20080868 Ver 2_Section III E Vegetation 2020 PCS Creeks Report_20210701

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 (when mine activities
occur within a basin; duration could be more than one year for some creeks) 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
years of post -Mod Alt L data collection, the vegetation survey can skip one year before another
survey. Consequently, 2020 vegetation surveys occurred in 10 creeks, four of which are 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 2020, only two of the 252 species have
no NWPL indicator status and brackish intolerance of one of the two is undetermined (290 is the
total when species identified only to genus are included). Appendix G includes 2020 data
collected from plots at each of the vegetation transects and 2020 photographs of the monitoring
sites (on DVD/CD 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 six creeks surveyed in 2020. 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 second year in 2020 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),
and dotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) while the dominants of the shrub/woody vine
stratum were giant cane and dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) (Tables III-E1 a and III-E2a). Two
thirds 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 whorled marsh-pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata), common reed
(Phragmites australis), and swamp dock (Rumex verticillatus) in the herbaceous layer along
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with groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) and American elm (Ulmus americana) in the
shrub/woody vine stratum. One third of the dominant herbaceous species at the downstream
transect were brackish intolerant while half the shrub/woody vine dominant species were. 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), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), American
hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), and laurel oak (Q. laurifolia). The downstream canopy was
completely open with dead bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).
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 second year in 2020. In the upstream transect,
spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) and giant cane were the most dominant herbaceous
species while giant cane and dwarf palmetto were the dominant shrub/vine species (Tables III-
E1b and III-E2b). None of the dominant herbaceous species and half the dominant shrubs are
brackish intolerant. The downstream transect consisted of coast cockspur (Echinochloa
walteri), spotted water hemlock, whorled marsh-pennywort, and tidemarsh amaranth
(Amaranthus cannabinus) for dominant herbaceous species as well as dwarf palmetto,
groundsel tree, and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) for dominant shrub/vine species. For
the downstream transect, the only brackish intolerant dominants were whorled marsh-pennywort
and green ash. For both transects a past canopy was evident with scattered dead trunks while
the sub -canopy consisted of willow oak (Q. phellos), green ash, 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.
For 2020, the dominant herbs found in the most upstream transect, JW2
(Table III-E1 a) were dotted smartweed, whorled marsh-pennywort, and for the first time lizard's
tail (Saururus cernuus). Dominant shrubs consisted of dwarf palmetto, giant cane, and green
ash; the only other year when green ash was a dominant in the shrub stratum in this transect
was 2014 (Table III-E2a). Giant cane was a dominant herb for the 12 of the 16 surveys but not
for the past two surveys and while it was not a dominant shrub for 10 of the first 12 years, it has
been one for the past four. One third of dominant herbaceous species were brackish intolerant
while two thirds of dominant shrubs/vines were. Downstream but still on the main branch of
Jacks Creek, common reed was the only dominant herb at JW3 for the past four vegetation
surveys (2017-2020). Shrub dominants at the JW3 transect consisted of groundsel tree,
eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) which was the only brackish intolerant species,
and dwarf palmetto. While eastern poison ivy was a common dominant in the shrub/woody vine
stratum in the first eight surveys it was absent from six of the past eight and it has not been a
dominant in the herb stratum since 2004. Transect JW5 is similar to JW3 with common reed,
groundsel tree, and dwarf palmetto as dominants. A more open canopy in recent years at both
JW3 and JW5 created favorable conditions for common reed and contributed to a decline in
favorable conditions for vines such as eastern poison ivy and climbing hydrangea or woodvamp
(Decumaria barbara). The dominant herbs at JW7 the most upstream transect on the eastern
prong of Jacks Creek were whorled marsh-pennywort, dotted smartweed, and Virginia cutgrass
(Leersia virginica). Shrub/vine dominants at the JW7 transect were dwarf palmetto, green ash,
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and eastern poison ivy. The JW7 transect was comprised of more brackish intolerant species
than brackish tolerant species in the herb stratum for all but two years while the shrub stratum
had more brackish intolerants for all but eight of the 16 years. Downstream of JW7 on the
