.1
8.4
19.8
14.7
16.6
30.8
Lemna gibba
18.1
35.7
Lemna minor
36.2
74.7
61.9
Lemna sp.
85.1
78.2
70.8
Osmunda regalis
11.3
Pluchea odorata
10.5
10.4
17.7
18.6
Symphyotrichum subulatum
16.7
Unknown 1
6.6
Huddles Cut Main/HMVV8
*Asplenium platyneuron
19.8
Bacopa monnieri
5.3
Carex lurida
23.0
Echinochloa walteri
12.8
Hydrocotyle verticillata
37.4
28.4
17.9
30.2
15.3
8.3
Lemna minor
20.2
Lemna sp.
36.9
42.6
Morella cerifera
8.9
Osmunda regalis
8.7
11.4
8.7
13.8
19.6
Phragmites australis
21.4
33.3
20.7
19.0
37.0
53.0
Pluchea odorata
19.3
8.4
Polygonum Iapathifolium
7.8
24.5
Polygonum punctatum
7.3
Symphyotrichum subulatum
9.4
Toxicodendron radicans
4.9
12.0
12.7
7.2
25.5
60.2
24.0
10.6
11.5
Huddles Cut Main/HMVV9
Carex sp.
6.9
Cyperus odoratus
13.4
Echinochloa walteri
21.8
Hydrocotyle verticillata
12.2
15.8
22.5
41.1
21.1
31.0
46.2
11.5
Lemna minor
39.6
55.5
Lemna sp.
61.1
63.4
65.1
Mikania scandens
10.0
6.7
7.6
29.7
Osmunda regalis
10.9
Pluchea odorata
37.3
Polygonum Iapathifolium
14.6
Polygonum pensylvanicum
11.9
Polygonum sp.
7.0
Rosa palustris
24.6
Rubus argutus
15.4
Symphyotrichum subulatum
16.4
Toxicodendron radicans
9.6
27.0
15.0
8.8
13.5
Typha angustifolia
15.8
21.9
III-E-15

Table III-E1a (continued).
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010 2011 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut Main/HMW10
Acerrubrum
6.5
Baccharis halimifolia
5.7
9.4
Berchemia scandens
7.5
Bidens frondosa
5.3
Cicuta maculata
3.6
Cyperus odoratus
22.0
Dichanthelium dichotomum
4.4
6.3
6.1
Echinochloa walteri
8.1
24.6
33.4
Erechtites hieraciifolia
6.8
Hydrocotyle verticillata
25.6
11.6
13.4
9.6
17.4
20.2
Ilex opaca
7.4
Lemna minor
74.9
66.7
Lemna sp.
78.7
69.3
70.9
Mikania scandens
6.1
Morella cerifera
3.4
5.3
Osmunda regalis
8.1
8.5
Panicum sp.
4.2
7.4
Pluchea odorata
6.3
17.5
31.7
14.4
14.6
Polygonum densiflorum
5.3
Rubus argutus
8.7
*Rubus flagellaris
26.4
Smilax rotundifolia
3.1
9.5
8.7
Symphyotrichum subulatum
30.6
21.4
Toxicodendron radicans
5.8
Vaccinium formosum
6.2
Huddles Cut Main/HMW12
Acerrubrum
6.3
11.1
Bacopa monnieri
9.3
5.9
Carex lurida
6.5
Carexseorsa
9.4
4.3
Carex sp.
14.9
6.9
Cyperus odoratus
19.4
Echinochloa walteri
8.7
31.2
*Eupatorium capillifolium
8.3
7.4
Hydrocotyle verticillata
31.2
30.2
43.0
31.3
Lemna minor
69.3
62.2
Lemna sp.
74.7
68.0
69.3
Lycopus virginicus
7.9
Morella cerifera
13.7
Nyssa biflora
7.5
Osmunda regalis
19.0
20.8
Pluchea odorata
21.7
Scutellaria lateriflora
21.6
9.9
17.2
Taxodium distichum
6.6
17.6
4.5
Toxicodendron radicans
6.7
4.5
4.8
Ulmus americana
18.3
III-E-16

Table III-E1a (continued).
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010 2011 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut West/HWW2a
Baccharis halimifolia
19.0
Carex lurida
6.1
Carex oxylepis
6.6
Galium tinctorium
4.5
Glyceria striata
10.1
11.9
Hydrocotyle verticillata
7.4
Juncus coriaceus
4.8
Microstegium vimineum
38.8
22.2
36.8
30.6
20.5
18.0
16.5
Morella cerifera
4.0
Phragmites australis
70.2
75.0
80.1
78.8
88.3
88.0
Saururus cernuus
7.6
Sisyrinchium mucronatum
6.8
Toxicodendron radicans
5.5
7.7
12.1
11.3
30.2
31.6
33.2
40.7
22.5
Huddles Cut West/HWW4b
Azolla caroliniana
8.4
Berchemia scandens
12.2
Cyperus odoratus
21.8
11.0
Dichanthelium sp.
22.1
Echinochloa walteri
12.6
15.0
16.8
*Eupatorium capillifolium
35.6
18.0
15.6
9.5
Hydrocotyle verticillata
11.7
Lemna minor
30.7
68.9
77.3
96.6
79.0
Lemna sp.
18.3
76.1
Lemna valdiviana
55.4
Morella cerifera
12.2
10.6
11.2
Pluchea odorata
23.9
Polygonum punctatum
24.2
Rumex verticillatus
9.9
Smilax bona-nox
11.4
Smilax rotundifolia
12.8
Sparganium americanum
12.8
Symphyotrichum subulatum
23.8
25.7
12.9
Unknown 1
9.7
Huddles Cut West/HWW7
Azolla caroliniana
13.6
Echinochloa walteri
52.7
Hydrocotyle verticillata
33.5
14.9
21.9
20.0
49.1
27.0
Leersia oryzoides
17.8
Lemna minor
70.4
62.6
Lemna sp.
50.1
68.5
Lemna valdiviana
50.8
19.6
40.1
19.8
Mikania scandens
12.3
Pluchea odorata
25.8
19.0
Polygonum pensylvanicum
9.2
Polygonum punctatum
15.7
15.7
Riccia fluitans
21.4
Symphyotrichum subulatum
30.5
Toxicodendron radicans
28.4
22.2
Typha angustifolia
22.3
22.5
III-E-17

