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VERMONT 



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jp General description: Vermont's wetlands consist chiefly of bogs in glacially 



Uj dammed depressions (Franklin Bog, Molly Bog, Peacham Bog, Stoddard 



> Swamp) and marshes and swamp forests in poorly drained deltas (Barton River 



Marsh) and drowned river valleys, especially along the eastern shores of Lake 



Champlain (Dead Creek, Kelleys Marsh, Little Otter Creek, the Missisquoi 



delta, Whitney Creek). 



Status of the wetlands: The wetlands of Vermont appear to have thus far suf- 

 fered less damage from human activities than in most states. Grazing has en- 

 croached on the margins of some of the marshes; the forested swamps have 

 been harvested for timber and orchid collectors have taken their toll in the bogs. 



Source of data: The state has been well surveyed for natural areas of various 

 types by Dr. H. W. Vogelmann ( 1964, 1969), who provided us with most of the 

 data. 



Recommendations: Of the many bogs in the state, three should certainly be con- 

 sidered as potential Natural Landmarks. The Franklin Bog is probably the lar- 

 gest and Finest. It is now in private hands and should be permanently preserved. 

 The Molly Bog, a classic example of a floating bog, is now held for scientific and 

 educational purposes by the University of Vermont. Stoddard Swamp, owned by 

 the state and administered by the Department of Forests and Parks, is outstand- 

 ing for its orchid flora. A fourth, the Peacham Bog, may also qualify but needs 

 to be surveyed. The best undisturbed marshlands in the state are the Barton 

 River Marsh, the Little Otter Creek Marsh, the Missisquoi Marsh, the Sandbar 

 Marsh and Swamp, and the Dead Creek wetlands, including the Dead Creek 

 Waterfowl Area and the Panton Cattail Marsh. All but the last are held in large 

 part by state or federal agencies. Each has its special features. All are worthy of 

 landmark status. Kelleys Marsh and Whitney Creek Marsh should also be 

 reviewed, especially the former. The Cornwall Swamp, although disturbed, 

 represents the only sizeable swamp forest of its type in the state. The Dorset 

 Marsh is the only wet meadow and shrub swamp reported. 



Literature cited 



Vogelmann, H. W. 1964. Natural areas in Vermont, Report 1, p. 1-29. 

 Vogelmann, H. W. 1969. Vermont natural areas, Report 2, p. 1-30. 



