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Ecological site RX143X00Y230

Acidic Peat Wetland Complex

Last updated: 5/20/2025
Accessed: 10/19/2025

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General information

Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 143X–Northeastern Mountains

MLRA 143 is in Maine (51 percent), New York (27 percent), Vermont (13 percent), New Hampshire (7 percent), and Massachusetts (2 percent). It makes up about 34,409 square miles (89,118 square kilometers). The MLRA consists of rolling hills and mountains covered by Wisconsin till. It is in three parts separated by other MLRAs. The western part is in New York (primarily the Adirondack Mountains). The central part is mainly in the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. The eastern part is in New Hampshire and most of northern Maine. The MLRA is used mainly for forestry and recreational purposes. The western part of MLRA 143 in the Adirondack Mountains has a distinct boundary with the physiographical dissimilar Saint Lawrence-Champlain Plain. The middle part that encompasses the Green Mountains has a diffuse boundary as it blends into the northern part of the New England and Eastern New York Uplands on the foothills of the Green Mountains. The southern boundary of the easternmost part of MLRA 143 has the same diffuse boundary. The northern boundary of the MLRA is the Canadian border.

The westernmost part of this MLRA is primarily in the Adirondack province of the Appalachian Highlands. A small area in the southern end of the western part is in the Mohawk section of the Appalachian Plateaus province of the same division. The easternmost part, primarily in northern Maine, is in the New England Upland section of the New England province of the Appalachian Highlands. The southwestern half of this part is in the White Mountain section of the same province and division, and the middle part of the MLRA is in the Green Mountain section. The mountains and foothills in this MLRA are commonly rounded. They are underlain by bedrock and typically covered with thin deposits of till. The more rugged mountain areas are separated by high-gradient streams coursing through steep areas of colluvium or talus-laden valleys. Many glacially broadened valleys are filled with glacial outwash and have numerous swamps and lakes. The mountains and foothills are moderately steep to very steep, and the valleys are nearly level to sloping.

As the northernmost MLRA in the region with the coldest temperatures and shortest growing season, the Northeastern Mountains have less overall tree diversity, fewer pine and oak trees, and more abundant spruce and fir trees than neighboring MLRAs. The variability in microtopography on this site results in a patchy mosaic of plant communities. Silver maple is the most common overstory species, with diverse grasses and herbs indicating differences in soil wetness throughout the site due to slight variability in elevation above the water table. This site is subject to ice scour and flooding, but the most extensive disturbance is cultivation. These broad, flat landforms are nutrient rich with high water-holding capacity. These factors along with their adjacency to rivers made them ideal farming locations for early settlers, much of which continues today. The effects of altered flow regimes from modern dams may also be significant but require further study.

Classification relationships

This site occurs in Ecological Site Group 2 (Open Wetlands) of MLRA 143 (The Northeastern Mountains), in the Northeastern Forage and Forest Region (Land Resource Region R).

The Northeastern Forage and Forest LRR includes all of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, as well as large portions of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Its southern boundary marks the extent of the Wisconsin ice sheet, which engulfed the entire LRR as recently as 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. Erosional and depositional processes associated with glaciation created many of the topographic patterns that distinguish MLRAs within the Northeastern region. Harder granitic and metamorphic bedrock to the north were more resistant to glacial erosion, resulting in the relatively nutrient poor mountains of MLRA 143; whereas nutrient-rich sedimentary bedrock of MLRAs 139, 140, and 146 resulted in relatively flat, fertile landscapes ideal for cultivation. Other areas were depressed below sea-level by the sheer mass of the glacier, resulting in pockets of marine sediments which distinguish MLRAs 142, 144A, 144B, and 145.

Precipitation is sufficient to support productive forestland throughout the Northeastern region. Still, a latitudinal temperature gradient from mesic to frigid soil temperatures results in a general transition from central hardwoods and pine in the southern MLRAs to northern hardwoods and spruce-fir forests farther north (no true boreal forests exist in the region). Elevations are generally low throughout the Northeastern region, with the exception of MLRA 143 which has many high mountain ecosystems with cryic temperature regimes and alpine vegetation above the tree line.