eastern prong of Jacks Creek is JW9 where the 2020 herb dominants were narrowleaf cattail
(Typha angustifolia) and common reed; 2020 was the first year for common reed as a dominant.
Shrub/vine dominants for that transect in 2020 were the same as the previous three years: wax
myrtle (Morella cerifera), dwarf palmetto, and bigleaf marsh -elder (Iva frutescens). There were
no dominant brackish intolerant species in JW9 strata for the past six vegetation surveys (past
eight surveys for only the shrub stratum). Canopy species for JW7 and JW9 included various
percentages of swamp tupelo, laurel oak, red maple, green ash, and American elm.
The pre -Mod Alt L years and post -Mod Alt L years at Jacks Creek show a
distinct correlation between the distance from the mouth of the creek and the percent of
dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions. Transect JW2, the furthest upstream and on
main prong, was below 50 percent brackish intolerant dominants only in the past two years
while JW7, the furthest upstream on the eastern prong, has never been below 40 percent
(Figure III-E1). The two most downstream transects on each prong, JW5 and JW9, had the
lowest average percentages of brackish intolerant dominants in post -Mod Alt L years. Percent
of brackish intolerants at JW3 for post -Mod Alt L years have decreased as well (Figure III-E1).
Lower percentages of brackish intolerant dominants for most of Jacks Creek likely result from
irruption of common reed and reduction of the canopy that once supported brackish intolerant
vines as dominants. A regression line analysis at each transect for percent of dominant species
intolerant of brackish conditions comparing pre -Mod Alt L and post -Mod Alt L shows the
downward trend occurring over a long period of time (Figure III-E2).
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. Since 2014-2016 were transition years with no
surveys, to date four post -Mod Alt L surveys have occurred (2017 - 2020).
Only brackish intolerant dominants have ever been documented in the
Jacobs Creek vegetation surveys in either stratum. In 2020, the two dominant herbs, great
bladder sedge (Carex intumescens), giant cane, and one dominant shrub, giant cane, were also
dominants during at least one pre -Mod Alt L year (Tables III-E1a and III-E2a). Ground ivy and
small dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) have been non -wetland dominants at Jacobs Creek;
both were dominants in 2012 and ground ivy was a dominant in 2013, 2018, and 2019.
Hurricane Irene in 2011 reduced the canopy at Jacobs Creek by nearly 50 percent, but it has
since increased to 80 percent. In 2020, a majority of the canopy was red maple, with tulip tree
(Liriodendron tulipifera) and American elm in small percentages, along with American hornbeam
in the sub -canopy.
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 through 2019 and per the 2017 vegetation survey clarification
mentioned in Section I A, 2020 was the first skip year after four years of post -Mod Alt L data
collection.
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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 per the
2017 vegetation survey clarification mentioned in Section I A, 2019 was the first skip year after
four years of post -Mod Alt L data collection. The fifth year of post -Mod Alt L vegetation surveys
occurred in 2020.
The 2020 survey found the TW1 herbaceous dominants (upstream well
on the east prong) were dotted smartweed and water pimpernel (Samolus valerandi ssp.
parviflorus) (Table III-E1 a). Both species are brackish tolerant and 2020 was the first year TW1
had no brackish intolerant dominant herbs. The only dominant shrub for TW1 was giant cane
which is brackish intolerant (Table III-E2a). Canopy over the TW1 transect consists of
approximately 5 percent each of laurel oak and red maple. Downstream of TW1, TW3 was
dominated by common reed and sturdy bulrush (Bolboshoenus robustus) in the herbaceous
stratum. The last survey with a dominant brackish intolerant herb in TW3 was 2001. The only
dominant shrub for TW3 was dwarf palmetto making 2020 the first post -Mod Alt L year with no
dominant brackish intolerant shrub species (2011 was the last time there were no brackish
intolerant dominant herbs). The open canopy over TW3 provides opportunity for common reed
to flourish. This transect is the closest to the mouth of the creek and has varied between 0 to 50
percent dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions for pre- and post -Mod Alt L years
(Figure III-E3). This variability is consistent with transects TW4, TW3, and TW1 across all years
since environmental factors such as wind, rain, and hurricanes affect brackish tolerance
dominants in any given year (Figure III-E4).
Upstream on the west prong of Tooley Creek is TW6 where the dominant
herbs were Japanese stiltgrass (also known as Nepalese browntop, Microstegium vimineum)
and eastern poison ivy (Table III-E1 a). The only dominant shrub for TW6 was giant cane (Table
III-E2a). this transect has been dominated by brackish intolerant herbaceous and woody
vine/shrub species at every survey. Downstream of TW6 is TW4 where the only dominant
herbaceous species was giant cane while the dominant shrubs/vine species were giant cane
and common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). All the dominant species for the 2020 survey at
TW4 were brackish intolerant. Near the upper edge of estuarine marsh, the west prong was
