Wetland
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| In the phragmites |
During the intervening 20 years, the wetland has filled in and dried. Small cottonwood and black willow now pop through the dense understory of invasive phragmites. In the spring of 2013, the wetland did not contain standing water, a condition necessary for wetland species.
The Vermont Wetland Rules and corresponding Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form outlines the ecological importance of a wetland according to 10 possible functions and values. To quantify the ecological value of the wetland on the Urban Reserve, our team completed the Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form for the Urban Reserve as completely as possible. Each category may earn a score of 0 = not present, L = Function at a low level, P = function present, or H = function present at a high level. View the Urban Reserve Form here.
1. Water Storage for Flood Water and Storm Runoff Score: Low
Due to it small size compared to adjacent Lake Champlain, the wetland does not offer extensive benefits as a floodwater expansion zone. A series of wetlands along the lakeshore would boost filtration of storm runoff.
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| The phragmites wetland partially within the Urban Reserve Boundary is approximately 1.1 acres. By comparison, a cattail wetland north of North Beach is approximately 4.25 acres. A network of healthy wetlands along the waterfront, even each as small as 1 acre, would filter storm water runoff and improve water quality of Lake Champlain. |
2. Surface and Ground Water Protection Score: Low
The importance of Lake Champlain as a drinking water source, an aquatic habitat, and a tourist destination are just a few of the reasons why the state of Vermont is working to ensure that incoming surface and ground water and filtered. The wetland may provide a filter for residual petroleum contamination at the Urban Reserve, but its full effects are unknown at this time. The sandy soils and persistent vegetation offer potential for surface and groundwater protection, and perhaps groundwater remediation through phytoremediation.
3. Fish Habitat Score: 0, not present
The wetland does not appear to connect to Lake Champlain overland except during extreme flooding events, as in the spring of 2011. It currently cannot act as a spawning, nursery or feeding habitat for fish.
4. Wildlife Habitat Score: 0, not present
The dominant phragmites is not an ideal habitat or food source for many of the species found in wetlands. However, it may provide nesting sites for some songbirds; red-winged blackbirds were observed perched in the wetlands. Muskrats, otter or minks require standing water and closer proximity to a lake or stream.
5. Exemplary Wetland Community Score: 0, not present
The wetland has not been recognized as a high quality example of natural community types in Vermont by the Natural Heritage Information Project.
6. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Habitat Socre: 0, not present
There is no credible documentation that the wetland contains or provides habitat for any rare, threatened or endangered species in Vermont.
7. Education and Research in Natural Sciences Score: P = function present
The wetland may serve as a part of educational programs for the Sustainability Academy in the Old North End of Burlington. The Urban Reserve is a 15-minute walk from the school. Due to its high public visibility, there is ample opportunity for education and research to occur, particularly if a pathway through the wetland is expanded. The value of seeing a spotted turtle in the mud or watching a red-winged blackbird nest is immeasurable.
8. Recreational Value and Economic Benefits Score: 0, not present
Again, the high visibility of the wetlands could lead to its use for recreation, including observing or trapping fish and wildlife (when legal) or harvesting wild food.
9. Open Space and Aesthetics Score: P = function present
The wetland has prominence in the landscape that can be readily observed by the public. A reinvigoration of the wetland would add beauty and diversity to the lakeshore.
10. Erosion Control through Binding and Stabilizing the Soil Score: 0, not present
Although phragmites excels at retaining soil, the wetland is not subject to erosive forces such as excessive wind or waves.
Plant Species Observed in the Wetland
Phragmites, narrow leaf cattail, broad leaf cattail, black willow, shrubby willows, eastern cottonwood.
