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Lake Bomoseen / Hubbardton Marsh
Location: Hubbardton, Rutland County
Bird Conservation Region: BCR 13
Size: 620 Acres
Latitude: 43:42:00
Longitude: 73:13:30
IBA Criteria:
- Vermont High Conservation Priority Species (Criteria 2)
- Rare, Unique or Representative Habitat (Criteria 3)
Land Ownership:State/private
Habitats:Floodplain forest, marsh, lake and adjacent upland forest
Land Use: Recreation, wildlife conservation, hunting and fishing, suburban/
residential
Threats: Invasive species, development, hydrologic changes
Site Description
This Class 1 wetland and adjacent upland forest is located at the northwest end of Lake Bomoseem in the town of Hubbardton. The lakes large size coupled with the extensive marsh ecosystems make this IBA and idea location for waterfowl and marshbirds Vermont Natural Community types include Deep Broadleaf Marsh and Mesic Maple-Ash-Hickory-Oak Forest.
Birds
Its diverse mosaic of habitat types hosts a colorful variety of important bird species. Many have Vermont High Conservation Priority Species status and several that are either endangered or threatened including the state endangered Common Loon. In addition to breeding Pied-billed Grebes (S2), Common Moorhen (S2), Sora (S2) and at times hundreds of Wood Ducks, this Important Bird Area provides breeding habitat to the rare and elusive Least Bittern (S1). Osprey, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcon have all been sighted here as well.
Conservation
Recently upgraded (2002) from a Class 2 wetland to a Class 1 wetland. Monthly surveys are conducted by Rutland County Audubon. Eurasian Milfoil has caused some problems but the most serious threat to the area is the attempted annual drawdown of annual water levels to limit the spread of this invasive species. The lowered water level would seriously impact the wetland ecosystem. Shoreline development and recreational use are also potential problems.
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