conserving the biodiversity of massachusetts in a...

BioMap2

CONSERVING THE BIODIVERSITY OF

MASSACHUSETTS IN A CHANGING WORLD

Dartmouth Produced in 2012

This report and associated map provide information about

important sites for biodiversity conservation in your area.

This information is intended for conservation planning, and is

not intended for use in state regulations.

BioMap2

Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World

Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough, MA 01581

phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890

For more information on rare species and natural communities, please see our fact sheets online at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is BioMap2 – Purpose and applications

One plan, two components

Understanding Core Habitat and its components

Understanding Critical Natural Landscape and its components

Understanding Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries

Sources of Additional Information

Dartmouth Overview

Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Summaries

Elements of BioMap2 Cores

Core Habitat Summaries

Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes

Critical Natural Landscape Summaries

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Introduction

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game,

through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species

Program (NHESP), and The Nature

Conservancy’s Massachusetts Program

developed BioMap2 to protect the state’s

biodiversity in the context of climate change.

BioMap2 combines NHESP’s 30 years of

rigorously documented rare species and natural

community data with spatial data identifying

wildlife species and habitats that were the focus

of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2005

State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). BioMap2 also

integrates The Nature Conservancy’s assessment

of large, well-connected, and intact ecosystems

and landscapes across the Commonwealth,

incorporating concepts of ecosystem resilience

to address anticipated climate change impacts.

Protection and stewardship of BioMap2 Core

Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape is

essential to safeguard the diversity of species

and their habitats, intact ecosystems, and

resilient natural landscapes across

Massachusetts.

What Does Status Mean?

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

determines a status category for each rare

species listed under the Massachusetts

Endangered Species Act (MESA), M.G.L. c.131A,

and its implementing regulations 321 CMR

10.00. Rare species are categorized as

Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern

according to the following:

Endangered species are in danger of

extinction throughout all or a significant

portion of their range or are in danger of

extirpation from Massachusetts.

Threatened species are likely to become

Endangered in Massachusetts in the

foreseeable future throughout all or a

significant portion of their range.

Special Concern species have suffered a

decline that could threaten the species if

allowed to continue unchecked or occur in

such small numbers or with such restricted

distribution or specialized habitat

requirements that they could easily become

Threatened in Massachusetts.

In addition NHESP maintains an unofficial

watch list of plants that are tracked due to

potential conservation interest or concern, but

are not regulated under the Massachusetts

Endangered Species Act or other laws or

regulations. Likewise, described natural

communities are not regulated by any law or

regulations, but they can help to identify

ecologically important areas that are worthy of

Get your copy of the BioMap2 report! Download

from www.mass.gov/nhesp or contact Natural

Heritage at 508-389-6360 or

[email protected].

http://www.mass.gov/nhesp

mailto:[email protected]

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


protection. The status of natural communities

reflects the documented number and acreages of

each community type in the state:

Critically Imperiled communities typically

have 5 or fewer documented good sites or

have very few remaining acres in the state.

Imperiled communities typically have 6-20

good sites or few remaining acres in the state.

Vulnerable communities typically have 21-

100 good sites or limited acreage across the

state.

Secure communities typically have over 100

sites or abundant acreage across the state;

however, excellent examples are identified as

Core Habit to ensure continued protection.

In 2005 the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries

and Wildlife completed a comprehensive State

Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) documenting the

status of Massachusetts wildlife and providing

recommendations to help guide wildlife

conservation decision-making. SWAP includes

all the wildlife species listed under the

Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA),

as well as more than 80 species that need

conservation attention but do not meet the

requirements for inclusion under MESA. The

SWAP document is organized around habitat

types in need of conservation within the

Commonwealth. While the original BioMap

focused primarily on rare species protected

under MESA, BioMap2 also addresses other

Species of Conservation Concern, their habitats,

and the ecosystems that support them to create a

spatial representation of most of the elements of

SWAP.

BioMap2: One Plan, Two Components

BioMap2 identifies two complementary spatial

layers, Core Habitat and Critical Natural

Landscape.

Core Habitat identifies key areas that are critical

for the long-term persistence of rare species and

other Species of Conservation Concern, as well

as a wide diversity of natural communities and

intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth.

Protection of Core Habitats will contribute to the

conservation of specific elements of biodiversity.

Critical Natural Landscape identifies large

natural Landscape Blocks that are minimally

impacted by development. If protected, these

areas will provide habitat for wide-ranging

native species, support intact ecological

processes, maintain connectivity among

habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to

natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a

rapidly changing world. Areas delineated as

Critical Natural Landscape also include

buffering upland around wetland, coastal, and

aquatic Core Habitats to help ensure their long-

term integrity.

The long-term persistence of Massachusetts

biological resources requires a determined

commitment to land and water conservation.

Protection and stewardship of both Critical

Natural Landscapes and Core Habitats are

needed to realize the biodiversity conservation

vision of BioMap2.

Components of Core Habitat

Core Habitat identifies specific areas necessary

to promote the long-term persistence of rare

species, other Species of Conservation Concern,

exemplary natural communities, and intact

ecosystems.

Rare Species

There are 432 native plant and animal species

listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special

Concern under the Massachusetts Endangered

Species Act (MESA) based on their rarity,

population trends, and threats to survival. For

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Table 1. Species of Conservation Concern

described in the State Wildlife Action Plan

and/or included on the MESA List and for which

habitat was mapped in BioMap2. Note that

plants are not included in SWAP, and that

marine species such as whales and sea turtles

are not included in BioMap2.

Taxonomic

Group

MESA-

listed

Species

Non-listed Species

of Conservation

Concern

Mammals 4 5

Birds 27 23

Reptiles 10 5

Amphibians 4 3

Fish 10 17

Invertebrates 102 9

Plants 256 0

Total 413 62

BioMap2, NHESP staff identified the highest

quality habitat sites for each non-marine species

based on size, condition, and landscape context.

Other Species of Conservation Concern

In addition to species on the MESA List

described previously, the State Wildlife Action

Plan (SWAP) identifies 257 wildlife species and

22 natural habitats most in need of conservation

within the Commonwealth. BioMap2 includes

species-specific habitat areas for 45 of these

species and habitat for 17 additional species

which was mapped with other coarse-filter and

fine-filter approaches.

