Authors: James T. Walters, former Extension Associate, Department of Forestry, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech and James E. Johnson, Associate Dean of Outreach, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech.
Publication Number: 420-144, posted March 2000
Chapter 4: Protecting Special And Unique Areas
Special and unique areas are those with certain characteristics that make them different from the
rest of your forest. Special and unique areas might be rare habitats, fragile areas, important
cultural or historical sites, and similar places in the forest. These areas are more than just
land that grows trees. They have special characteristics that we should try to preserve. Protecting
these areas for future generations is an important component of sustainable forestry. Protecting
special and unique areas on your property involves identifying those areas and managing the impacts
of forest management activities on the special characteristics of the sites.
Strategy #1: Identify Special and Unique Areas
Identifying special areas is the first step in managing them. These areas are sometimes apparent from a distance, but other times they are only revealed after a close inspection. A thorough knowledge of where these areas are located and information about the current status of each special area are valuable because they help you to make better forest management decisions. Management activities for identifying special and unique areas are conducting an inventory of areas and monitoring areas to note natural changes that might occur.
Your forester, while performing an inspection of your property for a forest management plan, will probably notice special and unique areas. However, it is a good idea for you to point out areas that you have already identified. These locations can then be mapped and described in your management plan. Special and unique areas that you might find in your forest include those with rare plants and animals, historical sites, unique habitats or forest types, old-growth forests, or other special land features.
Rare plants and animals are those not commonly found in a geographic area. If the habitat in your forest is unique, you may find that plants or animals living there are not common in your county. If this habitat is unique, then that plant or animal species may be very uncommon. There are even species found in western Virginia that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These rare plants and animals are an important component of your forest.
The federal government keeps a list of very rare animals. This list is called the Endangered Species List, and federal law protects the included animals. You could be subject to prosecution under this law if you disturb the habitat of an endangered animal. If you know that an endangered animal is living in your forest, it is wise to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist you in developing your management plan. A list of potential endangered species found in your area is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Historical sites in the forest are important because they give insights about life in the past. These special areas may have historical, cultural, and personal value. You might find Native American relics in your forest that reveal important information about native culture and lifestyle. You could discover an abandoned farmstead in your forest. Frontier farmsteads are common in western Virginia because many were abandoned and forests developed around them. Some of these homesteads have been restored and have become important historical sites. A homestead on your property might have even belonged to one of your ancestors. Perhaps you will find Civil War memorabilia in your forest. Several Civil War campaigns occurred in western Virginia, and sites with war memorabilia are fairly common. Another common historical site that you might find in your forest is a cemetery. There are important laws regarding cemeteries, and if one exists in your forest you should be sure that it is addressed in your management plan. Many types of historical sites are located in forests, and although you may not think your forest contains one of these sites, it is still a wise idea to look for them.
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On A Side Note ...
Freshwater Mussels: Unique Animals in our Streams and Rivers Freshwater mussels are soft-bodied animals enclosed in two shells that live on the bottoms of streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Mussels are often associated with their saltwater counterparts, oysters and clams. They are long-lived creatures that can have a lifespan of more than 60 years. They often bury themselves in the sand or gravel at the bottom of streams and move only short distances during their entire lives. The rivers and streams of Virginia contain a diverse collection of mussels -- more than 70 species have been identified in our waters. However, the abundance of many of these species has declined in the last century. Some species have even become extinct. The most important factors contributing to the decline of mussels have been the creation of dams and other impoundments, channeling and dredging of rivers, water pollution, and sedimentation. Fish kills and the introduction of non-native mussel species have also contributed to their decline. Freshwater mussels are valuable for a number of reasons. They are an important source of food for some wildlife species, including muskrats, otters, and raccoons. They also filter water through their gills and remove pollutants and suspended particles. In this respect, mussels are an important component of the natural purification system for water. They are often used as an indicator of water quality because they point out the level of toxic contamination in rivers and streams. There is even some evidence that certain types of mussels are resistant to cancer and may contain drugs that could be used to cure some cancers. Because mussels are such a valuable component of our river environments, they should be protected before they become extinct. The rarest species have been placed on the endangered species list and are protected by federal law. Management activities in your forest can harm mussels if the water from your property flows into a tributary of a river containing mussels. The most important action you can take is to follow the Best Management Practices for preventing erosion from your forest. You should also avoid polluting local waters with pesticides or fertilizer runoff from your forest. Finally, if you live along a stream or river containing mussels, you should maintain a large buffer of unmanaged forest. A buffer of at least 100 feet would be desirable, but a larger buffer would be more effective in protecting the unique habitat of freshwater mussels. A minimal effort by every landowner would provide a great deal of protection for these valuable creatures. |
Unique habitats and forest types are those that are rare or are very fragile. These areas should be
protected because they may contain combinations or communities of rare plants and animals. Furthermore,
they will become more valuable as they become more rare. There are two very good examples of unique
habitats and forest types found in western Virginia. Some streams in our region contain very
fragile habitats that are ideal for several species of endangered fish and mussels. Small changes in
stream conditions could destroy these unique habitats. Likewise, there are high-elevation forests in
southwest Virginia that are unique. These forests are located on very tall mountains and are composed
primarily of red spruce and Fraser fir. If these special areas were disturbed, they probably would not
return to their original state.
