STEWARDSHIP PLAN (LEVEL II) Brighton State Recreation Area April 2010 Prepared by Glenn Palmgren, Ecologist Recreation Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment PO Box 30257 Lansing MI 48909-7757
Conservation Targets Based on recent inventories by Michigan Natural Features Inventory and DNRE staff, the following natural resources are designated as targets for conservation and protection at Brighton State Recreation Area. Refer to the attached maps of management units and focus areas. Dry-mesic southern forest (Oak-Hickory) Dry-mesic southern forest is located throughout portions of the park, with one of the most extensive areas currently located west of the recreation area headquarters (Management Units 7, 8, & 10). This forest is dominated by black and white oak, with shagbark and pignut hickory as an important component. Based on land surveyors notes, the majority of the park s uplands were either mapped as oak-hickory forest or oak barrens in the early 1800s. The long term goal is to restore high-quality dry-mesic southern forest in the undeveloped upland areas of all management units in the recreation area except the Teahen Prairie in Unit 23 and Management Units 2, 3, and 5. Dry-mesic southern forests at Brighton Recreation Area harbor the following rare species, which will be protected in the context of forest management: a) * Cerulean warbler (a State Threatened songbird) currently known from forested areas on the west side of the recreation area, but likely also occurs in other forested areas in the park. b) * Hooded warbler (a State Special Concern songbird) currently known from the forest west of the headquarters, but likely also occurs in other forested areas in the park. c) * Dwarf hackberry (a State Special Concern plant) one observation in 1973 between the Frontier Cabin and Teahen Road, but likely still occurs in portions of the recreation area. Oak Barrens/Dry Sand Prairie * A significant dry sand prairie remnant ( Teahen Prairie ) is located in the southeastern corner of the recreation area. This remnant was likely a former opening in a larger landscape of oak barrens (savanna) and oak-hickory forest. Today the remnant is surrounded on three sides by private residences. This prairie opening supports one rare insect, the red-legged spittlebug, and leadplant occurs on the north edge. Oak barrens/savanna was mapped throughout the western portion of the recreation area in the early 1800s, but much of that area is now old field or young dry-mesic southern forest. The long term goal is to restore and maintain oak barrens in upland portions of Management Units 2, 3, and 5, and to restore and maintain a high-quality dry sand prairie (Teahen Prairie) in part of Management Unit 23. The Teahen Prairie and associated oak barrens edge at Brighton Recreation Area harbors the following rare species, which will be protected in the context of restoration and management: a) * Red-legged spittlebug (a State Special Concern insect) b) * Blazing star borer (a State Special Concern insect) c) * Leadplant (a State Special Concern plant) Prairie fen * Three high quality prairie fens are currently tracked by MNFI at Brighton, the Bauer Fen, the Little Appleton Fen, and the Caroga Lake Fen. The Bauer Fen extends from the NE corner of Murray Lake to the small un-named lake to the NE, just west of Bauer Road (Unit 19). This fen is Page 1 of 9
partially on private land. The Little Appleton Fen surrounds Little Appleton Lake and extends to the SW side of Appleton Lake (Unit 16). The Caroga Lake Fen is located on the NE side of Caroga Lake (Unit 13). Degraded prairie fen also occurs on the west end of Bishop Lake and around Murray Lake extending to the small un-named lake directly east (Unit 19). In general, the prairie fens at Brighton are some of the highest quality and extensive fens in the state park system and in the entire state. Restoration and management of these fens should be one of the highest priorities for natural resource management at Brighton Recreation Area. The long-term goal is to restore and protect high-quality prairie fen in all of the above mentioned areas (portions of Management Units 13, 16, and 19). Prairie fens at Brighton Recreation Area harbor the following rare species, which will be protected in the context of prairie fen management: a) * Small white lady s-slipper (a State Threatened plant) currently known from the Little Appleton Fen and the Bauer Fen, but may occur in other fen areas in the park b) * English sundew (a State Special Concern plant) currently known from the Bauer Fen c) * Eastern massasauga (a State Special Concern & Federal Candidate snake) has been found in numerous locations throughout the park. Uses prairie fens primarily as winter habitat and also occupies uplands in summer. Emergent marsh/wet meadow Pockets of emergent marsh (cat-tail marsh, water lilies, etc.) and wet meadow (sedge-dominated wetlands) occur throughout the park along the shorelines of the lakes and in other low-lying areas. The long-term goal is to restore and maintain high-quality emergent marsh and wet meadow in lowlands throughout the recreation area, especially in Management Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13-18, and 21-23. The emergent wetlands at Brighton are currently known to harbor the following rare species, which will be protected in the context of wetland and adjacent upland management: a) * Blanding s turtle (a State Special Concern reptile) Forested wetlands (tamarack and mixed hardwood swamps) Extensive areas of forested wetlands occur throughout the recreation area. Most