TRANSITION ZONE VEGETATION BETWEEN INTERTIDAL
MARSH AND UPLAND IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON
By
Robert E. Frenkel, Principal Investigator
Theodore Boss, Research Assistant
S. Reid Schuller, Research Assistant
A Report Prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Under Grant No. 3804963-01
Department of Geography
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
August 1978
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ACKN0WLEGEMENT5
In any research project of this scope and extent of fieldwoHc, many
Individuals have both wittingly and unwittingly contributed. We wish
to acknowledge the permission granted by landowners for access to both
private and public lands. Landowners are listed in Appendix E.
A number of agencies were particularly helpful. The Environmental
Remote Sensing Laboratory, Oregon State University supplied color Infra-
red imagery of coastal estuaries and marshes; likewise, the Washington
Oepartaent of Natural Resources provided true-color imagery of Washington
marshes. Wewl sh to thank the assistance of the Seattle District, A ray
Corps of lng*niers 1n fwlpfaf itlect the Sn§fto«1sh estuary site. The
Por&ana District, Ai# C*r0s storlc aerlaf photo-
graphs of Oregon marshes which «f»bl«d reconstruction of past disturbances.
The Orifon IHvlsl# ef'iiilt U»Ai gtatrooslysupplied large-seal e«aps
of Oregon essaarres which were ewf«l 1« »U phases of our study.
We profited by discussions with many people but wish to particularly
thmk andlCarol A; Jefferson, two pioneer investigators
*
rf i Mr> P»rt1ca1«rly, far hU «drte» an ff«M
otthods, Writ**#5*# *of«w 1«* scale marsli Qips. The Hatfonal
Ocean Sfir^# fltld stiff: - HenryOebaugh, Marie Allen, and RIchard Hess
were aiO#te 'bf ¦ su^fVftFour sumner program of mutual flagtllalton.
Oon Stu^^i^ilM Mt IWitaifty..
think Robert Martin for his field assistance,
his;^|lf^^®ll^^j»ro€^ins»' aiid/his steady support through the fUU
phase of tfri*ns4*rch. Df afUfcrstan, Roland Freniel, and Arthur Wreniin
helped fn vtfttat -tft* msjt&rch.Oana Thowas Is acknowl edged
fcliitairtcraftalysij. Most of the site maps
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and line drawings are attributed to the skill of Linda Donaldson and
Denlse Peck. Laurie Hazen 1s especially thanked for the phenomenal job
of typing including committing to memory 154 common coastal plants!
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgements i
Summary vii
Introduction ........ 1
Research Objectives 1
Background 1
Tidal Marshes and Productivity 1
Legal ana Institutional Background 2
IntertidaT Marsh Research 4
West Coasl: Research 6
Intertldal Marsh Zonation 7
Definition of the Upper Limit of Intertidal Wetland ... 3
Methods 15
Selection of Study Sites . . . 15
Introduction . . 15
Oreggn •
Washington ............... 19
Field Methods . 23
Marsh Vegetation Sampling ............ 23
Salinity . .26
Upland Vegetation Sampling 27
Marsh Zonation 29
Analytical Methods 31
8asic Approach 31
I. Field Identification .33
II. Floristic Classification 34
III. Zonal Classification 35
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IV. Analysis of Species Frequency, Cover and Importance . 37
V. Marsh Group Species Classification 40
VI. Qiserfnrinant Analysis . . 41
VII. Multiple Occurrence Method 44
Results and Discussion . . . . 45
General 45
Introduction ......... 45
Intermarsh Floristic Variation 45
Field Analysis 52
Bandon CQ1 v • . 55
Haynes Inlet C31 65
Waldport South AB1 71
Nute Slough YB1 79
Netarts Sand Spit NTT ... 35
West Island NB2 95
Sea Garden Road N83 103
Niawiakum WB1 107
Cedar Ri ver W82 . . 115
Leadbetter Point WB4 121
The Sink GH1 129
Elk River GH3 137
Burley Lagoon KS1 141
Coulter Creek KS2 145
Chlco Bay KS3 151
Thorndyke Bay HC1 . . 155
Qui 1 ceda Creek EP1 163
Oak Say NP1 159
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Westcott Bay SOI ...... 177
Griffith Say SJ2 . . 181
Synthetic Analysis . . ¦ 187
Introduction 187
Zonal Analysis 189
Species Classification 201
Discriminant Analysis 207
Upland Vegetation Synthesis 217
Salinity 221
Definition of .the Transition Zone and the Upper
Limit of Wetland ....... 227
References 237
Appendices
Appendix A. Marsh Reconnaissance Form 243
Appendix B, Species Encountered In and Adjacent to Pacific
Northwest Intertidal Salt Marshes, Summer Field
Season, 1977 245
Appendix C. Arrangement of Raw Data on Computer Cards ... 249
Appendix D. Selected Species Distribution Among Sampled
Marshes in Oregon and Washington 255
Appendix E. Study Site tocational Information 259
Appendix F. Selected Species Importance Values by Zone for
20 Study Sites 281
Appendix G. Discriminant Analysis Prediction Results .... 303
Appendix H. Upland Tree Frequency, Average Cover, and
Basal Area for 20 Study Sites 313
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Appendix I. Average Percent Frequency and Average Percent
Cover for Upland Understory Shrubs and Herbs
for 20 Study Sites Based on 1,709 Line Segment
Samples 319
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SUMMARY
This research describes the vegetation in the transition zone between
intertidal coastal salt marsh and contiguous upland in the Pacific Northwest.
A method of objectively delineating the transition zone and upper limit of
marsh is developed.
Vegetation pattern is described in the intertidal marsh, ecotone (or
transition zone) between intertidal marsh and contiguous upland, and upland
in 20 marshes in Oregon and Washington including 3 Puget Sound marshes.
The marshes were sampled along 190 transects parallel with the elevation
2
gradient employing 2,583, 50 x 50 an microplots to assess intertidal marsh
and transition zone vegetation and 1,709 one-meter line segments to assess
upland understory shrub and herbaceous vegetation. Plant communities,
identified by tabular analysis, are described individually by marsh.
Distribution of species and species importance values are graphed for
selected transects for each marsh and the position of the marsh transition
zone as determined in the field is noted.
Intertidal marsh and transition zone samples are allocated into one
of six zones based on plant community analysis and prior knowledge of
plant species distribution: zone 1 » low marsh, zone 2 * high marsh,
zone 3 3 lower transition zone, zone 4 * transition zone, zone 5 = upper
transition zone, and zone 5 a upland. Plant species frequency, percent
cover, and importance value are determined in this report for each zone by
aggregate, with the exception of zone 6, upland. Based on the relative
trends in species importance values across the five zones, four lists of
species are prepared: low marsh species, high marsh species, upland species,
non-indicator species (Tables 16, 17, 18, and 19).
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The accurracy of allocating 2,583 samples Into one of five zones is
tested by discriminant analysis which shows an average of 79 percent of
microplot samples correctly classified. Zone 1, low marsh and zone 5,
upper transition zone, are classified correctly more often than the other
zones.
Upland vegetation, because it consisted mostly of forest with a dense
shrub unders tory and sparse herbaceous cover, is assessed differently than
was the domirjantly herbaceous intertidal and transition zone vegetation.
Upland tree frequency, cover, and basal area are calculated for each marsh.
Shrub and herbaceous understory data are synthesized by average percent
frequency and cover.
Selected salinity data»®re collected and demonstrate rapid decline in
surface interstitial soil water salinity in the vicinity of the lower
boundary of the transition zone, usually a decline from about 20 ppt to
about 5 ppt. There is also a decline in salinity with soil depth giving
evidence of a freshwater lens.
The Tower and upper boundary of the transition zone and upper limit
of marsh are objectively defined by the Multiple Occurrence Method (see
pages 227-236) which could be applied to any microplot. A single score is
derived for each microplot by summing the weighted cover values of each
plant species encountered in the microplot sample. Low marsh species are
weighted by multiplying cover values by +2, high marsh species by +1,
upland species by -2, and non-indicator species by 0. The species are those
that appear in species lists in Tables 15, 17, 18, and 19. A Multiple
Occurrence Method score of >1 means that the microplot is in the marsh. A
score <1 means that the microplot is in the upland. A sequence of microplot
scares may be plotted with distance along a transect from low marsn to
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upland. The limit of marsh is defined by a score of 0. The region along
a transect over which scores alternate positively and negatively is defined
as the transition zone. A mean width of the transition zone for 129 marsh
transects sampled is 6.52 m. Excluding three extremely complex marshes
and using 102 transects, the mean width of the transition zone is 2.53 m.
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INTRODUCTION
Research Objectives
The objective of this investigation is to first, describe the vege-
tation pattern in the ecotone between intertidal coastal marsh and
contiguous upland in Oregon and Washington and second, propose a defini-
tion for the transition zone and the limit of the coastal intertidal
wetland. The ultimate goal of this study is to aid in the development
of guidelinef'for the specification of coastal wetlands so as to insure
consistent wetlands protection with a minimum of judgmental decisions
by the wetlands Managing agency.
Background
Tidal Marshes and Productivity
Of critical concern to the people of the United States is the main-
tenance of'productive ecosystems. Among the most productive natural
2
ecosystems are intertidal marshes which range from 300 to 6,500 g/m /yr
net production (Odum, 1971; 1974; Cooper, 1974). It is widely recognized
that primary and secondary productivity of estuaries is inextricably
related to associated marsh systems (Smalley, 1960; Kuentzler, 1961;
Teal, 1962; Reimold and Queen, 1974; Odum, et aj_., 1974). Indeed, Odum
(1961:12) asserts that "the entire estuarine system, including marshes,
flats, creeks, and bays, must be considered as one ecosystem or pro-
ductive unit." The intertidal salt marsh functions as both an energy
receptor and converter; its organic detritus, exported by tidal action
to the bay, serves as an important energy and nutrient input into the
estuarine system. While such a functional contribution of marsh
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productivity seems true for, and important to, east coast marshes and
estuaries in the United States, adequate analysis of marsh function on
the west coast has not yet been published.
Another value of coastal inarshes is protection. Marshes, because
of their naturally stressed condition, "may have more capacity to serve
as self-purification than some other systems... not already adapted to
some stress" (Odum and Copeland, 1974:72). Coastal marshes, being
broad expanses, of low slope angle serve as energy disipators, protecting
estuarine margins from storm damage. Oespite their acknowledged eco-
logical and economic value (Gosselink et al_., 1973), coastal salt marshes
are heavily impacted by human activities (Darnell, 1976).
LeqaT"and Institutional Background
Estuarine productivity, closely tied to the condition of surrounding
tidal marsh, river, bay and ocean, has been diminished as these associated
systems hav? been stressed by human impacts. Thermal, municipal and
industrial pollution, diking, dredge and fill operations, channelization,
reduced area of marsh, and altered run-off conditions have all placed
estuarine systems in jeopardy. In recognition of the importance of estu-
aries as productive systems and of the stresses that these systems are
placed under, a number of states have adopted legislation which helps
protect sensitive ecological areas, such as intertidal marshes, in the
coastal zone. Most of these laws prevent destruction of wetland values
or provide for mitigation. Lagna (1975) has summarized Atlantic coastal
states wetlands legislation with respect to the extant of restriction
on development, the review process, provision for compensation, and the
definition of wetlands.
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The Congress has also reacted to the need for protecting wetlands
by enacting the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (F.L. 92-583)
establishing a national policy of protecting coastal wetlands and pro-
gram for the management, beneficial use, protection and development of
the resources of the coastal zone. This act encourages participation
of states in planning and managing coastal zone resources by providing
grants-in-aid. The courts have also responded to the need of protecting
coastal wetlands, e.g., Candlestick Properties, Inc. vs. San Francisco
Bay where the California Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a permit
to fill bay lands^(C£Q, 1973). Another instance of court action was
in the Marco Island case where the Corps under Sec. 404, refused to
permit the filling of a major acreage of mangrove wetland because of
the "Significance of mangrove vegetation to the aquatic ecosystem. This
case withstood challenge in court. Although the courts have frequently
served favorable decisions in protecting wetlands, wetland litigation
is fraught with legal and constitutional problems (Stever, 1977).
While coastal zone management legislation pertains, in part, to the
protection of coastal wetlands, a broader concern for the integrity of
wetlands is incorporated in Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Sec. 404, P.L. 92-500). Under this
Section, the Army Corps of Engineers may issue permits for the discharge
of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at specified disposal
sites. Guidelines for the specification of disposal sites are to be
developed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
in cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers. Furthermore, the
Administrator in cooperation with the Corps is authorized to prohibit
the specification of any defined area as a disposal site and to deny or
restrict use of any defined area for specification as a disposal site
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when he determines that material discharged will have an unacceptable
adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, fishery
areas, wildlife or recreational areas (Sec. 404, P.L. 92-500).
In order to implement its role in developing guidelines for the
discharge of dredged and fill material and the specification of
restricted disposal sites, the Environmental Protection Agency in
cooperation with the Corps must be able to define areas considered as
contiguous wet.land to a navigable water and therefore an area contri-
butary to the general productivity of the estuarine system. The research
reported herein will aid the Environmental Protection Agency in carrying
out this responsibility.
Intertidal Marsh Research
Coastal salt marshes have long been recognized as discrete ecosystems
and have been studied as distinct vegetation units (Shaler, 1886; Ganong,
1903; Harshfcerger, 1909; Yapp, 1917; Morss, 1927; Wells, 1928; et al_.).
Intertidal marshes consist of low-growing, rooted vegetation in the inter-
tidal zone developing on mud to sand substrate under the influence of
tidal fluctuations, salinity gradients, and'tide-transported material.
Important reviews of salt marsh vegetation, its dynamics and ecosystem
structure and function have appeared in recent years (Chapman, 1960;
Ranwell, 1972; Reimold and Queen, 1974; Cooper, 1974; Odum et al_., 1974;
and, Chapman, 1977). The contribution of salt marsh production to
estuarine systems and the interchanges between salt marsh and estuary
are beginning to be better understood; and the pattern of salt marsh
communities, zonation, and relation to tidal fluctuations have been
explored in many regions of the temperate world.
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Intertidal marshes are truly interfacial between marine and ter-
restrial ecosystems. They typically occupy areas in temperate to polar
latitudes supplied with river or marine sediment and which are sheltered
from high-energy wave attack {Odum and Copeland, 1974). Developing on
sand or mud flats at near mean sea level, intertidal marshes exhibit
autogenic succession where pioneer plants such as Salicornia spp.,
Triqlochin marttimum, or Spartina spp. trap silts, clays and floating
macrophytes, and, over a gentle gradient, form an elevated marsh surface
above the surrounding flats. Thus, the developing intertidal marsh
displays differerKes in tidal inundation, salinity, root zone aeration,
and accretion of detritus. As the marsh surface elevates, it becomes
dendritically laced with drainage channels which become a two-way dis-
tributary network supplying the marsh with nutrients and sediments and
removing detrital material from the developing marsh. Natural levees,
richly supplied with nutrients, line major drainage channels and are
frequently characterized by single species plant coronunities. At times,
fully developed marshes are subject to retrogradation, often due to
lowered sea level or diminished sediment input. While the intertidal
marsh develops under a complex environmental gradient, most marsh areas
exhibit distinct zones which have been interpreted as plant communities
(Chapman, 1960; Hinde, 1954; Eilers, 1975; Jefferson, 1975). While
marsh pattern and floristics differ slightly from region to region,
basically the dynamics remain the same the the general plant communities
and flora show a striking physiognomic and floristic convergence (Chapman,
1960; Cooper, 1974; Reimold and Queen, 1974).
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West Coast Research
Cooper (1974:59) recognizes "...two major groups of salt marshes
in the United States—those characteristic of the East and Gulf Coasts
on the one hand and those characteristic of the West Coast on the
other." West Coast marshes, developing in sheltered estuarine systems,
are of limited extent compared with East and Gulf Coast marshes which
develop on a gently sloping coastal shelf, often behind a barrier beach.
Excellent reviews of West Coast marsh vegetation studies appear in
Macdonald (1977), Macdonald and Barbour (1975) and Eilers (1975).
While a number of marsh studies have been conducted in California,
Oregon and Washington, salt marsh research has lagged appreciably.
Johannessen (1961) provided a generalized survey of salt marshes in
relation to a reconnaissance study of environmental changes along the
Oregon coast. Jefferson (1975) and also Akins and Jefferson (1973)
have reviewed coastal wetlands with particular reference to plant suc-
cession on $alt marshes. Jefferson (1975) described and mapped salt
marshes in 16 Oregon estuaries and identified six salt marsh types and
28 marsh communities. The types based on substrate, salinity and
development included: Low Sand Marshes, Low Silt Marshes, Sedge Marshes,
Bulrush and Sedge Marshes, Immature High Marshes and Mature High Marshes.
Jefferson's study, however, was concerned principally with intertidal
vegetation and lacked detail in describing the transition between inter-
tidal marsh and upland vegetation.
Eilers (1975) conducted a detailed study of a marsh system in
Nehalem Bay, Tillamook County, where he described 11 marsh communities
and related these to tidal datums and determined the net, above ground
production for each community (mean of 1388 g/m2/yr). Eilers dealt, in
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part, with the broad transition zone between the intertidal zone and
upland vegetation. Hoffnagle and Olson (1974) mapped and classified
the Coos Bay marshes based on Jefferson's classification and superfi-
cially determined marsh productivity. Hdffnagle et al_. (1976) con-
ducted a more comprehensive study of Coos Bay marshes; but in neither
Coos Bay study was much attention paid to the upper marsh vegetation.
In Washington, there has been research in four major salt marsh
areast Willapa Bay, Nisqually Delta (Puget Sound), Grays Harbor, and
Nooksack Oelta. The Willapa Bay marshes in south coastal Washington
have been studied recently by Northwest Environmental Consultants
(1975b) under contract with the Army Corps of Engineers. The largest
Puget Sound; salt marsh, in the Nisqually River Oelta, has been investi-
gated by 3urg, et ai- (1975). The latter study identified 12 plant
associations and net production for 8 (mean 750 g/m /yr). An extensive
study of the Grays Harbor estuarine system near Aberdeen, conducted
jointly by Washington State Department of Ecology for the Army Corps
of Engineers has mapped salt marsh vegetation using the system of
Jefferson (1975). The National Ocean Survey (1975) studied the upper
limit of salt marsh near Everett and the Northwest Environmental Con-
sultants (1975a) have studied Jefferson Co. marshes. Disraeli (1977)
has reported on six plant communities in a brackish marsh in the Nook-
sack Delta and has provided preliminary productivity data for each.
Intertidal Marsh Zonation
Under a strong gradient of inundation frequency and salinity, salt
marshes exhibit a clear pattern of vegetation zonation. Three zones are
generally recognized: (a) a subtidal zone below MlW consisting of
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tidefTats often dominated by eel grass (Zostera marina) and species of
algae, (b) an intertidal zone between MLW and MHW consisting of rooted
vascular plants and laced by tidal channels, and (c) an extratidal zone
above MHW characterized by the prevalence of non-marsh plants. Most
salt marsh studies have analyzed the intertidal zone with special
reference to marsh development, zonation pattern related tidal datums
and other environmental measures, and the detrital transport relations
to the subtidal and estuarine zone. Little attention has been paid to
the nature of the transition between the intertidal zone and upland
vegetation. It Is'within this zone that the upper limit of marsh will
be found. This transition zone also may vary in width depending on the
slope gradient.
At Nehalem 8ay, Eilers (1975) recognized an intertidal marsh below
MHW, a "transitional marsh" between MHW and 0.58 m above MHW and extr-
tidal marsh 0.58 m above MHW. These vegetation patterns correlate
with topographic units, creek density, and species diversity. Jefferson
(1975), as did Eilers (1975), determined the distribution of salt marsh
plants relative to MLLW, with special reference to the intertidal marsh.
Likewise, Jefferson (1975) defined the elevation range of seven Oregon
salt marsh types. In a preliminary study of the relation of upper limit
of marshes to tidal datums (Frsnkel et aK, in press) reported a transi-
tion zone dominated by Potentilla pacifica with the presence of a number
of species more commonly found in upland situations.
Definition of the Upoer Limit of Intertidal Wetland
The Army Corps of Engineers (Federal Register, July 19, 1977, Part II,
p. 37144) states:
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(t)he term "wetlands" means those areas that are inundated
or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circum-
stances do support, the prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.
Likewise, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cowardin 1977:4-5) defines
wetlands broadly and simply:
as land where the water table is at, near or above the land
surface longi-enough to promote the formation of hydric soils
or to support the growth of hydrophytes. In certain types
of wetlands, vegetation is lacking and soils are poorly
3eveloped or absent as a result of frequent and drastic
fluctuations of surface-water levels, wave action, water
flow, turbidity or high concentrations of salts or other
substrate at some time during each year and their location
within, or adjacent to, vegetated wetlands or deep-water
habitats.
Both definitions refer wetlands with respect to saturated or inundated
soils and to plant cover adapted to saturated conditions. The Corps
stresses vegetation (total plant cover of an area), the Fish and Wild-
life Service stresses flora (a list of species). It has been proposed
that intertidal salt marshes be defined using any one, or combination
of, criteria: species composition, vegetation (plant communities),
soil moisture regime, tidal datums, salinity regime, nutrient status,
productivity, substrate stratigraphy, and topography (Hawkes, 1S66).
Tidal datum criteria. The National Ocean Survey (NOS) (1975) sug-
gested, from an investigation of eight coastal study sites througnout
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the United States, that the upper limit of marsh (uLm) be defined at
0.76 m above WW. The ecotone at this limit on the East and Gulf Coast
was relatively narrow and occurred over 0.03 m elevation- In the West,
the NOS found a broader ecotone extending over tens of meters and span-
ning elevations of up to a meter. The NOS therefore proposed the ULM
in the West be defined as the average of the upper and lower ends of
the transition zone, the latter being defined primarily by floristic
composition. Based on this criteria, the ULjM at Ebey Slough, Snohomish
Estuary, Washington was 0.37 m above MHW (lower transition boundary
0.18 m and upper transition boundary 0.52 m above MHW). At Pinole,
California the ULM was 0.35 m above MHW. Frenkel et ah (in press),
based on preliminary work at three Oregon marshes, proposed a transition
zone"with a mean lower boundary of 0.36 m and upper boundary of 0.58 m
above MHW, yielding an ULM at 0.47 ra above MHW.
Boon et ah (1977), investigating the upper limit of marsh at 13
survey sites in the lower portion of the Chesapeake Bay, determined
that the roean ULM at 7 saline intertidal sites was 0.29 m above MHW.
The basis of relating the ULM and transition zone boundaries to a
tidal datum is that the vegetation pattern might be related to frequency
of tidal inundation and both the M0S (1975) and Soon et ah (1977) pro-
vide tidal frequency immersion data related to tidal daturns. However,
Eilers (1975) suggests tidal inundation period rather than frequency
is more significant to vegetation development. In all three of these
studies, identification of the transition zone and the ULM was based on
floristic criteria.
Floristic and vegetation criteria. The NOS (1975) identified the
ULM based on different floristic criteria in each biogeoaraphic region;
e.g., in the Arcadian Region^ULM was defined by the presence of Limonium,
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Carex paleacea, Rosa virginica and some Distichlis spicata while in the
Virginian Region the ULM was identified by Suaeda, Distichlis spicata,
Iva frutescens. Spartina patens, and Salicornia; Rhus radicans was the
most common upland plant. Based on consultant analysis, the ULM in
the Columbian Region was characterized by Carex lyn.qb.yei, Typha latifolia
with some Potentilla pacifica, Triqlochin maritimum, Angelica 1ucida,
Atriplex patula, Achillea millefolium and Solanum dulcamara. No quanti-
tative nor consistent method of defining the flora and vegetation at
the upper limit of marsh and transition zone was developed.
Frenkel et (in press) identified the transition zone in Oregon
~
by strong dominance of Potentilla pacifica and the presence of Achillea
millefolium, Angelica 1uci da, Aster subspicatus, Oenanthe sarmentosa,
TrifSlium wormsk.io 1 dii, and Vicia qigantea but did not provide a quanti-
tative definition of vegetation in the transition zone.
Boone et ah (1977:44) defined the ULM "as the median point of the
marsh-uplands vegetations! transition zone, or the point in the tran-
sition sequence at which the coverage of true uplands plants is about
equal to that of wetlands plants." These researchers divided tidal
wetlands into saline and freshwater types. The saline transition zone
was recognized by Iva frutescens at its lower side and by Baccharis
halimifolia at its upper side. Abrupt appearance of uplands ground
cover mixed with the upper marsh plants, Spartina patens and Oistichlis
soicata also enabled the researchers to identify the upper transition
zone boundary. With considerable prior floristic work in the lower
Chesapeake Bay, Boon et al_. (1977) were able to compile lists of plants
typically found in marsh, upland, and freshwater habitats. However, no
quantitative use of vegetation data was made in defining the transition
zone boundaries.
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8oule and Shea (1978) discussed the delineation of the upper limit
of marsh within Snohomish Estuary, Washington. They used floristic
criteria to identify the transition zone in Snohomish Estuary where
they found a mixture of wetland (fresh and salt marsh) and upland species
"which may or may not overlap with other community types (e.g., high
marsh or swamp" (Soule and Shea, 1978:39). As with the previous studies
cited, these research workers also did not develop a quantitative method
of defining the transition zone and upper limit of marsh.
Physical criteria. Since wetlands are defined, in part, by a con-
dition of inundation and/or saturation by surface or ground water,
measurement of water table and soil moisture saturation would appear to
be an approach to delineating wetlands. One way of denoting wetlands in
coastal areas is to use tidal inundation. This has been discussed.
Few studies have been made of ground water fluctuations. Among the prob-
lems that exist in using ground water fluctuations as a means of defining wet-
lands are: variations in substrate permeability, hydrostatic pressure in
/
the ground water related to extrinsic factors, variations in infiltration
due to surface vegetation, and complexity in measuring ground water levels
and soil water saturation. For similar reasons Northwest Environmental
Consultants (1977) dispensed with using ground water movement for defining
aquatic lands.
Soil salinity in coastal intertidal marshes, like gound water, pre-
sents a number of problems as a means of delineating wetlands. Salinity
varies diurnally, seasonally with depth in the soil profile, with distance
from the marsh edge and with distance up river from the estuary mouth.
These variations in salinity suggest the problems of employing soil
salinity as a consistent means of recognizing intertidal coastal wetlands.
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Approach. Based on our review of the literature and prior field
experience, use of a combination of floristic and vegetation criteria
appeared to be the most promising route toward delineating the limits of
intertidal wetlands. Two problems, however, had to be addressed in
following this route. First, objective lists of species considered
to be wetland plants and upland plants respectively needed to be established.
Second, a simple quantitative means of integrating floristic vegetation
data in a single measure needed to be developed.
In analyzing the salt marsh communities on the Stikine Flats, south-
east Alaska, del,'Moral and Watson (1978) present an objective means of identifying
communities by classifying 120 microplots into 11 community types using the
agglomerative clustering method, MDISP. This classification based on
clustering was then tested by discriminant analysis. This approach could
be used to provide objective lists of species and species importance in each
plant community (Sparks et al., 1977).
Determination of a single measure of integrating floristic data exists
in a-.number of coefficients of community (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg,
1974). For example, the Jaccard community index could be used to give a
single measure. This index, ISj, is defined:
ISJ ' a + x '00
where, c is the number of common species, a is the number of species unique
to one sample (community type) and b the number of species unique to a
second sample (community type). Mueller-Oombois and Ellenberg (1974)
present a number of such indexes, any of which could be used to provide
single measures useful in determining whether or not a sample was upland or
wetland, provided that an objective list of upland and wetland plant species
was available.
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- 15 -
METHODS
Selection of Study Sites
Introduction
In selecting intertidal marshes in Oregon and Washington for possible
inclusion in a study concerning the transition of vegetation from marsh
to upland, several criteria were used:
1. The marsh had to be effected by tidal fluctuations.
2. The marsh had to exhibit normal salinities in excess of
about TO ppt.
3. The. marsh and upland had to be contiguous.
4. The marsh had to be essentially undiked in terms of its
present functioning and relatively undisturbed.
5. The contiguous upland had to be free of recent or heavy
human disturbance.
6. The marsh had to have relatively easy access.
The procedure followed in selection of potential study sites was
four-fold: (1) literature search on previous intertidal marsh research
and sites studied or recognized in the Pacific Northwest; (2) examination
of aerial photographs to locate and screen-out potential marsh sites;
(3) plot map locations of potential marsh sites; and (4) field check the
most promising sites. To aid in marsh selection, a field screening
form was prepared and is shown on Appendix A.
For both Oregon and Washington the same methods were used in field
checking. Potential marshes were located and examined on site if possible.
If not, the site was examined by binoculars, or comparatively with a
nearby site. From the field check, seven marshes were selected in Oregon,
five on the Washington Coast (Figure 1 ), and eight in Puget Sound and
the San Juan Islands (Figure 2 ).
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- 16 -
figure 1. Location of study sits esturaries along the Orecon and
Washington coast. 3
-------
- 17 -
Oregon
To obtain the needed information for Oregon, Jefferson's (1975)
maps^ on the location of intertidal saltjmarshes were carefully studied.
Marshes which appeared to meet the criteria above were marked and
numbered. These marshes, and others not appearing on Jefferson's maps,
were confirmed by examination of U-2 color infrared imagery (1:33,000)
in the Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory (ERSAL) at Oregon State
University. With the aid of Jefferson's maps and imagery survey, 78
potential marsh sites were selected in 14 Oregon estuaries. The estu-
aries and a number of qualifying marsh sites per estuary are shown in
Table 1.
Table 1. Preliminary distribution of marsh sites in Oregon estuaries.
No.
Sites
No.
Sites
Estuary
Surveyed
Selected
Estuary
Surveyed
Selected
Necani cum
8
0
Yaquina
9
1
Neha1 em
7
2
Alsea
6
1
Tillamook
5
0
Si us law
8
0
Netarts
3
1
Umpqua
10
0
Sand Lake
5
0
Coos Bay
7
1
Nestucca
3
0
Coquille
2
1
Salmon River
1
0
Rogue
0
0
Siletz
4
0
Chetco
0
0
^ Jefferson's mapping was based on field reconnaissance, selected detail
studies, and analysis of black and white aerial photographs of various
scales. Marshes were identified by Jefferson on large-scale ozalid
maps prepared by the Division of State Lands (c.f., State of Oregon
Division of State Lands, 1973) and were reduced to 3± x 11" format in
Jefferson's (1975) thesis and in Akins and Jefferson (1973). Facimiles
of Jefferson's original maps were prepared from colored photographs
provided by Jefferson.
-------
- 18 -
Figure Z. Location of study sites in the Puget Sound and vicinity.
-------
- 19 -
Seven marshes were selected in Oregon (Table 2 ). More detailed
descriptions of the individual marshes appears in Appendix E . The
marshes span the coast from Coquille Estuary to Nehalem 3ay and range
from marshes on sandy substrate to fine silt substrate. Contiguous
upland varies from coniferous forest to sand dune vegetation.
Table 2. Selected study marshes in Oregon.
Marsh
Designator
Symbol No.
Estuary
Area
(ha)
Marsh ^
Type
Upland
Type
Bandon
CQ1
1
Coquille R.
150
Low-Sand to
Immature Hi gh
Coni fer.
(wet)
Haynes Inlet
CB1
2
Coos Bay
11
Immature High
Conifer/
Ruderal
Waldport South
AB1
3
A!sea Bay
4
Mature High
Conifer.
Nute Slough
YB1
4
Yaquina Bay
2
Immature Hi gh
Conifer.
Netarts Sand
Spit
NH
5
Netarts Say
10
Low-Sand to
Mature High
Sand Dune,
Shrub
West-. Island
NB2
6
Nehalem Bay
30
Low Silt,
Sedge,
Mature High
Conifer.
Sea Garden
Road
NB3
7
Nehalem Bay
5
Low Silt
Coni fer.
(wet)
1 Based on classification according to Jefferson (1975).
Washington
Previous studies concerning intertidal marshes in Washington were
reviewed to gather information on site location (NOS, 1975; Northwest
-------
- 20 -
Environmental Consultants, 1975; 1977; Hepp, 1973; Burg et_ al_., 1975; Army
Corps of Engineers, 1975; 1976). True color imagery (1:24,000) available
at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia (DNR) was
examined for every coastal area in the Puget Sound, Willapa Bay, Grays
Harbor, the open coast to Queets, and the Straits of Juan de Fuca. These
photos were in the MLM-73 (1973) and MLM-74 (1974) Series taken for DNR
by Carto-Photo of Eugene, Oregon.
Locations of marshes which appeared to meet the selection criteria,
both from the literature and from aerial photograph inspection, were marked
on 1:250,000 topographic maps and also on county highway maps (various
scales). Altogether 132 possible sites were identified and distributed as
shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Preliminary distribution of intertidal marsh sites in Washington.
No. Sites No. Sites
Location Surveyed Selected Location Surveyed Selected
Willapa Say 14 3 East Puget Sound 11 1
Grays Harbor 17 2 West Puget Sound 51 5
San Juan Islands 12 2 Other' 1 0
Subsequent to the literature and photo reconnaissance survey, many of
the identified marshes were field surveyed in the same manner as those
in Oregon. Thirteen marshes were selected in Washington (Table 4).
More detailed descriptions of individual marshes appears in Appendix - .
The marshes include representative types of coastal marshes and also
of the Puget Sound and San Juan region.
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- 21 -
DRAFT
Table 4. Selected study marshes in Washington
Marsh
Designator
Location
Area
Marsh
Upland
Symbol
No.
(generalized)
(ha)
Type1
Type
Niawiakum
W81
8
WHlapa Bay
13
Mature High
Conifer.
Cedar River
WB2
9
Willapa 8ay
4
Immature High
Conifer.
Leadbetter Pt.
WB4
10
Willapa 8ay
390
Low Sand
Sand Oune
The Sink
GH1
11
Grays Harbor
249
Low Sand
Sand Oune
Elk River
GH3
12
Grays Harbor
2
Immature High
Conifer.
Burley Lagoon
KS1
13
South Kitsap
4.8
High Mature
Conifer.
Coulter Creek
KS2
14
South Kitsap
1.4
Immature High
Conifer.
Chico-'8ay
KS3
15
South Kitsap
0.9
Low Sand
Rudeial
Thorndyke Bay
HC1
16
N. Hood Canal
13.2
High on Sand
Conifer.
Quilceda Creek
EP1
17
Snohomish Est.
Immature High
Conifer.
Oak Bay
NP1
18
North Puget
0.7
Low Sand
Conifer.
Westcott Bay
SJ1
19
San Juan Is.
0.8
Low Sand
Oecid. For.
Gri ff1 n Bay
SJ2
20
San Juan Is.
0.5
Low Sand
Decid. For.
1 8ased on classification according to Jefferson, 1975.
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- 22 -
TID£ FUT / MUD FLAT
[NTERTIOAL
MARSH
TRANSITION
:on£
UP'JWO
^i <7ur. 3. -rrinoerpsnt o~ transacts , micrnolots , and f^acroplots fc
an idealizsd marsh in which zones are denictad.
,
-------
- 23 -
Field Methods
Marsh Vegetation Sampling
After preliminary reconnaissance of the selected marsh site, marsh
vegetation was sampled along 10 to 15 systematically spaced transects.
At least 2 transects extended from mudflat or primary tidal creek to
a point 10 meters within the upland as judged in the field (Figure 3).
Oistance between transects varied from marsh to marsh, with spacing
sufficient to adequately represent the marsh, transition zone, and upland
vegetation. Transects were staked and labeled at their ends, at a point
judged in the field based on biological evidence as the lower boundary
of the transition zone, and at a point judged in the field as the upper
boundary of transition zone. In most cases the lower end of each tran-
sect was extended at least 10 meters toward the mudflat or tidal creek
from the lower boundary of the transition zone, ensuring sampling of
intertidal, salt marsh vegetation. All transects were laid out with a
30 meter woven plastic tape.
Vegetation along the marsh and transition zone segment of each
transect was sampled at systematic intervals with a 50 x 50 cm steel
quadrat frame with a center cross brace which ensured an accurate esti-
mate of percent species cover. Species cover, bare ground, litter, algae,
and stranded material were recorded by Daubenmire cover class (Tables)
in each plot together with plot position along the transect.
Spacing between plots varied with the width of the vegetation zone
being sampled. For the long transects, extending to mudflat or tidal
creek within the intertidal segment of the marsh, plot spacing varied
from 15 to 20 meters apart. For the segment 10 meters below the lower
-------
Table 6. Summary of sampling Information for 20 marsh sites in Oregon and Washington.
