HomeMy WebLinkAboutUnique Natural Areas Inventory of TC Revised January 2000.PDFUnique Natural Areas Inventory of Tompkins County
Revised, JanuarY 2000
Introduction
How To Use This Inventory
This 2000 edition of the Unique Natural Areas Inventory of Tompkins County is divided into five parts:
1. Inhoductory sections: including descriptions of the history.of the Inventory, what
characterizes a IINA, methods and procedures used to identifo and survey the sites, and a
guide to the data sheets.
2. The IINA index maps showing all IINAs within each municipality in Tompkins County, and
numerical and alphabetical lists of all IINAs in the County.
3. The site data sheets and site maps for each of the 192IINAs in Tompkins County"
4. The appendices, which give the reader more information about the data sets used to create
the Inventory.
5. A Corinty-wde map showing all tINAs in Tompkins County.
The first thing to do when using this report is to read the introductory sections, which are located before the
site data sheets. They will give readers insight into the purpose of the llNA Inventory, how it was put
together, how sites were chosen for inclusion in the Inventory, and how to interpret the data.
The IINA index maps provide a comprehensive view of the number and size of all IINAs within each
municipality in Tompkins County. The County-wide IINA map provides readers with an overall view of the
area, to help orient themselves to specific llNAs using major roads and surrounding municipalities.
The bulk of the Inventory consists of the site maps and data sheets. Each IINA site report consists of a {INA
site map followed by detailed information about that particular LrNA. The data sheets vary in length based
on the amount of information there is about the site. Each datasheet includes eight main categories:
a) Site Name and Code
b) Location
c) Site and Vegetation Description
d) Reasons for Selection
e) Special Land-use lnformation
0 Conservation of the Site
g) Physical Characteristics of the Site
h) Biological Characteristics of the Site
Finally, readers will gain much information by refemng to the appendices, which contain helpful information
concerning definitions of terms, sources of information used in the Inventory, and specific data for all the
plants, animals, and ecological communities found in the Unique Natural Areas.
About the Inventory:
This document is a listing and description of the areas in Tompkrns County that have been identified as
having outstanding environmental qualities and deserve special attention for preservation in their natural
state. Although every effort has been made to identify all candidate sites in the County, this task must
inevitably be viewed as an ongoing process. Time and resource limitations govern the number of sites that
can be thoroughly suweyed. Furthermore, as time passes and the landscape is altered, it will be important
periodicaliy to revisit and re-evaluate IINA sites. As was stated in the 1990 Inventory, it is expected that the
mere creation of a survey of unique natural areas will act to accelerate the process of identifying unusual
resources deserving protection.
Our hope is that the publication of this survey will alert citizens to the need to protect these valuable
resources, and will inspire some to suggest new sites for future evaluation. It is important to continue the
process of adding and deleting sites to this Inventory when warranted, and adding significant information
about sites as it becomes available.
Purposes of the Inventory:
1. To help municipal boards make informed decisions about what kinds of development should be
allowed in or near these special natural areas.
2. To help make landowners aware of the valuable resources they own so that they may take particular
care in protecting these areas from damage.
3. To help Counfy residents appreciate the natural wonders of our area.
These unique natural areas provide a sanctuary for rare plants and animals, and help to maintain the diversity
of natural communities in our region. They contribute to maintaining the sense of wildness in the County
that many residents ffeasure. Unless we know where not to locate new development, we will begin to lose
the varied landscapes that initially drew many of us here.
Criteria for Classification as a Unique Natural Area:
The Environmental Quality Bond Act of 1972 defines unique natural resources as "...areas of great nahnal
beauty, wilderness character and ecological or geological significance (and may include).....beautiful streams
and gorges, virgin tree stands, rare plant life, scarce animal habitat or unusual geological formations." The
sites included in this Inventory have been reevaluated since the previous Inventory and described more fully.
Some sites have been dropped fiom earlier listings because they have been sufficiently degraded and no
longer merit inclusion as a IINA, and other sites have been added. Thus, the classification of a UNA is an
ongoing process.
To be included in the present Inventory, a {lNA site had characteristics that fell into one or more of the
following general categories:
l. Important natural community: This broad characteristic includes state-designated wetlands, designated
natural areas/preserves, historicalbotanical/zoological sites, important teaching sites, old-growth forests,
sites with a plant or animal community type that is rare or scarce in the County, those with diverse flora or
fauna, including birding sites and those having a wilderness character.
2. Quality of example: These sites were considered the best representatives, or examples, of an ecosystem,
plant community, or animal communify of high quality within the County. The sites contain especially large
individuals, dense populations, or a particularly diverse mixfure of species.
3. Rare or scarce plants or animals: These sites contain plant or animal species that have been recognized
as rare or scarce at a national, state, or local level, those with critical migration, reproductive, or feeding
habitat for rare or scarce animal species, and those with reports of large mammals.
4. Geological Importance.. These sites are rare or outstanding examples of geological features or processes'
and paleontological sites'
5. Aesthetic/cultural qualities: These sites contain acknowledged outstanding natural or scenic beauty as
viewed from within or fiom a distance, have recreational value, sites designated as urban greenspaces and
sites with cultural/historic/archeological significance'
It is the intent and hope of the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council that the identification
of local sites as Unique Natural Areas will serve as an important step towards their protection.