Table III-E1a (concludedl.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut West/HWW8
Boehmeria cylindrica
Carex sp.
*Eupatorium capillifolium
Glyceria striata
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Lemna minor
Lemna sp.
Microstegium vimineum
Mikania scandens
Pluchea odorata
Saururus cernuus
Sparganium americanum
Triadenum virginicum
11.0
42.1
26.4
22.1
7.5
11.8
8.1
32.9
7.5
8.9
8.5
8.9
21.4
11.9
8.4
22.7
8.9
12.0
29.2
9.7
40.0
12.1
28.1
22.7
64.0
96.9
94.2
84.0
86.9
90.5
Huddles Cut West/HWW10
Arundinaria gigantea
Berchemia scandens
Boehmeria cylindrica
Microstegium vimineum
50.6
31.2
7.7
12.2
56.1
19.2
8.9
24.2
51.5
11.1
42.7
Entire transect eliminated within permitted mine expansion in 2009
Porter Creek/PCW5
Bignonia capreolata
Carexintumescens
*Lonicera japonica
*Mitchella repens
Smilaxrotundifolia
37.4
35.4
16.5
14.4
20.4
21.5
22.8
22.0
15.9
18.4
15.3
19.9
31.1
21.0
40.0
12.7
39.5
14.6
34.8
15.8
Porter Creek/PCW9A
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Arundinaria gigantea
Leersia virginica
Ludwigia palustris
Microstegium vimineum
Persicaria arifolia
Quercus nigra
Saururus cernuus
Toxicodendron radicans
55.0
21.6
8.8
34.4
10.1
21.3
33.4
23.0
41.0
53.2
16.8
35.9
36.8
13.3
19.7
31.9
DCUT11/ DC11 W2B
Athyrium felix-femina
Ligustrum sinense
*Lonicera japonica
Microstegium vimineum
Saururus cernuus
Toxicodendron radicans
49.0
9.3
43.7
12.0
12.8
34.1
15.2
17.5
17.5
14.6
11.8
23.2
10.4
18.3
8.5
27.0
8.3
11.9
14.0
15.3
10.5
17.2
a In 2009, permitted mine expansion permanently eliminated six of the10 plots in HMW2 and the entire transect at HWW10. All data are shown here for information purposes but pre-2009 data are not used in pre- to post -Mod Alt L
comparisons for HWW2 or HWW10.
bSurvey line cut through transect in 2008 affected three plots
Non -wetland species
III-E-18

Table III-E1 b.
Relative importance value
p
N
N (n
L(j a0
co, r
N-0
(O CO r
r,
N CO0')••
M O .4.'
N
CI N r
Qj 6Lf)
N
.• CO N N in
'. a) a) N a)
'.
, CD N M
a) CO 6) O
CO CD M CD
r 45 O ,
M
CO CD p
r ►n a)
M
O
p•
N
6) O
(n
N— V
6) CO N O
O (n (O C)
•
CO •— O O
6 .4 CD (O
N
•• CD CD CO
.' Ni .— O
N (V
Ln M M
. Ni O —
N •— N
in CO O in
a) cc; 0.5 O
•— •— •—
co co
aj CD cc;
co
in co
CD r
p
N
O O In
M
N N
O co
ao 6)
CO•
.' co V (n
O V (O
N.
.
.
'
.• M —
. N- .4
M
N N
, .4
N M
co co a)
CO Lf) cc;
co
N O
O
CO
O
N
• rn
Ni
N
O
N
: p O (6
. CO c) O
coN
'. N
.' , , 0)
• CO co O N
.• a) a) ►n 6)
' •—
N in v
CO ►n
•— M
O N O .
co CO (� Ni
co
co r
r Ln
co
�
O
• co in
' M M
v
: O , CO
. O .4 Ni
'— M ,•
• in I� CO
.' r O ►f)
N
N co V N co
— a) (O co co
N
a) O (n N
ID O cc;Ln
coN
CO Ln
cc; M
'• N co CO
• (D (D Ni
N
v. O N
, CD .4
co
'• r CM
• r C)
co
(� 0 in
C) V (:
N '—
a) N N N N
— Ni 6 O aj
'— ' ,
Ni
in
p
N
p
. in v O V
• Ni O
r N
(- Ln (n CO
Ln Ln (O O
r r r r
. 0 CD
• cc; Ni
. M N
— O CD
, CO cc;
N
v r M v N
C) , CO O O
•— •— •—
co ►n
cc; O cc;N
M
M
p
N
• O , co
CO CO V
N
CD (O
M coN
N
: co N
• O
CIM
O N
cc;6j CO
N
N N. V co
O .4 CD aj Ni
co O a) O
Ni mj Ln
N r
CNI
p
N
• M N
. Ni O
N coLn
N
. O
CD N CO
cc;CO
N O
co co co CD
Ln M O ,
N
CO N CD
a) ►n O
N
p
N
•
• O a)
, O
M N
• •►n
. in
. co
co a?r
O,
v ,
r N
M (: aj
N ,
co CI
(: (D 4
, N
Dominant species
Arundinaria gigantea
Cicuta maculata
Echinocloa walteri
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Leersia oryzoides
Rumex verticillatus
Amaranthus cannabinus
Cicuta maculata
Echinocloa walteri
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Leersia virginica
Polygonum sagittatum
............................................ .
Arundinaria gigantea
Centella erecta
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Microstegium vim ineum
Pluchea odorata
Samolus valerandi s s p.
parviflorus
Toxicodendron radicans
Triglochin striata
......................
......................
Carex comosa
*Lonicera japonica
Microstegium vim ineum
Saururus cernuus
Smilax rotundifolia
Vaccinium corymbosum
Woodwardia aerolata
.......................
......................
Arundinaria gigantea
Carex intum escens
Eleocharis obtusa
Rhynchospora cauduca
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
Arundinaria gigantea
Lindernia dubia
Microstegium vim inium
Saururus cernuus
Toxicodendron radicans
Woodwardia areolata
a)
a)
E as
z •_ :°
0c s
Bca
oa aa)i ---- m z .c c o 0
.....) y E a .� w •'4- — m v�i c'a
O 0 .c E a h
a) wL. z e o' a) co o o a
L. c
E= E 'E o v .� _ 0 3
c m o c.) o o 2 m a y a
z
a a) _ - �� z Y as = O O
Berchemia scandens
Carex intum escens
*Liriodendron tulipfera
Microstegium vim ineum
*Mitchella repens
Toxicodendron radicans
Creek/well transect
and number
cn
cn
SCUT1/SC1 W2
: O
a)
a)
• c
.: J
. O
U
o
................
................
Duck Creek/DKCW1 B
Duck Creek/DKCW2A
Y
a)
a)
0
0
Duck Creek/DKCW4B
III-E-19