ditched before or during the early 1990s, which narrowed the floodplain at both well locations
compared to the east prong. The upper transect (TW6) crosses the west prong ditch/creek and
includes plants growing on both ditch banks. Due to the ditch depth (-4 feet), connection of
creek waters to the floodplain occurs only during major and/or extreme events. The
channelization, paired with the distance from the mouth of the creek, explains why all dominant
species have been brackish intolerant for all surveys compared to the three other Tooley Creek
transects that have variation (Figures III-E3 and III-E4).
g. Long Creek (control)
Vegetation surveys in Long Creek began in 2011. The surveys
documented nine dominant herbaceous species, five of which are intolerant of brackish
conditions (Table III-E1 b). Whorled marsh-pennywort has been a dominant herb since 2014
and had the highest importance value for all years it was a dominant. Three -rib arrowgrass
(Triglochin striata), a brackish tolerant species, was a new dominant in 2017 and increased in
importance as a dominant in 2018 and has remained a dominant. The 2020 survey had two
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new dominant herbaceous species erect coinleaf (Centella erecta) and water pimpernel, which
continued the trend of decreased dominant brackish intolerant species. Wax myrtle, a brackish
tolerant species, was a dominant shrub in all years surveyed, and was the only dominant in five
years, while 2017 was the first year giant cane (brackish intolerant) joined as a dominant in the
woody vine/shrub stratum; both remained dominants in 2020 (Table III-E2b). No non -wetland
species were ever dominants in Long Creek. The canopy cover was higher in the first two
survey years (70 percent), but reduced to moderately open (50 percent) for the past eight 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 and post -Mod Alt L survey years were 2013-2014 and
2016-2019. Based on the 2017 vegetation survey clarification mentioned in Section I A, 2020
was the first skip year after four years of post -Mod Alt L data collection.
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.
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 2016 to 2018 and reduced
the pre -Mod Alt L —2,438-acre drainage basin to 840.22 acres. The second post -Mod Alt L
survey occurred in 2020.
A vegetation transect at the upstream well PCWS was dominated in the
herbaceous stratum by great bladder sedge and a new dominant, 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), though importance values have changed due to exclusion of trees that grow over the 3.0
inch diameter at breast height limit. 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 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 halberdleaf tearthumb (Persicaria arifolia) the second and first
time a dominant herb, respectively (Table III-E1 a). There were no new shrubs or woody vines
at Porter Creek for 2020 and common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) has remained
dominant since the first survey (Table III-E2a). Canopy cover was similar to pre -Mod Alt L
years: 50 percent open downstream and 25 percent open upstream. The upstream transect is
made up of mostly large red maples with smaller trees in the understory such as American
hornbeam, swamp chestnut oak, laurel oak, and American elm. Canopy for the downstream
transect is half open and on the other half is about 75 percent covered with small red maples,
American elms, green ash, laurel oaks, and common persimmon.
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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.
Herbaceous dominant species at the DCUT11 transect were Chinese
privet (Ligustrum sinense), lizard's tail, lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), and Japanese
honeysuckle (Table III-E1 a). The only dominant non -wetland plant found at DCUT11 was
Japanese honeysuckle and 2020 was the first year. Lizard's tail is the only brackish tolerant
species at this transect found to date and has been a dominant plant since 2016. Dominants in
the woody vine/shrub stratum included eastern poison ivy and Chinese privet both of which are
brackish intolerant (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. DCUT19 serves as a control creek
for DCUT11 and monitored in 2020 in conjunction with its impact creek.
The 2020 survey of DCUT19 found the herbaceous dominant species
Japanese stiltgrass, netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata), and Japanese honeysuckle (the
only non -wetland dominant) (Table III-E1 b). All 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 muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia), giant cane, American hornbeam,
and sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana); all of which are brackish intolerant species and consistent
with all pre -Mod Alt L 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 monitored again 2019-2020. Duck Creek serves as a control creek
for Porter Creek. At the most upstream transect (DKCW1B), giant cane was a co -dominant
herb with netted chainfern and blunt spikerush and was the only dominant shrub species as it
has been every survey (Tables III-E1 b and III-E2b). Downstream of DKCW1B on the same
prong of Duck Creek, giant cane was a dominant herb for all years at DKCW2A and Nepalese
