Laserfiche WebLink
function of channel topography, though broad transition zones can be found in more <br />gently sloping areas. <br />Wetland vegetation communities are comparatively simplistic in terms of diversity, <br />typically being dominated by a few hydric species. The tree stratum, where it occurs, is <br />dominated by narrow-leaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) and boxelder (Acer <br />negundo) at lower elevations. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the common tree of <br />wetlands occurring at higher elevations. Shrub species are essentially ubiquitous across <br />the majority of the wetlands associated with creeks and drainage channels, although some <br />small drainages located between narrowly spaced ridges do not support a shrub canopy. <br />' Dominant wetland shrubs include a variety of willows such as coyote willow (Salix <br />exigua) and plane-leaf willow (Salix planifolia), thinleaf alder (Alnus tenuifolia), and <br />red-osier dogwood (Comus stolomfera). Wetlands typically include a mix of these <br />' species although large, dense stands of willows or dogwood may be found in the more <br />gently sloping floodplains of the Dry Fork and Lick Creeks. <br />Herbaceous species occurring within these wetlands are variable and have become <br />established in direct response to soil/hydrologic conditions reflecting soil depth, water <br />holding capacity, and period of saturation. Along drainages where sandy soils and <br />' comparatively steep gradients predominate, few herbaceous species have become <br />established to any degree. Wetland shrubs are the primary community component. <br />Conversely, in more gently sloping drainages where soils have developed more fully and <br />organic matter has accumulated, herbaceous species such as cow parsnip (Heracleum <br />lanata), false Solomons-seal (Smilacina stellata), California false-helebore (Veratrim <br />californicum), northwest cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis), and a variety of sedge (Carex) <br />' and rush (Juncus) species have become established. <br />Seeps, Springs, and Stockponds - These three features are common across the project <br />' area. They are more common at higher elevations and may exhibit seasonal or perennial <br />flows. Recharge comes from direct precipitation or snowmelt infiltration. Seeps and <br />springs on steeper slopes typically support vegetation communities dominated by willows <br />' along with a variety of grasses and forbs. Seeps and springs on nearly level to moderate <br />terrain, particularly at higher elevations, support herbaceous communities dominated by <br />such species as California false-hellebore, streamside bluebells (Mertensia ciliata), and <br />' various sedge species. A wetland shrub component may be conspicuously lacking at the <br />higher elevations due in some cases to the dense, competitive herbaceous stratum. Aspen <br />typically provides a tree component where one exists, though this species is not a <br />consistent indicator of wetland seep or spring conditions. <br />Stockponds are man-made features which are filled either by flow from springs or <br />' overland runoff. Wetlands occurring in association with developed stockponds are <br />typically limited to a narrow bank fringe, though more extensive wetlands may develop <br />in the drainages leading to stock pond depressions. The wetland fringe is dominated <br />' primarily by spikerush (Eleocharis) and rush (Juncus) species. Other species such as <br />small-winged sedge (Carex microptera), clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis), <br />10