Marsh
CQl
CQl
AB1
YB1
NT1
N02 NO3 WB1
WB2 WB4
Gill
GH3
KS1
S
—¦«
t
KS2 KS3 IIC1
EP1
NP1
SJ1
SJ2
Total
to. Transects
12
10
10
9
10
9
13
10
10
10
11
10
10
10
5
12
9
10
5
5
190
long
3
3
2
3
10
1
3
2
2
3
3
10
3
3
2
5
3
10
5
5
81
short
9
7
8
6
0
8
10
8
8
7
8
0
7
7
3
7
6
0
0
0
109
\vg. Transect Length
long (m)
165
198
111
76
82
880
101
140
72
359
546
35
115
68
120
122
173
39
30
30
short (iii)
36
28
36
31
241
26
29
40
71
193
—
44
52
47
21
78
lo. Samples *
ma rsh
87
86
91
55
108
109
124
91
112
122
167
65
52
73
59
48
96
107
31
44
1712
transi Lion
81
20
71
33
47
86
76
57
45
29
62
50
37
55
19
30
37
7
14
0
871
upland
120
69
100
90
102
90
130
100
122
47
51
100
85
100
50
120
56
82
45
50
1709
Marsh samples in this table were, in most cases, defined in the field by placement of a stake at the lower
boundary of the transition zone. Marsh samples being below this stake. In a few cases, it appeared diffi-
cult in the field to define a lower boundary of the transition zone and in those cases marsh samples were
defined as those that were relegated to Zone 1 and 2 for analytical purposes.
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- 25 -
Table 5. Species cover classes and percent mid-point values.
Cover Class1
Cover Range
(%)
Midpoint Value
(%)
Computer
Code
present neglig.
0.1
7
1
0-5
3.0
1
2
5 - 25
15.0
2
3
25 - 50
37.5
3
4
50 - 75
62.5
4
5
75 - 95
85.0
5
6
95 - 100
97.5
6
1 Based on Daubenmire after Mueller-Oombois and Ellenberg (1974).
2 Qaubenmire did not use a + for species with negligible cover.
transition zone boundary, plot spacing was usually every 2 meters.
Within the transition zone, plot spacing varied from 1 to 5 meters apart
depending on the width of the transition zone (some transition zones
were extremely wide). Table 6 summarizes the field data collection.
Choice of the 50 x 50 cm plot was based on species area data col-
lected by Eilers (1975), Jefferson (1975), Frenkel and Eilers (1975) and
experiments with the species area relation during the current research.
Subsequent to the vegetation sampling, elevation measurements were
made by the National Ocean Survey field crew at selected marshes in
Oregon and Washington. The staked transects provided precise orientation
for elevation profiles. The marshes for which elevation and tidal data
were taken were:
-------
- 26 -
Bandon (Coquille Estuary) CQ1 The Sink (Grays Harbor) GH1
South Waldport (Alsea Bay) AB1 Elk River (Grays Harbor) GH3
Netarts Sand Spit (Netarts Bay) NT! Coulter Creek (South Kitsap) K52
West Island (Nehalem Bay) NB2 Thorndyke Bay (Hood Canal) HC1
Sea Garden Road (Nehalem Ray) NB3 Quilceda Creek (East Puget
Cedar River (Willapa Bay) WB2 Sound) EP1
In the initial reconnaissance of each site, a thorough floristic
survey was made with an attempt to collect species which were not immedi-
ately identifiable for later recognition. Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973)
and Hitchcocl^.e^ al_. (1955-1969) were used as floras for the study.
Salini tv
Interstitial soil water salinity was collected along several tran-
sects in a number of marshes. The consistent collection of salinity
data at every sample plot proved too time consuming.
Soil cores for sediment description and salinity measurements
were extracted to a depth of about 30 cm, generally below the "rooting
zone", using a piston sampler made from the straight section of a
*
"H i-nch diameter kitchen sink drain" and fitted with rubber stopper
plunger. Interstitial salinities were taken from a few drops of solution
extracted from about 1 to 2 cm of sediment by compressing the sediment,
which had been wrapped in No. 54 hardened filter paper, in a 25 cm3
disposable plastic syringe. Salinities were measured to the nearest
part per thousand with an A. 0. Goldberg temperature compensated refracto-
meter which had been calibrated with a standard sea water solution.
Salinities were taken at the surface, 5 cm, 10 on, 20 cm, and 30 cm.
In this way, data were available to construct a soil salinity profile
both vertically and horizontally.
-------
- 27 -
Upland Vegetation Sampling
Because of the abrupt change in vegetation physiognomy at the upper
edge of the marsh, the use of the same sampling system employed for
sampling intertidal marsh and transition zone vegetation was impossible.
While the marsh and transition zone vegetation were characterized by
herbaceous growth, the upland was marked by a dense thicket of shrubs
and a thick overstory of trees.
Most transects were extended 10 meters into the upland.
In a few cases where the "upland" had a large component of freshwater
wetland speciesthe upland segment of the transect was extended a
~
greater distance to true terrestrial vegetation. In some upland situations
the terrestrial upland shrub layer was so thick that upland transects
werflimited to 5 meters in length.
Along each upland segment of the transect, shrub and herb species
occurrence was recorded at 1 meter intervals by estimating the nunfoer
of centimeters of a species occurrence in each meter interval inter-
cepted by'the vertical projection of the line transect (Figure 4).
This is a standard line transect technique (Mueller-Oombois and
Ellenberg, 1974) and provides a data base for the calculation of herb
and shrub species frequency and cover in the upland vegetation.
Tree species canopy cover was recorded to the nearest 5 percent in
a 10 x 10 m upland macroplot centered 5 m toward the marsh from the
terminal stake in the upland for each transect (Figure 4). Tree
species basal area was recorded at the same point using a 10-factor
2
cruising prism recording basal area in m /ha (Mueller-Oombois and
Ellenberg, 1974).
The macroplot data taken from 10 macropiots per marsh was a useful
assessment of the upland forest vegetation and could be analyzed in
-------
- 28 -
MARSH
UPLAND
center point for
-— estimating tree cover
\ and basal area
m
¦V
Zl 50 x 50 cm
mi croplots
10 m
10
,7
Z—10 m line transect divided into
10 meter segments
10 m
Figure 4. Upland sampling system used wi-th each transect showing 10 x 10 m
macroplot, 50 x 50 cm microplot used for sampling marsh and
transition zone vegetation, and line transect for upland herbs
and shrubs.
-------
- 29 -
terms of tree species frequency, cover, and basal area. Together with
100, one meter segments (10 segments per transect for 10 transects),
the line transect data was useful in characterizing the understory
vegetation.
However, a methodological problem occurred in that the upland vege-
tation data,were incompatible with the marsh and transition zone vege-
tation because of the different sampling systems. To resolve this
problem, the understory vegetation data for the first three-meter
segments along each upland transect were treated as though they had been
collected in three adjacent 50 x 50 cm square plots. This would be
equivalent to a 25 x 100 cm rectangular plot centered and parallel with
the line segment. Considering parallax problems in siting the vegetation
cover intercepting a line transect segment, this distortion of the
line transect data appeared acceptable for analytical purposes. This
distortion was necessary in order to accomodate the data in the same
computer program.
Marsfri' Zonation
In the field, after initial reconnaissance, a judgment was made
as to the lower boundary of the trans ition_..zone between upland and marsh.
Field determination of this acotone boundary proved extremely difficult
in many cases. In six marshes, field determination of the lower boundary
of the transition zone was not made. The criteria used to help
define this boundary are listed below. These criteria were considered
as working hypotheses and were based on several years of field experience
by the senior investigator. Not all of these criteria fit a particular
marsh situation.
1. Sudden drop in dominance of Oeschamosia cesoitosa.
2. Sudden increase in dominance of Potentilla pacifica.
-------
- 30 -
3. Appearance of individuals of Aster subspicatus, Holcus
lanatus. Tri folium wormskjoldii, and Via a aiqantea.
4. Strong diminishing of low marsh species such as Carex
lyngbyei. Distichlis spicata, Glaux maritima, Jaumea
carnosa, Qrthocarpus casti11ejoides,~Plantaao maritima,
Salicornia virqinica, Triqlochin maVitimum and others.
5. The build up of litter.
6. Beginning of strand material accumulation.
7. Sudden decrease in tidal creek density.
8. An occassional abrupt increase in slope perceived in the
fiera.
The lower boundary tentatively recognized in the field was staked and
referred to as WTZ.
A second judgment made in the field was the position of the upland-
transition zone boundary; i.e., the beginning of the upland. Usually
this decision was made rapidly and with little analysis. Primary
criteria include:
1. Sudden appearance of numerous species known to be upland
plants.
2. Cfiange from herbaceous to forest and shrub physiognomy.
3. Abrupt change in slope.
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- 31 -
Analytical Methods
Basic Approach
Following a pilot study on Oregon coastal m
and Eilers, 1976) and the research of Macdonald (1977), Eilers (1975),
Jefferson (1975), Macdonald and Barbour (1974) and Barbour (1970); it
was assumed that no single plant species could adequately differentiate
coastal intertidal wetland from upland. On the other hand, it was assumed
that species groupings, or vegetation, might provide a possible means
for distinguishing upland from wetland. Vegetation, which includes the
relative abundance of a given species, appeared to be a more realistic
me^sjjre of upland-wetland separation than either a single species or,
for that matter, a small set of species.
The approach taken here may be likened to a series of successive
approximations in defining the limits of a coastal intertidal wetland.
The initial task of objectively determining lists of species which are
intertidal and upland plants respectively involves six distinct phases. The
second task of determining a single measure for defining whether a given micro-
plot is intertidal marsh or upland is the'final, seventh, phase. Phase I
involved field sampling and the tentative identification of the lower
and upper boundary of the transition zone in the field. Phase II involved
the floristic classification of each marsh by a standard 8raun-81anquet
technique showing,in tabular form,groups of samples with mutually present
and absent species and the cover of those species. Phase III involved
the classification of each sample into one of five zones based on a pre-
liminary model of marsh zonation. A sixth zone was established for
upland vegetation. Phase IV involved the determination, for each species,
-------
- 32 -
of its percent frequency, average percent cover, and marsh importance value
in terms of its occurrence in one of the five zones. Phase V involved
the classification of each species into one of four groups providing
three lists of plant species identifying low marsh, high marsh, upland;
and a fourth list of those species which poorly identified marsh zonation
and upland situations. Phase VI involved the application of descriminant
analysis as an objective test of the classification of samples into five
zones as developed in Phase III. ?hase VII uses.the species lists devel-
oped in Phase V to produce a.single measure for a microplot so as to class-
ify it as either marsh or upland.
-------
- 33 -
I. Field Identification
The perception of marsh zonation is well established in the ecologi-
cal literature. Although actual distribution of species in a marsh and
up into upland may be most realistically viewed as a flow of species
across a complex gradient, it is convenient to view marsh vegetation
in terms of clusters of species occuppying more or less distinct bands
(Eilers, 1975). Thus, it was common for the field crew to view a given
marsh type as a-"low marsh", "high marsh", "transitional marsh" and
upland. These terms were used frequently by the field crew and repre-
sented a tentative and intuitive model of the marsh-upland vegetation
pattern. Furthermore, associated with each of these intuitive vegetation
types was a typical assemblage of species (Appendix 8 and Tables 9, 10,
II, 12). Alternatively, when in the field, the occurrence of a number
of species would be used by the field researchers in identifying a
partfcular marsh type. Consideration would also be given to species
a -
presence, species dominance as indicated by cover, changes in cover,
absence of certain species, position along.a transect, microtopography,
drifted or stranded material, etc. This intuitive field classification
of vegetation has been called "entitation" (Mueller-Oombois and Ellenberg,
1974) and governed the specific decisions regarding the placement of
stakes at the lower and upper boundary of the transition zone. This
intuitive model of marsh-upland vegetation zonation perceived in the
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- 34 -
field then became further refined in the laboratory.
II. Floristic Classification
Field notebook data were entered into standard data forms, one form
per transect, giving sample position along transects, stake positions,
and percent bare ground, stranded material, litter and algae in terms
of a Daubenmire cover class. Species occurrence and cover class were
listed as was line transect data. Upland tree cover and cruising prism
data were also filled-in. These standard data forms were used to com-
plete computer coding forms where one coding form line or one IBM
computer card, represented a single sample. Later, it was necessary to
use two cards per sample in order to accomodate additional species
commonly found in the upland. Appendix C shows the data input arrange-
ment on each computer card. This raw data was manipulated by a number
of programs discussed subsequently.
Floristic data from individual marshes was processed by a computer
program, PHYTO, developed by J. J. Moore (1970) and discussed by Frenkel
and Harrison (1975). The program simulates the initial steps of the
traditional Braun-Slanquet tabular analysis. The method is used most
often for vegetation reconnaissance survey where vegetation units (plant
communities) are identified on a local and regional scale. It proceeds
from the field description of a number of homogeneous stands from which
a number of samples are taken, to the subsequent arrangement in the
laboratory of similar samples into groupSj or associations; based on
mutual presence and absence of species. Differential species, for which
occurrence is restricted to certain groups of samples, are clearly
depicted in tabular form. The program PHYTO rearranges both rows of
-------
35 -
species and columns of samples based on pairs of "division species"
detected by program subroutine COR. Oetected division species are moved
to the left of the table, those without either or both "division species"
remain on the right.
Data from each marsh were individually processed by the PHYTO program
option autodivide, employing an objective a?gorithm to detect the two
best pairs of opposing differential species. The data from marsh and
transition zgoe samples onlywere used in this analysis. Upland transect
data were not included. The output of this option was a partially
structured tabled This table was further altered by operator-given
instructions to provide a "cleaner" tabular arrangement. Usually at
least three* groups, or associations, of species could be identified in
each"narsh. This floristic classification of the marsh vegetation
represented an objective improvement over the intuitive field model of
the marsh-upland ecotone and enabled a more objective classification of
marsh vegetation into discrete zones.
til. Zonal Classification
Each sample was assigned to one of six marsh-upland zones based on
floristic criteria. The criteria were developed from the association
tables in which distinct groupings of species could be seen in relation
to general positions in the marsh-upland continuum. Furthermore, a
general list of species was prepared based on field research experience
which showed the typical range of plant species in the marsh-upland
continuum in Oregon and Washington (c.f., Appendix 8 ). Descriptions of
these zones is given in Table 7 together with brief criteria. While
classification of samples into one of six zones might appear arbitrary,
-------
- 36 -
Table ?> Marsh-upland zones used in analysis of Oregon and Washington
coastal marsh vegetation.
Zone
Description
Criteria''
Zone
1
Low-Marsh
Occurrence of mudflat colonizers, associ-
ation of low marsh species without any
transition or upland species, dominance
by one or more "marsh" species.
Zone
2
Hi gh Marsh
Replacement of mudflat colonizers by
upper (high) marsh species with a few
transition zone species, absence of up-
land species, dominance by upper (high)
marsh species.
Zone
3
Lower Transition
First strong dominance by transition zone
species, appearance occasionally of up-
land species, reduction in dominance of
high marsh species.
Zone
4
Transition
Continued strong dominance by transition
zone species but the entry of upland
species and the loss of marsh species.
tone 5
Upper Transition
Increased dominance of upland forbs and
graminoids but not of woody plants,
continued prominence of transition zone
species.
Zone
6
Upland
Change from herbaceous to shrub or forest
physiognomy, dominance by upland species
and general loss of transition species.
¦1 Criteria were relatively judgmental. Researchers evaluated individual
species in a sample, dominance, and associations. Species list in
Appendix 8 presents species distributions.
-------
- 37 -
reproducible classification was achieved among the three researchers
involved. The accuracy of this zonal classification was tested by
discriminant analysis. The tentative allocation of samples to zones
was necessary to process the data by discriminant analysis and was
suggested by a statistical consultant. The zonal classification repre-
sented still a further refinement and simplification of the marsh-upland
model over that developed by floristic classification and provided the
analytical b§se for further treatment of species data.
IV. Analysis of'Species Frequency, Cover and Importance
Of 154. vascular plant species encountered in this study in Oregon
and^ashington (Appendix 8 ), 65 were selected for analysis of marsh
and transition zone vegetation and 50 were selected for analysis of
upland vegetation. Species were included for analysis if they occurred,
regardless of cover, in two or more marshes or if they occurred in a
single marsh in more than six microplots. All, except the very rare
and ephemeral species met these criteria and were included in analysis.
Species importance by marsh, by zone, and for all marshes was evaluated
by calculating frequency, cover, and marsh" importance values.
Frequency. Plant species frequency was calculated individually for
each marsh, zone and in aggregate. Frequency (F) is the number of
times a given plant species occurs (P) in a set of samples (N) and is
expressed in percent:
F = j~ x 100
Frequency provides for an objective assessment of species importance
similar to cover and density. It is a non-absolute measure because it
-------
- 38 -
is a function of plot size and shape. Although plot size and shape
were held constant in this study, species frequency still is considered
a non-absolute measure of species importance. Frequency tends to give
some indication of the uniformity of species distribution, but generally
confounds the relation between density and dispersion (Grieg-Smith,
1964). The parameter is easily calculated but difficult to interpret
in an objective way.
Frequency of upland shrub and herb species was determined by the
number of occurrences in a set of one meter-long line transect segments
(often 100 per marsh).
The SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Program,
Version 6.5A calculated marsh by marsh frequencies with a separate cross-
tabulation for each species by zone.
Cover. Plant species average percent cover was assessed individu-
ally by marsh, zone and in aggregate. Average percent cover (C) is the
mean of all percent cover (c) measures for a given set of samples (N):
1 M
CTI 'i
i»l
Species cover was estimated within mi croplots in the field as a cover
class and converted to midpoint values (Table 5 ). Since cover (c) is
the relative canopy coverage within a microplot and is expressed by
percent, average cover is also expressed by percent. Cover is a surrogate
for species dominance, the amount of control that a given species exerts
locally. A species which exhibits high coverages, occupies most of the
area under consideration and gives local character to the vegetation.
It.also, presumably has a competive advantage over a species with lew
cover.
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- 39
While cover of the marsh and transition vegetation species was
estimated in auricroplot, species cover in the upland herb and shrub
vegetation was estimated along one-meter segments of a line transect.
Species total percent cover and mean percent cover was calculated
by the SPSS Version 6.5A Program with output by species, marsh, and
marsh zone.
Marsh Importance Value. A single measure of species importance
has often besn the object of ecological research. Curtis and Mcintosh
(1951) have developed an objective measure combining three quantitative
parameters—den?tty, basal area, and frequency. While any one of these
parameters may be regarded as an "importance value", together, they
combine three somewhat different measures leading to a single value.
We have modified the Curtis and Mcintosh index to combine frequency and
cover,
A species' marsh importance value (MIV) is the sum of the relative
frequency (RF) and relative average percent cover (RC):
MIV = RF + RC
Relative frequency (RF) fs the frequencies of a species (F) divided by
the sum of all species frequencies and is expressed as a percent:
RF 1 * 10"
fi
1-1
Likewise, Relative Cover (RC) is the average percent cover of a species
(C) divided by the sum of all species' average percent cover and is also
expressed as a percent:
rc C x TOO
" ^ 3 i.i i * '
s»65
L
i»1
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- 40 -
Species marsh importance values have been computed by a specially
written program which has the following outputs for each species by
marsh and zone:
1. Zonal species frequency (frequency of each species in
each zone for a given marsh)
Z. Zonal total frequency (sum of all frequencies above
regardless of species for each zone in a given marsh)
3. Zonal relative species frequency (relative frequency of
each species for each zone with reference to the total
frequency in each zone for a given marsh)
4. Zonal species dominance (averaqe percent cover of each
species in each zone for a given marsh)
5. Zonal total dominance (sum of all average percent cover
values above regardless of species for each zone in a
given marsh)
Zonal relative species dominance (relative percent cover
of each species for each zone with reference to the
total percent cover in each zone for a given marsh)
7. Zonal species importance value (sum of zonal relative
frequency and zonal relative species dominance for each
species in each zone for a given marsh)
These,synthetic data have been analyzed in tabular form and have
been presented for each marsh and selected transects in graphic form
as well. These data form the basis for developing analytically supported
species lists specific for the separating the marsh-upland continuum.
V. Marsh Group Soecies Classification
To develop lists of species which can enable the researcher and
wetlands manager to better identify the separation of marsh from upland,
critical inspection of the synthetic data developed in Phase IV (which
shows species distribution in the marsh-upland vegetation complex) was
undertaken. Three tables (frequency, average species cover and species
marsh- importance value by the five marsh zones for all marshes in
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- 41 -
aggregate) were inspected in terms of the trends the species exhibited
in each zone. Four groups of species were recognized: low marsh, high
marsh, upland-high transition zone, and a miscellaneous group of non-
indicator species. For each group, a .simple set of criteria was developed
entering of the trends of each species across the five zones (Table 8).
The degree to which a given species met the criteria was evaluated by
assigning a point system: very good (vg) a 2, moderate (m) = 1, poor
(p) a 1. A-total of 4 points was possible for a given species.
VI. Discriminant Analysis
In order to objectively test the classification of samples into
maEsft zones which were based on marsh floristics, marsh samples were
analyzed by stepwise discriminant analysis using the standard subprogram
DISCRIMINANT in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 7.0.
Marshes were independently analyzed with this program.
Discriminant analysis provides a means of statistically distinguishing
,two or more groups of cases, in this instance marsh zones.
To distinguish between the groups the researcher selects a
collection of discriminating variables that measure charac-
teristics on which groups are expected to differ.... The math-
ematical objective of discriminant analysis is to weight and
linearly combine the discriminating variables in some fashion
so that the groups are forced to be as statistically distinct
as possible....Discriminant analysis attempts to do this by
forming one or more linear combinations of discriminating
variables. These discriminant functions are of the form
0-i 3 dilZi + d-f2^2 + ... + dlpZp
where Di is the score on the discriminant function i, the d's
are weighting coefficients, and the Z's are the standardized
values of p discriminating variables used in the analysis.
The maximum number of functions which can be derived is either
one less than the number of groups or equal to the number of
discriminating variables, if there are more groups than vari-
ables. ...Once the discriminant functions have been derived, we
are able to pursue the two research objectives of this tech-
nique: ana 1ysis and class'Tication.
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- 42 -
Table 8. Criteria for classifying species into marsh groups and scoring
system.1
Marsh
Group
Low Marsh Species (a) Decreasing frequency, cover and im-
portance from marsh zone 1 to marsh
zone 5
(b) High concentration of these three para-
meters in marsh zones 1 and 2, low in
marsh zones 4 and 5
High Marsh Species (a) Maximum concentration of frequency,
cover, and importance in marsh zone 2,
low concentration of these parameters
in zones 1, 4 and 5
(b) Maximum concentration of these three
parameters in marsh zone 2 and a steady
decline from marsh zone 2 to 5
Upland Species (a) Increasing frequency, cover and im-
portance form marsh zone 1 to marsh
zone 5
(b) High concentration of these three
parameters in marsh zones 4 and 5 and
low in marsh zones 1 and 2
Non-Indicator Species Species for vthich frequency, cover, and
importance shewed no particular trends
"I Criteria refers to the five marsh zones as developed in Phase III of
the methodology
2 Criteria were applied independently for frequency, dominance and
importance
Criteria'
-------
analysis aspects of this technique provide several too is
for the interpretation of data. Among these are statistical
tests for measuring the success with which discriminating
variables actually discriminate when combined into the dis-
criminant functions.—Since the discriminant functions can
be thought of as the axes of a geometric space, they can be
used to study the spatial relationships among groups. ...More
importantly, the weighting coefficients can be interpreted
much as in multiple regression or factor analysis. In this
respect they serve to identify the variables which contri-
bute most to differentiation along the respective dimension
(function).
The use of discriminant analysis as a classification tech-
nique opines after the initial computation. Once a set of
variables is found which provides satisfactory discrimination
for cases with known group memberships, a set of classifi-
cation functions can be derived which will permit the clas-
sification, bf new cases with unknown memberships....
As a check of the adequacy of our discriminant functions we
can classify the original set of cases to see how many are
correctly classified by the variables used. The procedure
for classification involves the use of a separate linear
combination of the discriminating variables for each group.
These produce a probability of mentoership in the respective
group, and the case is assigned to the group with the
highest probability (Klecka, 1975: 435-436).
Variables are the 55 species used in analysis indicated by their
cover values, cases as already mentioned are the five marsh zones which
were'initially classified by an intuitive marsh model. The selection
of the best set of discriminating variables was controlled by a minimum
WiIke's lambda. The analysis proceeds stepwise by choosing a variable
(species) which best differentiates all groups (marsh zones), it registers
the "effectiveness" of this species in classification and then moves on
to the next most "effective" variable. Usually about 10 steps (species
selected) were necessary to fully classify the marsh but often three or
four species were most "effective". The discriminant functions, weighting
factors, and standardized factors are all given in a summary printout.
Included as a separate printout is a plot of the discriminant function 1
vs. discriminant function 2 snowing a spatial separation of the five
-------
- 44 -
marsh zones. Finally, a matrix printout evaluates the predicted group
membership versus the actual group.
While the discriminant analysis evaluates, marsh by marsh, the
"accuracy" of our initial marsh zonation classification, it deals with
the entire set of marsh zones. The technique could be used to evaluate
the classification of just two zones or types, e.g., upland vs. marsh
or marsh vs. transition zone, where variables remain species. This
use of the taehnique to the problem at hand was not undertaken.
VII. Multiple Occurence (Measure
The lists of species objectively defined in Phase III allocate
plants into.one of four categories (Table 3): low marsh species, high
marsiv species, upland species and species which are not indicators of
upland or marsh. These four lists have been used in calculating a
single measure for defining whether a sample is best classified as
intertidal marsh or uoland. This measure is computed simply by the
Multiple Occurrence Method (see page 223) for any microplot and may be
applied to a sequence of microplots along a transect from marsh to
upland in order to define a transition zone and upper limit of marsh.
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- 45 -
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
General
Introduction
Description and analysis of results are divided into two major
sections: field analysis which involves summary description, marsh by
marsh, of field results with attention paid to floristic changes along
transects, field identification of transition zone boundaries, description
of upland; and Synthetic analysis which involves treatment of species
distribution across all marshes by zone, discriminant analysis upland
vegetation-synthesis and a definition of the transition zone. Addition-
al Ty, salinities are treated in a brief section. In terms of the
presentation of the methods, Phase I and II are dealt with in field
analysis and Phase III - VEIn synthetic analysis.
Internarsh Variation
In any study spanning six degrees of latitude and investigating
a diversity of coastal intertidal marsh habitats, sore major floristic
variations right be expected among the marshes studies. Appendix 8
shows all species encountered in the study with suggested distributional
positions of species in the marsh-upland continuum based on field
experience. Of 154 species encountered, 31 were judged "intertidal
coastal salt marsh plants" (Table 9 ). These are plants which norm11y
may be found in the intertidal marsh or at the upper levels of the marsh
under the influence of periodic inundation by salt water. One may
possibly separate these as "low marsh" species and "high marsh" species
-------
45
Table 9. Intsrtidal coastal salt marsh vascular plant species in
Oregon and Washington.!
Aqrostis alba MTUW
Atrip lex pa.tul a MT
Carex lynooyei MTW
Co tola coronipi fol ia MTW*
Cordylanthus maritimus M
Cuscuta salina M
Qeschamosi a cespitosa MTU
Oi sri ch 1 iT"sol cata jjfr
Sleocharfs palustris jfrw
Festuca rubra MTU
Glaux maritima
Gri ndel i a -i ntegri fol i a MT
Hordeum oracnyantherum Mftl
-Jaumea carnosa MT~
J uncus balticus
Lilaeopsis occidental is
QrchocarpUs castillejoides M
Plantaqo mari ti ma
Potenti11a paci f ica
Puccinelfa pumila
Sali cornTa virqinica
Sci rpus ameri canus
Sci rpus cernuus
Sci rpus mari timus
$ci rpus validus
Soartina altsrniflora
Soergularia canadensis
SpercularTa macrotneca
Ste 1 ] ari a~humi f us a
f ri ql ochfn concinnuro
Trig loch in" mari timum
^ostsra mari na
2ostera nana
MTU
MTUW
M~~ ~
MT
Sfrw
MT"
T?rvj
M*—
M
MT
Mf
M
MT
M
1
Plants commonly found in the intsrtidal marsh (M) _but also occasion-
ally occurring in the transition zone (T) and in freshwater wet tanas
(W) and upland (U). Qominance in a particular position is shewn by
underlining. Asterisk refers to an introduced plant species.
-------
- 47 -
draft
but this was not done in this tabulation ufinf i able for
being both low marsh species and freshwater indicators. These are
identified by "W" in Table 9. For example, Scirpus americanus. S_.
cernuus, S. validus, Deschamosia cespitosa, Potentilla pacifica. and
Eleocharis palustris were observed not only within the lower marsh,
often with much freshwater seepage, but occassional^ in somewhat fresh-
water wetlands at the upper edge of the marsh.
A second group of plants were those that were found in more or
less freshwater conditions (salinities less than 4 ppt). These include
some of the low marsh species mentioned above and additional wetland
plants which were never found in intertidal salt marsh positions such
as Lvsichiturn americanum, Tyoha latifolia, Carex obnuota, and Athyrium
fiHx-fenrina (Table 10). Many of these plants were encountered in the
upper portion of marshes where the tight fabric of upper marsh substrate
together with decomposing stranded material was interpreted as forming
a dam which blocked the surface and upper subsurface freshwater drainage
into, the estuary. Such freshwater conditions were found in almost every
marsh site and are frequently documented in the transect data.
The largest group of species encountered were upland vascular plants
(Table 11). At least 122 plants were judged within this group. Many
of these, widely established- in upland situations, also grew in the upper
portion of the intertidal marsh. These were regarded, provisionally
as "transition zone" plants, e.g., Aster subspicatus, Trifolium worm-
sk.ioldii and Vicia gigantea but a satisfactory list of these wide-ranging
species was not made. It is noteworthy that few intertidal salt marsh
species and freshwater wetland species are introduced but 30 percent
of the upland flora are non-native plants, often weeds of pasture and
ruderal situations.
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- 48 -
Table 10. ^Freshwater wetland vascular plant species growing in and
"adjacent to intertidal coastal marshes in Oregon and
Washington J
Aqrostis alba MTUW
Alopecurus .geniculate UW
Alnus rubra fyy
A thy ri um f i"l i x- f emi na T\JW
8i"dens cernua yijU
Carex Ivnobvei
Carex obnupta fvf
Cotula coronooifolia Mf*
Coniosehnum pacificum TUW
Oeschampsia cespitosa
Eleocharis palustris ffipg
Equisetum spo. yy-
Fraxinus lati folia utf
Hordeum brachyantherum MfUW
¦Juncus effusus uw""
Juncus gerardi i YUw
Juncus Tisueurii XlJW
Lilaeoosis occidental is mTw
Lysichi turn americanum w
Mentha arvensis UW
Myosotis taxa TUW
Oenanthe sarmentosa TUW
Phafaris arundi nacea TUW*
Physocarpus capita'tus UW
Potenti1fa~paci ti ca MTUW
Polygonum"*persi cari a TUW
Rhamnus p'urshiana UW~"
UTTTTpp. UW
Scirpus americanus MTW
Scii rpus cernuus MTVT
Sci rpus microcarpus Tw~~
Sci rpus val idus MfW
Typha lati folia W
Urtica~"dToica UW
Veronica americana UW
Plants commonly found in freshwater wetlands (W) but also occu g
in the marsh (M), transition zone (T) and upland (U). Dominance
a particular zone is shown by underlining. Asterisk refers *.o a
introduced plant species.
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- 49 -
Table 11 Upland vascular plant species commonly found adjacent
to coastal salt marshes in Oregon and Washington. «
Abies grandis
Achillea millefolium
Agropyron repens
Aqrostis alba
Aira carypphyllea
Aira praecox
Ajopecurus geniculatus
Alnus rubra
Ammophila arenarfa
Angelica "lucida
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arbutus menziesii
Srenaria macrophylla
Arctostaphylos ura-ursi
Aster subspicatus
Athy ri um r i 11x-fani na
Artemisia suksdorfii
8erberis aguifolium
Berberis nervosa
Bidens cernua
B.lecrtnum soicant
Sromus pacificus
Calamagrostis nutkaensis
Carex pans?
Cirsi um arvense
Cornus canadensis
Conioselinum pacTficum
Cytisus scopari us
Dactyl is qlomerata
Oi centra' formosa
U Elymus glaucus
TU Elymus mo 11i s
(J* Equisetum spp.
MTUW Epilobium watsonii
U* Erechti te's arguta
U* Festuca megatura
UW* Festuca rubra
TUW Fragaria chiloensis
U* Fraxinus 1 at1 fol ia""
TU Galium aparine
TV* Galium tri fidum
U~ Galium triflorum
U Gaultheria shall on
U Gnapha 1 i"um purpureum
TU Goodyera"obtonqifo1i a
Tim Heracleum lanatum
U Holcus lanatus
U Holodiscus discolor
U Hordeum bTachyantherum
TUW Hypochaeris radicata
U Ilex aguifolium
TU Juncus effusus
TU J uncus gerardi i
U J uncus lesueuni
U* Lathyrus japonicus
U Lathyrus pa 1 us tri s"
TUW Lonicera hispidula
U* Lonicera involucra'ta
U* Lotus uliqinosus
U Lupi nus~I i ttoral i s
U
TU
UW
TU
TU*
U*
MTU
U
UW
TU*
TU
TU
U~
TU
U~"
TU*
TU*
U~
MTUW
U*-
U*
TUW
TUW
TUW
U
TU
U
U
TU*
TU
1 Plants commonly found in upland habitats but also occasionally
occurring in the marsh (M), transition (T), and freshwater
wetlands (W). Dominance in a particular habitat is shown by
underlining. Asterisk refers to an introduced plant species.
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- 50 -
Mai anthemum di1atatum
MelilotusTlba
Mentha aryensis
Monti a sibirica
Mvosotis laxa
Myri ca californica
Qenanthe sarmentosa
Qsmaronia cerasiformis
Pha1ari s "arundi naceae
Physocarpus capi tatus
Picea sitchensis
SJantago coronopus
>1antaqo lanceolat'a
Plantago major
Plantago maritima
Polypodfum glycyrrhiza
Poa macrantha
Potentilla pacifica
PolygonunTparonychia
Polygonum persicaria
Poa prate'nsis
Prunus spp.
Prunella vulgaris
Pseudotsuqa menziesii
Pteri di unPaqui1i num
Pyrus fusca
Rhamnus purshiana
Ribes divancatum
Ribes sanquineum
Rosa gymnocaroa
Rosa nutkana
Rubus discolor
TU Rubus laciniatus U*
(J* Rubus parvi fTorus U
UW Rubus spectabi HT U
IT Rubus ursinus U
TUW Rumex acetosella U*
U Rumex crispus U*
TUW Rumex obtusi foli us TU*
U Rumex occidental is TU
TUW* Sagi na~cras s i cau 1 i's TU
UW Salix hookeriana TU
Tu Salix spp. UW
U* ^ambucus racamosa U
TU* Senecio jacobaea U*
TU* Senecio vulgaris U*
MTU Sidalcaa hendersonii TU
U ^planum nigrum TU11
U Sonchus oleraceus TU11
MTUW Stellaria calycantha TU
U Symphoricarpus albus U
TUW thuja plicata U
U*~" Tiarella trifoliata U
U trifolium pratense U*
TU* trifolium repens U*
IT trifolium worms id oldii TU
U tsuqa heteroph.yl la U
U Urtia dioca UW
UW Vaccinium ovatum U
U Vacci niurn parvifolium U
U Veroni ca "amen cana UW
U Vicia qiqantea TU
U Vicia sativa U*
U*
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- 51 -
A few species were Initially judged as having very broad habitat
requirements and these species defied classification into the salt marsh,
freshwater, and upland lists (Table 12).
Table 12.. Vascular plant species with broad habitat associations and
considered "non-indicator" species for wetland-upland differ-
entiation of coastal Oregon and Washington salt marshes.1
Aorostis alba WTJJW J uncus balti cus MTJJW
Festuca"rubral MTU Plantago marltima MTU
Hordeum bFiZhantherum MTUW Potenti 11 FpicrFTca MTU W
1 Plants commonly found in coastal intertidal salt marshes (M) but also
occurring in the transition zone (T), upland (U), and freshwater wet-
lands (W).. Dominance in a particular position is shown by underlining.
Many of these species were extremely widespread in all habitats. This
was particularly true of Agrostis alba. However, it is possible that
various ecological races have developed for this and other species
which were not recognized based on reconnaissance taxonomy.
..Appendix 0 shows the distribution of 65 vascular plant species
commonly found in intertidal marsh and marsh-upland transition zone,
regardless of abundance. While differences in abundance of various
species were observed latitudinally, along the coast vs. in the Puget
Sound, and among various substrates (coarse sand, sand, and silt); the
actual ranges of plant species were continuous through the two-state
study area. Some species showed greater expression in marshes to the
north; e.g., Stellaria humifusa and Puccinellia pumila. No distinctly
southern group of species occurred. Puget Sound marshes showed less
strong zonation and more complex species distributions but no lati-
tudinal variations were discerned. All together the intertidal marsh
flora was strongly repetitive.