Ecological site concept

This site occurs in flat, low-lying bogs and marshes on footslopes and toeslopes where large amounts of water accumulates for much of the year. Poorly-decomposed organic deposits (peats) are dominant with at least 40 inches (100 centimeters) of organics underlain by bedrock or mineral soils. These are typically very deep and very poorly drained peat soils where the pH is typically below 4.5 throughout (dysic reaction class).

The reference vegetation of this site is composed of variable natural communities of graminoids, forbs, heath shrubs, and mosses (dominantly Sphagnum spp.) that grow along slight changes in soil wetness. Changes in community structure and composition are based on changes in immediate and long-term shifts in hydrology and nutrient dynamics. Further study is required of this site in regards to the influence of hydrology on changes in soil and plant dynamics.

Associated sites

RX143X00Y220	Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex The Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex often surrounds the Acidic Peat Wetland Complex as it grades to higher areas of the watershed. It can be confused with similar species of mosses, but will have a higher percentage of graminoids and forbs.

RX143X00Y220

Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex

The Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex often surrounds the Acidic Peat Wetland Complex as it grades to higher areas of the watershed. It can be confused with similar species of mosses, but will have a higher percentage of graminoids and forbs.

Similar sites

RX143X00Y220	Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex The Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex is distinguished from the Acidic Peat Wetland Complex by soil pH greater than 4.5, which allows for more overall species diversity, including such common species and cinnamon fern and three-seeded sedge rather than pitcher plants and sundews.

RX143X00Y220

Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex

The Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex is distinguished from the Acidic Peat Wetland Complex by soil pH greater than 4.5, which allows for more overall species diversity, including such common species and cinnamon fern and three-seeded sedge rather than pitcher plants and sundews.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Picea mariana
Shrub	(1) Vaccinium macrocarpon (2) Chamaedaphne calyculata
Herbaceous	(1) Sphagnum rubellum (2) Eriophorum

Legacy ID

F143XY230ME

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Physiographic features

This ecological site and its associated plant communities occur in freshwater bogs, marshes, and swamps on footslopes and toeslopes of mountains, where large amounts of water collect, creating hydric conditions and supporting organic matter accumulation. Slope shape will often range from concave to linear, depending on localized landform, all sites reflecting a seasonal high-water table of 0 to 6 inches (0 to 15 centimeters). In the most ombrotrophic conditions, peat accumulation may raise the soil surface to where it is convex in shape (known locally as raised bogs), only obtaining water from rainfall.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Hillslope profile	(1) Footslope (2) Toeslope
Slope shape across	(1) Concave (2) Linear
Slope shape up-down	(1) Concave (2) Linear
Landforms	(1) Bog (2) Swamp (3) Marsh
Runoff class	Medium to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding duration	Long (7 to 30 days) to very long (more than 30 days)
Ponding frequency	Occasional to frequent
Elevation	10 – 3,000 ft
Slope	2%
Ponding depth	15 in
Water table depth	6 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

As the northernmost MLRA in the region, this site experiences frigid and snowy winters, warm rainy summers, and a relatively short five to six month growing season. Precipitation is considerably constant from month to month; however, areas of higher elevations may receive up to double the annual precipitation of the lower elevations and have a three to four month growing season with extremely cold winters.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	77-98 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	115-121 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	42-46 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	72-101 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	113-129 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	41-46 in
Frost-free period (average)	85 days
Freeze-free period (average)	119 days
Precipitation total (average)	44 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) NEWCOMB [USC00305714], Newcomb, NY
(2) LAKE PLACID 2 S [USC00304555], Lake Placid, NY
(3) SPRINGFIELD [USC00178353], Springfield, ME
(4) WANAKENA RNGR SCHOOL [USC00308944], Colton, NY
(5) FIRST CONNECTICUT LAKE [USC00272999], Pittsburg, NH

Influencing water features

Large amounts of water saturate the soils of this site throughout much of the year and will be occasional to frequently ponded, with depths ranging up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). The acidic pH of these Sphagnum dominant bogs is an intrinsic feature of this site, occurring through Sphagnum’s ability to acidify the bog habitat by taking up cations and releasing hydrogen ions into the surrounding water (Johnson 1985; Gotelli et al. 2008). The extended hydroperiods and acidic pH of these sites will often limit tree growth to a few scattered, stunted individuals and instead favor the growth of sphagnum mosses, heath shrubs, and other bog vegetation.