Table III-E2a. Relative importance values for dominant shrub and woody vine species surveyed in vegetation transects in five impact creeks through 2021: Broomfield
Swamp Creek, Drinkwater Creek, Huddles Cut, Porter Creek, and DCUT11. Grey shaded columns represent years without data (no survey or skip; dark shaded = transition
years). Bold names and values indicate species considered intolerant of brackish conditions.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value
Rel. imp. value pre -Mod Alt
L
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2019 2020
2021
Broomfield Swamp
Arundinariagigantea
51.0
43.5
43.3
Creek/BSCW1
Sabal minor
14.4
14.4
Broomfield Swamp
Baccharis halim ifolia
44.3
44.8
41.5
Creek/BSCW2
Ulmus americana
18.7
19.0
18.2
1
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jacks/JW2
Arundinaria gigantea
26.0
31.9
54.1
52.2
46.0
23.8
Baccharis halim ifolia
22.8
Berchemia scandens
19.1
24.3
17.4
15.3
27.0
19.7
24.7
29.6
27.0
Bignonia capreolata
21.5
Campsis radicans
13.9
15.6
18.3
27.0
Carpinus caroliniana
16.9
17.4
17.0
13.1
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
26.7
21.8
Quercus laurifolia
13.3
Liquidambarstyraciflua
17.8
13.5
24.8
21.7
17.3
18.6
14.7
Sabal minor
20.3
37.4
27.0
36.7
23.3
22.4
29.4
Jacks/JW3
Baccharis halim ifolia
31.4
37.3
37.4
32.8
17.9
17.5
18.9
19.0
Decumaria barbara
37.9
25.2
28.6
22.6
29.3
24.6
20.1
19.5
Morella cerifera
35.8
18.4
17.6
20.2
17.2
13.5
14.6
Sabal minor
21.8
21.2
13.7
14.5
Smilax rotundifolia
12.8
Toxicodendron radicans
23.5
25.4
26.9
17.7
27.5
25.6
31.8
32.9
15.8
17.2
Jacks/JW5
Baccharis halim ifolia
43.2
29.0
22.0
32.3
47.5
54.2
Iva frutescens
20.6
20.0
24.0
26.7
37.8
47.7
64.4
46.4
35.5
Morella cerifera
34.1
22.6
Sabal minor
52.4
31.1
64.3
54.6
32.1
39.0
25.8
20.3
22.0
29.5
67.7
52.5
45.8
Smilax rotundifolia
19.8
Jacks/JW7
Acer rubrum
19.1
15.4
Arundinaria gigantea
27.8
29.5
27.9
15.4
19.9
23.5
23.9
Baccharis halim ifolia
13.0
13.5
10.2
8.7
Decumaria barbara
15.9
19.8
13.0
18.3
12.4
25.8
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
14.3
11.9
13.0
14.1
17.7
Liquidambar styraciflua
15.4
11.3
Sabal minor
20.6
20.7
13.1
23.8
17.3
26.1
47.6
28.7
34.9
18.9
21.6
9.2
12.9
17.0
18.7
21.8
Toxicodendron radicans
18.2
14.5
17.1
18.0
25.3
13.0
Ulmus americana
9.6
Jacks/JW9
Baccharis halim ifolia
24.4
18.8
Iva frutescens
26.2
29.3
21.0
21.6
20.2
20.6
Morella cerifera
18.7
25.5
16.3
20.2
29.4
22.4
25.9
20.8
20.0
23.9
Sabal minor
25.8
22.6
24.4
31.6
45.8
21.6
24.5
24.4
41.9
51.2
37.6
32.6
21.4
22.6
22.1
22.3
Toxicodendron radicans
19.9
27.5
20.2
24.0
21.9
22.9
Rel. imp value pre -Mod Alt
Rel. imp. value post -Mod Alt L
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jacobs/JCBW1
Arundinariagigantea
64.6
30.1
72.9
70.3
70.7
68.2
Berchemia scandens
37.4
Vitis rotundifolia
1 stem
in 1 plot
L
Pre-
Rel. imp. value post -Mod Alt L
Drinkwater/DWW1C Arundinariagigantea
62.1
56.8 59.1 59.1 62.6 56.7
III-E-20

Table III-E2a (continued'.
Creek/well transect
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
and number
Dominant species
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002 2003 2004
2005
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Tooley/TW1
Arundinaria gigantea
61.5
58.2
59.8
56.9
50.6
56.0
Ilex opa ca
7.5
Persea palustris
10.4
19.8
Smilax rotundifolia
11.3
17.9
Toxicodendron radicans
24.6
23.0
34.8
26.3
21.8
Vitis rotundifolia
17.4
29.1
48.3
Tooley/TW3
Arundinaria gigantea
19.3
20.7
20.0
Baccharis halimifolia
17.2
18.3
12.3
24.7
38.0
Berchemia scandens
17.2
21.9
25.5
Morelia cerifera
14.8
17.5
17.4
Saba/ minor
16.1
13.4
15.6
36.5
53.8
39.7
36.9
31.7
32.0
60.9
Smilax rotundifolia
13.0
Vitis rotundifolia
25.3
27.6
27.3
Tooley/TW4
Arundinaria gigantea
52.0
Inaccessible due to
hurricane debris
39.8
43.3
43.1
39.0
37.8
Berchemia scandens
12.6
9.9
Morelia cerifera
26.3
17.4
16.9
15.1
Smilax rotundifolia
43.8
48.8
62.5
46.3
13.3
Vitis rotundifolia
10.5
Tooley/TW6
Arundinaria gigantea
64.4
62.8
53.7
51.3
54.3
56.8
Berchemia scandens
28.6
33.7
49.0
35.1
Smilax rotundifolia
34.2
32.1
22.0
31.0
III-E-21