browntop for the past four surveys. Other dominants at this transect are eastern poison ivy and
lizard's tail (the only brackish tolerant species at this transect). Giant cane and common
greenbrier were the only dominants in the shrub/woody vine stratum for DKCW2A in the two
post -Mod Alt L years for Porter Creek (2019-2020).
On the southern prong of Duck Creek, vegetation transect DKCW3A had
Nepalese browntop, giant cane, and a new species, slender spikegrass (Chasmanthium laxum)
as the dominant herbs. The only shrub dominant for this transect was giant cane as in the past
three surveys; giant cane has been a dominant shrub in every survey. For 2020, the dominants
at DKCW3A were all brackish intolerant; however, there were brackish tolerant herbaceous
species in 2013, 2015, and 2016. Downstream of DKCW3A, DKCW4B dominants in 2020
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included great bladder sedge and Nepalese browntop in the herb stratum, which continued a
trend for seven and eight out of the nine vegetation surveys, respectively. Alabama supple -jack
(Berchemia scandens), woodvamp, and eastern poison ivy were dominant shrubs for the
DKCW4B transect. All dominant herbaceous and woody vine/shrub species for this transect
have been brackish intolerant for all years surveyed.
The canopy tree species were similar among Duck Creek transects, but in
different percentages; canopy species included sweet gum, 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 2020 were dominants in previous
years. There were a few new dominants in the transects surveyed. The two sites with the
fewest years of surveys, Broomfield Swamp Creek and SCUT1, have a few new species in the
herbaceous and woody vine/shrub stratum but no trend can be inferred with two years of data.
Prior to the 2019 survey Hurricane Dorian reached tropical storm status in the Aurora area and
may have affected the survival of certain plant species with an influx of brackish conditions. The
two new dominant herbaceous species at Jacks Creek are due to giant cane being too tall to
count at JW2, which increased the dominance of another species, and an increase in coverage
of common reed at JW9. The transect at the upstream portion of Porter Creek had a non -
wetland dominant species for 2020 although this is not the first example since partridgeberry
(Mitchella repens), a non -wetland plant, was a dominant in 2014. The new dominant at the
downstream Porter Creek transect, halberdleaf tearthumb, was likely due to the open canopy
that allowed the plant to climb other herbaceous vegetation and flourish. The DCUT11 transect
had a new dominant non -wetland species which could be expected in an incised segment of the
stream where the floodplain is not connected to seasonal overbank events. The lack of
connection was also evident by the short to no wetland hydroperiods recorded at this Level
TROLL as noted in the hydrology section (see Section III-B; Table III-B1). Long Creek, a control
creek, had two new dominant plants where the weight of the salinity tolerance changed to
mostly brackish species.
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 and Jacks Creek. Dominant non -wetland percents
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.
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
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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, or the opposite could also be true. One of the
benefits of plots alternated 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, or ones intolerant of brackish conditions then 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). In 2011, 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. The canopy at Jacobs Creek was
also affected by the hurricane, although not to the same magnitude as the other creeks, but has
shown an increase in canopy coverage since 2011. For 2019, tropical storm Dorian in early
September may have accelerated die back of herbaceous vegetation in some creeks.
Salinity decreased each year at all stations from 2013 to 2016, increased in 2017 followed by a
decline in 2018-2019 then a slight increase in 2020 (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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Jacks Creek
100 -
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Distance from Mouth of Creek (feet)
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Figure III-E1. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions at Jacks Creek
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 1998-2005, 2011-2014 and post -years are
2017-2020). Some annual values overlap.
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Jacks Creek
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• JW2
00 oioi C On O`�, O O 6 '\O \\N '�`b o ,mob
° ,yo ,yo ,yo ,yo 4' 0
o ,y0\ ,o ,yo ,y
Year
All Transects Pre -Mod Alt L
(Regression line shown for all transects combined.)
2018
Year
2019
All Transects Post -Mod Alt L
2020
100
90 -
80 -
60 -
50
40
30
20
0
•
♦
•
•
r2=0.001
A
•
■
0 0 0 0
2017 2018 2019 2020
Year
All Transects Post -Mod Alt L
Figure III-E2. Percent of dominant brackish intolerant species for Jack Creek transects by year
and by pre- and post -Mod Alt L years combined. Some annual values overlap. Regression
lines shown for each transect, for all transects combined, and all transects on pre- and post -
Mod Alt L basis; one post -Mod Alt L regression displayed along the x-axis.
III-E-10