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- 52 -
Field Analysis
In this section each study site is assessed in the same general
manner. The format includes: a brief description of the study site
including a locational map and in most cases a site map; mention of
significant prior studies, if any; marsh type after Jefferson's (1975)
classification; special characteristics of the. marsh and upland; plant
community pattern based on PHYTO; location of transition zone boundaries
based on field assessment; discussion of typical transects with selected
figures of speciess distribution along transects; summary of upland tree
*
data; and, summary of upland shrub and understory herb data. Detailed
locational information is given for each site in Appendix E.
-Accompanying each study site discussion are typical samples of
plant species cover profiles along transects, e.g., Figure 8. The
standardized format for these profiles was to: (a) plot species percent
cover by solid line figures where contiguous microplot samples along a
given transect included the species in question; (b) plot species cover
w.ith a dashed line where the species in question was absent but was
expected because of its presence elsewhere along the transact; (c) shade
the area along the transect where tree cover prevailed and where sampling
used line segments rather than microplots; (d) plot tree cover by solid
black rectangle scaled to percent canopy cover; (e) plot profile eleva-
tion in meters above National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD)
or an arbitrary datum provided by the NOS (1978) where available; (f)
plot distance along profile with zero sat at the "end-upland" stake
(usually 10 m from the open marsh); and, (g) plot the position of the
lower boundary of the transition zone stake (MTZ) and upper boundary of
the transition zone stake (UP) as determined in the field.
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- 53 -
After the site-by-site descriptions which follow, site-specific
data has been aggregated and is discussed in the section entitled
"Synthetic Analysis".
-------
-------
- 55 -
Bandon CQ1
Site Description. Situated in the Coquille River estuary, the most
southerly Oregon estuary supporting extensive salt marsh vegetation
(Figure 5 ), the Bandon marsh occupies about 150 ha on the east side of
the river about 1 km north of Bandon. The marsh was classified by
Jefferson (1975) as predominantly a low sand marsh with an extensive
area of immature high marsh to the north and a fringe of mature high
marsh adjacent to the upland. We concur with this classification. The
marsh exhibits much freshwater seepage as indicated by extensive flats
with Scirpus americanus, Lilaeopsis occidental is and Scirpus cernuus.
Johannessen .(1961) suggested that the marsh is prograding rapidly and
he interpreted the marsh creek system based on this assumption. However,
exposed rooted Picea sitchensis stumps within the intertidal zone in
the southern portion of the marsh suggests historic retrogradation or
isostatic depression. Regardless, a developmental history of the marsh
would be a. worthwhile academic study. More recently, the marsh has been
grazed by cattle and is fenced within the forest. No evidence of recent
grazing damage was observed.
Generally devoid of extensive creek development, the marsh has one
major creek which extends northward parallel to the upland. A broad
expanse of sandy substrate marks the marsh center and is covered by
dense mats of Ruppia maritima, The upper section of the marsh is heavily
clogged with drift logs, many of which are piled-up against the fringing
forest. Upland is characterized by a wet Picea sitchensis forest. A
striking f^shwater wetland with Lysichitum ameri can urn which receives
ground water seepage from "fossilized" sand dunes, was found along
almost all transects. The marsh gradient was low with a sudden "step"
usually between 5 and 20 m distant from the forested fringe.
-------
- 56 -
Figure 5. Sancon study sita with approximata locations of transacts
-------
- 57 -
Plant communities. Sampling along 12 transects with 168 microplots
and 120 meter segments in the upland, permitted adequate characterization
of the marsh vegetation. Figure 6 shows transect locations. Three
marsh zones (low marsh, upper marsh, and upper transition) containing
four major plant communities were identified (Figure 7 ). The four
marsh communities were: (1) Scirpus americanus Community dominated by
this species but with thick mats of Ruppia maritima: (2) Scirpus ameri-
canus - Scirjius cemuus community also a low marsh assemblage but
slightly higher in the marsh; (3) Juncus balticus - Potentilla pacifica
community, a complex middle to high marsh assemblage usually found
above the gradient nickpoint referred to above; and, (4) Vicia giqantea -
Holcus lanatus community marking the upper drier fringes of the marsh
often above, heavy drift log accumulation.
The Scirpus americanus community, a low diversity low marsh com-
munity, colonizes the sand-flat and is flooded twice daily by every tide.
With low tide, there is much evidence of freshwater seepage. Rupoia
mats-are a marked feature of this low marsh community.
The Scirpus americanus - Scirpus cemuus community, the principal
low marsh assemblage, includes the following characteristic species:
Scirpus americanus Orthocarpus castillejoides
Scirpus cemuus Salicornia viral nir*
Liliaeopsis occidental is Plantago maritima
Jaumea carnosa :—~
Other widespread low marsh plants, Carex lyngbvei, Distich!is spicata,
Triqlochin marftimum and Glaux maritima are also argent' Slightly
higher than the pure Scirpus americanus community, this low marsh group
also is effected by freshwater seepage.
Representing the upper marsh zone was the heterogeneous Juncus
SaUicus - Potentilla community. Included in this poorly defined
-------
4
slain mmmi
14
I
It
II
if
j«
il
SCUM (lliMMt
UtUOlll «CCNl»Mill
|««N|I (I1MU
t » III 111
* iiiniHii i> i< j i .nil mi uifi. .».ii i
tllim IIU 4111*11 1114 th | 414 till II | |t Hit
ll*l| || 41 til 111!* *11 III | ttl till | Hit
it I | 4* t 4*
III*III 1*14 |
I * II 41 I* I If |
* I
lIllMIIIUII 14 II |
I II III I l|
<1 14114
!•
II
II
Figure 7. Plant community table, Bandon study site.
-------
- 59 -
community were a number of low marsh species such as Carex lyngbyei and
Olstichlis spicata but also typical high marsh species such as Deschamosia
cespitosa. Potentilla pacifica, Aqrostis alba, Aster subspicatus, and
Trifolium wormskjoldii. Because of the inclusion of these plants with
upland affinities, the community is regarded as marking either the upper-
most marsh zone or the lower transition zone.
A distinctive upper transition zone assemblage, the Vicia qiqantea -
Holcus lanatus community typically included a number of upland plants
suggesting its strong upland affinity. Yet, Juncus balticus, Potentilla
pacifica- Aqros.t'is alba, and Aster subspicatus were often locally domi-
nant in this assemblage. This community was found among and often above
the major accumulation of drifted logs.
Transects and transition zone. Twelve transects, three of which
extended to the mudflat, were established over 1 km of the marsh.
Figure 8 to 10 show three typical transects. The lower boundary of
the transition zone was defined by the simultaneous appearance of such
upland species as Trifolium wormskjoldii and Aster subspicatus and the
disappearance of the typical low marsh species discussed above.
Upland vegetation was a dense Picea sitchensis forest with a moist
understory often- marked by Lysichitum americanum and Qenanthe sarmentosa.
Three trees dominated as seen from the frequency and basal area data:
2
Freq. (*) Avq. Cover (*) 3.A. (m /ha).
Picea sitchensis 100 4.1 ^]'l
Alnus rubra 100 29
Myri ca~ca1i forn i ca 58 5 Q-4
Upland understory species with greater than 10 percent frequency in 120
samples included:
-------
- 60 -
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (
Alnus rubra 13.3 1.5
Gaultheria shall on 13.3 2.1
Lysichitum americanum 10.0 2.9
Maianthemum dilitatum 17.5 2.5
Qenanthe "sannentosa 32.5 s'.3
Picea sitchensis 30.8 12.6
-------
- 51 -
I
i.
s
100
I I *0
Hoc Q
j'aca
Caly
Scam
SI ma
' 01 sp
Sees
Trma
Decs
Juoa
Tr»o
Pooa
Aqa i
Assu
Oesa
Alru
Sasn
Salix
"aco
?isi
Madl
3uss
CQ1-73
¦ : r v r
1 /Vlw--^
¦
r ¦ m
Figure 3. Plant species cover along transect CQ1-/3 at 3andon
study site.
-------
- 62 -
Figure 9. Plant species cover along transact CQ1-9 at 3andon studv
s i te.
-------
Figure 10. Plant
Study
species cover along transect CQ1-13 at
si te.
Bandcn
-------
- 64 -
Fiaure II. Location of Havies Inlet study site, C-1.
-------
¦ 65 -
Haynes Inlet CB1
Site description. In the northeasternmost extension of the Coos
Bay estuarine system, Oregon's second largest estuary after the Columbia
River Estuary, Haynes Inlet has a number of intact and diked marshes.The
study site occupies the SW4£, of the NWi of Section 25, T.24 S., R.13 W.
(Figure 11) and entoraces about 11 ha. It was classified by Jefferson
(1975) and by Hoffnagle and Olson (1974) as Immature High Marsh and we
agree with this general classification. The marsh is penetrated by a
number of deeply^ incised tidal creeks which extend almost to upland.
The gradient is extremely low with an abrupt change in slope at the
upland margin. The upland is very narrow (5 to 10 m) to the west of
the-old Oregon Coast Highway, the embankment of which forms a disturbance
in the otherwise shrubby and partially forested vegetation. There was
no freshwater seepage, few drift logs, and no ponding of water at the base
of the upland.
Plan* comnuni ti es. Ten transects with 106 mi crop lots in the marsh
and 67 upland line segment samples were used to assess the vegetation
(Figure 12). Two marsh communities prevail: (1) a low marsh Carex
lynqbvei - Distich!is soicata community, and, (2) a high marsh Peschamp-
si a cespitosa - Atriplex patula communi ty.
The low marsh community, typical of assemblages developing on a silt
substrate.,was being colonized by Carex lynqbyei and Salicornia virqi-
n1ca. A short distance from the abrupt colonizing edge, the marsh flora
increased to include the more typical assemblage:
Carex lynqbyei (2) Salicornia viroinica (2)
Oistichlis spicata (3) t'riqlochi'ri' marltimum (3)
The numbers, above, refer to typical cover classes.
-------
I
cn
Q\
S11 iillti LJ IiUjI MuiJIIal | ^~| Marsl> ~ Upland Tula Gaiiyo ——U TiafttttCI
Figure 12. Ilayries Inlet study site with approximate locations of transects.
-------
- 67 -
Typical of an immature high marsh, the high marsh community was
characterized by Deschampsia cespitosa but included all of the low marsh
species but usually with diminished cover. Common species marking the
high marsh were:
Deschampsia cespitosa (3) Aqrostis alba (2)
Atrip lex patuta (1) Carex lynqbyei (2)
Oistichlis spicata (3) Triqlochin maritimum (2)
Transects and Transition Zone. Three long transects permitted
description of lower marsh structure. Two short transects CB and C8
illustrate the structure of the upper marsh (Figure 13 to 15). No
transition zone existed in this marsh; few upland species extended into
the high marsh. Therefore the lower and upper boundary of the transi-
tion" zone were coincident and occurred where there was an abrupt change
in slope.
Upland vegetation was affected by disturbance, in fact, only two
upland transects extended a full ten meters from the marsh. Six trees
were.present as shown by frequency data in 10 macroplots:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (%)
Alnus rubra 30 10
Myri ca~ca1i forni ca 10 2
ncea sitchensis 50 12
Pseudotsuga menziesii 30 7
Salix hookeriana 100 59
fsuqa heterophvTl a 10
8ecause of the disturbance and proximity to the road, no basal area
data were possible.
Upland shrub and herb understory data from 67 upland line seg-
ments, reflected two kinds of upland habitats: an open shrubby habitat
with plants early in successional stage, and a more closed coniferous
forest habitat as seen from the following roster of species with greater
-------
- 68 -
100
50
0
C31-3
i run
3«ca
Caly
01 so
3 Juca
i, Agal
t
SB '
2 HtU
u
2 C/sc
>1
Si Suur
VI
*1 sa
?taa
5a/io
?ls1
i
'1
3CSTANCI >,)
Figure 13. Plant species cover along transect C31-3 at Havnes
Inlet study site.
-------
- 59 -
Figure 14. Plant species cover along transect C31-4 at Haynes
Inlet study site.
-------
- 70 -
100
so
0
Qtcs
01 sp
Atpa
ju6a
i
A^al
'/1gi
—
Gash
POOIU
Suur
a=r'
Suca
3.
Sano
- »¦„-
CS1-3
16
DISTANCE (fl)
24
22
Figure 15. Plant species cover along transect CS1-3 at Haynes
Inlet study site.
-------
- 71 -
than 10 percent frequency:
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
Rubus discolor
Rub us parviflorus
Achi11 ea millefolium
Agrostis alba (?)
Gaultheria shallon
Holcus lanatus
Polystichum muni turn
14.9
22.4
20.9
11.9
25.4
16.4
13.4
62.7
2.7
6.3
5.7
2.5
7.3
7.5
4.0
16.8
Rubus ursinus
Waldoort South AST
Site description. Situated about 1.5 km east of Eckman Lake on
the south shore of Alsea Say about 8 km from the mouth of the estuary,
Waldport South marsh occupies about 3.5 ha (Figure 16). Although the
proximate upland was formed by artificial landfill at least 40 years
ago as evidenced in 1939 airphotos, the marsh and adjacent upland show
relatively little recent disturbance. The marsh was classified by
Jefferson (1975) as Sedge Marsh (in the western embayment) and Mature
High' Marsh. While much Mature High Marsh exists we would estimate that
about half the aerial extent of the marsh would be better classified as
Immature High Marsh. This marsh was one of the sites of the Frenkel
and Eilers (1976) pilot study for the delineation of marsh-upland bounda-
ries and Transect 2 and 5 of the current research were close to the
transects WS1 and WS2 described in this pilot study (Figure 17). The
marsh exhibits deeply incised tidal creeks, strong marsh zonation, few
drift log accumulations and is generally developed on fine silt sub-
strate as evidenced by a number of sediment cores. There is no indica-
tion of freshwater seepage and ponding of freshwater at the upper edge
of the marsh.
-------
I
VI
ro
i
Figure 16. Location of Waldport South study site, AB1.
-------
- 73 -
p [upland 0 Tide Gauge
0 Transect
Fiqure 17. Waldport South study site with approximate locations of transects
-------
/
II SiiC4M lit
U Hit* hum: Mi It
I UMtllS »»~ I
• II* I **• •• I
I tll.l II* I HI
f II »( M I <
III I HI «l • 111*111 *1 ll»l »W# III
i«i *ii I t* t%* tin* I* * mil
• ••lit )*• I tl|***ll»»lll II II *111 lll«**IUI
II I* III I »
t»*t|l«« ••«!»•»•** • in • |||
«UI| * « I I III I *!/~ I I *1
• M»ll I • I I |l
If II III" llll
I •11*1 It I
I »*l»ltl
i * I I II
i I • I •
I IU»«
tt IIM/MK l|4i^k.l|kMI II It* • ItlOltll K«M •tllll* MHIMIIIII I II II
i« tiwtt Miim i • i mi milium it I hiihii hi ti • «t i
ill* ii* * i* • *n • 4 itif* • *• i* • •» * •
t f ottUf Miflit lilUlil H*t • t MM4MI«l«ll*limtHU|lU/l)li>itl/U **>• •
II **l* * l*t * *• I*11 I
N4
if
I I I
•>•!» 't I
I I
I
II
II
II I
II I II
II
III
I *
Figure 18. Plant community table, Waldport South.
-------
Plant communities. Ten transects with
- 75 -
FT
n ropTots situated in
the marsh and marsh-upland transition can be used to define plant com-
munities. Three generalized plant communities are identified (Figure 18):
(1) a low marsh community with Triqlochin maritimum, Salicornia virqinica.
Distich!is spicata and Jaumea carnosa as indicator species; (2) a high
marsh assemblage with Potentilla pacifica, Agrostis alba, J uncus balticus
but without the foregoing low marsh species; and, (3) an upper transition
zone communis marked by Achillea millefolium, Aster subspicatus, Trifolium
worms k.ioldii, and Holcus lanatus.
Transects and transition zone. Two of the ten transects were extended
to mudflat or primary tidal creeks and served to identify major lower marsh
structure although all transects were extended into the intertidal marsh.
Three typical transect profiles are shown in Figures 19 to 21. Peschamp-
sia cespitosa, Carex Ivnqbvei give way to Juncus balticus and Potenti11 a
pacifica as the transition zone is approached. In the field the lower
boundary of the transition zone was defined by high dominance of Potentilla
paci-fica simultaneously with diminishing importance of low marsh species
such as Triqlochin, Salicornia, and Deschamosia.
Upland vegetation, developing on an old landfill was, in part,
ruderal. Ninety-nine, 1 m segments in 10, 10 m line transects permitted
assessment of upland vegetation. Upland tree canopy was dominated by
conifers and consisted of:
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
B.A. (m2/ha)
Alnus rubra
Picea si tchensis
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Pyrus fusca
Rnamnus ourshiana
Tsuga heterophyn'a
80
100
20
10
50
20
17
46
3
1
4
3.5
5.3
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
-------
- 76 -
Figure 19. Plant species cover along transect AS 1-1 at Waldoort
South study site.
-------
- 77 -
e
4)
U
i-
o
u
VI
UJ
a.
100
50
Hobr 0
Tnna
Glma
Oece
Atpa
Agal
Copa
Juba
Papa
iflpr
Trwo
Aoni
Hola
PIT a
Ruur
Anod
Ptaq
Dagl
Pisi
Madi
Vaov
Psme
2 2
s l
d o
'• . Irr!;-
b. ¦
.. /•
A81-3 !
, _ _ u - —
_ ^ I
12
DISTANCE (m)
24
36
Figure 20. Plant spcies cover along transect AS1-3 at Waldport South study
site.
-------
- 78 -
Figure 21. Plant species cover along transact AB1-5 at Waldccrt
South study site.
-------
- 79 -
Upland understory shrub and herb layer as a'
segments consisted of the following species with frequencies greater
than 10 percent:
Plant species commonly found in forest are indicated by (f) and those
of open areas by (o). From this list, one can see the presence of
plants of both kinds of vegetation cover found on this old landfill.
Nute Slouoh YS1
Site description. Located on the north shore of Yaquina River
about 16 km from the estuary mouth but 22 km downstream of head of tide,
Nute Slough marsh is about 0.5 km east of Nute Slough proper (Figure 22).
The marsh was mapped by Jefferson (1975) as a Mature High Marsh and
this appears to be the most appropriate classification for the more
extensive eastern segment. The narrower western portion where most of
the sampling in this research occurred is best described as an Immature
High Marsh. The marsh is cut by a few creeks and has moderate accumula-
tions of stranded logs in its upper portion. The appearance of dense
stands of Scirpus microcarous and Carex obnupta at the interface between
marsh and coniferous forest, suggests freshwater seepage collecting at
Freg. (%)
Avg. Cover (%)
o Achillea millefolium
o Aqrostis alba .(?)
o Dactyl is glomerata
o Galium aparine
o Holcus lanatus
f Maianthemum dilatatum
f Picea sitchensis
f ftolystichum muni turn
o Pteri di umTaui 1 i nurn
f Rhamnus purshiana
o ftubus laciniatus
f/o Rubus ursinus
13.1
10.1
20.2
11.1
11.1
21.2
42.4
12.1
30.0
12.1
26.3
75.8
1.4
1.5
1.6
0.2
1.5
3.6
14.1
3.8
9.7
2.0
6.1
20.0
-------
8
fitt I'U iMHm of Mq >)ou9>) ^tw»ly site,vol.
-------
00
I I
Wdiei
11
Sti dint
~
(V) Tido Gaiiyo
Tidal Mudllui
Marsh
n
Upland
-U Transect
Hyure 23. Ihite Slouyh study site with approximate locations of transects.
-------
- 82 -
at the base of the upland. While the Newport Road embankment normally
forms an artificial upland to contiguous salt marshes in this area, the
Nute Slough Marsh coniferous upland is removed from the road about 20
or more meters (Figure 23).
Plant communities. Nine transects including 88 microplots were
used to identify several low marsh communities and two upper marsh
communities. Low marsh communities colonizing silty substrate include:
a Triqlochin maritimum - Carex 1 ynqbyei colonizing fringe and a Distich!is
spicata - Salicornia virqinica community with Carex lyabyei. The upper
marsh zone was characterized by Juncus balticus, Potentilla pacifica
and Aster subspicatus all found in somewhat drier areas but also with
Carex 1ynqbyei and Atriplex patula. In areas of freshwater seepage
dense stands of Scireus microcarpus, Carex obnupta and Qenanthe sarmentosa
dominated. Clear community classification was difficult in this marsh.
Transects and transition zone. Figure 24 and 25 suggest typical tran-
sects from the lower marsh where Triqlochin maritimum is the colonizing
species, through the middle marsh where Juncus balticus begins to become
prominent, and through the upper marsh denoted by Potentilla pacifica.
The lower transition zone boundary was not always selected in the field
but was chosen where Aster subspicatus appeared together with Potenti11a
and Juncus.
Upland vegetation was analyzed from 9 macroplots, and 85 line seg-
ments. While the upland was mostly a Picea forest, Alnus rubra was also
an important dominant as suggested by the following tree canopy summary:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (*.) 3.A. (m2/ha)
Alnus rubra 89 23.0 2.4
Picsa sitcnensis 100 51*0 1.4
Pyrus fusca 44 2.3 0.4
Salix hooksriana 11 ].o
-------
- 83 -
Figure 24. Plant species cover along transect Y81-1A at Nute Slough
study site.
-------
- 84 -
W
v>
100r
50 r
oi-
urtn
Atsa
T rna
Savi j
Glma |
I
Caly |
Sffca i
I
Ju04 !
i
31 so j
I
Pcca . i
AS3U
V1q1
•3uur
PU1
CdOO
Vaav
44SH
Ai ry
?
-------
85 -
Upland shrub and herb understory, assessed by line intercept, sug-
gested the occurrence of freshwater wetland conditions as seen by the
following list of species with frequency greater than 10 percent and
wetland plants denoted by (w):
Freq. (8) Avg. Cover (%)
(w) Carex obnupta 23.5 8.3
Saul then a shall on 50.6 19.5
Loni cera Tnvo1ucrata 21.2 5.3
(w) Lysichiturn americanum 10.6 3.7
PIcea sitEhensis 20.0 11.5
Rubus ursinus 14.1 2.5
Vaccinium ovatum 49.4 21.0
While wet condition prevailed in 5 transects, the other 4 transects were
dominated by typical coastal coniferous forest understory species.
Netarts Sand Spit NT!
Site description. The only Low Sand Marsh studied in Oregon (two
Washington marshes were Low Sand), Netarts Sand Spit marsh is located
in Cape Lookout State Park on the bay-side (east) of the 10 km-long sand
spit which forms the western side of one of Oregon's most intact estu-
aries. The study site extends over about I-km, and is centered about
3 km north of the campground (Figure 26). Two broad types of marsh are
evident along the bay-side of the spit: a Low Sand Marsh type which
colonizes the low gradient sand fiat and presents a gradual gradient to
upland and a Mature High Marsh type which is elevated abruptly 40 to
120 cm above the sand flat. The latter type shows signs of retrogra-
dation, while the former appears to be prograding. The two types
correlate with upland characteristics. Where the sand spit dune system
is low and weakly stabilized, the Low Sand Marsh prevails. Where the
upland is marked by stabilizing Pi cea and Pi nus forest the Mature High
-------
- 86 -
Pi curs 26. location n* Mstfts 3av studv sit?, TT!
-------
37 -
Marsh type is common. This dual type is hypothesized as being caused
by historical breaching of the sand spit causing scouring of the marsh
vegetation by ocean waves and the occurrence of the Low Marsh Type.
Commonly colonizing the sand flat at the outer edge of the low sand
marsh is Scirpus americanus, suggesting freshwater seepage. For the
high marsh, freshwater seepage is suggested, in places, at the upper
portion of the marsh by the presence of Carex obnupta. Jefferson (1975)
recognized ttie two types of marsh but judged the high marsh as Immature
High Marsh. From the species composition we suggest it is better
classified as Mature High Marsh. Presently, intensive studies of marsh
function (pers. comm. J. Gallagher), salinity variation (pers. comm. M.
Llverman) and marsh plant anatomy (pers. comm. 0. Seliskar) are taking
place.
8oth the marsh and estuary have been little disturbed. Historically
homesteading has occurred on the spit and there was cattle grazing but
this must have occurred at least 50 years ago. Creek development is
very-.sparse. Orift log accumulation is slight. A very important influ-
ence on the marsh vegetation are rafts of, Zostera marina which become
stranded and decompose, often killing marsh vegetation. It appears
that "pans" and other depressions in the lower marsh may have their
origin from this phenomena.
Upland vegetation can be classed in two types: stabilized sand
dunes dominated by Ammophila arenaria and stabilized sand dunes dominated
by P1cea sitchensis and Pinus contorta.
Plant communities. Ten transects including 155 microplots were
distributed so as to fully describe the variation of marsh and marsh-
upland ecotone vegetation (Figure 27). Plant community structure was
relatively simple (Figure 28). Two types of low marsh communities
-------
- 38 -
~ic!e Gauge
i.gurs 27. ^atarts Sand Spit study site with ancroximata
locations of transacts.
-------
- 89 -
were common: a single species community wit!
I
more diverse community characterized by Salicornia virqinica, Jaumea
carnosa, and Plantaqo maritima. Qistichlis spicata was also dominant
in this community but ranged well into the upper marsh. A single type
of upper marsh prevailed dominated by Deschamosia cespitosa, Potentilla
pacifica. Juncus balticus and Aqrostis alba. All of these upper marsh
species ranged into the transition between marsh and upland. T'ne tran-
sition zone ^communi ty was marked by the entry of J uncus lesueurii, As ter
subspicatus, Trifolium wormskjoldii, and AchiIlea millefolium. £1ymus
mollis was often"-important in identifying the transition zone, as
well.
Transects and transition zone. Figures 29 to 32 illustrate typical
transects with profiles across Netarts Sand Spit marsh. Transect MT1-1A
typifies the transects across a high marsh as can be seen by the 1.2 m
nickpoint at the outer edge where Salicornia virqinica is dominant. A
slight "levee" forms corresponding with dominance by Deschamosia and
Atrip lex. The transition zone was defined in the field by the sudden
appearance of Potenti11 a and Elymus mollis. Upland was defined by
forest and shrub species which enter at an abrupt change in slope. One
transect, NT1-4, illustrates the pattern for the low sand marsh where
Sciraus americanus forms a colonizing fringe followed by a low marsh
community marked by Qistichlis, Salicornia and Jaumea. A high marsh
assemblage follows with Potenti11 a dominant, and a transition zone
identified by the entry of Elymus mollis.
Upland vegetation was assessed along the 10 transects with 6 macro-
plots and 102 line segments. The tree canopy reflected the typical
species found on stabilized dunes:
-------
........ | • * * *
IHIM |ll%UMbltMlMHliHSUMll/l.iW4WllMUItl|)H>«ll4«tH«><>*l4IHUI»« ItHIUM*IJUSillMtl|«Mll*MIUUfIN|IHUM*ltU»MM)IIH»il**( II>*•
tllltMlll •ItttlMC*
I
II It'MI (1MU
h #|IU«4»* «4*|||«l
11 VS|i.#*JS
ii i*<«uKuu cimi:«)u
li •l»|l|ltM
' (NUUM ittllM
J- MtiMM
ttlUI
Is CWAIMMm
*4S?i 4-i llU II
«ft MKM UWMH
I 4tlM IMi«|4l|«\
4l
I 44.4III** Iiltlfl4|b1
• 4 (tNllM
If HilllJ IMH4
i. <:niiu««tMt imi*u«ii<
• I 4KNI irillM 1
h% 44iMl«*|4 IWltM
I* llfl44«|l (ilMUNa t»* l|*|»|M|«|
II #»lwl.i*«N, btilllKMfatM
i*n«<.i t* mi at* Hi/mimi »!• li /*
*1111 | Iflll 111 llill I •
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-------
- 91 -
o
o
on
a.
to
100
50
Savi 0
Oisp
Hobr
Atpa
Acini
Assu
Oece
Juba
Agal
Popa
Elmo
Hola
Vaov
"Pi si
Gash
Ronu
Rudi
Ptaq
Saho
Pico
LU
rfrrffiff'
k. J •«»»¦«»»
—/I
20
40
orSTANCE (m)
60
NT1-1A
~
- - - -
-------
- 92 -
Scan
Trma
01 sp
Savi
Jaca
Atja
Papa
100p
50 -
/lyrrr-rl
i'i 1
Cb
1T1 -4
/1T\ !
UJ
Figure 30. Plant species cover along transect NT!-4 at Netarts
Sand Spit study site.
-------
- 93 -
Figure 31. Plant species cover along transect Nil-6 at Metarts
Sand Spit study site.
-------
- 94 -
Figure 32. Plant species cover along transect N71-7 at Me tarts
Spit study site.
Sand
-------
- 95 -
Myri ca californica
Picea sitchensis
Pinus contorta
Pyrus fusca
Salix hookeriana
Tsuqa heterophyfla
Frgq- (s)
10
60
40
10
20
20
Avq. Cover (%)
2
19
5
2
2
1
B.A. (m /ha)
0.1
2.8
0.5
0.2
0.3
0.2
Understory shrub and herb vegetation reflects the two upland vege-
tation types mentioned earlier: open stabilized sand dune (o) and
forested dungs (f) as is shown in the following roster of species with
frequencies in excess of 10 percent:
(o
(o
(o
(o
(o
(o
(o
(o
(f
(0
(o
,
(o/f
(f
(0
Agrostis alba (?)
AmmophiTa arenaria
Anqelica'lucida
1-"Aster subspicatus
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis
Oeschampsia cespitosa
Elymus mollis
Festuca rubra
(aaulthe'ria shallon
Holcus lanatus
Juncus 1esueurii
Picea Si tchensis
Pteridium aquilinum
Rosa nutFana
T ri f oT ium wormskjoldii
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
20.6
4.0
17.6
11.6
11.8
1.9
30.4
2.3
10.8
3.3
12.7
2.6
34.3
7.9
16.7
2.4
68.6
35.2
32.3
2.8
36.3
3.0
27.4
6.3
14.7
4.1
18.6
4.8
22.5
2.3
Six transects were in forest or partially forested upland, and four were
in open stabilized dunes.
West Island NR7
Cantered in Nehalem Say, West Island marsh is one of the most
thoroughly studied marshes in Oregon (Eilers, 1975) and was included in
the present research because of the background research compiled for
this marsh (Figure 33). Comprising about 30 ha, the marsh has been
little disturbed but suoports about 0.4 ha of incipient upland
-------
- 96 -
-------
- 97 -
; Strand ! T'ida» viudflat
'id® Gauqe —
©¦
Figure 34. West Island study sita with approximate locations of transact
-------
- 98 -
coniferous vegetation developed on old drift logs. Despite the low
gradient of this developing upland, patches of Carex obnupta close
to the Picea-dominated forest suggest the presence of freshwater seepage.
The marsh was classified by Jefferson (1975) as an Immature High Marsh
and Low Silt Marsh. Although the lower third of the marsh is correctly
identified by type by Jefferson, the upper marsh is better characterized
as a Mature High Marsh. An extremely well developed tidal creek system
prevails over the central part of the island and has been described by
Eilers (1975). Drift logs are scattered over the extensive high marsh
with some accumulation at the upland-marsh interface.
Plant communities. Nine transects, one of which was over 300
meters long, and 195 microplots were used to study the marsh and tran-
sition zone vegetation (Figure 34). Eilers (1975) employing ordination
analysis, recognized 11 marsh plant communities which he subdivided
into intertidal and transitional communities and extra tidal communities:
Intertidal and Transitional
Sci rpus [mari timus]
Trig loch in Lmari timum]
Carex [lynqbyei] short
Carex [lynqbyei] tall
Carex - Oeschampsia [cesoitosal - Triqlochin
Triqlochin - Qeschamosi a
Carex - Qeschamosia - Triqlochin - Aqrostis
J uncus [ba Ulcus] - Agrosti s
Extratidal
Juncus - Aqrostis - Festuca [rubra]
Aster [subspicatus] - Potentilla Lpacifica] -
Qenanthe Isarmentosa]
Carex - Aster - Qenanthe 0.4 0.5
While most of these communities were encountered in the present sampling,
because the analysis was different, communities were classed as: (1) low
and upper marsh communities where Carex Ivncbyei , Triolochin mari timum
Marsh
Area
ihil
3/
/»
1.7
2.3
5.0
6.5
7.9
10.1
7.5
9.6
15.8
20.2
2.1
2.3
11.8
15.1
12.1
15.4
1.7
2.3
11.5
14.7
-------
- 99 -
were identifying species; (2) middle marsh communities with strong
dominance by Juncus balticus, Potentilla pacifica and Agrostis alba
and frequent dominance by Oeschampsia cespitosa; and, (3) upper transi-
tion zone communities where Oenanthe sarmentosa, Galium trifidum, and
G. triflorum helped characterize the assemblages (Figure 35).
Transects and Transition Zone. Several transects were very long
and apparently traversed mosaics of plant communities. This was
especially tpue of transects 7 and 8. Figure 36 and 37 exhibit typical
transects. Strong dominance by Carex lynbyei gives way in Transect NB2-1
to a complex marsh with Potenti11a. The transition zone was identified
with difficulty in the field by the appearance of such upland species
as Achillea, Heracleum, Oenanthe, Aster, and Vicia.
Upland vegetation was determined from 8 macroplots and 90 line
segments. Eilers1 (1975) Picea - Salix "upland" community was charac-
terized by the following tree species:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover {%) 8.A. (m2/ha)
Phyrocarpus caoitatus 11 2 1-1
'fricea sitchensis 78 16 2.1
Salix hookeriana 78 42 4.2
Tsuga heteroohylla 11 — 1-1
Upland understory shrub and herb vegetation included the following species
with frequencies in excess of 10 percent:
Free. {%) Avq. Cover (%)
Agrostis alba (?) 10.0 0.6
(w) Carex obnuDta 22.2 5.3
ium trifidum/ 14.4 0.1
Lonicera involucrata 27.8 5.3
(w) Oenanthe samiem:osa 61.1 24.6
Salix hookeriana 20.0 6.4
-------
i<4lH Ummi
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hi p iww i ii i* * • I • • f » J ! ** * * • • * . »i » *
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I ll II **}•**!»• O
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— fir
71"
I
figure 35. IMant community table, West Island study site.
-------
- 101 -
Figure 36. Plant species cover aiona transact NB2-1 at West Island
s tudy s i te.
-------
- 102 -
100
Caly5o
Dece
Hobr
Plla
He! a
Juba
Acmi
Ruoc
Vigi
^ Assu
a> Gd-tr
£ Juef
as Popa.
Ui
§ Agal
52 Oesa
2 Loin
" Caob
Gash
Ribes
Pi s i
3 2
1
0
NB2-2 t
I
I
DISTANCE (rn)
Figure 37. Plant species cover along transect NB2-2 at West Island study site.
-------
- 103 -
Species with a (w) in the preceding list are plants commonly found in
wet situations in uplands and together with some Lysichitum americanum
suggest freshwater accumulation in this developing upland.
Sea Garden Road NB3
Site description. The Sea Garden Road marsh borders the arc-shaped
north shore of Nehalem Bay and extends over about 1 km to the west of
the end of the road (Figure33 ). Jefferson (1975) classed this wetland,
in part, as a Low Sand Marsh and an Immature High Marsh. We feel that
the majority of'the area 1s better identified as a low silt marsh,
although there is a very narrow fringe of Immature High Marsh. Drift
wood_accumulation is thick in the upper portion of the wetland and in
many cases extends into the dense and tangled coniferous upland. Several
transects traverse a contiguous freshwater wetland into the "upland".
Freshwater seepage marks most of the marsh as indicated by dense stands
of Scirous. americanus and ETeocharis palustris. The marsh has a low
gradient and includes a few relatively straight tidal creeks which paral-
lel the gradient. Toward the west it grades steeply into a "cliffed" upland
and toward the east extends into a low gradient freshwater boggy "upland".
Plant communities. Thirteen transects including 200 microplots
were imployed to describe the marsh (Figure 38). Two single species,
low marsh communities occurred: a Sci reus americanus community and a
Carex lynabyei community. Other low marsh communities included: a
Carex lynqbyei - Scirpus americanus communi ty and a Carex - Scirpus -
Triqlochin community and a Carex-Eleocharis community. As already
mentioned all these assemblages are effected by freshwater seepage.
Another complex assemblage found higher in the marsh was identified
-------
- 104 -
igura 23. Sea jardan Road study site with acsrcximate locations o
transacts.
-------
- 105 -
by Lilaeopsis occidentalis, Juncus balticus and Trifolium wormskjoldii.
Toward the upland, a freshwater marsh marked by Scirpus microcarpus
or Oenanthe sarmentosa was present. Clear conmunity separation was not
possible.
Transects and transition zone. Illustrative of the transects
are Figure 39. The repeated pattern along transects was for the
colonizing edge to be dominated by Carex lyngbyei with a little Triqlo-
chin maritimmn appearing at the western section of the study marsh.