Wetland description

Classification System: Cowardin
System: Palustrine
Subsystem: NA
Class: Moss-Lichen Wetland
Subclass: Moss

Soil features

Soils are dominantly very poorly drained organic peat soils. Typical soils will be very deep with at least 40 inches (100 centimeters) of organic deposits and may be underlain by mineral soils of glaciofluvial, glaciolacustrine, or till deposits. Underlying geology of these sites typically consists of acidic to weakly calcareous bedrock. Soil pH of the particle control section is expected to be less than 4.5, classifying all peaty or mucky peaty soil series associated to this site with a dysic reaction. These soils will be close to permanently saturated, with the absence of water table fluctuation inhibiting organic matter decomposition, resulting in peat accumulation.

Representative soils include the Burnt Vly (Terric Haplosaprists), Dawson (Terric Haplosaprists), Greenwood (Typic Haplohemists), Loxely (Typic Haplosaprists), Pleasant Lake (Typic Haplosaprists), and Vassalboro (Typic Haplofibrists) series. Other soils may be present that support this type of vegetation, but vegetation community dynamics can also be driven by abiotic influences (groundwater seepage, landscape position, etc.) rather than soils.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Organic material (2) Woody organic material
Surface texture	(1) Peat
Drainage class	Very poorly drained
Permeability class	Moderate
Soil depth	40 – 80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	11.5 – 22.6 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	3.6 – 4.5
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in)	7%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in)	1%

Table 5. Representative soil features (actual values)

Drainage class	Not specified
Permeability class	Not specified
Soil depth	Not specified
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	24 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	3.6 – 6.2
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in)	10%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in)	2%

Ecological dynamics

[Caveat: The vegetation information contained in this section and is only provisional, based on concepts, and future projects support validation through field work. *] The vegetation groupings described in this section are based on the terrestrial ecological system classification and vegetation associations developed by NatureServe (Comer et al., 2003) and localized associations provided by the New York Natural Heritage Program (Edinger et al., 2014), Maine Natural Areas Program (Gawler and Cutko, 2010), New Hampshire Natural Heritage Program (Sperduto and Nichols, 2011), and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Swain, 2020).

The Acidic Peat Wetland Complex ecological site includes many different wetland communities dominated by complex community mosaics in which diverse sphagnum mosses, heath shrubs, grasses, and other bog species grow differently along slight changes in soil wetness and pH. Sphagnum mosses will be the dominant foundation and groundcover of these systems, becoming the main component of the peat soil when it dies, with new sphagnum growing on top of it building up the soil surface (Hemond 1977). Dwarf shrubs, forbs, facultative wetland trees and tall shrubs will grow in conjunction with the sphagnum, adding herbaceous and woody litter to the ground surface in different states and phases. The following State and Transition Model (STM) is broken into separate states and phases based on dominant functional groups, correlating closely with associated hydrology, nutrient levels, and soil pH of a site. These communities will often form a complex mosaic not only with other states or phases within this ESD, but with other open and wooded wetland ESDs as well. Further study of the relationship between specific soils and plant communities is required.

These peatlands are fed by ground or surface water that is moderately enriched with dissolved minerals, resulting in localized pH being semi-acidic to slightly neutral. The consistently wet soils which commonly have water at or slightly above the soil surface perpetuate the accumulation of organic matter, resulting in the deep organic mats. The absence of organic matter decomposition, a result of extremely waterlogged conditions, will often make the relative density of these bogs more buoyant than the water, forming floating mats of vegetation.

These areas have very slow growth rates due to the nutrient poor environment, which can result in slow recovery from physical disturbances. This vegetation is highly sensitive and extremely susceptible to trampling, which can result in localized areas of ponding and degraded land. If traversing these areas is necessary, boardwalks or utilization during the winter months is recommended.

These areas are threatened by alterations in the quantity and quality of the associated groundwater. Impoundment or drainage of these areas has yet to be observed but would likely have negative impacts on hydrology and vegetation.

Fire is not a known disturbance in these communities due to the consistent saturation of the soils.