{Jnique Natural Areas Index Map
CifilTown of Ithaca
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council
lnventory of Unique Natural Areas in Tompkins County
l,ast Updated: September I 999
UNA boundaries were delineated by field biologists based on a revjerv ofair
photographs, digiial GIS base map data (roads, building foorpnnts,20 foot
contours and streams) and field i,isits. IINA boundaries are approximate and
should be used for general planning prrposes only. As a practical matter the
coufy does not tvaflant the accuracy or completeness of the information
portrayed. The end mer ofthis map agrees to accepl the data "as is" rvith full
loowledge that erors and omissions may exist. and to hold hamless the
Coul' for any damages that may result from an irappropriate ue of this map
Ilffiu?;llv;.
ffi ctryrcown of Ithaca Unique NafLual Areas
F:]ll Utriq.,e Natural Areas
/V New York State Road
Road
fV Municipal Boundary
I :65,000
5000 0 5000 Feet
-
/--^-I
N
SITE NAME: Newman Tract
DATA LAST UPDATED: l/3/00
SITE CODE: LINA-101
OLD SITE CODE: lT-19
LOCATION
Municipality: Town of Ithaca, Village of Cayuga Heighls
USGS Quad: Ithaca East
Tax Parcel Numbers Included in this Site:
Tax parcel dala is acclrrate as oJ July ), 1999. For up-to-date infbrnlotiul otl
Assessment Deportmenl, Ilhen a UNA covered less lhan 0.025 ac. oJ a parcel
IT 8.-1 -1 0
Latitude: 42 28 43 N
Longitude: 76 30 49 \t'l
tox parcel descriptiotTs and ownership, contacl the Tompkitts County
the parcel was excluded-fiom thts list.
l'f | 7.-3- l lT t] .-J-2
IT 8.-l-1 I IT 8.-1-9
IT 17.-3-3 IT 17.-3-4 IT I 7.-3-5 tT 11.-4-l
SITE AND VEGETATION DESCRIPTION
This srnall but quite diverse forest area extends from the floodplain of Cayuga Lake up to the crest ofthe hill in Cayuga Heights- The west-facing site is
open and dry, with exposed bedrock. lt is bounded by two small ravines. The oak forests are quite undisturbed and the ravines are scenic. The ridges
of the foresle6 slope are dominated by red, white, black, and chestnut oaks, together with shagbark, pignut, and bitlemut hickories. Also present are
red and sugar maple, basswood, white ash, black cherry, and hemlock, species typical of more mesic sites. Hernlock is common along the small
ravines. Basswood and cottonwood are found along the lowest portion of the slope. There, too, hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), a locally scarce species
isfoundonashelteredslopenearthebottomoftheravines. Dwarlericaceousshn"tbsarecommonintheunderstory. Speciessuchasblueberry
(Vacciniumrn angustifolum), wintergreen, and trailing arbutus are present. Mosses and lerns are abundant ne ar the gorge edges. The site is noted for
its rich bird launa.
REASONS FOR SELECTION
r Quality example of plant community
r Scenic/Aesthetic vah"re
I Designated natural area/preserve
r Rare or scarce plants
r Old-growth forest
SPECIAL LAND-USE INFORMATION
Special Land-Use Designations and Features
r The Tompkins County Greenway Coalition has identified a biological corridor which includes this site.
r A mature forest stand with trees over 150 years old rs found on this site.
r This site is considered culturally valuable by local residents. There is a concentration ofcultural resources, such as schools, libraries, museums and
churches, in this area-
I This site is wholly or partially located within a Comell owned and designated off-campus natural area
lYg!er-Be$!-rse!
r A stream runs tluough this site.
r A NYS protected stream runs through this site.
CONSERVATION OF THE SITE
Adjacent Land-Use:
Sensitivity of Site to Visitors:
Evidence ofDisturbance and Threats to Site:
Special Conservation/Management Needs!
Residential and mrddle school,
The site may be vulnerable to trampling by visitors. A path exists and is used, however access could be
improved.
There is little evidence ofdisturbance. A well developed path
some dumping ofyard litter along the npper slope.
Some non-native weedy plant species should be removed from
adequate protective buffer.
runs through the site. There has been
the site. The site does not have an
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
Size (acres): 7.631 Elevation (ft,): 397 to 583 Aspect3 west
Topographic Features
Two small ravines.
Geological Features
Exposed bedrock along the ravines
Soils Present on the Site
SoilcharacteriSIicso|'thesi|ey,eredeterminedmanuaII1lgn7dreapproxin1ate.hthe.future,digitalsoildatav,illprovidemoreaCCurateilornlatioll
SsilNalqe
Unmapped Area
Hvdric(Wet) ErodibilitY
Slope 7o
E rt"t
Iltots
fl tstozs
p Over 25
Topograohic Position
I Crest
[] upper Slope
I lrlio stope
I Lower Slope
f Bottom
Drainage
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
General Cover Types
Upland forest
Rock outcrops and gravel banks
Open water
Ecological Communities
Detailed inJbrntatiort regarding each contmunity type's rareness may be Jbtutd in Appendix F' For up-to-date information on ecological
communiilLs, contact the NY Natural Heritage Program (518-783-3932)'
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks in<licate that no communities fall wjthin those categories.)
M clouat - Ai least one communify designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature conservancy is found on this site'
M State - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature Consewancy and the New York Natural Heritage
Program is found on this site.
M Local - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins County EMC and the comell Planiations is found
on this site.