100 -
90 -
0 80-
.0
:11 40-
c
o 30 -
cj
N O
20-
10-
0
• Tooley Creek O
TW4 TW6
0
TW3
v •
7 7
O
•
• Pre -Mod Alt L (6 years)
o Post -Mod Alt L (5 years)
TW1
•
O
v
v
3600
3700
3800 3900 4000 4100
Distance from Mouth of Creek (feet)
4200
4300
Figure III-E3. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions at Tooley Creek
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 2010-2011 and post -years
include 2015-2018 and 2020). Some annual values overlap.
100 -
90 -
80 -
U
(n O 70 -
,J
�Ln 60-
- 2
U
O m 50 -
0 m
O O 40 -
c
8 2 30 -
0_ o
c 20 -
10 -
Tooley Creek
0000O 0000 0
■ ■
•
v
0
0
0
0
0
00 00
Year
TRANSITION YEARS
■
•
• •
0
0 0
0
Q
• TW4
v TW3
• TW1
TW6
Figure III-E4. Percent of dominant species intolerant of brackish conditions for Tooley Creek
transects by years (pre -years include 1998-2001 and 2009-2011 and post -years include 2015-
2018 and 2020); symbols represent yearly values and may overlap in some years.
III-E-11

Table III-E1a. Relative importance values of dominant herbaceous species surveyed in vegetation transects in seven impact creeks through 2020: Broomfield Swamp Creek, Jacks Creek, Jacobs Creek,
Drinkwater Creek, Huddles Cut, Porter Creek, and DCUT11. Grey fill indicates transition year or skip years and pre -and post -Mod Alt L years are shown on each page for each creek. Bold names and values
indicate species considered intolerant of brackish conditions
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
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
Broomfield Swamp
Arundinaria gigantea
22.1
12.7
Cree k/BSCW1
Carex debilis
39.2
35.6
Polygonum punctatum
7.6
Broomfield Swamp
Echinocloa walteri
31.3
Creek/BSCW2
Hydrocotyle verticillata
24.1
Phragmites australis
24.4
21.5
Rumex verticillatus
16.8
.....
............... ..........
....................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................................. ............... .............................................................
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Relative importance value post -Mod
Alt L
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
Carexdebilis
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 striate
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-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
Jacks/JW5
Amaranthus cannabinus
15.0
Bolboshoenus rob ustus
31.7
Carexintumescens
27.7
33.1
Carex lurida
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
Sam olus 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
Carex intumescens
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
Carex lurida
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-13

