Stony Brook Part 2 (PDF)

STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-1 
5.0 
WETLAND SYSTEM EVALUATION 
 
5.1 
Introduction 
 
Milone & MacBroom, Inc. conducted a watershed wetland inventory of the Stony Brook 
watershed, encompassing small and large wetland areas as well as complementary stream 
inventories within a variety of Stony Brook subwatersheds.  As part of this effort, GIS 
base mapping was compiled to depict watershed boundary overlays, land uses and Town-
owned lands, natural diversity database areas, and wetland areas (based on soil types). 
 
Site-specific wetland assessment was conducted throughout the Stony Brook watershed.  
Wetland quality ranged from marginal to excellent, with varying degrees of prior 
disturbance.  This assessment also included the identification of critical wetland systems, 
discussed in Section 5.8.  It should be noted that this assessment was a broad analysis and 
is not a substitute for site-specific analysis for proposed development projects.  The 
results of this analysis are presented in the ensuing narrative. 
 
5.2 
Existing Resources Mapping 
 
The Town of Waterford wetland resource mapping, entitled Town of Waterford Inland 
Wetlands and Watercourses Map, August 2005, is based on soil types that have been 
designated by the National Cooperative Soils Survey as consisting of poorly drained, 
very poorly drained, alluvial, and/or floodplain soils.  In addition, the Town of Waterford 
works extensively with geospatial data provided by the NRCS web soil survey website to 
determine current USDA–NRCS soil survey mapping and U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
National Wetland Inventory mapping for Waterford. 
 
Wetland cover types present in the Stony Brook watershed can be described and 
categorized using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's wetland classification system 
described in Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-2 
(Cowardin, et al., 1979).  The more than 306 acres of wetlands in the watershed represent 
several ecological categories that include palustrine open water, forested, scrub-shrub, and 
emergent marsh/wet meadow.  Stony Brook watersheds palustrine wetland communities 
are presented on Figure 5-1. The relative proportions of each are presented in Table 5-1. 
 
TABLE 5-1 
Wetland Types Within the Stony Brook Watershed 
 
 
Wetland 
Type 
 
 
Acreage Within 
the Stony Brook 
Watershed 
 
Percentage 
Within the Stony 
Brook Watershed 
Palustrine Open Water 
4.7 
<1% 
Palustrine Emergent Wetland 
17.4 
<1% 
Palustrine Scrub-shrub Wetland 
7.6 
<1% 
Palustrine Forested Wetland 
180.0 
10% 
Palustrine Forested/Scrub-shrub Wetland  
88.0 
5% 
Palustrine Scrub-shrub/Emergent Marsh Wetlands 
8.0 
<1% 
 
The acreages provided above were determined using a compilation of the NRCS soils 
survey mapping, the Town's digital wetland boundaries, and field assessments conducted 
by Milone & MacBroom, Inc.  The palustrine ecological system is the most dominant and 
widespread wetland system in the Stony Brook watershed.  Wetlands belonging to the 
palustrine ecological system include nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, 
herbaceous growth, and emergent mosses or lichens.  Ponds and watercourses are also 
included within this system.  Palustrine wetland cover types identified within the 
watershed include palustrine open water, palustrine emergent wetlands, palustrine scrub-
shrub wetlands, and palustrine forested wetlands. 
 
Approximately five acres (<1%) of the wetlands in the Stony Brook watershed are 
classified as palustrine open water.  Palustrine open water communities can be natural or 
artificial and consist of permanently flooded open water (0.5 to 20 acres in size) that is 
usually free of vegetation during the nongrowing season. 

http://magic.lib.uconn.edu/
H:wetland_eco.mxd
3104-01
Wetland Ecosystems
Waterford, CT
Stony Brook
August 2007
1"=1,200'
Figure 5-1
³
LOCATION:
DATE:
SCALE:
SHEET:
MMI#:
MXD:
SOURCE:
99 Realty Drive
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
(203) 271-1773 Fax: (203) 272-9733
www.miloneandmacbroom.com
§¨¦
95
§¨¦
395
¬«
1
Cross Road
Hartford Road
¬«
85
Cross Road
Niantic River Road
Boston Post Road
Stony Brook
Stony Brook
Keeny
Cove
Niantic River
PFO
PFO
PFO/PSS
PFO
PFO
Legend
Stony Brook Drainage Basin
Intermittent Watercourse
Perennial Watercourse
PFO (Palustrine Forested Wetland)
PSS (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PEM (Palustrine Emergent Marsh)
POW (Palustrine Open Water)
PFO/PSS (Palustrine Forested/Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PSS/PEM (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub/Emergent Marsh)
.

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-4 
Floating vascular plants and free-floating algae usually comprise the majority of the 
vegetation mass during the summer months.  Rooted vegetation may be present but is 
normally restricted to the shallows.  Bottom sediments are primarily composed of fines 
(silt and clay), sand, cobbles, gravel, and organic debris.  Several of these wetland 
systems are located within the Stony Brook watershed; most are manmade and were most 
likely constructed for agricultural purposes. 
 
Palustrine emergent wetland communities comprise approximately 17 acres (<1%) of the 
total wetland area within the watershed.  Palustrine emergent wetland communities are 
wet meadows consisting of moist to saturated soils that experience brief to moderate 
periods of inundation during the growing season.  Plant species composition can be 
diverse but is dependent upon length of inundation.  Common plant communities consist 
of herbaceous species such as sedges, rushes, and grasses.  Woody vegetation, if present, 
is less than 30% of the overall vegetation present in the wetland. 
 