notable are the tamarack swamps in Management Units 3, 4, and 14, but large areas of tamarack also occur in association with the prairie fen complexes. Pockets of hardwood swamp occur throughout the recreation area. The long-term goal is to restore and maintain high-quality tamarack and hardwood swamps wherever they occur in the recreation area. Poor fen Poor fen occurs around Cranberry Lake in the northwestern corner of the recreation area. This is a unique type of wetland that is basically intermediate between a prairie fen and a bog. This poor fen is not of high enough quality to be tracked by MNFI, but it is very unusual in Livingston County and southeastern Michigan. Poor fens occur more typically in the northern part of the state. The long-term goal is to restore and maintain a high-quality poor fen near Cranberry Lake (Management Unit 1). Page 2 of 9
* = Element occurrence tracked by MNFI See the MNFI Inventory report for Brighton for descriptions of the conservation targets. Additional information about these natural community conservation targets is available from the MNFI community abstracts. These can be found on MNFI s website at web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi. Page 3 of 9
Threats to the Conservation Targets 1. Lack of fire as a natural disturbance Fire was a dominant natural disturbance in dry-mesic southern forests, oak barrens, dry sand prairies, and prairie fens prior to European settlement and organized suppression of fire. To fully function as natural ecosystems, these systems require periodic fire. 2. Non-native invasive species Non-native invasive species threaten the ecological integrity of all conservation targets at the recreation area. Invasive species reduce biological diversity because they out-compete native plants and animals and cause them to be eliminated from a site. Autumn olive, honeysuckle, planted pines, and smooth brome are common non-native invasive species at the park in grassland areas. Glossy buckthorn, phragmites, and purple loosestrife occur in many of the wetlands at the recreation area. Shrub and herb invasive plants such as autumn olive, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard threaten the integrity of the oak-hickory forested areas and may hinder the succession of the old agricultural fields back to oak-hickory forest. Any new road or trail construction would have the potential to increase this threat by providing a disturbed pathway for these species to establish. Invasive insect species such as gypsy moth and emerald ash borer are also concerns in the park. Invasive species should never be deliberately planted at the park, and efforts will be made to remove these species in targeted areas. 3. Erosion & trampling from recreational use Equestrian and mountain bike use are causing some pockets of erosion along designated trails, and may also be causing damage to vegetation and hydrology in places where they cross wet areas. In general, prairie fens are much more sensitive than uplands to trampling damage; even one occurrence of trampling in a sensitive area can cause long-term damage to a fen. Trampling damage throughout the park may increase as new housing in the area increases park use. Any new trail construction or re-routing existing trails would have the potential to increase this threat. 4. Lack of knowledge/education about the natural resources Many staff and park visitors are unaware of important natural communities (oak-hickory forest, oak barrens, dry sand prairie, and prairie fens) and areas known to harbor rare species. Park staff must be aware of the resources in order to protect them. Someone (preferably more than one person) at the park needs to know how to identify small white lady s-slipper and eastern massasauga so they can be on the lookout for them and recognize if they are being harmed or collected. Also, the public should be aware of the uniqueness of the forests, prairie, and wetlands at Brighton. By understanding the significance of the resource, many visitors would be more supportive of the protection of these natural features. 5. Destruction of former grassland and forested natural communities This is a historical threat, primarily the result of agriculture, that still has consequences to the health and distribution of the conservation targets today. 6. Collection and killing of rare plants and animals Killing of massasauga rattlesnakes is a direct threat to that conservation target. Collection is a direct threat to the small white lady s-slipper and massasauga conservation targets. While collection has not been a major threat yet (that we are aware of), it should be monitored and Page 4 of 9
controlled before it becomes a major threat. A Canditate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) is being drafted for eastern massasauga in Michigan. Portions of Brighton Recreation Area may be included as designated managed habitat for massasauga when/if the document is finalized. 7. Water level alteration This is a historical threat and a potential future threat that should be avoided. The damming and flooding of Chilson Pond, Caroga Lake, and other areas resulted in the loss of significant amounts of prairie fen, and altered the vegetation of the present fens adjacent to the lakes. Plugged culverts and roads also have the potential to alter water levels and water flow throughout the park. If intentional water level alterations are ever considered in the future, note that lowering water levels in lakes in winter would seriously affect the hibernation of massasaugas. Beaver dams and other natural water fluctuations are beneficial and should not be discouraged wherever possible. 