Sci rpus ameri canus and/or Eleocharis pal ustris became codominant with
the Carex as one moved toward upland, and suggested freshwater seepage.
The marsh often had a slightly more dry upper middle section where
Deschampsia cespitosa, Potenti11a pacifica, Aqrostis alba, Juncus
balti cus and Tri folium wormskjoldii- occurred along a number of transects.
The upper section of most transects exhibited ponding of freshwater,
much drift log accumulation, and dense stands of freshwater indicators
such as: Sci rpus microcarpus, Equi setum spp., Oenanthe sarmentosa,
Carex obnupta and Athyriurn filix-femina. The lower boundary of the
transition zone was difficult to place in the field and was not always
chosen because of this difficulty. This was largely due to the fact •
that a saline wetland was being replaced by a freshwater wetland. In
most cases the decision for identifying the lower transition zone
boundary was based on the appearance of the above freshwater indicators
and the reduced dominance or disappearance of the marsh and brackish
water indicators such as Eleocharis palustris and Sci rpus ameri canus.
Upland vegetation was assessed by 13 macroplots, and 130, 1 m
line segments. Tree canopy reflected the gradient of a moist, almost
swampy forest on the east, to a drier forest on the west. The following
tabulation of overstory trees aggregates this habitat gradient.
-------
- 106 -
Figura 39. Plant species cover along transect NB3-4 at Sea Garden
Road study site.
-------
- 107 -
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (X)
B.A. (m2/ha)
77
29
2.9
38
11
0.7
77
20
3.4
1.5
2
0.2
31
10
2.2
15
0.2
38
6
1.2
A1nus rubra
Physocarpus capi tatus
Picea si tchensis
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Salix hookeriana
Thuqa piicata
Tsuqa heteroph.ylla
Upland understory shrubs and herbs with frequencies of 10 percent
or more are listed below and exhibit the same wet-dry habitat dichotomy
as i ndi cated~"by (w) for wet, and (d) for dry habitat species:
(w) Carex obnupta
(w) Equisetum spp.
(d) Gaultheria shallon
(w) Lysichi turn americanum
(wOenanthe sarmentosa
(w/d) Rubus spectablis
(d) Vaccinium ovatum
(d) Vaccinium parvifolium
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
10.8
1.6
12.3
2.0
50.8
18.8
17.7
5.1
14.6
0.9
30.0
6.3
15.4
4.7
10.8
1.5
Niawiakum WB1
Site description. Situated on the east side of Willapa Bay, the
marsh covers 18 ha on the south shore of the Niawiakum River mouth
(Figure 40). This site is approximately K5 km east of Bay Center.
8ecause the Niawiakum flows into the Palix River and not the Bay proper,
the marsh has developed in partial protection from the main thrust of
winter storms on the Bay. Although the marsh itself does not appear to
have been directly disturbed, much of the surrounding upland has been
logged. The marsh was classified as an Immature High Marsh and Mature
High Marsh (after Jefferson, 1975). Creek development was quite exten-
sive throughout the marsh. In the upper marsh both drift logs and
freshwater seepage were found. The marsh gradient was slight with an
-------
- 108 -
, • Trw^n^"- ' / - ¦¦¦ '¦j ..•-; *•• *-
.—k /V " .;^ToKi PoMl.J ~ '! ! / / '
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STUDY',.'" ¦ • '{p7)
: .> SITt L: ¦ : \l ; .-V, VL--J ¦ X i - •;¦;¦:
<:-SVi ¦afif.. ^
v.''» %*-'¦''/ < ••' .If
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Hav I'fnii-r
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""
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'; .,' •¦¦'' V. •
Figurs 40. Location of Miawiakum study site, '-/BI
-------
- 109 -
Figurs 41. Niawiakum study sita with apnroxiinata locations of transacts
-------
U«IH
*««
w umm^r
HIM(I ClutU
<«(< I •lt'i«*(l
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«i iiiiuiiii* »
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ll i h I
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it
ll*
Hill
I* 14 •
I*111 III!
0
1
Figure 42. Plant community table, Niawiakum study site.
-------
- in -
abrupt drop to the mudflat at the lower marsh edge. The upland was a
Picea sitchensis forest, with wetland ponding occurring near the marsh-
upland interface.
Plant communities. Vegetation was sampled along 10 transects with
143 marsh microplots and 100 meter segments within the upland. Figure 41
shows transect locations. Three marsh zones (low marsh, upper marsh,
and upper transition) and five primary plant communities were identified
(Figure 42).^_The marsh communities were: (1) Spartina alterniflora
community, a simple low marsh assemblage; (2) Salicornia virginica -
Oistichlis spicata - Jaumea carnosa community, also a low marsh assemblage,
but higher in the marsh; (3) Oeschampsia cespitosa community, a high
marsh community; (4) Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis alba - Jaumea carnosa
conmunity, another high marsh community, but closer to the upland; and
(5) Maianthemum dilatatum - Oenanthe sarmentosa community marking the
upper transition zone.
The Spartina alterniflora comnunity, establishing itself at the
lower edge of the marsh, colonizes the mud flat, and may, in some cases,
Be associated with Zostera nana.
The Salicornia virginica - Oistichlis spicata - Jaumea carnosa
community is the major low marsh assemblage, and is characterized by the
above three species as well as Triolochin maritimum and Carex lynabyei.
This assemblage is found at the nick point between the mud flat and the
marsh proper, and along the major tidal creeks.
The Oeschampsia cesoitosa community is a complex assemblage where
there is some intermixing of low marsh and high marsh species; however,
the low marsh species are dominant only at the edges of tidal creeks
within the assemblage.
-------
- 112 -
100
50
0
Spca
Jaca
Savi
Disp
Trma
Decs
Alma
Sthu
Assu
-UJ
f
Juba
Agal
o
Madi
CJ
Vigi
UJ
Loin
r1-auro 43 Plant species cover along transect WB1-2 at Niawiakum study site.
-------
- 113 -
The Potenti11a pad fica - Aqrostis alba - J uncus balticus communi ty,
also a high marsh assemblage,was found at a higher position in the marsh
than the Deschampsia cespitosa community. Low marsh species were infrequent,
and tended to drop out in the upper portions of the assemblage, where they
were replaced locally by Festuca rubra, and upland species.
The Mai anthemum di1atatum - Oenanthe sarmentosa communi ty formed
a distinctive upper transition zone assemblage; however, Potenti11 a
pacifica ancLAqrostis alba were locally dominant in this assemblage.
Drift logs tended to accumulate in this community.
Transects atid transition zone. Ten transects, two of which extended
into the mud flat, were established at regular intervals in the marsh.
Figure 43 and 44 show typical transects. The lower marsh transition zone
boundary was marked by the appearance of upland species, most notably
Festuca rubra.
Upland vegetation was a Picea sitchensis forest characterized in
places by a moist understory. Frequency, cover, and basal area data
for tree species are:
Freg. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
S.A. (m2/ha)
Alnus rubra
Qsmaroni a cerasi formi s
Picea sitchensis
Pyrus fusca
Rhamnus purshiana
Sal i x hookeriana
Tsuqa heteroohy11a
100.0
10.0
100.0
40.0
10.0
20.0
40.0
24.0
4.0
33.0
12.0
2.0
0.8
5.0
4.3
0.2
7.6
1.1
0.5
Upland understory species with greater than 10 percent frequency in 100
samples included:
-------
- 114 -
a
y
a
a*
O
w
VI
3
WB1-3
; o
3{ST;nC£ (a)
32
Figure 44. Plant species cover along transect WB1-3 at Niawiakum
study site.
-------
- 115 -
Freq. (%)
Avg. Cover (%)
Aarostis alba
15.0
17.0
21.0
58.0
10.0
17.0
21.0
15.0
1.8
7.5
7,3
19.0
0.4
2.3
10.2
2.3
w Carex obnupta
Gaul theria shalIon
Maianthemum dilataturn
Monti a siTjerTca
w Oenanthe sarmentosa
Polysti chum muni turn
Rubus ursi nus
Cedar River WB2
Site description. On the north shore of Willapa 8ay, the marsh
occupies 3.5 ha on the west bank of Cedar River, near the river's mouth
4 km north of Tokeland (Figure 45). The marsh did not appear to be
disturbed, although parts of it were said, by the owner, to have been
grazad in the past. The marsh system may be divided into two areas.
We classified a large area in the northern portion of the marsh as a
High Mature Marsh. This marsh supported an extensive tidal creek
system, and contained virtually no drift logs. The marsh gradient was
low with an abrupt drop of 1.5 m to Cedar River. The smaller southern
area of the marsh was classified as a Immature High Marsh in which
there was no tidal creek development, and few drift logs. The marsh
gradient was steeper than in the High Mature Marsh. Freshwater seepage
was more evident in the southern area of the marsh, as indicated by
Lileaoosis occidental!s. Upland vegetation above the entire marsh was
a Tsuga heteroohylla - Picea sitchensis forest. Areas of wetland ponding
were found within the upland, near the marsh margin.
Plant communities. To identify the vegetation, 159 marsh microplots
and 133 upland meter segments were sampled along 10 transects (Fig. 46).
Five marsh communities were identified, occurring over tnree marsh zones:
lower marsh, upper marsh, and upper transition. The five communities
-------
- 116 -
Figure 45. Location of Ced=r River study sits, W32.
-------
- 117 -
• vvattr Strand : Tidal Mudflat
arsn
"luoland Tide Gauge 3 "ransect
rigura io. Cadar River study sita with aporoximata locations of -ransac
-------
- 119 -
were: (1) Scirpus americanus community, a low marsh assemblage; (2)
Carex lynqbyei - Triqlochin maritimum comnunity, a second low marsh
community, (3) Qeschampsia cespitosa community, an upper marsh assemblage
mostly found in the northern area of the marsh; (4) Potentilla pacifica -
Aqrostis alba - Juncus balticus community, also an upper marsh assemblage,
but more prominent in the marsh's southern area; and (5) Carex obnuota -
Qenanthe sarmentosa community, a wet,upper transition assemblage restricted
to the southern area.
The Scirous americanus community, was found colonizing the mud flat,
where it is associated at its outer edge with Zostera nana. In the
upper fringes of this assemblage Carex lynqbyei and T ri q1och i n ma ri ti mum
become more prominent.
The Carex lynqbyei - Triglochin maritimum community, also a low marsh
assemblage is found just above the Scirpus americanus community, and is
mainly restricted to the southern area of the marsh. Other species
found in this community are Distich!is soicata, Salicornia virginica,
and Glaux maritima. In the upper portion of the community Peschampsia
casoitosa has successfully established itself.
The northern area of the marsh is delineated by the Pes champsi a
cesoi tosa community, a complex high marsh assemblage also characterized
by Carex 1ynqbvei, Tri alochi n mari timum, Potenti11a paci fica, and Juncus
balticus.
The Potenti11a pacifica - Aqrostis alba - Juncus balticus community
displaces the Peschamosia casoitosa community in the soutnern area of
the marsh, although, Peschamosia cesoitosa, with Carex lynqbyei , is a
cnaracteristi c species of this assemblage. In the upper portions of
this assemblage upland species are found.
-------
- 120 -
Figure 47. Plant species cover along transect *32-108 at Cedar
River study site.
-------
in trie
The upper transition zone is marked by the Carax obnupta - Penantr
sarmentosa community, a wet assemblage, in which such species as Potenti1Ta
pacif•ica and Triqlochin maritimum may be found, but never dominate.
Transects and transition zone. Ten transects were established in
the marsh, seven in the southern area and three in the northern area.
One transect from the northern area and all transects in the southern
area were mud flat. Figure 47 shows a typical transect. The
transition zone lower boundary was defined as the lower extent of such
upland species as Aster subspicatus and Calamaqrostis nutkaensis.
The upland y^getation was a Tsuqa heteroohylla - Picea sitchensis
forest, where, in places, there was a moist understory marked by Carex
obnupta. Frequency, cover, and basal area data for tree species were:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (%) 8.A. (m2/ha)
Alnus rubra 70.0 16.0 2.4
Picea sitchensis 30.0 19.0 2.4
Pyrus fusca 30.0 2.0
Rhamnus purshiana 20.0 2.0
Tsuqa heteroohylla 90.0 33.0 7.9
Upland understory species with greater or equal to 10 percent in 133
samples were:
Freq. (*-) Avq. Cover (;;)
Aqrostis alba 12.0 l_.l
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis 27.1 7.3
Maianthemum dilatatum 46.5 14.1
Oenanthe sarmentosa 19.5 4.4
Ruous ursinus 15.3 2.9
Vaccinium ovatum 11-3 4.3
Leadbettsr Poi nt WB4
Site descriotion. Located on the west shore of Willapa 3ay, at "he
north tip of the North Seach Peninsula (Figure J-S), the marsh covers an
-------
- 122 -
it J
i i
i-: -
I " ]:"
fil
Ki't
K 1
STUDYI_1
SITE i
V.
/
=4^_V' "3/ /
r-^'
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/
£
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M . '* '>•
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J
4f ¦¦
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V ":z "• ¦¦ I
¦5 .. i /""* \ 1 cJUoC
t ^ V • -—i ^
r - f\j* ¦* C*,0«»T«
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4- i £/; ^rLr^r^'
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nij ~/u\ l'i !:.rs '•' \ *=»
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S ¦=,
fgure 43. Location c- Lsadbet'
sits W64.
a »• 0
oint stud
-------
123
Pacific-
Ocean
Willapa Bay
1000
VI e t s r s
Water !•' Strand
j ] Uoland
Tical Mudflat [ ! Vlarsn
Tide Gauge 8 Transect
igure 49. Laacbettar Point study site with aporoximaze locations of transacts
-------
- 124 -
area of 390 ha. The marsh is of recant origin, having developed on the
leeward side of a stabilized sand dune system. Disturbance has been
negligible due to protection as a National Wildlife Refuge and isolation
from human activity. Using Jefferson's (1975) classification we classi-
fied the marsh as a Low Sand Marsh. Only one tidal creek was found in
the marsh. Within the upper portion of the marsh, which was free of
drift logs, there appeared to be freshwater seepage. The elevational
gradient of the marsh was low with only a small increase in slope near
the upland. Much of the marsh was inundated during high tides. The
upland vegetation consisted primarily of species adapted to coastal
dune habitats, and was open in character.
Plant cotrcnunities. Vegetation was sampled along 10 transacts with
151 flTcroplots in the marsh and 46 in the upland. Figure 49 shows
transect locations. Four marsh zones (lower marsh, mid-marsh, upper
marsh, and upper transition) containing six marsh communities were
identified. The communities were: (1) Spartina alterniflora community,
a low marsh assemblage found at the marsh-mud flat interface and invading
the mud flat; (2) Salicornia virginica - Plantaao maritima communi *•/. a
low marsh assemblage found higher in the marsh than the Spartina alterni-
flora community; (3) Salicornia virqinica - Jaumea carnosa community; a
third low marsh assemblage; (4) Peschampsia casoitosa community, a mid-
marsh assemblage forming a narrow band in the marsh; (5) Potsnti11 a
Pacifica - Aorostis alba - 0uncus balticus community found in the higher
marsh; and, (6) Fsstuca rubra community, forming the uoper transition.
The Spartina alterni flora community, a single species community,
was found only at one location in the southern portion of she marsh.
The Salicornia vi rqi nica - Plantaao mar* tima community was a fairly
widespread low marsh assemblage with the characteristic species:
-------
- 125 -
Salicornia virqi ni ca
Plantaaolnari tima
Puccinellia pumila
Jaumea carnosa
Distich]is spicata
Cuscuta salina
Other low marsh species found in this community were Stsllaria humifusa
and Glaux maritima.
Another low marsh assemblage, the Salicornia virqinica - Jaumea
, *
carnosa was characterized by these two species as well as Pistichlis
spicata and Carex lynqbyei. This community occupied the highest position
in the marsh of the three low marsh assemblages.
Within the Oeschamosia cespitosa community, such low marsh species
as Salicornia vt rqi ni ca, Oistichlis spicata and Jaumea carnosa were
still very much prevalent; however, beginning to show some degree of
presence were such upper marsh and transition species as Grinde1ia
inteqrifolia, Aqrostis alba, and Festuca rubra.
The Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis alba - Juncus balticus provided
for an upper marsh assemblage, while lower marsh species had at this point
given way ,to species with upland affinities.
The Festuca rubra community comprised the upper transition zone.
Characteristic species in this assemblage were Aqrostis alba and Juncus
lesueuri i. Virtually no Potenti11a paci fi ca or Juncus balti cus were
found, while individuals of upland species had established themselves
in the assemDlage.
Transects and transition zone. Ten cransects, three of which
extended to the mud flat, were established over 2 km of the marsh.
Figure 50 ano 51 show two typical transects. The lower limit of the
transition zone was marked where two or more species with upland affin-
ities appeared together in abundance, and in the absence of low marsh
species.
-------
- 125 -
100
so
?1ma
Sav1
Q«ca
.'Jaca
21 ma
-u
i
V
Srin
a.
X
Aga!
o
Juoa
V»
'.M
o
'r*
3opa
/ —
i r#o
?SHJ
Arma
Frch
Alca
zT
..-J. J
VE4-a !
i
V - --
20
10
vIS7/5NC£ .Tij
•0
30
!igUrS 50¦ !S&" ST a,0n9 tr"Se<:; WB4"3 3t
-------
- 14/ -
draft
ioo
50
u
a
Cusa
?1ma
01 sp |
i
i nna
J
Savi j
"Jaca
i
:«cs !
t
I
Grin ^ i
* t
\
G'ma i
!
iqal i
Juoa
Caly
WS4-1QB
I
?ooa ; ,*2.
r«ru I, {jj
Jui«
Uja
Jssu
! 3
Mo! a
Poor
An lu
¦fc
i
!d
'c.
:/1
1Q0
tCO
3:st.;nc2 .ti j
Figure SI. Plant species cover along transect WB4-108 at Leacibertar
Point study site.
-------
- 128 -
| ;."~y -'V -
:igure 52- Location of The Sink ind Elk °1ve»* stud'/ s'tss, ^
ana GH3.
-------
- 129 -
The upland vegetation was composed of species adapted to maritime
sand dune habitats. Upland species with 10 percent frequency or greater
in 46 mi croplots included:
Freq. [%) Avq. Cover (%)
Achillea mi 11efolium 26.1 1.7
Aira praecox 10.9 0.4
Anmophila arenaria 23.9 4.8
Angelica lucida 10.9 2.3
Elymus mollis 47.8 5.3
Festuca rubra 52.2 6.3
Fraqaria chiToensis 39.1 5.5
Holcus Tanatus 17.4 2.0
Hypochaeris radicata 32.6 2.1
J uncus 1 eTueuri i v. 19.6 2.8
Lathyrus jaoonicus 15.2 2.0
Plantaoo lanceolata 19.6 1.2
Potentilla pacifica 25.5 6.7
Foa pratensis 11.8 1.4
^umex acetosella 15.7 0.5
Ste-ttaria calycantha 19.6 2.6
Vicia giqantea 11.8 5.4
The Sink GH1
Site "'description. Situated three km northeast of Point 8rown on
the Grays Harbor side of the Oyhut Peniinsula (Figure 52), this 249 ha
marsh is approximately 5 km south of Ocean Shores. The marsh is used
for waterfowl hunting during the fall of each year; however, there does
not appear to be any excessive disturbance of the marsh. Although
Rowntree (1977) had conducted biomass studies within the marsh, he did
not classify it. We classified the marsh as a Low Sand Marsh. Long,
wide tidal creeks were found in the marsh; there was no extensive net-
work of small tidal creeks. Drift logs were found, but they did not
clog the upper portion of the marsh as seen in other marshes. Fresh-
water seeoage as indicated by Carsx obnuota ana Li 1aesposis occidental is.
occurred in places along the marsn's upper limit. The upland was
-------
- 130 -
Strand
Water
] Upland
me Sink study site with anoroxiinats locations
of transacts.
-------
- 131 -
non-forested, character!zed by sand dune species, with pockets of Salix
scrub. Figure 53 shows the study site.
Plant communities. Sampling along 11 transects with 230 aricroplots
1n the marsh and 51 mater segments 1n the upland permitted characteri-
zation of the vegetation. Lower and upper marsh zones containing four
communities were identified. The four marsh communities were: (1)
Sal ico mi a vi rqj ni ca - Jaumea carnosa - Distich! is spi cata comntuni ty,
an extensive low marsh community; (2) Potentilla oacifica - Agrostis
alba - Juncus lesueurfi conmunitv. a high marsh assemblage; (3) Potentilla
oacifica - Agrostis alba - J uncus balticus conrounity. also a high marsh
community; and, (4) Hoi cus- lanatus communis, forming the upper transition
assemblage.
The Salicomia vinrirrfca - Jaumea carnosa - Distich! is spi cata con-
muni ty is. by far the largest,, in a real extent, of any community in the
marsh.. Characteristic species, are:
This assemblage gives way to two similar plant plant communities In
the upper marsh. Both the Potentilla pad f 1 ca - Agrostis alba - J uncus
lesueuril comnuni ty and the Potenti 11a pacifica - Agrostis alba - J uncus
balticus community may both occupy the same elevational position in the
marsh.
The upper transition zone 1s marked by the Hoicus lanatus community.
Potentilla oacifica may dominate in this assemblage, however, a number
of species with upland affinities are also found. This assemblage does
not characterize the transition zone for the entire marsh.
Salicornia v1nj1n1ca
Jaumea carnosa
Distich! Is spi cata
PucdnellTa ouraila"
S tell ari a humifusa
Plantago"*maritima
Triglochin concinnmn
-------
- 132 -
100
s»»5S
Pisa
J«ca
S«irf
Treo
taca
01 sp
JgM
A$*l
Caly
Ftni
e
A
U
W
e<.
Jul*
fit
Pop*
Si
O
w
Tmo
3
HoU
&.
A1pr
pin
Frcft
Ruac
Hyr*
Aair
SHT-3
rdTl i
£
/Th-i.
. _ j
r/fTnv4
U
1
30
0ISTAHC2 (a)
Figure 54. Plant species cover along transect GH1-3 at The Sink
study site.
-------
- 133 -
Transect and transition zone. Eleven transects, of which three
extended to the mud flat, were placed at regular intervals over the
entire marsh area. Figure 54 and 55 show typical transects. The
lower boundary of the transition zone was defined by the simultaneous
appearance of several upland species such as Holcus lanatus and Lotus
uliqinosus in the upper marsh.
The upland vegetation was comprised of plants adapted to sand
dune habitats and species adapted to wet areas. Only one tree species,
Alnus rubra, was encountered in the upland. The frequency and cover
data for A1nus was:
Free. (%) Avq. Cover {%)
Alnus rubra 9.0 7.0
Upland species with greater than 10 percent frequency in 51 saniples were:
Aqrostis alba
Ai ra pra'ecox
Alnus rubra
Ammophila arenaria
Angelica 'lucida
Carex obnupta
7istuci~rubra
Fraqaria chiloensis
Galium triflorum
Holcus lanatus
Hypochaeris radicata
Juncus balticus
Juncus lesueurii
Lotus uliqinosus
Plantaqo lanceolata
Potent-flla pacifica"
Poa pratensTT
Rumex acetosella
Stall aria calycantha
Vicia qiqantea
Freq. (X)
Avq. Cover (%)
27.4
2.7
13.7
1.3
11.8
8.7
23.5
4.5
11.8
2.4
27.4
7.9
11.8
2.6
31.4
5.2
17.6
0.2
60.8
8.7
33.3
4.7
13.7
3.5
21.6
1.4
39.2
14.8
19.6
1.2
25.5
6.7
11.8
1.4
15.7
0.5
19.6
2.6
11.8
5.4
-------
- 135 -
o o o
o in
GH1-7
Trma
Sthu
1
Savi
Jaca
1
Dlsp
t
"g Agal
£ Caly
— ~yt' 1,1 T "
,——-1
j
Juba
cc
y ft
g Popa
4Tm
v* Hoi a
yj
y He!a
" Loul
1
-J
Amar
d
Feru
,.d
Hyra
Frch
Popr
3
2
1
f)
•
t
•
c
50 100 150 200
DISTANCE (a)
Figure 55. Plant species cover along transect"iR!-7 at the Sink'Study site.
-------
- 136 -
Upland
Tidal Mudflat
© Tide Gauge
¦8 Transect
Fiaurs 56.
ml
Elk River study
site with approximate locations of
transects
-------
— I —
ETk River GH3
Site description. The marsh occupies Z ha of land on the South
Shore of Grays Harbor,, west of the mouth of Elk River (Figure 52) about
Z km west of Bay City. We classified the marsh as- an Immature High
Marsh. Creek development: was minimal,. as was. the; number of drift logs.
Freshwater seepage, was not noticeable. There- was a steep drop from the
lower portion of the marsh to the mud flat,, where Zostera nana was
found. From the lower portion of the marsh through the upper portion
of the marsh, a slight gradient occurred. The upland was a Picea
sltchensis forest.
Plant communities.. Sampling took place along 10 transects with
116 marsh arlcroplots and. 100 meter segments- in the upland. Figure 56
shows transect locations- Two. marsh zones (lower marsh and upper marsh)
with three plant communities: were identified. (Figure 57). The threer
communities werer (1) Salicomia vlrqlnica - Triqlochin- maritimum -
frfstichlis soicata cowmunlty- forming the lower marsh assemblage; (2)
Deschampsia cespl
:osa. community* an upper marsh community, but found
1n the lower portion* of this zone; and, (3) Agrostis alba - Potentl 11 a
oacifica community, also an upper marsh coffifounity, found above the
Deschamosla cespi tosa communi ty.
W1 thin the Salicomia virrrinica - Triqlochin maritimuni - Distichlis
soicata community, such low marsh species as Jaumea caraosa, Soerqularia
canadensis.^ and Puccinellia punrila were found.
The Deschamosla cespitosa community is a poorly defined community
1n this marsh where there is a mixing of both lower and upper marsh
species. Also entering into this community was festuca rubra, a species
with upland affinities.
-------
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>»£SM.C{ coot SHIU MJHBEft 12121«9tr 1*412I23s»timi t!•>«tf4fIt• it lZ3*»t?<*t|lt£«tM
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MntitJ^iMNitiiiii7»ittiUiMWi2UHrriiiiJ<>]i'iiii>]V!i
Figure 57. Plant connunlty table, Elk River study site.
-------
- 139 -
e
4)
w
£
£
3
100r
50-
0 •
S*v1
01 sp
0«e*
Elmo
Atpa
Trmi
Jute
Hobr
Popa
Agal
Pyfu
V1g1
Gash
Mil
Tjh«
4
2 3
s 2
m !
0
HTirfnTV
u .
..J
GH3-S
10
zo
DISTANCE («}
30
40
Figure 58. Plant species cover along transect GH3-5 at Elk River
study site.
-------
- HI -
In the Aqrostis alba - Potentilla pacifica tmwi
plants had dropped out. In this assemblage such plants as Atrip!ex
patula, Hordeum brachyantherum, and J uncus ba1ticus were abundant, as
was Elymus mollis, another species with upland affinities.
Transects and transition zone. Ten transects were spaced at regular
Intervals for the entire length of the marsh. Because of the short width
of the marsh all transects extended to the mud flat. Figure 58 shows a
typical transect. The lower position of the transition zone was marked
where Elymus mollis first appeared in the upper marsh zone.
The upland vegetation was characterized by a Picea sitchensis forest.
Frequency! cover, and basal area data for tree specie found in the upland
are as follows:
Frea. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
B.A. (m2/ha)
SO. 0
13.0
1.4
10.0
100.0
41.0
7.0
100.0
14.0
1.2
50.0
8.0
0.2
80.0
16.0
1.7
Pvrus Tusca
Rhamnus ourshiana
Tsuqa keterooftyua
Understory vegetation with frequency greater or equal to 10 percent
Included:
Free, ft) Avq. Cover (%)
Gaul therf a shallon 81.0 33.0
MaTanthemuffl dilatatum 34.0 S.2
Polvstl cHurc muni turn '5.0 3.8
Rubus ursi"nus 1 J-f
VacctnTuw ova turn 26.0 8.5
oi qantea 19*0 5.2
Burlev Lagoon ICS!
Site description. At the head of Burlier Ugoon, Henderson Say on
Pugtt Sound the marsh comprises an area of ^approximately 5 ha jyst south
-------
- 142 -
("***" \5RVty
viCiNrr^ srrTC*
imm
tote
STUDY
SITE
KITSAP
;PIEROE
Purely}
H E-N DEHSOS
HA Y /
Waim*
Figure 59. Location of Burley Lagoon study -site, KS1.
-------
- 143 -
of the town of Burley (Figure 59). No evidence of marsh disturbance was
found, although within the mud flat old pilings were noticed. The marsh
was classified as an Immature High Marsh. Numerous small and several
large tidal creeks were found throughout the marsh. The presence of
such species as Scirpus valid us, Juncus effusus. and Carex lyngbyei
gave an indication that freshwater seepage was occurring within the
marsh. Although drift material was found in the upper portion of the
marsh, it never was. a major presence. The marsh gradient was low with
an abrupt drop of about a meter to the mud flat. The upland was a
Thuja plicata forest. Oenanthe sarmentosa. Carex obnupta, and Eouisetum
spp. gave Indication that ponding was occurring in the upland.
Plant communities. Sampling along 10 transects with 89 marsh
uricroplots and 95 upland meter segments provided the data for identi-
fying two marsh zones: a low marsh and a high marsh. The low marsh
zone was represented by a series of small communities characterized by
such species as Distich!is spicata, Salicoraia virtrinica. Carex lyngbyei,
and Glaux maritima. Other species found within these communities were
Potentilla pacifica, Deschampsia cesoitos^. and Juncus effuses.
The upper marsh zone was a complex assemblage in which the lower
marsh species tended to drop .out. Characteristic species of this zone were
Peschampsia cespitosa, Potentilla paclfica. Aster subspicatus, and Juncus
effusus. A1 so Carex lynqbyei and Triqlochin maritimum co-dominated
vrfthln certain portions of this assemblage. The occurrence of such
species as Scirpus validus and Juncus gerardi1 suggested that there was
frtshwater seepage within the upper marsh.
Transects and transition zone. Tea transact* we*e~pl«ced parallei
to the marsh gradient* with*thre« tomd flit. Figure
60 shows a typical transect. No transition zone was identified.
-------
- 144 -
100
50
0
KS1-1A
at
3»
3
30
QISTANCi (m)
Figure 60. Plant species cover along transect KS1-1A at 3urley
Lagoon study site.
-------
- 145 -
Upland vegetation was a Thuja plicata forest with scattered wet
areas marked by Qenanthe sarmentosa and Squisetum spp. Frequency,
cover,- and basal area of tre& species are as follows:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (%) B.A. (m^/ha)
Acer macrophvl 1 unr 10.(J 0.0 0.2
Alnus rubra 70.0 9.0 1.4-
Picaa sTtchensis — — O.T
Prunus_ spp. 10.0 — —
M'fusca 20.0 T.O Q.T
p 1 i cata 80.0. 35,0 6.7
Understory species with 10 percent frequency or greater in 95 samples
included:
Freo. .it) Avq. Cover (%)
Aster subspicatus 17V9 4.4
Carex obnupta 10.5 1.0
Equiseturn spp. 49.5 16.5
6aultheriV shallon 1T.9 10.T
Loni cera Tnvol ucrata 18.9 5". 5
Ma1anthenmrc dilatatuin 38.9 IT.6
Qenanthe "sarmentosa 2T.4- 6.0
Pteridlum aquillnum 18.9 8.8
Rubus ursinus 35v8 6.7
Thuja pTTcata seedlings 32.6 10.5
Vicia qTgantea 10.5 3.1
Coulter Creek KS2
Site description. Situated at the head of North Bay of Case Inlet,
Puget Soundjthe marsh occupies less than a hectare on the north sice of
the mouth of Coulter Creek (Figure 61). This location 1s approximately
2.5 km northwest of the town of Allyn. The marsh has been dividad into
two portions by a land fill which is $eins used as a junk yard. The
eastern portion dissected by Coulter Cr^fck, was classified as a Low
Sand Marsh with a narrow band of Biturt Marsh. This portion rises
steeply from the creek to the upland. There was no evidence of freshwater
-------
- 146 -
VICTNC* SXgTO
yrt&sBm}
• \ ' vrsS'
/ \
STUDY
r*»e I
?!t
.];/• f> >
W (J O
Figure 51, Location of Coulter Creek study site, KS2.
-------
- 147 -
seepage or drift material. The upland had been disturbed, in that trees
had been removed from the marsh edge to about 5-10 m inland. Rosa
nutkana was the prominent species on this cleared land.
The western portion of the marsh was classified as an Iirenature
High Marsh. Several small and large tidal creeks were evident. Upland
vegetation such as Picea sitchensis and Gautheria shallon had become
established on drift logs in the upper marsh. Although no freshwater
indicator species were found in the marsh, ponding in the upland was
evi dent by the presence of Carex obnuota, Oenanthe sarmentosa and
Equisetum spp. These wetland species grew beneath a canopy of Picea
sitchensis, Thuja plicata and Fraxinus latifolia. The marsh gradient
was low, with an abrupt drop to mud flat.
-"Plant communities. Ten transects, along which 128 microplots
were placed in the marsh and 100 meter segments in the upland, were
used to sample the vegetation. Within the lower zone, two marsh com-
munities were identified: a Distichlis soicata - Salicomia virginica -
Jaumea carnosa community, and a Carex lynobyei community. A Potentilla
p'acifica - Aster subsoicatus community composed the higher marsh zone.
~'ne 0"istichlis soicata - Salicomia virginica - Jaumea carnosa
community, a low marsh assemblage, was found only in the western portion
of the Coulter Creek marsh. Characteristic species in this assemblage
include Carex lynqbyei, Plantaao maritima, Trialochin maritima. Other
species found in the low marsh were Glaux maritima, Atriolex patula,
Hordeum brachyantherum, and J uncus effusus .
The Carex lynqbvei community, also a low marsh assemblage,was
restricted to the eastern portion of the marsh, where it was influenced
greatly by the flew of Coulter Creek. Characteristic species included
Triclochin maritimum and Soeraularia canadensis.
-------
- 148 -
Figure 62.
Plant species cover along transact ,
-------
- 149 -
The Potgnti1la pacifica - Aster subspicatus community was the upper
marsh assemblage found in both portions of the marsh. Characteristic
species were Agrostis alba and J uncus balticus. To some degree,lower
marsh zone species were found in this assemblage. In the western portion
of the marsh, upland species had established themselves on old drift
logs. Although drift logs did not clog the upper marsh zone in the
western portion of the marsh, this was not the case in the eastern
portion.
Transects and transition zone. Ten transects were placed in the
marsh with seven located in the western portion and three in the eastern
section. Two transects in the western portion and one in the eastern
portion extended to the mud flat. Figure 62 shows a typical transect.
No well defined transition zone was identified in any portion of the
marsh, although at the extreme upper edge of the marsh several individuals
of upland species were found.
The upland vegetation, like the marsh, was divided into two portions.
Altheugh tree species were found in both the western and eastern portions,
only the western portion was forested. The unaerstory of this forest
was a mosaic of wet and dry conditions. The eastern portion was domi-
nated by Rosa nutkana. Frequency, cover, and basal area of the tree
species for both uplands combined are:
Acer macroohyllum
A1nus rubra
Fraxi nus latifol ia
Picea sitcnensis
Free. (%)
Avq. Cover (':«)
3. A
. (m'/ha)
10.0
3.0
0.3
20.0
1.0
0.2
70.0
13.0
1.7
60.0
16.0
2.1
10.0
1.0
0.2
10.0
--
--
70.0
7.0
1. <1
Pyrus fusca
Rhamnus ourshi ana
Thuja o 1 i cata
Shrub and hero vegetation with 10 percent or greater frequency for 1 CO
line segment samcles included:
-------
- 150 -
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:igur« 5S Lcc3tion of Chico Bay studv sita,
-------
- 151 -
Aqrostis alba
w Carex obnupta
Freq. (%)
21.0
18.0
11.0
10.0
15.0
14.0
47.0
10.0
52.0
13.0
w Conioselinum pacificum
1.1
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3.3
5.0
8.9
2.5
14.3
2.9
Elymus mollis
w Squi setum spp.
Gaul therfa shalIon
Mai anthemum dilatatum
w Qenanihe sarmentosa
Rosanuwana
Rubus ursinus
The letter (w) refers to a freshwater indicator.
Chi co 3ay '
-------
- 152 -
100
50
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Savi j
Spca \
?opa |
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KS3-IA
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30
£0
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Figure 64. Plant species cover along transect KS3-1A at Chico 'ay
study site.
-------
- 153 -
The Salicornia vi rqi ni ca - Distich lis spi cata community comprised
the greater percentage of the area! extent of the Chico Bay marsh. Other
species found within this assentolage were Soerqularia canadensis and
Carex lynqbyei.
