Pease Mountain Natural Area Natural Communities Mapping and Boundary Marking
LANDS Program
LANDS Program
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Abstract
The 2014 report by the Land Stewardship (LANDS) program details the mapping of natural communities and the remarking of property boundaries at the 180-acre Pease Mountain Natural Area in Charlotte, Vermont. Owned and managed by the University of Vermont Natural Areas Program, the site is used for education, research, and public recreation.
The LANDS crew conducted a coarse-filter survey to identify and map dominant natural communities. The matrix is primarily a Mesic Maple-Ash-Hickory-Oak Forest. Patch communities include Dry Oak-Hickory-Hophornbeam Forest on knolls and south-facing slopes, Transition Hardwoods Limestone Forest in steeper areas, and Temperate Calcareous Outcrops on exposed bedrock at knoll tops. Due to light public use, they remain in good condition. The report suggests maintaining low-impact recreation, particularly avoiding sensitive rock outcrops, and monitoring for non-native invasive species like buckthorn and honeysuckle.
Prior to this project, the property boundaries had not been marked since the 1980s. Using 1949 and 1981 survey data, the crew attempted to re-blaze and flag the property lines, though many original landmarks were gone or obscured. While the northern and eastern boundaries had some visible remnants of old blazing, the southern and western edges were more difficult to trace.The report advises updating the official survey to reflect current landmarks and suggests refreshing boundary markings every 15 to 20 years to ensure accurate management. Additionally, it recommends constructing pathways over muddy trail sections at the park entrance to improve access.
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Date
2014