Priority Natural Communities

Natural communities are assemblages of plant

and animal species that share a common

environment and occur together repeatedly on

the landscape. BioMap2 gives conservation

priority to natural communities with limited

distribution and to the best examples of more

common types.

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that

provide important wildlife habitat, especially for

amphibians and invertebrate animals that use

them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5

percent most interconnected clusters of Potential

Vernal Pools in the state.

Forest Cores

In BioMap2, Core Habitat includes the best

examples of large, intact forests that are least

impacted by roads and development, providing

critical habitat for numerous woodland species.

For example, the interior forest habitat defined

by Forest Cores supports many bird species

sensitive to the impacts of roads and

development, such as the Black-throated Green

Warbler, and helps maintain ecological

processes found only in unfragmented forest

patches.

Wetland Cores

BioMap2 used an assessment of Ecological

Integrity to identify the least disturbed wetlands

in the state within undeveloped landscapes—

those with intact buffers and little fragmentation

or other stressors associated with development.

These wetlands are most likely to support

critical wetland functions (i.e., natural

hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and animal

habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain

these functions into the future.

Aquatic Cores

To delineate integrated and functional

ecosystems for fish species and other aquatic

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Legal Protection of Biodiversity

BioMap2 presents a powerful vision of what

Massachusetts would look like with full

protection of the land most important for

supporting the Commonwealth’s biodiversity.

While BioMap2 is a planning tool with no

regulatory function, all state-listed species enjoy

legal protection under the Massachusetts

Endangered Species Act (M.G.L. c.131A) and its

implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00).

Wetland habitat of state-listed wildlife is also

protected under the Wetlands Protection Act

Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). The Natural

Heritage Atlas contains maps of Priority Habitats

and Estimated Habitats, which are used,

respectively, for regulation under the

Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and the

Wetlands Protection Act. For more information

on rare species regulations, and to view Priority

and Estimated Habitat maps, please see the

Regulatory Review page at

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natur

al-heritage/regulatory-review/.

BioMap2 is a conservation planning tool that

does not, in any way, supplant the Estimated

and Priority Habitat Maps which have

regulatory significance. Unless and until the

BioMap2 vision is fully realized, we must

continue to protect our most imperiled species

and their habitats.

Species of Conservation Concern, beyond the

species and exemplary habitats described above,

BioMap2 identifies intact river corridors within

which important physical and ecological

processes of the river or stream occur.

Components of Critical Natural Landscape

Critical Natural Landscape identifies intact

landscapes in Massachusetts that are better able

to support ecological processes and disturbance

regimes, and a wide array of species and

habitats over long time frames.

Landscape Blocks

BioMap2 identifies the most intact large areas of

predominately natural vegetation, consisting of

contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and

ponds, as well as coastal habitats such as barrier

beaches and salt marshes.

Upland Buffers of Wetland and Aquatic

Cores

A variety of analyses were used to identify

protective upland buffers around wetlands and

rivers.

Upland Habitat to Support Coastal

Adaptation

BioMap2 identifies undeveloped lands adjacent

to and up to one and a half meters above

existing salt marshes as Critical Natural

Landscapes with high potential to support

inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal

habitats over the coming century.

The conservation areas identified by BioMap2

are based on breadth and depth of data,

scientific expertise, and understanding of

Massachusetts’ biodiversity. The numerous

sources of information and analyses used to

create Core Habitat and Critical Natural

Landscape are complementary, and outline a

comprehensive conservation vision for

Massachusetts, from rare species to intact

landscapes. In total, these robust analyses

define a suite of priority lands and waters that, if

permanently protected, will support

Massachusetts’ natural systems for generations

to come.

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/mass-endangered-species-act-mesa/

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/mass-endangered-species-act-mesa/

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIX/Chapter131A

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/laws-regulations/cmr/321-cmr-1000-massachusetts-endangered-species-act.html

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/endangered-species-and-the-wetlands-protection-act.html

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/regulations/310-cmr-10-00-wetlands-protection-act-regulations.html

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/regulatory-maps-priority-and-estimated-habitats/

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/regulatory-maps-priority-and-estimated-habitats/

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/regulatory-review/



BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Understanding Core Habitat Summaries

Following the Town Overview, there is a

descriptive summary of each Core Habitat and

Critical Natural Landscape that occurs in your

city or town. These summaries highlight some

of the outstanding characteristics of each Core

Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, and

will help you learn more about your city or

town’s biodiversity. You can find out more

information about many of these species and

natural communities by looking at specific fact

sheets at www.mass.gov/nhesp.

Additional Information

For copies of the full BioMap2 report, the

Technical Report, and an interactive mapping

tool, visit the BioMap2 website via the Land

Protection and Planning tab at

www.mass.gov/nhesp. If you have any

questions about this report, or if you need help

protecting land for biodiversity in your

community, the Natural Heritage & Endangered

Species Program staff looks forward to working

with you.

Contact the Natural Heritage & Endangered

Species Program

By phone 508-389-6360

By fax 508-389-7890

By email [email protected]

By Mail 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230

West Boylston, MA 01583

The GIS datalayers of BioMap2 are available for

download from MassGIS at

www.mass.gov/mgis.


http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/dfg/biomap2.htm

http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/dfg/biomap2.htm

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/land-protection-and-management/biomap2/


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mass.gov/mgis

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Town Overview

Dartmouth lies within the Bristol

Lowland/Narragansett Lowland Ecoregion, an area

of flat, gently rolling plains. Forests are mostly

central hardwoods and some elm-ash-red maple

and red and white pine. There are numerous

wetlands, some cropland/pasture, and many

cranberry bogs. Many rivers drain this area.

Dartmouth at a Glance Total Area: 39,653 acres (62.0 square miles)

Human Population in 2010: 34,032

Open space protected in perpetuity: 9,156

acres, or 23.1% percent of total area*

BioMap2 Core Habitat: 10,501 acres

BioMap2 Core Habitat Protected: 4,333 acres

or 41.3%

BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape: 20,323

acres

BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape

Protected: 7,061 acres or 34.7%.

BioMap2 Components

Core Habitat

19 Exemplary or Priority Natural Community

Cores

4 Forest Cores

21 Wetland Cores

17Aquatic Cores

33 Species of Conservation Concern Cores**

o 10 birds, 5 reptiles, 2 amphibians, 10

insects, 2 crustaceans, 14 plants

Critical Natural Landscape

5 Landscape Blocks

25 Wetland Core Buffers

13 Aquatic Core Buffers

24 Coastal Adaptation Areas

12 Tern Foraging Areas

* Calculated using MassGIS data layer “Protected

and Recreational Open Space—March, 2012”.

