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