Fernald’s Natural Resources

In 1999, this female Indiana bat became the first federally endangered species found at the Fernald site (7215-2).

The Fernald site is located within the mixed mesophytic region of the eastern deciduous forest. A mixed mesophytic community is characterized by the presence of a wide variety of deciduous hardwood trees, including maple, oak, ash, beech, and hickory species. The primary habitat types at the Fernald site are as follows:

• Upland forest 
  In wooded areas of the site, tree species are indicative of a mixture of beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. In two separate areas of the site (the northeast and southwest corners of the former production area), several evergreen species have been densely planted.

• Riparian forest
  Paddys Run Stream and several drainage ditches are located on the property. Paddys Run is a large stream (it has an average channel width of approximately 50 feet) that drains into the Great Miami River. Where wooded, the plant species along the riparian corridor are indicative of riparian forest.

• Open field
  Many grassy areas of the site have been maintained by mowing or leasing to a local farmer for cattle grazing throughout the production years. Species types are indicative of a mowed meadow.

Secondary, yet significant habitat types at the Fernald site include the following:

• Wetlands
  A 1993 wetlands delineation survey identified 35.9 acres of wetlands at the Fernald site. The largest contiguous wetland is a forested wetland that  lies within the northern woodlot. DOE has agreed to preserve these existing wetlands to the extent possible. To compensate for the approximately 10 acres of wetlands that will be drained or filled during remediation, DOE has agreed to a 1.5:1 mitigation ratio, resulting in approximately 15 acres of new wetlands for the Fernald site.

• Floodplains
  Much of the area surrounding Paddys Run includes the stream’s floodplain. This significant habitat and the associated riparian habitat will be preserved during site remediation and restored where necessary.

• Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat
  As documented in the 1992 Sitewide Characterization Report, the Fernald site contains suitable habitat for several state or federally listed species, including the state threatened Sloans crayfish (Orconectes sloanii), the state endangered cave salamander (Eurycae lucifuga) and the  federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). During population surveys conducted on site, the Sloans crayfish was found and identified in the northern portion of Paddys Run. The Indiana bat was also found and identified on site along the northern Paddys Run corridor. The habitat for these species will be preserved and enhanced as necessary through restoration. 

For More Information
Contact Sue Walpole, S. M. Stoller, at 513-648-4026, e-mail: Sue.Walpole@lm.doe.gov