8. Incomplete ownership Lack of ownership is a threat to many of the unique natural resources at Brighton Recreation Area. Private parcels that contain portions of the Bauer Fen, surround the Teahen Prairie, and break up the continuity of the forested areas of the recreation area all threaten the long-term viability of maintaining these resources over time. Lacking ownership of several of these parcels also increases cost and time spent on management such as prescribed burning (installing control lines), signing, and addressing trespass and safety zone issues. 9. Easements Maintenance of existing utility easements (power lines, pipelines, etc.) or development of new easements through the park threaten to fragment the forest communities in the park, provide a conduit for invasive species to colonize, and may impact hydrology of wetlands. Page 5 of 9
Strategies for Protecting Conservation Targets and Abating Threats 1. Initiate prescribed fire management Continue prescribed fire management in the Teahen Prairie and initiate fire management at Little Appleton Fen, Frontier Woods, Caroga Lake Fen, and other large oak-hickory forested areas within the recreation area. (Addresses threats #1 and #2). 2. Control invasive species Control such species as autumn olive, honeysuckle, glossy buckthorn, garlic mustard, phragmites, purple loosestrife, and various pines in specific areas where they pose the most significant threat to the conservation targets through a combination of mechanical, chemical, and possibly biological treatments. Initiate early detection and rapid response measures for new invasive species. (Addresses threat #2). 3. Acquire property Acquire properties within the dedicated boundary of the park to block out to the main roads. (Addresses threat #8). Focus especially on high-priority parcels such as those around the Bauer Fen and other conservation targets. 4. Wildfire Management Plan Develop a wildfire management plan for the park (see RD Policy #3.17). Where can fires burn to natural breaks and where are plow lines appropriate? This will help to alleviate the potential for unnecessary burn line construction, which may directly or indirectly cause destruction of the conservation targets (threat #5), altered water flow in wet areas and on hillsides (threat #7), and introduction of additional invasive species (threat #2). 5. Expand oak-hickory forest Convert old agricultural fields, shrubland, and young forests into a mosaic of oak-hickory forest uplands adjacent to high quality wetlands (in areas indicated in the Conservation Targets section of this document). In most areas, allow succession to happen naturally in the presence of fire management to discourage more mesic species from out-competing the oaks. (Addresses threats #1, #2, and #5). 6. Educate staff and park visitors Make staff aware of important natural communities (especially prairie fens, the Teahen Prairie, and oak-hickory forests) and areas known to harbor rare species. Train staff on identification of eastern massasauga, small white lady s-slipper, and Blanding s turtle so they can be on the lookout for them. Also use staff such as the Explorer Program seasonal employee to educate the public on the most significant natural and cultural features of the park. While doing education, be careful not to give out too much information on specific locations of species prone to poaching/collection (Addresses threats #2, #4, and #6). 7. Reduce barriers to natural water flow Watch for plugged culverts and determine whether any existing roads and trails are significantly impeding water flow or channeling water in ways that may impact conservation targets. (Addresses threat #7). 8. Install boardwalk & erosion controls or eliminate trails Investigate whether installing additional vegetation, boardwalk, or erosion control devices along wet areas and steep areas of designated trails would alleviate any problems. Also Page 6 of 9
consider eliminating trails that may be potential threats to conservation targets in the context of management planning. The trail network will be evaluated in development of the park management plan. (Addresses threats #2, #3, and #7). 9. Limit new road and trail development Development of new roads and trails at Brighton should be avoided in most areas due to the potential to increase threats #2, #3, #5, and #7 through fragmentation and alteration of the conservation targets. 10. Restrict new easements and monitor existing easements Restrict the development of new easements. Any new easements that must be granted should be designed to minimize threats to conservation targets. Existing easements, such as power line or pipeline corridors, should be monitored to ensure minimal impact to conservation targets. (Addresses threat #9). Page 7 of 9