Palustrine scrub-shrub dominated wetlands comprise approximately eight acres (<1%) of the 
total wetland area within the Stony Brook watershed.  Scrub-shrub wetlands are primarily 
found along the edge of emergent marshes.  They are commonly a transition zone between an 
emergent marsh and forested wetland.  Scrub-shrub wetlands consist of woody vegetation 
(<20 feet tall), which accounts for at least 30% of the total vegetation present in the wetland.  
Plant specie composition is usually dependent upon length of inundation.  Microtopography 
(i.e., hummocks) is a common occurrence within scrub-shrub wetland communities. 
 
Approximately 180 acres (10%) of the wetlands in the Stony Brook watershed are 
classified as palustrine forested.  Palustrine forested wetlands lack continuously standing 
water but can experience seasonal flooding.  Forested wetlands often have diverse plant 
communities that depend on canopy cover, hydrology, and landscape position.  Forested 
floodplain wetlands that experience frequent flooding often have low abundance and 
diversity in perennial herbaceous species but consistently have a high abundance and low 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-5 
diversity in annual species.  Drier forested wetlands usually have a high abundance and 
diversity in perennial and annual herbaceous species. 
 
Field investigations found other wetland systems that had an equal mix of wetland cover 
types, and those areas were identified as being either palustrine forested/scrub-shrub 
wetlands and/or palustrine scrub-shrub/emergent marsh wetlands.  The palustrine 
forested/scrub-shrub wetlands comprise approximately 88 acres (5%) while the palustrine 
scrub-shrub/emergent marsh wetlands occupy eight acres (<1%) of the total wetlands 
within the Stony Brook watershed. 
 
5.3 
Overview of Wetland Assessment Methods 
 
Wetland assessments are an important tool for determining a wetland system's functions 
and values.  This type of assessment can be used by planners, managers, regulators, and 
the general public.  Wetland assessments evaluate the functions of the system, often 
assigning a value to each individual wetland function.  Assessment methods provide a 
basis for comparing wetland resources, determining the success of policies intended to 
protect or manage wetland resources, and identifying long-term trends in the condition of 
wetland resources. 
 
Several wetland evaluation methods and technologies have been developed in the past 20 
years by federal, state, and local agencies.  Existing wetland evaluation and assessment 
methods are described below, along with a discussion of how and why each method was 
applied to this Watershed Management Plan. 
 
5.3.1 The Highway Methodology Workbook – A Descriptive Approach 
 
Several wetland assessment methods were developed by the federal government in the 
early 1980s.  In 1987, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers developed a wetland 
assessment method referenced as "The Highway Methodology Workbook," a descriptive 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-6 
approach to assessing wetland functions and values based on physical, chemical, and 
biological characteristics.  This system assigns values to several important wetland 
functions, including the following: 
 
¾ 
Ground Water Recharge 
¾ 
Ground Water Discharge 
¾ 
Flood Flow Alteration 
¾ 
Sediment Stabilization 
¾ 
Sediment/Toxicant Retention 
¾ 
Nutrient Removal/Transformation 
¾ 
Production Export 
¾ 
Wildlife Diversity/Habitat 
¾ 
Fish and Aquatic Diversity/Habitat 
¾ 
Recreation 
¾ 
Educational/Scientific Value 
¾ 
Uniqueness 
¾ 
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat 
 
Each of these functions is defined in the ensuing text as defined by the U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers Highway Methodology Handbook (1993). 
 
Ground Water Recharge – Ground water recharge is defined as the potential for a wetland 
to serve as a ground water recharge area.  Recharge wetlands occur when water levels 
within the wetland are higher than the water table of its surroundings, resulting in ground 
water flow out of the wetland (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2000).  More importantly, recharge 
should relate to the potential for a wetland to contribute water to an aquifer. 
 
Ground Water Discharge – Ground water discharge is defined as the potential for a 
wetland to serve as a ground water discharge area.  Discharge wetlands occur when the 
surface water (or ground water level) of a wetland is lower hydrologically than the water 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-7 
table of the surrounding land (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2000).  Moreover, discharge 
wetlands should relate to the potential for the wetland to serve as an area where ground 
water can be discharged to the surface. 
 
Flood Flow Alteration – This function considers the effectiveness of the wetland in 
reducing flood damage by attenuation of floodwaters for prolonged periods following 
precipitation events. 
 
Sediment Stabilization – This function relates to how well a wetland stabilizes stream 
banks and/or shorelines against erosion.  Wetlands performing such functions are 
commonly found along the floodplain of a watercourse and waterbody. 
 
Sediment/Toxicant Retention – This function reduces or prevents degradation of water 
quality.  It relates to the effectiveness of a wetland as a trap for sediments, toxicants, 
and/or pathogens. 
 
Nutrient Removal/Transformation – This function relates to the effectiveness of the 
wetland to prevent adverse effects of excess nutrients entering aquifers or surface waters 
such as watercourses and waterbodies. 
 
Production Export – This relates to the effectiveness of a wetland to produce food or 
usable products for human and/or other living organisms. 
 
Wildlife Diversity/Habitat – This function evaluates the effectiveness of the wetland to 
provide habitat for various types of wildlife typically associated with wetlands and the 
wetlands riparian edge.  This function also considers the wetlands ability to support 
resident and/or migratory species. 
 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-8 
Fish and Aquatic Diversity/Habitat – This function evaluates the effectiveness of a 
seasonal or permanent watercourse and/or waterbody associated with a wetland in 
question for fish and aquatic invertebrate habitat. 
 