Ecolosical Communities Inventoried on this Site:
Community Name
Mixed oak forest
CIr.rt*, out fo..tt- -
Oak-beech-hickory-pine
type
Description
Aforestdominatedbyoaks|ourrdonsteepsouthandwestfacingslopes.Soilsmayhave
calcareous materials at depth. Dominants are red, black, and white oak, and white pine. Black
oak is an indicator ofthis ecological community type' Pignut hickory and red maple are
usrrolry or"r.* Flowering dogwooa3lo 9[ot<3-ctrry are oflen 4n9unt tn tElnqgstgry
-A hardwood lorest with rnorJn- OOrt,.anopy cover of trees that occurs on well-drained sites'
mostly on exposed, steep, upper south and west facing slopes, mostly south oflthaca' Soil is
usualiy shallow to bedrock and acidic. Species diversity is less than in the Appalachian oak-
hickory forest type. Domlnants are chestnut oak and red oak with some white oak, black oak,
red maple, whiiepine, and hemlock. Pitch pine, and red pine may be present' Chestnut
sprouts are comn]on. The shrub layer is predominantly ericaceous; characteristic shrubs are
mountain laurel, pink azalea, blueberrY, and maple-leaved viburntm'
e f*"rt -sually found on hilltops and iouth to west facing slopes. Soils are acidic and well to
moderately weil drained, but usually have restricted rooting depth due to llagipan.orbedrock'
Beech, pine, or aspell may be among the dominant trees and trees of cool microclimates such
as birch, hemlock, and striped and riountain maples are abundant in this ecological community
GlobaVState/Local RaritY
G4G5 54 L4
c+ -sq -BU
G4G5 54 L4
54 L'
s+ lg-
type. Shrubs antl herbs are tbun$qnt and moderately dtPt"t
n*ky t.nd*ut"r stream fft" uquuti" t*munity of a small to moderate sized rocky stream with a moderate to Steep
gradient that lacks persistent emergent vegetation. The cold water stream flows over eroded
bedrock near the stream origin and contains alternating riffle and pool sections. These streams
typice]]Vlrave mos;gs anq algae present, but few larger roote!1lqnls
-Shale clilf and talus A conrmunity rvrth sparse vegetJionthat -.",l., on nearly vertical exposures of shale bedrock'
community ledges, and tatus. rhe talus ii unstable, there is little soil. Characteristic species include blunt-
lobed woodsia, rusty woodsia, liairy penstemon, herb-Robert, panic grass, Calex pensylvanica,
and eastem red cedar'
srrur" turr, ,rop" - - ;;C" a "r"*a *""py r*ar^na iltu, *"*n turuJop., .ontpot.d of shale slopes are G3G4 s3 L3
woodland unstile and very well drained Soils are shallow and dry' Canopy cover is less than 5070'
Characteristics trees include chestnut oak, pignut hickory, red oak, white oak, white pine,
white ash, and eastern white cedar. CharaCteristic shrubs include smooth sumac, poison ivy,
!qV- leng9m91, everlasiin g' and Penn sylvani a sed ge
Hemlock-northern A forest that typically o..nrc on lo*", ,lopes of ravines, on cool, mid-elevation slopes, and at G4G5 54 L4
hardwoodlbresttheedgesofdiainugedivideswamps.Hemlockisaco-donrinantspecieswithonetothree
others:beech,sugarmaple,redmaple,blackcherry"whitepine'yellowbirch'blackbirch'red
oak. and basswood. Shmbs have low abundance, but striped maple may be present. Herbs
characteristic ofnorthem and montane areas are common'
c-rinanatatus---,ffi;ffiiiffi,t*sttrarrzit;;r"nurrr"r"ruort*t..rrt"srtur."rlnunorur*
communtties on shale "ommunity
and Shale talus slope woodland communities are often found together' The
woodland community is structurally intermediate between forests and open canopy upland of
a-
-A ett I'lUt JJJ !
11<
the clilf and talus cotnmunttY
Plant Species
Although substantial elJbrtwas made to identify signirtcant plant species on this site, it is possible that aclditi-on.al rare or scarce species edst that
do not sltow up i, this report. A ./ieLd check is always ,""oirrr"ndid p,'ior to nrotliJying th'e landscape. Detailed information regarding each species'
rareness dnd status may beJburd in Appendix D. For up-to-date btformation on species, coitact the NY Naturdl Herit(lge Program (518-783-
Rarity:(Key:Nocheckmarksindicatethatnospeciesfallwithinthosecategones')
I Gtoout - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this stte'
f J state - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature conservancy and the New York Natural Heritage
Program is found on this site.
f, Local - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins county EMC and the cornell Plantations is found on
this site.
Legal Status:
fJ Reaeral - At least one olant soecies desisnated as threatened or endansered bv the u s. Denartment of the lnterior is found on this site'
; stute - At least one plant species designated in New York State as endangered, threatened, rare or exploitably wrlnerable is found on this site-
Significant Plant Species Inventoried on this Site:
Scientific Name
Solidago ulmifolia
Global/State/LocalRaritY LocalCommentsCommon Name
elm-leaved goldenrod L2
L3
Rare
Scarce
State Legal Status
None
None
Celtis occidentalis hackberry
Page274
Animal Species
The uNA Inventory currently does not contain much specific data regarding animal specles (and very little regarding rare or scarce species) on
(JNAsites. Therefore,thisdatashouldbeviewedaspreliminaryaniincoiplete. Aiieldcheckisalwaysrecommendedpriortomodifyingthe
landscape. Detaiied informarion regarding each species' raren;ss and stalus may be found in Appendix E' For trp-to-date fuJbnnation on
species, contact the NYNatural Heritage Progtam (518-783'3932).
