Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/15/2007 - Special Meeting

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. t t . , j' , t j , , , , , , , , , , t , , . . ~, .' ~ . ~ .' . >> ~ . . , , , ~ ~ , , . ~ The fieldassessment will capture infpnnation that could affect site management, such as invasive species levels. <Natural ~OUf'Cf!S Inventoty Areas of impervious surface (MLCCSl 0,000 cover codes) are not included in this assessment. The field assessment will capture basic information such as: . Land cover type . Areas of high wildlife value . . Unique or notable features . Forest resources Where field check levels are adequate, the field assesSment will capture information that could affect site management, such as invasive species levels. In addition, changes in land cover 1;ype since the original MLCCS was completed wi/lbe noted. . All field assessments will be completed according to MLCCS mapping' guidelines ~s described in the MLCCS MantJal Version 5. 4, including minimum polygon size of 1 .25 acres for natural communities and 2.5 acres for all other cover types, including semi-natural communities. For areas inventoried in the field, a broad range of information will be . gathered, depending ~>n community type and the level of field check. For all natural areas that are field visited, the composition of dominant tree, shrub, and groundcover species will be recorded. Particular . emphasis will be placed on identifying plant species that indicate the quali1;y of the natural community. Examples of indicator species include invasive/exotic species, those species considered "conservative" for the community 1;ype, and rare species found only in exceptional quality natural areas. . . Examples of other types of information that will be gathered and/or updated from the previous MLCCS cover includes: . l.c!"d~over type . Significant or sensitive upland and wetland communities . Opportunities for restoration ,.-,. Exotic/invasive species · Excessive erosion .' Rare'species occurrences and unique wildlife habitat . Threats to unique plant communities · Forest resource and management codes · Wetland features, including ~reams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands · S~rface water management opportunities' Landform and any notable geological features or hazards will be noted, where they occur. Much of the preceding information can be incorporated into the data through using modifier codes in the MLCC$ .database. Task 7: MLCCS Polygon Modification and Data Ently The focus of the MLCCS update will be updating land cover codes and polygon boundaries based on the field inventory's findings, for all MLCCS cover classes exceptareas mapped as 10,000 series (developed and built areas} in the original MLCCS. 10