Recreation – This function considers the effectiveness of a wetland to provide 
recreational opportunities such as canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, and other active 
and passive recreational activities. 
 
Educational/Scientific Value – This value considers the effectiveness of a wetland to 
provide opportunity for outdoor education and/or as a scientific study or research site. 
 
Uniqueness – This value relates to the effectiveness of the wetland or its associated 
waterbodies to produce certain special values such as unusual aesthetic quality, unique 
plants, animals, or geologic features, etc. 
 
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – This value relates to the effectiveness of the 
wetland and/or waterbody to support threatened or endangered species. 
 
Overall, this system evaluates functions and values in terms of efficiency, opportunity, 
social significance, and habitat suitability.  It does not estimate the degree or magnitude 
to which the function is performed. 
 
5.3.2 Hydrogeomorphic Approach (HGM) 
 
In 1995, the USACE published a technical report (WR-DE-9, Smith et al), describing an 
approach for assessing wetland functions based upon hydrogeomorphic factors (Brinson 
1993), such as: 
 
 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-9 
¾ The wetland's geomorphic setting (i.e., its landform, topographic setting, and geologic 
evolution) 
¾ The wetland's immediate water source 
¾ The hydrodynamics (energy level) and direction of water and ground water flow 
through the wetland system 
 
Wetlands are then grouped into classes of which seven are recognized at the highest level 
of classification: depression, lacustrine fringe, tidal fringe, slope, riverine, mineral flat, 
and organic flat. 
 
This analysis provides a foundation for assessing the physical, chemical, and biological 
functions of wetlands.  The program is still being researched and revised to help simplify 
it as well as to broaden its geographic applicability.  The HGM approach compares the 
characteristics of a specific wetland with the characteristics of a group of wetlands in the 
region.  This information is then used to assess the performance of each individual 
wetland based on selected functions. 
 
5.3.3 National Wetland Inventory (NWI) 
 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been conducting the National Wetland Inventory 
for the past 27 years.  Wetlands are classified according to the Classification of Wetlands 
and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al., 1979).  The primary 
classification is based on the wetland's ecological system (i.e., marine, estuarine, 
lacustrine, riverine, and palustrine).  Wetlands are further classified into subsystems that 
may include water depth or hydrology and by class system (i.e., vegetation diversity and 
substrate type). 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-10 
5.3.4 Bulletin No. 9 Method for the Evaluation of Inland Wetlands in Connecticut 
 
In October of 1986, the USDA Soil Conservation Service, in partnership with the 
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, developed a method of evaluating 
wetlands.  This system is known as "Bulletin No. 9 Method for the Evaluation of Inland 
Wetlands in Connecticut."  This evaluation method was intended for use by public 
officials and others.  Some of the wetland functions that are analyzed by this method 
include wildlife and waterlife habitat, ground water use potential, ecological integrity, 
flood control, and water-based recreation.  This method assigns functional values similar 
to the federal wetland assessment methods. 
 
5.3.5 Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States 
 
 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication entitled "Classification of Wetlands and 
Deepwater Habitats of the United States" was used to classify wetland cover types and 
describe hydrologic regimes of the Stony Brook watershed.  Wetland cover types were 
described in Section 5.2 of this plan.  The hydrologic regime of a wetland is one of the 
key components for development of a wetlands vegetative community.  Duration and 
timing of surface inundation and understanding ground water fluctuations strongly 
influence wetlands.  The hydrologic regimes of the Stony Brook watershed were 
evaluated by assessing vegetative communities, observing annual watermarks, and by 
evaluating the soils.  The hydrologic regimes observed within the Stony Brook watershed 
include the following: 
 
 
Permanently Flooded – Water covers the land surface throughout the year in all years.  
Vegetation is composed of obligate hydrophytes.  Examples include vegetated littoral 
shelves of man-made impoundments. 
 
 
Intermittently Exposed – Surface water is present throughout the year except in years of 
extreme drought. 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-11 
 
Semipermanently Flooded – Surface water persists throughout the growing season in 
most years. When surface water is absent, the water table is usually at or very near the 
land surface.  Examples include the abutting floodplain wetlands of Stony Brook. 
 
Seasonally Flooded – Surface water is present for extended periods, especially early in 
the growing season, but absent by the end of the season in most years.  When surface 
water is absent, the water table is near the land surface.  Examples include vernal pools. 
 
Seasonally Saturated – The substrate is saturated to the surface for extended periods 
during the growing season, but surface water is seldom present.  Examples include many 
of the sloped extremely stony wetland systems found within this watershed. 
 
Temporarily Flooded – Surface water is present for brief periods during the growing 
season, but the water table usually lies well below the surface for most of the season.  
Plants that grow both in uplands and wetlands are characteristic of the temporarily 
flooded regime. 
 
Intermittently Flooded – The substrate is usually exposed, but surface water is present for 
variable periods without detectable seasonal periodicity. 
 