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
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
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
Drinkwater/DWW1 C
.......................................................
.........................................
Arundinaria gigantea
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
......
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
Tooley/TW3
Bolboshoenus rob ustus
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
Tooley/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-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
Huddles Cut Main/HMVV2
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
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/HMVVS
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
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-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
Huddles Cut Main/HMVV6
Bacopa monnieri
22.6
Bidens frondosa
13.2
Cicuta maculata
10.4
Cyperus odoratus
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
Lemna sp.
85.1
78.2
70.8
Osmunda regalis
11.3
Pluchea odorata
10.5
10.4
17.7
18.6
Symphyotrichum sub ulatum
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
Pluchea odorata
19.3
8.4
Polygonum lapathifolium
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
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 lapathifolium
14.6
Polygonum pensylvanicum
11.9
Polygonum sp.
7.0
Rosa palustris
24.6
Rubus argutus
15.4
Symphyotrichum sub ulatum
16.4
Toxicodendron radicans
9.6
27.0
15.0
8.8
13.5
Typha angustifolia
15.8
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
Huddles Cut Main/HMW10
Acer rubrum
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
Lemna sp.
78.7
69.3
70.9
11/ilkania 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
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-17

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
Huddles CutWest/HWW2a
Baccharishalimifolia
19.0
Carex lurida
6.1
Carex oxylepis
6.6
Galium tinctorium
4.5
Glyceria striata
10.1
11.9
Hydrocotyie 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
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
Cyperusodoratus
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
Hydrocotyie verticillata
11.7
Lemna minor
30.7
68.9
77.3
96.6
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 Wes t/HWW7
Azolla caroliniana
13.6
Echinochloa walteri
52.7
Hydrocotyie verticillata
33.5
14.9
21.9
20.0
49.1
27.0
Leersia oryzoides
17.8
Lemna minor
70.4
Lemna sp.
50.1
68.5
Lemna valdiviana
50.8
19.6
40.1
19.8
Mania 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-18

Table III-E1a (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
Huddles Cut West/HVWV8
Boehmeria cyiindrica
Carex sp.
*Eupatorium capiilifolium
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
Huddles Cut West/H WW10
..................
..................................................
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 capreoiata
Carexintumescens
*Lonicera japonica
*Mitchella repens
Smilax rotundifolia
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
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
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
a In 2009, permitted mine expansion permanently eliminated six ofthel0 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.
bSuney line cut through transect in 2008 affected three plots
* Non -wetland species
III-E-19

Table III-E1 b.
Relative importance value
2020
6) O
Lf)
6) (O (•!
O (f) (o
O
co
2019
O)
(O
M
N
(f)
N
O
co
M
co
6)
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(")
O
N
2012
2011
Dominant species
Arundinaria gigantea
Cicuta maculata
Echinocloa walteri
Leersia oryzoides
Amaranthus cannabinus
Cicuta maculata
Echinocloa walteri
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Polygonum sagittatum
Creek/well transect
and number
SCUT1 /SC1 W1
SCUT1 /SC1 W2
•
.
co
aj6
N
(13. c)•
CCCllCI(R
.' C.l
—
N
O
N
'. N
N
O
—
N
O
CO
(D
CDIR
aj 0
M
CO
(o
(D
(")
CO
(o
1`
N
• M
—
N
M
M
.
'
O
M
_
•
: O
. co
O
co
O.
6)
N
.' .—
7
,
.
O
•
. 00
.' cc)
(D
0.,LO
q N.
coL—
N
to Tr.
co LO
O N
CO CO
O
I's
,
N
to
ti
I`
: (A::((�
' M
M
•• O
. O
—
4
co
CO
N
•' I
.' I�
- N
•
r-
O
co
It)
N
00
01
N
'
1`
CO
(D
CD
CD
(c)
M
O
(f)
N
CD
co
I0
1.0
tD
M
N
• (D
CI
(D
N
N
—
...................................................................
....................................................................
.
DC UT1 9/DC19W2A Carex comosa
*Lonicera japonica 13.6 15.7
Microstegium vimineum 11.1 15.5 31.4
Saururus cernuus 23.6 16.5
Smilax rotundifolia 8.9
Vaccinium corymbosum 12.4
Woodwardia aerolata 10.8 14.2
•' •
•
M
M
(")
I't
M
N
O
4
(q
1,-
Crt
—
N
N
N
CD
N •
0
N
01
N
10
. (RTr.O
• N
. —
et
— N
C).
,
•
'. al
(D
M
(D
CV
N
7
—
N
O
CO
—
(o
CD
—
Tr.
C)
—
1`
—
—
(y
N
Dj 0
—
M
CO
I
O
M
CO
. a
• CO
.—
—
CO
—
co
4
N
. M
. O
. M
N
M
q
(D
N
N
O
,
CO
N
O
1`
oo
M
O
Tr.
N
(o
CV
co
io
al
1
N
O
: M
. CV
N
Cl
0
C)
..................................
..................................
Arundinaria gigantea 65.5 50.2
Eleocharis obtusa
Rhynchospora cauduca
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
(D
(D
N
Cl
O
CO
CO
M
10
M
CIO
M
N
tD
—
00
O
N
N
10
tD
0
: O
•O
O
. CI
Cn
,
N
CICn
,
ti
co
N
ti
Is
N
Dj
M
1`
N
(D
Cl
M
et
Arundinaria gigantea
Centella erecta
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Microstegium vimineum
Pluchea odorata
Samolus valerandi ssp.
parviflorus
Toxicodendron radicans
Triglochin striata
Arundinaria gigantea
Lindernia dubia
Microstegium viminium
Saururus cernuus
Toxicodendron radicans
Woodwardia areolata
co y
w=
co (�)
a w
y
CV r.1
_ .=
ii
Z Oki
ZZ
k
E
w
C
OS
y
to
w
yp
y
Co
p
(a
• i
o
Q_
�.0
w
.03
y
.10
(( )
v)
c
2 ,U
co -E
N0
L co
U o
E
i
E
E
,01
4,
L.
N
-0
CO
c0
R
,°
a)
z
,c
a
z
y
0
00
=i
w
co
c
i
co
R
O a
L
y O 10
= Oal O
Berchemia scandens
Carex intumesc ens
*Liriodendron tulipfera
Microstegium vimineum
*Mitchella repens
Toxicodendron radicans
:m
:0
J
a)
-0
c
.J
................
................
Duck Creek/DKCW1 B
Duck Creek/DKCW2A
Q
5
0
a�i
0
Uc
0
Duck Creek/DKCW4B
III-E-20