Animal Description: Woodland and migrant songbirds are present on this site'
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks indicate that no species fall within those categones )
n Gto6ul - At least one animal species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conseryancy is found on this site'
f Stut" - At least one animal species designated as rare or scarce at the slate level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York Natural Hedtage
Program is found on this site'
Legal Status:
f Fe4eral - At least one animal species designated as threatenecl or endangered by the U.S. Department ofthe Interior is found on this site'
I State - At least one animal species designated by NYS as threatened or endangered is found on this site.
Animal Species lnventoried on this Sitel
Scientitc Name
No data
Federal/State
Global/State Raritv Lesal Status CommentsCommon Name
LINA-101 NewmanTract
Tompkrns County Environmental Management Council
Inventory of Unique Natural Areas in Tompkins County
I-ast Updated: September 1999
UNA bomdaries rvere delineated by field biologists based on a revierv ofair
photographs, digital GlS base map data (roads, buiJding footprints' 20 foot
contours and streams) and field visits. UNA bomdaries are approxlmate and
should be used for general planning purposes only As a pnctical matter the
county does not waranl the accuracy or completeness of the infomation
portrayed. The end user ofthis map agrees to accept the data "as is" rvith full
knorv)edge that erors and omissions may exist, and to hold hannless the
Cnrrnru lor anv damroec th't m^v rPCrrlr Fnm qn inrnnrnnriate rrcc nf rhi< mqn
wE]I,rv
,w
Town ofl
Village of yuga lJeights
Unique Natural Area l-rNA-101
Other Unique Natural Area(s)
Building Footprint
20 Foot Contour
Road
Cayuga Lake
Municipal Boundary
1:6000
0 500 Feet,^l
N
SITE NAME: Renwick
DATALAST UPDATED: 1/3/00
SITE CODE: IINA-102
OLD SITE CODE: IT-29
LOCATION
Municipality: T. of Ithaca, Lansing; V. of Cayuga I-leights, Lansrng
USGS Quad: Ithaca West, Ithaca East
Tax Pancel Numbers Included in this Site:
Latitude: 42 29 30 N
Longitude: 76 30 l4 W
Lntitude: 42 28 05 N
Longitude: 76 30 53 W
TaxparceldCIt(IiSaCc1tfateaso/'July}'l999'Fotltp.|o'dateillfbrnlationonlaxparceltlescriptiottsandownership,Cont0cttheTontpklsColol4,
AssissntentDepartment. IlhensUNAcot,erecllessthan0.025ac.of aparcel,theparcel ttasexcluded./irtmthislist.
r'f 1.-1-1.10
I't 1.-t -1.9
tT 19.-l-2.2
1T 1.-2-2
rT 1.-2-1
IT 8.-1-13.2
IT 8.-1-4
LA 48."2-33
IT t.-l-1.11
IT 1.-r-2
rT 19.-1-3
1T 1.-2-3
tT 7.-2-8
IT 8.-1-14
IT 8.-1-s
LA 48.1-241
rT l 9.-1 -5
tT 7.-2-4
tT 7.-2-9
tT 8.-1 -l 5
lT 8.-t-10
IT l.-t-1.7
rT r9.-l-1
1T 7.-2-10
tT 1.-2-6.1
lT 8.-1-1 1
IT l.-1-1.8
tT 19.-l-2.1
1T 1 .-2-\ \
lT ^7.-2-6.2
IT 8.-t-12.1
rr 8.-1 -3
LA 48.-2-32
LA 48.1-2-63
IT 1.-t-1.2 IT 1.-1-1.5
rr 1.-t-3 IT 1.-1-4
IT 1.-t-1.6
IT 1.-1-5
tT 19.-2-4 lT 1.-2-l
1T 1.-2-5.1 iT'1 .-2-5.2
IT 8.-1-l
IT 8.-t-16
1T 8.-r -6 IT 8.-l -7
IT 8.-1-17 IT 8.-l-2
IT 8.-1-8 lT 8.-1-9
LA,48.1-242 LA 48.1-2-43 LA 48.1-2-49 LA 48.1-2'62
SITE AND VEGETATION DESCRIPTION
This site is largely lake cliffs and dry oakwood above the east shore of Cayuga Lake. Small ravines cut across the slope into the cliffs- The forest
canopyisfairlyopeninplacesnearihecliffedgeandwhererockoutcropsarepresent. Commonspeciesincludeblack,red,chestnut,andwhiteoaks,
hictories. Pitchpine(Pinusrigida),alocallyscarcespecies,isfoundnearlheclifftopswithoaksandredcedar(Juniperusvirginiana)common'
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), a locally scarce species, is found here, sheltered near the base of the cliffs. Further from the cliff edge, more me sic
forests are fbund. 'l hese are dominated by sugar maple, basswood, and rvhite ash. Spring wildflowers are abundant. Some very rare species have been
reported here, however major deveiopn.rent along the lake is affecting the probability oftheir survival
REASONS FOR SELECTION
r Rare or scarce plants
I Rare ot scafce communlty tyPes
r Quality example of plant community
I Scenic/Aesthetic value
r Old-growth forest
SPECIAL LAND-USE INFORMATION
Special Land-Use Designations and Features
r The Tompkins County Greenway Coalition has identified a biological corridor which includes this site
r A mature forest stand with trees over 150 years old is found on this site.
r This site has views which are considered locally important. There are distant landscape views from the site-
Water Resources
I All or some ofa lake or pond is found on this site.
