Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska

 

 

 

Map Unit Descriptions

 

Ecosystem: Discharge Slope

 

Map Units: SAC; SCA; SCAd

 

Extent:

SAC: 19 wetland polygons; 151.5 ha; 0.11% of wetland area; 0.12% of wetland polygons.

SCA: 19 wetland polygon; 115.1 ha; 0.08% of wetland area; 0.12% of wetland polygons.

An SCA wetland  east of Homer (polygon 33164).

An SAC wetland in the lower Fox River Valley, at the head of Kachemak Bay (polygon (32193).

Wetland Indicators

Type: Mineral or Peat

Average depth to water table:

SA: 24.2 cm; n=5

SC: 39.1 cm; n=7

Organic layer thickness:

SA: 105.3 cm; n=6

SC:  39.1 cm; n=7

Average depth to redoximorphic features:

SA: 30.8 cm; n=4

SC: 17.2 cm; n=6

Common Soils: 

SA: STARICHKOF, SPENARD, NIKOLAI, BELUGA

SC: BELUGA, NIKOLAI, KALIFONSKY

Common Plant communities:

SA component:

Thinleaf alder / Bluejoint

Sitka alder / Field horsetail

Sitka alder / Marsh horsetail

Sitka alder / Shieldfern

 

SC component:

Bluejoint - Field horsetail

Bluejoint streamside

Barclay willow / Rich
Accuracy assessment: 2 polygons interpreted as SAC on aerial photographs were field checked.  They both remained SAC.

2 polygons interpreted as SCA on aerial photographs were field checked.  They both remained SCA.

 

SCA and SAC are a Discharge Slope wetlands dominated by bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis) and alder, usually thinleaf alder (Alnus incana ssp tenuifolia).  When bluejoint grass is in the understory of a alder stand the unit is named SA.  To be named SAC or SCA, a segregated mosaic of alder and bluejoint is present at a scale too fine to map each component separately at 1:25,000.  These wetlands are found almost exclusively at the foot- and toe-slopes of the bluffs along the north shore of Kachemak Bay.  Alder and bluejoint in these wetlands are probably maintained by chronic natural soil disturbance (alluvial processes) and groundwater in recent contact with a mineral substrate.

 

In Homer, the name SCAd refers to wetlands that were SCA but are now disturbed.

Do I Need a Permit?

 Introduction and Key to Plant Communities  

Introduction and Key to Ecosystems

    Kenai Hydric Soils    Map Unit Summary    Methods    Glossary

WEBSITE MAP

HOME
Contact: Mike Gracz
Kenai Watershed Forum 
Homer Field Office
Old Town Professional Center
3430 Main Street Suite B1
Homer, AK  99603
907-235-2218

15 November 2005 15:04