5.3.6 Metropolitan Conservation Alliance (MCA) Technical Paper Series No.5 Conserving 
Pool-Breeding Amphibians in Residential and Commercial Developments in the 
Northeastern United States 
 
 
In 2002, the MCA published a best development practices bulletin for conserving pool 
breeding amphibians in northeastern United States.  Authors Michael Klemens and Aram 
Calhoun presented scientific reasons for protecting vernal pools and their inhabitants.  
Part of the bulletin also presented ways of categorizing vernal pools into a three-tier 
system:  Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III pools. 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-12 
 
Tier I pools are considered exemplary pools that exhibit high biodiversity, >25 amphibian 
egg masses, an undisturbed vernal pool envelope, and a large, undeveloped critical 
terrestrial habitat.  Tier II pools are considered good pools that have biodiversity and that 
may or may not have >25 egg masses, have a relatively (at least 75%) intact vernal pool 
envelope or at least a (50%) intact critical terrestrial habitat.  Tier III pools are considered 
somewhat to moderately good, support amphibian breeding, but lack the intact vernal 
pool envelope and critical terrestrial habitat.  These vernal pool classification categories 
were applied to those pools found during our investigations. 
 
5.3.7 Study Methods 
 
The subject Watershed Management Plan evaluated wetland systems using a combination 
of the six methods described above.  Combining these methods enabled a broader view of 
wetland functions and values and gave the research team greater flexibility in describing 
the characteristics of the wetlands in the Stony Brook watershed. 
 
5.4 
Overview of Wetland Evaluation and Assessment 
 
Milone & MacBroom, Inc. wetland scientists performed wetland reconnaissance surveys 
at select wetland systems within the Stony Brook watershed.  With the assistance of 
Town staff, wetland systems were selected based upon their size, watershed, soil type, 
surrounding land use, development potential, national wetland inventory mapping, prior 
vernal pool survey mapping, and potential for high biodiversity or the presence of state 
and federal listed species. 
 
Wetland reconnaissance surveys were conducted during the spring and summer of 2007.  
A description of each wetland system including wetland classification, hydrologic 
variables, dominant and significant biota, and wetland functions and values is presented 
in the narrative that follows.  Important information was gathered during the field visits, 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-13 
including development landscape, hydrologic characteristics, soil and vegetation types, 
and disturbance variables for each wetland system analyzed.  Additional information, 
including land use bordering the wetland, hydrologic source and regime, and dominant 
wetland type, was gathered.  Major wetland system cover types were photo-documented 
and are presented in Appendix C. 
 
5.5 
Upper Watershed – Wetlands North of I-95 
 
5.5.1 Watershed SB-90 
 
The SB-90 watershed is primarily undeveloped and consists of mixed upland hardwood 
forests, rock outcrops/glens, forested wetlands, and scrub-shrub wetlands.  Watershed 
SB-90 is depicted on Figure 5-2.  The surficial materials within this watershed are 
predominately till; however, a swath of stratified drift is located at its eastern boundary.  
Wetlands located along the eastern part of the watershed are underlain by stratified drift 
while all other wetlands are underlain by till. 
 
The dominant wetland soils types within the watershed are poorly drained Raypol series, 
poorly and very poorly drained Ridgebury, Leicester, and Whitman complex, very poorly 
drained Catden and Freetown complex, very poorly drained Scarboro muck series, and 
poorly drained Aquents. 
 
The wetlands within this watershed are the headwaters to Stony Brook.  Instream habitat of 
both the intermittent watercourses and Stony Brook main stem is minimal in the upper 
watershed but where present appears to be of good quality.  This watershed also supports a 
critical wetland system, which is represented by CWS-1, described in Section 5.8 of this 
plan.  In addition, this watershed's large tract of mixed hardwood forests and wetlands also 
provides the Town with an important unfragmented natural area. 
 

LOCATION:
DATE:
SCALE:
SHEET:
MMI#:
MXD:
SOURCE:
99 Realty Drive
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
(203) 271-1773 Fax: (203) 272-9733
www.miloneandmacbroom.com
!.
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Cross Road
Hartfor
Stony Brook
Cross Road
Foster Road
0201800
0115200
0202000
0115100
0290200
0224600
0505200
0201800
0115200
0290200
0224600
0839100
0838600
0202000
0115100
0201700
0224700
0146500
0290400
0147200
0290600
0838000
0148500
0148300
0148200
0149901
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0146900
0148100
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0296700
0147700
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0224300
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0202200
SB90
SB70
SB80
SB-70-1
SB-70-5
SB-70-3
SB-90-5
SB-70-2
SB-90-4
SB-90-2
SB-90-8
SB-90-6
SB-90-7
SB-90-1
SB-90-3
SB-90-5
SB-80-1
SB-90-3
DEP Bulletin No.40
H:ws90.mxd
3104-01
Wetland Systems for Sub-Watershed 90
Waterford, CT
Stony Brook
August 2007
1:7,800
Figure 5-2
³
Legend
!.
Probable Vernal Pools
Intermittent Watercourse
Perennial Watercourse
Wetland System
Local Watershed Boundaries
Stony Brook Drainage Basin
Parcel
PFO (Palustrine Forested Wetland)
PSS (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PEM (Palustrine Emergent Marsh)
POW (Palustrine Open Water)
PFO/PSS (Palustrine Forested/Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PSS/PEM (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub/Emergent Marsh)
.

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-15 
SB-90-1 Wetlands North of Power Line Corridor – 1 (Parcels 0201800 & 0115200) 
 
Stony Brook originates at the northern portion of the watershed as a palustrine forested 
ground water seep wetland.  The ground water breakout quickly becomes channelized, 
forming a braided intermittent watercourse that has diffuse flows through extremely stony 
soils.  The substrate within this portion of the wetland ranges from poorly drained to very 
poorly drained soils.  The intermittent watercourse has silty/sandy-bottom substrate.  The 
topography within this wetland ranges from relatively flat (<4%) to steeply graded (15%).  
One of the most notable features within this wetland is the intermittent watercourse 
cascading over a rock outcrop located north of the power line corridor.  The intermittent 
watercourse discharges under the power line corridor via a corrugated metal pipe. 
 