' A stream runs through this site.
r A1l or some of this site lies within Flood Zone A (1O0-year flood) as identified by FEMA.
r A NYS protected stream runs through this stte.
CONSERVATION OF TIIE SITE
Adjacent Land-Use:
Sensitivity of Site to Visitors:
Evidence ofDisturbance and Threats to Site:
Special Conservation/Management Needs:
Residential.
The site is considered fairly r.ulnerable to disturbarice by visitors in tlie sections nearthe shale outcrops.
Houses and road have been built, a railroad cut has been made, and sections ofthis sites have bssn
cleared. The main threats to the site are continued building ofhouses, and clearing ofvegetation for
views, roads and gardens.
The site does not have an adequate protective buffer.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TIIE SITE
Size (acres): 73.787 Elevation (ft.): 398 to 701 Aspect! west
Topographic Features
Lake cliffs and small ravines.
Geological Features
Lake cliffs.
Soils Present on the Site
Soilclnracteristicsolttlesi|ewerec]eterntinedntanttallyanda|eapp|.oinn|e
Slope 7o
I nat
Q: to rs
tS to ZS
I Over 25
Toposraphic F!$1!on
! Crest
fl Upper Slope
M Mia stop"
I Lower Slope
! Bottom
SeiIIUrn-e Hvdric (Wet) Erodibilitv Drainase
Unmapped Area
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
General Cover TYPes
Old-field forest
Rock outcroPs and gravel banks
Open water
Ecological Communities
Detailed information regording each contmunity type's rdreness may be Jbund in Appendix F For uplo-date infonttation on ecological
comntuniilLs, contact the NY Naturol Heritage Program (518-783-3932)'
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks indicate tliat no communities fall within those categones')
U] clotal - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this site'
Ml stot" - At least one communify designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature consenancy and the New York Natural Heritage
Program is found on this site.
M Local - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins county EMC and the cornell Plantations is found
on this site.
Ecological Communities Inventoried on this Site:
Communitv Name DescriPtion
Rocky headwater stream The aquatic comt.uunity of a small to moderate sized rocky stream with a moderate to steep
gradient that lacks persistent emergent vegetation. The co^ld water strcam flows over eroded
bedrock near the stieam origin anJcontains alternating riffle and pool sections These streams
tta tryUgIy,-gtay dogwood' and beaked hazelnut'-
Int",-rr-ritt.nt rt..u.- - rrt" oquutic community of o r*ull "pG.eral streambed with a moderate to steep gradient
*h"reihe water flows only during the spring or after a heavy rain. The streambed may be
lsvelxd with mosses such as BryLrnia novae-ang[ae'
A comrnunity wlth sparse u.g.tutionthat occurs on nearly vertical exposures of shale bedrock'
teages, and talus. ttre talus is unstable, thele is little soil. characteristic species include blunt-
lobed woodsia, rllsty woodsla, hairy penstemon, herb-Robert, panic grass' Carex pensylvanlca'
GlobaVState/Local Raritv
G4 54 L4
typicg!]V@ve-moTgs Tq a.Egelresent' but few larger rooted plants'
-g.."h--upl"
"-r.ri. fo.J A hardwood forest with ,ugu, *upl" und G"tt *-ao-inantJound on moist' well-drained G4 54 L4
soils, on north and east facLg slopes' and on gently sloping hilltops ofany aspect' this'
ecologicalcommunltytyperarelyoccursinravines.Commonassociatesatebasswood,
Americanelnr,whiteash,yellowbirch,hophombeam,andredmaple.Characteristicspecies
ln the sub-canopy are musclewood' striped maple, witch hazel, hobblebush, and alternate_
leaveddogwood'Thereryprcallyarelewherbsandshrubs'buttreeseedlingsmaybe
abundant. There are many spring ephemerals
-epp"r""u- ""t-hi"k".y ii"t*";o r*"rt *ltr, ,r.,o.. th* oox "u*pv .over of trees thJ occu'' on well-drained sites' G4G5 s4 L4
fbrestrrsuallyonflathilltops,upperslopes,orSouthandwestfacingslopes.Dominanttreesinc]ude
one or more of red oak, whtte oak. and black oak. Mixed with oaks, are one or more of pignut'
shagbark,andsweetpignuthickory.Commonassociatesarewhiteash,redmaple,andlrop
hornbean. Small trees include flowering dogwood, witch liazel, shadbush, and choke cherry'
Shrubs and groundlayer flora are diverse. Sllubs include maple-leaved viburnum, bluebemes'
G4 54 L4
r1G4S3?
G3G4 S3 L3
S_rtale clllr ano
community
talus
and eastem red cedar'
srra" turofuop. - - ;*er t" "r"*a *r"pv **arono trrut o""u.t o" turut ttop.. compose d of shale Slopes are
woodland unstable and very well drained' Soils are shallow and dry' Canopy cover is less than 50%'
Characteristicstreesincludechestnutoak,pignrrthickory,redoak,whiteoak,whitepine'
white ash, and eastern whlte cedar. Characteristic shrubs include smooth sumac, poison ivy,
hgV-g*1gnr q, everl ast in g3nd Pennsy lv ania sed ge
Successional red cedar A woodland community that commonly occurs on abandoned agricultr"rral fields and pastures'
woodland particularly on fertile, calcareous soils, on slopes along the lakes and' occasionally' on well
tirained soils of alluvial valleys. The dominant tree is usually red cedar. GraY birch,.hawthom,
buckthom. white ash, and black walnut are common associates Shnrbs and ground layers are
cs -si r-f
similar to that ofsuccessional old field'
PIant Species
Although substantial eJlbrt was made to iclenti/y signiJicant plant species on tllis site, it is possible that additi.onal rare or scqrce species arist that
donotshowupinthisreport. AJieldcheckisalwaysr"ro,i*nnd)dpriortomodiJyingthelandscape'Detailedhtfurmationregardingeachspecies'
rarenessandstatusmaybeJbundinAppendixD. Forup-to-dateinformationonipecies'contacttieNYNaturalHeritageProgrant(518-783-
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks indicate that no species fall within those categones )
lJ Ctotat - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this site'
I stut" - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature conselvancy and the New York Natural Heritage
u i::T'-1T,:"#3,1'Jli-t'i?"t"s designated as rare or scarce at the rocal level by rhe Tompkins countv EMC and the comell Planlations is found on
this site.
