Maintaining the Integrity of the Low-Elevation Granitic-Dome Communities of Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

A vegetational survey was conducted for the granitic rock-outcrop communities at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site (CARL). Low-elevation granitic domes within the boundaries of CARL have been recognized as a critical resource within the Park (Hart 1993, Johnson 2003, White 2003). This project was concerned with characterizing the plant communities that occur on the granitic domes at CARL, with an emphasis on their floristic composition, present and potential threats to community structure, and the age and structure of the encroaching forest matrix. This study was conducted to provide the baseline data needed to assist CARL management personnel in identifying damaged granitic domes, mitigating resource degradation associated with visitor use, preserving valuable outcrop resources, and directing the future management of this fragile community type.