The Aster subspicatus - Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis alba com-
munity, the upper marsh assemblage, formed a relatively narrow band
between the lower marsh and the upland. Within this assemblage both
low marsh species and species with upland affinities, such as Holcus
lanatus and Aqrooyron reoens were present. These latter two species
suggest that there may have been some recent disturbance in the upper
marsh zone.
Transacts and transition zone. Five transects, two of which extended
into the mud flat, were distributed at even intervals across the entire
width of the marsh. Figures 64 and 65 show typical transects. No defi-
nite transition zone was identified, although upland species were found
in the upper marsh zone. A very narrow transition zone, perhaps, could
be delimited within the upper marsh where Distich!is spicata finally
dropped out, while the upland species continued to be present.
The upland vegetation consisted of two different habitats: a ruderal
habitat; and a stream bank habitat. No tree species were found in the
ruderal habitat, and within the stream bank habitat the only tree species
encountered was a Salix spp. The frequency and cover of this species
was:
L'nderstory vegetation within this stream bank "fores-" and those species
in the ruderal haoi-at with a 10 percent frequency in 50 samoles included:
Salix spp.
Free. (*)
30.0
Avq. Cover (%)
3.0
-------
- 154 -
Figure 65. Plant species cover along transect ;
-------
- 155 -
Freq. (%)
Avq. Cover (%)
Aqrostis alba
w Phalaris' arundinacea
Solanum niqrum
24.0
50.0
14.0
6.5
22.5
1.2
Thorndyke Bay HC1
Site description. Located on the northeast coast of the Toanados
Peninsula, the marsh occupies an area of approximately 13 ha within
Thorndyke 3ay~(Figure 66). The marsh has developed behind a barrier
beach which is breached at its southern end by Thorndyke Creek. This
breach provides *tne only means by which the marsh is influenced by
tidal action. Northwest Environmental Consultants has conducted vege-
tation studies within the marsh on two different occasions (1975 , 1976).
Using Jefferson's (1975) classification they classified the marsh as
being almost equally divided between an Immature High Marsh and a Mature
High Marsh, with small areas of Low Sand or Silt Marsh occurring through-
out the bay. We feel that Silt Marsh is an inappropriate classification.
Toward the head of the Say, a large influx of freshwater has resulted
in stands of Tyona latifolia and Sciraus validus. A1nus rubra was found
growing on old logs scattered within the freshwater-brackish marsh. Along
Thorndyke Creek there was a heavy accumulation of drift logs, the result
of probably both tidal action and logging of the upland surrounding the
3ay. The upland is a second growth forest with such species as Picsa
si tchensis , Tsuoa heteroohylla, Thuja piicata , and Alnus rubra. In
several places within the upland,freshwater wetland occurred with Carex
cbnuota, Qenanthe samentcsa, and Lysichitum americanum. Although the
3ay and the surrounding upland are owned by the Pope and Talbot Timber
Company, the Say is used as a waterfowl hunting area. The marsh gradient
was low, with sudaen abruptness at the Creek's edge.
-------
-------
- 157 -
Water
Upland
:ur9 o,
""cmdyks Bay study si:a -<"i in sco'-cx'inaza "oca-ions o* -ransac
-------
- 153 -
ioo r
50 t
a L
-------
- 159 -
Plant Communities. Seventy-four microplots sampled over 12 tran-
sects and 120, one-meter segments in the upland provided for adequate
characterization of the marsh vegetation. Figure 67 shows transect
locations. Four marsh communities, one in the lower marsh zone, one in
the mid-marsh, and two in the upper marsh zone were identified.
The community in the lower marsh was identified by Distich!is
spicata and Salicomia virqinica. Characteristic species of this
assemblage wgre Juncus balticus and Atrip!ex patula. Other species of
this community were Triqlochin maritimum, Jaumea carnosa, Carex lynqbyei,
and Juncus qerardii.
The Aqrostis alba - Potentilla pacifica - Juncus balticus community
was found higher in the marsh than the Distich!is spicata - Salicomia
virqinica community, but was below the upper zone. This assemblage
constituted the mid-marsh zone.
Two phases of the upper marsh were: a dry phase and wet phase.
Aster subspicatus identified the dry phase community with other charac-
teristic species, Aqrostis alba, Potentilla pacifica, and Juncus balticus.
The wet phase community was marked by Carex obnupta and to a lesser degree
by Oenanthe sarmentosa. This assemblage, like the dry phase community,
was regarded as either an upper marsh zone or a transition zone. There
tended to be a heavy accumulation of drift material in both of these
upper communities.
Transects and transition zone. Twelve transects were placed within
the marsh, six on the south bank of Thorndyke Creek and six on the north
bank. Three transects on each side of the creek extended to the mud
flat. Figures 53 and 59 show two typical transects. If a transition
zone does, indeed, occur in the rcarsh its lower boundary would coincide
-------
- 160 -
Figure 59. Plant species cover along transact HC1-12^ a* Thorn
dyke Say study site.
-------
- 161 -
with the appearance of upland species such as Vicia aigantea and Aster
subspicatus and the exclusion of low marsh species.
Upland vegetation had two distinct habitats: on the south side of
Thorndyke Creek a Typha latifolia wetland, on the north side of the
creek the upland was a Picea sitchensis - Alnus rubra forest, with
localized-wetland situations. Frequency, cover, and basal area of tree
species with this forest community were:
Freq. (*) Avq. Cover (%) B.A. (rc2/ha)
Acer macrophyllum 17.0 3.0 0.2
Alnus rubra s 50.0 14.0 1.0
Prunus virqiniana 17.0 8.0
Rhamnus purshiana 17.0 5.0 0.5
Thuja plicata 25.0 5.0 0.7
Tsuga heterophylla 25.0 1.0 0.3
Several understory species were found in both of the upland communities.
The data for these species were combined to provide frequency and cover
values. Those understory species with greater than 10 percent frequency
for all 120 segments included:
Freo. (%) Avq. Cover [%)
(w) Carex obnupta 15.3 7.2
(w) Epi1 obium watsonii 15.0 1.5
(f/w) Galium ao'arine 15.3" 1.5
(f) Gaultheria shallon 12.5 3.4
(w) Juncus baTticus 10.8 1.4
(f) Polysti chum muni turn 10.0 4.4
(f/w) Potanti11a~oacifica 15.7 1.9
(f) Rubus ursinus 10.0 1.6
(f/w) Trig loch in maritifflum 13.3 2.3
In the above list those species found in wet situations, principally in
the Typha latifolia community, are denoted by (w) and those found in
forest situations by (f).
-------
- 162 -
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-------
- 163
Qui 1cada Creek EF1
Site description. The marsh occupies 22 ha of land on the west
bank of Quilceda Creek, where the Creek flows into Ebey Slough of the
Snohomish Estuary (Figure 70). This location is approximately 7 km
west of the town of Marysville. The marsh in the Quilceda Creek arm
of the Snohomish Estuary, along with the marsh on the western side of
Steamboat Island, may be the only marsh lands in the Snohomish Estuary
not modified by man. The Quilceda Creek marsh has been the site of two
other wetland delineation studies by the NOS (1975) and by Northwest
Environmental Consultants (1978). Although Hepp (1973) provided an
environmental analysis of the Quilceda Creek Estuary, she did not clas-
sifx-the marsh. Following Jefferson (1975), we classified the marsh as
an Immature High Marsh. Numerous small tidal creeks and several large
ones were found throughout the marsh. Drift logs were located in the
upper portion of the marsh and, in some cases, provided a substrate
for the establishment of Picea sitchensis and Juniperus scooulorum
seedlings. Freshwater seepage was also noted in the upper marsh, as
indicated by the presence of Scirpus validus and Lilaeopsis occidental is.
The upland was unique in that it appeared to have been, at one
time, part of the Quilceda Creek marsh system. Mow it is about 0.5 m
above the present marsh. Old tidal channels with marsh species were
found in the upland. The upland was primarily a herb community, with
heavy influx of freshwater, and with tree species growing on old drift
logs.
Plant communities. Ten transects, with a total of 133 marsh micro-
plots and 60 upland meter segments were employed to sample the vegetation.
Figure 71 shows transect locations. Four marsh zones (low marsh, mid
-------
¦
- 154 -
w'r"' -°Pn3ximata
ioca::ons or transact.
-------
- 165 -
marsh, upper marsh, and upper transition) accomodating five major com-
munities were: (1) Carex lynqbyei - Triqlochin maritimum community,
forming the low marsh assemblage; (2) Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis
alba - Oeschampsia cesoitosa community, the mid-marsh assemblage; (3)
Aster subspicatus - Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis alba - Juncus balticus
community, a complex high marsh assemblage; (4) Aster subspicatus -
Lonicara involucrata community, distinguishing the upper dry transition;
and, (5) Scirpus validus community, marking the upper wet transition.
The Carex lynqbyei - Triqlochin maritimum community, is found
from the edge of'^Quilceda Creek to about 100 m upwards into the marsh.
It is also found along the major tidal creeks in the other marsh zones.
Species found in this community, other than Carex lynqbyei and Tri-
glochi n mari timum, are Lilaeopsis occidental is, Sci rpus cernuus,
Potentilla oacifica, and Oeschampsia cespitosa. Most of these latter
species suggest that there is freshwater seepage in the lower marsh.
The Potentilla oacifica - Aqrostis alba - Oeschampsia cespitosa
community reflects a marsh position between the upper and lower marsh
zones. Within this assemblage the low marsh species Carex lyngbyei
and Triqlochin maritimum begin to be replaced with the higher marsh
species Aster subspicatus. The presence of Lilaeopsis occidental Is
indicates freshwater seepage in this zone.
The Aster suhsoicatus - Potentilla pacifica - Aqrostis alba -
Juncus balticus constitutes either a high marsh zone or a lower tran-
sition zone. The lower marsh zone species have been completely replaced,
while species with upland affinities such as Sidalcaa hendersonii and
Tri folium wormsk.loldii are found scattered throughout the community.
The Aster subspicatus - Lonicara involucrata communi ty forms a
very distinctive dry upper transition :one usrabiig.. Although
-------
- 166 -
TOO
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Figur, 73. Plant ^cie^cover along transect SP1-4 « qu1lc.d»
-------
- 167 -
Juncus balticus , Aqrostls alba, and Potenti11 a pacifica were locally
dominant within this conmunity, the assemblage included many upland
species.
The Scirpus validus community forms a wet phase upper transition
zone. Almost pure stands of Scirpus validus could be found among the
drift logs which tended to accumulate through the entire upper tran-
sition zone.
Transects and transition zone. Ten transects were placed within
the marsh. Three of these transects extended to the creek bank.
Figure 73 and 74 show two typical transects. The lower boundary of
the transition zone was determined by the disappearance of the low
marsh species in conjunction with the appearance of upland species.
"""upland vegetation consisted of an open habitat with tree species
growing on old drift logs scattered throughout. Ponding was also found
to occur throughout the upland. Frequency, cover, and basal area of
the tree species are:
Freg. {%) Avq. Cover fS) 8.A. (m2/ha)
Alnus rubra 11.0 9.0 —
Picea sTtchensis 67.0 15.0 1.1
Thuja plicata 67.0 -3.0 0.6
Shrub and herb species with greater than 10 percent frequency in 60
samples included.
Freg. Avq. Cover {%)
Aqrostls alba 33.3 5.2
Angelica lucida 15.0 3.7
Aster subsoicatus 30.0 4.1
3erber1s aouifolium 14.7, 0.9
Saujtheria shall on""" 15.0 7.5
Loni ceraTnvo 1 ucra ta 46.7 13.0
Maianthemum dilataturn 46.7 9.8
w Penan the sanwrntosa 15.0 \.7
Rosa qymnocarpa 26.7 7.3
vTcfa aiaantea 23.3 2.5
-------
- 168 -
£?1-3B
q
w
w
33
Figure 74. Plant species cover along transect EP1-53 at Quilceda
Creek study site.
-------
- 169 -
Oak Say NP1
Site description. Located on the southwest coast of Indian Island,
Jefferson County (Figure 75), the marsh occupies an area of 0.7 ha,
and is protected from Oak Bay by a gravel-to-sand textured berm. With-
out this protection, the marsh might possibly be severely damaged by
wave action from the heavy boat and barge traffic on Oak Say. The
one tidal channel within the marsh is fairly deep, and enters Oak Say
at the northern end of the marsh. Northwest Environmental Consultants
(1975) divided the marsh into two main sections: a western section and
an eastern section. The marsh was classified as having some Low Sand
Marsh and an*extensive High Immature Marsh. We could not classify the
western section of the marsh by Jefferson's system but the eastern
section was classified as almost wholly Low Sand Marsh, with very little
High Immature Marsh.
The marsh ends abruptly at the upland which is a steep slope. Due,
in part, te this phenomena, as well as the heavy accumulation of drift
material at the marsh-upland interface, the marsh transition zone is
virtually non-existent. The abruptness between marsh and upland may
also account for the lack of freshwater seepage and wetland ponding in
the interface. The upland is an open woodland characterized by Pseudo-
tsuqa menziesii and Arbutus menziesii. The marsh gradient is low with
a slight abruptness at the Creek edge.
Plant communities. Vegetation was characterized by means of 10
transects along which a total of 114 art croplots were placed fn the marsh
and 33 meter segments in the upland. Figure 76 shows transect locations.
Two marsh zones (low marsh and upper marsh) containing four communities
were identified (Figure 77). The four communities were: (1) Salicornia
-------
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vPbint
V'C3Nm> SKETCH
'Stand
STUDY
SITE
1 curs 75
Location of Q,
-------
- 171 -
uH -h aooroximats locations of transact.
Figure 76. Oak 3ay study siua wi ji apor.,
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-------
- 173 -
virqlnica community, a low marsh assemblage; (2) OisticMis spicata
Salicornia virqinica - Jaumea carnosa community, a second low marsh
assemblage; (3) 01st1chlis spicata - Cuscuta salina - Spergularia cana-
densis community, also found in the low marsh; and (4) Juncus balticus -
Potentilla pacifica - Aster subspicatus community, the upper marsh
assemblage.
The Salicornia virqinica community, a low diversity community tends
to inhabit tlje sand-flat of the tidal creek, which is flooded daily
during both high tides.
The Distich>is spicata - Cuscuta salina - Spergularia canadensis
community occupies a small area! extent in the low marsh, but is above
the pure Salicornia virqlnica community, Puccinellia pumila is found
in this community.
The Distich lis spicata - Salicornia vi rqi ni ca - Jaumea carnosa
community, the main low marsh assemblage includes, along with the above
characteristic species, Atrip lex patula. This assemblage is found just
above the Salicornia virqlnica community and extends to the lower limit
of the upper marsh zone.
The Juncus balticus - Potentilla pacifica - Aster subspicatus repre-
sents the upper marsh zone. Included in this rather restricted assemblage
are Aqrostis alba, Hordeum brachyantherum, Atriplex aatula, and Jaumea
carnosa.' Associated with this community was the major accumulation of
drift logs. Because the upland slopes down to the upper edge of this
community, it may be regarded as a poorly defined transition zone.
Transects and transition zone. Ten transects, five of which
extended across the creek-sand-flat, were established across the entire
length of the marsh. Figure 73 and 79 snow two typical transects. The
uoper marsh may be regarded possibly as a transition zone due to the
-------
- 174 -
Figure 78. Plant species cover along transect NP1-7 at Oak Bay
-------
- 175 -
100
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30 40
DISTANCE (*)
50
50
70
Figure 75. Plant species cover along transect MP!-3 at Oak Bay study site.
-------
- 176 -
STUDY
.SITE
Fiaure 30
-------
- 177 -
appearance within the assemblage of the upland species Calamagrostis
nutkaensis and Gaultheria shallon, and the disappearance of the low
marsh species.
Upland vegetation was an open Pseudotsuga menziesii - Arbutus
menziesii forest. These tree species, together with the open nature
of the forest suggest, a dry site condition. The understory with
Gaultheria shallon and Rubus ursinus support this assumption. Four
-trees dominated as seen from the frequency, average cover, and basal
area data:
Freq. (%) Avg. Cover (%) 8.A. (m^/ha)
Arbutus menziesii 80.0 19.0 3.6
Prunus emarqinata 10.0 10.0
Pseudotsuga menziesii 90.0 22.0 3.4
Thue-a plfcata 10.0
The understory species with greater than 10 percent frequency
in the 83 samples were:
Freq. (%) Avg. Cover (%)
Barberis aquifolium 16.9 2.S
Gaultheria shalIon 85.5 41.3
Pteri di unTaqui 1 i num 14.5 3.0
Rosa nutkana 27.7 4.1
Rubus ursinus 21.7 1.3
All species are common dry-site species.
Westcott Say SJ1
Site description. Situated'on the northwest side cf San Juan
Island, the marsh has formed at the head of Westcott 3ay, just southeast
of Roche Harbor (Figure 80). The marsh, 0.8 ha in size, was classified
as a Low Sand Marsh. Tidal creeks, freshwater seepage, and drift logs
-------
- 173 -
100r
50 »
0 -
Spca
Cusa
Sav1
Jaca
P1ma4
.
01 so
Agal
y
Juoa
2C
w
Pooa
9»
w
t/J
Scar
••J
Hoi a
y*
3onu
Syal
Gasn
Abgr
A1 ry
cn
SOI-3
.1 i 1 r
10
DISTANCE [iti
igure 31. Plant species cover along transect SJ1 3
8ay study site, insect bjj-3 at aestcott
-------
- 179 -
were virtually non-existent. A fence had been built between the marsh
and the upland. The upland, for the most part, is used for pasture.
A1ong the fence 1ine Arbutus menziesii. Juniperus scopulorum and Rosa
qymnocarpa were found. The gradient of the marsh did not rise very
far above the mud flat, resulting in the marsh being inundated completely
twice daily.
Plant communities. Along five transects placed from the mud flat
to within the,.upland, 45 microplots were used to characterize the marsh
vegetation and 45 line segments were employed to describe the upland.
Within the marshy a lower zone community identified by Disti ch lis
spicata - Salicornia virqinica - Jaumea carnosa; an upper marsh com-
munity identified by Aqrostls alba - Potenti11a pacifica; and, a wet-
phase" of the upper marsh community marked by Carex obnuota - Juncus
qerardii were recognized.
The Distichlis spicata - Salicornia virqinica - Jaumea carnosa
community, the only 'low marsh assemblage in Westcott Say, includes such
/
additional' characteristic species as:
The Aqrostis alba - Potenti11 a pacifica community, was the principal
upper marsh community. Juncus balticus was an important species within
the community, while Hordeum brachyantherum and Achillea mi 1lefolium
only had minor occurrence.
The Carex obnuota - Juncus qerardii community provided a wet-phase
upper marsh assemblage indicating that there is some freshwater seepage
in portions of the upper marsh.
Cuscuta salina
S£ ' ' . canadensis
Trmari ti mum
Plantaqo maritimum
Puccinellia pumilT
-------
- 180 -
100
so
3
SJ1-4
a
wl
ua
w
zo
OISTANCc {!»)
20
Figure 82. Plant species cover along transect SJ1-4 at Wes^ar-
Bay study site. *es.».ocw
-------
- 181 -
Transects and transition zone. Due to the smallness of the marsh,
only five transects were established. Figures 31 and 82 show typical
transects. No transition zone, per se, was found between the upper
marsh and the upland. Only a few upland species such as Achillea mille-
folium and Galium aparine were found to a limited degree, in the higher
portions of the upper marsh.
Upland vegetation was characterized either by grazing activity or
wetland conditions. Where grazing was active at the present time, the
vegetation appeared clipped; where grazing had taken place in the near
past, Rosa nutkana was present; and, where grazing had either occurred
in the distant past or had never occurred, a Salix thicket was found.
The understory in this thicket reflected both dry upland conditions
andTocalized wet upland environments. The frequency and average cover
of tree species in the upland area as follows:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (*)
Abies qrandis 40.0 14.0
Alnus rubra 80.0 28.0
Arbutus menziesi i 20.0 1.0
Juniperus scoouTorum 20.0 1.0
Salix spp. 60.0 15.0
Understory species with greater than 10 percent frequency in the
upland were:
Freq. (%) Ayq. Cover (*)
Carex obnupta 17.8 4.9
Rosa nutkana 97.8 91.3
Gri ffin . 3ay SJ2
Sits description. Located at the southeastern tip of San Juan
Island (Figure 33) this Lew Sand Marsh, occupying an area less than 1 ha,
-------
- 182 -
-------
- 183 -
was clogged with drift logs. There was no evidence of freshwater seepage
or creek development in the marsh. The upland was a coniferous forest.
The gradient of the marsh was low.
Plant communities. A total of 44 microplots along 5 transects
were used to sample the marsh vegetation. An additional 50 line seg-
ments were used to characterize the upland vegetation. Three communities
were determined in the two zones (lower and upper) that were identified.
These communities were: (1) Salicornia virqinica community, a low marsh
assemblage dominated by Salicornia; (2) Salicornia virqinica - Distich!is
spicata community", also a low marsh assemblage, but found higher in the
marsh than the pure Salicornia virqinica community; and (3) J uncus balti-
cus community, forming the upper marsh assemblage.
The Salicornia virqinica community was found in pure stands bordering
the mud flat of Griffith 8ay, and upward into the marsh for several meters.
Drift material is found throughout the community.
The Salicornia virqinica - Distich!is spicata consnunity, occurred
in the low marsh just above the Salicornia virqinica community. These
two species tended to dominate throughout.
The Juncus balticus coinnunity formed the upper marsh assemblage
with minor occurrence of such species as Aqrostis alba, Hordeum brachyan-
therum, and Potentilla pacifica. There also tended to be a large accu-
mulation of drift materia! in this community.
Transects and transition zone. Five transects were placed parallel
to the marsh gradient. All ran from the mudflat to within the upland
vegetation. Figures 34 and 85 illustrate profiles along these transects.
As in the Westcott 3ay marsh, no well-defined transition zone was identi-
fied. 7ne only upland species found in the higher portion of tne upper
marsh was Fesruca rubra, which occurred in one microplot at the .narsh-
upland Interface.
-------
- 134 -
100,
SO
0
SJ2-4
Spci
—» 5av1
s
y Ju&a
5
-
-------
- 185
S
¦¦j
*
Spca
Savi
Hoop
?1s1
F«ru
Sonu
?tac
Caca
?sm
?1j1
A&gr
si
!0
::st;ncc mi
•o
Figure 35. Plant soecies cover along transect SJ2-5 at Griffin
Say study sits.
-------
- 186 -
The upland was a Pseudotsuga menziesii - Picea sitchensis forest
with numerous sitchensis seedlings in the understory. At the edge
of the forest, Juncus balticus and Festuca rubra were found. Following
are the frequency, average cover, and basal area data of the tree
species found in the upland:
Freq. (%)
Ava. Cover (%)
B.A. (m2/ha)
60.0
2.0
1.2
100.0
26.0
3.4
80.0
27.0
3.8
20.0
0.4
40.0
18.0
2.2
Abies qrandis
Picea sitchensis
Pseudotsuga inenzi esi i
Rhamnus purshi ana
Tsuqa heteropnylla
Understory species with a 10 percent frequency or greater for the 50
meter segments included:
Freq. (%) Avq. Cover (%)
Festuca rubra 18.0 6.2
Gaulthera shall on 18.0 9.4
Juncus balticus 18.0 6.2
Picea sitchensis 16^0 11.7
Pteridium aquilinum 26.0 9.5
-------
- 187 -
Synthetic Analysis
Introduction
To objectively define the limits of coastal intertidal wetlands,
data collected along 190 individual transects and among 20 marsh study
sites were aggregated. The first step in aggregation was to assign a
given mi crop!ot sample to one of five marsh zones based on the investi-
gator's knowledge of plant species distribution and intuitive knowledge
of marsh structure. Discriminant analysis tested the validity of this
assignment. Trie second step, was to calculate plant species percent
frequency, average percent cover, and importance value in each of these
f1ve_zones. In step three, progressive trends among the species syn-
thetic data calculated in step two were used to compile three lists of
species which were, in turn, used to identify marsh-upland vegetation
groups: Low Marsh, High Marsh, and Upland. Species were evaluated as
to how welj they conformed to a given vegetation group. A fourth species
Itst'was prepared which included plants with broad habitat associations
and, therefore, plants which are poor predictors of these vegetation
groups.
While five marsh zones were used in this synthetic analysis, upland
vegetation could be treated as a sixth zone. Because field data col-
lection for the upland was based on a different sampling system than
for the marsh data, synthesis of upland tree, shrub, and understory
herb vegetation data is dealt with separately.
The synthetic analysis provided the basis for an objective defini-
tion of the upper limit of wetland which is presented in the next major
section.
-------
- 139 -
Zonal Analysis
Frequency. Table 13 shows average species frequency for 65 plant
species in each marsh zone, where zone 1 is the lowest zone and zone 5
the highest zona adjacent to upland. While all data were aggregated in
this table, frequency trends varied from marsh to marsh. For example,
Oeschatnpsia cespitosa iit the sand-based Bandon marsh had higher relative
frequencies in zone 3 to 5 than it did in many of the silt-based marshes
where it had its highest relative frequencies in zone 2, as was the case
also of Nute Slough in Yaquina estuary. Print-out data is available
of zone frequencies on a marsh-by-marsh basis.
The frequency distribution suggests the spatial "homogeneity" of
a given species and quantifies the degree of "repetitlveness" of a
plant 1n a set of samples. The analysis of this table is discussed
below in the "Species Classification" section (page 201).
Cover. Table 14 presents average species percent cover 1n each of
the five marsh zones where zone 1 is the lowest and zone 5 the highest
marsh zone. The table aggregates the data for 2,583 nricroplots distri-
buted over 190 transects and 20 marshes. Species with greater than
one percent cover in all marshes and all zones in order of decreasing
cover are:
Potentilla pacifica 12.6 Triglochin maritimum 4.4
Juncus bafticus 11.6 Aster subspicatus 3.9
Aqrostis""aTba 9.2 Jaumea carnosa 3.9
Salicornia virqinica 8.6 Atrip lex patula 1.9
Carex lynqbyei 7.8 Juncus effusus 1.7
Distich lis spicata 6.9 Sci rpusTmeri can us 1.2
Deschampsfa cespitosa 6.0
This list of dominant marsh species in all Pacific Northwest coast
marshes, 1s biased by over representation of sampling in the upper
-------
- 190 -
TabTe 13". Average species frequency by marsh zone.
Species
Achillea millefolium
Aqrostis alba
Aster subspicatus
Atriplex patula
Carex Ivnqbyei
Carex obnupta
Cuscuta""saiina
Deschampsia cespitosa
Distichlis spicata
Eleocharfs oalustris
Festuca rubra
Galium aoarine
Galium triflorum
Slaux maritima
Grindelia i ntecri foli a
Holcus lanatus
Hordeum brachyantherum
Jaumea carnosa
Juncus baltlcus
Ulaeopsis occidental is
Lotus ulfginosus
Oenanthe sarmentosa
Orthocarpus castiTTejoides
Plantago maritima
Potentilla oacifica
Puccine111 a oumila
Ruroex occidentalis
Salicornia virqinica
Sci reus ameri canus
Scirous cemuus
Soercularia canadensis
Stellaria hunrifusa
Trifolium wormsk.ioldii
Triqiociii'n conci nnum
Triqlochin mari timum
Vicia qi oantea
Angelica 1uci da
Elvimis mollis
Stellaria calvcantha
Maianthemum dilatatum
Picea sitchensis
Plantaqo lanceolata
Juncus effusus
Zostera nana
Marsh Zone and Number of Samples
1
2
3
4
5
724
771
402
430
255
0.1
0.1
2.1
8.5
14.0
4.3
38.3
56.1
66.8
46.3
0
4.4
25.5
39.5
37.7
5.9
30.4
23.3
17.0
16.0
33.9
37.8
24.7
11.6
4.0
0
0
0.8
2.1
16.2
3.6
4.0
0.2
0.3
0
2.5
37.8
26.5
11.6
6.5
43.4
53.2
21.1
11.7
3.3
0.8
2.8
2.9
1.6
1.4
0
2.1
4.4
9.7
7.5
0
0.2
0.2
0.3
4.5
a
0.8
6.2
5.3
7.3
10.3
30.6
17.0
4.4
0.4
0
8.2
3.2
3.4
0
a;
0
0
2.5
17.1
0.5
17.1
14.9
12.1
4.4
20.6
26.0
7.3
2.6
0
1.3
41.4
54.2-
57.0
31.2
5.1
9.8
3.2
1.5
1.3
o •
0
0.4
0.8
3.3
0
0-
1.4
8.2
22.4
1.6
3.6
0
0.3
0
8.8
7.0
2.1
0.9
0.1
0.1
27.6
65.6
69.2
46.5
5.7
2.8
0
0
0
0
0.1
0.5
0.3
2.2
54.2
40-. 6
8.4
0.3
0
8.8
7.7
2.2
0.9
0.2
6.8
6.8
0
0.4
0
9.9
5.5
1.4
0.1
0
4.2
9.3
2.2
0.9
0
0
1.8
9.2
14.0
17.5
2.2
1.4
0.2
0
0
33.5
38.2
23.0
7.7
3.2
0
0
0.2
1.8
9.6
0
0
0.7
2.8
3.0
0
0
1.5
9.1
11.1
0.2
1.0
0.9
0.2
1.6
0
0
0
1.1
12.3
0
0
0
1.3
3.0
0
0
0
1.1
3.8
0
5.5
6.6
4.7
5.4
6.3
0.1
0
0
0
-------
- 191 -
Average Species Frequency by Marsh Zone (Cont.)
Marsh Zone and Number of Samples
Species —
1 2 3 4 5
724 771 402 430 255
Juncus lesueurii 0
Lathvrus oalustris 0
Scirpus validus 0
Poa pratensis 0
Gautheria shallon 0
Hvoochaerl's radi cata 0
Soerqularia macrotheca 0.2
Scirpus microcarpus 0
Carex pansa 0
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis 0
Eoilobium watsoni i 0
Agropyron repens 0
Lonicera i nvoiuorata 0
Spartina alterniffora 1.6
geruisetum sp. 0
Juncus qerardii 0
Erechtites arouta 0
Heracleum 1 anaturn 0
Phvsocarpus capi tatus 0
Rubus ursinus 0
Sidalcea hendersonii 0
1.2
• 3.9
6.1
7.8
0.3
0.3
3.4
2.8
0.2
2.2
1.1
2.7
0
0.3
0.5
2.8
0
0
0
4'-. 7
0.1
0.4
0
0.8
0.1
0.9
0.5
1 .3
0
1.5
2.8
4-.0
0
0.3
1.3
' .9
0
0.2
2.7
4. 1
0.1
0.8
0.9
0.3
0.4
1.7
5.0
1.3
0
0
O.C
3.0
0
0
0
0
0
0.5
0.3
3.1
0.7
0.2
1.2
4.3
0
0
0.4
2.3
0.1
0
0.1
1.4
0
0.2
0.6
1.9
0
0
0.3
4.0
0
0.3
0.2
0.4
-------
- 192 -
Table 14. Average percent cover by marsh zone.
Zone
No. Samples
1
724
Species
2
771
3
402
4
430
5
255
Avg. Tot.
2583
Achillea fir.llefolium
Aqrostis a Iba
Aster subspicatus
Atrip!ex oatula
Carex lyr.qbyei
Carex obnupta
Cuscuta sal i na>-
Qeschaniosia cesoitosa
Pi sticMis spicata
Eleochftris^ pa 1 us tris
^estur • rubra
saTTur", apari ne
6a 1 i i .m tri fl orum
Glaux~mari tima
GrindaHa inteqrifolia
HolaSTTanatus
Hordeum brachyantherum
Jauir,ea carnosa
June us balticus
Ulf;aopsis occidental is
lotus uliqinosus
Qe"nanthe samentosa
^'¦-thocarpus casti 1 fe.ioides
— ^ar-i tima
Pc* tenti 11 a pacifica
P.'jccinellia pucila
p.umex occidental lis
Sal icornia virqinica
Scirpus americanus
Scirpus cernuus
Sperqularia canadensis
Stellaria humifusa
Tri fo 1 i um wormsk.ioldi i
Trig lochin concinnum
Triq1ochi7i mari timum
Vicia giqantea
Angelica lucida
Elymus qlaucus
Stel laria calycantha
Maianthemum dilataturn
Picea sitchensis
Plantaqp lanceol'ata
ouncus effusus
Zostera nana
uuncus lesueuri i
Lathyrus oalustris
Sci rous vTTTdus
0.021
.020
0.192
0.151
9.011
12.972
0
0.910
6.970
0.127
3.754
2.150
12.404
9.931
6.329
0
0
0.082
0.612
0.246
0.037
0.208
13.986
6.618
11.524
10.466
2.450
0.428
0.398
0.476
0
0.255
0.537
0
0
0
0
0.013
0.305
0.280
1.273
0.612
0
1.625
0.474
0
0
0
0.004
1.516
1.367
7.838
5.190
0.734
0.257
12.643
17.005
0.298
0.767
0.262
0
0
0.008
0
0
0.216
0.035
0.105
0
1.914
0.889
0.075
0
4.968
20.540
0.336
0.294
0
0
0.004
0.022
22.572
7.024
0.972
3.596
0.620
0.261
1.055
0.504 '
0
1.164
0.313
0.008
1.142
0.879
0.017
0
0.048
0.697
0.142
0.048
0
6.339
6.393
3.684
0
0
0
0
0
0.200
0
0
0.198
0
0.013
G.023
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.803
3.910
0.728
0.004
0
0
0.228
0.689
0
0.004
0.008
0
0.130
0.362
0.765
4.758
0.639
19.518
12.240
9.214
10.291
8.386
3.898
2.212
0.647
1.929
1.767
0.642
7.785
0.192
5.295
0.568
0.087
0
0.265
3.056
2.663
6.034
0.629
0.142
6.854
0.210
0.405
0.388
1.220
1.298
0.491
0.007
0.238
0.025
0.290
0.272
0.126
0.051
0.012
0.564
0.244
0
0.600
0.120
3.315
0.347
1.507
0.694
0.986
0.007
0
3.862
23.436
13.648
11.756
0.077
0.154
0.381
0.007
1.968
0.197
0.757
7.484
0.399
0.035
0
0.047
0.007
0
0.815
33.138
23.880
12.554
0
0
0.182
0
0.549
0.059
0.035
0
8.582
0.022
0
1.237
0.007
0
0.447
0.087
0
0.436
0.158
0
0.612
1.132
2.196
0.528
0
0
0.054
0.708
0.394
4.421
0.165
3.595
0.392
0.158
0.607
0.117
2.662
1.339
0.556
0
0.037
0.011
0.007
0.395
0.090
1.126
1.161
0.302
0.014
0.512
0.053
0.647
1.079
1.659
0
0
0.205
1.702
1.231
0.530
0.752
0.313
0.159
0.021
0.394
0.133
-------
Poa pratensis
Gaultheria shallon
Hypochaeri s radi cata
Sperqularia macrotheca
Sci rpus mi crocarpus
Carex pansa
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis
Epilobium watsonii
Aqrooyron repens
Lonicsra involucrata
Sparti na altarni fTora
Equisetum spp.
Juncus gerardii
Erechti tes arquta
Heracl euitTl anatum
Ph.ysocarpus capi tatus
Rubus ursinus
Sidalcea hendersonli
-
193
•
0
0
0.038
0
0
0
0
0
.004
0.001
0.004
0
0.053
0
0
0.886
0
0
0.253
0
0
0.037
0
0
0.023
0
0
.004
0.461
0
a
0
0.539
0
0
0
0
0.082
0
0
.273
0.008
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.075
0
0
0
0
0
0.015
0.101
0.095
0.032
0
0.212
0.021
0
0.024
0.004
0.042
0.024
0.019
0.577
0.726
0.306
0.171
0.347
0.102
0.014
1.394
0.146
0.008
0.024
0.007
0.364
0.245
0.158
0.035
1.338
0.138
0
0
0.151
0.145
0.784
0.114
0.122
0.826
0.185
0.014
0.596
0.061
0.007
0,671
0.067
0.070
0.177
0.041
0.007
0.236
0.024
0.087
0.071
0.024
^ Average species percent cover is calculated by summing the species percent
cover and dividing by the number of samples in a given zone.
-------
- 195 -
marsh because of the concern 1n this research in defining the marsh-
upland ecotone. Only one species in the list is regarded as a general
upland-adapted plant and that is Aster sufasoicatus.
Importance value. Combining species frequency and average percent
cover in each of the five marsh zones and normalizing cover and frequency
in terms of relative frequency and relative cover, one obtains an im-
portance value for each species (see p. 39). Table 15 presents average
importance values for each of 65 coninon marsh and transition zone species
in each of 5 marsh zones.
