{ "name":"Environmental/Vernal_Pools_Mounded_Habitat_Mounded_Landform", "title":"Environmental/Vernal_Pools_Mounded_Habitat_Mounded_Landform", "type":"Map Service", "typeKeywords":["ArcGIS Server","Service","Map Service"], "description":"
*Data/Feature Layer was copied to County GIS database 02/02/2026<\/strong><\/span><\/div>
This dataset was created using lidar (light detection and range) surface topography and hydrologic modeling, cross-referenced with aerial imagery to create a comprehensive map and assessment of remaining undeveloped mounded landform habitat in the Rogue River Valley of southwest Oregon (Jackson County). Mounded landform in this region is strongly associated with vernal pool and ephemeral wetland habitats essential for local Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species: vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi<\/i>), large-flowered woolly meadowfoam (Limnanthes pumila<\/i> ssp. grandiflora<\/i>), and Cook\"s desert parsley (Lomatium cookii<\/i>). Our mapping and habitat condition assessment was developed to support US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recovery efforts for these species as well as habitat protection by other public agencies or private conservation organizations.<\/div>
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These layers accompany a report to the USFWS (Perchemlides and Patterson, 2022) providing a guide to their use in species recovery, along with data summary, visualization, and interpretation. Our methods and integration of publicly available datasets allow for an unprecedented level of precision and accuracy in mapping and evaluating remaining habitat. Mapping products include polygons of mounded landform habitat with attributes for characteristics and condition, modeled surface hydrology of potential vernal pool basins and ephemeral surface flows.<\/div>
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The Rogue Valley\u2019s characteristic mounded vernal pool landform developed on an Agate-Winlo soil complex, and this formation hosts most of the remaining habitat \u2013 but with less than 25% estimated to still be in functional condition. We mapped and described 16,466 acres of potential mounded vernal habitat across the Rogue Valley and surrounding foothills (below 3000 feet): 13,558 acres on Agate-Winlo soils and an additional 2,908 acres of unique mounded landforms on other soil types. Of these, 4,794 acres remain in strong to moderate condition on Agate-Winlo soils and 1,289 acres on other soils, representing the best current potential for habitat conservation.
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