Legal Status:
L_] Federal - At least one Dlant soecies desienated as threatened or endansered bv the U.S. D€Dartment of the Interior is found on this site'
L l state - At least one plart species designated in New york state as endangered, threatened, rare or exploitably wlnerable is found on this site'
Page277
Significant Plant Species Inventoried on this Site:
Scientific Name Common Name
Paronychia canadensis forked chickweed
Celtis occidentalis hackbenY
Zizia aptera heartleaved alexanders
Pycnanthemum incanum hoary mountain-mint
Phlox subulata moss Phlox
Viola palmata Palmate violet
Pinus rigida Pitch Pine
Global/State/Local Raritv
L3
L3
L3
L3
L3
L3
L3
Local Comments
Scarce
Scarce
Scarce
Scarce
Scarce
Scarce
Scarce
State Legal Status
None
Nore
None
None
None
None
None
Animal Species
The \JNA lnventory currently does not contain much specifc data regarding anintal species (and very little regarding rLre or scarce species) on
IJNA sites. Therefore, this data should be viewed as preliminary ani incomplete. A field check is always recommended prior to modifuing the
landscape. Denijed infornation regarding each speiies' rareness and status may be found in Appendix E. For up-to-date inJbrmation on
species, conlact the NY Natural Heritage Program (518-783-3932)'
Animal Description: - - - - -
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks indicate that no species fall within those categories.)
I Gtotul - At least one animal species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Natute Conservancy is found on this site'
E Srur" - At least one animal species designated as rare or scarcs at the state level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York Natural Heritage
Program is found on this site'
Legal Status:
I Federal-At]eastoneanimal speciesdesignatedasthreatenedorendangeredbytheU.S.Departmentofthelnteriorisfoundonthissite'
I State - At least one animal species designated by NYS as threatened or endangered is found on this site.
Animal Species Inventoried on this Site:
Scientific Name
No data
Federal/State
Global/State Raritv Leeal Status CommentsCommon Name
Lt{A-l03 \..
".
TOWN OF LANSING\
N
TOWN OF ITHACAi
q,
r
(\
rowN oEryAq4
i"e'
) t.\
I*t
\\q
'I\N i'r'
CITY OF IT}IACA
UNA-1Oi --
't 1,
LrNA-roo ',- --/ t ' '
Town o{lthaca, Vilfgge of Qayrga Heights
Town of Lansirig, Village of Lan"sing
Lrl{A- 102 Renwick Slope
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council
Inventory of Unique Natural Areas in Tompkrns County
Last Updated: September 1999
UNA bomdries were delineated by field biologists based on a revierv of air
photographs, digital GIS base map data (roads, buitding footprints, 20 foot
contours md striams) md field visits. UNA boundaries are approximale and
should be used for general planning purposes only As a practical matter tlre
county does not warrant the accuacy or completeness ofthe information
portTayed. The end uer of this map agrees to accept the data "s is'' with full
'knorviedge that enors and ommissions may exist, md to hold hamless the
n^',-n, r^. "-- ,1"-odcc fhar t'1, 'eQrlr frnm an iaqnnrnn'iqre rrce nf thic -cn
n
N
ffi tlniqre Natural Area UNA-1 02
I'.....- ] Oth"r Unique Natural Area(s)
I e"ilaing Footprint
/',, / 20 Foot Contour
/ V Road
/", ,' Cuwrga Lake
re Municipal Boundary
1:12000
1000 0 1000 Feel
Pahner Woods Town of lthaca, Village of Cayuga Heights UNA.104
SITE NAME: PalmerWoods
DATA LAST UPDAfiD: 1/3/00
SITE,CODE: UNa-r104
OLD SITE CODE: IT-20
LOCATION
M unicipality: Town of lthaca, Village of Cayuga Heights
USCS Quad: Ithaca EasL
'l'ax Parcel Numbers Included in this Site:
TaxparceldaloisqccurateasoJ'Jtrl1'1,J999. Forup-to-dateinJbrntationotltaxparcelclescriptionsandownership,contacttheTompkinsCoun4t
Assessrnenl Deparltnent. When a UNA covered less than 0.025 ac. of o parcel, thi parcel was es;clucletl from this liit.
