Guide to Significant Wildlife Habitat - Door County Web Map

environmentally sensitive area
Commonly used to describe areas whose destruction or disturbance will negatively affect the life
or economic interests of a community by causing hazards such as flooding, landslides, and pollution of
groundwater and surface waters; or by causing loss of topsoil or property due to accelerated erosion. Also
used to describe areas that: 1) possess ecological functions or natural elements that are known to be
fragile and vulnerable to disruption or disturbance, 2) serve as habitat for rare species or threatened
natural communities, or 3) possess other conservation values identified as important to a community, such
as scenic beauty and wildlife breeding/nesting areas. (adapted from Performance Controls for Sensitive
Lands, C. Thurow et. al.)
exotic (non-native or invasive) species
A species accidentally or purposefully introduced into an area (reintroduction, transplant,
restocking, or accidental release) where it did not formerly occur. The concept of exotic versus native
species depends on the temporal and spatial context of analysis and if extended back to the last ice age,
can be quite complicated. Exotic species often, but not always, have undesirable effects on native species
and the ecological integrity of the native ecosystem. (from Julian & Katherine Dunster’s Dictionary of
Natural Resource Management, 1996,UBC Press, Vancouver, BC)
fen
Wetlands that receive nutrients via direct contact with mineral enriched groundwater. A “poor”
fen has very low concentrations of plant nutrients and floristically resembles a bog. A “rich” fen has
relatively high concentrations of nutrients, but is still characterized by the accumulation of peat.
fragmentation
The disruption of extensive habitats into isolated and small patches. Fragmentation has two
primary negative components for living things: loss of total habitat area, and smaller, more isolated
remaining habitat patches. (from Principles of Conservation Biology, G. Meffe & C. Carrol et. al.)
groundwater
Water that occupies the pore spaces, the layers between boundaries of sedimentary rock strata
(bedding planes), and joints of rocks, and originates from two main sources: as hot mineral water rising
from deep within the earth, or as water resulting from percolation of precipitation and meltwater from the
surface. Groundwater may return to the surface by seepage or through springs, or may be artificially
withdrawn through the use of wells. (adapted from Harper Coffins' Environmental Science Dictionary)
habitat
The place where an organism lives and its surrounding environment, including its biotic (living)
and abiotic (nonliving) components. Habitat includes everything that an organism needs to survive.
(adapted from Wisconsin's Biodiversity as a Management Issue, WI DNR.)
harmful exotic species
Any exotic species that can naturalize and either: (1) causes or may cause displacement of, or
otherwise threaten, native species in their natural communities; or (2) threaten or may threaten natural
resources or their use in the state. (from MN Statutes 84D.01, Subd.7.)
hanging swamp (perched swamp)
An upland ephemeral swampy area not connected to the groundwater table and characterized by a
bottom composed of clay or impervious materials that preclude seepage into the groundwater. These are
excellent habitat for amphibians and waterfowl.
herbaceous layer
Vegetation or vegetative layer that is usually forbs, grasses or leafy plants. (from Dictionary of
Natural Resource Management, Julian and Katherine Dunster 1996, UBC Press, Vancouver, BC)
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– Glossary –