Table III-E2a (continued).
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut Main/HMW2
Acerrubrum
28.8
48.2
50.6
31.4
22.2
29.6
Baccharis halimifolia
66.5
85.8
66.8
59.3
58.5
Berchemia scandens
10.7
38.3
Decumaria barbara
30.7
15.3
23.8
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
11.5
Morella cerifera
12.2
24.2
40.4
Smilax rotundifolia
12.8
10.3
30.0
52.1
Toxicodendron radicans
13.3
Huddles Cut Main/HMWS
Acerrubrum
11.1
10.2
Baccharis halimifolia
72.9
66.6
38.7
29.6
Liquidambar styraciflua
10.0
15.7
Morella cerifera
29.1
43.4
45.7
34.2
28.7
40.1
37.5
26.2
25.6
26.7
21.6
22.4
Toxicodendron radicans
14.4
10.2
15.1
12.5
15.1
26.0
38.6
40.6
45.0
Vaccinium corymbosum
13.4
Huddles Cut Main/HMW6
Baccharis halimifolia
42.5
36.3
32.7
29.9
31.8
27.4
Berchemia scandens
13.4
19.1
19.6
10.6
Decumaria barbara
26.8
Morella cerifera
26.9
27.8
28.7
29.3
34.4
41.6
56.2
13.1
25.4
30.7
27.9
27.1
Persea palustris
14.8
Toxicodendron radicans
11.1
12.5
12.0
30.7
26.0
21.7
33.2
33.0
54.2
46.7
Huddles Cut Main/HMW8
Baccharis halimifolia
34.3
33.1
24.7
18.4
23.3
25.9
Iva frutescens
26.8
28.7
17.6
15.6
24.2
30.7
27.0
Morella cerifera
24.8
31.2
31.2
29.7
23.9
34.9
57.2
18.0
15.8
24.8
Persea palustris
17.0
11.8
15.3
13.0
Phragmites australis
14.4
Toxicodendron radicans
15.1
12.8
15.2
11.9
20.5
19.4
13.7
20.3
Huddles Cut Main/HMW9
Baccharis halimifolia
50.8
45.4
29.3
26.7
22.5
20.3
22.6
Berchemia scandens
13.4
Iva frutescens
20.0
36.7
35.0
36.5
33.4
38.4
Morella cerifera
30.7
29.2
37.4
31.4
43.2
42.2
51.0
23.4
22.8
Persea palustris
10.6
10.9
14.1
Smilax rotundifolia
15.4
18.5
Toxicodendron radicans
16.2
12.2
9.7
Huddles Cut Main/HMW10
Arundinaria gigantea
13.6
18.1
16.7
19.7
21.3
18.8
Baccharis halimifolia
17.3
22.6
18.9
17.3
26.2
17.1
Morella cerifera
33.1
39.7
43.9
34.2
43.6
48.7
52.3
13.2
19.3
15.1
24.0
8.8
Smilax rotundifolia
11.7
11.8
16.9
15.3
9.9
Toxicodendron radicans
9.7
11.1
18.3
12.8
17.0
17.7
24.5
Vaccinium corymbosum
17.3
III-E-22

Table III-E2a (concluded).
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles Cut Main/HMW12
Baccharishalimifolia
42.8
21.8
15.1
17.5
30.6
Corpus foemina
8.2
Decumaria barbara
12.7
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
15.7
12.0
12.8
10.4
Liquidambar styraciflua
12.1
14.6
Morella cerifera
9.1
13.9
38.9
35.2
52.0
30.4
18.8
24.6
18.5
33.8
31.8
22.1
Quercus laurifolia
18.4
16.6
15.7
Smilax rotundifolia
12.9
11.0
11.6
12.4
Toxicodendron radicans
25.7
21.2
15.6
17.9
8.4
9.8
17.4
Ulmus americana
23.6
15.5
13.6
........................................................................................................................................
.....................
Huddles CutWest/HWW2a
Acer rubrum
14.0
48.5
Arundinaria gigantea
16.9
31.2
17.3
20.2
Baccharishalimifolia
36.4
45.8
30.9
20.7
25.5
20.0
Berchemia scandens
34.7
29.2
44.2
18.0
27.4
38.1
42.2
14.0
Corpus amomum
27.6
17.9
15.4
15.8
Corpus foemina
15.3
13.6
15.3
Morella cerifera
18.4
16.3
13.3
17.5
14.3
Toxicodendron radicans
19.3
14.6
14.0
Smilax bona-nox
15.0
Huddles CutWest/HWW4b
Acer rubrum
8.6
14.2
Baccharishalimifolia
51.5
43.1
26.1
20.7
20.1
Morella cerifera
42.3
48.5
43.7
33.4
30.0
42.5
54.7
24.9
19.6
23.9
20.2
22.2
Rosa palustris
20.5
Smilax rotundifolia
12.5
Toxicodendron radicans
8.0
14.1
10.3
16.0
12.6
30.1
17.6
16.6
28.9
42.9
38.0
Ulmus americana
12.5
Huddles CutWest/HWW7
Baccharishalimifolia
30.5
37.5
37.2
35.8
36.9
27.0
Berchemia scandens
11.4
Morella cerifera
38.3
47.4
44.3
29.5
47.5
53.2
42.3
23.9
20.1
20.0
Persea palustris
12.5
22.8
Quercus laurifolia
13.0
Toxicodendron radicans
10.1
11.7
13.5
30.9
31.1
27.9
29.5
51.4
56.5
III-E-23

