Download Biodiversity refers to the variety and genetic diversity

DRAFT OUTLINE - ROBIN HOOD PARK LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN: Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety and genetic diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms,
and the ecosystem in which they exist.
Species richness, which indicates the number of species within a given area, is the simplest
form of biodiversity.
FLORA OF ROBIN HOOD PARK:
Primary terrestrial habitats (?as classified by the 2007 NH Wildlife Action Plan)
evidence of five natural communities typical of the hemlock-hardwood-pine forest system
 dry red oak-white pine forest,
 hemlock-beech-oak-pine forest,
 hemlock forest,
 beech forest,
 semi-rich mesic sugar maple forest
We also found dry Appalachian oak-hickory forest, a community that is associated with an
Appalachian oak-pine forest system. This natural community system, while documented in New
Hampshire, is typically found in more southern latitudes with elevations below 900 ft.
The mean tree density is significantly less in the lower zone (of RHP) than in the upper or
middle zones (Fig. 1.3). Interestingly, the species diversity is greater in the lower zone (2.15)
than either the middle (1.94) or upper zone (1.65).
Include “Ecological importance values” of different species?
Understory Plants
We identified 149 species of understory plants of which 80 were located specifically
around the reservoir and 50 in the “Triangle” area between Roxbury Road, Robin Hood Lane
(the entrance to RHP from Water Street), and the amphitheatre. We expected to inventory an
additional 54 species in RHP because they were previously identified in adjacent Beech Hill
Preserve (Van de Poll, 2000) (Appendix 10).
We did not identify any threatened or endangered species: however several plants we
found in RHP are listed on the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau list as “indeterminate”
species under observation for listing as “state watch” or “endangered”. These are ninebark
(Physocarp opulifolius), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), and elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago
ulmifolia) (New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau [NHNHB], 2005).
Mushrooms/fungi
16 species of mushrooms in RHP.
Lichen
9 species of lichen in RHP
Invasive plants
8 different invasive plant species
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DRAFT OUTLINE - ROBIN HOOD PARK LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN: Biodiversity
We recognize that the City and park managers strive to protect the species diversity in
RHP but there is at least one area worthy of particular attention. The triangular plot of land
formed by the intersection of Roxbury Road and the Water Street entrance has a unique
diversity of understory plants, several of which are listed by the NH Natural Heritage Bureau as
“indeterminate taxa under review for listing as endangered, threatened, or watch.” We would
recommend that this area should be kept as a natural area and not developed for recreational
uses. Given the proximity of this plot to both Roxbury Road and the park entrance road we
recognize that there is also a risk of ecological damage to the plants in this area from salt use on
the roads during winter.
Primary aquatic habitats on the property
 Reservoir
 Wetland attached to reservoir
 Streams: Robin Hood Brook, Woodland Brook
 Vernal pools - ?10
FAUNA OF ROBIN HOOD PARK
Reptiles and Amphibians
We identified nine reptile and amphibian species. Amphibian species were
observed in and near vernal pools. Turtles were observed in and around the reservoir. It is
important to note the park provides potential habitat for many more amphibian and reptile
species than those observed throughout our study
Mammals
Our observations in the park revealed no species in greatest need of conservation
as defined by the WAP (NH Fish & Game, 2005). The surveys did reveal the presence of
12 mammal species, all of which are typical for the mixed deciduous forest communities
present in RHP
Fish
The reservoir is stocked annually with brook trout by the New Hampshire Department of Fish
and Game. According to a local fisherman, the reservoir carries several other species of fish
including large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, and hornpout.
Birds
A total of 21 species of birds were heard or observed by Dr. Bergman during his 6 reported site
visits (Table 2.8).
Insects
Nine orders from 18 samples through the summer.
Our observation that the four most dominant orders in the park contain the majority of insect
species that pollinate in natural communities (Kearns, Inouye & Waser, 1998), indicates that the
park has the potential to support pollinating insects.
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