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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Headwater Fen Map Units: H32; H23
Extent: H32: 34 wetland polygons; 183.3 ha; 0.13% of wetland area; 0.21% of wetland polygons. H23: 31 wetland polygons; 156.5 ha; 0.11% of wetland area; 0.19% of wetland polygons. |
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An H32 fen with the S1S2 plant elephant-head lousewort (see text), in the upper Anchor River watershed (polygon 10295).
A mixed H23 Headwater Fen near Circle Lake, 16 miles northeast of Homer (polygon 10349). |
Wetland Indicators No Data for H32 Type: Peat Average depth to water table: H2: 7.6 cm; n=14 H3: 14.1 cm; n=10 Organic layer thickness: H2: 147.6 cm; n=15 H3: 138.0 cm; n=9 Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: H2: STARICHKOF, SALAMATOF H3: STARICHKOF, SALAMATOF Common Plant communities: H2 component: Tufted bulrush – Tall cottongrass Tufted bulrush – Fewflower sedge
H3 Component: |
| Accuracy assessment: 3 polygons interpreted as H32 on aerial photographs were field checked. 1 remained H32; 1 each was revised to DW23 and H23. None of the polygons interpreted as H23 on aerial photographs were field checked. | |
H23 Headwater Fens are typically intermixed sedge and shrub-dominated plant communities, with a water table near the surface. Micro-topography is not well-developed, but the shrubs tend to occur on micro- high spots, with the sedges in micro-lows. Plant species diversity is high. Although Headwater Fens are not common overall, this is a common wetland type at the head of first-order streams in the upper Anchor River watershed.
H3 components in the upper Anchor River watershed often contain a rare plant, elephant-head lousewort (Pedicularis groenlandica. Rank S1S2: imperiled to critically imperiled in the State of Alaska according to the Alaska Natural Heritage Program).