Table III-E2a (concluded'.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Huddles CutWest/HWW8
Acerrubrum
Alnus serrulata
Arundinaria gigantea
Baccharis halimifolia
Berchemia scandens
Morella cerifera
Salix caroliniana
Salix nigra
Smilax rotundifolia
Smilax walteri
Ulmus americana
19.3
9.9
9.2
14.8
7.3
17.7
9.7
13.6
26.5
18.9
14.9
15.5
20.4
19.1
29.9
13.4
13.7
32.1
23.3
15.6
38.9
90.8
80.4
71.4
28.6
64.9
35.1
69.7
38.5
42.9
38.8
18.5
Huddles Cut West/HWW10
Berchemia scandens
Ilex opaca
'tea virginica
*Lonicera japonica
Smilax rotundifolia
........................................................................................................................................
30.1
10.5
12.2
37.9
12.6
50.3
34.6
8.2
16.6
24.6
19.6
24.0
50.5
Entire transect eliminated within permitted mine expansion
.....................
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Rel. imp. val. post -Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Porter Creek/PCW5
Arundinaria gigantea
Carpinus caroliniana
57.7
32.8
67.2
62.1
28.7
57.0
32.5
60.2
45.4
30.7
45.3
31.3
43.3
30.8
Porter Creek/PCW9A
Arundinaria gigantea
Baccharis halimifolia
Diospyros virginiana
Toxicodendron radicans
34.1
53.0
75.1
47.8
33.5
58.4
62.3
28.5
59.0
54.1
24.5
34.4
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Rel. imp. val. post-
Mod Alt L
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
DCUT11 /DC11 W2B
Ligustrum sinense
Persea palustris
Toxicodendron radicans
37.4
29.2
31.4
31.4
24.4
23.9
15.8
25.5
14.1
22.9
25.7
25.1
23.3
28.4
31.2
32.2
a In 2009, permitted mine expansion permanently eliminated six of the10 plots in HMW2 and the entire transect at HWW10. All data are shown here for information purposes but pre-2009 data are not used in pre- to post -Mod Alt L
comparisons for HWW2 or HWW10.
bSurvey line cut through transect in 2008 affected 3 plots
*Non -wetland species
III-E-24

Table III-E2b. Relative importance values by year for dominant shrub and woody vine species in
three control creeks through 2021: South Creek unnamed tributary SCUT1, Long Creek,
DCUT19, and Duck Creek. Bold names and values indicate species considered intolerant of
brackish conditions.
Creek/well transect
and number
Dominant species
Relative importance values
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
SCUT1/SC1W1
Arundinaria gigantea
34.1
37.7
33.8
Baccharis halimifolia
14.5
Sabal minor
16.8
15.2
14.4
SCUT1/SC1 W2
Arundinaria gigantea
16.3
Baccharishalimifolia
18.2
20.3
22.4
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
14.8
Sabal minor
26.5
26.1
26.9
Toxicodendron radicans
15.4
Long Creek/LOCW2B
Arundinaria gigantea
25.9
24.7
26.9
29.4
27.7
Baccharis halimifolia
12.8
Morella cerifera
59.4
58.8
69.2
53.7
48.3
51.1
37.6
34.5
37.0
33.4
27.7
DCUT19/ DC192A
Arundinaria gigantea
20.4
22.8
15.3
8.9
12.4
22.7
Carpinus caroliniana
13.7
10.7
14.5
12.7
12.4
12.1
Magnolia virginiana
9.5
11.3
9.5
10.9
Smilax rotundifolia
23.9
7.9
10.3
13.0
Ulmus americana
11.6
Vitis rotundifolia
19.6
23.9
9.9
8.7
7.2
18.4
11.1
.......................................
Duck Creek/DKCW1 B
Arundinaria gigantea
53.7
80.4
79.6
78.2
85.8
66.2
68.3
61.8
60.6
55.2
Duck Creek/DKCW2A
Acer rubrum
16.0
27.2
Arundinaria gigantea
29.6
41.5
42.3
42.2
Berchemia scandens
16.1
15.6
29.8
15.4
*Callicarpa americana
11.9
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
17.4
29.1
13.1
16.0
1 stem
Liquidambar styraciflua
in 1
plot
25.0
21.9
8.9
Magnolia virginiana
11.9
Smilax laurifolia
16.3
14.7
Smilax rotundifolia
9.3
11.4
8.6
Vitis rotundifolia
13.1
Duck Creek/DKCVV3A
Arundinaria gigantea
61.1
45.4
35.6
42.2
43.8
46.2
54.3
52.9
50.4
45.3
Liquidambarstyraciflua
25.5
29.9
28.0
33.1
27.8
15.2
Duck Creek/DKCW4B
Berchemia scandens
47.4
63.5
54.8
35.1
39.2
26.4
1 stem
Campsis radicans
in 1
plot
50.8
23.9
24.4
18.2
Decumaria barbara
20.7
33.1
18.2
22.5
*Parthenocissus quinquefolia
24.6
31.3
Persea borbonia
28.1
Toxicodendron radicans
24.6
16.9
32.0
Vitis rotundifolia
36.5
Unknown 1 vine
36.5
III-E-25

