J. Dombrowski - "Wetlands" How to Find Them & Recognize Them
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Our Town:
What are wetland soils?
Wetland soils are defined as HYDRIC SOILS . "Soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long
enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part". "These
conditions favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation". "Central to the concept
of hydric soil is flooding and/or soil saturation near the surface for prolonged periods (usually
seven or more consecutive days) during the growing season. Under such conditions, free oxygen
is not available to plant roots".
If one was to review the USDA Soil Conservation Soil Surveys, you would find three (3) type of
soils that exist on Griffin's Farm. AuA (Au Gres) This soil dominates the majority of the open
fields. This type soil is often times associated with wetlands conditions. The others are ScA
(Scarboro) which is wetlands soil and MeB (Merrimack) which is upland soil. This type soil (MeB)
is located on the main portion of the farm in which the house, barn and part of the field is located
on. Not quite 6 acres worth!
Why would soils be important when reviewing Griffin's Dairy?
Not only would they be important to determine the suitability of supporting construction on them
they would also be useful in determining the wetlands line since Griffin's Dairy has had its fields
mowed as past activities. When human activity has changed the surface vegetative plant
community then soils must be called upon to further support a wetlands delineation line. For this
you need a Certified Soil Evaluator and SAVE GRIFFIN'S FARM hired one.
I attached a USDA Soil map and copies of the definitions of Au Gres and Scarboro soils.
I also attached a copy of a Munsell Color Chart. The first two (2) color columns on the left are
classified as "Hydric Soils".
SAVE GRIFFIN'S FARM
Jim Dombrowski
28 Temple Street
1-781-878-1921