Latitude: 42 28 43 N
Longituder 7629 52W
IT 11.-2-10.2
IT I l.-2-5
tT 14.-4-1
IT l t.-2-1 1
tT 11.-2-6
tT 14.-4-2.1
IT 11. 2-12.2
lT 11.-2-7.13
IT 14.-4-2.2
IT 11.-2-13.2
IT 11.-2-7.14
lT 11.-2-14
IT 11.-2-l .11
IT 11.-2-t5
IT ll.-2-7.18
1T 11.-2-24
lT 11.-2-7.19
SITE AND VEGETATION DESCRIPTION
Palmer Woods, and the adjacent natural areas, encompasses very diverse vegetation types: old growth forest, young forest, meadows, and wetlands.Morethanhalfofthisremarkableareaisundisturbedold-growthforestdominatedbyiargeoaks-notablyt"unyUtu"toaks. Thevariedtopographyrs
reflected in the site's diverse vegetation. The flat-topped, dry knoll and upper slopes are dominated by black, whi1e, ancl red oaks, pignut and shagbarkhickories, and white pine. Red and sugar maples, beech, and hemlock are common on the north-facing slopes. Near the creek valley on shallow slopes,sugar maple, basswood, wliite ash, and bittemut hickory are found- There are several scattered low wit poikets with skunk cabbage and wetlandvegetation' In young forest, white pine and red maple are dominant. The adjacenr marsh is dominated bv cattails.
REASONS FOR SELECTIONI Birding site
I Quality example of plant comnrunity
I Urban greenspace
r Old-growth forest
r Scenic/Aesthetic value
SPECIAL LAND-USE INFORMATION
Special Land-Use Desiqnations and Features
I A mature forest stand with trees over 1 50 years old is found on this site.
Water Resources
r A stream runs through this site.
r A NYS protected stream runs through this site.
CONSERVATION OF THE SITE
Adjacent Land-Usel
Sensitivity of Site to Visitors:
Other Comments:
Residential, playing fields, open grassland, parking lot, and student housing.
Parts ofthe site are vulnerable to disturbance by visitors, especially the wet area. Trails exist throush
much ol the properfy,
EvidenceofDisturbanceandThreatstoSite: Golffairwaysoncerantlroughpartofthisforest. Theyhavesincegrownuptooldlieldforest. The
existing dump that contains leaves collecled in the autumn also contains trash. There are no immediate
threats to the site, but there are development pressures on the area from Cornell University.
Special Conservation/Management Needs: Some trail improvement could make the site more accessible. The site does not have an adequate
protective buffer.
Rare plants are lihely to be found on this site; further visits are needed.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
Size (acres): 43,572 Elevation (ft.): 838 to 921 Aspect: nofih, south, wesr
T'opographic Features
Dry kroll wilh wet pockets and creek valley near it.
Geological Features
Slope 7o
n rtut
Qltots
I tstozs
p Over25
Tooosranhic Potsition
p Crest
P Upper Slope
B M;d srope
Q Lower Slope
f, Bottom
Soils Present on the Site
SoiIcltaracteristiCSofthesiteweredeterminedmanuallyarlareapproxixtate'Itttlte./ilure,ttigitaIsoildatawilIprot,idemoreaccurote
Soil Name
Unmapped Area
Hydric(Wel) Erodibilitv
Page 282
Drainage
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
General Cover Types
Upland forest
Old-fie1d forest
Wet meadow
Open water
Marsh
Ecological Communities
Detailed information regarding each commtutity type's rrtret'Less may beJbund in Appendix F. For uplo-date information on ecological
communtties, contact the NY Natural Herttage Program (518-783-3932)'
Rarity:(Key: Nocheckmarksindicatelhat nocommunitieslallwithinthosecategories.)
I ctouut - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this site'
M State - At least one communify designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York Natural Fleritage
Program is found on this site.
lr/l Local - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins County EMC and the cornell Plantations is found
on this site.
Ecological Communities lnventoried on this Site:
Mixed oak forest A forest domiDated by oaks found on steep south and west facing slopes. Soils nray have
calcareous materials at depth. Dominants are red, black, and white oak, and white pine. Black
oak is an indicator of this ecological community type. Pignut hickory and red maple are
usuallYpresenlrlgvellslqelgodandchokecherryareoftenabundantintheunderstory.-
Hickory-white ash-oak ft," f*.rt occurs on flat uplands and gentle to moderate slopes' Soil is of moderate pH and
type well to moderately well drained. Shagbark hickory as a dominant is an indicator of this
ecological community type. Mesophyes of fertile soils such as white ash, basswood, tulip
popla'r, sugar and redmaples are among the dominant species or abundant as a group in this
type Shmbs 31d lierbs o:fle{tave a weedy compolllt
-Maple-basswood rich A hardwood forest that typically occurs on fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It is often
mesic fbrest associated with limestone or deep glacial gravels. Dominant trees are sugar maple, basswood,
and white ash. Comnron associates are bitternut hickory, tulip tree, musclewood, altemate-
leaved dogwood, and witch l.razel. The shrub layer is sparse. Spring wildflowers are usually
abundant. Characteristic species are trillium, white baneberry, spring beauty, toothwort, trout
tttY, g1A btoo{1got
- -B*.h--"pL11*i" forJ a trara*ooO forest with sugar maple and beech co-dominant. Found on moist' well-drained
soils, on north and east facing slopes, and on gently sloping hilltops ofany aspect, this
ecological community rype rarelyoccurs in ravines. common associates are basswood,
Amer]can elm, white ash, yellow birclr, hop hombeam, and red maple. charactenstic species
rn the sub-canopy are musclewood, stnped maple, witch hazel, hobblebush, and alternate-
ieaved dogwooi. There typically are few herbs and shrubs, but tree seedlings may be
3!un!1ntJn95 alx mgnv ry1ng:p!rye3ls'- -Successional northern A forest with more than 60% canopy cover oftrees that occurs on sites that have been cleared
hardwoods hT:ffi"-*T:H:*TTilll'fi:ffi""li:ll'il'ffi;TliH,*[,T.1]:]"J,1J:'',lil1;
maple and white ash. Tree seedlings and saplings maybeofmore shade tolerant species.
