Cambridge-Dorchester County Airport

Reference

Mr. Michael J. Waibel, 410-785-7220

Project Highlights

  • Forest Stand Delineation
  • Wetland Delineation

Project Details

The Dorchester County Commissioners proposed an improvement project at the Cambridge-Dorchester County Airport in Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland. CRI assessed three alternatives that include

  • Alternative 1, the extension of existing Runways 16-34 at the northwestern (Runway 34) end,
  • Alternative 2, the extension of Runways 16-34 at the southeastern (Runway 16) end, and
  • a No-Build Alternative.

The southeastward runway extension required relocation of the existing alignment of Cordtown Road and a portion of the Maryland and Delaware Railroad right-of-way located south of the Runway 34 threshold. The northwestward runway extension would not require the relocation of Cordtown Road or the railroad right-of-way; however, it would involve the acquisition of an existing mobile home park. Other projects associated with the build alternatives were also included.

The project site is located off Bucktown Road, approximately two miles southeast of US 50. The study area included the entire property boundary of the Airport plus the aviation easement and proposed tree topping/removal areas southeast and west of the airport. The airport runway is oriented in a northwest to southeast direction on level ground at elevation 23 feet. Elevations across the study area range from about 15 to 25 feet above mean sea level.

Forest Stand Delineation

The forest stand delineation addresses only the forested area south of Cordtown Road.

CRI prepared the Forest Stand Delineation following the methodology described in the MDNR State Forest Conservation Manual (1997). We reviewed existing topographic and aerial photographic maps and traversed the site to determine forest characteristics and potential forest stand boundaries prior to field sampling. The assessment area was field investigated on March 21-22, 2002 to fine-tune the forest stand limits and to characterize forest resources within each stand. CRI estimated stand boundaries based on aerial photography provided for the project and which are shown on the Forest Stand Delineation Map.

CRI characterized the forest areas by species composition and seral stage and divided into two forest stands. We sampled the stands using a 1/20 acre fixed plot sampling technique and trees greater than two-inches diameter at breast height (DBH) were recorded on data sheets. We selected randomly located plots within each stand and marked the plot center with blue survey flagging. During the sampling effort, environmental features were verified and specimen trees (>30" DBH or 75% diameter of the state champion) were identified and flagged. Basal area was determined using a calibrated #10 basal area factor cruise-all sampling viewer. Common understory vegetation, dominant and codominant tree species, number of dead trees per plot, and a forest structure analysis was recorded at each sampling plot and noted on data sheets.

During the field investigation, CRI identified two forest stands representing a loblolly pine - oak - maple cover type. Forest stands vary primarily in degree of disturbance. Both stands were approximately five acres in size within the assessment area. Stand 2 was selectively logged within the past five to ten years, and therefore, had a more open canopy and somewhat more uneven age structure. The understory of Stand 2 was also denser, with many briers and saplings. Stand 1 contained denser patches of loblolly pine with a more open understory.

Wetland Delineation

CRI identified and flagged one wetland system in the field. The wetland drains west to an unnamed tributary to the Little Blackwater River. The wetland occurs within a flat or slightly depressed landscape position, with ditches cut into the landscape for drainage. A seasonally high groundwater table and surface water ponding on slowly permeable soils contributed to the hydroperiod of the wetlands.