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Poor Fens

2. Dwarf Shrub Bogs

3. Tall Shrub Thickets

4. Increased Long-Term Hydrology

T1A	-	Organic matter accumulation over time, colonization of native ericaceous shrubs [creation of ombrotrophic conditions] (decadal/ century scale)
T1B	-	Decrease in long-term hydroperiods, peat decomposition, woody shrub proliferation
T1C	-	Lowering of soil surface below permanent water surface
T2A	-	Site enrichment via long term changes through surface or subsurface water quality (decadal scale)
T2B	-	Decrease in long-term hydroperiods, peat decomposition, woody shrub proliferation
T2C	-	Lowering of soil surface below permanent water surface
R4A	-	Organic matter accumulation over time, colonization of native bog mosses [creation of acidic conditions] (decadal/ century scale)

State 1
Poor Fens

These are open peatlands dominated by a nearly continuous cover of bryophytes (greater than 75 percent), often identified as Sphagnum moss. Dwarf shrubs will be sparse to absent (less than 25 percent cover) and often less than 3 feet (1 meter) in height. Graminoids and forbs can be locally abundant but typically sparse (up to or greater than 40 percent cover locally but most often less than 25 percent cover). Trees and tall shrubs will often be sparse to absent (less than 25 percent cover) and will often be stunted and scattered individuals. This state will often form complex mosaics with other states and can be distinguished by the dominance of Sphagnum and receival of mineral enrichment from groundwater seepage or open water associations. More study is required to determine if these states or communities may transition between one another. Within the Northeast US, this state correlates to Maine’s “Mossy Bog Mat” concept (Gawler and Cutko 2010), New Hampshire’s “Mud-Bottoms, Open Moss Lawns, and Flarks” community group [specific NH community types are assigned to specific phases] (Sperduto and Nichols 2012), New York’s “Inland Poor Fen” concept (Edinger et al. 2014) and Vermont’s “Poor Fens” concept (Thompson, Sorenson, and Zaino 2019). Communities of this state will also correlate to LandFires’ “Eastern Boreal – Sub-Boreal Acidic Basic Fen” concept (CES201.583). The various community phases included in this state will be related to different NatureServe community types and will differentiate from other Sphagnum-based peatland vegetation types by the very low abundance of vascular plants.

Dominant plant species

small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
mud sedge (Carex limosa), grass
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
fewseed sedge (Carex oligosperma), grass
coastal sedge (Carex exilis), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum rubellum), other herbaceous
toothed sphagnum (Sphagnum cuspidatum), other herbaceous
Torrey's sphagnum (Sphagnum torreyanum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum pulchrum), other herbaceous
(Odontoschisma), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Oligotrophic Peatland Moss Lawn

These are Sphagnum dominated lawns with floating or grounded peat mats in oligotrophic settings (kettleholes, basins, etc.) that are isolated from upland runoff or open water. Sphagnum moss is the dominant bryoid and forms a continuous carpet (often greater than 95 percent total cover). Forbs are typically sparse. Dwarf-shrubs will be present in small amounts (typically less than 25 percent cover). Trees are generally absent but may occur as scattered stunted individuals. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Sphagnum rubellum - Vaccinium oxycoccos Fen’ Alliance (CEGL006135).

Dominant plant species

small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), shrub
bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), shrub
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), shrub
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
brownfruit rush (Juncus pelocarpus), grass
northern yelloweyed grass (Xyris montana), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum rubellum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
purple pitcherplant (Sarracenia purpurea), other herbaceous
roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), other herbaceous
spoonleaf sundew (Drosera intermedia), other herbaceous

Community 1.2
Peatland Moss Lawn / Mud Bottoms

These are Sphagnum dominated lawns with a sparse vascular component found in wet bog hollows that form as floating mats over open water, in kettleholes, or around secondary pools on raised bogs. Sphagnum is dominant bryophyte, with vascular plants making up less than 25 percent cover. Shrubs will be almost completely absent, with stunted heath shrubs (less than 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall) present. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Sphagnum (cuspidatum, torreyanum) - Vaccinium macrocarpon Fen’ Alliance (CEGL006394).

Dominant plant species

cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), shrub
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
toothed sphagnum (Sphagnum cuspidatum), other herbaceous
Torrey's sphagnum (Sphagnum torreyanum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), other herbaceous
spoonleaf sundew (Drosera intermedia), other herbaceous

Community 1.3
Sedge – Bryophyte Lawn & Mud-bottom Acidic Fen

These are sedge and Sphagnum dominated lawns that occur in the very wet (and unstable) portions of peatlands. These are weakly minerotropic and can occur in the margins around raised peatlands, but in most cases forms soggy lawns or mud-bottoms. The community is dominated by a continuous layer of bryophytes with variable cover of sedges (often over 40% cover, but <25% cover in places). Low heath shrubs may be scattered; tall shrubs and trees are absent. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Carex limosa - Rhynchospora alba / Sphagnum pulchrum - Odontoschisma sp. Fen’ Alliance (CEGL006522).

