So is this bog in transition? It is very possible that the NSB is transitioning or has transitioned to a community composition and mean pH that, aside from evidence of hydrologic output or groundwater influx, fits the description of a Poor Fen. To be more definitive in this assumption a closer and more invasive analysis of the groundwater in and around the NSB should be assessed along with the collection of detailed vegetation composition over time.
What does it mean if the NSB is a fen? Does this new information change anything? The purpose of labeling a wetland a freshwater marsh, tidal marsh, bog or fen is that the
definitions provide an insight into the vegetation and chemistry one could expect based on these labels. Relabeling the North Springfield Bog a fen would characterize the peatland within the proper vegetation and pH classification. This information provides insight into the type of vegetation one could expect at the site, the chemistry within the peatland and information about the aquatic environment.
I do not believe that relabeling the NSB is necessary; however, I think it would be beneficial to the public and the school children that visit the area to be informed as to the unique characteristics of the bog and factors that contribute to its makeup such that it fits the definition of a fen. I think it would be beneficial for the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society and the school children that regularly access the bog to make observations about vegetation changes over time.
It would also be interesting to see what would happen if an area of the boardwalk was to remain untrimmed -- would the pitcher plants still continue to thrive? Over time would we see a bog that is transitioning more and more into a fen, or would we see a bog that’s recovering from
a major disturbance from 15 years ago? I think additional data collection would benefit the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society and contribute to the larger understanding of bogs in Vermont, the impacts of disturbance on a bog, and the impacts of edge effect.
I would also recommend a peat core analysis. A peat core could provide insight about the age of the peat, if there was a disturbance in the peat at one point in time, and would show changes in community composition. I do not believe that the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society will allow the Sarraceniaceae purpurea to be overshadowed by shrubs and will continue to manage the area. However, I think that the NSB is a very interesting peatland with so much information to offer. Not everything happening at the NSB can be seen with the naked eye or is it as showy as the beautiful pitcher plant; instead the NSB is a large mystery waiting to unfold through patient observations and continued data collection.
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