** See next pages for complete list of species,

natural communities and other biodiversity

elements.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape in Dartmouth

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Species of Conservation Concern, Priority and Exemplary Natural Communities,

and Other Elements of Biodiversity in Dartmouth

Crustaceans

American Clam Shrimp, (Limnadia lenticularis), SC

Coastal Swamp Amphipod, (Synurella chamberlaini), SC

Insects

Moths

Waxed Sallow Moth, (Chaetaglaea cerata), SC

Chain Dot Geometer, (Cingilia catenaria), SC

Pale Green Pinion Moth, (Lithophane viridipallens), SC

Spartina Borer, (Photedes inops), SC

Chain Fern Borer, (Papaipema stenocelis), T

Butterflies

Hessel's Hairstreak, (Callophrys hesseli), SC

Frosted Elfin, (Callophrys irus), SC

Damselflies

Attenuated Bluet, (Enallagma daeckii), T

Scarlet Bluet, (Enallagma pictum), T

New England Bluet, (Enallagma laterale), Non-listed SWAP species

Amphibians

Marbled Salamander, (Ambystoma opacum), T

Four-toed Salamander, (Hemidactylium scutatum), Non-listed SWAP

Reptiles

Diamond-backed Terrapin, (Malaclemys terrapin), T

Eastern Box Turtle, (Terrapene carolina), SC

Eastern Ribbon Snake, (Thamnophis sauritus), Non-listed SWAP

Northern Black Racer, (Coluber constrictor), Non-listed SWAP

Spotted Turtle, (Clemmys guttata), Non-listed SWAP

Birds

Grasshopper Sparrow, (Ammodramus savannarum), T

Piping Plover, (Charadrius melodus), T

Common Tern, (Sterna hirundo), SC

Least Bittern, (Ixobrychus exilis), E

Vesper Sparrow, (Pooecetes gramineus), T

King Rail, (Rallus elegans), T

Least Tern, (Sternula antillarum), SC

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, (Ammodramus caudactus), Non-listed SWAP

Seaside Sparrow, (Ammodramus maritimus), Non-listed SWAP

Sora, (Porzana carolina), Non-listed SWAP

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/limnadia-lenticularis.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/synurella-chamberlaini.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/chaetaglaea-cerata.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/cingilia-catenaria.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/lithophane-viridipallens.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/photedes-inops.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/papaipema-stenocelis.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/callophrys-hesseli.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/callophrys-irus.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/enallagma-daeckii.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/enallagma-pictum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/enallagma-laterale.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/ambystoma-opacum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/hemidactylium-scutatum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/malaclemys-terrapin.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/terrapene-carolina.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/ammodramus-savannarum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/charadrius-melodus.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/common-tern.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/ixobrychus-exilis.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/pooecetes-gramineus.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/rallus-elegans.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/sternula-antillarum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/porzana-carolina.pdf

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Plants

Bushy Rockrose, (Crocanthemum dumosum), SC

Tiny-fruited Spike-rush or Spike-sedge, (Eleocharis microcarpa var. filiculmis), E

Weak Rush, (Juncus debilis), E

New England Blazing Star, (Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae), SC

Rigid Flax, (Linum medium var. texanum), T

Gypsywort, (Lycopus rubellus), E

Philadelphia Panic-grass, (Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum), SC

Plymouth Gentian, (Sabatia kennedyana), SC

Sea Pink, (Sabatia stellaris), E

Long's Bulrush, (Scirpus longii), T

Bristly Foxtail, (Setaria parviflora), SC

Long-leaved Panic-grass, (Panicum rigidulum ssp. pubescens), T

Sea-beach Knotweed, (Polygonum glaucum), SC

Swamp Oats, (Sphenopholis pensylvanica), T

Priority Natural Communities

Coastal Interdunal Marsh/Swale, S1

Kettlehole Wet Meadow, S3

Maritime Dune Community, S2

Alluvial Red Maple Swamp, S3

Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, S2

Acidic Graminoid Fen, S3

Coastal Plain Pondshore, S2

Estuarine Intertidal: Coastal Salt Pond Marsh, S2

Estuarine Subtidal: Coastal Salt Pond, S2

Coastal Forest/Woodland, S3

Maritime Shrubland Community, S3

Oak - Holly Forest / Woodland, S1

Other BioMap2 Components

Forest Core

Aquatic Core

Wetland Core

Landscape Block

Aquatic Core Buffer

Wetland Core Buffer

Coastal Adaptation Area

Tern Foraging Area

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/crocanthemum-dumosum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/eleocharis-microcarpa-var-filiculmis.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/juncus-debilis.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/liatris-scariosa-var-novae-angliae.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/linum-medium-var-texanum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/lycrub.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/panicum-philadelphicum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/sabatia-kennedyana.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/sabste.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/scirpus-longii.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/setaria-parviflora.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/panicum-rigidulum-ssp-pubescens.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/polygonum-glaucum.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/sphenopholis-pensylvanica.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/alluvial-red-maple.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/atlantic-white-cedar-swamp.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/bogs-fens-nonforested-acidic-peatlands.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/coastal-plain-pondshore-commun.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/coastal-salt-pond-and-marsh.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/coastal-salt-pond-and-marsh.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/coastalforests2006.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/coastalforests2006.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/natural-communities-facts/maritime-oak-holly-forest-woodland-factsheet.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/forest-core.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/aquatic-core.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/wet-core.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/landscape-block.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/aquatic-core.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/wet-core.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/coastal.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/land-protection-and-management/speciesofcc.pdf

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


E = Endangered

T = Threatened

SC = Special Concern

S1 = Critically Imperiled communities, typically 5 or fewer documented sites or very few remaining

acres in the state.

S2 = Imperiled communities, typically 6-20 sites or few remaining acres in the state.

S3 = Vulnerable communities, typically have 21-100 sites or limited acreage across the state.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


BioMap2 Core Habitat in Dartmouth

Core IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Elements of BioMap2 Cores

This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Cores that fall entirely or partially within Dartmouth. The

elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Dartmouth.