Dominant plant species

bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
mud sedge (Carex limosa), grass
silvery sedge (Carex canescens), grass
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
toothed sphagnum (Sphagnum cuspidatum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fallax), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum majus), other herbaceous
papillose sphagnum (Sphagnum papillosum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum pulchrum), other herbaceous
(Odontoschisma), other herbaceous
buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), other herbaceous
rannoch-rush (Scheuchzeria palustris), other herbaceous
spoonleaf sundew (Drosera intermedia), other herbaceous
roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), other herbaceous
purple pitcherplant (Sarracenia purpurea), other herbaceous
bog goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa), other herbaceous
horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta), other herbaceous

Community 1.4
Few-seed Sedge – Leatherleaf Fen

These are sedge – shrub lawns in weakly minerotropic peatlands. The vegetation is dominated by low to mid-sized sedges mixed with dwarf ericaceous shrubs, with sedges usually more abundant. Trees and tall shrubs are sparse or absent. The bryophyte layer is continuous and will consist primarily of Sphagnum species. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Carex (oligosperma, exilis) - Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrub Acidic Peatland’ Alliance (CEGL006524).

Dominant plant species

leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), shrub
bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), shrub
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
sweetgale (Myrica gale), shrub
small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), shrub
fewseed sedge (Carex oligosperma), grass
coastal sedge (Carex exilis), grass
Michaux's sedge (Carex michauxiana), grass
Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utriculata), grass
creeping sedge (Carex chordorrhiza), grass
cottongrass (Eriophorum), grass
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
tufted bulrush (Trichophorum cespitosum), grass
rannoch-rush (Scheuchzeria palustris), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum angustifolium), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fallax), other herbaceous
Magellan's sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum), other herbaceous
papillose sphagnum (Sphagnum papillosum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum pulchrum), other herbaceous
recurved sphagnum (Sphagnum recurvum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum rubellum), other herbaceous
bog aster (Oclemena nemoralis), other herbaceous
spoonleaf sundew (Drosera intermedia), other herbaceous
roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), other herbaceous
snakemouth orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides), other herbaceous
gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), other herbaceous
threeleaf false lily of the valley (Maianthemum trifolium), other herbaceous

State 2
Dwarf Shrub Bogs

These are open peatlands dominated by a nearly continuous cover of bryophytes (greater than 75 percent), often identified as Sphagnum moss. Dwarf shrubs (<3 feet [1meter]) will be abundant to dominant and can form a dense, low woody layer, with tall shrubs and trees being sparse to absent (less than 25 percent cover). Graminoids and forbs will often be sparse (less than 25 percent cover) and will occur primarily on hummocks and microhighs, unless specially adapted to the acidic waterlogged conditions. This state will often form complex mosaics with other states and can be distinguished by the dominance of Sphagnum and dwarf shrubs in ombrotrophic settings, receiving water and nutrients solely from precipitation. Within the Northeast US, this state correlates to Maine’s “Leatherleaf Bog” & “Dwarf Shrub Bog” concepts (Gawler and Cutko 2010), New Hampshire’s “Dwarf- and Medium- Shrub Bogs and Poor Fens” community group [specific NH community types are assigned to specific phases] (Sperduto and Nichols 2012), New York’s “Patterned Peatland” & “Dwarf Shrub Bog” concepts (Edinger et al. 2014) and Vermont’s “Dwarf Shrub Bog” concept (Thompson, Sorenson, and Zaino 2019). Communities of this state will also correlate to LandFires’ “Eastern Boreal – Sub-Boreal Bog” concept (CES103.581). The various community phases included in this state will be related to different NatureServe community types and will differentiate from other dwarf shrub bog types by changes in localized physiographic setting, with some phases more ombrotrophic than its counterparts.