Priorities and Implementation The following are the highest priorities for natural resource management and stewardship at Brighton and will be completed during the period 2010-2012. The lead responsibility for each task is indicated after the bullet (P=Park, S=Stewardship, F=FMD, DS=District Supervisor, DP=District Planner/RD planning staff, DO=Division Office). The tasks are not listed in any particular order all are considered important and should be implemented as fully as possible as time and resources allow. P Land acquisition: o P Communicate with RD Lands Coordinator (Paul Yauk) and OLAF our desire to acquire and block in inholdings in the Bauer Fen/Murray Lake area. o P Further explore the possibility of land exchange or other methods to block in prairie fen and adjacent uplands near Bauer Fen and Murray Lake. o P Periodically check to see if any adjacent landowners are willing to sell (or trade) land to block in ownership of fens. Periodically look for for sale signs and talk to the owners of the most important properties. Make landowners aware that we are interested in their property to protect important natural features. o DO Complete the land exchange(s) or purchase(s). P/S Watch closely for new invasive species populations, such as Japanese knotweed, black swallow-wort, and new small patches of garlic mustard. Survey periodically with volunteers and train park staff so they can watch for these new invaders. Control these as soon as possible after they are discovered. P Maintain at least one employee certified as a commercial pesticide applicator. S/P Continue control of invasive shrubs (autumn olive, honeysuckle, buckthorn, etc.), garlic mustard, knapweed, and sweet-clover at the Teahen Prairie. Park staff should consult with the Stewardship Unit for on-site training in identification and control of these shrubs and strategic locations to work. Coordinate with the Stewardship Unit to ensure followup shrub control is completed in approximately half of the prairie each year. S/P Continue control of glossy buckthorn, phragmites, purple loosestrife, and other invasive species at the Bauer, Murray Lake, and Little Appleton Fens. o S/P Continue cutting and stump-herbiciding buckthorn surrounding Little Appleton Lake and in the channel between Little Appleton and Appleton Lakes. Continue working from the edges (in areas with few buckthorn plants) and work towards the high-density areas. Consult with the Stewardship Unit for training on appropriate control techniques and to prioritize work areas. o S/P Check the patches of phragmites by the parking lot and surrounding Little Appleton Lake in August each year for re-sprouting. If necessary, park staff should consult with the Stewardship Unit on appropriate herbicide application methods to continue control of the phragmites. o S Scout potential areas for release of Galerucella beetles to control purple loosestrife in the above fens and throughout the park. Page 8 of 9
S Initiate prescribed burn management in new areas and continue existing burn management. o S Continue periodic burning at the Teahen Prairie. o S Initiate burning at Little Appleton Fen and Frontier Woods. o S Scout the Caroga Lake area and other high quality oak forest to determine the feasibility of burning. Potential burn lines will be identified; using natural breaks (roads, rivers, trails) wherever possible. o S Identify appropriate burn units annually and write a burn proposal (FTP). o S/P Identify any site preparation needs for prescribed burns (control line installation, debris removal, etc.). The Unit Supervisor will coordinate preparation of the site, utilizing park staff, Brighton FMD equipment and staff, MCCC stewardship crew, and/or other available resources. o S Prepare public informational materials and assist with informing and educating park friends and neighbors. o F/S Conduct the burns. P Include information about the conservation targets and potential for illegal collecting in annual employee orientation. Show the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources massasauga video to employees. P Maintain the existing interpretive panels in the recreation area and investigate the need for additional interpretive signage in the vicinity of stewardship project sites. P Explorer Program employee should integrate information about Brighton s conservation targets and current management activities into their public programs. Unit Supervisor will obtain information from the Stewardship Unit as needed. P Write a Wildfire Management Plan for Brighton Recreation Area. DP Initiate Management Planning for this recreation area. Evaluate the trail system to consider impacts on natural and cultural features during the management planning process. S Monitor the progress of natural resource restoration and management at the park to identify implementation activities that are having desirable effects on the conservation targets and those that need to be modified. The Unit Supervisor will be responsible for coordinating this overall implementation plan to ensure all tasks are completed. Other individuals will take the lead on specific tasks as indicated above. The Stewardship Unit will be available to provide technical guidance on all tasks as needed. See the RD Stewardship Unit pages on the DNRE Intranet for additional information and guidance on issues mentioned in this plan. Page 9 of 9
Brighton Rd Bauer Rd 1 2 9 Cunningham Lake Rd 3 8 Schafer Rd 5 4 7 10 Chilson Rd 11 15 Bis ho pl 12 ak e 18 Rd 21 14 d Swarthout Rd 20 17 Teahen Rd Chambers R 13 6 19 16 Teahen Rd Brighton Recreation Area Trails Recreation Area Boundaries Management Units 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles 1.5 23 Department of Natural Resources & Environment Recreation Division Aerial Photo: Livingston County, 2008 Prepared: April 12, 2010 (GRP) 22
Cranberry Lake Poor Fen Brighton Rd Murray Lake Fen Headquarters Little Appleton Fen Cunningham Lake Rd Schafer Rd Chilson Rd Bis ho pl ak e Rd d Teahen Rd Chambers R Caroga Lake Fen Swarthout Rd Teahen Rd Brighton Recreation Area Trails Recreation Area Boundaries 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 Miles 1.5 "Frontier Woods" Department of Natural Resources & Environment Recreation Division Aerial Photo: Livingston County, 2008 Prepared: April 12, 2010 (GRP) Teahen Prairie Bauer Rd Bauer Fen