Core 131

Species of Conservation Concern

Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum T

Core 132


Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum Non-listed SWAP

Core 133

Priority & Exemplary Natural Communities

Estuarine Intertidal: Coastal Salt Pond Marsh S2


Common Tern Sterna hirundo SC

Least Tern Sternula antillarum SC

Piping Plover Charadrius melodus T

Core 137



Core 138




Core 140

Wetland Core

Core 142

Wetland Core

Core 143

Aquatic Core


Long-leaved Panic-grass Panicum rigidulum ssp. pubescens T

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Core 145

Wetland Core

Core 148

Wetland Core

Aquatic Core


Acidic Graminoid Fen S3

Coastal Forest/Woodland S3

Coastal Interdunal Marsh/Swale S1

Estuarine Intertidal: Coastal Salt Pond Marsh S2

Estuarine Subtidal: Coastal Salt Pond S2

Kettlehole Wet Meadow S3

Maritime Dune Community S2

Maritime Shrubland Community S3

Oak - Holly Forest / Woodland S1


Bristly Foxtail Setaria parviflora SC

New England Blazing Star Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae SC

Sea Pink Sabatia stellaris E

Sea-beach Knotweed Polygonum glaucum SC

Coastal Swamp Amphipod Synurella chamberlaini SC

Chain Dot Geometer Cingilia catenaria SC

Pale Green Pinion Moth Lithophane viridipallens SC

Spartina Borer Moth Photedes inops SC

Waxed Sallow Moth Chaetaglaea cerata SC



Diamond-backed Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin T

Common Tern Sterna hirundo SC

Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum T

King Rail Rallus elegans T

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis E



Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudactus Non-listed SWAP

Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus Non-listed SWAP

Sora Porzana carolina Non-listed SWAP

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus T

Core 149

Wetland Core

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Core 152


Coastal Forest/Woodland S3

Core 156

Wetland Core

Core 157




Core 163

Wetland Core

Core 166

Wetland Core

Core 176

Wetland Core

Core 202

Wetland Core

Core 209

Forest Core

Wetland Core


Weak Rush Juncus debilis E

New England Bluet Enallagma laterale Non-listed SWAP

Core 217



Core 218

Aquatic Core


Coastal plain pondshore S2


Plymouth Gentian Sabatia kennedyana SC


BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Core 222



Core 226



Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor Non-listed SWAP

Core 229

Wetland Core

Aquatic Core


Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamp S2

Alluvial Red Maple Swamp S3


Bushy Rockrose Crocanthemum dumosum SC

Gypsywort Lycopus rubellus E


Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus Non-listed SWAP

Core 230

Aquatic Core




Core 240


Attenuated Bluet Enallagma daeckii T

Core 255

Aquatic Core



Tiny-fruited Spike-sedge Eleocharis microcarpa var. filiculmis E


Core 259

Aquatic Core


Forest Seep Community

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890



Swamp Oats Sphenopholis pensylvanica T

Core 281

Wetland Core

Aquatic Core


Acidic Graminoid Fen S3

Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamp S2

Alluvial Red Maple Swamp S3


Gypsywort Lycopus rubellus E


Long's Bulrush Scirpus longii T


Rigid Flax Linum medium var. texanum T

Tiny-fruited Spike-sedge Eleocharis microcarpa var. filiculmis E

Chain Fern Borer Moth Papaipema stenocelis T

Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus SC

Hessel's Hairstreak Callophrys hesseli SC

Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Non-listed SWAP

Core 286




Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina SC

Core 357

Forest Core

Wetland Core

Core 393

Forest Core

Wetland Core

Aquatic Core


Acidic Shrub Fen S3

Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp S2


American Clam Shrimp Limnadia lenticularis SC


Pale Green Pinion Moth Lithophane viridipallens SC

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890



Scarlet Bluet Enallagma pictum T


Core 550

Forest Core

Wetland Core

Aquatic Core

Vernal Pool Core


Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp S2

Forest Seep Community

Oak - Holly Forest / Woodland S1

Ridgetop Chestnut Oak Forest/Woodland

Sandplain Heathland S1


Climbing Fern Lygodium palmatum SC


Philadelphia Panic-grass Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum SC


Rigid Flax Linum medium var. texanum T



Barrens Buckmoth Hemileuca maia SC



Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina SC

Smooth Green Snake Opheodrys vernalis Non-listed SWAP

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Core Habitat Summaries

Core 131

A 91-acre Core Habitat featuring a Species of Conservation Concern.

Adult and juvenile Marbled Salamanders inhabit upland forests during most of the year, where they

reside in small-mammal burrows and other subsurface retreats. Adults migrate during late summer or

early fall to breed in dried portions of vernal pools, swamps, marshes, and other predominantly fish-free

wetlands. Eggs are deposited under logs, leaf-litter, or grass tussocks and hatch after being inundated by

fall rains. Larvae metamorphose during late spring, whereupon they disperse into upland forest.

Core 132


Four-toed Salamanders live in forested habitats surrounding swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools, and

other fish-free waters that are used as breeding sites. Most breeding sites in Massachusetts are

characterized by pit-and-mound topography with significant sphagnum-moss cover. Eggs are typically

laid in mounds or patches of sphagnum moss that overhang water. Upon hatching, the larvae wriggle

through the moss and drop into the water, where they will develop for several weeks prior to

metamorphosis.

Core 133

A 75-acre Core Habitat featuring a Priority Natural Community and Species of Conservation Concern.

Coastal Salt Pond Marshes are found along brackish Coastal Salt Ponds. The inland ends of the ponds

often have freshwater inputs, resulting in denser, taller vegetation. These uncommon communities are

made up primarily of graminoid plant species. This example of a Coastal Salt Pond Marsh is of moderate

quality, and exists within a degraded landscape.

The Common Tern is a small seabird that nests in colonies on sandy or gravelly islands and barrier

beaches, but also occurs on rocky or cobbly beaches and salt marshes. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans,

and flying insects in the open ocean, bays, tidal inlets, and between islands.

Diminutive yet feisty, the Least Tern is a spring and summer colonial nester on Massachusetts’ sandy

beaches. For nesting, it favors for sites with little or no vegetation. In Massachusetts, the Least Tern nests

on sandy or gravelly beaches periodically scoured by storm tides, resulting in sparse or no vegetation; it

also takes advantage of dredge spoils. Along the coast, the Least Tern forages in shallow-water habitats,

including bays, lagoons, estuaries, river and creek mouths, tidal marshes, and ponds.