Old-growth forests are those that have not been impacted by humans for many years. It seems that every person has a different idea of how old a forest must be before it is considered old-growth. However, there are several characteristics that are present in most old-growth forests. They usually contain old trees that are sometimes unhealthy. Tree mortality is common in an old-growth forest, and there is an abundance of standing and fallen dead trees. There are usually multiple levels of vegetation in an old-growth forest - very large trees in the canopy, smaller trees in the understory, and herbaceous growth on the forest floor. The soils in an old-growth forest usually contain a thick layer of humus that has not been disturbed. Finally, an old-growth forest will probably not have indications of human disturbance.
Old-growth forests are very rare in western Virginia, but they do exist in small patches. These patches are usually found in areas that have not been disturbed by humans, have been protected from wildfire, and have not succumbed to recent natural disasters. Old-growth forests have important social and ecological value.
Unique land features that you might find on your property include seeps, vernal pools, and caves. Seeps are small areas where groundwater rises and forms wetlands during part of the year. Vernal pools are small depressions in the ground that fill with rainwater or groundwater during wet weather. Seeps and vernal pools are very important land features for some species of wildlife. Mast-producing trees and browse plants usually grow well around seeps because the ground is very moist. Vernal pools provide critical feeding and breeding habitat for many types of amphibians.
Caves are often found in forests located in limestone regions. Some caves in western Virginia are open to the public, but many are either unknown or left in a natural state. These caves are very important land features because they provide unique habitats that are necessary for wildlife species such as rare bats and certain amphibians. Caves are often difficult to locate because their openings are not apparent. Therefore, you may have a cave on your property and not know its location. If you live in a limestone region and think that you may have caves in your forest, your Soil and Water District, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality can provide you with more information about local caves and their management on your property.
Monitoring special and unique areas in your forest is an important step in managing them. Changing conditions in these areas may drive you to make changes in your plans for managing them. Up-to-date information is vital to deciding how to change your management plan to protect special and unique areas. This information may simply be the knowledge that a rare animal is still living in your forest. However, the information may also be complex. For example, you may need to know what effect a recent ice storm had on a unique habitat in your forest.
Monitoring the special areas in your forest can be relatively simple. It might simply involve walking through the area every year to observe any changes. There may even be some type of measurement you can take during this inspection. For example, you may wish to count the rare plants growing in your unique habitat. You might want to measure the water level of a vernal pool in your forest. These types of activities will allow you to keep track of changes in your special areas. Your forest management plan should recommend activities for monitoring the special areas in your forest.
Strategy #2: Manage the Impact of Forest Management Activities on Special and Unique Areas
If you have identified special and unique areas in your forest, it is a good idea to consider how your forest management activities might affect those areas. It is sometimes best to minimize the impact of management activities and leave the special area in an undisturbed, natural state. Other times, you may want to improve an area using certain management activities. Sustaining these special areas involves consulting with experts about the specific needs of an area and choosing management activities that complement these needs.
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On A Side Note ...