The primary hydrologic source of this forested wetland is ground water discharge and 
surface water runoff abutting upland forests.  Several seasonal ground water seeps were 
noted breaking out along the edges of this wetland.  The hydrology within this portion of 
the wetland is classified as seasonally saturated and temporarily flooded. 
 
This forested wetland is bordered to the east by an old field and to the north, south, and 
west by a mixed hardwood forest.  The overstory consists of red maple, yellow birch, 
black birch, and tulip poplar.  Nonnative invasive species such as Japanese barberry, 
oriental bittersweet, and multiflora rose were present within the understory.  These 
species were noted within the upper limits of the wetland near the old field and edge 
habitats.  As the wetlands surrounding habitats become more densely forested and thus 
more shaded, the understory transitions to primarily native shrubs and herbaceous plants.  
The native understory consisted of spicebush, bloodroot, skunk cabbage, Canada 
mayflower, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and bryophytes (e.g., mosses).  The abutting 
uplands are transitioning from early successional forests into mid successional forests.  
Dead Eastern red cedars where noted within the forest understory. 
 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-16 
As the wetland flows through the power line corridor, it transitions from a forested 
wetland to a scrub-shrub wetland habitat.  Trees are routinely cleared along the utility 
corridor, providing high sunlight conditions within the wetlands.  As a result, a small 
scrub-shrub wetland has formed and is vegetated with mountain laurel, spicebush, 
Northern arrowwood, skunk cabbage, soft rush, and sensitive fern. 
 
Wildlife observed within this wetland system included several edge habitat birds such as 
the Eastern towhee, Northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, house wren, and American robin.  
This wetland does not support amphibian breeding.  The important functions and values 
this wetland provides are ground water discharge and wildlife habitat.  Recommendations 
for this wetland include: 
 
ƒ controlling the spread of nonnative invasive species 
ƒ maintaining base flow and water quality  
 
SB-90-2 Forested Wetland Corridor South of Power Line Corridor – 3 (Parcel 0115200) 
 
This wetland system consists of palustrine forested depressional, flat, and slope wetlands 
and includes an intermittent watercourse.  The wetland has extremely stony poorly and 
very poorly drained soils.  It is fed by several hydrologic sources, including the surface 
water discharges from the forested wetlands/intermittent watercourse described above, 
seasonal ground water seeps, and surface runoff from abutting upland forests.  The first 
section of this wetland system is classified as a forested depressional flat wetland that is 
approximately 300 feet in width, exhibits some microtopography, and has a braided 
intermittent watercourse meandering through it.  The hydrology within this wetland is 
classified as seasonally saturated, temporarily flooded, and semipermanently flooded. 
 
The overstory is dominated by red maple, yellow birch, green ash, and black tupelo.  The 
trees are large diameter specimens here as they are protected by higher land to the north 
and west.  The low to moderate density shrub layer is dominated by spicebush, sweet 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-17 
pepper bush, and high bush blueberry. Mountain laurel is thick in adjoining uplands.  
Herbaceous vegetation consisted of skunk cabbage, false hellebore, royal fern, cinnamon 
fern, and mosses.  The braided intermittent watercourse becomes a single defined channel 
at the southern end of the wetland where it then discharges down steep topography 
toward another flat forested wetland system (SB-90-4). 
 
Wildlife utilization within this flat wetland system is high.  Several large snags are 
present within the wetland and low flow channels, and depressional pools found along the 
eastern portion of the wetland provide valuable habitat for both wood frogs and spotted 
salamanders.  Several large spotted salamander egg masses were noted within this part of 
the wetland.  A snake was observed that may have been an eastern ribbon snake, a 
Connecticut species of special concern.  Bird species noted were yellow-throated vireo, 
yellow-rumped warbler, American robin, yellow-shafted flicker, white-breasted nuthatch 
and blue-gray gnatcatcher. 
 
An interesting rock grotto formation was observed southwest of the depressional flat 
wetland system described above.  The wetland that originates at this location is classified 
as a forested slope wetland.  This wetland is bordered by rock outcrops and mixed, mesic, 
hardwood forests.  Large boulders, stones, and shallow poorly drained wetland soils 
dominate this wetland.  The dense overstory was dominated by red maple, tulip poplar, 
green ash, black tupelo, and shagbark hickory.  The wetland edge and bordering uplands 
provide rich woodland habitat for herbaceous plant species such as blue cohosh, wild 
leek, and wood anemone.  The understory of the wetland receives limited sunlight and is 
sparsely vegetated with Christmas fern and a few grasses. 
 
Seasonal ground water discharges from the rock grotto area flow east into another steeply 
sloped forested wetland.  Here the overstory is less dense, allowing herbaceous plants 
such as skunk cabbage to dominate.  Observed wildlife within this portion of the wetland 
included eastern phoebe, titmouse, and eastern chipmunk.  Amphibian breeding habitat is 
nonexistent within this wetland. 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-18 
 
Overall, this wetland system described above has several important functions and values 
that include ground water discharge, flood flow alteration, and wildlife habitat 
(amphibian breeding).  This wetland is a valuable resource within this watershed because 
it is a major hydrologic source for Stony Brook.  Recommendations for this wetland 
include: 
 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer around the wetland to protect amphibians 
ƒ Protect water quality within the wetland 
ƒ Maintain base flow 
 
SB-90-3 and SB-90-3a Wetlands North of Power Line Corridor – 2 (Parcels 0201700 & 
0202000) 
 
A second headwater wetland of Stony Brook is located north of the power line corridor as 
well.  This wetland is classified as a palustrine forested depressional wetland.  Soils 
within this wetland consist of poorly and very poorly drained soils.  The hydrologic 
regime of this wetland consists of seasonally saturated and semipermanently flooded.  
The large pool has several vegetated islands within it. 
 