Species, in zone 1 with average Importance values greater than 3.0
in order of declining frequency are:
Salicornia virqinica
Carex lynqbyei
Distich lis spicata
Trig^ochl'n man ti mum
Jaumea carnosa
Scirpus amerlcanus
51.1
34.7
29.9
28.3
12.7
6.4
Soergularta canadensis
Plantago mari tima
feirpus cernuus
fcostera nana
Glaux mari tima
5.3
3.9
3.7
3.7
3.5
While this is a list of species "importance" in zone 1 and does not
directly concern importance in the other zones, only one species, Glaux
mari tima is regarded as more typical of high marsh than low marsh. Glaux
is a small, widely distributed species in the upper part of low marsh
and lower parts of high marsh.
In zone 2, species with average importance values 1n excess to 3.0
include:
(5) Juncus balticus
(1) Distich!is spicata
(1) Salicornia vi rqini ca
PeschampsTa cespltosa
(1) Carex lynqbyei
(5) Aqrostis alba
(1) Triglochin mari ti mum
24.9
22.8
18.8
18.8
16.9
16.3
13.0
(5)
(5
0
Atriplex patula 10.0
Potentilla pacifica 9.3
Glaux, marTtima 6.1
Hordeum brachyantherum 4.8
Juncus effusus 3.0
Lileaopsis occidental is 3.0
-------
- 196 -
Table 15. Average species marsh importance value by zone.1
Species
Zone 12 3 4 5
No.. Samples 724 771 402 430 255
Achillea millefolium
Aqrostis alba
Aster subspicatus
Atriplex"patula
Carex lynqbyei
Carex obnupta
CuscutT"salina
Deschampsi a•ces pi tosa
Qi s ti ch 1 is""sp i cata
El eocharis palustris
Festuca rubra
Galium aparine
Galium triflormn
Glaux mari tima
Gri nde1i a 1 ntegri f o 1 i a
Holcus lanatus
Hordeum" brachvanthemnr
Jautnea carnosa
Juncus balticus
Lileaopsis occidentals
Lotus ulfqinosus
Oenanthe sarmentosa
Orthocarpus castfTTe.ioides
Plantaqo mantima
Potentilla pacifica
PuccinelTTa punrilaT"
Rumex occidental lis
Salicornia virqinTca
Sclrpus alrfericanus
Sci rpus cemuus
Sperqularia canadensis
S te 1ll ari aTumi f usa
Trifolium wormskJoldii
TrfqlochTn conci nnum
Triqiochin maritimum'
Vlcia qiqantea
Angelica lucida
Elymus roll is
Ste 11 ar1a ca1ycantha
Maianthenium di 1 ata"tum
Picea sitcHensis
Plantaqo lanceolata
Juncus effusus
Zostera nana
Juncus lesueurii
Lathyms palustris
Scirous validus
0.04
0.05
0.79
T.9Z
16.30
30.34
0.00
1.69
12.20
2.27
9.97
8.26
34.68
16.89
11.30
0.00
0.00
0.32
1.61
1.23
0.06
1.12
18.81
10.50
29.93
22.76
7.34
0.79
1.59
1.40
0.00
0.55
2.29
0.00
0.06
0.06
0.0 O
0.16
2.24
3.53
6.11
3.89
0.00
2.62
1.41
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.14
4.82
5.57
12.65
10.60
2.73
0.64
24.93
34.43
1.89
2.95
1.09
0.00
0.00
0.23
0.00
0.00
0.87
0.57
0.67
0.00
3.89
1.90
0.55
0.02
9.34.
33.36
1.87
0.75
0.00
0.00
0.03
0.15
51.12
18.80
4.03
6.37
2.45
0.85
3.74
1.91
0.00
5.31
1.71
0.52
1.65
2.08
0.41
0.00
0.44
2.70
0.69
0.47
0.28
28.26
13.01
7.75
0.00
0.00
0.06
0.00
0.00
0.30
0.00
0.00
0.49
0.09
0.18
0.15
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2.97
3.35
3.67
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.35
1.17
0.00
0.07
1.48
0.00
0.12
0.13
3.06
4.87
34.88
27.46
18.27
16.58
5.21
6.44
4.55
1.14
0.74
9.44
0.19
0.00
4.21
2.38
3.25
0.98
0.89
0.55
8.68
2.91
0.08
1.01
1.23
1.38
1.03
0.09
2.22
0.00
0.57
4.78
3.64
1.29
0.65
O.OO
32.56
14.57
0.42
0.30
0.37
1.47
4.11
10.67
0.09
0.00
0.24
0.02
39.44
25.55
0.00
0.00
0.09
0.72
0.14
0.00
0.19
0.04
0.07
0.00
0.06
0.00
0.26
0.04
4.74
5.83
0.03
o.oc
2.78
1.04
0.58
3.68
0.71
0.92
3.64
8.46
0.04
0.25
0.26
3.44
0.76
2.47
0.43
0.95
2.27
2.62
0.00
0.00
2.16
1.85
1.12
1.25
0.10
0.58
-------
- 197 -
Average Species- Marsh Importance Val
li
Sped es
Zone l 2
No. Samples 724 771
3
402
4
430
5
255
Poa pratensis 0.00
(Saultheria shall on 0.00
Hypochaerfs radicata 0.00
Spergularia' macrotheca 0.06
Scirpus mTcrocarpus 0.00
Carex pansa 0.00
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis 0.00
Epilobium watsom'i 0.00
Agropyron repens 0.00
Lonlcera involucrata 0.00
Spartina alternifloTa 1.54
Equisetum spp. 0.00
Juncus gerardii 0.00
Erechtites arquta 0.00
HeracleunPl anaturn 0.00
Physocarpus capitatus 0.00
Kudus ursTnus 0.00
SI dal cIa*"hendersoni i 0.00
0.00
0.09
0.15
0.57
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.54
0.03
0.07
0.00
0.15
0.03
0.22
0.13
0.27
0.00
1.97
2.76
3.18
0.00
0.38
0.36
0.73
0.00
0.06
0.65
1.74
0.02
0.24
0.24
0.07
0.12
1.43
2.44
1.37
0.00
0.00
0.26
2.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.37
0.59
2.88
0.68
0.06
0.54
2.76
0.00
0.00
0.10
1.23
0.03
0.00
0.02
0.47
0.00
0.23
0.49
1.14
0.00
0.00
0.37
2.03
0.00
0.17
0.16
0.18
1 Average species marsh Importance value by zone is calculated by sum-
ming the species importance values in a given zone and. dividing by
the number of marshes.
-------
- 198 -
Again, this list refers only to dominance, in zone 2 and does not refer
to other zones. One can see the persistence of a number of zone 1
species into, zone 2 by the indication- of (1) for zone 1. Zone 5 species
dominants are denoted by (5).
Plant species with importance values greater than 3.0 in zone 3
include:
(5) Juncus balticus 34.4 (1) Triqlochin maritimum ¦ 7.8
(5) PotentilTa pacifica 33.4 (1) Distich lis spicata 7.3
(5) AqrostisTlba 30.3 Horde urn brachyantherum 5.6
(5) Aster subspicatus 12.2 (1) Salicomia virqinica 4.0
(1) Carex lynqbyei 11.3 (1) Slaux maritima 3.9
Deschampsia cespitosa 10.5 Juncus~e?fusus 3.4
(5) Atrip!ex"patula 8.3
One can see the disappearance in this zone 3-donrinance list, of
several zone 1 dominants and the first entry of a number of species with
dominance in zone 5. Of particular significance is Aster subspicatus
which has no presence in zone 1 and diminished importance in zone 2.
This list of species represents a typical roster of plants, which was
regarded in the field as the lower boundary of the transition zone. It
suggests an equal mixture of zone 1 dominants with zone 5 dominants.
Zone 4 was considered the "modal" transition zone with a mixture
of upland plant species and marsh species. The following is a list of
species with importance values greater than 3.0:
(5) Potentilla pacifica 39.4 (1) Carex lynqbyei 4.6
(5) Aqrostis alba 34.9 Peschampsia cesoitosa 4.2
(5) Juncus balticus 32.6 (5) Oenanthe sarmentosa 4.1
(5) Aster subspicatus 18.3 Hordeum brachyantherum 3.6
festuca rubra 8.7 (5) Slymus mollis 3.6
(5) Atriplex patula 5.2 (1) Oistlchlis spicata 3.3
(5) Trifolium wormskjoldii 4.7 (5) Achi11ea"mil 1efo1ium 3.1
This list shows further elimination of zone 1 dominants and the pre-
valence of zone 5 dominants, many of which are regarded as upland species
-------
- 199 -
Zone 5, adjacent to the upland, contained many upland plants and
was also marked by drift log accumulation denoting occassional tidal
influence. The species with importance values greater than 3.0 in
zone 5 were:
Aqrostis alba ^ 27.5 Atriplex patula 6.4
Potenti11a pacifica 25.6 Trifoliurn wormskioldii 5.8
Aster subspicatus 16.6 Achillea millefolium 4.9
, Juncus balticus 14.6 Holcus lanatus 4.3
(w) Oenanthe sarmentosa 10.7 Vicia qigantea 3.7
(w) Carex oboupta 9.4 Maianthemum dilataturn 3.4
£1ymus mo11is 8.5 (w) Scirpus microcarpus 3.2
None of these was'x among the dominants listed for zone 1. Most are
regarded either as upland species or as freshwater indicators as denoted
by (w) suggesting the occurrence of freshwater conditions at the upland-
marsh interface.
To gain an overall impression of the distribution of species across
the marsh to upland gradient, importance values have been plotted indi-
vidually for the 20 marshes as shown in Appendix F for selected plant
speci-es. In these plots one can see marsh by marsh differences in
species importance; for example, the importance of Salicornia virginica
in the low sand marshes; the broad distribution of Potenti 11 a pacifica
in high marshes. These plots may be looked upon as idealized transects
across the 20 marshes as they have "average-out" the variations along
10 or more transects in many study sites.
The above zonal analysis shows clearly that species are distributed
across a gradient from mud flat to upland and that a distinct and unique
assemblage of plants can not be assigned to a given zone. The analysis
suggests dominant groups of species within a given zone but has not
attempted to evaluate the trends between zones.
-------
- 201 -
Soecies Classification
To assess the distributional pattern of species across all five
zones and between zones, trends in species frequency, average percent
cover, and average importance value in each of the 5 zones were examined
Species were assigned to one of three vegetation groups: Low Marsh,
High Marsh and Upland in terms of meeting criteria set forth in Table 8.
The output of this analysis Is three sets of species characteristic of
each of these groups. Additionally, a judgment was made as to how well
a given species met the stated criteria.
Table 16 lists 16 species considered in the Low Marsh group of
these 13 regarded as very good indicators of low marsh. The meaning
of this list is that dominance by any one of these species suggests a
low marsh situation. Dominance by more than one of these species
strengthens the suggestion. Use of this 11st is explained in the
section dealing with the delineation of the upland-marsh boundary.
Table 17 shows those species regarded as High Marsh plants. Only
six species were allocated to this group, four of which were judged to
fit the importance value criteria as "very good". Of this group,
four species tended to have closer relations to saline conditions and
were seldom observed in freshwater wetland situations. These were
Atrtplex patula, Slaux mart t1 ma, Grindelia inteqrifolia and Lilaeopsis
occidental lis. Of these, Grindelia had preference for drier situations
and frequently grew on decaying drift logs, and natural levees. Li 1ae-
oosis was found in wet areas especially with brackish conditions.
Lilaeopsis, Glaux and Atriplex were all low-growing plants found in
more or less open mud-silt situations 1n the high marsh.
Two species 1n the High Marsh 11st, Oeschampsla cespitosa and
Eleocharis palustris. had strong positions in the High Marsh group but
-------
- 202 -
Table 16 Low marsh species defined by frequency, cover and importance
value in five marsh zones.'
——————— 2^
Evaluation 3
Points Importance
Species Frequency Cover (Freq. + Cover) Value4
Carex lynqbyei m
Cuscutasalina vg
Oistichlis soicata vg
uaumea carnosa vg
Ortftocarpus castillejoides ra
PIantaqo mari tima vg
Puccinellia pumila vg
Sa \ i comiT"yi rqi m ca nt
Scirpus ainericanus m
Scirpus cernuus vg
Sparti na*"a1 temi fl ora vg
S tell aria humifusa" p
Sperqularia canadensis vg
Triqlochin concinnum vg
Trfqlochfn' maritimum nt
Zostera nana vg
nr 2 vg
vg 4 vg
vg 4 vg
vg 4 vg
P 1 m
vg 4 vg
v? 4 vg
vg 3 vg
m 2 vg
vg 4 vg
vg 4 vg
m 1 m
m 3 m
vg 4 vg
m 2 vg
vg 4 vg
1 Criteria for low marsh species were: (a) decreasing frequency and
cover from marsh zone 1 to marsh zone 5; and, (b) high concentration
in zones 1 and 2, low concentration In zones 4 and 5.
Evaluation of each species in meeting these two criteria were: very
good (vg), moderate (m), and poor (p).
3 Points were independently assigned for both frequency pattern and
cover pattern: Op, l»m, and 2*vg. A total of 4 points was possible.
4
Average species importance value was calculated by surmrfng the percent
relative frequency and percent relative cover.
-------
- 203 -
Table T7. High marsh species defined by frequency, cover, and importance
value in five marsh zones.•
Evaluation^ 3
Points Importance
Species Frequency Cover (Freq. + Cover) Value4
Atriplex patula m vg 3 m
Oeschampsia cespitosa vg vg 4 vg
Eleocharis"""palustris p m 1 m
Glaux marTtuna vg vg 4 vg
Srindelia inteqrifolia m vg 3 vg
Lilaeopsi's occidental is m vg 3 vg
1 Criteria for high marsh species were: (a) maximum concentration in
marsh zone 2, low concentration in marsh zones 1, 4 and 5; and, (b)
maximum concentration in marsh zone 2 with a steady decline in marsh
zones 3, 4, and 5.
^ Evaluation of each species in meeting these two criteria were: very
good (vg), moderate (m), and poor (p).
3 Points were independently assigned for both frequency pattern and
cover pattern: Op, l*m, and 2*vg. A total of 4 points was possible.
* Average species importance value was calculated by summing the percent
relative frequency and percent relative cover.
-------
- 204 -
Table 18. Upland species defined by frequency, cover, and importance
value in five marsh zones J
Species
Evaluation
Points3 Importance
Frequency Cover (Freq. + Cover) Value^
Achillea mi 11efoliurn
Aqropyron repens
Anqelica~lucida
Aster subspicatus
Ca 1 amagros ti s nut'kaens i s
Carex obnuota^
Carex pansa
Elymus moTTis
Epilobium watsonii
Equisetum spp.a
Erechti tes arquta
Festuca rubra
Galium aparine
Galium triflorum/
Gaultheria shall'on
HeracletH""! ana turn
Holcus lanatus
Hvoochaeris radicata
Juncus gerirdii
Juncus lesueurii
Lathyrus japonicus/
Lonicera involucrata
Lotus uliginosus
Mai anthernum dilatatum
Qenanthe sarmentosaa
Physocarpus capi tatus
Picea sitcFensis
Plantaqo lanceolata
Poa pratensis
Rubus ursinus
Rumex occidental is
Scirpus microcarpusS
Sci rpus validus3
Sidalcea hendersoni i
SperqulaHa macrotheca
Trifolium wormskjoldii
Vicia qjqantea
vg
vg
4
vg
m
m
2
m
vg
nr
3
vg
vg
m
3
vg
vg
m
3
vg
vg:
vg
4-
vg
vg
nr
¦3
m
vg
m
3
vg
ra-
m
2
m
in.
vg
a
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
nr
vg
3
m
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
m
3
m
vg
vg
4
vg
m
vg
3.
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
m
m
2
m
m
nr
2
m
vg
nr
3
m
m
m
2
m
vg
vg
4-
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
m
3
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
m
3
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
m
m
2
m
vg
m
3
vg
nr
P
1
P
m
m
2
m
m
P
1
m
vg
vg
4
vg
vg
vg
4
vg
^ Criteria for upland species were: (a) increasing frequency and cover
from marsh zone 1 to marsh zone 5; and, (b) high concentration in zones
4 and 5, low 'concentration in zones 1 and 2.
2 Evaluation of each species in meeting these two criteria were: very
good (vg), moderate (m), and poor (p).
3 Points were independently assigned for both frequency pattern and
cover pattern: 0ap, l*m, and 2*vg. A total of 4 points was possible.
4 Average species importance value was calculated by sunming the percent
relative frequency and percent relative cover.
5 Freshwater wetland plant.
-------
- 205 -
were also found in freshwater wetlands. Indeed, both are widely distri-
buted in the interior Pacific Northwest in these wetland habitats.
Table 18 depicts 37 species considered as indicators of "upland"
conditions of which 25 were regarded as "very good" indicators. "Upland",
1n this case is used in a qualified manner because 5 of the species were
considered freshwater indicators:
Carex obnupta Sclrpus microcarpus
Equisetvan spp. Scirpus validus
Oenanthe sarmentosa
Dominance by any one of the "dry" upland species in Table 18 would
suggest an area as upland. Codominance would help confirm the suggestion.
Six species could not easily be classified into one of the above
three groups. Each presents a different situation requiring discussion.
Three of these (Aqrostis alba, Juncus balticus and Potenti11 a pacif1ca)
are very strong dominants in the upper portion of the marsh. Table 19
shows these "non-indicator" species.
Table 19. Species with poor zonal segregation as defined by frequency
and cover and Importance value in five marsh zones."
Species
Species
Aqrostis alba
Hordeum brachyantherum
J uncus balticus
Juncus effusus
Potentilla pacifica
Stell aria calycantha
Aqrostis alba. Considered among the top dominants in zone 2 through
5, A. alba showed a tendency to occur lower in-the marsh than Potenti11 a
pacifica but often higher than Deschampsia cespitosa. A very serious
^ Species did not meet any of the criteria set for defining low marsh
species, high marsh species, and upland species. These species are
discussed in the text.
-------
- 206 -
problem, relates ta plant Identification. Aqrostls alba var. palustris
is the comnonly found Aqrostls in the marsh proper. Also very common
is the less strict A. alba var. alba, k. alba var. stolonifera is
closely related and may occur higher 1n the marsh, it is less rhizomatous.
Aqrostis tenuis, similar in vegetative characteristics, but with a more
open inflorescence, may also occur in the upper marsh as it is a very
common pasture grass throughout the Pacific Northwest. In the field we
did not attempt to distinguish between these four taxa and therefore
the distribution of Aqrostls alba in our analysis is not ecologically
raeani ngful.
Hordeum brachyantherum» Seldom dominant over much area but frequently
present in the upper marsh and through the transition zone, H. brachv-
antherum is a widespread grass 1n sunny freshwater moist habitats. The plant
apparently can tolerate a certain amount of salinity. Closely allied to
Deschampsia cespitosa in its occurrence in the marsh and in meadowed
wetlands in inland situations, H_. brachyantherum did not show strong
relationship between the "upland" and upper marsh groups. It probably
should be regarded as a "wetland" indicator.
Juncus balticus. A member of a large and complex group of rushes,
•J.- balt1 cus frequently was the dominant in the broad area from high marsh
to upland. Confined to open (non-shaded) habitats, J_. balticus was
strongly rhizomatous and tended not to form distinct clumps or bunches
as did the freshwater indicator, «£. effusus.
Juncus effusus. Even more complex taxonomically than J,. balticus.
J. effusus was distinguishable by its distinct clumped form. It grew
not only in many of the Puget Sound marshes but also in freshwater
meadows throughout coastal Oregon and Washington. It was regarded more
as a freshwater wetland indicator than a salt marsh plant.
-------
- 207 -
Potentma pacifica. Considered initially as a good indicator of
the transition zone, P. pacifica together with J uncus balticus and
Aqrostis alba frequently dominated the upper portion of the marsh. In
places, as at Netarts Sand Spit marsh P. paciflca formed the vegetation
matrix among clumps of Deshampsia cespitosa, in other areas, as at
Waldport South marsh, Potentilla formed mats in the transition zone.
Like so many upper marsh plants, K pacifica grows under freshwater wet-
land conditions at the edges of open (non-shaded) ponds. And in some
occasions £. pacifica was seen isolated at creek edges lower in the
marsh, possibly reflecting freshwater seepage at this special topographic
position.
Stellaria calvcantha. This species should be listed as a upland
species. It appears in the list of non-indicator plants because of an
early taxonomic confusion with S. humifusa. The latter Stellaria is
commonly found in the upper portions of the low marsh and is a good
indicator of upper low marsh conditions. It has dark red stems and
somewhat obtuse leaves about a centimeter or less long. S_. calycantha
grows typically in zone 5 and in fairly shady situations as an element
of tall grassland. Its leaves are longer,jiore lanceolate, and its
stems are green. It is also a taller growing plant.
Discriminant Analysis
To evaluate the classification of samples into one of five marsh
and marsh-upland transition zones, marsh data were processed by discrimi-
nant analysis on a marsh-by-marsh basis. Plant species with their
percent cover values were variables and the discriminant analysis pro-
vided two kinds of output. First, it provided an objective evaluation
-------
Table 20. Percent of nri crop lot samples correctly classified into marsh-
zones based on intuitive marsh model as evaluated by discrimi-
nant analysis-
Marsh Zone and Number of Samples
Study Zone
1
2
3
4
5
Total
Marsh No.
724
771
402
430
255
2583
Bandon
96.7
40.7
40.0
75.8
81.8
75.6
Haynes Inlet
76.7
94.6
23.1
83.3
100.0
80.2
Waldport South
0.0
93.8
41.7
97.3
84.6
85.7
Nute Slough
100.0
67.7
53.3
66.7
100.0
75.0
Me tarts Sand Spit
100.0
69.2
80.8
68.0
80.0
81.9
Sea Garden Road
locr.o
82.2
20.0
75.0
72.5
73.8
West Island
82.9
44.4
75.0
43.8
62.5
72.0
N1 awi akura
65.0
90.4
28.0
86.5
71.4
73.6
Cedar Creek
loa.o
72.3
75.0
50.0
91.3
82.2
Leadbetter Point
94.1
71.4
50.0
40.0
87.5
73.5
The Sink
92.8
77.0
34.5-
85.0
66.7
76.4
Elk River
90.5
86.8
80.7
84.8
33.3
84.3
Burley Lagoon
100.0
80.0
60.7
66.7
100.0
74.2
Coulter Creek
100.0
76.7
83:8
62.5
50.0
82.0
Chico Bay
100.0
50.0
77.8
83.3
75.0
85.9
Thorndyke Bay
66.7
59.3
84.0
0.0
75.0
57.7
Quilceda Creek
50.0
86.7
73.5
66.7
48.0
70.7
Oak Bay
97.2
40.0
88.9
100.0
100.0
84.2
Westcott Bay
100.0
40.0
50.0
100.0
100,0
91.1
Griffith Bay^
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
TOTAL
85.5
71.2
59.5
71.8
77.9
79.0
1 No zone 5 classified or predicted
-------
- 209 -
of the sample classification which was provisionally based on an intui-
tive model of marsh zonation. Second, it provided a set of discriminant
functions for classifying the marsh and transition data. These functions
give weighting to those plant species which were the best discriminators
among al_L five zones.
Evaluation of zonal classification. Table 20 shows the percent
samples correctly classified in one of five marsh zones. Thus, for the
Bandon marsh .60 microplot sanples of 168 samples were originally assigned
to zone 1 based on our intuitive marsh model. The discriminant analysis,
with 65 available'^variables (species with cover values), developed 4
functions using 12 variables which classified 58 of the samples in zone 1.
Therefore, we could regard our classification of samples into zone 1 as
96. percent correct (58/60 x 100). Appendix G gives details of the
discriminant analysis predictions by marsh.
Certain regularities appear in Table 20. The classification of
samples into zone 1, the low marsh, averaged 85.6 percent correctly
/
class-jfied, therefore, the low marsh was the zone most easily classified
correctly. The range varied from 0 percent in a number of marshes. In
the case of Waldport South marsh, 6 samples should have been classified
into zone 2. If we were to eliminate the Waldport South marsh performance,
correct classification of zone 1 increases to 90.1 percent. The reason
for excellent classification of the low marsh is that the low marsh
tands to be reasonably uniform in composition and has a distinctive flora.
Zones 4 and 5 have the next best classification. With zone 5, an
average of 77.9 percent of the samples were correctly classified into
-------
- 210 -
~ , aao
(..aoo
—Scr»*C""1
-2-750
2-a?s
U7M
.42*
-.500
• 1.625
~i.7*a
-1..17S
ana
-.509
t.??a
-4"
<»S
595 9
5
5
5 55
9 9
5 5
-J
5
U
1 12
•— -• urn n
11* 2 12
<• 22 2
i 2 • J
22 2 2
- 9
5 5
I".
5 2 2
3 2 2
2
J . ...
<• "•
I, ¦ •
t» 3W(*.
vi :
j t
3
i,
, 3(1 Q
2.i7«:
i.7? a
• 42 5
- .sa a
-1.625
-2. ?5
-------
JfiiJIL
this high marsh zone with prediction ranges varying from 33 percent
correct in the Elk River marsh to 100 percent.correct in a number of
marshes. Likewise, zone 4 was correctly classified at 71.8 percent. The
relatively good prediction for both zones 4 and 5 was attributed to clear
classification criteria based on the presence of many upland species in
those zones.
Zone 2, regarded as a high marsh intertidal zone, was correctly
classed 71.2,percent of the times. Like Zone 1, this zone had a fairly
clear fl oris tic definition.
Zone 3, regarded in the field as the lower edge of the transition
zone, was the most difficult zone to classify correctly. Only 59.5
percent of the samples originally assigned to this zone were correctly
classified. Since this zone occurs precisely at that point where the
marsh species composition is most variable, it is understandable that
the classification is most imperfect.
Considering all zones and all marshes, 79.0 percent of the 2,583
microplots were correctly classified based on the intuitive marsh model.
One of the outputs of discriminant analysis is a spatial plot of
the discriminant score of the "most powerful" function vs. the discrimi-
nant score of the next "most powerful" function of the four functions
used in analysis. The degree of "discriminating power" of a discriminant
function is given in the summary table of the computer print-out and
usually represents about 90 percent for the first two functions. The
computer program was instructed to solve the discriminant functions using
the selected 12 best variables (species) and calculates the respective
species weightings. Figure 86 shows a typical spatial plot in which
the zone numbers are the or"ignal classifications. Thus, in the 3andon
marsh zone 5 is most clearly separated from the other four zones by the
-------
- 212 -
Table 21. Species selected by discriminant analysis for zonal classi-
fication with number of times selected.
Potentilla pacifica
17
Galium trifidum
Ouncus balticus
12
Zostera nana
Aster subspicatus
11
Eleocharis pa 1 us tri s
Aqrostis alba
11
Grindelia inteqrifolia
Deschampsia cespitosa
10
Lonicera involucrata
Carex obnupta
8
Distich!is spicata
Oenanthe sarmentosa
7
Sperqularia macrotheca
Salicornia virqinica
7
Rubus ursinus
Achillea millefolium
6
Physocarpus capitatus
Pi cea^s i tchensis
4
Spartina alternifolia
Triqlochin maritimum
4
SDerqularia canadensis
Elymus mollis
4
Galium aparine
Atriplex patula
4
Heracleum 1 anaturn
Trifolium wormskjoldii
4
Carex pansa
Hordeum braehyantherum
4
lathyrus pal ustris
Vicia 'giqantea
3
Jaumea carnosa
Slaux maritima
3
Lotus uliqinosus
Carex lynabvei
3
S tell aria humifusa
Maianthemum dilataturn
3
Juncus lesueurii
Calamaqrostis nutkaensi s
3
Erechtites arquta
Anqelica lucida
3
Equisetum spp.
Holcus lanatus
3
Juncus effusus
Scirpus americanus
2
Aqrooyron repens
Festuca rubra
2
Scirpus cernuus
Plantaqo lancaolata
2
Gaultheria shall on
Scirpus microcarous
2
Plantaqo maritima
Juncus aerardii
-------
- 213 -
first two discriminant functions. Zone 2 and 3 appear somewhat con-
founded. Furthermore, in this plot we can identify a single sample
originally classified as zone 4 1n the spatial field of zone 5 samples,
an obvious mi sclassifl cation.
Discriminant functions and species weightings. The degree to
which a given..spedes aides in discriminating between aVl_ zones in a
given marsh may be measured by the weighting given to that species in
the four selected'*discriminant functions. Species weightings are given
as "standardized discriminant function coefficients". Furthermore as
the program progresses step-wise, variables (species) are entered and
removed so as to provide the best classification. Thirteen or fewer
species were identified for each marsh. The species that were entered
into discriminant functions are shown in Table 21 with the number of
times a species was used. The importance (weighting) of any given species
in classifying a given marsh is not shown. The number of species used to
classify a given marsh varied from 5 to 13.
It should be recognized that other plant species which correlate with
selected species and therefore are also good discriminators between zones
are not identified by the program. For example, Potentilla gacifica was
chosen in classifying 17 marshes, yet Vicia gioantea was not used by the
discriminant analysis program. The distribution of these two species among
the five zones correlated fairly closely. The discriminant program deter-
-------
- 214 -
mined that Potsntilid was, in almost all cases, a better discriminator among
all five zones than was Vicia. This does not mean that Vicia is also a
good discriminator. In fact, Vicia is an excellent discriminator between
zone 3 and zone 4.
Table 21 shows species selected by discriminant analysis. Certain species
which were very dominant but appeared in several zones such as Potentilla.
Juncus, and Aqrostis were used repeatedly by the discriminant analysis as
variables. Other ipecies, which are also good variables for classification,
were not used in analyis very often, e. g., Carex lyngbyei. Jaumea carnosa,
Distichlis sgicata, Plantaqo maritima, Eleocharis palustris. Glaux maritima.
Griraialia inteorifolia, Qrthocarpus castillejoides, and Vicia gigantea.
However, it most be remebered that only those species giving the best discr-
imination were chosen. Other species, which have similar distributions among
the zones to the selected species and which might have been almost as good
discriminators were not chosen. Furthermore, this analysis was aimed at
classifying the entire marsh (all five zones) and associated transition
zone, not just the upper section of the marsh. Therefore, not too much
significance should be given to the species-list in Table 21.
-------
- 215 -
Discriminant analysis could be applied to differentiating upland from
upper marsh and a different set of species might be anticipated.
To assess the species weightings, one must inspect the standardized
discriminant function coefficients in the summary printout. There
appeared to be no simple way to summarize this data so that an example
will be used with Waldport South study site where nine species were
selected and entered into four discriminant functions. The first two
functions account for 97.5 percent of the "variation". The weightings
are evaluated by disregarding the signs in Table 22 where just the coef-
ficients are displayed for the first two functions. Achillea millefolium,
Potentilla pacifica and Plantago lanceolata received the highest weight-
ings. These were all upper marsh species. Glaux and Salicornia were
the"two low marsh species. Several upland species were identified by
this analysis such as Maianthemum, Picea and Plantago lanceolata.
Table 22. Standardized discriminant function coefficients for the first
two discriminant functions for Waldport South study site.
Functions
Species
1
2
Achillea millefolium
-1.52899
-1.13105
Aster subspicatus
- .35290
.22273
Glaux maritima
.30059
- .28424
J uncus balticus
- .25366
.36787
Potentilla pacifica
-1.01605
.98698
Salicornia virqinica
.25136
- .24822
Maianthemum dilatatum
- .31389
- .38600
Picea sitdiensis
- .17218
.36711
Plantaqo lanceolata
- .69921
- .31996
-------
i»ctir of oiscam
s.aaa
3.103
2.4011
."5Ta
• t.aaa
•z.saa
-<..303
-5.593
¦r.ana
ant scoiie i i30
J.JJ3
Figure 87. Spatial distribution of dominant score 1 vs. discriminant
score 2 for Waldport South study sits.
-------
- 217 -
Figure 87 shows the clear separation.of zone 5 from the other zones, a
separation that agrees with the prevalence of upland species in the
discriminant functions. No true low marsh zone 1 was identified in this
data set.
Upland Vegetation Synthesis
Introduction. As already noted, because upland vegetation had
different physiognomy than marsh, it was sampled differently. Where
tree cover existed at a study site, total percent cover and basal area
data were collec'ted at each transect section in the upland. This data
could be used to evaluate tree species importance with respect to
frequency, percent cover, and dominance as measured by basal area.
Upland shrub and understory herb data were collected along a line
transect, often with about 100, meter-long transect segments per marsh
and provided both frequency data and average percent cover using a total
of 1,709 line segment samples.
Trees. Table 23 summarizes the tree data for all 20 sites. Indi-
vidual study site tree data appear in Appendix H. The first field of
columns reports tree data with respect to the sites at which the species
were recorded and therefore better reflects local vegetation charac-
teristics. Thus, a marsh site such as Leadbetter Point where there was
no coniferous forest in the upland would not be used in the computation
of the importance of Picea sitchensis. The second field of columns
summarizes tree data for ajj_ marshes. Absolute constancy merely is the
number of marshes in which a given tree occurred.
Clearly the forested upland was dominated by Picea sitchensis which
not only had the greatest local frequency (30%) but also the greatest
-------
Table 23. Upland tree frequency, mean percent cover, and basal area for 20 study
sites.
Marshes
of Occurrence^
All Marshes
20
Species
Absol.
Mean
< Mean
Const.
Freq.
Cover
O.A.
Freq.
Cover
B.A.
(n)
<*)
(%)
(iii^/ha)
"'(%)
(%)
(i«2/ha)
Abies grandis
2
50
8
1.2
5
0.8
0.1
Acer Macrophyllum
3
12
2
0.2
2
0.3
+
Alnus rubra
14
60
16
2.1
42
11.2
1.5
Arbutus menziesii
2
50
10
3.6
5
1.0
0.4
Fraxfnus latf?olia
1
70
13
1.7
4
0.7
0.1
Junlperus scopuloruw
1
20
1
—
1
0.1
"2
Myrica ca)1fornlca
4
22
2
0.2
4
0.4
Osuiaronia cerasiformis
1
10
4
0.2
1
0.2
+
Physocarpus capitatus
2
25
7
0.9
3
0.7
0.1
Plcea sltchensis
14
80
26
4.1
56
18.2
2.9
Pinus contorta
1
40
53
0.5
2
0.3
+
Prunus spp.
1
10
++3
0.1
1
++
+
Prunus euiarginata
1
10
10
+
1
0.5
+
Prunus virglniana
1
17
8
+
1
0.4
+
Pseudotsu^a menziesii
5
61
12
1.9
15
3.0
0.5
Pyrus fusca
8
33
4
0.4
13
1.6
0.2
Rhauinus purshiana
7
25
3
0.2
9
1.1
0.1
Salix spp.
3
55
8
0.7
8
1.2
0.1
Salix hookeriana
6
43
19
1.4
13
5.7
0.4
Sanibucus racemesa
1
10
++
+
1
++
+
Thuja plicata
7
40
7
1.4
14
2.5
0.7
Tsufja neterophylla
10
37
9
1.7
19
4.5
0.9
Values are calculated on basis of sites at which species occur.
9 2
c + basal are.i< 0.05 ni /ha
3 *¦+ mean cover <0.5%
-------
- 219 -
total frequency (562), mean percent cover, and mean basal area. The
next most important species was Alnus rubra: followed respectively by
Tsuga heterophylla, Pseudotsuqa menziesii, Jhuja pHcata. Salix hookeriana.
and Pyrus fusca. This total list obscures regional and site specific
patterns which are seen in the tree summary in Appendix H. Thus, the
rain shadow situation in the San Juans and northern Puget Sound is
reflected by drier forest conditions with local Importance of Arbutus
ii, Abies qrandis, Pseudotsuqa menziesii and Juniperus scopulorum.
On the extreme coast Picea sitchensis. Alnus rubra, Myrica califomica
and Salix hookeriana prevail. The understory vegetation further emphasizes
these localized differences.
Shrub and herb understory. Upland understory vegetation assessed
by line transect accounted for 90 species several of which ranged into
the upper portion of the marsh. Appendix I gives the average percent
frequency and average percent cover of all understory species based
on 1,709 samples. Those species with greater than 5 percent frequency
are listed here in order of declining frequency:
Avq. %
_Av2i_l
Freq.
Cover
Gaultheria shallon
24.9
10.7
Maianthemum dllatatum
Rubus ursinus
16.9
4.1
14.5
3.0
Aqrostis alba
11.2
2.3
Oenanthe sanrientosa
10.9
2.6
Rosa nutkana
10.9
1.0
Carex obnupta
8.7
2.5
Holcus lanatus
8.1
1.9
Loni cera involucrata
Picea sitchensis
Vaccinium ovatum
Aster subspicatus
Polystichum muni turn
Pteridium aqullinum
Vlcia qlqantea
Potent? 11 a pacifica
Elymus moTlis
Freq.
Cover
8.0
2.0
7.4
3.8
6.6
2.3
6.1
0.8
6.0
1.7
6.0
2.1
5.8
1.1
5.4
0.6
5.1
0.9
Several types of upland vegetation were present; the different
types are obscured by the aggregated data 1n the above list and appendix.