Table III-E2a. Relative importance values for dominant shrub and woody vine species surveyed in vegetation transects in seven impact creeks through 2020:
Broomfield Swamp Creek, Jacks Creek, Jacobs Creek, Drinkwater Creek, Huddles Cut, Porter Creek, and DCUT11. Transition years and pre- and post -Mod Alt
L years are shown on each page for each creek. Bold names and values indicate species considered intolerant of brackish conditions.
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
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
Broomfield Swamp
Arundinaria gigantea
51.0
43.5
Creek/BSCW1
Sabalminor
14.4
Broomfield Swamp
Baccharishalimifolia
44.3
44.8
Creek/BSCW2
Ulmus americana
18.7
19.0
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Rel. importance value post -Mod Alt L
Jacks/JW2
Arundinaria gigantea
26.0
31.9
54.1
52.2
46.0
23.8
Baccharis halimifolia
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
Liquidambar styraciflua
17.8
13.5
24.8
21.7
17.3
18.6
14.7
Saba/ minor
20.3
37.4
27.0
36.7
23.3
22.4
29.4
Jacks/JVV3
Baccharishalimifolia
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
Saba/ 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
Baccharishalimifolia
43.2
29.0
22.0
32.3
47.5
54.2
/va 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
Saba/ 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
Baccharishalimifolia
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
Sabalminor
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/JVV9
Baccharishalimifolia
24.4
18.8
/va 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
Sabalminor
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
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Rel. imp. 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
Jacobs/JCBW1
Arundinaria gigantea
64.6
30.1
72.9
70.3
70.7
68.2
Berchemia scandens
37.4
Vitis rotundifolia
1 stem
in 1 plot
Pre-
Rel. imp. value post -Mod Alt L
Drinkwater/DWW1C Arundinaria gigantea
62.1
56.8 59.1
59.1
62.6
III-E-21

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
Tooley/TW1
Arundinaria gigantea
61.5
58.2
59.8
56.9
50.6
56.0
Ilex opaca
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-22