This depressional wetland has an overstory dominated by red maple, yellow birch, white 
oak, and black tupelo.  The dense shrub layer consists of mountain laurel, sweet 
pepperbush, highbush blueberry, winterberry, spicebush, and northern arrowwood, while 
the sparse herbaceous stratum is dominated by royal fern, sensitive fern, and grasses.  
The wetland is surrounded by a large contiguous mixed xeric hardwood forest. 
 
During field investigations, both wood frog larvae and spotted salamander egg masses 
were found within the center portion of this wetland system.  Only five spotted 
salamander egg masses were found within this pool, which is a low number given its 
overall size.  The pool has an approximate diameter of 40 feet and would be classified as 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-19 
Tier I type vernal pool using the Calhoun and Klemens vernal pool criteria.  The water 
depth within the depressional pool ranges from six inches at the shallowest edges to 
approximately 30 inches at its center.  Vegetated islands of varying sizes are found within 
this depression.  The overhanging stems from the shrubs provide attachment sites for 
amphibian egg masses. 
 
High seasonal surface water levels are discharged from this vernal pool via an 
intermittent watercourse located at its southern edge.  The intermittent watercourse has a 
narrow channel and is armored by a mix of exposed bedrock and boulders.  Water 
cascades down a 15% slope across the power line corridor and into another forested 
depressional pool.  This lower depressional pool is much smaller in size, approximately 
20 feet in diameter, with shallow water levels ranging between one to six inches in depth.  
The understory is much more open and has a low shrub density consisting of a few 
spicebush and swamp azalea shrubs.   A single adult wood frog was found in the pool; 
however, no egg masses or other breeding signs were found within the pool.  Based on 
the shallow water depths and the pool's relatively small size, it is unlikely to successfully 
support amphibian breeding. 
 
Bird life was plentiful within this wetland and included suburban species such as gray 
catbird, Northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, brown-headed cowbird, and American 
goldfinch, plus forest species including ovenbird and great-crested flycatcher with several 
neo-tropical migrant species: hermit thrush, yellow-rumped warbler and black-throated 
green warbler.  Deer browse was heavy, and gray treefrogs were calling. 
 
This wetland system does not appear to provide the degree of hydrologic input to Stony 
Brook as does the wetlands system located to its west.  Nevertheless, it does provide 
some important functions and values within this watershed including wildlife habitat and 
ground water discharges.  Recommendations for this wetland include: 
 
 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-20 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer around wetland SB-90-3 to protect amphibians 
ƒ Maintain hydrology to the vernal pool located in SB-90-3   
ƒ Protect water quality within the wetlands 
 
SB-90-4 Scrub-Shrub/Forested Wetland Corridor Northwest of Former Radio Tower 
Parcels (Parcels 0115200 & 0115100) 
 
This wetland is located in a relatively topographically flat area and is largely dominated 
by scrub-shrub and forested wetlands.  Two intermittent watercourses, one from the 
northwest and the other from the northeast, join within this wetland and form the main 
stem of Stony Brook.  The wetland consists of both extremely stony poorly and very 
poorly drained soils.  Contributing hydrology to this wetland system includes surface 
waters from the two intermittent watercourses, seasonal ground water seeps, and surface 
runoff from abutting mixed upland hardwood forests.  The hydrologic regime of this 
wetland consists of seasonally saturated, semipermanent inundated, seasonally flooded, 
and permanent inundated conditions. 
 
This wetland exhibits some microtopography and has vegetated hummocks located 
throughout.  The forested portions of the wetlands, which are primarily located along the 
periphery, have an overstory dominated by red maple and black tupelo.  The scrub-shrub 
wetlands are densely vegetated with speckled alder, highbush blueberry, spicebush, and 
northern arrowwood.  The herbaceous stratum consists of skunk cabbage, false hellebore, 
and various sedges.  Uplands bordering this wetland system consist of mixed xeric 
hardwood forests. 
 
Wildlife utilizing this wetland includes birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.  
During field investigations, observed common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, and hermit 
thrush were observed within the wetland.  The small depressions and floodwater areas 
provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians such as spotted salamanders.  Stony 
Brook itself supports macroinvertebrates and fish. 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-21 
 
Overall, this wetland provides several important wetland functions and values including 
flood flow alteration, thermal protection, wildlife habitat, production export, fishery 
habitat, and shoreline (bank) stabilization.  To a lesser degree, this wetland system 
provides nutrient retention and sediment retention.  This system is a valuable resource 
within the watershed.  Recommendations for this wetland include: 
 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer around wetland to protect fish and amphibians 
ƒ Protect water quality within wetlands 
ƒ Maintain base flow to Stony Brook 
ƒ Eliminate ATV use within wetlands 
 
SB-90-5 Scrub-Shrub/Forested Wetland Corridor West of Cross Road (Parcel 0290200, 
0224600) 
 
Wetlands within this corridor include forested and scrub-shrub flat/depressional wetlands.  
This wetland system serves as another headwater to Stony Brook and originates near 
Parcel 0290400 (UPS Facility).  The wetland soils consist of both poorly and very poorly 
drained soils.  The supporting hydrology includes ground water seeps and surface runoff 
from abutting upland mixed hardwood forests.  An intermittent watercourse (T1) is also 
supported by this wetland system and discharges surface waters into the main stem of 
Stony Brook.  The hydrologic regime of this wetland consists of seasonally saturated, 
seasonally flooded, and semipermanently inundated conditions. 
 
