Orbis Environmental Consulting

Historical Notes and New Records for the Rare Atlantic Coastal Plain Species Utricularia resupinata (Lentibulariaceae) in Indiana

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Robin W. Scribailo, Mitchell S. Alix, and Scott A. Namestnik

Abstract

Utricularia resupinata is an Atlantic Coastal Plain relict of the aquatic vascular flora of Indiana and is one of 10 species of bladderwort found in the state. This species was thought to be extirpated from Indiana until it was rediscovered at a historical locality in 2005. We document two additional populations of this species in Indiana and report on the status of all known historical localities in the state. Six palustrine sites in Lake County and nine lacustrine sites in northern Indiana were identified and surveyed; however, no extant populations were found. We provide a historical synopsis of alterations to wetland habitat in Lake County and identify habitat destruction as the main contributing factor leading to the loss of U. resupinatafrom these palustrine sites. Although suitable habitat appeared to be present at most lacustrine sites, several other factors may be important in contributing to the perceived rarity of this species. Inadequate sampling techniques, which include a tendency to confine searches for this species to shoreline habitats instead of deeper areas of the littoral zone, the use of in-boat aquatic plant survey methods, and an over-reliance on flowering material for identification of a species that seldom flowers, have contributed to a greater perception of rarity than may actually be present. In contrast, competitive exclusion by larger aquatic plants and charophytes may provide an ecological explanation for the rarity of this species in some locations.

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Tessa M. Aby-Kruger

Botanist

Tessa is a geologist, botanist and vegetation ecologist with over 10 years of experience managing and conducting projects, specializing in ecological and floristic inventories, rare plant surveys, and vegetation monitoring. She also performs wetland evaluations and is a guided hike leader.

Jeremy Sheets

Senior Wildlife Biologist, Vice President

Jeremy is a founding member of Orbis and directs its ecological and wildlife surveys, assessment and planning services, and brings over 20 years’ experience conducting various wildlife surveys with a focus on bat ecology and urban wildlife management.


Jeremy has managed wildlife projects for private firms and the public sector including for wind facilities, pipelines, roadways, military bases, and airports. Jeremy is proficient in wildlife management/control techniques, wildlife identification, threatened and endangered species, and surveying and analysis techniques for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Jeremy is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologists who develop Wildlife Hazard Assessments (WHA) and Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMP) for airports. Jeremy is qualified to inspect erosion, sediment and stormwater plans, and their implementation. Furthermore, Jeremy is federally permitted to conduct endangered bat surveys in USFWS Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 and includes acoustic surveys, mist-netting, and radio telemetry.

J Ryan Duddleson​

Senior Archaeologist, Principal

Ryan is a founding member of Orbis and directs its cultural resource management services, and brings over 20 years’ experience helping clients assess and minimize the risk of impacting places with cultural value.


Ryan works with public sector clients including federal, state, and municipal government, as well as private firms in energy, transportation, industrial, and development sectors. He also coordinates with agencies and consulting parties involved with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and other related cultural resource laws and regulations. He performs archival research, analysis, and excavation. Ryan also has experience in artifact and archival curation. He has applied innovative techniques to traditional artifact analysis, such as examining organic residues from prehistoric pottery to determine prior contents. Ryan also has experience with human remains in archaeological settings. Ryan meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, 48 FR. 44716 and is a Qualified Professional Archaeologist in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.