Unique and Special Areas: Several Examples from Western Virginia High-Elevation Boreal Forests High-elevation boreal forests are special areas isolated on Virginia's highest mountain peaks. These forests are unique because they contain plant and animal species normally found in the colder climates of Canada and New England. The most noted of these forests are located in Grayson, Smyth, and Carroll Counties in southwest Virginia. Additional boreal forests have been found on high mountains in other counties. Most of the boreal forests in western Virginia are composed of red spruce and a variety of other northern species. Red spruce is the dominant tree on the highest mountains, but at lower elevations it is typically found in mixed forests with American beech, yellow birch, sugar maple, and other hardwood trees. The understory is composed of a variety of tree and shrub species. The snowshoe hare and northern flying squirrel are rare animals that are found in boreal forests. The snowshoe hare is very rare in Virginia and is found only in boreal forests with adequate understory cover. The northern flying squirrel is also very rare and inhabits only mature boreal forests at high elevations. Both of these species are threatened by habitat loss. Careful management of boreal forests will be necessary to sustain populations of these rare animals. High-Elevation Bogs High-elevation bogs are cool, acidic, and extremely small wetlands that are found in poorly drained areas at high elevations. High-elevation bogs are special environments that contain species normally found in boreal and subarctic areas. Bogs have been found primarily in Grayson, Carroll, and Floyd Counties and on Massanutten, Clinch, and Salt Pond Mountains. Additional high-elevation bogs may exist in other areas. High-elevation bogs are generally vegetated with a variety of unique herbaceous species. Sphagnum moss is a primary component of these bogs, which also contain various rushes, sedges, grasses, and forbs normally found in Canada. The bog turtle is an extremely rare species found in mountain bogs in Grayson, Floyd, and Carroll Counties. The main threat to this animal is the destruction of habitat, namely the drainage of wetlands that are an important component of its habitat. Sinkhole Ponds Sinkhole ponds are found in karst areas of the Shenandoah Valley. They are rare features of the landscape and support a unique habitat similar to that of high-elevation bogs. Seasonal sinkhole ponds retain rainwater during the spring and early summer, but are dry during other seasons. Permanent ponds are fed by springs or seeps and hold water throughout the year. The edges of a sinkhole pond are composed of northern and coastal plant species, including several sedges, rushes, and forbs that are extremely rare in Virginia. Virginia sneezeweed is a rare wildflower found only along the edges of these ponds. Other notable plants found in sinkhole ponds are northern bulrush, swamp pink, and bog rose. The rare tiger salamander breeds in sinkhole ponds in early spring. The main threat to these rare species is drainage of the ponds that provide their unique habitat. Shale Barrens Shale barrens are hot, dry shale exposures that occur on steep slopes in the ridges of western Virginia. A very thin layer of shale flakes covering the ground causes rapid runoff of rainwater and prevents the infiltration of water into the ground. Trees are sparse because the flakes of shale are continuously washed downhill by rain. Only scrubby pines and oaks are able to become established around these harsh sites. Several rare plant species are found on shale barrens. The hot and dry conditions discourage the growth of other plants. The Millboro leatherflower, shale barren rockcress, and Kate's Mountain clover are three extremely rare plants that grow on shale barrens. Some primary threats to these species are wildfire, browsing by wildlife, landfill bulldozing, and railroad construction. Limestone Glades Limestone glades are unique areas where a large slab of limestone forms the surface or is located beneath a thin layer of soil. The shallow and dry soils in limestone glades greatly influence the vegetation that can grow in these special sites. Drought-resistant trees, such as Eastern redcedar and chinquapin oak, are the primary forest species. The understory is composed of several rare plants, such as the running glade clover. A large and colorful millipede that inhabits some limestone glades is very rare and is found nowhere else in the world. Land clearing appears to be the primary threat to this millipede. |
In order to manage special and unique areas, you need to have complete information about their unique features and needs. Because these areas are rare and unusual, many people may not fully understand them. It is a good idea to consult with an expert to obtain the best and most correct information. For example, you might contact the Virginia Department of Historical Resources to get more information about an old homesite that you have found. It is also a good idea to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries if you discover an endangered animal in your forest. Sometimes, the agency or group you contact may even be interested in visiting your property and helping you manage the unique area.
Your county forester or consulting forester can help you find experts on special and unique areas that you might find in your forest. Your forester may have even worked with an expert on another property. You can also locate experts by contacting government agencies listed in your phonebook and by calling your county Extension agent.
Special areas usually make up only a small portion of your forest. There are almost always ways to manage the remainder of your forest to meet your ownership objectives and still protect special and unique areas. The management activities that you plan for the surrounding forest should correspond to the needs of the special area. Planning these activities can be a very complex process because many special areas are fragile and have specific needs.
There are some management activities that would be relevant to almost all special areas. For example, it is usually a good idea to leave a buffer of unmanaged forest between a special area and the remainder of your forest. The width of this buffer depends on the type of special area. Sensitive areas will require a large buffer to maintain specific site conditions. Other areas might only need a few trees to block sunlight. Your forester will be able to recommend these types of management activities.
Many management recommendations for special areas are very specific and are intended to have an impact on the forest in a particular way. For example, a salamander may lay eggs on small branches and twigs that are submerged in a vernal pool. However, large debris, such as logs, would prevent the salamander from moving around in the pool. If this pool was located in your forest, you might want to place some small branches in the water for nesting sites, but keep large trees from falling into the pool. These types of management recommendations are very site-specific and require a thorough knowledge of the needs of the special area. It is a good idea to contact experts to assist you in making these specific management recommendations.
Some special areas may require very active management to preserve a special characteristic. For example, grasslands may require periodic burning to prevent the establishment of woody vegetation. Rivers inhabited with endangered mussels may need to be monitored for zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are an exotic species that should be controlled to protect native mussel populations. Other special areas may require active management under a similar approach.
Forests are very adaptable and can evolve to meet changing site conditions that might be caused by poor management decisions. However, special and unique sites in your forest are often fragile and need special attention. It is wise to gather as much information as possible about the special needs of these areas. This information will help you to make the best management decisions for your forest.
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