Shrubs and ground cover species niay be those ofold-fields. In abandoned pasturelands apples
via,"*r,G.u- - rrt"ffiHT"TP"Jr"?:T,'H:fl",Tf, ;kn a"n".a p*.,o orort""'uti,,g pool ,i6,
and run sections. Waterfalls and springs may be present' Typical aquatic macrophytes include
Communitv Name Description
Deep emergent marsh
S"ag" -.oao*- -
GlobaVState/Local RarifY
G4G5 54 L4
c+cis+- la-
G4 S2S3 L3
cs -si -l-+-
cq - sa -ra
G4 54 L4
G4 54 L4- waterweed and pondweeds. Persistent emergent vegetatlon is IackinS'
Deep marshes have a waGr depth ranging fiom 15 cm to 2 m' The substrate is almost always
wet and there is usually standing water in autumn. Characteristic vegetation includes emergent
aquaticssuchasyellowpondlily,whitewaterlily,cattails,bulrushes,burreed,andarrow
arum. Disturbed marshes may liave purple loosestrife, reedgrass, or reed canary grass- Marsh
communitres occur on mineral soils or fine-grained organic soils that are petmanently
saturated. Tliey are often found near the Finger Lakes or in wetlands near a drainage divide'
Because water levels may fluctuate, exposing substrate and aerating the soi1, there is little or
_ no accumulation ofPeat.
A wet meadow with permanently saturated and seasonally flooded organic soils in wetlands
that receive mineral nutrients via groundwater or streams. There is usually little peat
accumulation and floating mats are not formed. Sedge meadows typically occur along streams
and near the inlet and outlets oflakes and ponds. The dominant species is a tussock-sedge,
Carex stricta, usually with about 50% cover. Other characteristic herbs include sedges (C.
lacustris and C. rostrata), bluejoint grass' sweetflag'joe-pye weed' tall meadow rue' and
G5-s{ BU
bulrushes
Plant Species
Altttough sttbstantial elJort was made to iclenti/l signi/icant plant species on this site, it is possible that additional rare or scarce species exist that
do not show up in this report. A ./ietd check is always recommendid prior to modiJying the landscape. Detailed information regarding each species'
rarenessandstatusmaybeJbunclinAppendixD. Forup-to-dateinformationonspecies,contacttheNYNaturalHeritageProgram(518-783-
Rarityl ( Key: No checkmarks indicate that no species fall witliin those categories.)
I Ctobat - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Consewancy is found on this site'
tr Srur" - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York Natura1 Heritage
Program is four.rd on this site.
fl Local , At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins Courlty EMC and the comell Plantations is found on
this site.
Legal Status:
Page 283
I Palmer Woods Town ollthaca, Village of Caluga Heights LrNA-1041
f Federal - At ieast one nlant snecies desisnated as threatened or endansered bv the iJ-S. Denartntent ofthe lnterior is lound on this site.I Stut" - At least one plant species designated in New York State as endangered, threatened, rare or exploitably vulnerable is found on this site.
Significant Plant Species Inventoried on this Site:
Scientific Name
None klown
Common Name Global/State/LocalRaritv LocalComments State Lesal Status
Animal Species
The UNA lnventory cxtrrcntly does nol contain much speciJic data regarding animal species (and very little regardbrg rare or scarce specrcs) onUNA sites Thetelbre, this dala should be viewecl as preliminary and incomplele. A jeld check is oliay, ,n"im-"r-ded prior to ^oaifurng th"landscape Detailedinformalionregardingeachspecies'rarenessandstatismaybi.foundinAppendiiE. Forttp-to-dateiyformationon
species, contact the NY Nahtral Heritage program (5 I g-783_3932).
Animal Description: This area is a good birding site. Woodland and migrant songbirds are present.
Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks i,dicate that no species fall within those categories.)
I ctouat - At least one animal species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by 'l he Nature Conservancy is found on this site.fl Stat" - A1 least one animal species designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature Conservancy and the New york Natural HeritageProgram is forrnd on this site.
Legal Status:
I Federal - A1 least one animal species designated as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Department ofthe Interior is fbund on this site.
I] State - At least one animal species designated by NYS as threatened or endangered is found on this site.
Animal Species lnventoried on this Site:
Federal/State
Global/State Raritv Lesal Status CommentsScientific Name
No dala
Common Name
P^eP )R4
LIi\TA- 104 Palmer Woods
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council
Inventory of Unique Natural Areas in Tompkins Counfy
Last Updated: September 1999
UNA boundaries rvere delineated by field biologists based on a review ol air
photographs, digital GlS bue map data (roads, butlding footpfints. 20 fool
contours and streams) and field visits. tTlA boundaries are approximate and
should be used for general planning purposes only. As a practical natler ihe
county does not waffant the accuracy or compieteness ofthe infonration
portmyed. The end uer of this map agrees to accept the data "as is" rvith f'ull
knowledge lhat enors and ommissions may exist. and to hold hamless the
County for any damages lhat may result fiom an inapproprjate ue of this map.
A
N
Town of Ithaca
Village of Cayuga Heights
ffi 'lnique Natural Area IINA-I 04
I ,'rrr..-,rrg Fo.,lpnrr
/t, / 20 Foot Conlorlr
Road
Municipal Boundary
l:6000
500 0 500 Feet
w