The forested wetland areas have a dense overstory consisting of red maple, black tupelo, and 
yellow birch.  The moderate density understory consisted of winterberry, highbush blueberry, 
spicebush, and skunk cabbage.  Within the scrub-shrub wetlands, the dense stratums consist 
of spicebush, common winterberry, northern arrowwood, sweet pepperbush, highbush 
blueberry, sphagnum moss, royal fern, skunk cabbage, false hellebore, cinnamon fern, and 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-22 
sensitive fern.  Adjacent uplands are mixed and include large areas of young and mature 
mixed hardwood forests, small old fields, and industrial development. 
 
Wildlife habitat quality within this wetland is considered high because of the expansive 
scrub-shrub wetland habitats and diversity of wetland vegetation.  Snags provide refuge 
for birds, and the depressional pools support a significant amphibian breeding population.  
The quiescent moving surface waters of the intermittent watercourse support hundreds of 
spotted salamander egg mass clumps.  Several of the observed forested depressional 
pools are classified as Tier I type vernal pools. 
 
The northeastern portion of the forested wetland, at the drainage divide, has been 
historically disturbed as evidenced by large fill piles, some of which appear to have been 
placed on top of former wetlands.  Despite the prior disturbance, the wetland has 
continued to provide valuable wildlife habitat and other important wetland functions and 
values.  Overall, this large forested and scrub-shrub wetland system provides several 
important functions and values including wildlife habitat, flood flow alteration, 
production export, ground water discharges, and nutrient renovation.  This wetland 
system is a valuable resource within this watershed.  Recommendations for this wetland 
system include: 
 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer around the wetland to protect amphibians 
ƒ Consider restoration of filled wetlands in upper watershed 
ƒ Protect water quality within the wetlands 
ƒ Maintain base flow to Stony Brook 
 
SB-90-6 Mid-Reach of Upper Stony Brook (Parcel 0115100) 
 
At this location, Stony Brook flows through a ledgy, bedrock outcrop area.  The grade of 
the stream increases.  A step-pool morphology is present, and the water is cooler and 
better oxygenated.  Small fish and benthic invertebrates are present.  The stream is well 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-23 
shaded, and the forest is dominated by Eastern hemlock and mixed oaks with mountain 
laurel common in the understory.  A stony ford marks an old road crossing. 
 
North (upstream) of the ford the topography flattens into a semipermanently flooded 
depression.  A shrub swamp predominates, with the forested component restricted to 
small diameter red maple and ash trees.  The shrub layer is dense and consists of high-
bush blueberry, sweet pepper bush, alder, common winterberry, and clammy azalea.  
Pronounced microtopography results in a dense and variable herbaceous layer of skunk 
cabbage, tussock sedge, and marsh marigold with mixed ferns and sedges.  Backwater 
sloughs and tree-throw pools are common, providing likely places for amphibian 
breeding and good reptile habitat as well.  Adult wood frogs were observed. 
 
The surrounding uplands are relatively undisturbed apart from the trail network and 
occasional clearings.  Woodland birds such as great-crested flycatcher, wood thrush, and 
scarlet tanager were heard here.  The flooded swamp includes many dead/dying trees, and 
woodpeckers were common here.  Wetland functions and values include ground water 
recharge/discharge, flood flow alteration, pollutant renovation, production export, and 
fish/wildlife habitat.  Recommendations for this wetland system include: 
 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer along Stony Brook for thermal protection and 
allochthonous material inputs 
ƒ Protect water quality within Stony Brook 
ƒ Maintain base flow to Stony Brook 
 
SB-90-7 Stony Brook Above Eastern Tributary (Parcels 0839100, et al) 
 
Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the I-95 culverts, Stony Brook flattens, broadens, 
and meanders through the forested landscape.  The terrain is less rocky here, and the step-
pool pattern of the lower brook is less pronounced.  The brook is still two feet deep and 
six to 10 feet across with a coarse-grained bed.  Fish were observed in the brook, and 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-24 
aquatic insects were present.  The riparian corridor is forested with well developed 
microtopography.  This diversity in the landscape is reflected in the vegetation as well. 
 
Dominant trees include red maple, black tupelo, and yellow birch, with an upland fringe of 
mature oaks and American beech.  Shrubs found here and throughout the brook corridor are 
sweet pepper bush, spice bush, common winterberry, alder, and mountain laurel.  The wetter 
margins along the brook supported skunk cabbage and false hellebore.  Less saturated areas 
had mixed ferns, sedges, and mosses with wood anemone and violets present. 
 
As the disturbance associated with the highway corridor lessens, more forest species are 
observed including ovenbird, wood thrush, and yellow-throated vireo.  Deer tracks and 
heavy browse were noted.  No vernal pools were observed here. 
 