Table III-E3. Cumulative list of species at monitored creeks since 1998, their tolerance to brackish
conditions, and their wetland indicator status through 2021.
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
statusb
Acer rubrum
Red maple
X
FAC
Agrostis perennans
Perennial bentgrass
X
FACU
Alnus serrulata
Brook -side alder
X
FACW
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alligator weed
X
OBL
Amaranthus cannabinus
Tidemarsh amaranth
X
OBL
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata
Amur peppervine
X
NOT LISTED
Amphicarpaea bracteata
American hogpeanut
X
FAC
Andropogon sp.
Beard grass
-
-
-
Andropogon virginicus
Broomsedge
X
FAC
Apios americana
American potato bean, ground nut
X
FACW
Aralia spinosa
Hercules' club
X
FAC
Arisaema triphyllum
Swamp jack-in-the-pulpit
X
FACW
Aronia arbutifolia
Red chokeberry
X
FACW
Arrhenatherum elatius
Tall oatgrass
X
FACU
Arundinaria gigantea
Giant cane
X
FACW
Asplenium sp.
Spleenwort
-
-
-
Asplenium platyneuron
Ebony spleenwort
X
FACU
Aster sp.
Aster
-
-
-
Aster paludosus (Eurybia paludosus)
Southern swamp aster
X
FACW
Asterpuniceus (Symphyotrichum
puniceum)
Swamp aster
X
OBL
Athyrium asplenioides
Asplenium lady fern
X
FAC
Athyrium filix-femina
Lady fern
X
FAC
Azolla sp.
Mosquito fern
-
-
-
Azolla caroliniana
Carolina mosquito fern
X
OBL
Baccharis halimifolia
Eastern false -willow, groundsel tree
X
FAC
Bacopa monnieri
Coastal water hyssop
X
OBL
Berchemia scandens
Alabama supple -jack
X
FAC
Betula nigra
River birch
X
FACW
Bidens sp.
Beggar -ticks
-
-
-
Bidens frondosa
Devil's beggar -ticks
X
FACW
Bidens laevis
Smooth beggar -ticks
X
OBL
Bignonia capreolata
Crossvine
X
FAC
Boehmeria cylindrica
Small -spike false nettle
X
FACW
Bolboschoenus robustus
Sturdy bulrush
X
OBL
Botrychium sp.
Grapefem/moonwort
-
-
-
Botrychium biternatum
Sparse -lobe grapefern
X
FAC
III-E-26

Table III-E3 (continued).
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
status')
Botrychium dissectum
Grapefem
X
FAC
Botrychium virginianum
Rattlesnake fern
X
FACU
Callicarpa americana
American beautyberry
X
FACU
Campsis radicans
Trumpet creeper
X
FAC
Carex sp.
Sedge
-
-
-
Carex albolutescens
Greenish -white sedge
X
FACW
Carex atlantica
Prickly bog sedge
X
FACW
Carex comosa
Bearded sedge
X
OBL
Carex complanata
Hirsute sedge
X
FAC
Carex debilis
White -edge sedge
X
FACW
Carex glaucescens
Southern waxy sedge
X
OBL
Carex grayi
Asa gray's sedge
X
FACW
Carex intumescens
Great bladder sedge
X
FACW
Carex laevivaginata
Smooth -sheath sedge
X
OBL
Carex leptalea
Bristly -stalk sedge
X
OBL
Carexlonchocarpa
Southern long sedge
X
OBL
Carex lurida
Shallow sedge
X
OBL
Carex oxylepis
Sharp -scale sedge
X
FACW
Carex seorsa
Weak stellate sedge
X
FACW
Carex turgescens
Swollen sedge
X
OBL
Carpinus caroliniana
American hornbeam
X
FAC
Celtis laevigata
Sugarberry
X
FACW
Centella erecta
Erect coinleaf
X
FACW
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Button bush
X
OBL
Chasmanthium laxum
Slender spikegrass
X
FACW
Cicuta maculate
Spotted water hemlock
X
OBL
Cinna sp.
Reedgrass
-
-
-
Cinna arundinacea
Stout wood-reedgrass
X
FACW
Clethra alnifolia
Sweet pepperbush
X
FACW
Commelina virginica
Virginia dayflower
X
FACW
Corpus sp.
Dogwood
-
-
-
Cornus amomum
Silky dogwood
X
FACW
Corpus foemina
Stiff dogwood
X
FACW
Crataegus sp.
Hawthorn
-
-
-
Crataegus aestivalis
May hawthorn
X
OBL
Crataegus marshallii
Parsley hawthorn
X
FAC
Cuphea carthagenensis
Columbian waxweed
X
FAC
Cyperus odoratus
Rusty flatsedge
X
FACW
III-E-27

Table III-E3 (continuedl.
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
status')
Cyperus strigosus
Straw -color flatsedge
X
FACW
Cyrilla racemiflora
Swamp cyrilla, leatherleaf
X
FACW
Decumaria barbara
Woodvamp
X
FACW
Dichanthelium sp.
Panic/witchgrass
-
-
-
Dichanthelium caerulescens
Cypress panicgrass
X
FAC
Dichanthelium clandestinum
Deer -tongue witchgrass
X
FACW
Dichanthelium commutatum & laxiflorum
Witchgrass
X
FAC
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Cypress witchgrass
X
FAC
Dichanthelium scabriusculum
Wooly panic grass
X
OBL
Digitaria sanguinalis
Hairy crabgrass
X
FACU
Dioscorea villosa
Yellow yam
X
FACW
Diospyros virginiana
Common persimmon
X
FAC
Duchesnea indica
Indian mock strawberry
X
FACU
Echinochloa sp.
Barnyard/cockspur grass
-
-
-
Echinochloa walteri
Coast cockspur
X
OBL
Eclipta prostrata
False daisy
X
FACW
Eleocharis obtusa
Blunt spikerush
X
OBL
Eleocharis tortilis
Twisted spikerush
X
FACW
Elymus sp.
Wild rye
-
-
-
Erechtites hieraciifolia
American burnweed
X
FAC
Erigeron annuus
White -top fleabane
X
FACU
Euonymus americanus
American strawberry bush
X
FAC
Eupatorium capillifolium
Small dog fennel
X
FACU
Eupatorium dubium (Eutrochium dubium)
Coastal plain joe pye weed
X
FACW
Eupatorium serotinum
Late -flowering thoroughwort
X
FAC
Fimbristylis spathacea
Hurricane grass
X
FAC
Forbs sp.
-
-
-
-
Fraxinus americana
White ash
X
FACU
Fraxinus caroliniana
Carolina ash
X
OBL
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
X
FACW
Fraxinus profunda
Pumpkin ash
X
OBL
Galium obtusum
Bluntleaf bedstraw
X
FACW
Galium tinctorium
Stiff marsh bedstraw
X
FACW
Galium uniflorum
Fragrant bedstraw
X
FACU
Gelsemium sempervirens
Yellow jessamine
X
FAC
Glechoma hederacea
Ground ivy
X
FACU
Glyceria sp.
Mannagrass
-
-
-
Glyceria striata
Fowl mannagrass
X
OBL
III-E-28

Table III-E3 (continued).
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
Sta to Sb
Gnaphalium sp.
Cudweed
-
-
-
Gordonia lasianthus
Loblolly bay
X
FACW
Gratiola virginiana
Roundfruit hedge -hyssop
X
OBL
Helianthus sp.
Sunflower
-
-
-
Hibiscus moscheutos
Swamp rosemallow
X
OBL
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Whorled marsh-pennywort
X
OBL
Hydrolea quadrivalvis
Water pod
X
OBL
Hymenocallis floridana (crassifolia)
Carolina spider -lily
X
OBL
Hypericum hypericoides
St. Andrew's cross
X
FAC
Ilex glabra
Ink berry
X
FACW
Ilex laevigata
Smooth holly
X
FACW
Ilex opaca
American holly
X
FAC
Ilex verticillata
Common winterberry
X
FACW
Impatiens capensis
Orange jewelweed
X
FACW
Iris tridentata
Savanna iris
X
OBL
Iris virginica
Virginia blueflag
X
OBL
Itea virginica
Virginia sweetspire
X
FACW
Iva frutescens
Bigleaf marsh -elder
X
FACW
Juncus sp.
Rush
-
-
-
Juncus coriaceus
Leathery rush
X
FACW
Juncus effusus
Soft rush
X
OBL
Juncus gymnocarpus
Naked -fruited rush
X
OBL
Juncus megacephalus
Big -head rush
X
OBL
Juncus roemerianus
Black needlerush
X
OBL
Juniperus virginiana`
Eastern red -cedar
X
FACU
Lactuca canadensis
Canada lettuce
X
FACU
Leersia oryzoides
Rice cutgrass
X
OBL
Leersia virginica
Virginia cutgrass
X
FACW
Lemna sp.
Duckweed
X
OBL
Lemna gibba
Inflated duckweed
X
OBL
Lemna minor
Common duckweed
X
OBL
Lemna perpusilla
Little water duckweed
X
OBL
Lemna valdiviana
Pale duckweed
X
OBL
Lepidium virginicum
Poor man's peppergrass
X
UPL
Lespedeza cuneata
Chinese lespedeza
X
FACU
Leucothoe axillaris
Coastal doghobble
X
FACW
III-E-29

Table III-E3 (continued).
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditions'
Indicator
status')
Leucothoe racemosa (Eubotrys
racemosa)
Swamp doghobble
X
FACW
Ligustrum sinense
Chinese privet
X
FAC
Lindernia dubia
Yellowseed false pimpernel
X
OBL
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum
X
FAC
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tuliptree
X
FACU
Lobelia cardinalis
Cardinal flower
X
FACW
Lonicera japonica
Japanese honeysuckle
X
FACU
Ludwigia alternifolia
Bushy seedbox
X
OBL
Ludwigia leptocarpa
River seedbox
X
OBL
Ludwigia palustris
Marsh seedbox
X
OBL
Lycopus americanus
American bugleweed
X
OBL
Lycopus virginicus
Virginia bugleweed
X
OBL
Lyonia lucida
Fetter bush
X
FACW
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia
X
FAC
Magnolia virginiana
Sweet bay
X
FACW
Microstegium vimineum
Nepalese browntop
X
FAC
Mikania scandens
Climbing hempweed
X
FACW
Mitchella repens
Partridgeberry
X
FACU
Monarda punctata
Spotted beebalm
X
FACU
Morella cerifera
Wax myrtle
X
FAC
Nyssa sp.
Tupelo
-
-
-
Nyssa aquatica
Water tupelo
X
OBL
Nyssa biflora
Swamp tupelo
X
OBL
Nyssa sylvatica
Black gum
X
FAC
Onoclea sensibilis
Sensitive fern
X
FACW
Osmunda cinnamomea
Cinnamon fern
X
FACW
Osmunda regalis
Royal fern
X
OBL
Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis
Royal fern
X
OBL
Oxalis sp.
Woodsorrel
-
-
-
Oxalis dillenii
Slender yellow woodsorrel
X
FACU
Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood
X
FACU
Panicum sp.
Panicgrass
-
-
-
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia creeper
X
FACU
Peltandra virginica
Arrow arum
X
OBL
Persea borbonia
Red bay
X
FACW
Persea palustris
Swamp red bay
X
FACW
Persicaria arifolia
Halberdleaf tearthumb
X
OBL
Phragmites australis
Common reed
X
FACW
Phytolacca americana
Common pokeweed
X
FACU
III-E-30

Table III-E3 (continuedl.
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
status')
Pinus sp.
Pine
-
-
-
Pinus taeda
Loblolly pine
X
FAC
Platanthera clavellata
Small green woodland orchid
X
OBL
Pleopeltis polypodioides (Polypodium
polypodioides)
Resurrection fern
X
FAC
Pluchea foetida
Stinking camphorweed
X
OBL
Pluchea odorata
Shrubby camphorweed
X
FACW
Pluchea odorata var. odorata
(purpurascens)
Scented conyza
X
FACW
Poa sylvestris
Woodland bluegrass
X
FACW
Polygonum sp.
Smartweed
-
-
-
Polygonum densiflorum
Dense flower smartweed
X
OBL
Polygonum hirsutum
Hairy smartweed
X
OBL
Polygonum lapathifolium
Dock -leaf smartweed
X
FACW
Polygonum pensylvanicum
Pennsylvania smartweed
X
FACW
Polygonum punctatum
Dotted smartweed
X
OBL
Polygonum sagittatum
Arrow -leaf tearthum
X
OBL
Polygonum setaceum
Swamp smartweed
X
OBL
Pontederia cordata
Pickerel weed
X
OBL
Proserpinaca palustris
Marsh mermaid weed
X
OBL
Prunus serotina
Black cherry
X
FACU
Ptilimnium capillaceum
Bishop weed
X
OBL
Quercus sp.
Oak
-
-
-
Quercus alba
White oak
X
FACU
Quercus falcata
Southern red oak
X
FACU
Quercus laurifolia
Laurel oak
X
FACW
Quercus lyrata
Overcup oak
X
OBL
Quercus michauxii
Swamp chestnut oak
X
FACW
Quercus nigra
Water oak
X
FAC
Quercus pagoda
Cherrybark oak
X
FACW
Quercus phellos
Willow oak
X
FACW
Ranunculus sp.
Buttercup
-
-
-
Rhynchospora caduca
Anglestem beaksedge
X
OBL
Rhynchospora miliacea
Millet beakrush
X
OBL
Riccia fluitans
Floating crystalwort
-
-
NOT LISTED
Rosa sp.
Rose
-
-
-
Rosa palustris
Swamp rose
X
OBL
Rubus sp.
Rubus
-
-
-
Rubus argutus
Sawtooth blackberry
X
FAC
Rubus flagellaris
Northern dewberry
X
UPL
Rubus trivialis
Southern dewberry
X
FACU
III-E-31

Table III-E3 (continued).
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
Sta to Sb
Rumex verticillatus
Swamp dock
X
FACW
Sabal minor
Dwarf palmetto
X
FACW
Sabatia calycina
Short -leaf rose gentian
X
OBL
Sabatia dodecandra
Large marsh pink
X
OBL
Sagittaria falcata
Coastal arrowhead
X
OBL
Sagittaria graminea
Grassleaf arrowhead
X
OBL
Sagittaria isoetiformis
Slender arrowhead
X
OBL
Sagittaria lancifolia
Bull -tongue arrowhead
X
OBL
Salix caroliniana
Coastal plain willow
X
OBL
Salix nigra
Black willow
X
OBL
Sambucus sp.
Elderberry
-
-
-
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Common elderberry
X
FACW
Samolus valerandi ssp. parviflorus
Water pimpernel
X
OBL
Sanicula sp.
Snakeroot
-
-
-
Sanicula canadensis
Canadian black -snakeroot
X
FACU
Saururus cemuus
Lizard's tail
X
OBL
Schoenoplectus robustus
Sturdy bulrush
X
OBL
Scirpus cyperinus
Woolgrass
X
OBL
Scutellaria sp.
Skullcap
-
-
-
Scutellaria integrifolia
Hyssop skullcap
X
FAC
Scutellaria lateriflora
Blue skullcap
X
OBL
Selaginella apoda
Meadow spike moss
X
FACW
Setaria magna
Giant bristlegrass/foxtail
X
FACW
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Pointed blue -eye grass
X
FACW
Sisyrinchium mucronatum
Michaux's blue -eye grass
X
FACW
Smilax sp.
Greenbrier
-
-
-
Smilax auriculata
Earleaf greenbrier
X
FACU
Smilax bona-nox
Saw greenbrier
X
FAC
Smilax glauca
Cat greenbrier
X
FAC
Smilax laurifolia
Laurel -leaf greenbrier
X
FACW
Smilax rotundifolia
Common greenbrier
X
FAC
Smilax walteri
Coral greenbrier
X
OBL
Solanum carolinense
Carolina horse -nettle
X
FACU
Solidago sp.
Goldenrod
-
-
-
Solidago rugosa
Wrinkled goldenrod
X
FAC
Solidago sempervirens var. mexicana
Southem seaside goldenrod
X
FACW
Sparganium americanum
American burreed
X
OBL
Sphenopholis pensylvanica
Swamp wedgescale
X
OBL
Spirodela punctata
Dotted duckweed
X
OBL
III-E-32

Table III-E3 (concluded).
Scientific name
Common name
Tolerant of
brackish
conditions
Intolerant of
brackish
conditionsa
Indicator
Sta to Sb
Symphyotrichum sp.
Aster
-
-
-
Symphyotrichum subulatum
Eastern annual saltmarsh aster
X
OBL
Symplocos tinctoria
Sweet leaf
X
FAC
Taxodium distichum
Bald cypress
X
OBL
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison ivy
X
FAC
Triadenum virginicum
Virginia Marsh St. John's wort
X
OBL
Triadenum walteri (Hypericum walteri)
Greater Marsh St. John's wort
X
OBL
Triglochin striata
Three -rib arrowgrass
X
OBL
Trillium sp.
Trillium
-
-
-
Trillium pusillum
Least trillium
X
FACW
Tripsacum dactyloides
Eastern gamagrass
X
FAC
Typha angustifolia
Narrowleaf cattail
X
OBL
Typha latifolia
Broadleaf cattail
X
OBL
Ulmus americana
American elm
X
FAC
Vaccinium sp.
Blueberry
-
-
-
Vaccinium corymbosum
Highbush blueberry
X
FACW
Vaccinium formosum
Southem blueberry
X
FAC
Vaccinium fuscatum
Fuscous blueberry
X
FACW
Vaccinium tenellum
Small black blueberry
X
FACU
Verbena urticifolia
White vervain
X
FAC
Viola sp.
Violet
-
-
-
Viola sororia
Common blue violet
X
FAC
Vitis sp.
Grape
-
-
-
Vitis aestivalis
Summer grape
X
FACU
Vitis labnasca
Fox grape
X
FAC
Vitis rotundifolia
Muscadine grape
X
FAC
Woodwardia areolata
Netted chainfern
X
OBL
Woodwardia virginica
Virginia chainfem
X
OBL
a Tolerances based on habitat descriptions given in the following publications:
Radford et al. (1968), Beal (1977), Godfrey and Wooten (1979, 1981), Odum et al. (1984), Eleuterius (1990), eFloras (2008),
and Weakley (2015).
b Per National Wetland Plant List (2016)
Some sources list a variety of Juniperus virginiana as Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola , which is more tolerant of wetter
and brackish conditions than what is typically described for Juniperus virginiana.
III-E-33