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
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
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
Toxicodendron radicans
14.4
10.2
15.1
12.5
15.1
26.0
38.6
40.6
Vaccinium corymbosum
13.4
Huddles Cut Main/HMW6
Baccharishalimifolia
42.5
36.3
32.7
29.9
31.8
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
Huddles Cut Main/HMW8
Baccharishalimifolia
34.3
33.1
24.7
18.4
23.3
Iva frutescens
26.8
28.7
17.6
15.6
24.2
30.7
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
Baccharishalimifolia
50.8
45.4
29.3
26.7
22.5
20.3
Berchemia scandens
13.4
Iva frutescens
20.0
36.7
35.0
36.5
33.4
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 Mai n/HMW10
Arundinaria gigantea
13.6
18.1
16.7
19.7
21.3
Baccharis halimifolia
17.3
22.6
18.9
17.3
26.2
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
Vaccinium corymbosum
17.3
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
Huddles Cut Main/HMW12
Baccharishalimifolia
42.8
21.8
15.1
17.5
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
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
Acerrubrum
14.0
48.5
Arundinaria gigantea
16.9
31.2
17.3
Baccharis halimifolia
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
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
Smilax bona-nox
15.0
Huddles CutWest/HWW4b
Acerrubrum
8.6
14.2
Baccharis halimifolia
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
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
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
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
III-E-24

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
Huddles Cut West/HWW8
Acer rubrum
Alnus serrulata
Arundinaria gigantea
Baccharis halimifolia
Berchemia scandens
Morelia 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
Huddles Cut West/HWW10
Berchemia scandens
Ilex opaca
Itea 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
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
Porter Creek/PCW9A
Arundinaria gigantea
Diospyros virginiana
Toxicodendron radicans
34.1
53.0
75.1
47.8
33.5
58.4
62.3
28.5
59.0
54.07
Creek/well transect
Dominant species
Relative importance value pre -Mod Alt L
Post-
1998
1999
2000
2001
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 2019
2020
DCUT11/DC112B
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
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-25

Table III-E2b. Relative importance values by year for dominant shrub and woody vine species
in three control creeks through 2020: 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
SCUT1/SC1W1
Arundinaria gigantea
34.1
37.7
Saba/ minor
16.8
15.2
SCUT1/SC1 W2
Arundinaria gigantea
16.3
Baccharis halim ifolia
18.2
20.3
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
14.8
................
Sabal minor
.....................................................................
26.5
.............
26.1
........................................................
Long Creek/LOCW2B
Arundinaria gigantea
..........................................
25.9
24.7
26.9
29.4
Baccharis halimifolia
12.8
........................................................
Morelia cerifera
59.4
58.8
69.2
53.7
.....
48.3
....................................
51.1
37.6
34.5
37.0
33.4
................
DCUT19/DC192A
.........................................................
Arundinaria gigantea
20.4
22.8
15.3
.....
8.9
..... .............
12.4
Carpinus caroliniana
13.7
10.7
14.5
12.7
12.4
Magnolia virginiana
9.5
11.3
9.5
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
........................................................
Duck Creek/DKCW1 B
Arundinaria gigantea
53.7
80.4
79.6
.....
78.2
....................................
85.8
66.2
68.3
61.8
60.6
Duck Creek/DKCW2A
Acerrubrum
16.0
27.2
Arundinaria gigantea
29.6
41.5
42.3
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
Liquidambarstyraciflua
in 1
plot
25.0
21.9
Magnolia virginiana
11.9
Smilax laurifolia
16.3
14.7
Smilax rotundifolia
9.3
11.4
8.6
Vitis rotundifolia
13.1
Duck Creek/DKCW3A
Arundinaria gigantea
61.1
45.4
35.6
42.2
43.8
46.2
54.3
52.9
50.4
Liquidambarstyraciflua
25.5
29.9
28.0
33.1
27.8
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
Toxicodendron radicans
24.6
16.9
Vitis rotundifolia
36.5
Unknown 1 vine
36.5
III-E-26

Table III-E3. Cumulative list of species at monitored creeks since 1998, their tolerance to brackish
conditions, and their wetland indicator status through 2020.
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-27

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
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-28

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-29

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
Lesser 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-30

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-31

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-32

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-33

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-34