These types might be grouped as follows:
-------
- 220 -
Picea sitchensis forest—dry Jisi dry
Picea sTtchensis forest—wet P]s< wet
Pinus contorta - Picea sitchensis forest Pico-P1s1
AmmophTTa arenaria - Elvmus mollis stabilized dune Amar dune
Pseudotsuaa menziesii succession!! forest Psme succ
Ruderal Ruderal
TabTe 24 shows the distribution of these six generalized, upland
vegetation types among the twenty study sites. Several sites had more
than one type of upland vegetation- There was no overall correlation
between marsh vegetation and upland, except for the presence of Sali_-
cornia. Oaumea. Oistichlis and Plantago dominated marshes near sand
dunes »
Data, are available to analyze and classify in greater detail upland
vegetation, but such an analysis was not attempted.
Table 24. Distribution of upland vegetation types among study sites.
Upland Vegetation Type1
Pisi Pisi Pico- Amar Psme
Study Site dry wet Pisi - Dune Succ Ruderal
Sandon
X
Haynes Inlet
X
Waldport South
X
Nute Slough
X
Netarts Sand Spit
West Island
X
X
Sea Garden Road
X
X
Niawiakum River
X
Cedar River
X
X
leadbetter Point
The Sink
Elk River
X
Burley Lagoon
X
Coulter Creek
X
Chi co Bay
Thomdyke Say
X
X
Quilceda Creek
X
Oak Bay
Westcott Bay
Griffin Bay
X
1 Upland vegetation types are listed in text
-------
- 221 -
Salinity
Interstitial water salinity data were collected from seven sites.
The procedures of data collection are given on page 26. Except for the
Bandon marsh where salinity profiles were collected at two different
dates along the same transects (6-15-77 and 7-13-77 along transect 7B>,
salinity profiles were taken at only one time. Figure 88 a-g shows
typical salinity profiles at three depths (surface, 10 cm, 20 cm). Field
judgments of transition zone position are indicated in these figures by
MTZ.
Salinity in the lower marsh either decreases slightly with distance
from mudflat. or commonly increases to about the high marsh. At this
point, salinities diminish rapidly as the transition zone is approached.
Often within the transition zone there is a slight increase in salinity.
Salinities vary with depth. Surface salinities at all positions in the
marsh tend to be higher than salinities at 10 cm, than are salinities at
20 cm depth. The gradient in salinities with depth tends to greatest
in the first 10 cm and diminishes over the second 10 an depth. Greatest
differences between surface salinities and those at 10 and 20 cm depth
occur in the upper portion of low marsh and~in the high marsh below the
transition zone. This pattern suggests the presence of a fresh-to-
brackish water lens in the middle marsh.
Salinities vary with season, localized climatic regime, estuary
conditions, tidal regime, and marsh type; consequently,'each profile
must be discussed with respect to these specific considerations. Highest
salinities in the Pacific Northwest occur in late August and September
(Jefferson 1975, Barbour 1973). No attempt was made to assess this
seasonal pattern; however, the two profiles for Bandon marsh (CQ1-78)
in Figure 88 a and b support this statement. The 15-6-77 observation
-------
- 222 -
-7B
<7-77
U)
300
CQ7-7S
1S-4-77
(t»)
0 30 100 ISO 200 2S0
OUtanca from mudflat (»)
Figure 88. Salinity profiles along selected transects at
(a) Bandon CQT-7B 13-7-77, (b) CQ1-7B 15-6-77,
(c) leadbetter Point WB4-1, (d) Cedar River
WB2-3, (e) leadbetter Point WB4-2 , (f) The
Sink SHI-68, and (g) West Island NB2-2.
-------
- 223 -
Dlstanci from mudflat (¦)
Olstanct from mudflat (a)
NS2-2
22-6-77
m
UP
END
i —¦Amm— . .. i. ————
10 SO 30 ' 40
Distant* frw wtffUt (¦)
(9)
30
-------
- 224 -
occurred after an early June rain. Estuary salinities were lower (21
ppt compared with 25 ppt) in June than in July. Similarly, the middle
marsh salinities were- low at all depths. The slight rise in salinity
in the transition zone could be accounted for by the presence of high
tides in late May and early June contributing saline water to this area
and local surface evaporation leading to high concentrations (-^20 ppt).
By 13-7-77, surface salinities throughout the low and middle marsh had
increased* largely due to repeated inundation of saline water and local
surface evaporation. The subsurface salinities were kept low by fresh-
water percolation mentioned in the discussion of the 8andon marsh.
Two long transects were studied for salinity in a Low Sand Marsh at
Willapa Bay (WB4-1 and WB4-2) at leadbetter Point (Figure 88 c and e).
A pattern similar to that of the 8andon marsh can be seen. Salinities
were high at the surface and through the low marsh related to tidal
inundation followed by evaporation. Only where Deschamosia cespitosa
appeared in the high marsh, did salinities begin to diminish. Salinities
at the surface in the field-judged lower boundary of the transition zone
were 10 to 15 ppt with salinities at 10 or more an deep at about 5 ppt.
A very long transect at Grays Harbor (GH1-6B) was surveyed and
showed a similar pattern to that described for Willapa Say (Figure 88 f)
except salinities in the transition zone were judged to be less than 5
ppt. The Grays Harbor transect was also in a Low Sand Marsh. In another
transect at Grays Harbor surface salinities ranging from 95 to 105 ppt
(10 measurements) were recorded in the mud flat at the edge of colonizing
Salicornia and Soergularia canadensis. These exceptionally high salini-
ties occurred in what appeared to be an algal mat (like roofing felt)
and were attributed to rapid evaporation of surface tidal water.
-------
- 225 -
In a silt-based Immature High Marsh at Cedar RW, Willapa Bay
(Figure 88 d) a steady decline in salinities occur from the low marsh
to the transition zone where salinities through the profile range about
5 ppt. Salinities recorded at another silt-based marsh, a Mature High
Marsh at West Island in Nehalem Bay after a three day intense rain
storm were understandably low (Figure 88 g).
The study of salinity as* a control for vegetation characterizing
the transition zone was not made but these very preliminary observations
suggest that salinities throughout the soil profile in the transition
zone range about 6 ppt or less except where local surface evaporation
has caused locally high surface salinities.
-------
- 227 -
Definition of the Transition Zone and the Upper Limit of Wetland
The concept of a transition zone was assumed at the initiation of
this project. It was supposed that between the upland and marsh there
was a zone within which plant species of both upland and marsh cooccur.
This ecotone, or transition zone, was tentatively observed in the field
and its lower and upper boundary staked. Since the identification of
the ecotone was based on the intermixture of upland plants-and marsh
plants, there was implied a further judgment as to what species should
be classed as upland plants and what species should be classed as marsh
plants. It was, moreover, assumed that the limit of a wetland (coastal
intertidal marsh) would be-somewhere in , or at the boundaries of, this
ecotone.
Delineation of the zone and limit between two vegetation types will
necessarily be arbitary. The basis of this research is to propose a
logical and objective means of defining this zone and limit. The starting
point for this definition is the four lists of species which were arrived
at by analysis of zonal trends within 190 marsh transects. These species
lists are given in Tables 16, 17, 18, and 19 in which low marsh, high
marsh, upland, and non-indicator species are identified.
Since the zone and limit of wetland is between two vegetation types,
marsh and upland, a definition of that zone and limit must consider vege-
tation characteristics not just presence and absence of species. One of
the most easily measured and significant vegetation characterstics is
cover, and, in this research cover was recorded by cover class. Use of
cover class is a rapid, repeatable, and recognized means of judging
species importance in a sample.
Following is proposed a method which will minimize arbitrary decisions
and objectify the definition of the transition zone and upper limit of
-------
- 228 -
coastal intertidal marsh.
Multiple Occurrence Method. A single score is derived for each
microplot sample along a transect by what is called a Multiple Occurrence
Method (MOM) based on species composition, percent cover (cover class),
and species weighting depending on whether a species is a low marsh
species, high marsh species, upland species, or non-indicator species.
Weightings are assigned arbitrarily. Since we are dealing with the
separation of true marsh from true upland, low marsh and upland species
are given equal weightings but of opposite sign. High marsh species
were judged less indicative and therefore given less weighting but of
the same sign as low marsh species. Non-indicator species, because
they do not differentiate marsh from upland, are given weighting of
zero which removes that species from computation. Weightings, of course,
can be varied in this method and species membership in any weighting
group can also be varied if there is reason to do so. Weighting cate-
gories are:
The procedure is to simply sum the species cover value (cj) multiplied
by the appropriate weighting coefficient (w-j) to get a single Multiple
Occurrence Method score (M), where (i) refers to any species:
Low Marsh
High Marsh
Upland
Non-Indi cator
Species Type
Wei ghti ng
Coefficient
2
-2
0
n
M = Z Vi
i = l 1 1
1 See Tables 16, 17, 18, and 19
-------
- 229 -
0 along transect CQ1-13 (Bandon Marsh), the following species and their
Thus, for the microplot sample at 48 m from the
FT
cover were observed:
Species
Wei ghti ng
Coeffi ci ent
Cover
Class
Aqrostis alba
Carex lyngbyei
Deschampsia cespitosa
Glaux maritima
Juncus balticus
SaTT comia virqinica
Scirpus americanus
Trifol ium wormskjoldi
1
0
2
2
-2
0
2
+ (disregard)
+ (disregard)
+• (disregard)
2
2
2
Species in this analysis with negligible cover (+ * less than IS) are
disregarded on the assumption that many extraneous factors could account
for a few single occurrences and that a species' lack of performance is
indicated by negligible cover. In the above example, the MOM score (M)
will be:
Since the low marsh and high marsh coefficients are positive, where
there is dominant marsh vegetation, as in this case, M will be positive.
Where upland species are dominant, M will be negative. The limit of
marsh is defined by M 8 0. Thus, in a sequence of microplot samples
along a transect, scores will be highly positive indicating a marsh
situation; as the transition zone is approached, with more high marsh
species, scores will dimish crossing 0 at the point where the vege-
tation shifts from marsh to upland. This pattern is shown in Figure 89
for three transects in the Bandon Marsh. The position of the field-
observed lower boundary of the transition zone is shown by "MTZ Obs".
in each of these plots and occurs within 1 to 2 meters of the computed
Agal Caly Dece Glma Juba
M « 0(2) + 2(2) + 1(1) + 1(1) + 0(2) * S
-------
- 230 -
Olstanca (m)
Zff r
- 10 I
« w* si jg
Qlstarca (m)
Figure 39. Multiple Occurrence Method score (M) along three
selected transects at 3andon study site showing
Case I situations.
-------
- 231 -
value^ The limit of marsh derived by MOM is shown by an arrow perpen-
dicular to the distance scale. In this case (Case I), the limit of
marsh is coincident with the transition zone. In otherwords, the
transition zone has shrunk to a line. This is noted by "UIM".
It is recognized that along some transects there will be a series
of contiguous samples which have MOM scores of 0 (Figure 90 a-b). In
this case (Case II), it is proposed that the limit of marsh be defined
by the midpoint between the sequence of M values of 0. For AB1-5
this would be at 43.7 m and for WB1-2 it would be at 27.0 m. The
transition zone is given by the belt in which the MOM score is 0, with
a respective lower and upper limit for AB1-5 of 41.2 m and 46.2 m and
for WB1-2 a lower and upper limit of 25 m and 29 m respectively.
A third situation is where a series of microplot samples along a
transect have MOM scores that alternate above and below the zero line
(Figure 91 a-c). In this case (Case III), it is proposed that the
same procedure be followed as in Case II; namely, the limit of marsh
is given by the midpoint between the first and last MOM scores that
reach 0. The transition zone is defined as that belt between those two
"end" 0 values. To illustrate, for WBl-8_(Figure 91 a), the transition
zone extends from 8 m to 17.5 m and the limit of marsh is defined at
12.75 m. For NB2-8 (Figure 91 b), the transition zone exists between
5 m and 10 m and the limit of marsh is at 7.5 m. For NB3-6 (Figure 91 c),
the transition zone extends from 11 m to 13.3 m and the upper limit of
marsh is defined at 12.15 m.
Assuming that there are only these three possible cases for the
pattern of transition zone occurrence along a transect as discussed
above, how frequent are those cases? We have computed MOM scores for
129 marsh transects. These transects were all of those which were
-------
- 232 -
cm
Olstanca (m)
*31-2
Cz)
Olstanca (m)**
Figure 90. Multiple Occurrence Method score (M) along two transects
at (a) Waldport South and (b) Niawiakum study sites
showing Case II situations.
-------
- 233 -
Figure 91
Multiple Occurrence Method score (M) along three tran-
sects at (a) Niawiakum, (b) West Island, and (c) Sea
Garden Road study sites shewing Case III situations.
-------
- 234 -
Table 25. Distribution of transition zone occurrence of selected marsh tran-
sects showing mean transition zone width.
No. Sampled Number Mean Width of
Study Site Transects Case I Case II Case III Transition Zone (m)
Bandon
12
8
0
4
0.76
Haynes Inlet
3
2
1
0
2.67
Waldport South
10
4
2
4
3.13
Nute Slough
2
2
0
0
0.00
Netarts Sand Spit
10
7
0
3
1.04
West Island
8l
4
0
4
12.76
Sea Garden Road'
13
9
0
4
0.84
Niawiakum-
2
0
1
1
6.70
Cedar River
10
6
1
3
3.49
Leadbetter Point
2
0
1
1
5.50
The Sink
n
2
1
8
31.45
Elk River
10
6
0
4
2.67
8urley Lagoon
2
1
0
1
0.00
Coul ter Creek
10
3
0
7
9.52
Chico Bay
2
2
0
0
0.00
Thorndyke Bay '
122
1
3
8
13.55
Quilceda -Creek
83
7
0
1
0.65
Oak Bay
2
2
0
0
0.00
Westcott Bay
2
1
0
1
1.10
Griffin 3ay
2
2
0
0
0.00
^ Several West Island transects crossed a number of sloughs and pans in their
upper ends and appearance of marsh. MOM scores caused by these situations were
disregarded.
2 Four Thorndyke Bay transects exhibited MOM scores of 0 or less at the lower
starting point, caused by a benn and transition zone width could not be
detenrri ned.
3 Quilcada Creek transect 9 was not included as the transition zone was unclear
because of log accumulation and land buildup.
-------
- 235 -
hysometrically levelled by the NOS, together with selected transects
from other marshes which were not levelled. The upper and lower boundary
of the transition zone coincided for 69 transects or 53.4 percent of the
sampled transects and represent Case I. Ten out of 129 marsh transects
exhibited "sequential" transition zones (Case II). The third pattern
of alternate values of MOM score about the zero line (Case III), was
observed in 50 marsh transects.
A mean width of transition zone for all 129 marsh transects sampled
was 6.32 m. This figure takes into account certain marshes which had
exceptionally long and complex transition zones as determined by the
Multiple Occurrence Method. These were: West Island (NB2), The Sink
(GH1), and Thorndyke Bay (HC1). Table 25 summarizes the occurrence of
Cases I, II, III and shows the mean width of the transition zone for
sampled marshes. If one were to exclude the data from these three com-
plex marshes, the mean transition zone based on 102 transects is 2.53 m.
The narrowness and relative precision in defining the transition
zone.surprised us. Initially, we were of the opinion that a very broad,
and often ill-defined, transition zone was present in the Pacific North-
west and that it would not be possible to delineate a narrow zone, and
certainly not an upper limit of marsh. This initial perception has been
tempered by the application of the Multiple Occurrence Method; however,
it must be realized that the application of this method merely provides
a logical frame work for defining the upper limit of a coastal wetland
within a broad ecotone. Application of this method with other species
lists and weightings would lead to other locations of the transition
zone and upper limit of marsh.
The Multiple Occurrence Method could easily be programmed ror com-
puter calculation and plotting. Sets of four species groups would be
-------
- 236 -
set-up in the computer together with assigned weightings. Data sets
representing perhaps 10 transects, and microplot samples taken at
regular intervals from what is judged low marsh through upland, could
then be input to the program. A series of 10 MOM score profiles, upper
limit of marsh distances, transition zone boundary distances could be
the output.
-------
- 237 -
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p. 65-103.
-------
- 243 -
APPENDIX-A
MARSH RECONNAISSANCE FORM
Estuary:
Location:
Date:
Surveyor:
Photo- identi fied:
Marsh designator:
Marsh type:
Marsh size: Large
Medi um
Small
Marsh vegetation zonation: Strong
Marsh creek development: Strong
Stranded materia!'Abundant
Fresh water seepage: Strong
Marsh disturbance: Heavy
Type
Upland disturbance: Heavy
Type
Upland vegetation: ___________
Moderate
Moderate
Weak
Weak
Moderate
Moderate
Little^
Li ttle
Moderate
Little
Moderate
Transition zone depression: Clear
Ease of access: Sasy_
Type of'"access: Car__
Moderate_
Walk
Access description:
Tidal Bench Mark: Yes_
Remarks:
Mo
Li ttle
None
Diffi cult
Boat
No.
Overall recommendation: Excellent
Good
Poor
-------
- 245 -
appemix 3
Seeeies iflCOuntar»d :n ind Adjaeanc :o Pacific .'(ar-Jiviest
Inttrtldal Salt ,'iarsnes, Summer r-:ald iaason, 1977
.oaa
soectes ina Autsar
^omnan 'lame
Oc;urr«nca
Abar
^aa
Aavt
Aqal
Alca
A(ar
Aid
41 ru
N«4r
>Aiu
;noa
Arsta
Arjv
ASSa
Atfl
-*«a
Arsu
iui nr':'ius 'luct. sx. 3enM.
CjnlBsalinuiB lae^'g-jin (¦.uu.i :cuii ?osa
ia I ina -.igeifl.
¦"/Z1SU3 icagar^'js :.iflK
'aeifle reedqrass
L/nqoy'S S««qe
slauqn sadqe
sana-aune sa
-------
- 246 -
Coda
5a»c;es >nd lutftor
Camion "lame
Occurrwica
Jigl
^actviis dlsiwraM L.
arenard jrass
U*
0«C3
3asaiamcsia csssisasa (I.) 3aauv.
tyftad iiairqrass
2J i
01*3
Olcantn formcsa (Andr.i ialo.
Pacific aleaaingnaart
¦j
Msa
OlsTicnlls jolcata (I.) Sraar*
MT
¦igl
•lymus jlaucM 3uckl.
westarn ry* i>*sss
U,
ilaa
rieacnari* oalustris (I.) a. 1 3.
coinnon loika-rusn
.•fl* .
c!mo
ilvmus 1*0111 s Trin.
dun* *i 1 dPy«
:u
iquis
iaui st>'-an saecias L.
horsatal 1
j «
iSwa
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ru
inr
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euc-laavad -.sast :unM«
"i"
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"mojcs i*«jalun Mutt.
'oxtail fascua ¦
}*
r-irn
"essuca -uara t.
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MTU
~r-n
rrsaa'Ha miloensis (l..) 3ucnasn«
esastal Jtrawoar—/
U
"r U
•iaiinaa.^n.
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U w
2aao
laUum aoarfna i..
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"sT
jif'd
sr^ aum L.
iauil sedicraw
u
¦3a er
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^••cscantau jaaszriw
~J
'^10.
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talal
u
31 ma
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Gnou
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punla
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sal: nsn
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J use
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UU
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'J
'.iO«
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wfOC
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iai r/ idnaysucxla
j
'.sin
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laartarry lonay^ucxla
'J
-3UI
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airs' s-i'aoc ^rtr'ai i
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'.ali
'.-JOinuS UrtariHs :ouql.
jaasnora 'uotna
./an
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uunx tjccaqa
4
-------
- 247 -
toa* aateits ina «ut.*!Or . Cannon Mama ¦3c;,jr-«rca'i
*asr. wMt« sw*«ss!av«r T
*tar 'jSBSOX AOSSlli '1 eIs1 ygntla ^ttlPSa (U.) -*ow«H soring ieauty 'J
tyla i^vasatls 1 axa lanai. small r"1 ow«ra1*nMca na.iar L. cannon 31 art tain
?1ma ?Tantaaa .nartytra saasldc si an tain *TU
'aql ?alypo4lua AI yc/n-i 1 za O.C. iat. Hcorica-f*rn J
?ara» 7aa Tiaenntfia 1aaay «Mnore alu«grass J
?aoa ?atantil I a aaclrtca Hawll Pacific sHv«r»««d ^ i
3aaar 3alyqonmn aaronycn-U Chan. 4 Senlacnt. ilacx 11 yqanu* acnicarta mr: 4«ti rj *
3"r 22i artt«n«H <«ntucxy aluagrass -J*
?r*n ?rr;ww anarq-tnata 3auql. b1ttarw«rry U
3r'< ?r-}mis vtraln-lana '„. canwan snoKacnarry !J
3!"4nuj ?njnm saa. tnerry u
3~jv PwjneHa tfulaartt L. saif-nwl 7U*
'«» ?*atiaotsumtxana 3-ss I ,'toatia -ass [j
'udl 3uom aisealar rtlha i 'i««s Himalayan 5iacxa«r-./
^uta ^uaua laclMaea avsrjrasn siaexoarr/ J*
'uoa 3uam ;ar>i^or-js luct. 3timol«c«r-;r J
?uso seactaaHH J|jrsn Saimonoerrv 'J
'.uur 3uous jrsi'nus Chaw, i icnlacnt. ?jci fic SlacxSer-y J
'uac ^u«wx ieatssalla '.. sn«a sar-si J*
?uer 3uir.«x :risaua '.. auriy :acx j'
?uaa ^umax ;.. ai ttaraacx
'uoc ^uw» seaiaancai's
-------
- 243 -
JLi2S_
So«^« tn<» !iWr
¦'airmen 'Hire
inr«
Sana
3il fx
Sara
Scan
Scsa
SCM.
Seal
Scva
S«j*
Savu
Sih*
Soni
Sool
Ssal
Soca
Sena
5 tea
SJftu
Syal
SaUx naoktf ana UrrttT
Sallx sop.
Samoucus raceaasa I.
Sciraus niwrfcinus 3«rj.
ram camuus fan 1.
Set reus narriaui u.
Sclreus iricrnc2r~ui ?r*sl
Sc-fraus vaHdus Van I.
Sen«-•
3ra«n»
Tr*-f
-------
- 249 -
APPENDIX C
Arrangement of Raw Data on Computer Cards
Computer
Card
Co 1 umn
Coded Item
Computer
Card
Column
Coded Item
1-2
Marsh Number
36
Lotus uliqinosus
C.C.
3-4
Transect Number
37
Oenanthe sarmentosa
C.C.
5-7
Transect Position (0 a
bottom)
38
Orthocarpus castille.ioides
C.C.
8-10
Transect Position (0 s
top)
39
Plantaqo maritima
C.C.
11
Marsh Zone
40
Potentilla pacifica
C.C.
12
Bare Ground,Cover Class
(C.C.)
41
Puccinellia pumila
C.C.
13
Stranded Material
C.C.
42
Rumex occidental is
C.C.
14
Litter
C.C.
43
Salicornia virainica
C.C.
15
Algae/Ruppia
C.C.
44
Scirpus americanus
C.C.
16
Achillea millefolium
C.C.
45
Scirpus cernuus
C.C.
17
Aqrostis alba
C.C.
46
Sperqularia canadensis
C.C.
18
Aster subsoicatus
C.C.
47
Stellaria humifusa
C.C.
19
AtriDlex patula
C.C.
48
T ri fo 1 i um wo rms '
-------
- 250 -
Arrangement of Raw Oata on Computer Cards (Continued)
Computer
Card
Column
Coded Item
Computer
Card
Column
Coded Item
65
Hypochaeris radicata
C.C.
23
Athyri um fi1i x-femi na
C.C.
66
Sperqularia macrotheca
c.c.
24
Berberis aauifolium
C.C.
67
Scirpus microcarpus
C.C.
25
Cirsium arvensis
C.C.
68
Carex pansa
c.c.
26
Cirsium canadensis
C.C.
69
Calamaqrostis nutkaensis
c.c.
27
Conioselinum pacificum
C.C.
70
Epilobium watsonii
c.c.
28
Cystisus scoparius
C.C.
71
AqroDyron repens
c.c.
29
Dactyl is qlomerata
C.C.
72
Lonicera involucrata
c.c.
30
Fraqaria chiloensis
C.C.
73
Spartina alternifolia
c.c.
31
Gnaphalium purpureum
C.C.
74
-&quisetum sdd.
c.c.
32
Ilex aquifolia
c.c.
75
J uncus qerardii
c.c.
33
lathyrus japonicus
c.c.
76
Erechitites arquta
c.c.
34
Lonicera hispidula
c.c.
77
Heracleum lanatum
c.c.
35
Lupinus littoral is
c.c.
78
Physocarpus caoitatus
c.c.
36
Lysichitum americanum
c.c.
79
Rubus ursinus
c.c.
37
Monti a sibirica
c.c.
30
C-ard No. 1
1
38
Myrica californica
c.c.
1-2
Marsh No.
39
Myosotis laxa
c.c.
3-4
Transect No.
40
Phalaris arundinacsa
c.c.
5-7
Sample Position (0 s bottom)
41 -
Polystichum muni turn
c.c.
8-10
Sample Position (0 3 top)
42
Pseudotsuqa menziesii
c.c.
11
Marsh Zone
43
Pteridium aquilinum
c.c.
12-15
Blank
44
Pyrus fusca
c.c.
16
Abies qrandis
c.c.
45
Rhamnus purshianus
c.c.
17
Aira car/oohyllea
c.c.
46
Ribes sanquineum
c.c.
18
Aira praecox
c.c.
47
Rhododendron macrophyllum
c.c.
19
Alnus rubra
c.c.
48
Rosa nutkana
c.c.
20
Ammoohila arenaria
c.c.
49
Rumex acetosella
c.c.
21
Anthoxanthum odoratum
c.c.
50
Rubus discolor
c.c.
22
Arenaria macroohylla
c.c.
51
Rubus laciniatus
c.c.
-------
- 251 -
Arrangement of Raw Data on Computer Cards (Continued)
Computer
Card
Column
Coded Item
Computer
Card
Column
Coded Item
52
Rubus parviflorus
C.C.
60
Thuja plicata
C.C.
53
Rubus spectabilis
C.C.
61
Tsuqa heterophylla
C.C.
54
Salix hookeriana
C.C.
62
Typha latifolia
C.C.
55
Salix spa.
C.C.
63
Yaccinium ovaturn
C.C.
56
Sambucus racemosa
C.C.
64
Vaccinium parvifolium
C.C.
57
Senecio .iacobea
o
o
•
65
Veronica americana
C.C.
58
Sidalcea hendersonii
C.C.
i
59
Solanum niqrum
C.C.
80
Card No. 2
2
-------
- 252 -
Arrangement of Raw Oata in Computer Cards (Continued)
Computer Cards Raw Data Input Explanation
I. Marsh No. Oesignator
Name
No. Transects No. Samples
1
01
CQ1
Bandon
12
168
02
CS1
Haynes Inlet
10
106
03
AB1
Waldport South
10
162
04
Y82
Nute Slough
9
88
05
NT!
Netarts Sand Spit
10
155
06
N82
West Island
9
195
07
N83
Sea Garden Rd.
13
200
08
W81
Ni awi akum
10
148
09
WB2
Cedar River
10
157
10
WB4
leadbetter Pt.
10
151
11
GH1
The Sink
11
229
12
¦•GH3
Elk River
10
115
13
KS1
Burley Lagoon
10
89
14
KS2
Coulter Cr.
10
128
15
KS3
Chico Bay
5
78
16
HC1
Thorndyke Bay
12
78
17
EP1
Quilceda Cr.
9
133
18
NP1
Oak Bay
10
114
19
SJ1
Wescott 8ay
5
45
20
SJ2
Gri ffi n Bay
5
44
TOTAL
190
2583
II. Sample positions are numbered in meters in Cols. 5-7 starting at mudflat
extending to field-judged boundary between the transition zone and upland
along a given transect.
III. Sample positions are numbered in meters in Cols. 8-10 starting at the upper-
most stake in upland and extending to the mudflat. This numbering should
agree with that by the NOS.
IV. Marsh zone in Col. 11 refers to investigator's best judgment, based on
species composition, of the position of a given sample into one of 5
classes.
Zone Position
1 lower marsh
2 middle marsh
3 lower transition zone
4 transition zone
5 upper transition zone
5 upland
Samples refer to marsh and transition zone samples based cn 50 x 50 cm plots.
Additionally 570 upland "line transect samples" were punched onto computer
cards, 3 upland samples per transact.
-------
Arrangement of Raw Data in Computer Cards (C
Computer Card Raw Data Input Explanation (Continued)
- 253 -
V. Cols. 12-15 are used to judge a variety of sample characteristics: bare
ground, drifted or stranded material, litter, and algae. Data were
recorded by cover class (see VI).
VI. Species cover is recorded by cover class in Cols. 16-79 on card 1 and
Cols. 15-65 on card 2.
Cover Class
% Gover
of \
jo r
Midpoint Cover
2
*3
4
5
6
7 (+)
<1
1-5
5-25
25-50
50-75
75-95
95-100
0.1
3.0
15.0
37.5
62.5
85.0
97.5
VII. Col. 80 is used for indicating the card number in a multicard data set for
a given sample. Card No. 1 generally included marsh species, card No. 2
upland species.
-------
APPENDIX D
Selected Species Distribution Among Sampled Marshes in Oregon and Washington
Species
CQ1
1
CB1
2
AB1
3
YB1
4
NT1
5
NB2
. 6
Marshand Marsh No.
NB3 UB1 WO2 WB4 GH1 GII3 KS1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
KS2
14
4
KS3 HC1
15 16
EPI
17
NP1
18
SJ1
19
SJ2
20
Achillea
mi 1lefolium
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X '
X
t
X
X
Agrostis alba
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Agropyron repens
x
Angelica lucida
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Aster subsplcatus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Atriplex pa tula
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Calamagrostis
nutkaensis
X
X
X
Carex lyngbyei
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Carex obnupta
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Carex pansa
X
X
X
Cuscuta salina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Deschampsia
cespitosa
X
X
1
i
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Distichlis
spicata
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Eleocharls
palustrls
X
X
X
X
X
Elymus mollis
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Epilobium
watsoni i
X
X
Equisetum sp.
X
X
Erechtites arguta
X
X
X
Festuca rubra
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Galium apariue
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Galium trificium/
G. triflorum
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1 X
Gaultheria
slia 1 Ion
X
X
-------
Selected Species Distribution Among Sampled Marshes in Oregon and Mashington (Cont.)
Species
CQ1 CB1 AB1
1 2 3
YB1
4
NT1
5
NB2
* 6
Marsn
NB3 UB1 I IB 2
7 B 9
and
WB4
10.
Marsh No
GH1 GH3
11 12
KS1
13
KS2
14
i
KS3 HC1
15 16
EP1
17
NP1
18
SJ1
19
SJ2
20
Glaux iiiarltima
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X s
X
X
X
X
X
Grindelia
inte^ri folia
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
lleracleum
lanatum
X
X
llolcus lanatus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
llordeum
brachyantheruiu
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
llypochaeris
radicata
X
X
X
Jaumea carnosa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Juncus balticus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Juncus effusus
X
X
X
X
Juncus gerardii
1 -
t
X
X
X
Juncus lesueurii
X
X
X
Lathyrus
palustris
X
X
X
Lilaeopsis
occidental is
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lonicera
involucrata
X
X
X
Lotus uliginosus
X
X
X
X
Maianthenuim
dilata turn
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Oenanthe
sannentosa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Orthocarpus
castillejoides
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Physocarpus
capi tatus
X
-------
Selected Species Distribution Among Sampled Marshes in Oregon and Washington (Cont.)
Marsh 'and Marsh No.
CQ1 CU1 AB1 YB1 NT1 NU2 NB3 WB1 WB2 WB4 GH1 GM3 KS1 KS2 KS3 IIC1 EP1 NP1 SJ1 SJ2
1 2 3 4 5.6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
{ ;
»
Picea sitchensis
XX XX X
Plantago
lanceolata
/
XX XX XX
Plantago
inari tima
X XXX XXXXXXX XXX
Poa pratensis
X XX
Potentilla
paci fica
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Puccinellia
ptuui1 a
X X X X X X X
Rubus ursinus
XX X
Ruuiex
occidentalis
XX XXX X XX
Salicornia
virginica
xxkxxxxxxxxxxxxx XXX
Scirpus
auiericanus
X XXX XXX
Scirpus cernuus
XXXXXXXXX
Scirpus
microcarpus
XX X
Scirpus validus
X XX
Sidalcea
hendersoni i
X
Spartina
al terniflora
X X
Spergularia
canadensis
X XX XXXXX XXX X
Spergularia
uiacrotheca
X X X
Species
-------
Selected Species Distribution Auiong Sampled Marshes in Oregon and Washington (Cont.)
Species
CQ1
1
CB1
2
AB1
3
YB1
4
NT1
5
NB2
6
Marshland Marsh No.
NB3 Wli l WB2 WB4 Gill GH3 KS1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
KS2
14
KS3 HC1
15 16
EP1 NP1
17 18
SJ1 SJ2
19 20
Stellaria
calycantha/
S. crassifolla
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Stellaria
humlfusa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tri folium
wormskjoldl i
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Triglochin
conclmuuii
X
X
X
X
X
Irlglochin
marl tiuiuiu
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
Vicea qigantea
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Zostera nana
X
X
X
X
X
-------
- 259 -
APPENOIX E
Study Site Locational Information
-------
- 260 -
Bandon Marsh - Coquille Estuary
#1 CQ1
Location:
State: Oregon
County: Coos
NWi of the SEi and the SW£ of the NEi of Sec. 19,
T25S, R14W
Latitude: 43° 08' N
Longitude: 124° 24' W
Aooroximate Size: 150 ha
Access: South of the Highway 101 bridge crossing of the
Coquille River (Appro*. 1 km), turn west onto "old"
Highway 101. Continue south on this road for 0.7
km. Park car near small creek. Take a trail 0.5
km west along the north side of the creek which
ends at the marsh. The northern end of the marsh
may also be approached from the south end of the
Highway 101 bridge.
General Description: The upper portion of the marsh is covered by strand
material; the lower marsh exhibits weak zonation.
Scirpus americanus and Carex lynqbyei are found in
the lower marsh; with these species, Salicornia
virqinica, Distich!is soicata, and Triglochin
maritimum character!ze the central marsh. Qeschamo-
sia cespitosa is found in a narrow strip just bayward
of the transition zone. Freshwater seepage has
altered the species composition of both the lower
and higher marsh. Scirous americanuus and S_. cernuus
give evidence of this condition. The upland is a
Picea sitchensis forest with freshwater wetland
species sucn as Lysichitum americanum forming the
understory.
Qwnershi o:
Port of Bandon and
Franz Shindler, Bandon, Oregon
-------
- 261 -
Haynes Inlet - Coos Bay
#2 C81
Location:
State: Oregon
County: Coos
NEi of the NWi of Sec. 25, T24S, R13W
Latitude: 43° 25' 50" N
Longitude: 124° 10' 20" W
Approximate Size: 11 ha
Access: A few hundred meters north of the Coos Bay Bridge
=?"~ (Highway 101), turn east on North Bay Orfve
(Oregon Coast Highway). Drive for approximately
3.5 km. Park car just on the north side of Larson
Slough. The marsh borders the highway at this
point, and is a few meters walk down a small embank-
ment to the marsh.
General (Description: This Immature High Marsh occupies a position
between Haynes Inlet and North Say Drive. Within
the lower marsh Carex lynqbvei, Triqlochin mariti
mum, and Salicornia virqinica dominate; whiles
Deschamosia cespitosa predominates in the higher
marsh. The upland is a narrow strip along an
embankment between North Bay Road and the marsh.
The primary upland species are Picaa sitchensis,
Salix hookeriana, and Rubus ursinus.
Ownership:
Private
Contact George Rice, Coos 3ay, Oregon
-------
- 262 -
Waldport South - Alsea Bay
#3 AB1
Location:
State:
County:
Oregon
Lincoln
NW4 of the
Latitude:
Longitude:
NEi of Sec.
44° 25' N
124° or W
28, T13S, R11W
Approximate Size: 3.5 ha
Access: The marsh borders Highway 34 (Alsea Highway).
Approximately 3 km east of Waldport, or 1.6 km
east of Eckman Lake. The marsh is easily acces-
sible along a short path from the highway.
General Description: The low marsh along tidal creeks is occupied by
the tall form of Carex lynqbyei. With increasing
elevation _C. 1 ynqbyei is fo 11 owed by Triqlochin
maritimum, Aqrostis alba, Oistichlis sdicata,
Sali cornTa vi rqini ca, and Deschampsia cespvtosa.
The transition zone is strongly dominated by
Potenti11 a pacifica. The upland, created by a
land fill at least 40 years old, supports a dense
growth of Picea sitchensis and A1nus rubra.
Ownership:
Ronald G. Paulson, Waldport, Oregon
-------
- 253 -
Nute Slough - Yaquina Say
H YB2
Location:
State: Oregon
County: Lincoln
SEi of the NWi of Sec. 30, T11S, R10W
Latitude: 44° 35' 00" N
Longitude: 123° ST 29" W
Approximate Size: 1.5 ha
Access: Take Toledo exit off of Highway 20. In Toledo
take West Yaquina 8ay Road to Newport. Continue
on road until 1 km west of Moody (or just east of
Nute Slough). The marsh is a short walk south of
the road.
General Description: In the lower portion of the marsh Triqlochin mari-
timum dominates, with associated species Carex
1ynqfayei and Distich!is soicata. Nearer the upland
these species give way to Potsntilla pacifica,
Juncus balticus, and to a degree, Aster subspicatus.
The upland is a Picea sitchensis forest with
Gaultheria shalIon and Vacci ni um ova turn being the
main understory shru&s.
Owners hi o:
Private
-------
- 264 -
Netarts Sand Spit - Netarts Bay
#5 NTT
Location:
State:
County:
Oregon
Tillamook
SW£ of Sec. 7 and NEi of Sec. 18, T2S, R10W
Latitude: 45° 25' 00" M
Longitude: 123° 57' 30" W
Approximate Size: 9.6 ha
Access: Go 19.2 km southwest from Highway 101 in Tillamook
to Cape Lookout State Park. Proceed to north end
of camping area: There is a gate blocking vehicle
passage, although the road continues for another
2.5 km. The marsh study site is 3.0 km from the
gate on the bay side of the sand spit.
General Description: The marsh has formed along a small narrow strip
on the leeward side of the Netarts 8ay Spit.
Within this narrow, but elongated marsh, two vege-
tation types can be found: Low Sand and Immature
High. Freshwater seepage is apparent in the marsh.
The upland vegetation consists of both Picea
sitchensis - Pinus contorta forest and Ammopnila
arenaria dune vegetation.
Ownership:
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Sranch
-------
- 265 -
West Island - Nehalem Bay
#6 N82
Location:
State:
County:
Oregon
Tillamook
NW* and NEi of the NW£ of Sec. 3, T3N, R10W; and
NE4 and SE£ of the SW4, and SW£ of the SEi of
Sec. 34, T2N, R10W
Latitude: 45° 42' 25" N
Longitude: 123° 53* 00" W
Approximate- Size: 30 ha
Access: From the cities of Nehalem or Wheeler take a
shallow draft boat to the N£ part of the Island.
This is accessible by a channel just north of Rat
Island. West Island is inaccessible by boat during
low tide.
/
General Description: Creek density is low in the lower and higher
portions of the Island, and high between these
two areas. The lower marsh is dominated by Tri-
qlochin maritimum, Sci rous maritimus, and Carex
lynqbyei" In the central portion of the Island
are found C. lynqbyei, Qeschamosia cespitosa, and
Agrostis alba. At higher elevations Aster sub-
spicatus, Potenti1 la oaci fi ca, and Oenanthe
sarmentosa may be fount!] A small upland built
upon drift wood is located at the extreme NE corner
and other scattered areas. Picea sitchensis and
Sa1ix hookeriana are dominant in the upland.
Owners hi o:
Tillamook County and
£. Kahrs
-------
- 266 -
Sea Garden Road - Nehalem Bay
#7 N83
Location•'
State: Oregon
County: Tillamook
NE& and SEi of the NWi of Sec. 33, T3N, R10W
Latitude: 45° 42' 30" N
Longitude: 123° 55' 00" W
Approximate Size: 5 ha
Access: Approximately 2 km west of the Central Business
District of Nehalem, on Highway 101, turn south
on Sea Garden Road. Follow road to end. The
marsh is just a few meters west of the roads and.
General Qescriotion: Within this marsh Carex lynqbyei and Scirpus
americanus are dominant throughout. These species,
along with the appearance of Eleocharis palustris
and Lilaeoosis occidental is suggest freshwater
seepage in tne marsh, rhe upland is a Picea sit-
chensis - Alnus rubra forest. In many places
freshwater wetland species such as Typha latifolia
and Oenanthe sarmentosa form the understory.
Ownership:
Investments Syndicates, Inc., Seattle, Washington
-------
- 267 -
Niawiakum - W111 apa Bay
#8 W81
Location:
State: Washington
County: Paci fic
SWi of the NEs of Sec. 9, T13N, R10W
Latitude: 46° 39' N
Longitude: 123° 55' W
Aoproximate Size: 18 ha
Access: Just south of Highway 101 Bridge crossing the
Niawiakum River, turn off Highway (west) onto
logged-over property owned by the Weyerhaeuser
Company. From parked car, walk westward through
logged area, continue through forest 1 km. Forest
ends abrubtly at base of steep slope at marsh.
General Description: An extensive creek system along with the dominance
of such species as Deschamosia cssoitosa, Potentilla
paci fi ca, and Juncus balticus suggest that the
marsh is a Mature High Marsh. On the banks of
the major tidal creeks, and at the marsh-mud flat
interface are found Carex lynqbyei and Trialachin
mari timum. Introducfed Spartina alterniflora occurs
in single species patches as a colonizing plant.
The upland is forested (Picea sitchensis and Alnus
rubra) with understory species indicative of moist
condi ti ons.
Ownershi o:
Weyerhaeuser Company
-------
- 258 -
Cedar River - Willapa Bay
#9 WB2
Location:
State: Washington
County: Pacific
SWi of the SWi of Sec. 31, T15N, R10W
Latitude: 46° 45' N
Longitude: 124° 00' W
Approximate Si2e: 3.5 ha
Access: Take Highway 105 west from Raymond for approximately
—• 24 km. Just after crossing Cedar River, park car.
The marsh is 0.5 km south of highway, on west side
of river and east side of Norris Slough.
General Description: This marsh system may be subdivided into two main
areas. One area to the north is an extensive Mature
High Deschamosia cesoitosa marsh. The second
area is a narrow fringing marsh between Willapa
Bay and a forested upland. Predominant species
in the lower part of this fringing marsh are Carex
lyngbyei and Triglochin maritimum. OeschamosTa
cespitosa, Potentilla pacifica and Juncus balticus
dominant in the upper portions of the marsh. The
forested Tsuqa heterophvlla - Picea sitchensis
upland,slopes down to the marsh.
Ownership:
Ray Nelson, Tokeland, Washington
-------
- 269 -
Leadbetter Point - Willapa Bay
#10 WB4
Location:
State: Washington
County: Pacific
NEi of Sec. 9, T13N, R11W
Latitude: 46° 38' N
Longitude: 124° 10' W
Approximate Size: 390 ha
Access: Drive north on North Beach Peninsula through
Oysterville. From Oysterville continue east 1/2
km on Pacific Avenue. Then turn north on Stack-
pole Road (road will become graveled). Continue
north on road through undeveloped State Park until
road ends in a small parking area. The marsh is
approximately 1 km north of parking area on the
east shore of the peninsula.
General Description: Leadbetter «arsh is a recently developed low Sand
Marsh dominated by Salicornia virqinica. This
species is found in pure stands as well'as beinq
associated with Jaumea carnosa. At the upper adqe
of tne marsh Oeschamosia cespitosa. Potent'illa
pacmca, and Car-ex lyngbyei are found: THTUpland
is composed or stabi lized sand dunes
Ownership:
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
-------
- 270 -
The Sink - Grays Harbor
*11 GH1
Location:
State: Washington
County: Grays Harbor
SEi of Sec. 22, SWi of Sec. 23, and NEi of Sec. 27
of T17N, R12W
Latitude: 46° 57' N
Longitude: 124" 09' W
Approximate Size: 249 ha
Access-: Take Highway 109 west from Hoquiam to Ocean Shores
exit - Highway 115. Orive south past Ocean Shores,
the highway will turn into a complex of small resi-
dential roads. Proceed in a SW direction. Eventually
the marsh will come into view. Park as close as
possible (about 1/2 km) and walk to marsh. U.S.
Coast Guard Station light house is to north of marsh;
sewage disposal plant to south of marsh. Point
Brown is about 3 km to the southwest.
General Description: This is an extensive Low Sand Marsh interlaced
with tidal drainage channels. Distichlis spicata
and Sal i co mi a vi rqi ni ca dominate. Associated
with these dominant species are Soeraularia
canadensis, Jaumea carnosa, Triqlochin concinnum
and Plantaqo marftima. The upland is characterized
by a sandy substrate, with pockets of Salix scrub
and extensive stabilized dunes.
Ownership:
Washington State Department of Game
-------
- 271 -
Elk River - Grays Harbor
#12 GH3
Location:
Washington
CountY.: Grays Harbor
NW* of Sec. 20, T16N, R11W
Latitude: 46° 43' N
Longitude: 124° 05' W
Approximate S770! 2 ha
Take Highway 105 southwest from Aberdeen for about
30 km.( Two km west of 8ay City, park car on the
west side of Elk River after crossing the bridge.
The marsh is just a few meters walk north from the
highway and west of a small forested up!ant.
General Oescriotion: This marsh has formed on a narrow strip of
the south shore of Grays Harbor west of the
of Elk River within the upper portion of tne mars. ,
Oeschampsia cesoitosa dominates. At
mud flat interface Qistichlis spicata ^nd SalT^c?
virqinica are found; wnile near tne up land, note
tilla pacifica has established itself.
brachyantherum and J uncus bal ti cus_ are
throughout the marsh. The upland is roresusd w
Picea sitchensis dominant.
Ownership:
ASH Corporation, Aberdeen, Washington
-------
- 272 -
Burley Lagoon - Kitsap Peninsula
#13 KS1
Location:
State: Washington
County: Ki tsap
SE£ of NE£ of the SW4 of Sec. 12, and MWi of the
SEi of Sec. 11, T22N, R1E
Latitude: 47° 35' N
Longitude: 122° 38' W
Aoproximata Size: 5.0 ha
Access: Follow State Highway 16 south from Bremerton for
about 26 km. Take the Burley Exit, going west
into Burley. The marsh is across the lagoon from
the town.
General Description: A high marsh dominated at the outer margins by
Triqlochin maritimum and Carex lynqbyei. Pes-
champsia cespitosa, Glaux maritima, and Potentilla
pacifica dominate the greatest extent of the marsh.
Carex lynqbyei dominates along the many tidal creeks
in the marsh. The upland forest is a mixture of
A1nus rubra, Thuja p1icata, Picea si tchensis , and
Pyrus fusca.
Ownershi~:
Investment Syndicates, Inc., Seattle, Washington
-------
- 273 -
Coulter Creek - North Bay
#14 KS2
Location:
State: Washington
County: Mason
SEi of the SE= of Sec. 8, T22N, R1W
Latitude: 47° 24' N
Longitude: 122° 51' W
Approximate Size: 0.6 ha
Access: Follow State Highway 302 northward from Allyn,
Washington. Just north of Allyn, turn onto
State Highway 3 and travel approximately 2.4 km
northwestward to the bridge crossing Coulter Creek.
The marsh is 200 m downstream from the bridge on
the north bank.
General Description: This marsh is dissected by numerous tidal creeks.
Outliers of upland vegetation nave invaded the
upper portions of the marsh by developing on
stranded material. The western segment of the
marsh is an Immature High Marsh dominated by
Oeschamosia cespitosa; while a smaller eastern
segment, which is dissected by Coulter Creek,
is dominated by Carex lynabyei , Salicornia vir-
qinica, and Oistichlis spicata. The forest
upland is dominated by Picea sitchensis and Thuja
plicata.
Ownership:
Robert Overtone, Olympia, Washington
-------
- 274 -
Chico Say - Dyes Inlet
#15 KS3
Location:
State:
County:
Washington
Kitsap
SEi of the NWi of Sec. 5, T24N, R1E
Latitude: 47° 31' N
Longitude: 122° 38' W
Aooroximate Size:
1 ha
Access
Follow State Highway 3 north out of Bremerton
approximately 11 km. Take Chico Exit, loop back
towards Bremerton for about 0.5 km, turn east
and cross under Highway 3. Turn left on first
paved road after passing under highway. Follow
road to end, about 1 km. The marsh will be on
the right side of the road, approximately 50 m
to the east.
General Description:
This marsh developing on coarse substrate, has
several large creek channels dissecting it. The
lower marsh is predominately Salicornia virqinica
and Oistichlis spicata; and in the upper marsh
is found Aqrostis alba. The upland supports either
a ruderal flora or stream bank vegetation.
Ownershio:
Private
Anne Irving, Bremerton, Washington
-------
- 275 -
Thorndyke Bay - Hood Canal
#16 HC1
Location:
State: Washington
County: Jefferson
SEi of the SWi and the SEi of Sec. 24, T27N, R1W
Latitude: 47° 48' 45" N
Longitude: 122° 44' 30" W
Approximate Size: 13.3 ha
Access: Take South Point Exit from State Highway 104
{approximately 4 km west of Hood Canal 3ridge).
Proceed southward to within 1.6 km of South Point.
Take right on Thorndyke Road and continue for
another 7-8 km. There will be a gatad-road on
the east side of the road and a sign "Thorndyke
Gun Club". The marsh is 1.5 km northeast down
the road from the gate.
General Description: This marsh has developed behind a barrier beach
that is opened at one end by the flow of Thorndyke
Creek. Sand- and silt-sized grains predominate
throughout the High Marsh. Very little Low Marsh
occurs except for a few colonizing mats on the
mud flat, and or material that has sluffed-off
the margins of the high marsh. A large fresh-
water influx is evident across the northwest
portion of the marsh, where dense thickets of
Scirous validus dominate. Forest forms the eastern
margin of the marsh.
Ownershi a: Pope and
Contact:
Talbot, Inc.
Milton Phil brook
Port Gamble, Washington 98364
(206) 297-3341
-------
- 276 -
Quilceda Creek - Snohomish Estuary
#17 EP1
Location:
State: Washington
County: S nohcmi s h
NEi of Sec. 31 and NW4 of Sec. 32, T30N, R5W
Latitude: 48° 02' N
Longitude: 122° 12' W
Approximate Size: 22 ha
Access: Take Marysville Exit off of 1-5. Proceed west-
~ ward toward Tualip Indian Reservation. About
1 km west of Indian Creek Bridge, make a left
turn on Maplewood Road. Continue southward
to end of road. The marsh is several meters east
from end of road.
General Description: This marsh has formed on the northwest side of
Quilceda Creek and Ebey Slough of the Snohomish
River. It is a highly dissected marsh. It is
located on a terrace which rises abrubtly above
the mud flat of the creek. Carex lynqbei and
Triqlochin maritimum predominate throughout the
marsh, as well as does Potentilla pacifica,
Aqrostis alba, and Juncus balticus. ihe upland
is composed of native vegetation growing on old
drift material, or ruderal in nature.
Ownership:
Tualip Tribal Council
-------
- 277 -
Oak Bay - Admiralty Inlet
#18 NP1
Location:
Stata:
County:
Washington
Jefferson
NE4 of the NEi of Sec. 7, T29N, R1E
Latitude: 4S° T 25" N
Longitude: 122° 42' 30" W
Approximate Size: 0.7 ha
Access: Take the Hadlock-Fort Flagler Exit from State
""" Highway 113 a few kilometers south of Port
Townsend. Proceed through Hadlock towards Fort
Flagler and cross Portage Canal Bridge. Once
across the bridge continue southward for approxi-
mately 1 km. Take the second road to the right
into Jefferson County Park. The marsh is just
to the south of a parking lot and picnic area.
General Description: This marsh is protected from Oak Say by a berm.
The lagoon and tidal channels are fairly deep, and
open to Oak Bay. The vegetation is dominated by
Salicornia virqinica. The upland vegetation
occupies a steep slope which ends abruptly at the
marsh. Therefore the transition zone is quite
narrow. Prominant species in the upland are
Pseudotsuga menziesi i, Arbutus menziesii , and
Rosa nutkana.
Owners hio:
Jefferson County Parks Department
-------
- 278 -
Westcott 3ay - San Juan Is.
#19 SJ1
Location:
State: Washington
County: San Juan
NEi of the NW* of Sec. 24, T36N, R4W
Latitude: 38° 37' N
Longitude: 123° 08' W
Approximate Size: 0.8 ha
Access: Follow Roche Harbor Road from Friday Harbor. 1 km
— east of Roche Harbor a lone, abandoned, white
farm house fronts the marsh. The marsh is visible
from this point, approximately 180 m down a south-
west-facing hill. Fences border the upland.
General Description: This marsh is discontinuous, having outliers of
Salicornia virqinica - Qistichlis spicata mats
separated from the upland by mud flat and drainage
channels. The vegetation is characterized by
high dominance of a few species. The upland is
separated from the marsh by a fence that protects
the marsh from extensive sheep grazing. Alnus
rubra dominates the overstory, while Arbutus
menziesii, Juniperus scooulorum, Abies arandis,
and Salix* spp. occur sporadically.
Ownership:
Private
-------
- 279 -
Griffin Bay - San Juan Island
#20 SJ2
Location:
State:
County:
Washington
San Juan
NEi of Sec.
Lati tude:
Longi tude:
7, T38N, R2W
38° 28' N
122° 59' W
Approximate Size: 0.5 ha
Access: Follow road south out of Friday Harbor toward
American Camp on the southeast part of the Island.
Continue through American Camp to end of the road
at Fish Creek. The marsh is 270 meters east of
Fish Creek Bay over a small, forested hill.
General Description: This marsh is fronted by a barrier beach that is
open on the west end. Large areas of mud flat,
and broad, shallowly dissected drainage channels
predominate. Marsh vegetation is dominated by
Salicornia virqinica and Distichlis soicata. The
upland is a mixed stand of Tsuga hiterophylla,
Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea si tchensis, and
Abies qrandis.
Qwnershio:
Private
-------
- 281 -
APPENDIX F
Selected Species Importance Val
by Zone for 20 Study Sites
-------
- 282 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Bandon Study Site, CQ1
-------
- 283 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Haynes Inlet Study Site, CS1
-------
Selected Species Importance
- 284 -
Values by Zone at Waldport
<
LU
O
oc
o
c.
Ui
Q.
V)
100
50
Caly 0
Trma
Savi
Atpa
Dece
Jufaa
Popa
Agal. •
Acmi
ZONE
-------
- 285 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Nute Slough Study Site, YB1
-------
- 286 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Netarts Sand Spit Study Site, MT1
LU
ZD
-J
<
UJ
z
<
o
Q.
v>
a.
cyl
100
50
Scam Q
Savi
Jaca
Disp
Atpa__
Decs
Juba
Popa-
Agal
Elmo
ZONE
-------
- 287 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at West Island Study Site, N82
-------
- 288 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Sea Garden Road Study Site, N83
-------
- 289
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at N1aw1akum Study Site, WB1
i
4 3
ZONE
-------
- 290
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Cedar River Study Site, WB2
-------
- 291 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Leadbetter Point Study Site, W84
-------
- 292 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at The Sink Study Site, GH1
100
c -50
Savi Q
LU
5 Jaca
o Pima
z
<
| 01 sp
a.
z
Agal
s/> 3
Ui
uj Popa
O.
00
Juba
¦»
.....
5 4 3 2
ZONE
2 1
-------
- 293 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Elk River Study Site, GH3
-------
- 294 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Burley Lagoon Study Site, KS1
-------
- 295 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Coulter Creek Study Site, KS2
-------
- 296 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Chico 3ay Study Site, KS3
-------
- 297 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Thorndyfce Say Study Site, HC1
-------
- 298 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Quilcada Creek Study Site, EP1
-------
- 299 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Oak Bay Study Site, NP1
-------
- 300 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone
LU
o
z
<
H"
cs
®
C-
a.
Savi
Jaca
Oisp
Agal
Juba
Popa
Caob
Juge
100
50
-------
- 301 -
Selected Species Importance Values by Zone at Griffin 3ay Study Site, SJ2
-------
- 303 -
APPENDIX G
Discriminant Analysis Prediction Results
*ssults_- Bandon Marsh
ICTUat. GSCU0 M 3* "PSOfCTiO 5 *CT - a- OCT PC.r 0 »c
y 2? ¦ - li». ¦ 11 . 1. - U -¦ ,a
SPOUP Z <¦ 3liq BCT '*<1 . ? »CT 3.7 »<-.T 1,7 PCT n urT
, ^ ?cr
, - U 3 • - • J
swjii : i - — a-?cr «.*••<:? 22.: ®cr *.7 ?cr o <®«r
. ... -
-------
- 3Q4 -
•R£a:cr:on sssuLrs -.WaldportSouth
ACTUAL 3PCUS u Qf PS23ICTS3 G^OUP -lilSiPSHrP
-i~.—. ..._^3QJ CA3ES CAOUP 1 S*0UP 2 GSOUP 3 SSCUP <• G33UP s
SaoUP XI S 4 a. 0 0 3
a pct na.a pct a pct a pot a pct
5SOU® 2 2 Jfl "a 7S. 2< a
4 PC7 94. i ®CT 2.5 PC7 3.7 PC7_ . 3 PCT
S'-OUP 3 J 12 a u . 5. s. a
a PCT 1.3 PC7 1.1.7 PCT 5(1.3 PCT 3 PCT
saoup i, 3 7 a 3 a jj.
.. 4.9.CT 3 3C7 8 PCT .97.3 PC T 2.7 PCT
5S0UP 5 S" 3 3 3 i. 22.
3 PC7 3 PCT 3 PCT IS.-. POT iW.o aCT
tMGSCUPO f 1 ' a a 3 .1. 3
.. .. 3 PCT a PCT 0 ®CT 133,3 PCT 3 PCT
SS.7 ?S*C2NT 3P kmqun CASES CCRRiCTCT CUASSI?:£0
CMI-SCUA*£ a »Jh.536 SICNXrTCAiCi * 3
•a^*3X5T:aK-»?-uu:s - Nute Slough
iCT'jii. s*cup m cf p^ssic": j»iu° .fiMis-sfi-
Si"? CU"f CiSSS "^O'JP 1 S^C'JS . z jzr.v: 3 0*31)0 1. JSOUP 5
3*3UP I 2'-» JU, j 0 3 3
100.3 ®CT 3 'CT 3 SCT 3 PCT 3 3CT
3^0UP 2 2 Jl S. 21. 1. 3. 5
~li.i—">C? .. »7.7. PC? — i.z PC? - ¦5.7 PCT— « PCT
3S1U? 3 3 1. 2. 3. S
4." PCT 13.3 »CT 53.3 *Z~ 2S.7 PCT 3 'CT
,^^0U3 i, - 1} 3 2. 3. 13. 3
- ¦ — —3 -P-CT_. 13.3 PCT ..11. A. PCT ,ia. i-PCT.. .. 3 »C7
¦jS3l!a 55 3 3 3 3 3 3.
C POT : »'CT 0 SCT 3 POT :33.3 SCT
75.a P?":;.* -J"
-------
- 305 -
•«satsTi-iK""«fiULT^ - Netarts Sand Spit
«*"" MeS^"" ~f'££ ag!,g_SS»T«!S^..; sr.-.-'.-- r.—-:
..Ki^S- C33 ' — -
IP It 55 SO. 3 i 3 C
_ __ . .. .. laa.a °r:7 a °C7 3_sct a _»c.* a
C?SU° Z ? iQ 9. ?7« 3. . J
' 23.i pct scr 7.r ?ct a *cr c »ct
S5QU® 3 3 Z£ !• 2* 21* 2« 0
s ou Ii.4_*sr r _SO_._S fC* 7. 7_PC- ___5_ PCT
-anus « . -25 . , a - . —— '* • . _ . _ • ^ • .... . _
¦j,suu a °ct -.1 sct ib.a s.-t sd.a ?ct 12.0 »c7
—^ _ r * i« 9 a j 3. 1.2.
*!,ou ' ' _ _ a »cr a =07 5 «cr 23.1 *cr . »a.a bct
*41.i'ai*C!*T" a' :i»ica»
-------
- 306 -
«#«ixcri3» issuers - Sea- Garden Road
4CTUAL SrfCl.« N Cf «£CICTs3 5S0U3 .i»?*?£TS*IS
m,*.t caac c-sts • SSCUP - v— ^cu- . z • gjcup -3 moup--—a sjcu?—;
G=i ivp it ta? «?. 9 n. 3 e
»cT 3 =c: i/.i =ct •• a «r o scr
S.WU* Z Z ¦¦ 27 15. - -1Z. -J- — 9 4-
55.& »cr =cr c «t a pct a «ct
5^U5» .! 3 W. i. i. 33. 3.' i.
... —ti^-scT ij-j cs—7s^a.scT uj-scz
Ganu» - ^ » it i. - - t,. . 7. 7-- «-
s.3 »cr i.3 a«:r wi.4 act >»i.« sct 5 err
mui* ? * 4 a u s.. u s.
ai.*cs-- u.s-®cr—>u.J-sct—«_s_j:gz_-«u-s-*a7._
?-?.3 5? *N
-------
- 307 -
?*£3i:TraM aLsuLiz - Cedar River
ACTUAi. SSCUP N OP s*23ICTiO G *0U» K5«3£SSHIP
Si"*i CCS£ CAiti 530UP 1 GROUP 2 G^OU? 3 GflCUP i» GSCUP 5
z^au? i i . 1»9» . •# ... a i a
taa.a pct a pct a pct a pct a pct
330U8 I i *»7 3;»« J»« 8 8
; 13, i_2.C.r JL2.«.4_?CT 5 .5 PCT 0__PCT _fl PCT
3 3QUP * ^ i ^ 2« ... \ 2* 13. 2. 3
3.3 W 4.3 OCT 75.C OCT 1.3 PCT ~ S PCT
5*3UP -
-------
- 308 -
p^cmt^ u-ijurs - The Sink
itf'MC K IF ®«E3IC"-:C
«a ••* ca-j? z^is .g*oj? l z « saaup v s*ocp s
3SJUO I t. %*•«.. 5. 5 3 t
•si.a ?cr 7.2 p:t s *-t a pct a
15-1U3 i 2 4i 3. <•¦¦ '
U.S PCT '77.J *0" -.5 ^C" s.fe PCT 3 *C
554U3' j .r 2"? ;. i. ia. s. c
j.;. pc: u.j *ct iw.5 »;t 3i.c scr t »c
* «• *£ £ 2. -J. 26«» 1*
J PC" 3.3 scr .'.5 PIT is.a PCT 2.S =Ct
S*iUP i f Si J S A 13. 23 •
4 per i. 3cr o pct 3 3.3 pct sa.r ?¦;:
\
75.» iP
/
¦ACTuit. 5?ou» - . .. m. ar_.. psggicrsa. GS3UB. .r£t3«s«r® ¦
-ftt.-S c:oe CiSS5 GXOUP I 5SCUP i SAOUP 3 tsacu p <» SS3UP 5
5P.0UP- • ... >1 i.a, _ |. a... _ a...
- *a.s'Vcr " v.i pct 4 ?ct a pct « p^t
S3CUP 2 2 34 1. 3TT" ^. 0 0
.... — 7 j. arr j;.< iff •-I. * »-T 1_PC3 il.2Z.Z-
sacup .3 ... 3— u j. is. a.. a..-
5.a PCT .15.a ®CT 10.3 «CT C PCT 3 PCT
53 CUP - u 3.3 J 3 k. JS. 1.
1_2£2 ¦' '<•- ••>¦• ¦*<•* l'+~L-?.Cl i.i- *CZ-
KCUP 5 5_ 3 a .3 . i. .Z_ L.
3 PCT : PCT 3 »C 6o.r PCT J3.3 PCT
aca-tur nr -kjt —icafrr, -> ,-t .f-rrrrn
<*.*t-sauA*" » siG.'iiyisiKcs * i
-------
- 309 -
—««foi"TTo» jgsuus. ¦ Surley Lagoon
ICTUiL 1* OU= H-<3* PSiOICTSO-OSQyP Xa.f^SrSHt3-
C3Ci CiSiS G30U* 1 530U« 2 5SOO>> 3 CWUP It GSaUP 5
ijsauo i i— v c- 3 1 a- - —
ua.a pct a pc7 a »cr a pct t i>cr
'iROCP z 2 53 '• 3* ) 3
» ^ ia.a 3C~ 3—3CT . 1 acj
SP.CUP 3 X.... ... - --21 I. i5_ -7— 4 a
3.6 PCX 55,7 'CT hH.T a iT a PCT 4 PCT
S3QU? » • 4 J 13 2* a
1_3CX ' ar^ t-r 7 a-r aa . r srr l_p.c:
SSCU? ? ** - ft 3 i— —
a »ct a 3ct a »ct a pct ui.] pc:
..7W.J .pg.-tc? CViETn TTW.2CT1.T. C'w'-55l**S«
t
CHl-5~Ji3C » 153. J.-9 SIGH jyiC-iaCS *
»»52:cr:j." ^-:sjuts - Coulter Creek
;S-I4L if «f.JIC7?0 ;H Ze
.ja-.i CiSsl —i ~z—3?ffi3—-t—".mtjo—¦- --ccr*>-- s—
S ^;?Us I I ^ ^ ® 3 "J »
I!T8:3—?— I""»c; S'PCT 5 «CT 3~"°CT
;,3!p 2 » .3 —j. jr. - ••~. • • - ¦ a • a-
it.: pcr ";.7 »-;r ?.3 »cr s jct 5 pct
: 3 37 i. :i. 3. :
— zrr~?z" i. i.i- *C7 a- 'ct
PTJ» -
J ?ct : 'or *7.5 ^cr ,j.= ccr
o?cu:J 5 ' ? t- 3 3 1 i.
•;n.a 3ct~ r'-jt 3 •=¦:: : -c" -si.-
;ur;Nr it CISti " iJ.i-TLT CUSSIrlS;
-------
- 310 -
;-J? I ITC3US £ G-OLP 1 WJU* =• Grou?- 5
S*au? I t " 1»5 i.5-. 3 l « 1
— lJ5.r"°CT 1 'PIT C"'°C' 9*CC^—9~°CT~
S.WU* J 2 —-IV — 3. ' r, — t. - 3— s-—--
i.2.9 PC7 5i.J a;r 7.1 #C* 0 SC ® *CT
? » .« i. a 7. i. :
-ss.f?5T a sor 77.* ?cr "ti.i- <=-c- ¦• »
SVWf» - v -•-¦ —8 ;—a--- t. • • • ¦—
- . - a per •] »cr la.- ^cr 33.2 per c 3ct
Sa'tUB r >5 J 3 1* 3 '•
.... jj-acr- - a-a^T is.0 «:r * «ct-- 75.a pct
ii.? h!wv * i? cisii ;a«*crur
~ "
*¦
iM'-iTl'i3" » S-IRKIPTCXJCS. •*•' 1
?wrort'3» -e^crs - Thopndyka..aa.y..
*?r Si*e?n.rs: g'.cu* *«:i o 1
J PC7 3 =cr 23,: scr a fC7 . rs.L *cr
57.7 *t-"T>;T sp
-------
- 311 -
'Hi^KriaM «iuu-s - Quilceda Creek
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- 313 -
APPENDIX H
Upland Tree Frequency, Average Cover, and
Basal Area for 20 Study Sites
-------
Harsh
cqi
T
CB1
AB1
YB1
NT1
Number of Samples
12
V
10
10
.
9
10
Vegetation Attribute
Mean
»« Mean
\
Mean
•
Mean
Mean
Freq. Cover
B.A.
Freq. Cover
B.A.
Freo- Cover
B.A.
Freq. Cover
B.A.
Freq. Cover
B.A.
Species
(X)
(X)
(m2/ha)
(X)
(X)
\
(i«2/ha)
(X)
(X)
(m2/ha
(%)
(X)
(m2/ha'
(X)
(X)
(m2/ha)
Abies ^randis^
4
\
Acer macrophy1lum
~
89
23
2.4
Alnus rubra
100
29
4.0
30
10
*
80
17
3.5
Arbutus menziesll
Fraxlnus latlfolia
Juniperus scopulorum
10
2
0.1
Myrlca californlca
58
5
0.4
10
2
*
Osmaronia ceraslformls
Physocarpus capitatus
100
51
*4.4
60
19
2.8
Picea sltchensls
100
41
11.3
50
12
*
100
46
5.3
40
5
0.5
Prunus spp.
Prunus emarqlnata
Prunus vlrglniana
Pseudotsuga menzTesll
'
30
7
*
20
3
0.2
44
2
0.4
10
2
0.2
Pyrus fusca
1
10
1
0.2
Hliamnus purslilana
50
4
0.3
Sallx spp.
25
2
0.7
11
1
+
20
2
0.3
Salix hookeriana
100
59
*
Sambucus racemosa
Thuj a plicata
20
1
0.2
Tsuga lieterophy 1 la
10
++
*
20
1
0.2
1 <*> - ^t!"xrre"ce x«»
Mean cover (%) - total no^of^lot's'11'"'" SP'C'" "" * 100
"++" = mean cover -£0.5%
Basal area 1s calculated using a 10-factor prism
"t" - basal area < 0.05 m2/ha
2
Uve; &*tex\§Sfc, Ck\ \i\A\mvlfis. na hasa^ "¦'¦¦¦¦ ¦ aAnrtnVAcwv wvxAe a*. s\te.
-------
Marsh
Number of Samples
Vegetation~flttH5ute
Species
Abies (j ranchs
Acer macrophyllum
Alnus rubra
Arbutus nienziesii
Fraxinus latlfolia
Juniperus scopulorum
Hyrica cali fornica
Osmaronia cerasi formis
Physocarpus capitatus
Picea sitchensis
Prunus spp.
Prunus emarpinata
Prunus virginiana
Pseudotsuga inenziesi i
Pyrus fusca
khamnus purshiana
Sal j x spp.
Salix hookeriana
Sami)ucus racemosa
Thuja plicata
Tsuga heterophyila
NB2
9
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (m2/ha)
11 2
78 16
1.1
2.1
I
*NB3
13
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (m^/ha)
77 29
38
77
85
11
20
2.9
0.7
3.4
0.2
78
42
4.2
31
10
2.2
15
++
0.2
11
1.1
38
6
1.2
UB1
to
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A,.
(%) (%) (m2/ha)
100
24
4.3
10
4
0.2
100
33
7.6
40
12
1.1
10
2
+
20
1
+
10
++
0.1
40
5
0.6
WB2
10
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (n»2/ha)
70 16 2.4
80 19
30 2
20 2
90 38
2.4
+
+
7.9
WB4'
10
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (m2/ha)
I
i
3
No trees present in upland.
-------
Marsh
Number of Samples
Vegetation Attributes
Species
GH1
11
GH3
10
^fcSl
10 .
t
KS2
KS3
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (m2/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover B.A.
(%) (%) (n>2/ha)
Mear)
Freq- Cover B.A'.
(%) (%) (m2/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.
(m^/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.
(m^/ha)
Abies
Acer tuacrophyllum
Alnus rubra
Arbutus
Fraxinus
menziesii
latifoTTa
Juniperus scopulorum
Myrica cali fornica
Osmaronia cerasiformis
Physocarpus capi tatus
Picea sitchensis
Prunus spp.
Prunus emarginata
Prunus virginiana
Pseudotsuga menziesi i
Pyrus fusca
Rhamnus purshiana
Saljx spp.
Salix hookerlana
Sambucus racemosa
Tliuja plicata
tsuga heterophylla
60 13
10 ++
100 41
100
50
14
8
80 16
M
0.7
1.2
0.2
1.7
10
70
10
00
++
9
10 ++
20
++
35
0.2
1,4
0.1
0.1
+
6.7
10
3
0.3
20
1
0,2
70
13
1.7
60
16
2.1
10
1
0.2
10
++
t
70
7
1.4
80
8
-------
Marsh
Number of Samples
Vegetation Attribute
Species
HC1
12
EP1
9
NP1
9
\
SJ1
5
SJ2
5
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.
(m2/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.2
(m2/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
«
B.A."
(m2/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.2
(m^/ha)
Mean
Freq. Cover
(%) (%)
B.A.
(m2/ha)
Abies tjrandis
40
14
*
60
2
1.2
Acer tuacrophyl lum
17
3
0.2
Alnus rubra
50
14
1.0
11 9
*
80
28
*
Arbutus inenziesii
80
19
3.6
20
1
*
Fraxinus latifolia
Juniperus scopulorum
20
1
*
Hyrica californica
Osmaronia cerasiformis
Physocarpus capitatus
1
Picea sitchensis
50
14
1
67 15
1,1
100
26
3.4
Prunus spp.
Primus emarflinata
10
10
+
Prunus virginiana
17
a
+
Pseudotsuna menziesil
90
22
3.4
80
27
3.8
Pyrus fusca
Rhamnus purshiana
17
5
0.5
20
++
+
Salix spp.
60
15
¦k
Salix llookeriana
Sanibucus raceinosa
Thuja plicata
25
5
0.7
67 3
0.6
10
++
+
heterophylla
25
1
0.3
40
18
2.2
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