Biological Survey of Yanty Creek Marsh at Hamlin Beach State Park

Abstract

Four primary objectives were addressed in this study: 1 . To undertake a survey of the biological resources of Yanty Creek. 2 . To compare relative abundance and species richness of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammtals and plants in Yanty Creek marsh and adjacent areas to literature on other embayments and wetlands in the Great Lakes region. 3. To predict the types of changes that may occur in the biological diversity of Yanty Creek marsh should the barrier beach be breached. 4. To write a final report that compiles new and existing information on the species and communities of Yanty Creek marsh and emphasizes elements of concern to the NYS Natural Heritage Program such as rare plants and c ommunities, significant plants and communities for animal species, plants and communities likely to be impacted by breaching of the barrier beach, and invasive exotic species. Comparisons to other sites on Lake Ontario and elsewhere were based only on existing literature or unpublished data collected by the principal investigators that was fragmentary and compromised by differences in sampling methodology and effort. Together, our survey of Yanty Creek marsh and the literature review were used to: 1 ) compare the marsh to other wetlands that have been studied, 2) assess its b iodiversity as high, moderate or low relative to other wetlands, 3) Evaluate threats posed by invasive exotic species and breaching of the barrier beach, and 4) make recommendations for managing the marsh.