Piping Plovers on the East Coast nest on sandy coastal beaches and relatively flat dunes with sparse

vegetation. They typically lay their eggs in the narrow area of land between the high tide line and the foot

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


of the coastal dunes. They can be particularly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, but the state's

population has responded very well to coordinated management.

Core 137







Core 138

A 58-acre Core Habitat featuring Species of Conservation Concern.

Diminutive yet feisty, the Least Tern is a spring and summer colonial nester on Massachusetts’ sandy

beaches. For nesting, it favors for sites with little or no vegetation. In Massachusetts, the Least Tern nests

on sandy or gravelly beaches periodically scoured by storm tides, resulting in sparse or no vegetation; it

also takes advantage of dredge spoils. Along the coast, the Least Tern forages in shallow-water habitats,

including bays, lagoons, estuaries, river and creek mouths, tidal marshes, and ponds.

Piping Plovers on the East Coast nest on sandy coastal beaches and relatively flat dunes with sparse

vegetation. They typically lay their eggs in the narrow area of land between the high tide line and the foot

of the coastal dunes. They can be particularly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, but the state's

population has responded very well to coordinated management.

Core 140

An 11-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core.

Wetland Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapes—those with

intact buffers and little fragmentation or other stressors associated with development. These wetlands are

most likely to support critical wetland functions (i.e., natural hydrologic conditions, diverse plant and

animal habitats, etc.) and are most likely to maintain these functions into the future.

This Wetland Core occurs on very low-elevation granite, one of the least common ecological settings for

Wetland Cores in the state.

Core 142

A 27-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core.



BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890






Core 143

A 7-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and a Species of Conservation Concern.

Aquatic Cores are intact river corridors within which important physical and ecological processes of the

river or stream occur. They delineate integrated and functional ecosystems for fish species and other

aquatic Species of Conservation Concern.

Long-leaved Panic-grass, a slender-stemmed perennial of the Grass family, grows in dense tufts. Habitats

include an open, peaty border of a small basin marsh, a very shallow fresh water pond, a seasonally wet,

peaty depression under powerlines, and a disturbed, former sand-extraction area that is seasonally

inundated by groundwater.

Core 145








Core 148

A 2,845-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Priority Natural Communities, and

Species of Conservation Concern.

Coastal Dartmouth, from the Coastal Salt Pond of Allens Pond to the estuaries of the Slocums and Little

Rivers, is a complex of freshwater, brackish, saltwater, and upland habitats supporting 21 rare and

uncommon species. Diamond-backed Terrapins breed along the edges of the salt marshes here, and

Arctic, Common, Least, and the federally Endangered Roseate Terns forage widely in these rich coastal

waters. Five rare and uncommon moths can be found in the coastal vegetation, including the globally

rare Spartina Borer Moth in the upper salt marshes.

Acidic Graminoid Fens are sedge- and sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands that experience some

groundwater and/or surface water flow but no calcareous seepage. Standing water is often present

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


throughout much of the growing season. This small example of Acidic Graminoid Fen is in fair condition,

with exotic invasive species present and little buffer to the surrounding dense development.

Coastal Forests are mixed deciduous communities, and are often shorter than forests further inland, but

taller than maritime forests. They may have dense shrubs and vines. This community is found in

sheltered areas along the coast. This Core has two examples of Coastal Forest Woodland including one

that is relatively small and has invasive exotic species, but also has good diversity of native species and is

well buffered by other coastal natural communities.

The Coastal Interdunal Marsh/Swale community is a graminoid- or shrub-dominated coastal community

that occurs in shallow depressions between sand dunes. They occur as part of a dune system, and the best

examples are complexes of numerous swales. This example of the Coastal/Interdunal Marsh/Swale

community is in good condition, and is well buffered within a naturally vegetated landscape.

Coastal Salt Pond Marshes are found along brackish Coastal Salt Ponds. The inland ends of the ponds

often have freshwater inputs, resulting in denser, taller vegetation. These uncommon communities are

made up primarily of graminoid plant species. This example of a Coastal Salt Pond Marsh is of moderate

quality, and lacks the characteristic diversity of the community type.

Coastal Salt Pond communities consist of vegetation surrounding, and in, coastal brackish ponds. These

ponds are usually separated from the ocean by a sandspit. Their salinity varies and is influenced by

opening and closing of the spit. This example of Coastal Salt Pond is in good condition and supports a

diversity of graminoid vegetation and shorebirds.

Kettlehole Wet Meadows are herbaceous communities found in glacial kettleholes in sandy soils with

seasonal water level changes. For most of the summer, they look like shallow ponds, but by late summer

they are covered by emergent vegetation. This Core has two small examples of a Kettlehole Wet Meadow

in good condition, despite the presence of exotic invasive species.

The Maritime Dune Community consists of patches of herbaceous plants interspersed with areas of bare

sand and shrubs. It occurs on windswept dunes within the salt spray zone, and often grades into

shrubland or woodlands on more sheltered back dunes. This example of Maritime Dune Community is

small and somewhat degraded by recreational use, but is found within a complex of coastal natural

communities that buffer it from the impacts of development.

Maritime Shrubland communities are dominated by patches of dense shrubs with scattered areas of more

open low growth or bare ground. These communities are coastal and receive salt spray during storms.

They occur on rocky headlands or behind dunes. This relatively large example of Maritime Shrubland is

found in a mosaic of coastal natural communities, and is in good condition with no exotic invasive

species. It is well buffered within a naturally vegetated area.

Oak-Holly Forest/Woodland or Maritime Oak-Holly Forest Communities are mixed deciduous/evergreen

forests within the coastal salt spray zone. Vegetation growth here is stunted by winds and salt spray,

resulting in short trees (less than 30 feet). This small example of Oak-Holly Forest has the classic species

diversity of its type, and is in good condition despite its proximity to heavily used coastal recreational

areas.

Wetlands Cores are the least disturbed wetlands in the state within undeveloped landscapes—those with


BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890







Core 149






Core 152

A 307-acre Core Habitat featuring a Priority Natural Community.

Coastal Forests are mixed deciduous communities, and are often shorter than forests further inland, but

taller than maritime forests. They may have dense shrubs and vines. This community is found in

sheltered areas along the coast. This large, young example of Coastal Forest is mixed with Red Maple

Swamp growing among stone walls on old agricultural fields.

Core 156






The 103-acre Wetland Core is among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide. It occurs on very low-

elevation granite, one of the least common ecological settings for Wetland Cores in the state.

Core 157






BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890



metamorphosis.






Core 163






Core 166






Core 176






Core 202






BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Core 209

A 1,152-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, and Species of Conservation Concern.

Forest Cores are the best examples of large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and

development. Forest Cores support many bird species sensitive to the impacts of roads and development

and help maintain ecological processes found only in unfragmented forest patches.





In Massachusetts, the Weak Rush has typically been found in open, unshaded habitat in seasonally wet,

sandy, peaty or mucky substrate along the coastal plain, especially boggy depressions that are inundated

in spring but may dry out later in the season.

New England Bluets are damselflies whose habitat includes coastal plain ponds, open water in swamps,

and other ponds and lakes. It occurs only in the northeastern United States and is most common from

eastern Massachusetts into Connecticut.

Core 217





Core 218

A 44-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, a Priority Natural Community, and Species of

Conservation Concern.




Coastal Plain Pondshores are globally rare herbaceous communities of exposed pondshores with a

distinct coastal plain flora. Water levels change with the water table, typically leaving an exposed

shoreline in late summer where many rare species grow. This example of Coastal Plain Pondshore is in

good to fair condition, and is not well buffered within the developed landscape.

Plymouth Gentian is a globally rare, showy perennial herb of the gentian family, with striking pink and

yellow flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It inhabits the sandy and peaty shorelines of coastal

plain ponds.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890





Core 222





Core 226







The Northern Black Racer is a snake of young upland forests, shrublands such as pitch pine/scrub oak

communities and rock cliffs. Although relatively common, its range appears to be constricting and its

abundance has been declining.

Core 229

A 1,432-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Priority Natural Communities, and






A 705-acre Wetland Core is among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide and in this ecoregion. A

separate 136-acre Wetland Core is also among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide.




Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamps occur along smaller rivers and ponds where Atlantic white cedar

is co-dominant with red maple. They receive annual flooding, making them more mineral-rich than other

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Atlantic white cedar wetlands. This example of an Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, though

extremely small, is in excellent condition and is very well buffered by natural vegetation.

Alluvial Red Maple Swamps are a type of red maple swamp that occurs in low areas along rivers and

streams. Regular flooding enriches the soil with nutrients, resulting in an unusual set of associated trees

and plants. This large example of Alluvial Red Maple Swamp has mature stands, is well buffered within

a larger wetland complex, and has no exotic invasive species.

Bushy Rockrose is a globally rare, bright yellow, perennial wildflower of coastal herbaceous grasslands

and heathlands.

Gypsywort, a perennial herb in the mint family, is most abundant on damp soils along streams in maple

swamps, marshy shores of ponds and lakes, seepage areas, and floodplain forests.






Eastern Ribbon Snakes are a medium-sized, very thin snake ranging from 7 to 34 inches long at maturity.

They are active during the day and live in wetlands and edges of open water being comfortable in water

and on land, eating amphibians, insects, and occasional fish. This species hibernates in ant mounds,

rodent burrows, crayfish burrows, and bank burrows.

Core 230

A 6-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern.











Core 240


BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Attenuated Bluets are small blue damselflies with exceptionally long abdomens. They inhabit a variety of

types of wetlands.

Core 255

A 355-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core and Species of Conservation Concern.






plain ponds.

The Tiny-fruited Spike-sedge can be found growing in open, acidic, often sandy, seasonally wet areas of

the coastal plain. It appears to be disturbance-adapted.


types of wetlands.

Core 259

A 40-acre Core Habitat featuring Aquatic Core, Priority Natural Communities, and a Species of

Conservation Concern.




Forest Seeps are in areas on wet slopes in hardwood forests where groundwater seeps out of the earth.

The overstory is similar to that of the surrounding forest, but many typical wetland ferns, herbs, and

shrubs occur as well. This example of Forest Seep is a variant dominated by Red Maple. It has good

species diversity but is very near a highway and a golf course, which negatively affect it.

Swamp Oats is a tufted perennial grass that grow in seepy openings within forested swamps and along

headlands where freshwater creeks flow into salt marshes.

Core 281

An 824-acre Core Habitat featuring Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Priority Natural Communities, and




BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890




The 151-acre Wetland Core is among the largest 20% of Wetland Cores statewide.




Acidic Graminoid Fens are sedge- and sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands that experience some

groundwater and/or surface water flow but no calcareous seepage. Standing water is often present

throughout much of the growing season. This example of Acidic Graminoid Fen, though small, is in

excellent condition, with good species and habitat diversity, and minimal impact from human

disturbances. It is well buffered by natural vegetation.

Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamps occur along smaller rivers and ponds where Atlantic white cedar

is co-dominant with red maple. They receive annual flooding, making them more mineral-rich than other

Atlantic white cedar wetlands. This relatively small example of Alluvial Atlantic White Cedar Swamp is

in good condition, but is not well buffered by natural vegetation in the landscape.

Alluvial Red Maple Swamps are a type of red maple swamp that occurs in low areas along rivers and

streams. Regular flooding enriches the soil with nutrients, resulting in an unusual set of associated trees

and plants. This example of Alluvial Red Maple Swamp is moderate sized and has high floral diversity.

Gypsywort, a perennial herb in the mint family, is most abundant on damp soils along streams in maple

swamps, marshy shores of ponds and lakes, seepage areas, and floodplain forests.





Long’s Bulrush is a globally rare, robust sedge of open peaty wetlands. In Massachusetts, Long’s Bulrush

is known to occur in acidic fen and wet meadow communities associated with rivers.



plain ponds.

In New England, Rigid Flax typically inhabits sparsely vegetated mineral soils of clearings, fields,

roadsides, and rights-of-way; soil moisture ranges from very dry to wet or seasonally flooded. It requires

periodic disturbance to reduce competition and shading by woody plants, and possibly to expose mineral

soil for improved germination and seedling establishment.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


The Tiny-fruited Spike-sedge can be found growing in open, acidic, often sandy, seasonally wet areas of

the coastal plain. It appears to be disturbance-adapted.

Chain Fern Borer moths inhabit coastal plain acidic wetlands (bogs, shrub swamps, etc.) with Virginia

chain fern (Woodwardia virginica). The larvae bore into and feed on the roots and stems of Virginia chain

fern.

The Frosted Elfin is a small lycaenid butterfly, inhabiting xeric and open, disturbance-dependent habitats

on sandy (occasionally rocky) soil, including grassy openings in pitch pine/scrub oak barrens and similar

anthropogenic habitats such as powerline cuts, railways, old sand/gravel pits, and airports.

Hessel's Hairstreak, a butterfly, is restricted to Atlantic White Cedar Swamps and Bogs, where the larvae

develop on new foliage of the Atlantic White Cedar trees.

Strong populations of Spotted Turtles in good habitat - large, unfragmented, protected open space -

continue to be of interest for the conservation of this species. This small, dark-colored turtle with yellow

spots on its carapace inhabits a variety of wetlands year-round and nests in nearby uplands during

spring. Road and collection are the primary conservation concerns.

Core 286

A 1,355-acre Core Habitat featuring Species of Conservation Concern.






metamorphosis.






The Eastern Box Turtle is a terrestrial turtle, inhabiting many dry and moist woodland and early

successional habitat. Development, roads, collection, and disease are the primary conservation concerns.

Core 357

A 1,318-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890









Core 393

A 2,523-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Priority Natural

Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern.











Acidic Shrub Fens are shrub-dominated acidic peatlands found primarily along pond margins in the

eastern and central part of the state. These wetland communities experience some groundwater and/or

surface water inputs, but no calcareous seepage. This example of Acidic Shrub Fen is of high quality and

is well buffered by a surrounding Atlantic White Cedar Swamp.

Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamps are acidic, low-nutrient basin swamps dominated by Atlantic

white cedar in the overstory and a mixture of species in the understory. This community type typically

occurs in basins on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This example of Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp is

exceptionally large and has excellent structural and species diversity.

The American Clam Shrimp is a small (about 1 cm or 1/2 in. long) crustacean that inhabits ephemeral

(vernal) pools. A carapace around the clam shrimp’s body parts resembles the shells of mollusks.

Coastal Swamp Amphipods are small (up to about 1 cm or about 1/2 in.), orange, green-tinged

crustaceans that looks like small, flat shrimp. They live in heavily vegetated, low-gradient outlet streams

flowing from freshwater coastal wetlands.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


The Pale Green Pinion Moth inhabits acidic, shrubby wetlands on the coastal plain. Adults fly on warm

nights in late fall, overwinter, and are active again in early spring.


types of wetlands.

Scarlet Bluets are small (just over an inch long) damselflies with red eyes and orange bodies. They inhabit

acidic sandy ponds with floating vegetation.






metamorphosis.

Core 550

A 12,771-acre Core Habitat featuring Forest Core, Wetland Core, Aquatic Core, Vernal Pool Core, Priority

Natural Communities, and Species of Conservation Concern.




This important 3,118-acre Forest Core is the largest in the ecoregion, is among the largest 20% of Forest

Cores statewide. A second 2,221-acre Forest Core is the fourth largest in the ecoregion and they are

together part of a nearly contiguous cluster of five Forest Cores. The larger Core is fully protected and

the second Core is largely protected, both by the Southeast MA bioreserve. They are part of an important

and intact eastern Massachusetts Landscape Block.








Vernal pools are small, seasonal wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat, especially for

amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. BioMap2 identifies the top 5 percent most

interconnected clusters of Potential Vernal Pools in the state.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamps are acidic, low-nutrient basin swamps dominated by Atlantic

white cedar in the overstory and a mixture of species in the understory. This community type typically

occurs in basins on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Two examples of Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

occur here that are relatively large, have good structural diversity, and are well buffered by naturally

vegetated land.

Forest Seeps are in areas on wet slopes in hardwood forests where groundwater seeps out of the earth.

The overstory is similar to that of the surrounding forest, but many typical wetland ferns, herbs, and

shrubs occur as well. Two examples of Forest Seep occur here, including one that is moderate-sized and

mature, with good structural and species diversity, and is well buffered by natural vegetation. It is also

free of human disturbances, including exotic species.

Oak-Holly Forest/Woodland or Maritime Oak-Holly Forest Communities are mixed deciduous/evergreen

forests within the coastal salt spray zone. Vegetation growth here is stunted by winds and salt spray,

resulting in short trees (less than 30 feet). This example of Oak-Holly Forest occurs within a mosaic of

other significant coastal natural communities, which are all somewhat degraded by recreational use and

development.

Ridgetop Chestnut Oak Forests are open forests of dry ridgetops, dominated by chestnut oak with an

often dense shrub understory. This community often occupies dry upland sites with thin soil over acidic

bedrock on ridges and slopes. This example of Ridgetop Chestnut Oak Forest is unusual in the southeast,

and has good species diversity and a good-sized buffer of natural vegetation.

Sandplain Heathlands are open, shrub dominated, coastal communities. They share many species with

Sandplain Grasslands, but also have many plants from the Heath family. They often have sparse clumps

of plants with bare soil or lichen between them. This small example of Sandplain Heathland was created

by regular mowing, which mimics the fire or grazing this uncommon community type requires to persist.

Climbing Fern does not have the characteristic overall shape of most ferns. Instead, it is an evergreen, ivy-

like plant which sprawls over the ground or climbs clockwise short distances up shrubs and coarse herbs.

Climbing Fern grows in moist pine-oak-maple woods with an open understory, in moist thickets, and

along stream margins. This plant prefers acidic soils that are sandy and rich in humus, but nutrient-poor.





Philadelphia Panic-grass, a member of the Grass family, is a slender, hairy, herbaceous, annual grass with

yellow-green leaves. Philadelphia Panic-grass subspecies philadelphicum grows primarily on sandy shores

of lakes and streams.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890




plain ponds.

In New England, Rigid Flax typically inhabits sparsely vegetated mineral soils of clearings, fields,

roadsides, and rights-of-way; soil moisture ranges from very dry to wet or seasonally flooded. It requires

periodic disturbance to reduce competition and shading by woody plants, and possibly to expose mineral

soil for improved germination and seedling establishment.




Coastal Swamp Amphipods are small (up to about 1 cm or about 1/2 in.), orange, green-tinged

crustaceans that looks like small, flat shrimp. They live in heavily vegetated, low-gradient outlet streams

flowing from freshwater coastal wetlands.

Barrens Buckmoths inhabit xeric, open habitats with extensive scrub oak thickets, especially sandplain

pitch pine–scrub oak barrens and maritime shrublands. The larval host plant is primarily scrub oak

(Quercus ilicifolia), very rarely other oaks; wandering late-instar larvae are occasionally found on other

hosts.






metamorphosis.






The Eastern Box Turtle is a terrestrial turtle, inhabiting many dry and moist woodland and early

successional habitat. Development, roads, collection, and disease are the primary conservation concerns.

A small to medium-sized snake, adult Smooth Green Snakes are 14-20 inches long with a uniform light

green back and yellow to white venter. The Smooth Green Snake is found in moist open or lightly

forested habitat where grasses and shrubs are abundant (edges of marshes, wet meadows, fields, and

forest edges or open forests, grasslands, blueberry barrens, pine barrens) and prefers to forage on the

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


ground with activity in the daytime. Smooth Green Snake overwinter in rodent burrows, ant mounds

and rock crevices, either singly or communally.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape in Dartmouth

Critical Natural Landscape IDs correspond with the following element lists and summaries.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes

This section lists all elements of BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscapes that fall entirely or partially within

Dartmouth. The elements listed here may not occur within the bounds of Dartmouth.

CNL 55


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 63


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 74


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 78


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 79


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 80

Tern Foraging Area


CNL 83

Landscape Block

Wetland Core Buffer

CNL 94


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 98


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 102


Tern Foraging Area

CNL 114

Aquatic Core Buffer

Wetland Core Buffer

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


CNL 120

Aquatic Core Buffer


Landscape Block

Tern Foraging Area

CNL 123

Aquatic Core Buffer

CNL 149

Aquatic Core Buffer

CNL 150

Aquatic Core Buffer

CNL 361

Aquatic Core Buffer

Landscape Block

Wetland Core Buffer

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


Critical Natural Landscape Summaries

CNL 55

A 92-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Coastal Adaptation Area and Tern Foraging Area.

The coastal habitats of Massachusetts are particularly vulnerable to potential sea-level rise in the next

century, which many estimates suggest is likely to exceed one meter. Therefore, in addition to prioritizing

current coastal habitats, the creators of BioMap2 examined the landward side of salt marshes to determine

where these habitats might move to as sea levels rise. Undeveloped lands adjacent to and up to one and a

half meters above existing salt marshes were identified, and included as Critical Natural Landscapes with

high potential to support inland migration of salt marsh and other coastal habitats over the coming

century.

Terns range widely from their breeding colonies to forage. While the breeding and staging areas for

Roseate, Arctic, Common, and Least Terns were included in the Species of Conservation Concern Core

Habitat for BioMap2, tern foraging areas were included in BioMap2 as part of Critical Natural Landscape.

The extent of foraging habitat for Arctic, Common, and Roseate Terns depends on the size of the breeding

colony. For Least Tern, all shallow marine and estuarine waters within 2 miles of recent colony sites and

up to 1 mile offshore were mapped as foraging habitat.

CNL 63








century.







CNL 74






BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890




century.







CNL 78








century.







CNL 79








century.







BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


CNL 80








century.







CNL 83

A 2,633-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Wetland Core Buffer and Landscape Block.

A variety of analyses were used to identify protective upland buffers around wetlands and rivers. One,

the variable width buffers methodology, included the most intact areas around each wetland and river,

by extending deeper into surrounding unfragmented habitats than into developed areas adjacent to each

wetland. Other upland buffers were identified through the rare species habitat analysis. In this way, the

conservation of wetland buffers will support the habitats and functionality of each wetland, and also

include adjacent uplands that are important for many species that move between habitat types.

Landscape Blocks, the primary component of Critical Natural Landscapes, are large areas of intact

predominately natural vegetation, consisting of contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as

well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes. Pastures and power-line rights-of-way,

which are less intensively altered than most developed areas, were also included since they provide

habitat and connectivity for many species. Collectively, these natural cover types total 3.6 million acres

across the state. An Ecological Integrity assessment was used to identify the most intact and least

fragmented areas. These large Landscape Blocks are most likely to maintain dynamic ecological processes

such as buffering, connectivity, natural disturbance, and hydrological regimes, all of which help to

support wide-ranging wildlife species and many other elements of biodiversity.

In order to identify critical Landscape Blocks in each ecoregion, different Ecological Integrity thresholds

were used to select the largest intact landscape patches in each ecoregion while avoiding altered habitat

as much as possible. This ecoregional representation accomplishes a key goal of BioMap2 to protect the

ecological stages that support a broad suite of biodiversity in the context of climate change. Blocks were

defined by major roads, and minimum size thresholds differed among ecoregions to ensure that BioMap2

includes the best of the best in each ecoregion.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


CNL 94








century.







CNL 98








century.







CNL 102








century.

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890








CNL 114

A 23-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer and Wetland Core Buffer.







CNL 120

A 24,306-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Landscape Block, Coastal

Adaptation Area, and Tern Foraging Area.






















At 8,218 acres, this Landscape Block is the fourth largest in the ecoregion. Unlike Landscape Blocks in

much of the state that are dominated by upland forests, this coastal Landscape Block includes both

BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


upland forest and a relatively high percentage of salt marsh, forested wetlands, beach, estuary and other

habitats. This Block is moderately well protected, by a variety of public and private entities.







century.







CNL 123

A 18-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer.







CNL 149








CNL 150








BioMap2


Natural Heritage

& Endangered

Species Program



phone: 508-389-6360 fax: 508-389-7890


CNL 361

A 38,292-acre Critical Natural Landscape featuring Aquatic Core Buffer, Wetland Core Buffer and

Landscape Block.






















At 38,087 acres, this Landscape Block is the largest in the ecoregion and the fourth largest Landscape

Block statewide. Unlike Landscape Blocks in much of the state that are dominated by upland forests, this

Block includes both upland forest and a relatively high percentage of forested wetlands and other

habitats. These large landscapes provide invaluable wildlife habitat and other ecosystem values such as

clean drinking water and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. This Block is moderately well protected

through the entities making up the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.

Help Save Endangered Wildlife!

Please contribute on your Massachusetts income tax form or directly to the

Natural Heritage &

Endangered Species Fund

To learn more about the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

and the Commonwealth’s rare species, visit our web site at www.mass.gov/nhesp.


conserving the biodiversity of massachusetts in a...

Documents