Fens mapping for the Salmon-Challis National Forest
Date
2017-12
Authors
Smith, Gabrielle, author
Lemly, Joanna, author
Schroder, Kristin, author
Colorado Natural Heritage Program, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF) covers 4.3 million acres in five discontinuous units within east-central Idaho. Wetlands within the SCNF provide important ecological services to both the Forest and lands downstream. Organic soil wetlands, known as fens, are an irreplaceable resource that the U.S. Forest Service has determined should be managed for conservation and restoration. Fens are defined as groundwater-fed wetlands with organic soils that typically support sedges and low stature shrubs. In the arid west, organic soil formation can take thousands of years. Long-term maintenance of fens requires maintenance of both the hydrology and the plant communities that enable fen formation. ... This report and associated dataset provide the SCNF with a critical tool for conservation planning at both a local and Forest-wide scale. These data will be useful for the ongoing SCNF biological assessment required by the 2012 Forest Planning Rule, but can also be used for individual management actions, such as planning for timber sales, grazing allotments, and trail maintenance. Wherever possible, the Forest should avoid direct disturbance to the fens mapped through this project, and should also strive to protect the watersheds surrounding high concentrations of fens, thereby protecting their water sources.
Description
Prepared for: Salmon-Challis National Forest.
December 2017.
Includes bibliographical references.
December 2017.
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
wetlands
fens
conservation
restoration