Dominant plant species

black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), shrub
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
cup lichen (Cladonia), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fuscum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum rubellum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Raised Dwarf-Shrub Bog

These are raised dwarf-shrublands that form a fairly uniform layer 0.3 to 0.6 meters in height over a bryoid layer that is nearly continuous. Graminoids and forbs are sparse, consisting of less than 25 percent cover. Trees and tall shrubs are often absent but stunted if present. These bogs will occur in ombrotrophic settings, with peat accumulation causing plant growth to be raised above the water table, obtaining al nutrients from precipitation and deposition. The presence of Kalmia angustifolia compared to Chamaedaphne as well as the presence of a raised beg setting can be used to distinguish this community from others. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata - (Picea mariana) / Cladonia spp. Acidic Peatland’ Alliance (CEGL006225).

Dominant plant species

black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), shrub
bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), shrub
rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), shrub
lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), shrub
small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum), grass
threeseeded sedge (Carex trisperma), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum fuscum), other herbaceous
Magellan's sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum capillifolium), other herbaceous
polytrichum moss (Polytrichum strictum), other herbaceous
greygreen reindeer lichen (Cladina rangiferina), other herbaceous
reindeer lichen (Cladina mitis), other herbaceous
cup lichen (Cladonia crispata), other herbaceous
British soldier lichen (Cladonia cristatella), other herbaceous
cup lichen (Cladonia verruculosa), other herbaceous
cup lichen (Cladonia uncialis), other herbaceous
purple pitcherplant (Sarracenia purpurea), other herbaceous
roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), other herbaceous
tuberous grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus), other herbaceous

Community 2.2
Rhodora – Leatherleaf Dwarf-Shrub Bog

These are dwarf-shrublands that form a fairly uniform layer 0.5 to 0.8 meters in height over a bryoid layer that is nearly continuous. Graminoids and forbs are sparse. Trees and tall shrubs are often absent. These bogs will occur in oligotrophic to weakly minerotropic conditions and can be present on the side slopes of a raised bog formation or along the margins of water tracks. This phase will be intermediate in nutrient status and wetness between the drier ombrotrophic dwarf shrub bog (Phase 2.1) and the wetter fen association (Phase 2.3). The presence of Rhododendron canadense (and sometimes Myrica gale or Carex stricta) in an otherwise typical raised dwarf-shrub bog community is diagnostic. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Acidic Peatland’ Alliance (CEGL006514).

Dominant plant species

leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), shrub
sweetgale (Myrica gale), shrub
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), shrub
bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), shrub
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum), grass
fewflower sedge (Carex pauciflora), grass
Magellan's sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum), other herbaceous
recurved sphagnum (Sphagnum recurvum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum capillifolium), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fuscum), other herbaceous
sundew (Drosera), other herbaceous

Community 2.3
Leatherleaf Acidic Fens

These are dwarf-shrublands of variable cover over a bryophyte carpet, with the former typically with 40 to 80 percent cover and the latter being essentially continuous. Trees and tall shrubs will often be absent to sparse, occurring as stunted and scattered individuals (less than 25 percent). These will occur as floating or quaking mats in peat-accumulating basins that are either closed or have very restricted water movement. While representative of the dwarf-shrub bogs in vegetation, these will often classify as fens since they are in contact with groundwater. This phase will be wetter in status and higher in nutrients than the dwarf shrub bog type of intermediate nutrient status and wetness (Phase 2.2) and the more ombrotrophic association (Phase 2.1). Diagnostic characteristics include the dominance of Chamaedaphne calyculata and presence of Vaccinium oxycoccos in a setting that is not a raised bog, with lower abundance of graminoids than shrubs, and without species of somewhat southerly affinity such as Decodon verticillatus and Peltandra virginica. These are slightly ombrotrophic and more minerotropic. This community correlates with NatureServes ‘Chamaedaphne calyculata / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum rubellum Acidic Peatland’ Alliance (CEGL006513).

Dominant plant species

leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla), shrub
sweetgale (Myrica gale), shrub
bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), shrub
bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), shrub
sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), shrub
black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), shrub
maleberry (Lyonia ligustrina), shrub
small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), shrub
tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum), grass
tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), grass
white beaksedge (Rhynchospora alba), grass
tall cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), grass
fewseed sedge (Carex oligosperma), grass
Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utriculata), grass
fewflower sedge (Carex pauciflora), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum rubellum), other herbaceous
Magellan's sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fallax), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum angustifolium), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous

State 3
Tall Shrub Thickets

These are tall shrub thickets (3 to 10 feet [1 to 3 meters]) dominated primarily by dense growth of alder (Alnus spp.) or other non-dwarf shrub species (minimum of 50 percent canopy cover]). The understory will often be well developed and consist primarily of sphagnum mosses and dwarf and heath shrubs but may decrease in cover as canopy density increases. Trees will be sparse to absent and typically have less than 25 percent cover. This state will often form complex mosaics with other states and ecological sites but can be distinguished by the dominance of tall shrubs on deep, acidic peatlands. More study is required to determine if this state can be split into its own deep peat woodland site. Within the Northeast US, this state correlates to Maine’s “Alder Thicket” concept (Gawler and Cutko 2010), New Hampshire’s “Speckled alder wooded fen” and “Highbush blueberry – sweet gale – meadowsweet shrub thicket” concepts (Sperduto and Nichols 2012), New York’s “Shrub Swamp” concept (Edinger et al. 2014) and Vermont’s “Alder Peatland” concept (Thompson, Sorenson, and Zaino 2019). The community phase included in this state is most often at the landward edge of acidic peat mats (i.e. the lagg), where it received slightly more enriched water than those of the adjacent oligotrophic or ombrotrophic associates, or in areas of decreased hydrology.

Dominant plant species

black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
tamarack (Larix laricina), tree
speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), shrub
common winterberry (Ilex verticillata), shrub
catberry (Ilex mucronata), shrub
green alder (Alnus viridis), shrub
withe-rod (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), shrub
highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), shrub
steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa), shrub
sedge (Carex), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous

Community 3.1
Tall Shrub Thickets

This phase describes alder-dominated peatlands in which there is at least 50 percent cover of tall shrubs. Trees will be absent to sparse (less than 25 percent cover), with stunted scattered individuals of black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larinx laricina) present. The ground cover will be primarily bryophytes and dwarf shrubs, with at least 50 percent cover decreasing as canopy cover and herbaceous litter cover increases. In more acidic settings alder may become less dominant and will be replaced with sweet gale, meadowsweet, and various other tall shrubs such as highbush blueberry and winterberry.

Dominant plant species

black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
tamarack (Larix laricina), tree
speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), shrub
common winterberry (Ilex verticillata), shrub
catberry (Ilex mucronata), shrub
green alder (Alnus viridis), shrub
withe-rod (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), shrub
highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), shrub
white meadowsweet (Spiraea alba), shrub
rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), shrub
leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), shrub
redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), shrub
threeseeded sedge (Carex trisperma var. trisperma), grass
silvery sedge (Carex canescens), grass
star sedge (Carex echinata), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
Girgensohn's sphagnum (Sphagnum girgensohnii), other herbaceous
recurved sphagnum (Sphagnum recurvum), other herbaceous
prairie sphagnum (Sphagnum palustre), other herbaceous
sphagnum (Sphagnum fallax), other herbaceous
Magellan's sphagnum (Sphagnum magellanicum), other herbaceous

State 4
Increased Long-Term Hydrology

This phase describes the impact of increased hydroperiods the results in a permanently inundated condition. These sites are slow to recovery when physically altered and can persist for extended periods of time.

Community 4.1
Open Water

This community describes a localized area in which standing water is present in a once dominant peatland for most or all of the year as a result of physical activity and disturbance.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This can be the result of organic matter accumulation over time, which can occur on the decadal scale. Colonization of native mosses, graminoids, and dwarf-shrubs will attribute to the buildup of the peatland soil surface and can create ombrotrophic conditions suitable for the dominance of dwarf shrub bogs.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

This can be a result of decreases in the long-term hydroperiods of a site in which the seasonal high-water table is lowered and tall woody shrubs can proliferate. A lowered water table and seasonal fluctuations will allow for the peat to begin to decompose to muck, resulting in more mucky peat where woody shrubs roots can survive. Such a transition may be the result of anthropogenic drainage or can be natural (such as from beaver dam removal).

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

This can be a result of physical alterations to the soil surface, such as physical trampling or excavation, that can compress the low-density peat lower than the surrounding water table, reflecting an area of open water. This can also be the result of anthropogenic or natural damming of a surrounding system, in which water inflow to the site in increased.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 1

This can be a result of the site enrichment via long term changes through surface or subsurface water quality. This may or may not occur and may occur on a decadal scale. The ombrotrophic dwarf shrub bog will need to become minerotropic, which may occur through an increase in long-term hydrology of surface or subsurface water flow.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 3

Transition T2C
State 2 to 4

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1

This can be the result of organic matter accumulation over time, which can occur on the decadal scale. Colonization of native mosses, graminoids, and shrubs will attribute to the buildup of the peatland soil surface and can reflect the native community types over time. As Sphagnum mosses establish themselves and become dominant, through the release of organic acids it will acidify the surrounding environment and create conditions less favorable to other plats and promote its own growth. Timing of natural succession of these peatlands will vary across many environmental factors including pH, localized and climatic hydrologic inputs, nutrient status, and remaining vegetative cover.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Future work is needed, as described in a future project plan, to validate the information presented in this provisional ecological site description. Future work includes field sampling, data collection and analysis by qualified ecologists and soil scientists. As warranted, annual reviews of the project plan can be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD are necessary to approve a final document.

Other references

Comer, P., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Evans, S. Grawler, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, M. Pyne, M. Reid, K. Schultz, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2003. Ecological Systems of the United States: A Working Classification of U.S. Terrestrial Systems. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia

Davis, R. B., & Anderson, D. S. (2001). Classification and distribution of freshwater peatlands in Maine. Northeastern Naturalist, 8(1), 1-50.

Edinger, G. J., D. J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T. G. Howard, D. M. Hunt, and A. M. Olivero (editors). 2014. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition of Carol Reschke’s Ecological Communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.

Gawler, S. and A. Cutko. 2010. Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Department of Conservation, Augusta, Maine.

Gotelli, N. J., Mouser, P. J., Hudman, S. P., Morales, S. E., Ross, D. S., & Ellison, A. M. (2008). Geographic variation in nutrient availability, stoichiometry, and metal concentrations of plants and pore-water in ombrotrophic bogs in New England, USA. Wetlands, 28, 827-840.

Hemond, H. F. (1977). Biogeochemistry of a New England Sphagnum bog (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Johnson, C. W. (1985). Bogs of the Northeast. UPNE.

NatureServe. 2021. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. https://explorer.natureserve.org/. (accessed 10 July. 2021).

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. (accessed 11 Aug. 2021).

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Climate Research Station Data. Available online. (accessed 23 June. 2021).

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for [MLRA 141, Maine]. Available online. (accessed 14 Oct. 2021).

Sperduto, D.D. and William F. Nichols. 2011. Natural Communities of New Hampshire. 2nd Ed. NH Natural Heritage Bureau, Concord, NH. Pub. UNH Cooperative Extension, Durham, NH.

Swain, P. C. 2020. Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA

USNVC [United States National Vegetation Classification]. 2017. United States National Vegetation Classification Database V2.01. Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee, Washington DC. Available The U.S. National Vegetation Classification (usnvc.org) (accessed 2 July. 2021).

Contributors

Jack Ferrara, Revisions 2025
Christopher Mann, Revisions 2022
Jamin Johanson, Original Author 2016

Approval

Greg Schmidt, 5/20/2025

Acknowledgments

Nels Barrett, Nick Butler, and Carl Bickford provided considerable review of this ecological site concept.

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	04/03/2025
Approved by	Greg Schmidt
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

Download reference sheet

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Ecosystem states

1. Poor Fens

2. Dwarf Shrub Bogs

3. Tall Shrub Thickets

4. Increased Long-Term Hydrology

T1A	-	Organic matter accumulation over time, colonization of native ericaceous shrubs [creation of ombrotrophic conditions] (decadal/ century scale)
T1B	-	Decrease in long-term hydroperiods, peat decomposition, woody shrub proliferation
T1C	-	Lowering of soil surface below permanent water surface
T2A	-	Site enrichment via long term changes through surface or subsurface water quality (decadal scale)
T2B	-	Decrease in long-term hydroperiods, peat decomposition, woody shrub proliferation
T2C	-	Lowering of soil surface below permanent water surface
R4A	-	Organic matter accumulation over time, colonization of native bog mosses [creation of acidic conditions] (decadal/ century scale)