Wetland functions and values within this watershed include ground water interaction, 
flood flow alteration, pollutant renovation, production export, and fish/wildlife habitat.  
Recommendations for this wetland system include: 
 
ƒ Preserve forested buffer along Stony Brook for thermal protection and 
allochthonous material inputs 
ƒ Protect water quality within Stony Brook 
ƒ Maintain base flow to Stony Brook 
 
SB-90-8 Western Tributary to Cliff / Outcrop (Parcel 0115100, 0839100) 
 
A small, intermittent watercourse from the northwest joins Stony Brook at the northern 
limit of the "meanders" described above.  The stream is approximately three feet wide and 
approximately one foot deep.  It shows evidence of erosion from higher in the watershed 
where several rough road crossings exist.  ATV traffic and land clearing are apparent.  The 
watercourse was traced to an interesting bedrock outcrop or cliff, with the stream forming a 
small waterfall and cascade.  Ground water seeps emanate from the base of the outcrop, 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-25 
forming a small wet meadow amidst the forested surroundings.  Many wildflowers were 
observed here.  The small pools had evidence of breeding spotted salamanders.  This 
wetland has been disturbed by ATV traffic and bare, muddy soil is the result. 
 
Wetland functions and values in this area are somewhat limited due to the impacts 
associated with the noted disturbance and the general low flow regime.  Still, much of the 
surrounding landscape is relatively undisturbed, and the site is in close proximity to 
larger wetland systems, creating a valuable wildlife habitat.  The wetland is absorbing 
much of the impacts from upgrade disturbances, with pollutant renovation serving an 
important function.  Recommendations for this wetland include: 
 
ƒ Preserve/enhance forested buffer around wetland to protect amphibians 
ƒ Protect water quality within wetlands 
ƒ Maintain base flow to seasonal seeps and wetlands 
ƒ Eliminate ATV use within wetlands 
 
5.5.2 Watershed SB-80 
 
The SB-80 watershed is primarily undeveloped and consists of mixed upland hardwood 
forests and isolated forested wetlands.  The surficial materials within this watershed 
consist entirely of glacial till deposits.  Several isolated wetland pockets are found within 
this watershed, and they are classified as forested wetlands.  Portions of this watershed 
have been disturbed in the past as evidenced by irregular grading and the young growth 
mixed hardwood forests found throughout.  The dominant wetland soil types within the 
watershed are the poorly and very poorly drained Ridgebury, Leicester, Whitman soil 
complex, and poorly drained Aquents.  Most of the hydrologic contribution from this 
watershed to Stony Brook is via ground water and overland runoff.  Watershed SB-80 is 
depicted on Figure 5-3. 

LOCATION:
DATE:
SCALE:
SHEET:
MMI#:
MXD:
SOURCE:
99 Realty Drive
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
(203) 271-1773 Fax: (203) 272-9733
www.miloneandmacbroom.com
§¨¦
95
0839200
0839100
0505200
0839100
0839200
0280900
0075700
0281100
0115100
0281000
0840100
0392400
SB80
SB60
SB90
SB50
SB70
SB-80-1
SB-90-7
SB-60-1
SB-70-5
SB-90-8
SB-80-1
SB-50-1
SB-80-1
SB-90-8
SB-90-6
DEP Bulletin No.40
H:ws80.mxd
3104-01
Wetland Systems for Sub-Watershed 80
Waterford, CT
Stony Brook
August 2007
1:5,400
Figure 5-3
³
Legend
Intermittent Watercourse
Perennial Watercourse
Wetland System
Local Watershed Boundaries
Stony Brook Drainage Basin
Parcel
PFO (Palustrine Forested Wetland)
PSS (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PEM (Palustrine Emergent Marsh)
POW (Palustrine Open Water)
PFO/PSS (Palustrine Forested/Scrub-Shrub Wetland)
PSS/PEM (Palustrine Scrub-Shrub/Emergent Marsh)
.

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN 
WATERFORD, CONNECTICUT 
SEPTEMBER 2009 
PAGE 5-27 
 
SB-80-1 Forested Wetlands and Intermittent Watercourse West of Main Stem (Parcel 
0839100, 0839200). 
 
At the location where Stony Brook is piped beneath I-95, there is a small intermittent 
watercourse with a narrow band of associated forested wetland.  The roadway is close by, 
and the area is noisy due to the highway.  Some fill, dumping, and invasive species were 
observed on the access road side, but the northern wetland edge is well buffered with a 
mature woodland of tulip poplar, birches, mixed oaks, and hickories with an understory 
of mountain laurel.  Red maple, ash, and yellow birch line the intermittent watercourse, 
which is moderately steep and rocky.  Mountain laurel, witch hazel, high bush blueberry, 
spicebush, poison ivy, and grape occupy the wetland understory.  Wildlife in the wetland 
area is sparse due to the proximity of the highway and better habitat nearby. 
 
The wetland here stabilizes the intermittent watercourse.  There are flatter areas within 
the wetland where it broadens out and sediment becomes entrapped.  Local wildlife 
habitat exists but no vernal pools were observed and no fishery habitat exists.  
Recommendations for this wetland include: 
 
ƒ Protect water quality within wetlands 
ƒ Occasionally, inspect road margins and remove debris from wetlands 
ƒ Maintain base flow to intermittent watercourse 
 
SB-80-1a and SB-80-1b Forested Wetlands (Parcel 0839200) 
 
Two isolated forested wetland pockets were observed within parcel 0839200.  Neither 
wetland system appeared to support amphibian breeding.  The overstory within these 
wetlands consisted of red maple, black birch, and yellow birch; and the understory 
consisted of spicebush, mountain laurel, sweet pepperbush, and winterberry.  The 
forested upland areas bordering these wetlands appear to have been logged several years 

 
 
 
 
STONY BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN