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(,oastal Zone mormationf Natural Areas Inventory of Carteret County, North Carolina COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION CENTER John 0. Fussell III Morehead City, N.C. Jeannie Wilson Hampton Mariners Museum Beaufort, N.C. JUNE 1983 AOL North Carolina Coastal Energy Impact Program Office of Coastal Management North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development CEIP REPORT NO. 9 @A k2 To order: Residents of North Carolina may receive a single copy of a publication free upon request. Non-residents may purchase publications for the prices listed. Because of the production costs involved, some of the publications carry a minimal charge regardless of residency. Prices for these are indicated in the price list as being "for all requests". When ordering publications please provide the publication number and title and enclose a check made payable to DNRCD. For a complete list of CEIP publications - or to place an order - contact: Coastal Energy Impact Program Office of Coastal Management N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611 Series Edited by James F. Smith Cover Design by Jill Miller COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION CENTER NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY OF CARTERET COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA for The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Coastal Natural Area Inventory Project by John 0. Fussell IIII and Jeannie Wilson2 The preparation of this report was financed through a Coastal Energy Impact Program grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This CEIP grant was part of NOAA grant NA-79-AA-D-CZ097. CEIP REPORT NO. 9 June 1983 1412 Shepard Street Morehead City, N. C. 28557 U - S - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA 2Hampton Mariners Museum COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE Beaufort, N. C. 28516 CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413 CX 200 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $1415, or $7.08 per copy. Property of CSC Library TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Editor's Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Introduction and General Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Bibliography . . . . . . . 0 * . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 5 National and Statewide Priority Areas . . . . . . . . . 8 Carrot Island-Horse Island-Bird Shoal Complex . . . . . . . 8 Cedar Island Marshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Cedar Island-North Bay Barrier Island . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Core Banks and Portsmouth Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Croatan Pocosins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Millis Road Longleaf Pine Savanna and Pocosin . . . . . . . 54 Patsy Pond Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Shackleford Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 99 Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 105 Regional Priority Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 112 Atlantic Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Browns Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Emerald Isle Woods . . . . . . . 0 . . . 150 Hadnot Creek on White Oak River, * . . . . . . & 0 * .170 Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Pine Woodlands . . . . . . 178 Masontown Pocosin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 North River Marshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Pringle Road Carolina Bays .196 Sea Gate Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Union Point Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Walker's Mill Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Wildberry Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 i LIST OF MAPS TMe 1. Carteret County Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. Rachel Carson Sanctuary and Its Environs . . . . . . . . . . 9 3. Cedar Island - North Bay Barrier Island . . . . . . . . . . . 40 4. Core Banks - Portsmouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 5. Croatan Forest Peat Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 6. Pocosin Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 7. Pocosin Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 8. Pocosin Natural Area . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 9. Millis Road Longleaf Pine Savannah Natural Area . . . . . . . 73 10. Patsy Pond Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 11. Patsy Pond Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 12. Shackleford Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13. Roosevelt Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 14. Ownership of Theodore Roosevelt Tract . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 15. Atlantic Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 16. Atlantic Natural Area Significance Summary . . . . . . . . . 116 17. Brown's Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 18. Western Portion of Brown's Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 19. Emerald Isle Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 20. Ownership Map of Emerald Isle Natural Area . . . . . . . . . 153 21. Hadnot Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 22. Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Pine Woodland . . . . . . . . 179 23. Masontown Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 24. North River Marshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 LIST OF MAPS Page 25. Pringle Road Carolina Bays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 26. Sea Gate Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 27. Union Point Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213 28. Walkers Mill Pond Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220 29. Wildberry Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240 PREFACE The North Carolina office of Coastal Management and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, both units of the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, have commissioned a series of natural areas inventories for ten counties in the coastal zone of this state. The Carteret County inventory was conducted in 1980 and was financed by a Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) grant. CEIP funded the Carteret County survey because of the potential environ- mental impacts of peat mining and other energy-related development. The recommendations in this report by John Fussell and Jeannie Wilson are advisory. Their inventory and recommenda- tions are designed to help state and federal agencies, county officials, resource managers, landowners and developers work out effective land management and preservation mechanisms to protect the outstanding or exemplary natural areas de- scribed in this report. Agencies such as the N.C. Division of Environmental Management, Division of Land Resources, Division of marine Fisheries, Wildlife Resources Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National marine Fisheries Service, and Environmental Protec- tion Agency should find this report useful, as may university researchers, private consultants, and private conservation groups. The Office of Coastal Management will use the report in assessing permit applications and for federal and state consistency reviews. Jeannie Wilson and John Fussell are experienced field biologists, with intimate familiarity with the ecological resources of the project region. The investigators were exceptionally well qualified to identify, describe, and evaluate the most outstanding natural areas of the project region. Project investigators were instructed to identify natural areas that contain highly unique, endangered, or rare natural features, or high-quality representations of relatively un- disturbed natural habitats, and which may be vulnerable to threats and damage from land use changes. Consequently, the investigators were advised not to report extensively on the large expanses of brackish and salt marshes, that fringe most of the county's shoreline, and which, for the most part, are ecosystems protected through state and federal regulatory programs. The investigators did not report on the barrier islands composing Cape Lookout National Seashore (Core, Portsmouth, and Shackelford islands). iv Carteret County possesses extraordinary natural diversity. The original document compiled by Fussell and Wilson con- tained reports on 23 natural areas. It has been necessary to reduce that number to those areas considered to possess ecological resources of national, statewide, or regional significance. Descriptions for other sites of local interest are obtainable from the Natural Heritage Program. National and Statewide Significance (High) Carrot Island - Bird Shoals Cedar Island Refuge Natural Area Core Banks and Portsmouth Island Shackleford Banks Croatan Pocosins Millis Road Savanna and Swales with Pocosins Patsy Pond Complex Roosevelt Natural Area Bogue Inlet Heronry Core Sound (Wainwright) Nesting Islands Dump Island Nesting Colony Morgan Island Nesting Colony Phillips and Annex Islands Nesting Colonies Regional Significance (Medium) Atlantic Natural Area Browns Island Emerald Island Woods Hadnot Creek Natural Area Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Woods Masontown Pocosin North River Marshes Pringle Road Carolina Bays Sea Gate Woods Union Point Pocosin Walkers Millpond Area Wildberry Woods White Oak River - Cedar Point Marshes The Office of Coastal Management, and the Coastal Resources Commission which it serves, implement the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (CAMA). Under this statute, the North Carolina Coastal Management Plan has been prepared and approved. It includes the definition and designation of various Areas of Environ- mental Concern (AEC). In some cases, AECs coincide with natural areas that are herein recommended for v preservation or special management. In come cases, AECs may encompass other areas--such as marsh zone wetlands--which are not extensively treated in this inventory. Peat mining has particular implications for these natural areas, some of which overlay exploitable peat deposits. Mining will remove natural vegetation, permanently alter the hydrology of the region, lower surface soil types from high organic histosoils to the clayey, sandy, and loamy soils typical of other parts of the outer coastal plain. Thus, natural communities, once mining is complete, almost certainly could never be re-established or reclaimed on mined-out land. Preservation of the best natural areas, and appropriate hydrological management, is necessary prior to and during active peat mining. The Natural Heritage Program is most pl 'eased to have had this opportunity to conduct this project for the Office of Coastal Management. The inventory has revealed a number of high quality natural areas that possess natural elements of national and statewide priority and are important parts of North Carolina's natural diversity. Some of the identified sites were previously unknown and undocumented by the state's scientific community. The Natural Heritage Program hopes that these areas will be protected for the benefits of present and future genera- tions of North Carolinians and for the preservation of the state's truly exceptional natural heritage. Charles E. Roe, Coordinator N.C. Natural Heritage Program November 18, 1982 vi INTRODUCTION Purposes of St2dZ The goals of this study were to identify and map the most significant "natural areas" of the county. These include exemplary physical features, exemplary plant communities, and special habitats. Special habitats-- habitats harboring rare species and/or notably large populations-- may or may not be asso- ciated with exemplary physical features or plant communities. Also, we prepared reports, according to Natural Heritage Program specifications, on natural areas that had not previously been reported on. Brief Description of Carteret County Excluding water area, Carteret is a medium-sized (land area about 340,000 acres) but long (axis oriented generally WSW-ENE) county on the central North Carolina coast. Especially prominent physical features are the great length of barrier islands (including a Carolina cape-- Cape Lookout); large shallow sounds and other estuaries); extensive tracts of salt marshes, especially the irregularly flooded marshes (ca. 38,600 acres), which are primarily in the NE half of the county; and extensive pocosins-- poorly drained flatlands dominated by stunted pond pines (Pinus serotina) and several broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Also notable are several Pleistocene relict beach ridge complexes with their associated Carolina bays. These ridges support the majority of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) woodlands and savannahs found in the county. Until recent years, the great majority of the land area of the county was "undeveloped". As recently as 1965, most towns and communities, agriculture and sylviculture were largely restricted to well-drained sections of the mainland adjacent to the estuaries or larger drainage systems. Since then the barrier island Bogue Banks has been converted from a mostly undeveloped to a mostly developed island. In the last decade, vast areas of pocosin (which formerly totaled over 118,000 acres in the county) have been converted to sylviculture and agriculture. One agricultural enterprise alone, the Open Grounds Farm, has converted over 30,000 acres of pocosin to agriculture. Only about half of the original pocosin area of the county remains. Most of this is in Croatan National Forest in the western half of the county. 2 Public lands that contain significant areas of physical features, plant communities, and special habitats are Cape Lookout National Seashore (generally unaltered barrier islands); Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge (vast area of mostly unaltered irregularly-flooded salt marsh-brackish marsh); Croatan National Forest (Pleistocene relict beach ridge complex with Carolina bays, pocosin, freshwater ponds, exemplary longleaf pine savannah); Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area (Holocene relict beach ridge complex vegetated with maritime forest and other plant communities). Previous Work on Natural Areas of County Being the site of one or more marine science labora- tories since the turn of the century, Carteret County has long had a wealth of literature dealing with the marine biology and ecology of the area. However, broad studies of terrestrial sites and land plants and animals have begun only recently. The broadest (in terms of area covered) studies we have seen are Engels (1952) (vertebrate animals of Shackleford Banks); Fisher (1962) (geology of all former inlet sites); Fisher (1967) (geology of relict beach ridges on mainland and barrier islands); Au (1969) (ecology, plant communities, plant species lists of Shackleford Banks); Godfrey and Godfrey (1976) (geology and ecology of Core and Shackleford Banks); Mixon and Pilkey (1976) (detailed geology of majority of county); Fussell (1978) (plant communities and terrestrial verebrate animals of Bogue Banks); Osborn and Custer (1978) (thorough censuses and maps of all wading bird colonies in 1975 and 1976); Synder (1978) (plant ecology, plant communities of portion of Croatan National Forest); Parnell and Soots (1979) (thorough censues and maps of all waterbird colonies in 1977). In addition to these major papers, we have in the past and as part of this study gone over many (probably hundreds) papers dealing either directly or indirectly with the geology and biology of the county. Our primary source of information regarding the numerous localities of endangered, threatened, and other rare species was the Natural Heritage Program's data bank computer printout of reported occurrences. Thirteen reports to the Natural Heritage Program on significant natural areas in the county - Fuller (1978), Wilson (1978), Wilson and Fuller (1978), Fu 'ssell and Wilson (1979), Otte and Whetstone (1979), Wilson and Fussell (1979), and Fussell and Wilson (1980) - have been done prior,to this study. They include some of the highest priority areas; these reports are included with this study. 3 This Study This study was conducted from July to December 1980. During July and August, we did preliminary literature searches and mapping. We reviewed the Natural Heritage Program computer print-out on Carteret County, contacted several persons who are knowledgeable about different aspects of the natural areas of the county, reviewed orthophotoquads, 1971-1979 aerial photography, and topo- graphic quadrangles, and reviewed the unpublished Soil and Conservation Service soil survey of the county. We purchased several 1971ASCS aerial photographs for use in field work. Some persons contacted were: Dr. Gene Huntsman, Bob Simpson, Rick Carraway, and Mike Alford-- all local outdoorsmen; Dr. Frank Schwartz-- ichthyologist at UNC Institute of Marine Sciences; Dr. Julian-- herpetologist at College of Charleston, has done much collecting in this county; John Collier-- county land surveyor; Susan Schmidt-- Office of Coastal Management at Morehead City; and Charles Johnson-- invertebrate zoologist at the N.C. Marine Resources Center on Bogue Banks. While designating and mapping tentative natural areas, we stressed areas in which significant physical features, plant communities, and special habitats were "clumped". We also thought in terms of a general cross-section of physical and biological features, e.g. what is the best example of Pleistocene beach ridges, Holocene beach ridges, Carolina bays, pocosins, etc. On 25 August, we made a systematic two hour flight over the county with the county surveyor, John Collier. We hoped to further evaluate potential naturel areas from the air and to ascertain if all the large roadless areas shown on the most recent State Forest Service map of the county (shows all roads) made in 1978 were still intact. Our flight accomplished the second goal but not the first; we found aerial photographs to be more helpful. From the first week of September through November, we surveyed 23 areas we had identified as being of potential interest. We compiled four long reports and 19 short reports on these areas. In general we made long reports for the most significant or most complex areas, and made short reports on the less significant or the "simplest" (although these might be significant) areas-- e.g. a tract of pocosin that's primary value is in its large roadless extent. We made no report on one very signifi- cant area-- the largest pocosin in Croatan National Forest. However, we did survey three adjacent smaller - 4 - pocosins. We were not able to visit "Luken's Island" which is very inaccessible and which may be a highly significant area; we compiled a report on that area based on observations by a person who is very knowledgeable about the area. Approximately 4-5 days in the field were required for each area described by a long report. Also, for each of these areas, we included data previously collected by us at various times as early as 1970. Approximately one day in the field was spent at each of the areas described by a short report. From late October to December, we refined our maps of selected natural areas and compiled the reports. Approxi- mately 3-4 days were required for each of the long reports and one day for each of the short reports. Our final report includes: 1) a set of topographic quadrangles and a set of orthophotoquads, each with primary physical features, plant communities, and special habitats mapped; 2) a "key" describing primary values and a general rating of all mapped areas; 3) copies of our 13 previous reports on natural areas of the county; 4) our 23 reports prepared for this study. Recommendations Descriptions of the countyts natural areas of greatest ecological significance are included in this document. These are (see Map 1): National and Statewide Priority Areas Carrot Island-Horse Island-Bird Shoal Complex Cedar Island Marshes Cedar Island-North Bay Barrier Island Core Banks and Portsmouth Island Croatan Pocosins Millis Road Longleaf Pine Savanna and Pocosin Patsy Pond Natural Area Shackleford Bank Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area Regional Priority Areas Atlantic Natural Area Browns Island Emerald Island Woods Hadnot Creek on White Oak River Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Pine Woodlands Masontown Pocosin North River Marshes Pringle Road Carolina Bays Sea Gate Woods Union Point Pocosin Walker's Mill Pond Wildberry Woods - 5 - Information on other sites reported on by Fussell and Wilson or others may be obtained on request from the Natural Heritage Program, NC DNRCD. These sites include: Alligator Tram Road Loblolly Pine Forest Crow Hill (Huntley's) Impoundment Fort Macon Park Natural Area Grantsboro "Shoreline" Hunter's Creek Jarrett Bay Waterfowl Impoundment Little Deep Creek Road Pocosin Luken's Island Lake Ellis-Simon Sweet Gum Forest Nine Foot Road Ponds Northwest Prong of Newport River Southwest Prong of Newport River U.S. Forest Service Road 177 Longleaf Pine Woodland Ward's Creek Marshes White Oak River and Cedar Point Marsh Wolf Swamp Lastly, in Map 1, we have shaded the most significant colonial waterbird colonies in the county, i.e. those having over 500 nests of breeding brown pelicans (endangered). Details about these colonies are in the "key" accompanying the topographic quadrangles. BIBLIOGRAPHY Au, S-F. 1969. Vegetation and Ecological Processes on Shackleford Banks, North Carolina. PhD. dissertation. Duke Univ. Engels, W.W. 1952. Vertebrate fauna of North Carolina coastal islands II. Shackleford Banks. Am. Midl. Nat. 47:702-742. Fisher, J.J. 1962. Geomorphic Expression of Former Inlets along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Masters thesis. UNC-Chapel Hill. Fisher, J.J. 1967. Development Pattern of Relict Beach Ridges, Outer Banks Barrier Chain, N.C. PhD. dissertation. UNC-Chapel Hill. Fussell, J.0. 1978. Bogue Banks Study-- Rogue Banks, North Carolina: A Description of Vegetative Communities and Annotated Lists of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals, and Endangered and Threatened Species. N.C. Depart. of Admin., Off. of Marine Affairs. Godfrey, P.J. and M.M. Godfrey. 1976. Barrier Island Ecology of Cape Lookout National Seashore and Vicinity, North Carolina. Natl. Park Serv. Scient. Monog. Series No. 9. 6 Mixon, R.B.' and O.H. Pikley. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, North Carolina. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 859. Osborn, R.G. and T.W. Custer. 1978. Herons and their Allies: Atlas of Atlantic Coast Colonies, 1975 and 1976. U.S. Depart. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Parnell, J.F. and R.F. Soots. 1979. Atlas of Colonial Water- birds of North Carolina Estuaries. UNC Sea Grant Publ. 78-10. Snyder, J. 1978. Analysis of Coastal Plain Vegetation, Croatan National Forest, North Carolina. Veroff. Geobot. Inst. ETH Stiftung Ruble, Zurick 69. Heft. 40-113. Soots, R. and J. Parnell. 1979. Inland Heronries of North Carolina. Chat 43: 10-15. Soil Conservation Service, USDA. 1979. Soil,Survey of Carteret County, N.C. (interim report). COUNTY LOCATOR MAP C2 c R A v E c 0 U N T y J B9 1171 L ce 0 r A E S Bll o' B@ A7 OK EAUF@RT N A N K All f\ B w Ij c Ir MAP 1. 4 'IV CARTERET COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Curot Islzmd-Horse h1camd-Bird Shoal Complex Name of area: Carrot Island, Horse Island, Bird Shoal, and associated spoil islands. County: Carteret Location Description: The area covered by this report is all high land and all intertidal land (mud and sand flats and marshes) that is bounded by Taylor Creek on the north, North River on the east, Beaufort Inlet on the south, and Bulkhead Channel on the west. (See Map 2.) Topographic Quadrangle Map: Beaufort and Harkers Island. Ownership: Recently acquired by the State of North Carolina for management by the N.C. Office of Coastal Management as the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Sanctuary. Report Prepared by: Jeannie Wilson and John 0. Fussell, III. Date: August 1979 Other persons knowledgeable about site: JoAnne Powell, Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N.C. 28516. Chairman of the Carteret County Environmental Resources Comm. Several individuals at the Duke University Marine Labora- tory and the National Marine Fisheries Laboratory are knowledgeable about the Bird Shoal area. Perhaps the two most notable are: Dr. John Costlow (Director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory). He was instrumental in securing funds for the purchase of the Carrot Island area to protect it from development. One of Dr. Costlow's students in the "homosapiens and the marine environment" course, Spring 1979, Lisa Blumenthal, prepared a report on management guidelines for the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island area; and Dr. William Kirby-Smith (on the staff at Duke University Marine Laboratory). He is knowledgeable about the marine invertebrates of the Bird Shoal area. Two other persons that are knowledgeable about the site, because of their involvement in the effort to protect Carrot Island from development and the effort to procure funds to purchase it, are: James King, 1400 Front St., Beaufort, He was the leader of the citizens group that organized to protect Carrot Island; and -8- V. Ar" 'CO t. 05 aii, tpt@!, tio al M50ne Fi.aff kLPb % a @P Strait ie La 4Z @ 4a Qr__. S 7- 2?A 'r jj Ar Z.S fuse !!5 4 Q TR @AE)i Ham ton Mariners Museum Ma; 'n BR S 23 -Bay ISLAN D A TX / / OCG SPIR 1 .12, 12- .. ta/ ,a d 0 t h I c: Kachel Carson National Estuarine Sanctuaryl 3 Ic A. Bottie PU= N 70' @-A@ef'ld pt. /0 '2: . . ....... .... 4 17 ----------------- i5 2&, 26 12, 5T.c BE- Z 3 .-4-29 Is, Fps- 4w- (use 50 52 51 v \J( z ,PRE.Sc K x, 7-7.' 2@ MAP 2: THE RACHEL CARSON SANCTUARY AND ITS ENVIRONS e: CAPE LOOKOLT 10 Warren Davis, Beaufort attorney. He was the attorney who represented the above citizens group. Several other long-time residents of the Beaufort bare are knowledgeable about the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island area, particularly its human history, as the kinds of and degrees of human influences on the area, One such person is: Claude Guthrie, 213 Pollock St., Beaufort, N.C. (former custodian at the National Marine Fisheries Laboratory). Current Use and Protection Status: 1. Current uses: a) Scientific Research. Because of the proximity of Duke University Marine Laboratory and the National Marine Fisheries Laboratory (and also the U.N.C. Institute of Marine Sciences, Morhead City), the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island area, as well as surrounding estuarine areas, is among the bio- logically most studied estuarine sites in the world. Many published scientific papers were based on research done on the Bird Shoal area. b) Education. Scores (maybe hundreds) of organized groups use Bird Shoal for field trips every year. These range from elementary school age to adults. Most field trips are associated with Duke University Marine Laboratory or the Hampton Mariners Museum. c) Recreation. Bird Shoal and the associated spoil areas are used for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and shell- collecting. These activities are mainly restricted to the period from May to September. Most fishing and much shell- fishing is recreational rather than commercial. There is some hunting for rails (marsh hens) in autumn, but very little duck hunting (mostly in the Carrot Island-Horse Island area). Each year, several persons visit Bird Shoal- Carrot Island to go bird-watching. d) Esthetic Value. This sort of value is hard to evaluate. However, probably most Beaufort residents would agree that the "open space" of the Bird Shoal area to the south greatly enhances the "atmosphere" of the Beaufort waterfront. Actually, esthetics was probably the motiva- tion for most Beaufort citizens' involvement in the effort to protect Bird Shoal-Carrot Island from development. e) A strip along the north and west sides of Bird Shoal and Carrot Island - i.e. along Taylor Creek and Bulkhead Channel - has been used regularly for the deposition of spoil material when these water bodies are dredged. f) An ostensibly minor, but probably ecologically important, use of the Bird-Shoal-Carrot Island area is as a grazing area for several privately owned horses (at least they are claimed to have owners). g) The Bird Shoal area is used to some extent by the commercial fishery. Considerable "clam-kicking" was obvious on Bird Shoal in the winter 1978-1979. Some oystering is done in the area near Horse Island and a few nets are often set in this area. In fall "hauling for mullet" is done on the outer beach of Bird Shoal. The above are direct contri- butions of Bird Shoal-Carrot Island to the commercial fishery. Of course, the area's major contribution to the commercial fishery would be more indirect, i.e. as a productive nursery ground (mainly the marsh and eelgrass areas) for species that are harvested elsewhere. 2. Protection Status: The State of North Carolina will have acquired by the Fall of 1983 approximately 2,025 acres of islands, marshes, intertidal flats, tidal creeks, and shallow estuarine waters. Land areas include Carrot Island, Horse Island, Bird Shoal and Town Marsh. A Management Plan has been developed and reviewed extensively by Beaufort citizens, scientists and local officials. It will be submitted by July 1, 1983 to the Federal Office (OCRM) for approval. Contact Person: Sanctuary Coordinator Office of Coastal Management Raleigh, N. C. 27611 919/733-2293 Vegetation and Plant Communities: The "original" topography of the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island area, amplified by spoiling operations of this century, has contributed to a large diversity of habitats in a relatively small area. There are: 1) deep water areas adjacent to Bird Shoal-Carrot Island, i.e. Beaufort Inlet, Bulkhead Channel, Taylor Creek, and North River. 2) some deep water (not exposed by tides) areas within the study site, i.e. the deeper tidal creeks, the deeper open water near Horse Island, and the relatively deep "bay" at the west end of Bird Shoal. These areas have some eelgrass (Zostera marina) growth, but it appears to be sparse. 3) oyster rocks. There is also a small section of rock breakwater. 4) mud flats. Flats are most muddy adjacent to Horse Island and at the west end of Bird Shoal. At the last loca- tion, the muddiness is probably largely due to spoiling operations in this century. 5) sand flats. The flats of Bird Shoal near Beaufort Inlet, especially in the southeastern section of the shoals, are sandy. This broad area of sand flats may be the largest area of intertidal sand flats in the state. 12 6) the inlet beach. This is the strip of slightly elevated land that lies between the intertidal section of Bird Shoal and the inlet. It is submerged only by extreme tides. In the last 3 or 4 years, this strip of land has begun to "build up" and some small sea oats (Uniola paniculata) dunes have developed. 7) Spartina alterniflora marshes. Most Spartina alterniflora is grazed intensively by the horses. The only ungrazed areas are the deeper areas of Town Marsh and the marshes of Carrot Island. 8) High marsh-low meadow areas are common along the lower slopes of the spoil sites. Species composition changes with elevation. Juncus roemerianus, Spartina patens, and Fimbristylis spadi-ce-a adjacent to the Spartina alterniflora, changes to Andropogon virginicus and other species furth-er up the slopes. 9) maritime shrub thicket. This is most common on dredge spoil along the north side of Carrot Island. However, there is also shrub thicket on the natural ridge along the south side of Carrot Island. Dominant shrub thicket species are red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), live oak (Quercus virginiana), and loblolly pine (Pi-nus taeda). The "naturaV' shrub thicket appears to have a greater species diversity than the spoil shrub thicket and at least. one species that doesn't occur in the spoil shrub thicket-palmetto (Sabal minor). 10) the sparsely vegetated domes of the spoil sites. The most common plants here are little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) and camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxilla7r-is). 11T-non-tidal pools. Most of these may dry up occasionally and the salinity probably varies greatly. Some have a growth of widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima). These pools are mostly restricted to the ;p_-oil areas, but there is a natural one on Horse Island.* Physical Features: The primary physical features of Bird Shoal-Carrot Island- Horse Island complex are: 1) the long strip of spoil material (up to 10-15 feet in elevation) that stretches from North River along Taylor Creek and the south toward Beaufort Inlet. This strip is broken only at two points - the tidal creek near the west end of Carrot Island and the tidal creek through Town Marsh. 2) the vast intertidal flat that makes up much of the central and southern part of the complex. 3) the narrow "beach" that separates the intertidal flat from Beaufort Inlet. 4) the remnant of Town Marsh (Spartina alterniflora) at the northwest end of the complex and the fairly large expanse of Spartina alterniflora marsh at Carrot Island. 5) the low ridge vegetated with shrub thicket hammocks along the south side of Carrot Island. This ridge is on old (1800's) charts. Perhaps it is a relict beach ridge. The ridge is sand on the surface. It would be interesting to know if the sand continues down, or if it is only along the immediate surface with mud or marsh peat just below it. - 13 - Rare Plants and Animals: Plants: Probably none. Marine invertebrates: Annelida Polychaeta Chaetopterus variopedatus Special concern Parchment tube worm Mollusca Gastropoda Busycon canaliculatum Special concern Channeled whelk Busycon carica Special concern Knobbed whelk Special concern Busycon contrarium Special concern Lightning whelk Pelecypoda Panopea bitruncata Special concern Atlantic geoduck-one record at Bird Shoal Reptiles and Amphibians: Atlantic Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta caretta, (endangered in North Carolina) probably '@`ccur, at least occasionally, in the adjacent inlet, and they might rarely nest on the inlet beach of Bird Shoal. 14 Birds: Species Status at Bird Shoal Status in N.C. Brown pelican perm. res. Endangered Great blue heron perm. res. Special concern Creat egret perm. res. Special concern Snowy egret perm. res. Special concern Little blue heron perm. res. Special concern Louisiana heron perm. res. Special concern Black-crowned night heron perm. res. Special concern Yellow-crowned night neron summer res. Special concern American bittern winter visitant Undetermined Glossy ibis rare visitant Special concern White ibis perm. res. Special concern Black duck winter visitant Special cocern. Turkey vulture winter visitant Threatened Marsh hawk winter resident Undetermined Osprey summer resident Special concern Peregrine falcon fall trans. winter vis. Endangered Merlin fall trans. winter vis. Threatened Piping plover per. res.may nest Special concern Wilson's p1over summer res. nest Special concern Gull-billed tern summer. res. sometimes nests Special concern Comm tern summ. res. sometimes nests Special concern Least tern summ. res. nests Special. concern Royal tern perm. res. Special concern Sandwich tern trans. Special concern Black skimmer perm. res. somtimes nests Spec. concern Barn owl winter res. Special concern Purple martin summer res. Special concern Black and White warbler transient Undetermined Prothonotary warbler fall trans. Special concorn Yellow warbler fall trans. Special concern Publications and Scientific Rferences: Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, and J.D. Funderburg (cds). Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina N.C. Museum of Natural History. Raleigh. Fussell, J. 1976. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island-Horse Island complex. unpublished manuscript. (based on approximately 150 visits to the area 1971-1976). Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. UNC press. Chapel Hill - 15 Flora Species List: Zostera marina eelgrass Pools Oil Spoil: Bacopa monnieri bacopa. Ruppla. maritima widgeon grass Beach: Herbs: Amaranthus pumilus seabcech amaranth Atriplex patula. orach Calkile edentula or harperi? sea rocket Euphorbia. polygonifolia sea spurge Salsola kali Russoam thistle Sosuvium purtulacastruin sea purslane Suaeda linecaris sea blite Graminoids: Fimbristylis spadicea Fimbristylis Spartina patens salt marsh cord grass Uniola paniculata sea oats Dunes and sandy soil(spoi1): Shrubs: Groton punctatus croton Iva imbricata, seaside elder Myrica cerifera wax myrtle Tamarix gallica. salt cedar Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet %lines: Calystqegia sepium hedge bindweed Cynanchum palustre cynanchum Ipomoea sagittata morning glory Rubus trivialis dewberry Smilax auriculata greenbriar, catbriar Strophostyles helvola sea bean Herbs: Achillea millefolium milfoil, yarrow Cassin fasciculata partidge pea Chenopodium albun lambs quarters C. ambrosioides Mexican tea 16 Herbs: Cnidoscolus stimulosus sand nettle Diodia teres diodia Erigeron canadens,s horseweed Euphorbia polygonifolia sea spurge Gaillardia, pulchella Gaillardia Heterotheca subaxillaris camphorweed Hydrocotyle bonariensis pennywort Lactuca sp. wild lettuce Lepidium virginicum poor man's popper Lippia nodiflora lippia Medicago lupulina black medicago Melilotus alba sweet white clover Monarda punctata bee-balm Oenothera humifusa evening primrose 0. laciniata evening primrose Opuntia drummondii prickly pear Oxalis dillenii Sourgrass Paronychia riparia paronychia Physalis viscosa ssp. maritima ,ground cherry Phytolacca americana poke Plantago aristata plantain P. lancoolata plantain Portulaca oleracea sea purslane Rumex acetosella sheep sorrol Sabatia stellaris sabatia Solantum gracile nightshade Solidago sempervirens seaside goldenrod Trifolium campestre low hop clover T. repens clover Xanthium strumarium. cocklebur Graminoids: Andropogon scoparius little blue stem Cenchrus longispinus sandspurs C. tribuloides sandspurs Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass Muhlenbergia capillaris muhly Setaria geniculata foxtail grass Spartina patqens salt meadow hay Uniola paniculata sea oats Salt marsh: Herbs: Agalinis maritima gerardia Atriplex patula orach Limonium carol carolinianam sea lavendar Salicornia virginica glassworL Spiranthes vernalis spring lady's tresses 17 Graminoids: Distichlis spicata salt gras Fiuibristylis spaciceqa fimbristylis Juncus roemerianus black needlerush SparLina alterniflora salt marsh cordgrass S. Patens salt meadow hay High Marsh Meadow (on spoil): Shrubs Baccharis halimifolia groundsel-tree, cottonbush Borrichia frutencens sea ox-eye Iva frutescens marsh astor Kosteletskya virginica seashore mallow Vines: Melothria pendula creeping cucumber Mikania scandens climbing hempweed Herbs: Aster tenuifolius marsh aster Atriplux patula orach Centella asiatica centella Eupatorium capillifolium throughwort Gaqlium hispidulum bedstraw Lythrum lineare loosestrife Pluchea foetida marsh f1eabane Portulace oleracea sea purslane Salicornia virginica glasswort Samolus parviflorus water pimpernel Suaeda linearis sea blite Graminoids: Andropogon virginicus Cladium jamaicense saw grass Elymus virginicus rye grass Fimbristylis spacea fimbristylis Panicum Virgatum panic grass Scirpus robustus bulrush Setaria geniculata foxtail grass L Spartina patens salt meadow hay Maritime Shrub Thicket Trees: Diospyos virginiana persimmoa I Juniperus virginiana red cedar Morus alba white mulberry Osmanthus americana wild olive Persea borbonia red bay Trees: Pinus taeda loblolly pine Prunus angustifolia chickasaw plum P. caroliniana laurel cherry Quercus virginiana live oak Salix caroliniana carolina willow Xanthoxylum clava-herculis hercules club, toothache tree Shrubs: Aralia spinosa hercules club Baccharis halimifolia groundsel-tree, cottonbush Bumelia lycioides buckthorn Hypericum hypericoides St. John's wort Ilex vomitoria yaupon Ligustrum japonicum privet Myrica cerifera wax myrtle Pittosporum tobira pittosporum Rhus copallina winged sumac Sabal minor palmetto Yucca gloriosa yucca Callicarpa americana American beauty berry Vines: Ampelopsis arborea peppervine Gelsemium sempervirens yellow jessamine Lonicera sempervirens coral honeysuckle Melothria pendula creeping cucumber Passiflora lutea passion flower Rhus radicans poison ivy Smilax bona-nox greenbriar, catbriar S. rotundifolia greenbriar, catbriar Vitis rotundifolia muscadine grape Herbs: Galium hispidolum bedstraw Hydrocotyle bonariensis pennywort Graminoids: Ely-mus virginicus rye grass Panicum virgatum panic grass Ferns: Asplenium platyneuron ebony spleenwort 19 Fauna Species List: Amphibians: Possibly none. There is little cr no fresh water. Reptiles: We have observed only two species: Carolina diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin contrata common in tidal creeks Corn snake Elaphe guttata guttata Species that are possible or probable: Snapping turtle Chelydra serptina Atlantic loggerhead Caretta careLta caretta Green anole Anolis carolinensis carolinensis Six-lined racerunner Chemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus Eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis Northern black racer Coluber constrictor constrictor Rough green snake Ophisaurus ventralis "Greenish" rat snake Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta E. obsoleLa quadrivittata Mamma1s: We have observed: River otter Lutra canadensis Gray f ox Urocyon cineieoargentes Norway rat Rattus norvegicus Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris horse Equus caballus Atlantic bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Possible or probable are: Raccoon Procyon lotor Eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis Rice rat Oryzomys palustris Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus 20 Birds: Species Status Common loon winter resident Ked-throated loon winter resident Horned grebe Winter resident Pied-billed grebe winter resident Audubon's shearwater one record White pelican two records Brown peican permanent resident Doublecrested cormorant winter resident Great blue heron permanent resident Green heron summer resident-nests Little blue heron permanent resident Cattle egret summer visitant Reddish egret one record Great ecret permanent resident Snowy egret permanent resident Louisiana heron permanent resident Black-crowned night heron, permanent resident Yellow-crowned night heron summer resident Least bittern summer resident American bittern winter visitant Glossy ibis rare visitant White ibis permanent resident Canada goose winter visitant Snow goose one record Mallard winter visitant Black duck winter visitant Pintail winter visitant Green-winged teal. winter visitanL Green-winged teal transient American wigeon winter visitant Northern shoveler transient Greater scaup winter visitant Lesser scaup winter visitant Common goldeneye winter resident Bufflehead winter resident Ruddy duck winter visitant Hooded merganser winter resident Red-breasted merganser winter res i dent Turkey vulture winter visitant Sharp-shinned hawk, falL transient winter resident: Marsh hawk winter resident Osprey Summer resident Peregrine falcon fall transient, winter visitant Merlin fall transient, winter visitant American kestrel winter resident Bobwhite permanent resident-nests Clapper rail permanent resident-nests Virginia rail fall transient Sora transient American coat fall transient American oystercatcher permanent resident-nests 21 Status Semipalmated plover permanent resident Piping plover permanent resident-may nest Wilson's plover summer resident-nests Killdeer winter resident glack-bellied plover permanent resident Ruddy turnstone permanent resident American woodcock winter visitant Common snipe winter visitant Long billed curlow winter resident (rare, 1974-1978 Whimbrel transient Upland sandpiper one record Spotted sandpiper transient Wi11et permanent resident-nests Greater yellowleqgs permanent resident Lesser yellowlegs transient Red knot permanent resident Purple sandpiper one record Pectoral sandpiper transient White-rumped sandpiper transient Least sandpiper winter resident Curlew sandpiper one recoud Dunlin winter resident Short-billed dowitcher winter visitant Stilt sandpiper transient Semipalmated sandpiper transienL western sandpiper winter resident Marbled godwit winter resident Hudsonian goodwit two records Sanderling permanent resident American avocet one record Wilson's phalarope one record Northern phalarope one record Parasite Jaeger one record Claucous gull one record Great black-backed gull permanent resident Herring gull permanent resident Ring-billed gull permanent resident Laughing gull permanent resident Sonaparte's gull winter resident Cullbilled tern summer residents-sometimes nests Forster's torn permanent resident-sometimes nests Common tern summer resident-sometimes nests Least tern summer resident-sometimes nests Royal torn permanent resident Sandwich tern transient Caspian tern fall transient Black tern fall transient Black skimmer permanent resident-sometimes nests Rock dove permanent resident permanent resident nests Mourning dove Barn owl winter resident 22 Species Status Short-eared owl winter visitant Chuck-will's widow summer resident? may nest? Common niggthawk summer resident-nests Chimney swift summer resident Belted kingfisher winter resident Common f licker fall transient Yellow-bellied sapsucker winter visitant Eastern kingbird fall transient Great crested flycaLcner fall transient Tree swallow fall transient. Bank swallow fall transient Rough-winged swallow summer resident Barn swallow summer resident Purple martin summer resident Blue jay permanent resident Common crow permanent resident Fish crow permanent resident-probably nests House wren winter resident Carolina wren permanent resident-nests Long-billed marsh wren winter resident Short-billed marsn wren winter resident Mockingbird permanent resident-nests Grey catbird permanent resident-nests Brown thrasher permanent resident-nests American robin winter visitant Hermit thrush winter visitant Ruby-crowned kinglet winter visitant Water pipit winter resident Cedar waxwing winter visitant Loggerhead shrike rare visitant Starling permanent resident Red-eyed vireo fall transient Black-and-white warbler transient Prothonotary warbler fall transient Orange-crowned warbler winter resident Northern parula fall transient Yellow warbler fall transient Yellow-rumped warbler winter resident Praire warbler summer resident-nests Palm warbler fall transient Common yellowthroat winter resident American redstart fall transient Bobolink fall transient Eastern meadowlark permanent resident-nests Red-winged blackbird permanent resident-nests Boat-tailed grackle permanent resident-nests Common grackle summer resident-probably nests Cardinal permanent resident-nests Painted bunting summer resident-nests - 23 �.Recies Status Purple finch winter visitant pino siskin winter visitant American goldfinch winter visitant Rufous-sided towhee permanent resident-nests Savannah sparrow winter resident Sharp-tailed sparrow winter resident Seaside sparrow p@rmanent resident-nests Field sparrow winter visitant White-throated sparrow winter resident Swamp sparrow winter resident Song sparrow winter resident Snow bunting winter visitant -24 Ecological Significance: 1) The Carrot Island-Bird Shoal area is a significant "field laboratory". It is used heavily for scientific research and education. Scientific references to Bird Shoal go back to at least 1870. 2) Within the complex, there is one area that can be considered a natural area. It is the ridge of maritime shrub thicket along the south side of Carrot Island. Perhaps this is a relict beach ridge. 3) The Bird Shoal complex is notable for the large number of habitats that occur in relative proximity and especially for the large number of wetland habitats.- Such wetland habitats include the inlet beach, oyster rocks, sand flats, mud flats, non-tidal pools, and grazed and ungrazed salt marshes. 4) The numbers of, diversity of, and notable species of marine invertebrates that occur at the Bird Shoal complex are related to the diversity of wetland habitats and to the expanse of intertidal flats. The expanse of intertidal sand flats especially adds to Carrot Island-Bird Shoal's uniqueness. Elsewhere in North Carolina, there are often expanses of intertidal sand flats on the updrift side of inlets, but these are temporary, quickly building into areas that are mostly above the tide's influence. 5) The Carrot Island-Bird Shoal complex is notable as a major roosting area for waterbirds, and for having a rich diversity of shorebirds. It has probably the richest diversity of intertidal shorebirds of any area in North Carolina. Although there is relatively little waterbird nesting on the Carrot Island-Bird Shoal complex, it is an important feeding area for young birds, from nesting sites near Cape Lookout, near Fort Macon, and in the lower Newport River. At certain times of the year, Carrot Island-Bird Shoal serves as a roosting area for thousands of birds. Particu- larly large concentrations exist in the fall. The narrow inlet beach is the main roosting area. A notable roosting use of Carrot Island-Bird Shoal is by thousands of Common terns in late September. These birds are apparently migrating southward offshore, and at mid-day, there may be none on the islands. However, about 1-2 hours before sunset, they begin streaming into the islands to roost, and at sunset, there may be thousands present. Carrot Island-Bird Shoal may be ex- tremely valuable to such migrating birds. Several species of intertidal shorebirds are notable: There are large wintering populations of Dunlins, Short- billed dowitchers, and Western sandpipers. Bird Shoal is an important feeding area for Wilson's plovers (special concern) in summer and Piping plovers (special concern) in winter. Carrot Island-Bird Shoal may have the largest wintering population of Piping plovers along the entire east coast (based on Audubon Christmas Bird Counts). - 25 - 6) The complex is used by at least two endangered species, two threatened species, and 29 species of special concern. The endangered Brown pelican is a resident using the area for feeding and roosting. The Peregrine falcon is a fall transient/winter visitant. In December 1978, a Peregrine falcon was resident for at least 2 weeks. 7) The complex is important to the esthetic appeal of Beaufort. Management Recommendations: In suggesting management recommendations for the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island-Horse Island complex, it is important to stress that the primary biological values of the complex are due to its diversity of wetland habitats and large expanses of mud and sand flats, which have resulted largely from human activities. There is no inconsistency in using management in "preserving" these values. 1) The natural area (the low ridge of shrub thicket) should be recognized as such and protected from alteration. 2) The broad expanse of intertidal mud and sand flats should be maintained. There may be two threats to the con- tinued existence of this expanse of flats: a) development of the shoals by soil build-up to elevations that are not intertidal. This is apparently slowly happening now. It appears that the sand that is causing the increase in elevation is coming from the erosion of the large spoil mound at the southwest corner of the complex. Spoil from future dredging of Bulkhead Channel should be placed on Radio Island, not on the complex. Spoil material along Taylor Creek, at its present elevation, is not so likely to add to the elevation of Carrot Island-Bird Shoal, but that spoil could "flood" onto the islands during the storm tides of a hurricane. Probably, no further deposition of spoil material on the Bird Shoal-Carrot Island-Horse Island complex is desirable. b) loss of the sand flat and mud flat habitat by succession to salt marshes. Formerly, Carrot Island- Bird Shoal was subjected to more wave and current action and this was probably the reason salt marshes did not develop. In the last two decades, the development of the elevated inlet beach has created favorable conditions for marsh development. Probably, the horses on Carrot Island-Bird Shoal have been important in preventing marsh succession. (No one who has watched a horse on these islands feed for five minutes would doubt it!). Thus, in this respect, the presence of the horses is desirable. 3) The effect of the horses on the ecology of the complex should be studied (see above). For many people, horses add to the esthetic appeal of the complex. 4) It should be assumed that the complex is not generally good nesting habitat for waterbirds, but some habitat modifi- cation might be appropriate. Sites having nesting Least terns (of special concern), Wilson's plovers (Special concern), 26 and Piping plovers (special concern) are worthy of protection (by posting signs etc.). A colony of almost 100 Least terns on the inlet beach in 1979 apparently had almost no nesting success, and this might have been the result of people who did not realize they were walking through a nesting colony. The Painted bunting, which is rapidly losing nesting habitat in the state, ks a species for which habitat maintenance/improvement along the spoil site shrub thickets would be appropriate. 5) At current rates of visitation (considering kinds of visitation and the seasons of visitation), people do not detract greatly from the primary values of the domplex. This will probably continue to be true as long as permanent structures do not exist in the complex. 27 - Addends to Bird Shost-Carrot Island report: Soil Information: Higher ground: Nevhan-Carteret complex, 0-30 % slopes This is a very sandy soil that has a droughty condition. It is not suitable for development, because of drought, narrow dune ridges, and the soil's tendency to shift. Typical species found on this soil type are Uniola.vaniculita and Ammophila brevilitulats. Marsh: Carteret soils, high phase These are regularly flooded sandy soils with an excess concentration of salt. It is not suitable for development or agriculture. Reference: Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1979. Soil Survey Interim Report, Carteret County, North Carolina (advance copy, subject to change). Cedar Island Marshes Name of Area: Cedar Island Marshes County: Carteret Location Description: The Cedar Island Marshes are located in the northeastern section of Carteret,County. They are bounded by Long Bay a'nd West Bay (arms of Pamlico Sound) to the northwest and north, Cedar Island to the northeast, Core Sound and Thorofare Bay to the southeast, and the Carteret County mainland to, the southwest. See Map 1. Topographic Quadrangle Map: Atlantic & Long Bay Ownership: Most of the area of the Cedar Island Marshe.s (which are about 7000 acres in extent) is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Total acreage owned by the Fish and Wildlife Service is 9190.6 acres, but some of this acreage is high land at Cedar Island.) A significant area of the south- western section of the marshes is owned by the'., U.S. Marine Corps and the Bayland Corporation, but the acreage is hard to estimate because of the poor resolution of the:tax maps. We estimate 'that the Marine Corps owns approximately 500 acres (northwest of N.C. 12) and that the Bayland Corp- oration owns approximately 500 acres (southeast of N.C. 12). The address of the Bayland Corporation is Fayetteville, N.C. Report Prepared by: John Fussell, III and Jeannie Wilson Date: August 1979 Other Persons Knowledgeable about Site: Mr. Otto Florschutz U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Washington, N.C. Mr. Dave Rackley Ecological Services Division U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raleigh, N.C. Mr. Ray Whitmore Assistant Refuge Manager Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Swanquarter, N.C. . -28- - 29 Mr. Rick Linthurst Dept. of Botany N.C. State University Raleigh, N.C. 27607 Current Use and Protection Status: These marshes are largely unaltered. They probably contain the largest contiguous tract of undisturbed irregularly inundated salt marsh in North Carolina. Obvious manmade features in the marshes are: N.C. 12 and two adjacent borrow ditches that bisect the marshes from southwest to northeast, the Thorofare channel that crosses the southwestern section of the marshes, and the John Day Ditch that crosses the northeastern section of the marshes. The effect of these features on the ecology of the marshes is unknown. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers all the marshes northeast of the Thorofare channel (approxi- mately 6000 acres). So far, the only alteration of the marshes by the Service has been the blasting of a few 11potholes" and some control burning-both to improve habitat for waterfowl. Currently, the Service is considering the impoundment of approximately 2000 acres of marshes northwest of N.C. 12 for waterfowl habitat, especially to improve habitat for nesting Black Ducks. We do not know of any plans by the Marine Corps or the Bayland Corporation to alter the area of marshes they own. Of course, all the Cedar Island Marshes are designated as an area of environmental concern under the Coastal Area Management Act. Vegetation and Plant Communities: The dominant plants of the marshes are Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, Spartina cynosuroides, Panicum virgat7m, and Juncus roemerianus. Along the southeast side of the marshes (toward Core Sound), Spartina alterniflora (the short form) is dominant. In this area, pond holes (many containing Ruppia maritima) are common. Northwestward toward N.C. 12, the Spartina alterniflora grades into Juncus roemerianus (often intermixed with Panicum virgatu7m-)and Spartina patens. Just northwest of N.C. 12, Spartina patens and Juncus continue to be generally dominant, although in some areas, Spartina cynosuroides is equally common. In the central area of the marshes northwest of N.C.'12, some shrubs (Iva frutescens and Baccharis halimifolia) are present (Yh-ese can be seen from N.C. 17-). Their presence suggests that the area is slightly higher and the ground less moist. Perhaps the composition of grasses, sedges and rushes in that area is different from the rest 30 of the marshes. Near the mainland (southwest of the Thorofare) and near Cedar Island (northeast of the John Day Ditch), there are extensive areas of fairly pure stands of Juncus roemerianus. In this report, we are concerned with only the marshes. However, there are also several maritime shrub thicket hammocks on the edges of the marshes, which we did not visit. One of these, Rumley's Hammock, covers several acres and might be of special interest. Physical Features: These marshes are essentially level. Lunar tides in this area areveryslight and the marshes are flooded only by the tides of tropical cyclones or by the most extreme wind tides. According to Mixon and Pilkey (1976), the marshes are part of a "thin veneer of Holocene saltmarsh peat, mud and sand" that lie on "silty and clayey sand of Pleistocene age". Rare Plants and Animals: Plants: none Reptiles: Water snakes (Natrix spp.) are common in these marshes. Speci7m-ens here are probably referable to Natrix sipedon williamenglesi, which was considered. by Bruce et al. (in Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, and J.B. T-un7d-erburg (Eds) 1977) to be of undetermined status, i.e. the population is deserving of concern but the lack of information makes it impossible to assign it to the proper category of concern. Birds: We list rare birds in two categories: 1) those directly associated with the marshes and associated pond holes, 2) those occurring only on the adjacent waters and along the marsh-forest border or those that feed above the marshes. Evaluation of the Site's Ecological Significance: 1) The Cedar Island Marshes are one of the largest contiguous tracts of irregularly flooded salt marsh in the state. They are probably the largest tract of such marsh in the'state that contains a significant amount of SRartina patens. 2) The Cedar Island Marshes are relatively unaltered. Elsewhere in the county, most irregularly flooded marshes have been subjected to ditching for mosquito control, especially the more extensive marshes (as just southwest of Davis). Post and Enders (1969) suggested that ditching of salt marshes may be harmful to some species of birds. 31 - 3) Many persons believe that this several thousand acre tract of unbroken marsh has a great deal of esthetic value. 4) The Cedar Island Marshes support possibly one rare reptile and several rare birds (see above). However, some less rare birds are also noteworthy. The Marsh hawk, if it nest in the marshes, is probably at its southern limit here. Perhaps, these marshes are most notable for the rail populations present. Probably all U.S. species of rails occur here (although the extremely secretive Yellow rail has not been observed, it probably winters here). King rails (special concern) occur here and may nest. Clapper rails are common. Virginia rails are common here in winter, and a few apparently nest. Here, they are at the southern limit of their nesting range. Soras are probably common in migration. Although not seen or heard, Yellow rails (undetermined status) might actually be common in these marshes in winter. Rail-wise, perhaps the Cedar Island Marshes biggest claim to fame is its Black Rail (undetermined) popu- lation. Numbers of these secretive and apparently local birds in these marshes apparently rival those at Elliott Island, Maryland, formerly considered to have the largest Black rail population in the United States. The importance of the Cedar Island Marshes to the Black Rail population in North Carolina may be considerable, but since it is such a secretive species, no one knows if this is the case. Management Recommendations: A major value of the Cedar Island Marshes involves its importance to several species of birds that are so secretive that their exact status in these marshes, as well as elsewhere in the state, is largely unknown. Therefore, it would be presumptuous to suggest any hard and fast recommendations. Clearly, this area deserves further study. If the Fish and Wildlife Service plans to impound any marsh acreage, then rail populations, especially King, Yellow, and Black rails, should be ascertained. Perhaps the best location for impoundments would be adjacent to the mainland and adjacent to Cedar Island, where the marshes have a higher percentage of Juncus roemerianus. This would leave the marshes that are pr-obably the best rail habitat. This would also still leave a large contiguous tract of unaltered marsh. Fire management should be studied. Probably, fire is "beneficial" to the marsh, at least a certain amount of it helps to maintain it. However, in regards to many of the marsh inhabitants, the alternate burning of several small areas might be desirable to the use of two or three fires that burn the entire marsh and thus remove large areas of cover at one time. Post, William and Frank Enders. 1969. Reappearance of the Black Rail on Long Island, Kingbird. Vol 19:189-191. 32 1) Species Status in C.I. Marshes N.C. Status Great blue heron Permanent resident Special concern American bittern Winter resident Undetermined (or Perm. resident? may rarely breed) Great egret Permanent resident Special concern Snowy egret Permanent resident Special concern Little blue heron Permanent resident Special concern Louisiana heron Permanent resident Special concern Black-crowned night heron Perm. resident, Special concern Glossy ibis Summer resident Spe'cial concern Black duck Permanent resident(nesLs) Special concern Marsh hawk Permanent res.(probably nests) Undetermined Yellow rail (no records of this secretive Undetermined species-probably winter res.) Black rail Permanent resident Undetermined (Probably nests) King rail Possible perm. res.may nest Special concern Barn owl Perm. res. (probably nests) Special C011cern 2) Status adjacent to C.I. IN.C. Status Brown pelican Permanent resident Endan,,_,,ered Turkcy vulture Permanent resident Special concern Red-tailed hawk Permanent resident Spec 1. a Iconcern Red-shouldered hawk Permanent resident Special concern Osprey Summer resident Special concern Gul.l.-billed tern Summer resident Special. concerti Laughing gull Permanent resident Special concern Least tern Summer rosidont Special concern Common tern Summer resident Special concern Royal tern Permanent resident Special, concern Black skiiimier Permanent resident Special. concern PLIrpl0 marLin Summer resident Special concerti Publications and Scientific references: Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, and J.B. Funderburg (Eds.) 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museuni of Natural IlLsLory, Ralei&, N.C. 444 pages. Mixon, R.B. and 0.11. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance geology of the submerged and emerged coastal plain province, Cape Lookout area, North Carolina. Geological Survey Professional Paper 859, U.S. Govt Printing Off. Washington, D.C. - 33 - Flora Species List: Shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel-tree, Cottonbush Borrichia frutescens Sea ox-eye Iva frutescens Marsh elder Herbs: Aster tenuifolius Marsh aster Atriplex patula Orach Ruppia maritima Widgeon grass Sabatia dodecandra Sabatia Salicornia virginica Glasswort Graminoids: Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass Distichlis spicata Saltgrass Fimbristylis spadicea Fimbristylis Juncus roemerianus Block- needlerush Panicum virgatum Panic grass Spartina alterniflora Salt marsh cordgrass S. cynosuroides Cord grass S. patens Salt meadow hay Typha latifolia Cat-tail 34 Fauna Species List: most of the following were observed by John Fussell during approximately 50 visits to the marshes to stuOy Black Rails, 1974- 1978. Many of these visits were made at night. Amphibians: Amphibians are ostensibly absent in these marshes. However, about 11 pm. 31 May 1974, there was an apparently ITUge chorus Of frogs in the marshes northwest of N.C. 12. This was four days after a very heavy (3 + inches) rain. Species identified by call were: Southern toad Bufo terrestris Southern cricket frog Acris @ryllus gryllus Green treefrog Hyla cinerea Pine woods treefrog Hyla femoralis Little grass frog Limhaoedus ocularis Reptiles: Northern diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin centrata Water snake Natrix sipedon williamengelsi? These two species are common. Other species probably occuj-- at least occasionally - especially near shrub thicket hammocks. Birds: This list includes only species that occur in the marsh proper or that feed in pond holes in th.-L, marsh. .@pecies Seasonal Stattis Great blue heron Permanent resident Green heron Summer resident Little blue heron Permanent resident Great egret Permanent resident Snowy egret Permanent resident Louisiana heron Permanent resident Black-crowned night heron Permanent resident Least bittern Summer resident (nests) American bittern Winter resident Glossy ibis Summer resident Roseate spoonbill One record Mallard Winter res. or perm. res. (may nest) Black duck Permanent resident (nests) Gadwall Winter resident or Perm. res. (may nest Pintail Winter resident Green-winged teal Winter resident Blue-winged teal Transient American wigeon Winter resident Northern shoveler Transient Marsh hawk Permanent res. (probably nests) King rail Probably perm. res. (probably nests) Clapper rail Pormanent resident (nests) - 35 Species Seasonal Status Virginia rail Permanent resident (probably nests) Sora Winter resident (mainly a transient) Yellow rail No records of this secretive species Probably a winter resident Black rail Permanent resident (probably nests) The areas of pond holes were not visited during migrations, The Following shorebird statuses are conjectural -- only the most likely species are included. Willet Summer resident (probably nests) Greater yellowlegs Winter resident Lesser yellowlegs Transient Pectoral sandpiper Transient Short-billed dowitcher Winter resident Long-billed dowitcher Transient or winter resident Snowy owl One record Barn owl Permanent resident (Probably nests) Fish crow Permanent resident (probably nests on hammocks), Lon-billed marsh wren Permanent resident (nests) Short-billed marsh wren Probable winter resident. Bobolink Transient Eastern Meadowlark Permanent resident (nests) Redwinged blackbird Permanent resident (nests) Boat-tailed -grackle Permanent resident (nests) Savannah sparrow Winter resident Sharp-tailed sparrow Winter resident Seaside sparrow Summer resident (or perm. res., nests) Swamp sparrow Winter resident Raccoon Procyon lotor Mink Mustela vison River otter Lutra canadensis Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris Other species undoubtedly occur. Four very likely species are: Gray fox Urocyon cineroargenteus Eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis Rice rat Oryzomys palustris Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus Cedar Island-North Bay Barrier Island Name of Area: Cedar Island-North Bay, Barrier Island County: Carteret Location: Strand of beaches, dunes, and shrub thickets that fronts Pamlico Sound N and NE of Cedar Island. ,See Map 1. Quad: North Bay Physical/Habitat Feature: Barrier Beach system. Site Quality: Away from the ferry terminal area, this island system is essentially a natural area. Elevation: 0-10' Topography: Cross section of narrow beach, and narrow bare and vegetated low dunes fronting level salt marsh. Soil Series: Beach and dune soils are Beach-Newhan Association; Marsh soils are Lafitte muck. SCS. USDA. 1979. Soil Survey of Carteret County, N.C., Interim Report. (Jeannie Wilson). Size: excluding marshes, ca. 7 miles X ca. 300'. Geological Formation: Barrier system is a Holocene age. Mixon, R.B. 7 O.H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Print. Off. Endangered & Threatened Species: Brown Pelicans are common. Potential for Endangered & Threatened Species: Peregrine falcons (endangered) and merlins (threatened) may occur regularly here in fall migration. Site Integrity: Encroachments are limited to the area that extends from one mile W to one mile E of the ferry terminal. These involve the terminal, nearby cottages, ORV traffic and livestock. The westermost 2 miles of the system are protected by its inclusion in Cedar Island National Refuge; the eastermost 3 miles are protected by the presence of several inlets. Owners: The westermost two miles of this barrier beach is part of Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. The rest is privately owned. The county tax maps are vague due to recent changes in abbreviations, but it appears that ca. -36- 37 - -'2 mile of the beach adjacent to the refuge has been purchased by a Morehead City realtor -- Joe C. Beam. Investigator: John Fussell (Report by Fussell and Jeannie Wilson) Date: November 1980 Other Knowledgeable Persons: Mr. Hubert Brohawn, Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge. Cedar Island, N. C. Description of Area: Low where developed; high elsewhere. The primary value of this area is its geological "unique- ness It is by far the most prominent barrier island system along an estuarine shoreline in North Carolina, and on a small scale, has virtually all the features of barrier islands that front the ocean. This barrier system is ca. 7 miles long and lies WNW-ESE. See Map 3. The section of the island that lies 2-4 miles from the western tip has been humanly altered. Here, there are a few beach cottages, the ferry terminal at the end of N.C. 12, some ORV traffic, and grazing by horses and cows. West and east of this section, these islands are essentially undisturbed. On this visit, only the area west of the ferry terminal was surveyed and the brief description that follows pertains to that area. This area is an intriguing small scale edition of a barrier island system, complete with beach, dunes, maritime shrub thickets sheared toward the SSW by salt spray, and the back-barrier marshes. There are three inlets, and numerous overwash fans, blow-outs, and peat outcrops on the beach. Thus, the system presents a graphic small- scale edition of a larger oceanfront barrier island system. The beach, unlike an ocean beach, does have vegetated areas, primarily Spartina alterniflora. However, most of the beach is bare. The dune zone is ca. 200' wide, and the dunes range up to 5-10'. The larger dunes are dominated by Uniola niculata in some areas, but by Ammo4ila bre'viligulata at other sites. Lower areas within the dune zone have a rich diversity of species typical of seaside dunes. The shrub thicket zone is up to 100' wide at some points; at other points it is absent. Quercus virginiana is the dominant species; it averages 6' high and is typically salt sheared. Near the western tip of the system, M):rica cerifera dominates. The back-barrier marsh is nearly pure Juncus roemerianus, but along the marsh-shrub thicket bord-erthere is a rich diversity of brackish/high marsh species. The westermost two miles of this section of beach is within Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge. This appears to be a significant roosting/feeding area for many species of waterbirds, including brown pelicans. Two dead loggerhead turtles were seen on the beach. This species occurs 38 regularly in Pamlico Sound, and it is possible that it might rarely nest along these beaches. The eastern half of the barrier system is probably similar. See Map 3. It has wider inlets and a larger extent of backbarrier marshes, and is likely also a significant roosting/feeding area for waterbirds. Just east of the ferry terminal, where there are many livestock, there is a series of brackish ponds just behind the beach. These are excellent shorebird habitat. 39 7 PLANTS OBSERVED (Jeannie Wilson aided in identification) Trees: (often wind stunted) Diospyros virginiana, Juniperus virginiana, Magnolia virginiana, Pinus taeda, Quercus virginiana. Shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia, Borrichia frutescens, Hypericum hypericoides, Ilex glabra, Ilex vomitoria, Iva frutescens, Myrica cerifera, Prunus anguatifolia, Rhus copa-Ilina, Yucca filamentosa, Vines: [email protected], Rhus radicans, Rubus trivialis, Smilax bona-nox,Vitis rotundifolia. Herbs: Ambrosia artemiaiifolia, Aster subulatus, Cakile edentula, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Diodia teres, Eupatorium capillifolium, Euphorbia polygonifolia, Gnaphalium obtusifolium, Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Lepidium virginicum, Lythrum lineare, Oenothera op. (0. laciniata X 0. humifusa?), Physalis viscosa, Phytolacca americana, Pluchea foetida, Polypremum procumbens, Portulaca oleraces, Salicornia virginica, Samolus parviflorus, Solanum carolinense, Solidago sempervirean, Solidago tenuifolia, Spergularia mariana, Graminoids: Ammophila breviligulata, Andropogon virginicus, Carex app., Cenchrus tribuloides, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus spp., Distichlia spicata, Eleocharis microcarpa, Fimbristylis spadicea, Juncus op., Juncus roemerianus, Huhlenbergia capillaris, Panicum amarum, Scirpus americanus Spartina alterniflora, Spartina cynosuroides, Spartina patens, Uniola paniculatEt-. Ferns: Osmunda regalis ANIMALS OBSERVED Birds: Common loon, pied-billed grebe, brown pelican, double- created cormorant, great blue heron, little blue heron, snowy egret, black duck, pintail, black scoter, red- breasted merganser, sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, marsh hawk, osprey, clapper rail, killdeer, black-bellied plover, common snipe, greater yellowlegs, red knot, least sandpiper, dunlin (many), sanderlirvg, great black-backed gull, herring gull, ring-billed gull, laughing gull, Forster's tern, royal tern, black skimmer, mourning dove, belted kingfisher, common flicker,-barn swallow (one), blue jay, fish crow, gray catbird, hous'e wren, short-billed marsh wren, yellow-rumped warbler, savannah sparrow, sharp-shinned sparrow, swamp sparrow, song-sparrow. Mammals: Raccoon, marsh rabbit. POW ON 4, vvestwift-point. e Hmd.of IBM lot V. I SLAN D7 CMN - IS "I 4 A --N- E -A- R 7@@ _7 WoWnbler, Pt - Good B-h @3 @7. h I - . I.E.no 22 30" 375 12790000 FEET 177 178 20' -79 (,ATLANric) 17'3(Y' 753 V NE Mapped by U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey E SCALE 1,24000 dited and published by the Geological Survey M1LE Control by USC&GS C, to,: 20c@ 5,_.- 600@ 'W@ ;C, Culture and shoreline in part compiled from --ftPE aerial photographs taken 1946 "Reconnaissa Topography by plane-table methods 1947. Field check 1948 Geomorphic R Polvcorc projection 1927 North American datum Area 10.000-foot grid based on North Carofina coordinate system CONTOUR INTERVAL 5 FEET NATIONAL GEODE'X VERTICAL DATUM OF 1929 No distinction is made Detween dwelfings. nams, 5-01EIINE SIOWI REIIESENI@ 1.1 -110-AlE -E O@ MEAN HIGI WITER by John F 1._@ ,iustr& w@; o,nps N-r. C@@l -E5 !I T- (Key MAP 3: CEDAR ISLAND-NORTH BAY BARRIER ISLAND Core Banks and Portsmouth Island NOTE: For more information consult National Park Service, USDI (1980, 1983). General Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, Cape Lookout National Seashore. Name of Area: Core Banks and.Portsmouth Island County: Carteret Location Description: Cape Lookout, Horsepen Point, Styron Bay, Atlantic, Wainwright and Portsmouth USGS 7.5 min. topographic quad map; stretches east and northeast of Shackleford Bank separated by Barden's Inlet to the boundary of Carteret and Hyde County and separated from Ocracoke Island by Ocracoke Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. See map 4. Ownership and Administration: Both Core Bank and Portsmouth Island is owned by the National Park Service.(NPS) and administered as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Size: 21,500 acres. Land Use: These islands are virtually free of development with the exception of remains of the privately owned "fish camps" built by sport fishermen and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse on Core Bank. Associated with thelfish camps were derelict old automobiles and litter. Clean-up operations are in progress to restore the islands to their natural condition. Minimal development of visitor facili- ties are currently planned on portions of both islands. The NPS management plans call for the following activities and development: ferry service will be provided to three points, to the lighthouse area, Shingle Point and Ports- mouth Village. Public transportation exists to the is- lands via a concession ferry. The most significant development will occur at the docking sites and will be restricted to visitor facilities, ferry docking, ranger station at Cape Lookout and maintenance facilities. The natural area will be open to hiking and fishing. Primitive camping will be confined to the area between Cape Lookout and Shingle Point. Hunting, fishing and shell fishing will continue in designated areas and be regulated according to law. Compiled by the Natural Heritage Program, DNRCD, Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, N.C. (1979). - 41 - 42 Dangers to Integrity: The existing unnatural conditions will be alleviated upon completion of NPS clean-up operations. Protection Status: Under NPS management plans, most of the islands will be managed as natural areas. Reasons for Significance: Core Bank and Portsmouth Island have experienced a variety of historical alterations caused by both human and natural influences. Today they exist as unmanipulated, remote barrier islands and serve as excellent examples of the many stages of barrier island development. In this way they are singularly important to North Carolina's heritage since most other barrier islands have been extensively developed and/or have been subject to unnatural dune and shoreline construction. Limited access to these islands has been the responsible factor in limiting their development. The islands have been left to respond naturally to the forces of wind and ocean. Dramatic geological changes have resulted which are worthy of study. Core and Portsmouth can be described as long and narrow, low lying barrier islands resembling sand bars because of their extensive berm and shrub-grassland vegetation. The islands are oriented predominantly across prevailing winds; there is little protection from salt spray, and overwash is frequent thus providing little opportunity for successional growth beyond the lush terrestrial grass-like Guthrie's Hammock with its savannah-like appearance. As an indication of the islands' unstable nature and dynamic tendencies, certain conditions prevail: the islands feature the most extensive beach berms, especially Portsmouth which has barren sand in places reaching to the sound side. The development of new dunes can be observed and the concomitant establishment of dune vegetation. Vegetation zonation and sand flats is a result of overwash and terracing rather than exposure to salt spray as observed on islands where the dunes are larger and more stable. Hence, these islands experience vegetation patterns slightly different from what is observed in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore islands since dune stabilization has never been initiated and natural conditions prevail. In contrast to the vast berm new dunes and pioneer grasses, dune slacks closer to the sound side provide mesic conditions where rich, diverse flora can be found. Furthermore, low, flat mesic meadows offer additional diversity. These are below the typical elevation of the flats and closer to the water table. Here grass- lands may succeed to woody vegetation if environmental stress is minimized. Blending gradually into the mari- time grasslands on the sound side are vast salt marshes which are the site of high biological productivity. Several rare, uncommon plant and animal species live on these Banks. The Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests on the islands. -43 Designated Natural Area: The natural area includes approximately 20,000 acres on Core and Portsmouth which are outside the development zone (visitor centers, sanitation facilities, etc., ferry docking sites) and the area between Cape Lookout and Shingle Point. Core and Portsmouth islands are unique in their character and are among the few remaining stretches of the Outer Banks where natural conditions can be,dhjoyed. For reasons of wilderness, habitat preservation and scientific and educational pursuits, these islands represent a significant measure of the State's heritage. Preserve Recommendations: Because of the geological and biological diversity, Core Bank and Portsmouth Island should be protected from development and public over- use. The islands serve as an ideal study ground for barrier island ecology-geology, and further studies should be encouraged. Data Sources: Preston D. Riddle, Supervisor, and sta'ff, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Beaufort, N.C. Paul J. Godfrey, National Park Service Cooperative Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. John Fussell, Morhead City, N.C. National Park Service, General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. Scientific References: Burk, C. J. (1961) A botanical reconnaissance of Portsmouth Island, North Carolina. Jour. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 77: 72-74. Godfrey, P. J. and Godfrey, M. M. (1976) Barrier island ecology of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and vicinity, North Carolina. National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series, No. 9, 160 p. Documentation and Authentication: Voucher specimens and documentations are on file at the Cape Lookout National Seashore headquarters in Beaufort, North Carolina. See Management Report No. 22: Preliminary Resource Inven- tory of the Vertebrates and Vascular Plants of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina. 0 @@ 0 Np ro 12 PAMLICO SOUND OCRACOKE- 56 CAPE HATTERAS PAMLICO NATIONAL SEASHORE oyvt 4... N PORTSMOUTH,-* C, 'o VILLAGE I COKE INLET 0* *0" 61 LISE a lit CEDAR ISLAND t CEDAR Rr4m LOLA ISLAND 12 OCEPN .11C Jp, *,=NORTH NEW DRUM INLET ATLANTIC:,,@,./ 70 @j SEALEVEL NEW DRUM INLET STACY 70 WILLISIMN DAVIS OTWAY RNA 0# Ir SHINGLE POINT EHEAD;' MARSHALLBse, GLOUCESTER BEAUFORT-, _NTIC BEACH EAST HARKERS ISLAND BANKS NAREft -,'SLAND8 JADMINISTRATIVE SITE) 'FORT INLET C - Q.-v- I, BARDEN INLET CAPE LOOKOUT POINT AREA N J @'PE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE BOUNDARY NATURAL ZONE DEVELOPMENT ZONE 0 2 4 6 MILES 0 3.2 6.4 9.6 KILOMETERS N VICINITY CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE/NORTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 2 :E , vl"4 MAP 4: CORE BANKS - PORTSMOUTH Croatan Pocosins Name of Area: Croatan Pocosins 1 Location Description: Jones, Craven and Carteret Counties, North Carolina; Maysville 15 min. and Masontown 7.5 min* topographic USGS quad map in Croatan National Forest; central Croatan National Forest, Catfish-Great Lake area. See maps 5-7. Only the area called "Pocosin" lies within Carteret County. Ownership and Administration: Area owned and administered by the USFS as holdings within the Croatan National Forest. Four sections included in the natural area are those proposed by the USFS as Wilderness - RARE II Areas (road- less and undeveloped areas): Catfish Lake South, Sheep- ridge, Pond Pine and Pocosin (see map 7). The Low Pocosin area on the west side of Great Lake is premier example of low evergreen shrub pocosin and is critical to maintain the hydrology of the Sheep Ridge pocosin site. The inclusion of the Low Pocosin area recognizes it as a significant and necessary link to maintain the hydrology of the other four areas. While the Low Pocosin area is not included in the USFS proposed Wilderness Area due to the presence of roads, it does meet all the qualifi- cations of a Natural Heritage Area and its inclusion in the natural area is recommended. Approximate Acreage: Catfish Lake South 7,605 acres (3,042 hectares), Low Pocosin 4,035 acres (1614 hectares), Pocosin 11,000 acres (4,400 hectares), Sheep Ridge 5,380 acres (2,152 hectares), Pond Pine 1,860 acres (744 hectares). Land Use: The proposed natural areas are restricted in accessibility in that much of the area is covered by impenetrable evergreen shrubs characteristic of pocosins and flooded swamp forests. Maintained roads surround the areas, but none actually transverse them with the exception of the Low Pocosin area; therefore, land use is restricted to hunting along the road edges. The land is reserved primarily for wildlife habitat. Dangers to Integrity: Massive wildfires are seen as a threat to be controlled by the USFS. Pocosins are fire dependent ecosystems and their successional status depends on both hydroperiod and frequency of fires. Any major change in 1Compiled by the NC Natural Heritage Program, DNRCD, Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, N.C. December (1979). - 45 - 46 either or both environmental conditions would result in a change or loss of the original cha:ratteristics. Protection Status: The four RARE Il study areas have been proposed by the Forest Service for their protection as wilderness areas and for inclusion in the National Wilderness System. Furthermore, within the Pond Pine section, three hundred acres have been recognized by the USFS as the pond Pine Research Natural Area and are protected as such. Reasons for Significance: The Croatan National Forest was recently included in a study of the location of peat deposits in North Carolina. The proposed natural area is contained within the area surveyed for peat deposits with the exception of Pond Pine site which is,of higher elevation. Within the peatlands (see map 6), the eleva- tion ranges from about 30 feet above sea level to slightly greater than 40 feet above sea level. The highest elevations are associated with the thickest peat thus far found in the Croatan National Forest. Pocosins are characterized by vegetation which is adapted to periodic fires, low nutrient levels and periodic flooding or high water tables. Pocosins are poorly understood and especially sensitive ecosystems because of complex hydrology combined with particular edaphic conditions and their rugged nature. Thus, these unique features depend on periodic fires and special hydrologic conditions. As a result of extensive peat mining, timbering and draining for agricultural purposes, these lands are rapidly deminishing in area and being.converted to commercial use. The Pocosin Natural Area is dominated by a mixture of pocosin communities: � Low evergreen shrub pocosin (low pocosin) � Tall evergreen shrub pocosin (high pocosin) �Open pond pine Low pocosins are evergreen shrub bogs populated by Ilex, Zenobia and Titi. Here, stunted Pond pine of only five feet (or less) can be found on the organic soils. The vegetation diversity here is low, but unique species such as the rare yellow pitcher plant and Venus; fly- trap (see Table 1) can be found. The surrounding or bordering high pocosins have soil with less organic content, although the water table is still high. Here, Pond pine grows to heights of sixty feet and high bay forests predominate. In the transition fromorganic soils to mineral sub- strate are found mixed pine forests (Loblolly or Long- leaf pine). Hardwood swamp forest (Black gum, Red maple, -47 Sweet gum) are found on the better drained mineral soils near drainage creeks. Again, fire and hydrology play a major role in limiting succession of other vegetation forms, and therefore maintain the pocosin's integrity providing habitat for the uniquely adapted species. Sheepridge and Low Pocosin are prime examples of well developed low pocosin and are considered as best representative of "low pocosin ecosystems" in North Caroina. This section, of higher elevation, is asso- ciated with the thickest peat found in the above study. This area is underlain by humic peat ranging from 4-6 feet thick. The Catfish Lake South section supports a mixture of high shrub pocosin and po@@d pine woodland. This area is underlain by at least four feet of peat. Pond Pine, as its name implies, is a prime example of the open Pond pine dominated forest which is found in areas underlain by shallow peat around the edges of peat deposits. In the Pond pine overstory some of the trees are 160+ years old. The Pocosin section is also covered predominantly by high shrub pocosin and Pond pine woodland. It is believed that this area also should be underlain by well-developed peat deposits. As the demand for productive agricultural and timber lands increase, these wetlands will come under increased pressure for conversion into commercially productive land. Therefore, it is important to preserve represen- tative segments as natural areas for scientific and educational purposes to accrue knowledge of their biolo- gical structure, function and significance. Moreover, wetland habitats such as the impenetrable pocosins are the final refugia for heavily hunted species like the black bear and alligator (see table 2). Preserve Recommendations: The Pocosin Natural Area is exemplary of the sensitive pocosin ecosystem and con- tains the best examples in North Carolina of the low shrub pocosin ecosystem. The sites provide habitat for several plants or animals listed as endangered or threatened nationally and within the state of North Carolina. For these reasons, these sites should be protected as an exceptional natural area. Management Recommendations: A management plan should be developed for the protection of the Pocosin Natural Area as an outstanding natural area. Management should be directed towards: 1) maintaining the existing hydrology of the area through restriction on all draining in the area or areas adjacent which would affect the watertable here; 2) providing (allowing) for fire sufficient to maintain the dominant vegetation now occupying each site (If allowed to develop in the absence of fire, the establishing trees/shrubs will grow and shade out the 48 present understory, i.e. Pond pine evolves into a bay- type forest.); 3) educating the public by providing information on the uniqueness of the natural area. Heavy equipment used for fire control should be limited to the extent that it produces unsightly or deformed conditions in the natural area. Data Sources: Fuller, Manley, Fish & Wildlife Service, Intern Washington, DC. (Currently: National Wildlife Fedn., Raleigh, NC) Huntsman, Gene, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Research Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort, N.C. Otte, Lee, Dept. of Geology, ECU, Greenville, N.C. Synder, J.R., Botany Department, University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida. Simpson, Bob, Box 643, Morehead City, N.C. Wills, Richard, District Ranger, Croatan National Forest. Scientific References: Ce rmak, R.W. (1976). Establishment Report for Pond Pine Research Natural Area within the Croatan National Forest Otte, L.J. and R.L. Ingram (1979). Quarterly Progress Report: Peat Resources of North Carolina. Report to North Carolina Energy Institute. Smithsonian Institute, (1974), Survey of Natural Areas of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Report for National Park Service. Snyder, J.R. (1977). Report on the vegetation and site factors of the Pond Pine Pocosin Research Natural Area, Croatan National Forest. USFS Report. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Asheville, N.C. Documentation and Authentication: Voucher specimens for plant species are deposited in the following herbaria: North Carolina State Museum, Raleigh, N.C. Supplementary surveys and descriptions are as listed in the scientific references above. The information contained in this report is well documented and received from reliable resources. Recognition by Other Agencies: Four of the areas have been recommended as National Wilderness Areas. Three hundred acres of the Pond Pine section have been recognized by the USFS as the Pond Pine Research Natural Area (see map 8). 49 Table 1. Rare and Endangered Plant Species ins Millis Road Pocosin Natural Area Scientific Name Common Name Status 2* Habitat Dionaea muscipula Venus' fly trap TT Wet sandy ditches, savannahs, open bog Peltandra sagittaefolia Arrowleaf shieldwort TP Bogs These plants are no longer listed as threatened or endangered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Program. Table 2. Rare and Endangered Animal Species in%. Pocosin Natural Area. Scientific Name Common Name Status 2* Habitat Alligator mississippiensis American alligator E Great rivers# Crotalus adamanteus Eastern diamondback Flatwoods, inter- rattlesnake E spaced w bays or pocosins w sandy ridges Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle E Chiefly near oceans, rivers lakes Pandion haliatus Osprey SC Breed near water Picoides borealis Red cockaded woodpecker E Pine woodlands longleaf/loblolly Rana areolata Gopher frog SC Upland sandy ridge temp.or perm. ponds Ursus americanus Black bear SC 2Taken from Cooper, J. E., S. S. Robinson, and J. B. Funderberg (Eds). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of N. C. N. C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, N. C. 444 pages + i-xvi. Explanation of Status Categories: EE - Endangered Endemic TE - Threatened Endemic E Endangered ED - Endangered Disjunct TD - Threatened Disjunct T Threatened EP - Endangered Peripheral TP - Threatened Peripheral SC Special Concer ET - Endangered Throughout TT - Threatened Throughout UD - Undetermined I NO" -J- R WO IJ X, 0 Loowut Towet- atan' 21 '28 u H Olk U 14AVAt@, ERVAT@Of` 4- M, $Ville % 4_ La k-e I red .0-,. L., ko t owe'! ;.,-_1.L;_ _. _@t_ Havelock hm@ A Great Haveloc 10- 7: it1j" Luk Lake EMS e 44 Cy a iryan CRAVE RTE _T1 \< I. MoMbh F r V (51 "N ka Pal o. Al 0 p ns. ROA. /qN-- AVO C --Lo.1 0 FOREST OFT vilverda 10 W UIT It' eletie It )@7@hite oOse Farks Z @_ReVtLa.@ A j tsv Pond 1, -*el1umtO*n*H\.@L'r --y ro k St Tew.. Bigue &dar c >8 IN L t; (Na 1 130GI: S-41 Path Scale 1:250.000 5 .0 Stalule, Miles 5 0 Kdom-!tres 5 MAP 5: CROATAN FOREST PEAT DEPOSITS OTTE (1980) .8. CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST Ri,' if @F"U if OW" nn 7:;.. 000 4 -@N L t 0 Man, c@ jr elk-% .4. 8- N' E U NAVAL, CATFISH LAKE' jR ERVA lot SOUTH @1 Vol SH RI E- i.. Havelock LOW POCOS N ke VE AV64 City ERA - ND PINE RtE T 040"ch Fork 40. V. %0 P11112 IN S I- 'POCOSIN Y RO NAT1100 Fjl@RES C t 0*11 1" Arw%a oaio r-ark, 2 4s .0,vo Bog%## Soh#, Path 4& scate 1:250.000 ---- Area surveyed 5 0 Slaw" M.1" 0 Area underlain by peat 0. Pocosin Natural Area sites Counties: Jones, Craven, and Carteret 7.5 minute topoquads: Maysville NE, Maysville NW, Maysville SE, and 'Masontown. Square miles surveyed: 150 Sites investigated: 92 Taken from Otte (1979) MAP 6: POCOSIN NATURAL AREA - OTTE (1979) U.S. DFPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICF I.: N JOHN K "14; 111 It I, , It It: v CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST NORTH CAROLINA 11-21-77 1964 :r A @Y- All 4 H(WMANN VIM FS1 atf ke sou 9, J, Cwto L A, ..i@ 7 %oT Z C,,.3 (;,.a L.k. L.W JiL nd in .1L 8 4 gas La" ; 0 cit 4- Z "61- -z 14. a Z*::74w@ A6 4L e4t -dw MAP 7: POCOSIN NATURAL AREA LEGEND -COMPARTMENT BOUNDARY FOREST SERVICE BOUNDARY STAND BOUNDARY STAND DESCRIPTION PRIVATE LAND STREAM RAILROAD Pond Pine Research Natural Area 300 Acres 0 7.6'o 07170 14 NATURAL AREA GREAT LAKE 3ji MAP 8: POCOSIN NATURAL AREA Millis Road Longleaf Pine Savanna and Pocosin Name of Area: Millis Road Longleaf Pine Savanna and Pocosin County: Carteret Location: Area of low sand ridges and shallow interlying swales in Croatan National Forest. Tract is bounded on the north by Millis Rd. (U.S. Forest Service Road 128); on the east and southeast by Peak "Swamp"; on the south by the large tract of short pocosin that stretches southward to Forest Service Rd. 154-2; on the west by0Millis "Swamg" (See Map 9). Coordinates: approx. 34 43'30" N, 77 57'50" W. Topographic quadrangle: Masontown Size: Ca. 300 acres (ca. 121 ha) Elevation: 30-36' Access: The section of Millis Rd. (Forest Service Rd. 128) adjacent to the tract is 1;4-2.4 miles west of S.R. 1124 (Nine Foot Road). Names of investigators: John 0. Fussell, III 1412 Shepard St. Morehead City, N.C. 28557 919/726-3476 Jeannie Wilson Hampton Mariners Museum Beaufort, N.C. 23516 919/728-7317 Dates of investigation: 1980 Sept. 17, 18, 19 Oct. 7, 8, 15 Nov. 10, 12, 13 Both authors have visited the area on previous occasions. Fussell made numerous trips to the area 1972-1979, primarily in search of red-cockaded woodpeckers, Bachmans sparrows and other bird species. He also made a night trip for herps on July 27, 1980. Wilson visited the area numerous times during 1975-1978, while working on a Master's project nearby. - 54 55 SITE DESCnIFTION This 300 acre tract (see inap 9) consists of about 200 acres of a Pinus palustris Aristida stricta community that lies on wide and low sand ridges, about 50 acres of medium-height pocosin that lies in the inter- ridge swales, and about 50 acres of a poorly defined intergradation of Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta with low pocosin along the southern boundary of the tract. (In this report, we use the term pocosin in the broad sense, i.e., area dominated by broadleaf evergreen shrubs, regardless of the topography of the area.) Ostensibly the tract is nearly level; the slopes between ridges and swales would be imperceptible at most points were it not for the very noticeable differences in plant cover and soil moisture. However, there are moderate slopes at the eastern and western borders of the tract, adjacent to the Peak and Millis "Swamps" (actually bay forests). Along the ridge it crests", the soil is usually xeric; in the swales, only a foot or two lower, there are a few inches of standing water during much of the winter and the soil is usually moist in summer. However, in the early fall of 1980, after a very dry summer, the soil surface in the swales, away from Sphagnum cover, was almost dry. The sand ridges in this tract are a small part of a large complex of basically UE-SW oriented ridges in this section of the county - the "Newport Barrier" (see Mixon and Pilkey 1976). Apparently, these ridges are relict beach ridges formed during the last major regression of sea-level in the late Pleistocene. In the study area, the three easternmost ridges are well- defined and definitely lie NE-SW. The ridge pattern in the western half of the tract is more irregular and appears to some extent to be the result of an original more prominent pattern that has been dissected by a drainage system that has developed perpendicularly to the ridge-swale pattern. There appears to be one "partial" Carolina bay at the southern edge of the tract. Plant Communities The Pinus palustris Aristida ztricta sections of the tract are subjected to prescribed burns about every 3 years. In June 1980, a wildfire swept through the tract, burning the pocosin areas that had not burned for several years. Thus, the physiognomy of this area was slightly different in the fall of 1980 from what it was previously. (1) Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta. All canopy hei,ght sized trees are Pinus palustris; trees occur in a generally sparse stand. Canopy height is about 7TO1; canopy trees are probably mostly about 50 years old. However, the presence of red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees in the eastern half of the tract suggests that some trees may be u-D to about 75 years old. The larizest trees are not much over 12" DBH. Very striking is the almost total absence of vegetation at subcanopy and shrub levels. Also striking is the near absence of xerophyllic oaks. In 1980, because of the June fire, A-ristida stricta. was especially prominent - about 3 feet tall and fruiting -uhroughout the tract (giving it a prairie appearance). It varied from a aense cover on the ridge slopes to a sparse cover on sections of the ridge centers. Herbaceous species composition varies in a continuum from the ridge centers to the ridge slopes. 56 In the fall of 1980, there was a pleasing floral display. Prominent were Trilisa Paniculata, Trilisa odoratissima, Solidago stricta, Liatris graminifolia, and Car-phephorus tomentosus. A.- 4ib Plate 1 (2) Inter-ridge pocosin. Before the 1980 fire, the swales supported what might be called medium-height pocosin. There was a moderate stand of Pinus serotina, up to 40-50' high and to 8" DBH. Beneath the pines was a dense 4-81 growth of mixed broadleaf evergreens, which was composed of Ilex coriacea, Lyonia lucida, Persea borbonia, etc. After the fire, these areas were quite different. Acout one fourth of the Pinus serotina appear to have survived; thus there is now a sparse stand. At the 4-81 level, there is a dense tangle of dead branches covered with a new growth of Smilax laurifolia. Regroifth of broadleaf evergreens was up to 1-2' high; common species at most sites were Ilex -alabra, Ilex coriacea, Lyonia lucida and Zenobia pulverulenta. SDhaanLLT_n_._:1_s '@_t_ill abundant at ground level. Ecotone. Between the Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta community and the swale pocosin, there is 7 -Prominent ecotone, which varies in width from almost nothing to 30'. In many sections, the ecotone has a 3' high growth of Tridens flavus, with a lesser amount of Andropogon virginicus, that overtops a l' high layer of Carex walteriana. Other sections are more open with a wide variety of herbs, including species such as Sarracenia flava ' Sarracenia purpurea and Dionaea muscipula. Many species that occur in the 300 acre tract are found primarily in the ecotonal area. (3) intercrradation of Pinus talustris/Arist--da st-ricta and low pocosin. Within this 50 acre area, there are small patches of small and young Pinus palustris, larger Datches of low Docosin, and numerous ecotonal areas. L Before the fire, this low pocosin had a sparse stand of very small Pinus serotina (mostly less than 10' tall and 4' DBH) and a dense 1-2 foot growth of broadleaf evergreens- After the fire -most Pinus serotina were killed and the dense foot-hi-ch shrubs were dominated by ilex glabra. Also common were Zenobia ruiverulenta, Carex waLteriana and Woodwardia.virginica. SDhazniLm covers virtually all the -round area. We found two rare species in this intergradation zone. These are Agalinis virgata and Sarracenia ru bra. RELICT BEACH RIDGE AND SWALE PATTERN Longleaf Pine/ Pond Pine/ Pond Pine/ Wiregrass evergreen evergreen shrubs shrubs unburned burned Ecotone rich in herb species after fire Figure 2 Table 3 10. SijfInif'I-(,-ance Summary (See Statement of Site Significance; Endangered & Threatened Species) a. Feature Map Legend b. Description of significant feature c. Comparative assessment High quality Pinus palustris Aristida stricta. Most exemplary tract of community plant community savannah type in county; may be one of most exemplary in state. Endangered a. Agalinis virgata: burned over Fewer than 5 plants noted. Occur- peripheral savannah, low pocosin ecotone rence on.natural site. Most species recent county records are on clearcut sites. Endangered Asclepias pedicellata: savannah peripheral species Federally Red-cockaded woodpecker: primarily Population at tract may be 10 endangered Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta. individuals, a notably high number species for an area this size in either Carteret County or Croatan National Forest. Threatened Calamovilfa brevipilis: probably Population'unknown; not seen by throUf.!,h0LIt savannah-pocosin ecotone, and us. (Jim Snyder 1977; pers. comm. species low pocosin to J. Wilson) Threatened Dionaea muscipula: savannah- Plants found on natural site; endemic pocosin ecotone not ditch bank, etc. species Threatened Sarracenia. rubra: intergrading These individuals are at northeast throughout b. areas of savannah & low pocosin limit of species range. Occur on specie. s s natural site. Other county records are on disturbed areas. Threatened Bachman's sparrow: Pinus palustris/ 5-10 territorial males in 1979. s[)ecies Aristida stricta Undoubtedly the largest breeding population in county or National Forest. -58 Table 3 (cont'd) a. Feature Map Legend b. Description of significant feature C. Comparative assessment Threatened Red-shouldered hawk Tract is fee individuals adjacent swamp. Outstanding geological feature Well-defined relict beach ridges , (Pleistocene) Such relict beach ridges are common in county, but are rapidly being altered by human disturbance. Ridges within this tract have added distinction exemplary plant community. Po tential Pinus palustris/Aristida, stricta In addition scientific mentioned ab research sible and on site there are several in the county. Historical Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta Best remaining value ridge system of 19th cent environment' in county. 59 60 11. Ownership type by percent area: Public 100% 12. Number of owners: one 13. Name of owner and supervisor: USDA, Forest Service Mr. Lynn Young, District Ranger Croatan National Forest 435 Thurman'Rd. New Bern, N.C. 28560 919/638-5628 14. Use of natural area: Current uses are low-intensity ones. This is managed timberland, but the most recent harvest was a select cut over 10 years ago. The tract is prescribed burned every 2-3 years. Other low-intensity uses are hunting (deer and quail), bird"watching and nature study (wildflowers). 15. Use of surrounding land: a) Agricultural land (pine plantations) - 20% b) Wildland - 80% 16. Management Problem Description Impact Effort Need for fire management significant continual feature management essential 17. Preservation status: Public land, not recognized as a natural area. 18. Regulatory protections in force: We know of only one - the Endangered Species Act, but we do not know the exact acreage of the tract to which it applies. There are several red-cockaded woodpecker (federally endangered species) cavity trees in the eastern third of the tract, so at least some of the tract is critical habitat for that species. 19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: See section 21. 20. Threats: See section 21. 21. Management and preservation recommendation: The preservation of this area is related to: a) maintenance of present vegetational structure, which includes a s-oarse stand of canopy height pines, a sparse growth of understory and shrub layer vegetation, and a thick graminoid a-round cover. This structure would be altered drastically by clearcutting (some select cutting may not be harmful, but see c. below), and/or absence of regular ground fires. Ground fires greatly increase the height and density of the Aristida stricta cover. Regular ground fires also decrease "he probability of a crown fire which would alter the structure of the area. Maintenance of the distinctive plant structure is essential for red-cockaded woodpeckers (federally endangered) and 3achman's sparrows (threatened in North Carolina). 61 The above refers to the Pinus Dalustris/Aristida stricta community of the sand ridges. However, within this tract, there are inter-ridge swales dominated by Pinus serotina/mixed broadleaf evergreen shrubs (pocosin vegetation). These pocosin swales and the adjacent ecotonal areas have generally escaped burning during prescribed burns. They are less flammable (wetter) and fire breaks have been dug between the ridges and the swales by the Forest Service to contain fires. Some of the ecotonal areas are affected by the fire breaks. If these areas could be burned regularly, there would be some conversion of broadleaf evergreen shrubs to grass-sedge cover. The entire tract would "benefit" from the intorduction (or re-introduction) of a "fire habitat" that is rarer in this area (county and Croatan National Forest) than is scattered Pinus Dalustris with a thick growth of Aristida stricta. The resulting vegetation would be scattered Pinus Dalustris or Pinus serotina or no trees with a very thick growth of more mesophyllic grasses and sedges. This situation occurred to a moderate extent in June 1980 after an intense wildfire. Before the fire, the ecotonal strips were primarily vegetated with a sparse growth of herbs and shrubs less than one foot in height. After the fire, these same strips had a lush waist-high growth of mixed grasses and sedges. These thick grassy areas (which are thicker than the thickest Aristida cover) may be very important to winter- ing Bachman's sparrows and Henslows sparrows. Henslows sparrows are undergoing a pronounced nationwide decline in numbers. In the winter of 1979-1980, several searches within the tract for this sparrow turned up one individual. On November 12 and 13, 1980, after the drastic increase in grass cover after the June wildfie, 5 individuals were censused here - a truly noteworthy total. Although fire eventually leads to a great increase in the density of ground flora, there is virtually no ground cover for awhile. It might be advisable to alternate burning instead of burning the entire tract at one time. For instance, burn the eastern half one year and the western half the next year, etc. 4 S b) maintenance of the diversity of ground flora. This is closely related to the maintenance of vegetational structure discussed above. Those recomendations also apply here, especially the need for frequent ground fires. We re-stress the potential value of more burning in the pocosin and ecotonal areas. Currently, it is the ecotonal areas that harbor the rarest plants on the tract: Calamovilfa brevipilis, Sarracenia rubra, Dionaea muscipula and Agalinis virgata. increased burning in the ecotonal and pocosin areas could lead to increases in the populations of these species and increase the likelihood of the introduction of other .-are savannah species that occur in the general area, but not within the tract. c) maintenance of the presence of some mature pines. Trees generally 60 years old or older are a. necessity for red-cockaded woodpeckers. increased burning in the pocosin areas could lead to greater red-cockaded woodpecker use of Pinus serotina for cavity trees, and these are generally undesirable timber trees. The management off the tract by the Forest Service for longleaf nine saw timber is generally consistent with maintenance of the tract -In its -present high-quality state. The important things are to protect 62 red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees, maintain some mature timber (the required amount could be a debatable point), and prescribed burns should be continued on regular, fairly frequent basis. Burning of the pocosin areas within the tract, which we believe would be very beneficial, would probably be generally opposed by the Forest Service because this would be more difficult to carry out. However, it is notable that inter-ridge locations of much of the pocosin within this tract present a relatively practical opportunity to burn pocosin since these areas are surrounded" by Pinus palustris Aristida stricta. Beland (1971) reported that the Forest Service was considering the creation of special "red-cockaded woodpecker management areas", where all management activities would be geared to improvement of habitat for the species. Such areas would be located so that they would be readily accessible to the public for the purpose of public education. This tract would certainly be an excellent "red-cockaded woodpecker management area" or better yet, a "savannah management area". Many persons visit this tract yearly in search of "savannah species". Most of these persons are visitors from other areas, so the tract has some economic value to the county. 22. Rating: High priority. 23. Statement of site significance: (See Table 3). The tract is highly significant primarily because it includes 200+ acres (generally continuous) of exemplary Pinus palustris Aristida stricta community. This community is exemplary because of its relatively large size, very open aspect due to recent frequent fire, presence of many fairly mature trees, and the presence of a large number of typical savannah species. The tract has a large number of rare savannah species also: at least 3 endangered (one federally endangered) and 4 threatened species. The tract is of some geological significance because it lies on a prominent Pleistocene relict beach ridge system. Such beach ridges are common in the county, but are rapidly being destroyed or altered by human disturbance. The tract is also of historical significance, being an "environment" that was prevalent during the early history of our county. The tract is of scientific interest and has been used in research. It is very accessible, and is a site many persons visit to see "savannah species". With the moister "pocosin areas" within the tract "surrounded" by Pinus Dalustris/Aristida stricta areas, there is a situation in which it would be relatively easy to regularly burn these moister areas. This would increase the total area available to mesophy-tic herbs and increase the populations of the rarer savannah herbs. 63 24.A. Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community Type: Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta Community Cover Type: Pinus palustris General Habitat Feature: Savannah Average tree height: Ca. 70' Estimated age of canopy trees: 50+ years Estimated size of association: 200+ acres Successional stage: Transient, fire-climax Sere type: Psammosere Common canopy species in community type (but not dominant): None Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community type (but no, dominant): Myrica cerifera var. pumila, Lyonia mariana, Ilex glabra, VacciniuM tenellum Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant): Andropogon scoparius, Rhynchospora spp., Liatris graminifolia, Eupatorium spp., Aster spp. b. Soil Summary Soil series: Leon sand Soil order: Spodosol PH class: Extremely acid to strongly acid (3.6-5.5) Moisture class; wet to droughty, cemented pan, excessively 'drained C. Hydrology Summary Drainage basin: Newport River Hydrologic system: Terrestrial Hydrologic subsystem: Dry mesic to dry xeric Water chemistry: Fresh Water regime: intermittently saturated to permanently exposed 64 d. Summary-Topography and Physiography Topographic site type characteristics Land form: Ridge crest and slopes Sheltert Open Aspect: Ridge-swale pattern runs in NE direction; thus, slopes face SE & NW Slope angle: Nearly level 0-2' to gently sloping 2-6' Profile: Generally constant Surface patterns: Mostly smooth Position: Entire ridge cross-section Physiographic site type of natural area: Millis Road Savannah Physiographic site type of community type: Relict dune ridges 0 within Millis Road Savannah Ueologic Formation: Flanner Beach Formation Geologic Formation age: Pleistocene 24..B. Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community type: Pinus serotina/mixed broadleaf evergreen shrubs/ Sphagnum. spp./Smilax Laurifolia. Smilax is more abundant after fire. Community cover type: Pinus serotina General habitat @eature: Pocosin veizetation in shallow, narrow inter-ridge swales Average tree height: 40, Estimated age of canopy trees: 50+ (2 red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees seen) Estimated size of association- 50 acres Successional stage: Transient, fire climax Sere type: Psammosere Common canopy species in community type: None subcanopy-shrub species in community type: ilex glabra, - 65 - Lyonia lucida, Flex coriacea, Myrica heterophylla, Zenobia pulverulenta Common herb species in community type: Carex walteriana, Woodwardia virginica b. Soil Summary Soil series: Murville sand Soil order: Spodosol pH class: Extremely acid to strongly acid (3.6-5.5) Moisture class: Wet, floods, cemented pan, poorly drained c. Eydrology Summary Drainage basin: Newport River Hydrologic system: Palustrine Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous Water chemistry: Fresh Water regime: Semi-permanently flooded to saturated d. Summary-Topography and Physiography Topographic site type characteristics Land form: Inter-ridge swales Shelter: Open Aspect: Not applicable Slope angle: Nearly level 1-2 Profile: Not applicable Surface patterns: None Position: Entire swale cross-section Physiographic site type of natural area: Millis Road Savannah Physiographic site type of community area: inter-ridge swales within Millis Road Savannah Geologic Formation: Flanner Beach Formation Geologic Formation are: Pleistocene 66 24.C. Natural Characteristics SummaEX a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community Type: Pinus serotina/Ilex glabra-Zenobia -pulverulenta/ Sphagnum, sp. ZO-stpines were 01-1-Te3 after the fir;. Community cover type: Pinus serotina before fire, Ilex glabra Zenobia Pulverulenta after fire General habitat feature: Low pocosin Average tree height: 6-8' Estimated age of canopy trees: Not applicable Estimated size of association: Less than 50 acres Successional stage: Transient, fire climax Sere type: Psammosere Common canopy species in community type: gone Common subcanopy-shrub species in community type: None Common herb species in community type: Carex walteriana. Woodwardia virginica (herbs and shrubs are at same level) b. Soil Summary Soil series: Murville sand Soil order: Spodosol pH class: Extremely acid to strongly acid (3.6-5.5) Moisture class: Wet, floods, cemented pan, poorly drained C. Hydrology Summary Drainage basin: Newport River Hydrologic system: Palustrine Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous Water chemistry: Fresh Water regime: Semi-permanently flooded to saturated d. Summary-Topography and 'Physiography orographic site type characteristics Land form: Low pocosin - 67 - Shelter: Open Aspect: Not applicable Slope angle: Nearly level 0-2 Profile: Not applicable Surface patterns: Hummocky (hummocks of Sphagnum) Position: Not applicable Physiographic site type of natural area: Millis Road Savannah Physiographic site type of community type: 50 acres of plain within Millis Road Savannah Geologic Formation: Flanner Beach Formation Geologic Formation age: Pleistocene References Mixon, R.B. & C.H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area. U.S. Geol. Survey. Prof. Paper 859. U.S. Govt Printing Office. Washington, D.C. North Carolina Dept. of Conservation & Development. 1958. Geologic Map of North Carolina. Division of Mineral Resources. Soil Conservation Service, USDA. 1979. Soil Survey of Carteret County, N.C. (Interim report). Snyder, James. 1978. Analysis of Coastal Plain Vegetation, Croatan National Forest, North Carolina. Masters Thesis. UNC, Chapel Hill. e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species - Plants Name of Species: Agalinis virgata, Branched gerardia Species Legal status: Endangered peripheral Number of populations on site: One seen Number of individuals per population: 5 seen Size or maturity of individuals: Flowering and fruiting Disturbance or threats to population: Frequent fire probably needed 6-8- Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Ecotone of savannah and pocosin Topography: Flat or slight slope Soil series: Leon sand Microclimate: Sunny, moist Drainage basin: Newport River Other plant and animal species present: Pinus palustris, Aristida stricta, Lyonia lucida, Ilex glabra Name of Species: Asclepias Dedicellata Species legal status: Endangered peripheral Number of populations on site: Unknown Number of individuals per population: Unknown Size or maturity of individuals: Flowering Dis"Surbance or threats to population: Frequent ground fires probably needed Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta Topography: Gently sloping Soil series: Leon sand Microclimate: Suny to semi-shaded, dry Drainage basin: Newport River Name of SDecies: Calanovilfa brevipilis (Riverbank sandreed) Species legal status: Threatened throughout Number of populations on site: Unknown: reDorted by Snyder, 197,3 Nuffber of indivi-iuals per population: Unknown Size or maturity of individuals: Unknown Disturbance or threats to population: May need frequent fire - 69 - Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Probably savannah-pocosin ecotone and low pocosin. Topography: Flat to gently sloping Soil series: Leon sand Microclimate: Sunny, moist to dry? Drainage basin: Newport River Name of Species: Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly trap) Species legal status: Threatened endemic, exploited Number of popullations on site: 5 to 10 Number of individuals per population: 5 to 200+ Size or maturity of individuals: Flowering and fruiting Disturbance or threats to population: Frequent fire is needed. Some plants were dug near Millis Road Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Savannah-pocosin ecotone Topography: Slight slope Soil series: Murville sand, Leon sand Microclimate: Sunny, Moist Drainage basin: Newport River Other plant or animal species present: Pinus serotina, Lyonia lucida, Sarracenia flava, Sarracenia purpurea Name of Species: Serracenia rubra (Sweet pitcher plant) Species legal status: Threatened throughout, exploited Number of populations on site: Two seen (one marginal to site) Number of individuals per population: About 10 Size or maturity of individuals: Had not flowered this year Disturbance or threats to population: Would probably benefit from frequent fire 70 Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Low pocosin, and ecotonal between savannah and Millis Swamp Topography: Plants were on a hummock of Sphagnum Soil series: Leon and Murville s and Microclimate: Sunny, moist Drainage basin: Newport River Other plant and animal species present: Spha@mum Other rare species that might occur on tract: Lysimachia asDeralaef6lia-(Endangered endemic). Found by Snyder, 1977, in the general area and possibly within this tract. Solidago pulchra (Endangered endemic). Tract is within range of species. Pothergilla &ardenii (Threatened peripheral). Occurs less than a mile from this tract. Notable species on the tract, although ont endangered or threatened: Pinguicula pumila. Found on tract in 1977 (Snyder, 1978, and personal communication with Wilson, 1977). This is northernmost locality at which this species has been found. e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species Animals Name of Species: Red-cockaded woodpecker Species legal status: Endangered (Federal) Number of populations on site: 2 or 3 Number of individuals Der population: Approx. 3 Size or maturity of individuals: Breeding (at least one nest) for the last few years General vigor of population: Population appears stable - 71 - Disturbance or threats to population: Potential of loss of mature timber on site Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: primarily Pinus palustris/Aristida Drainage basin: Newport River Other plants and animals species present: Dependent on mature pines for cavity trees Name of Species: Red-shouldered hawk Species legal status: Threatened Number of populations on site: One Number of individuals per population: Approx. 3 Tract is a feeding area for individuals that apparently nest in Peak Swamp Name of Species: Bachman's sparrow Species legal status: Threatened Number of individuals on site: 10 to 20 in 1979, fewer in 1980 Size or maturity of individuals: Breeding, young seen in 1980 Disturbance or threats to population: Fire needed to suppress subcanopy and shrub layers and provide thick grass cover Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta Drainage basin: Newport River Other plants and animals species present: thick Aristida cover Other rare species that might occur on tract: Eastern diamondback rattlesnake/Endangered/. We know of no definite records for this tract, but there are records for the general area. Fussell found a dead individual on Millis Road ca. 2 miles WSW of tract in 1973. Also, a skin is in the Croatan Ranger Station that was killed about 10 years ago along Millis Road. 72 Notable species on the tract-, although not endangered or threatened: Henslow's sparrow. Winter resident on tract. Considered to be of special concern status for North Carolina. Species is decreasing appreciably throughout the United States. Reference: Cooper, John et al. 1975. Endangered and Threatened Plants and, Animals of North Carolina. 'N.C. Museum of Natural History Symposium. 29 27 7 35'/ 26 32 27 00 T@ E@ x 7 34- 7 37. 1A 20 "Q\ x .28 33 T -v v TO 77 0 @3 5 1E) 34 24 25 3 35 '35 36 37 322 (SALTER PATH)II 319 2610000 FEET 57'3011 321 5653 1/1 NW S V% SCALE 1:24 000 MAP 9: MILLIS ROAD LONGLEAF PINE SAVANNAH NATURAL AREA (from Masontown Quadrangle) 74 MASTER SPECIES LIST FLORA Aceraceae Acer rubrum Apiaceae Centella asiatica Eryngium integrifolium Oxypolis ternata Aquifoliaceae Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia Ilex coriacea Ilex glabra Asclepiadaceae Asclepias pedicellata Asteraceae Aster linariifolius Aster paludosus Aster tortifolius Balduina uniflora Carphephorus bellidifolius Carphephorus tomentosue Coreopsis angustifolia Eupatorium leucolepis Eupatorium recurvans Erigeron vernus Helianthus angustifolius Heterotheca nervosa Liatris graminifolia Liatris spicata var. resinosa Marshallia graminifolia Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Solidago fistulosa Solidago stricta Trilisa odoratissima Trilisa paniculata Blechnaceae Woodwardia virginica Burmanniaceae Burmannia biflora Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Convolvulaceae Cuscuta compacta Cyperaceae Carex walteriana Eriophorum virginicum Fimbristylis autumnalis Fuirena squarrosa Rhynchospora.cephalanthus Rhynchospora chalarocephala Rhynchospora chapmanii Rhynchospora ciliaris Rhynchospora fascicularis Rhynchospora pallida Rhynchospora plumosa Scleria spp. 75 Diapensiaceae Pyxid.nthera barbulata Dionaeaceae Dionaea muscipula Droseraceae Drosera capillaris Drosera intermedia Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon decangulare Lachnocaulon minus Ericaceae Lyonia ligustrina Lyonia lucida Lyonia mariana Vaccinium atrococcum Vaccinium corymbosum Vaccinium crassifolium Vaccinium tenellum Zenobia pulverulenta Euphorbiaceae Cnidoscolus stimulosus Fabaceae Desmodium tenuifolium Galactia regularis Fagaceae Quercus incana Quercus laevis Gentianaceae Bartonia verna Bartonia virginica. Sabatia difformis Haemodoraceae Lachnanthes caroliniana Hypericaceae Hyperi cum reductum Hypericum stans Iridaceae Iris verna Juncaceae Juncus biflorus Juncus dichotomus Juncus scirpoides Lamiaceae Pycnanthemum flexuosum Lauraceae Persea borbonia Sassafras albidum Linaceae Linum striatum Lentibulariaceae Pinguicula pumila Utricularia subulata Liliaceae Aletris farinosa Lilium catesbaei Smilax bona-nox Smilax laurifolia 76 - Tofieldia glabra Tofieldia racemosa Zigadenus densus Zigadenus glaberrimus Loganiaceae Celsemium sempervirens Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium alopecuroides Magnoliaceae Magnolia virginiana Melastomataceae Rhexia alifanus Rhexia lutea Rhexia mariana Rhexia petiolata Myricaceae Myrica cerifera Myrica cerifera var. pumila Myrica heterophylla Orchidaceae Calopogon pallidus Calopogon pulchellus Cleistes divaricata Habenaria blephariglottis Habenaria ciliaris Habenaria cristata Osmundaceae Osmunda cinnamomea Pinaceae Pinus palustris Pinus serotina Poaceae Andropogon scoparius Andropogon virginicus Aristida stricta Arundinaria gigantea Ctenium aromaticum Panicum portoricense Panicum virgatum Panicum spp. Tridens flavus Polygalaceae Polygala cruciata Polygala hookeri Polygala lutea Primulaceae Lysimachia loomsii Pteridaceae Pteridium aquilinum Rosaceae Sorbus arbutifolia Sarraceniaceae Sarracenia flava Sarracenia purpurea Sarracenia rubra 77 Scrophulariaceae Agalinis linifolia Agalinis obtusifolia Agalinis setacea Agalinis virgata Gratiola pilosa Seymeria cassioides Sphagnaceae Sphagnum app. Theaceae Gordonia lasianthus Xyridaceae Xyris caroliniana Xyris sp. In this "fall" list, we include species we remember seeing on previous occasions. - 78 - MASTER SPECIES LIST FAUNA Amphibians Oak toad Spuirrel treefrog Southern toad Gray treefrog Southern cricket frog Little grass frog Green treefrog Southern leopard frog Pine woods treefrog Eastern narrowmouth toad (There is as small borrow pond at the western edge of the tract where most of the amphibians are found.) Reptiles Eastern mud turtle Black racer Eastern box turtle Eastern king snake Carolina anole Redbelly water snake Six-lined racerunner Rough green snake Eastern glass lizard Timer rattlesnake (A skin of a Diamondback rattlesnake is hanging in the Forest Service ranger station that was killed along Millis Road. Others may be in this area. This snake is endangered.) Birds P=permanent resident W=winter resident S=summer resident I=irregular visitant Turkey vulture I Eastern wood peewee S Black vulture I Blue Jay P Sharp-shinned hawk W Common Crow P Red-tailed hawk I Carolina Chickadee P Red-shouldered hawk P Tufted titmouse P American kestrel W Red-breasted nuthatch I Bobwhite P Brown-headed nuthatch P Mourning dove P Brown creeper W Screech owl P House wren W Great horned owl P Winter wren W Barred owl P Carolina wren P Chuck-will's-widow S Short-billed marsh wren W Common nighthawk S Gray catbird P (bred in 1980) Brown thrasher P Common flicker P American robin W Pileated woodpecker P Hermit thrash W Red-bellied woodpecker P Eastern bluebird P Red-headed woodpecker P Golden-crowned kinglet W Yellow-bellied sapsucker W Ruby-crowned kinglet W Hairy woodpecker P Cedar waxwing W Downy woodpecker P White-eyed vireo S Red-cockaded woodpecker P Yellow-rumped warbler W Eastern kingbird S Yellow-throated warbler S Great crested flycatcher Pine warbler S Eastern phoebe W Prairie warbler S -79- Birds (cont.) Palm warbler W Rufous-sided towhee Common yellowthroat P Savannah spar row W 'astern meadowlark P Henslow's sparrow W Redwinged blackbird P? Bachman's sparrow P Cardinal P Dark-eyed junco W Blue grosbeak S Chipping sparrow W Indigo bunting S Field sparrow W Purple finch I White-throated sparrow W Pine siskin I Swamp sparrow W American goldfinch W Song sparrow W Mammals Opossum Eastern cottontail Raccoon Whitetail deer (These are the only species we recorded; several others undoubtedly occur). References Beland, J. 1971. Timber management practices for red-cockaded woodpeckers on federal lands. In: Thompson, R. 1971. The ecoloqly and management of the red-cockaded woodpecker. Proceedings of a symposium at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, Geor [a, May 26-27, 1971. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fi shery and Wildlife. Mixon, R.B. & O,H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance geology o the submerged and emerged coastal'plain.province. Cape Lookout Area N.C. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859. U.S. Govt. Printing Office. Washington, D.C. Snyder, James. 1978. Analysis of coastal plain vegetation. Croatan National Forest, North Carolina. Veroff, Geobot. Inst. 8TH Stiftung Rubel, Zurick 69. Heft (1980) 40-113. (Based on Masters Thesis, UNC Chapel Hill.) Patsy Pond Naturid Area Name of Area: Patsy Pond* Location: Carteret County, North Carolina; 0.5 miles due N of NC 24, 12 mi. SE Swansboro 34 043'35" NP 76 057'44" W; Salter Path, N.C. A', 1949; Atlantic Coastal Plain; Outer Coastal Plain. See Maps 10-11. Elevation: 20'; 6.1 m Size: ca. 70 Acres Ownership: Croatan National Fore'st 0 Administration: Croatan National Forest Land Use: Hunting, recreation, timber Dangers to Integrity: Damage done to area by vehicles Significance and Protection Priority: Appears to be highly significant; Site is in some jeopardy Reasons for Priority Rating: Area offers excellent examples of plant communities and zonation. Many rare and endangered or threatened plants of North Carolina (Hardin et al) are found here: Eleocharis robbinsii, Litsea aestivalis, Lu linifolia, ariophyllum laxum, Ploygonel-la -articulata, PolXgonum hirsutum, Rhynchosj2ora inundata, and Utricularia olivacea. Moreover, a plant new to the State of North Carolina occurs here --- SaLittaria isoetiformis. The area is also unique geologically. Management Recommendations: Natural Area should be managed for endangered and threatened species preservation, for unique community preservation, for scientific research, and as an education resource. Some periodic control burning should be done. Vehicular traffic (including motorcycles) should be stopped. Data Sources: None. General Scientific References: None. See bibliography after discussion. General Documentation and Authentication: Area analyzed in the Fall of 1976. Specimens deposited in the NCU Herbarium by R. David Whetstone and Deborah Otte in 1977. Complete documentation available from authors. *Contributed by orah K. Strady Otte and R. David Whetstone, Department of Botany, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1979). -80- - 81 NATURAL AREA DIVERSITY SUMMARY Climate: A. Mesothermal; AA. Warm Temperate. B. Cool, Moist; BB. Moderately hot & Moderately warm, Moderately wet & Moderately dry. C. Very long; CC. Similar to regional, Extremely dry to Extremely wet. Soils: A. Entisol; AA. Psamment. B. Quartzipsamment; BB. Typic quartzipsamment, BB. Aquic quartzipsamment. C. Thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment, C. Thermic, uncoated aquic quartzipsamment; CC. Leon. A. Histosol; AA. Fibrist, AA. Saprist. B. Medi- fibrist, B. Spbagnofibrist, B. Medisaprist; BB. Typic medi- fibrist, BB. Limnic sphagnofibrist, BB. Lemnic medisaprist. C. Thermic typic medifibrist, C. Sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist, C. Coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic medisaprist; CC. Peat, CC. Muck. Geology: A. Pleistocene, Sedimentary;.AA. Deposit. B. Flanner Beach Formation; BB. Siliceous. C. Highly acid; CC. Quartz sand. Hydrology: A. Emergent wetland, A. Vascular aquatic, A. Floating- leaved aquatic; AA. Seasonally to permanently flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Unconsolidated sediments, C. Organic bottom; CC. Siliceous, CC. Carbonaceous. Hydrography: A. Broad Creek & Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; AA. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Interaqueous depths and substrates. C. Smooth, C. Hummocks; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level to gently sloping slopes. Topography: A. Ridge; AA. Old beach ridge system. B. Patsy Pond Area; BB. Sand ridges, BB. Constant slopes, BB. Flats, BB. Seepage zone. C. Gently undulating, C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level. to gently sloping slopes. DISCUSSION The Patsy Pond Natural Area is a series of naturally impounded ponds on the Outer Coastal Plain of North Carolina. These ponds occur in an, area which is an old beach ridge system of Pleistocene age (Newport sand member of the Flanner Beach Formation). The Newport sands consist primarily of well-sorted sands believed to constitute barrier deposits emplaced on the downdrift side of an ancestral Neuse River (Mixon and Pilkey, 1976). Near the study area, this member has been shown to overlie a layer of bluish-gray clayey sand and abundant molluscan and ostracod fauna (indicative of Pleistocene age). The study site seems to be on an erosional slope of a broad sand ridge. Wind, sheet and stream erosion has produced very gently sloping sand ridges and sand flats. The streams flow into either the West Prong of Broad Creek or the East Prong of . Sanders Creek. The ponds appear to be products of natural impound- ing of old streams. 82 The vegetation of the area provides excellent examples of community types and their zonation. Definite relationships exist between these community types, their substrates, and their moisture. These relation- ships are depicted in Table 4. A noteworthy feature is the occurrence of the Mixed Herb Community Type, a unique zone varying from mesic sand to wet-hydric peat. The sandy areas are associated with openings in the Scrub-Shrub System border. We believe that fire has opened up these sandy areas by burn- ing the Scrub-Shrub and the accumulated peat off the soil surface. A broad overlap of species occurs from mesic to wet-hydric, and from sand to peat. Other species appear to be restricted to micro-edaphic features. The wetter areas, which are more resistant to burning, conceivably are seed reserviors for herbs associated with this Community Type. Several noteworthy species that occur here are listed under Marsh Herb System in Table 5. In addition, the area harbors a complex of plants referrable to Ilex cassine. Intraspecific taxa (Radford et at., 1968) have been reco nized as species by some authors (e.g., Ilex myrtifolia Walter). Both varieties (sensu Radford et al., 1968) occurring here are distinctive, however, many intermediates exist, hence, providing a good taxonomic study site. The conservation of Patsy Pond Natural Area is quite justifiable. The general reasons are: 1) the presence of several endangered and threatened species (Table 5); 2) the presence of a unique assemblage of plants (i.e., Mixed Herb Community Type); 3) the presence of a unique geological features (i.e., natural ponds on the Outer Coastal Plain of North Carolina which are not Carolina Bays); 4) the historical significance of the area as perhaps being a Neuse River Paleochannel (Mixon and Pilkey, 1976); 5) and the added feature of the natural area as an "outdoor classroom: for taxonomic, ecological, geological, and pedological studies. Certainly Patsy Pond Natural Area constitutes a valuable natural heritage which deserves recognition and conservation for both ourselves and our posterity. 83 REFERENCES Fernald, M.L. 1950. Gray's Manual of Botany. 8th ed. American Book Co. Nev York. Hardin, J. W., et al. North Carolina Rare, Endangered and Threatened Plant Species List. North Carolina Museum of Natural History Bulletin (in preparation). Mixon, R. B. and 0. H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance geology of the submerged and emerged coastal plain province, Cape Lookout Area, North Carolina. Geological Survey Professional Paper 859. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Radford, A. E.,et al. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. Small, J.K. 1972. Manual of the Southeastern Flora. 2 Vol. (facsimile reprint of the 1933 edition). Hafner Pub. Co., New York. U.S.G.S. 1970. The National Atlas of the United States of America. U.S. Depart ment of Interior, Washington, D.C. MAP 10: PATSY POND NATURAL AREA (taken form USGS Topographic Map, Salter Path Quadrangle, 71/2, 1949, 1:24,000) A " too*, % % % 0 -84- 1 Table 4. Community types: edaphic and moisture relations. VEGETATION COMUNITY TYPES SOIL FAMILY WATER SYSTEM VASCULAR Utrieularia-olivacea AQUATIC Myriophyllum laxum Nuphar luteum Coprogenous, euic, 60 cm to Nymphaea odorata thermic limnic 2.5 m deep Nymphoides cordata medisaprist (probably Eleocharis equisetoides-Nuphar luteum does get Rhynchospora, inundata-Nuphar luteum deeper) Euic, thermnic typic. 5-20 cm deep Panicum hemitomon medifibrist to sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist MARSH GRASS Panicum bemitomon Sandy, coprogenous, Saturated, euic, thermic limnic but usually sphagnof ibrist no t in standing water MARSH HERB Mixed herbs Euic. thermic typic Saturated, medifibrist or water table thermic, uncoated only 15 cm aquic quartzipsa nt down GRASS Aadropogon scoparius Thermic, uncoated Water table typic quartzipsamment 45 cm down SCRUB-SHRUB Cyrilla racemiflora-Lyonia lucida- Vaccinium atrococcum Thermic, uncoated Water table typic quartzipsamment 90 cm down; Litsea aestivalis-Lyonia lucida WOODLAND PInus palustris-Quarcus laevis- Thermic, uncoated Water table Gaylussacia frondoea-dumosa typic quartzipsamment much furthe down 85 Table 5. Endangered and threatened species. SPECIES E & T STATUS* VEGETATION SYSTEM Burmannia biflora Infrequent Throughout MARSH HERB Eleocharis robbinsii Endangered Disjunct MARSH HERB Eragrostis elliottii Infrequent Peripheral WOODLAND Litsea, aestivalis Endangered Peripheral SCRUB-SHRUB Ludwigia linifolia Endangered Disjunct MARSH HERB Myriophyllum laxum Threatened Throughout VASCULAR AQUATIC Nymphoides cordata Infrequent Peripheral VASCULAR AQUATIC Panicum spretum Infrequent Peripheral MARSH HERB Polygonella articulata Endangered Disjunct WOODLAND Polygonum hirautum -Endangered Throughout. MARSH HERB Rhynchospora inundata Infrequent Throughout VASCULAR AQUATIC Sagittaria isoetiformis Threatened Peripheral VASCULAR AQUATIC Utricularia olivacea Threatened Throughout VASCULAR AQUATIC See Table 1 on page 26 for a complete list of E T categories. 196 COMMUNITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Woodland System Pine/oak/heath ridges, slopes, and flats Large, excurrent, evergreen trees, Coniferales/Pagales/Ericales large, deliquescent, deciduous subcanopy typical dwarf to tall dwarf, rhizomatous, deciduous shrubs PINUS PALUSTRIS/QUERCUS LAEVIS/GAYLUSSACIA FRONDOSA-G. DUMOSA Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis/Gaylussacia frondosa-G. dumosa SOILS: A. Entisol; AA. Psamment. B. Quartzipsamment; BB. Typic qua,rtzipsamment. C. Thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment; CC. Leon. Topsoil: 0-86 cm, light gray, fine to medium sand, pH 4.0. Subsoil: 86 cm +, dark reddish brown, fine to medium sand, pH 4.0 (hardpan). GEOLOGY: A. Pleistocene, Sedimentary; AA. Deposit. B. Flanner Beach Formation; BB. Siliceous. C. Highly acid; CC. Quartz sand. TOPOGRAPHY: A. Ridge; AA. Old beach ridge system. B. Patsy Pond Area; BB. SE.nd ridges, BB. Constant slopes, BB. Flats. C. Gently undulating, C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level to.gently sloping slopes. CANOPY: Height, DBH, and age not determined. DOMINANTS: Large, excurreut* evergreen trees. CANOPY ANALYSIS Species I.V. Rel. Den. Rel. Dom. Rel. Freq. Pinus palustris 189.98 73.44% 77.732 38.81% Quercus laevis 63.96 20.31 19.84 23.81 Q. virginiana 23.98 3.13 1.80 19.05 Q. laurifolia 22.82 3.13 0.64 19.05 of Points 16 d 19.02 ft 0 of individuals/acre 120.41 CANOPY SPECIES PRESENT* BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: Ilex opaca, Liquidambar styraciflua. Pinus taeda, Quercus X blufftonensis, _q. falcata, _q. margaretta, and Sassafras albidum. SUBCANOPY: Height, DBH, and age not determined. DOMINANTS: Large, deliquescent, deciduous trees. SUBCANOPY ANALYSIS: Included in quarterpoints for the canopy. See table above. SHRUB LAYER DOMINANTS: Typical dwarf to tall dwarf, rhizomatous, deciduous shrubs. SHRUB ANALYSIS: See Table 6. SHRUB SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: TYPICAL DWARF SHRUBS-Hypericum reductum, NORMAL SHRUBS-ly2nia lucida, Myrica heterophylla, TALL SHRUBS-Castanea pumila var. ashei, Crataegus sp., GIANT SHRUBS-Vaccinium arboreum. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: None present. HERB ANALYSIS: See Table 6. HERB SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: MEDIUM FORBS-Lachno-caulon minus, Monotropa -uniflora, Stip-ulicida setacea. TALL 'FORBS-.girsium repandum, Cn-idoscolus stimulosus, Eupatorium recurvans, Gnaphalium obtusifglium, Liatris e-ecun a, MEDIUM GRASSES-Panicum portoricense, TALL GRASSES- Andropo@on scoparius, A. virginicus, Eragrostis elliottii, S2orobolus.poirettii, Tridens flavus, TALL FTRN Pteridium'aguilinum. 87 - Table 6 SHRUB ANALYSIS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 species C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S TYPICAL DWARF SHRUBS Gaylussacia dumosa 5.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 3.3 4.3 3.3 2.3 2.3 1.3 5.3 Vaccinium crassifolium V. tenellum .ALL DWARF SHRUBS Gaylussacia frondosa 5.3 3.3 1.3 3.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 3.3 3.3 Vaccinium vacillans NORMAL SHRUBS Lyonia mariana 2.1 1.3 2.3 Hyrica cerifera var. pumila 2.3 1.3 2.3 2.3 5.3 5.3 2.3 1.3 1.3 TALL SHRUBS Ilex glabra 2.3 2.3 Rhus copalling +.1 I of Releves 16 Releve Size 3 m X 3 m HERB ANALYSIS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Species C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S TALL GRASSES Aristida stricta 4.3 5.3 1.3 1.3 2.3 3.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 4.3 2.3 TALL FORBS Aster linariifolius 1.1 Carphephorus bellidifolius 1.2 Heterotheca adenolepis Polygonella articulata +.l 1.1 Sericocarpus bifoliatus Tragia urena # of R e leves 16 Releve Size I m X I m - 88 - ECOLOGICAL*CHAP,ACTERIZATION: Vegetationally-Coniferalean-Fagalean-Ericalean Gymnosperm Woodland System with a canopy of large, excurrent, evergreen trees, a subcanopy of large, deliquescent, deciduous trees, and a shrub.layer of typical dwarf to tall dwarf, rhizomatous, deciduous shrubs. Climatically-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. PedologicallY-7- Leon, thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment soil. Geologically-@-Highly acid, siliceous, Flanner Beach, unconsolidated, quartz sand deposit. Topographically-Open, variously exposed, nearly level to gently sloping, constant slopes with a gently undulating surface and open, variously exposed, nearly level flats with a smooth surface on an old beach ridge system. Temporally and spatially--Pyroclimax stage of a psammosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. COMMUNITY REFERENCES: All community analyses in this study have no specific references. See bibliography after discussion. Throughout the remainder of the paper this section will be omitted from the summary. COMXUNI'n.' DOCUMENTATION: Same as General Documentation throughout the study. COMMOITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Scrub-Shrub System Shrub zone Normal to tall, rhizomatous, deciduous and Ericales OR Magnoliales/Ericales evergreen shrubs CYRILLA RACENIFLOWLYONIA LUCIDA/VACCINIUM ATROCOCCUM Cyrilla racemiflora OR LITSEA AESTIVALIS/LYONIA VJCIDA Litsea aestivalis SOILS: A. Entisol; AA. Psamn-nt. B. Quart zip samment; BB. Typic quartzipsamment. C. Thermic, uncoated typic quartzi0sa-nt; CC. Leon. Topsoil: 0-70 cm, light gray, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9. Subsoil: 70 cm +. dark reddish brown, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9 (hardpan). GEOLOGY: A. Pleistocene, Sedimentary; AA. Deposit. B. Flanner Beach Formation; BB. Siliceous. C. Highly acid; CC. Quartz sand. TOPOGRAPHY: A. Ridge; AA. Old beach ridge system. B. Patsy Pond Area; BB. Seepage zone. C. Gently undulating; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. SHRUB LAYER DOMINANTS: Normal to tall, rhizomatous, deciduous and evergreen shrubs. SHRUB ANALYSIS: See Table 7. ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationally -Ericalean or Magnolialean-Ericalean Scrub-Shrub System with tall to normal, rhizomatous, deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Climatically-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically-Lean, thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment soil. Geologically-Highly acid, siliceous, Flanner Beach, unconsolidated quartz sand deposit. Topographically-Open, variously exposed, nearly level seepage zones with a gently undulating surface on an old beach ridge system. Temporally and spatially-Pyroclimax stage of a psamm sere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. 89- Table 7 SHRUB ANALYSIS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Species C.s C.S C.s C.S C.S C.S C.s C.s C.S C.s C.s C NORMAL SHRUBS Litsea aestivalis 1.3 4.3 5 Lyonia lucida 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 1.3 4.3 5 Myrica cerifera var. cerifera +.3 Vaccinium atrococcum 3.3 2.3 2.3 3.3 2.3 3.3 2.3 5.3 TALL SHRUBS Cyrilla racemiflora 4.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 4.3 5.3 3.3 2.3 Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia 2.3 2.3 1.3 1. glabra +.3 +.3 Sorbus arbutifolia 2.3 SHRUB SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: TENDRIL CLIMBERS-Smilax glauca, S. laurifolia, S. rotundifolia TYPICAL DWARF SHRUBS-Vacci NORMAL SHRUBS-Baccharis halimifolia, Lyonia mariana, Myrica heterophylla. TALL SHRUBS-Ceph Ilex cassine var. cassine, I. coriaceas Rhus copallina, GIANT SHRUBS-Arundinaria gigantea, TRANSGRESSIVES-Acer rubrum, Ilex opaca, Liquidambar styraciflua, Magnolia grandiflora. M. serotina. Salix caroliniana. of Releves 14 Releve' Size 3 m X 3 m 90 COMMUNITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Grass System Grass zone Tall, cespitose, deciduous grasses Poaceae ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS Andropogan scoparius SOILS: A. Entisol; AA. Psamment. B. Quartzipsamment; BB* Typic quartzipsamment. C. Thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment; CC. Leon. Topsoil: 0-70 ca, light gray, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9.. Subsoil: 70 cm +, dark reddish brown, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9 (hardpan). GEOLOGY: A. Pleistocene, Sedimentary; AA. Deposit. B. Planner Beach Formation; BB. Siliceous, C. Highly acid; CC. Quartz sand. TOPOGRAPHY: A. Ridge; AA. Old beach ridge system. B. Patsy Pond Area; BB. Grass zone. C. Smooth; CC. Open. variously exposed, nearly slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Tall, cespitose, deciduous grasses. HERB ANALYSIS: 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 -Species C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.9 C.S VERY SMALL HERBS Centella, asiatica 3.5 2.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 4.5 SMALL HERBS Drosera capillaris +.1 +.l +.l +.1 +.l D. intermedia MEDIUM HERBS Polygala lutes TALL HERBS Rhexia mariana Xyris caroliniana +.I +.l +.I +.l MEDIUM GRASSES Eleocharis op. 3.2 1.2 1.2 2.2 TALL GRASSES Andropogon scoparius 4.2 5.2 5.2 4.2 3.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 A. virginicus +.3 Panicum spretum 1.3 Rhynchospora wrightiana 1.2 1.2 1.2 HERB SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: TALL HERBS, Eupatorium recurvans. # of Releve"s 8 Releve'Size 1 m X lm ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: VegetatioRILIX-Poaceaus Grass System with tall, cespitose, deciduous grasses. Climaticallv-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically--Leon, thermic, uncoated typic quartzipsamment soil. Geologically--Highly acid, siliceous, Flanner Beach, unconsolidated quartz sand deposit. Topographically--Open, variously exposed, nearly level zones with a smooth surface on an old beach ridge system. Temporally and spatiall -Pyroclimax stage of a psammosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. -91 COK4UNITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Marsh Herb System Mixed herb zone Tall, rhizomatous, deciduous herbs Mixed herbs MIXED HERBS Mixed herbs SOILS: A. Entisol; AA. Psamment. B. Quartzipsamment; BB. Aquic quartzipsamment. C. Thermic, uncoated aquic quartzipsamment; CC. Undetermined. Topsoil: 0-40 cm, light gray, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9. Subsoil: 40 cm +, dark reddish brown, fine to medium sand, pH 3.9 (hardpan). Topsoil: 0-16 cm, black, peat, pH 4.0. Subsoil: 16 cm +, light gray, fine to medium sand, pH undetermined. HYDROLOGY: A. Emergent wetland; AA. Seasonally flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Unconsolidated sediments, C. Organic bottom; CC. Siliceous, CC. Carbonaceoua. HYDROGRAPHY: A. Broad Creek & Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; AA. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Interaqueous zones; BB. Zone. C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Tall, rhizomatous, deciduous herbs. HERB ANALYSIS: See Table 8. HERB SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: MEDIUM HERBS-Bartonia paniculata Polygala lutes, TALL HERBS-Agalinis 2yrpurea, Erigeron vernus ' Erioc7au-ion.compressum, Pogonia ophioglossoides, Polygonum hirsutum, Solid go fistulosa, S. tenuifolia, VERY TALL HERBS-Eupatorium capillifolium var. capillifoli@;m, TALL SES-Panicum verrucosum, MEDIUM FERN ALLIES-Lycopodium caroliniantm, SMALL MOSSES-Sphagnumsp. ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationally-Mixed Marsh Herb System with tall, rhizomatous, deciduous herbs. Climatically7-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically-Thermic, uncoated aquic quartzipsamment soil or Peat, euic, thermic typic medifibrist soil. Hydrologicallv--An emergent wetland with a bottom of siliceous unconsolidated sediments or carbonaceous organic material which is seasonally flooded by fresh, acidic water. Hydrographically-A series of natural impoundment ponds of the palustrine system with open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes with a smooth surface and with a drainage system consisting of Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which flow into Bogue Sound. TemporalLy and spatially-Pioneer stage of a hydropsammosere or a hydrohistosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Table 8 HERB ANALYSIS DEEP PEAT INUNDATED PEAT SPARSE SPRAGNUM SAND 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Species C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S VERY SMALL HERBS Centella asiatica +.5 +.5 1.5 3.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 5.5 5.5 SMALL HERBS Burmannia biflora B. capitata +.1 Drosera intermedia +.1 1.1 2.1 3.1 Viola lanceolata 2.1 MEDIUM HERBS Ludwigia linifolia TALL HERBS Eriocaulon compressum 3.2 3.2 3.2 +.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 +.2 1.2 2.2 1.2 7upatorium recurvans 2.1 achnanthes caroliniana- 2.1 2.1 eolygala cymosa Proserpinaca pectinata 2.1 1.1 2.1 +.1 3.1 3.1 5.1 2.1 3.1 2.1 +.1 Rhexia mariana 1.1 Xyris caroliniana +.1 MEDIUM GRASSES Panicum portoricense +.3 1.3 +.3 2.3 TALL GRASSES Andropogon scoparius 1.2 +.2 2.2 1.2 1.2 A. virginicus +.3 Juncus abortivus 5.1 1.1 3.1 3.1 +.l. J. dichotomus Panicum hemitomon 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 +.5 P. spretum +.3 2.3 2.3 1.3 2.3 1.3 1.3 P. virgatum 1.1 2.1 2.1 Rhynchospora wrightiana+.2 5.2 Scleria reticularis +.2 Tridens flavus MEDIUM FERN ALLIES Lycopodium appressum +.5. ROOTED-FLOATING LEAFED AQUATICS Nympholdes cordata 1.2 FREE FLOATING LEAFY AQUATICS Utricularia olivacea 5.1 5.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 U. purpurea EMERGED STOLONIFEROUS AQUATICS Utricularia juncea 2.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 ADD Drosera capillaris, a small herb, with C.S values of 1.1 in releves 33 - 36. of Releves' 19 Releve' Size 1 m X 1 m 93 COMMUNITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Marsh Grass System Panic grass marsh Tall, stoloniferous, deciduous grasses Poaceae PANICUM HEMITOMON Panicum hemitomon SOILS: A. Histosol; AA. Fibrist. B. Sphagnofibrist; BB. Limnic sphagnofibrist. C. Sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist; CC. Peat. Topsoil: 2.8 m, black, peat, pH 5.5. Subsoil: light gray, fine to medium sand, pH undetermined. HYDROLOGY: A. Emergent wetland; AA. Seasonally flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Organic bottom; CC. Carbonaceous. HYDROGRAPHY: A. Broad Creek & Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; AA. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Interaqueous zones; BB. Flat. C. Smooth, C. Hummocks; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. One transgressive of Pinus serotina present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Tall, stoloniferous, deciduous grasses. HERB ANALYSIS: Observation only. Cover is almost 10OZ Panicum hemitomon. HERB SPECIES ALSO PRESENT: TALL HERBS-12LSnia ophioglossoides, EMERGENT STOLONIFEROUS AQUATICS-Utricularia sp. ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationally-Poaceous Harsh Grass System with tall, stoloniferous, deciduous grasses. ClimaticalIX7-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically- Peat, sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist soil. Hydrologically- An emergent wetland with a bottom of carbonaceous organic material which is seasonally flooded by freshp acidic water. Hydrographicallv--A series of natural impoundment ponds of the palustrine system with open, variously exposed, nearly level flats with a smooth surface or with hummocks and with a drainage system consisting of Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which flow into Bogue Sound. Temporally and spatially-Pioneer stage of a hydrohistosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. 94 CON M ITY DIVERSITY SUMKARY PATSY PnND Vascular Aquatic System Panic grass bed Tall, emergent stoloniferous grasses Poaceae PANICUM HEHITOMON Panicum hemitomon SOILS: A. Histosol; AA. Fibrist. B. Hedifibrist, B. Sphagnofibrist; BB. Typic medifibrist, BB. Limnic sphagnofibrist. C. Euic, thermic typic medifibrist, C. Sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist; CC. Peat. Topsoil: 0-3 m, black, peat, pH 5.50 Subsoil: Sand. HYDROLOGY: A. Emergent wetland; AA. Permanently flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Organic bottom; CC. Carbonaceous. HYDROGRAPHY: A. Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; AA. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Aqueous zones; BB. Zone. C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Tall, emergent stoloniferous grasses. HERB ANALYSIS: See Table 9. ECOLOGIdAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationall-y-Poaceous Vascular Aquatic System with tall, emergent stoloniferous grasses. Climatically-Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically- Peat, euic, thermic typic medifibrist or sandy, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic sphagnofibrist soil. Hydrolostically-An emergent wetland with a bottom of carbonaceous organic material which is permanently flooded by fresh, acidic water. Hydroaraphically- A series of natural impoundment ponds of the palustrine system with open,, variously exposed, nearly level slopes with a smooth surface and with a drainage system consisting of Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which flow into Bogue Sound. Temporally and spatially-Pioneer stage of a hydrohistosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. -94a - CO@2@ITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY POND Vascular Aquatic System Spikerush or beakrush bed Tall, emergent stoloniferous sedges CrR Cyperaceae/Nymphaeales Tail, emergent rhizomatous sedges ELEOCHARIS EQUISETOIDES/NUPHAR LUTEUM OR RHYNCHOSPORA INUNDATA/NUPHAR LUTEUM Eleocharis equisetoides/Nuphar luteum Rhynchospora inundata/Nuphar luteum SOILS: A. Histosol; AA. Saprist. B. Medisaprist; BB. Limnic medisaprist. C. Coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic medisaprist; CC. Muck. Topsoil: Muck, pH 5.5. Subsoil: Sand, pH undetermined. HYDROLOGY: A. Emergent wetland; AA. Permanently flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Organic bottom; CC. Carbonaceous. HYDROGRAPHY: A. Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; A.A. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Aqueous zones; BB. Zone. C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBQkNOPY: None present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Tall, emergent stoloniferous sedges or tall, emergent rhizomatous sedges. HERB ANALYSIS: See Table 9. ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationally-Cyperaceous-Nymphaealean Vascular Aquatic System vith tall, emergent stoloniferous sedges or tall, emergent rhizomatous sedges. Climatically- Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically--Muck, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic medisaprist soil. Hjdrolo&LgallX--An emergent wetland with a bottom of carbonaceous organic material which is permanently flooded by fresh, acidic water. HydroAraphicallv-A series of natural impoundment ponds of the palustrine system with open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes with a smooth surface and with a drainage system consisting of Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which flow into Bogue Sound. Temporally and spatially--Pioneer stage of a hydrosere in the Sea Island Section 7 the Atlantic Coastal Plain. 95 COMMUNITY DIVERSITY SUMMARY PATSY PnNT) Vascular Aquatic System Bladderwort mat OR Watermilfoil bed OR Nymphoides bed OR Spatter-dock bed OR Water-lily bed* Free floating aquatics Scrophulariales Submergent rhizomatous aquatics OR Haloragales Rooted-floating leaf aquatics OR Gentianales Emergent rhizomatous aquatics OR Nymphaeales Rooted-floating leaf aquatics Nymphaeales UTRICULARIA OLIVACEA OR MYRIOPHYLLUM LAXUM NY'.MPHOIDES CORDATA OR Utricularia oTi-vacea Hyriophyllum laxum " Nymphoides cordata NUPHAR LUTEUM NYMPHAEA ODORATA Nuphar luteum " Nymphaea odorata SOILS: A. Histosol; AA. Saprist. B. Medisaprist; BB. Limnic medisaprist. C. Coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic medisaprist; CC. Muck. Topsail: Not determined. Subsoil: Not determined. HYDROLOGY: A. Vascular aquatic, A. Floating-leaved aquatic, A. Emergent wetland; AA. Permanently flooded. B. Fresh; BB. Acid. C. Organic bottom; CC. Carbonaccous. HYDROGRAPHY: A. Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which drain into Bogue Sound, Palustrine; AA. Natural impoundment ponds. B. Patsy Pond and associated ponds, Aqueous zones; BB. Constant slope, BB. Pond zones of varying water depths and substrates. C. Smooth; CC. Open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes. CANOPY: None present. SUBCANOPY: None present. SHRUBS: None present. HERB LAYER DOMINANTS: Free floating aquatics, submergent rhizomatous aquatics, rooted- floating leaf aquatics, or emergent rhizomatous aquatics. HERB ANALYSIS: See Table 9. ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION: Vegetationally-Scrophularialean, Haloragalean, Gentianalean, or Nymphaealean Vascular Aquatic System with free floating aquatics, submergent rhizomatous aquatics, rooted-floating leaf aquatics, or emergent rhizomatous aquatics. Climaticallv--Warm, temperate mesothermal climate: Cool, moist yearly, moderately hot and moderately wet in the summer (July), moderately warm and moderately dry in the winter (January) and with a very long Frost Free season. Pedologically--Muck, coprogenous, euic, thermic limnic medisapriat soil. Hydrologically--An emergent wetland, Vascular aquatic zone, or floating-leaved aquatic zone with a bottom of carbonaceous organic material which is permanently flooded by fresh, acidic water. Hydrographicallv--A series of natural impoundment ponds of the palustrine system with open, variously exposed, nearly level slopes and pond zones with a smooth surface and with a drainage system consisting of Broad Creek and Sanders Creek which flow into Bogue Sound. Temporally and spatially-Pioneer stage of a hydrosere in the Sea Island Section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Combinations of these !so occur. - 96 - Table 9 AQUATIC ANALYSIS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Species C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S C.S FREE-FLOATING AQUATIC Utricularia olivacea 3.1 3.1 RO -FLOATING LEAF AQUATIC Nymphaea odorata 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 Nymphoides cordata 5.2 +.2 SUBMERED RHIZOMATOUS AQUATIC Myriophyllum laxum 4.4 4.4 EMERGED RHIZOMATOUS AQUATIC Nuphar luteum 2.2 1.2 2.2 4o2 1.2 EMERGED STOLONIFEROUS AQUATIC Eleocharis equisetoides +.5 4.5 5.5 4. Eleocharis sp. (W8754)* +.2 +.2 Panicum hemitomon 5.5 2.5 5.5 5.5 3.5 5.5 5.5 1.5 AQUATIC SPECIES PRESENT, BUT NOT IN ANALYSIS: FREE-FLOATING LEAFY AQUATIC-Utricularia purpurea, EMERGED OR SUBMERGED CESPITOSE AQUATIC-Xyris caroliniana, EMERGED RHIZOMATOUS AQUATICS-Pontederia cordata, Rhynchospora inundata, EMERGED STOLONIFEROUS robbinsii, Hydrocotyle sp., Proserpinaca pectinata, Sacciolepis striata, Sagittaria isoetiform biflora, U. juncea. of Releve's 17 Releve Size 1 m X 1 m .38 X16 A 35 % xis 34X 25 x 7 33 x c@ if It It It 2 It It t 7 A I tx 25 0 0 Mon 01 V 0 11 Ocea 10 .4'E I, it Daybeacon % ee A 10 rrFz 0 A 0 Light :7 GDaybeaco It. fe 60,4SIA A C> Of Daybeacon Daybeacone A = LOCATION OF 2 ACTIVE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER CAVITY TREES go.Pea B = LOCATION OF RIVER OTTEIRSIIGHTING TROPOSED ADDITION TO NATURAL AREA 0 Da be.7 7 AREA PROPOSED BY OTTE AND WHETSTONE 1979 ;! @b Lovett Island MAP 11: PATSY POND NATURAL AREA 98 Addendum to Natural Heritage Program Re2ort on Patsy Pond Natural Area - by Otte and Whetstone 1979. by John Fussell and Jeannie 7171-son 1 December 1980. As part of our survey of natural areas of Carteret County during 1980 (contract work to Natural Heritage Program for the Office of Coastal Management), we surveyed the area of freshwater ponds and shallow marshes lying W and NW of the ponds studied previously by Otte and Whetstone. We wished to find out if these additional ponds were also of significant natural value and if the rarer species of plants found by Otte and Whetstone were also present in the more NW ponds. We surveyed the area 11 and 14 October and beiefly on 13 November. We found none of the rarer plant species, but, in the case of the aquatics, this could have been due to the extremely dry summer and early fall. However, we were impressed with many features of these ponds and marshes. Some of these areas are obviously naturally impounded sections of former drainage systems; however, there are also depressions that exhibit "sinkhole" form. Some of these are less than 50' across with no water or wetland vegetation; larger ones have open water and/or marsh. Also this area has 2 or more marsh areas that are associated with Carolina bays. The ponds and marshes have a rather wide range of vegetation, which is generally different from the ponds to the SE. There are several zonation patterns associated with the ponds and marshes (many different from the ponds to the SE); one interesting situation was a dense band of Cassandra cal. culata in one of the Carolina bay marshes. For these geological and botanical reasons, we recommend the addition of this area to the Patsy Pond Natural Area. Also within this additional area, we found 2 active red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees (See Map I]). An addition to the rare fauna of the Patsy Pond Natural Area is the crawfish frog (Rana areolata) (species of special concern). Dr. Julian Harrison, College of Charleston, Charleston, S.C. collected this species in the 1950's (pers. com. to Fussell Sept. 1980). Collection was either at Patsy Pond or one of the immediately adjacent ponds. Also, we saw a river otter at site B (see Map 11) 13 November. The Patsy Pond Natural Area is much in need of more frequent fire management. Especially needed is the determination of the effects of fire on the shrub vegetation on the slopes of the ponds and marshes in a natural situation; currently these areas are pro- tected from fire by the presence of fire lines between them and the more flammable Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis/Aristida stricta community. Unfortunately, human abuse of the natural area continues. 99 Shackleford Bank Name of Area: Shackleford Bank 1 Location: Carteret County, North Carolina; Beaufort and Harker's Island 7.5 min. USGS topographic quad map; separated from Cape Lookout at the eastern end of the'island by Barden Inlet and from Bogue Banks at the western end by Beaufort Inlet and is bounded by Back Sound and the Atlantic Ocean (see map 12). Ownership and Administration: Presently Shackleford Bank is in divided private ownership. The entire island is to be acquired by the National, Park Service (NPS) as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Size: 2280 acres (923 ha). Land Use: Sbackleford Bank has retained a degree of remoteness and wildness since public transportation to the island has been lacking and private boats provide the only means of access. The proposed management plan by the NPS provides ferry service to Shackleford for a limited number of visitors in addition to the existing private boat access. Presently, a few private vehicles such as cars, dune buggies and motorcycles exist on the Bank, but Park plans prohibit vehicular use and provide no on- island transportation once land acquisition is completed. The island is virtually free of development except for private "fish camps" which dot the sound-side landscape. Pending the time when leases and life estates terminate, these cottages will be removed, and this land, like the undeveloped portion, will be classified as wilderness. The primary land use is beach recreation on both the ocean and sound sides, fishing, camping, hiking and nature study. Authorizing legislation for the Park also permits hunting and shell-fishing in designated areas. Furthermore, the island is used extensively as an outdoor laboratory and education grounds by many universities and research facilities throughout the East for the study of barrier island ecology. Dangers to Integrity: Under the classification of natural. (wilder- ness) zone, Shackleford will be relieved in part from some of the presently existing pressures of uncontrollerd land use such as off-road vehicles. Nevertheless, other threats to the natural integrity have been cited: The Army Corps of Engineers have proposed dredge spoil sites on Shackleford from their activities in Beaufort Inlet. Feral animals (cows, sheep, goats and horses) ICompiled from information in the N.C. Natural Heritage Program files. Additional information is available from the Heritage Program, DNRCD, Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, N.C. (1980). 100 - roam the island and are considered to impart destructive impacts to dune and maritime forest vegetation thereby accelerating the encroachment of sand upon the forest. Further studies are planned before final decisions to remove the livestock are announced. Solid wastes litter the island and in some cases are hazardous to visitors. Protection Status: Under NPS administration, all of Shackleford is proposed as a "natural. zone" and will be recommended and protected as a wilderness with minimal visitor facilities. Reasons for Significance: Shackleford Bank is a remote island in the Outer Banks chain which, unlike other barrier islands, has been relatively undisturbed by people during the last 7 years. The Bank is approximately 9 miles long varying in width up to one half mile. Its east-west orientation situates it perpendicular to the prevailing winds thereby resulting in unique physiographic characteristics which provide an interesting contrast to the other barrier islands of the Outer Banks. The eastern two thirds of the island resembles the barrier islands to the north: low dunes near the ocean, grasslands, low shrub trees and an extensive salt marsh. Scatterecithroughout this portion of the Bank, occasional "ghost trees" and stumps mark the former existence of a once extensive maritime forest. The area is now an over-wash formed during severe storms and now claimed by sea oats and other salt tolerant dune grasses. In contrast, the western end of Shackleford features dunes 30-40 feet high formed by prevailing on-shore winds. The high dunes provide an effective barrier from wind and salt spray for the sound side vegetation. As a result, an extensive and well developed maritime forest still remains. This beautifully formed, remnant forest is one of the last undisturbed examples of this type of ecosystem. It is composed primarily of Eastern red cedar, live oak, American holly, and Loblolly pine. Another notable feature is the presence of permanent, fresh water ponds such as Mullet Pond which supports the unique Marsh killifish (Fundulus confluentus). "Marshes are distributed between 7hickets or on the sound side of 'the forest. Also, wherever the ground surface approaches the water table inside the forest, wet thickets or or fresh marsh is formed. As a result, maritime forest, thickets and marshes compose an intricate vegetation pattern," (Au, 1974). Associated with the marshes are vast, lush grasslands which extend into the sound in some places. Here ungulates,, . mostly feral horses, can be seen grazing; the Shackleford horses compose one of the last free ranging herd of any consequent size in the East, Furthermore, Shackleford serves as a nesting ground for the Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle, an endangered species. It also supports many plants of special status such as Drummond's Prickly Peat (see Table 10), which can be found between the dunes. In short, Shackleford exhibits a much greater plant and animal diversity than any other of the Cape Lookout National Seashore islands due to the physiographic features of land- wind orientation and the presence of the 85 maritime forest. 10j - Moreover, it contains more rare and endangered plants and animals than the other islands of the Outer Banks without a complete overlap in species composition. Shackleford Bank warrants recognition as a natural area for its wilderness, biotic diversity and unique ecosystems and its significance for the scientific study of barrier islands. Preserve Recommendation: Because of the geological, biological and physiographical diversity, Shackleford should remain and be protected as a natural area with efforts to promote it as a recognized wilderness. It is recommended that the island serve as an ideal study ground for barrier island ecology and that such studies be encouraged in order to accrue further knowledge for the management of such systems. Data Sources: Preston D. Riddle, Supervisor and staff, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Beaufort, N. C. Paul J. Godfrey, National Park Service Cooperative Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. John 0. Fussell, Morehead City, N. C. Jeannie Wilson, Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N. C. National Park Service, General Management Plan and Environ- mental Impact Statement. Scientific References: Au, S. (1974) Vegetation and ecological processes on Shackleford Banks, North Carolina. National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series No. 6. 86 p. Engles, W. L. (1952) Vertebrate fauna of North Carolina coastal islands. II. Shackleford Banks, Am. Midlt. Nat. 47: 702-742. Godfrey, P. J. and Godfrey, M. M. (1976) Barrier island ecology of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and vicinity, North Carolina. National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series. No. 9 160 p. Lewis, I. F. (1917) The vegetation of Shackleford Bank. N. C. Geol. Econ. Surv. Eco. Pap. 46. 32 p. Documentation and Authentication: Voucher specimens and documentations are all on file at the Cape Lookout National Seashore headquarters in Beaufort, North Carolina. See Management Report: Preliminary Resource Inventory of the Vertebrates and Vascular Plants of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina, Management Report No. 22. Herbaria, etc. for voucher specimens are listed for described species. 102- Table Ia. Special Animals an Shakleford Banks 2Noe N Special Name common Name Status -Sites -Habitat Caretta caretta Atlantic Loggerhead Open seas, warm waters, caretta Sea Turtle E 20 nests on beaches Natrix sipedon Caroline Salt Marsh SC 4 Seaside and estuarine williamengelsi Snake conditions on Outer Banks Fundulus confluentus Marsh killifish SC 1 Coastal freshwater marsh ponds 2Taken from Cooper, J. E., S. S. Robinson, and J. B. Funderberg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N. C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, N. C. 444 pages + i-xvi. 3Number of recorded occurrences of species in state known by the Natural Heritage Program as of July 1979. Ex2lanation of Status Categories Animals E - Endangered SC - Special Concern T - Threatened UD - Undetermined 103 - Table 10. Special Plants on Shakleford Banks Scientific Name Common Name Status2 Habitat Agalinis maritime Saltmarsh gerardia EP Salt marshes Seaside foxglove Corallorhiza Spring coral root TP Swamp forests, wisteriana rich ravines Opuntia drummondii Drummond's prickly TP Sand dunes and pear sandy pine woods Parietaria floridana Florida pellitory EP Maritime forests Ludwigia repens Creeping marsh- EP Ditches, ephemeral purslane pools Rhynchospora odorata Fragrant beakrush TP Swamp forests and low disturbed areas Ludwigia,microcariDa Tiny fruited seedbox EP Ditches and marshes Ludwigia alata Winged seedbox EP Marshes These plants are no longer listed as endangered or threatened by the N.C. Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Program. 2Taken from Cooper, J. Es. So So Robinson, and J. B. Funderberg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. No C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, No C. 444 pages + i-xvi. Explanation of Status Categories Plants EE - Endangered Endemic TE - Threatened Endemic ED - Endangered Disjunct TD - Threatened Disjunct EP - Endangered Peripheral TP - Threatened Peripheral ET - Endangered Throughout TT - Threatened Throughout INTRACOASTAL WA TERWA Y 70 BOGUE SOUND MOREHEAD CITY 1510 101 70 BEAUFORT NORTH BEA UFan, INLET RIVER HARKERS ISLAND 0 6. MA If "Al BROWNS I BACK ISLAND SOUND EAST SHACKLEFORD BANKS FERRYBOAT DOCK ORIENTATION SIGN 40 r BARDEN CAPE LOOKOUT POINT AREA li@,/A(LiT FERRYBOAT AND NPS DOCKS / _@- @*,, %@@/ WATER AND COMFORT STATIONS VISITOR CONTACT STATION STATE SELF -GUIDED INTERPRETIVE TOUR PIPELI RANGER AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES EAST HARKERS ISS CAPELOOKOUT VISITOR CONTACI ADMINISTRATIVE CAPE LOOKOUT LIGHTHOUSE FERRY TERMINAL HISTORIC ZONE STAFF HOUSING VISITOR AND STA PICNIC AREA INTERPRETIVE TF MAP 12: SHACKLEFORD BANKS Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area Name of Area: Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and adjacent undis- turbed areas. County: Carteret Location Description: This area consists of the largely undeveloped tract of approximately 450 acres that is bounded by Bogue Sound to the north, Pine Knoll Boulevard in Pine Knoll Shores to the northeast, Iron Steamer Pier to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Ramada Inn property to the west. The 11nucleus" of this tract is the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. (265 acres), which is administered by the Division of State Parks & Recreation, Department of Natural Resources and Com- munity Development. See Map 13. Topographic Quadrangle Map: Mansfield Ownership: See Map 14. Report Prepared by: John 0. Fussell, III 1412 Shepard Street Morehead City, N. C. 28557 Jeannie Wilson Hampton Mariners Museum Beaufort, N. C. 28516 Date: 1979 Other Persons Knowledgeable about Site: Dr. Vincent Bellis Department of Biology East Carolina University Greenville, N. C. 27834 Mr. David M. DuMond Biology Department University of North Caroina at Wilmington Wilmington, N. C. 28401 Mr. Mark Joyner North Carolina Marine Resources Center Route I Morehead City, N. C. 28557 -105- Tvi 0 TRACOASTAL o Daybeacon 0 Daybeacon WA TERWA Y 0 Daybeacon o Light o Daybeacon o Daybeacon c p Hoop Pr ZIN z @@77 -@6 ................ C@ 15 ........................ ........ ......... -10 ........... .......... ............ 0 MAP 13: ROOSEVELT NATURAL AREA 107 Current Use-and Protection Status: The area covered by this report consists primarily of four tracts: 1) the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area which consists of 265 acres. This area was set aside to remain in its'-natural state; it is admin- istered by the Division of State Parks. 2) the North Carolina Marine Resources Center tract which lies within the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. This tract, which is adminlatered by the Departmer$t of Administrationt consists of approximately 25 acres. Approximately five acres have been developed for the Resources Center buildingg parking lots, etc, At this time, there are no plans to develop or alter the other 20 acres, 3) approximately 114 acres between the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and Pine Moll Boulevard in Pine Knoll Shores. Most of this area is still undeveloped and in its natural state. The Pine Knoll Shores town hall is at'the edge of this tract, and there is an eleetAo sub- station, a water tower, and a,power line right-of-way within it. All this tract is zoned for commercial development. As much of the tract is swamp forest, its use as a commercial area would of course require the destruction of the tract as a natural area. Some of this tract that is adjacent to Bogue Sound is marshland and is thus designated as an area of environmental concern. 4) approximately 47 acres between the Salter Path Road and the ocean. This tract is largely in its natural state; there are a few footpaths through it and several surveyors' transects. It is zoned commercial/ residential, i.e. motels, condominiums, etc. The seaward strip that is within 75 feet of the mean high water mark is designated as an area of environmental concern. Vegetation and Plant Communities: The presence of a relict beach ridge system with its alternating dune ridges and swales (troughs) is an important determinant of the vegetation of the area. This topography has resulted in many levels of moisture and salinity within the area, which has contributed to several habitats and a large number of plant species. Within the area, plant composition is also related to distance from the ocean,, i.ei--to salt spray intensity* The appendixed Natural Areas of (Theodore) Roosevelt Natural Area (prepared in 1974 for the Divisio of State Parks) discusses the natural communities of the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area# which is largely representative of the total area covered by this report. However, the area south of the Salter Path Road (and not within the Theodore Roose- velt Natural Area) borders the ocean and includes beach and a narrow dune zone. Also# the forest south of the highway is "more maritimell than the forest north of the highway- - - i,e, it is more sheared by salt spray and more strongly dominated by live oak (Quercus virginiana)o red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) wild olive (Osmanthus americana), red bay (Fersea boir-bon-fa),, Uaro-11na cherrylaur-eT7 @Funu@s-6-6@-ro=@nafi2),, etc, 108 Physical Features: This area's physiognamy is determined largely by the presence of a prominent relict beach ridge system. The ridges range from a prox- .P imately two to 20 feet above sea level.,..,Elevations of the interlying awales range from sea level to two feet. Seawards the dune ridges essentially parallel the present shoreline. Soundwardl many curve toward the northwest. This curvature is of geological interest. Fisher (1967) thought that his curvature was not due to a migrating inlet. The ridie sistem, has been largely stable for a very long period. Fisher (19 7) suggested that the sound-side ridges are at least approximately 1200 years old. This stability as compared to the relative instability of most sections of North barolinals barrier islands is also of geological interest. Rare Plants and Animals: Plants- Species Status in North Carolina Comments Halodule beaudettei Threatened Occurs in adjacent sound Parietarla floridana Endangered peripheral 0 p2atia drummondii Threatened peripheral Agalinis maritima Endangered peripheral Animals- American alligator Endangered Resident- sometimes (Alligator mississinpiensis) nests in area t tlantic loggerhead Endangered May rarely nests Caretta caretta caretta) or attempt to, on ocean beach Brown pelican Endangered Adjacent ocean and sound Great ,blue iieron Special concern Great egret Special concern Snowy egret Special concern Little blue heron Special concern Louisiana heron Special concern Yellow-erowned night heron Special concern Black-crowned night heron Special concern White ibis Special concern Black duck Special concern Red-shouldered hawk Threatened Nests in area Ospre7 Special concern Nests in area 109 Merlin Threatened Migrant in area Peregrine falcon Endangered Migrant in area King rail Special conceim Gull-billed torn Special concern Laughing gull Special concern Adjacent ocean and sound Least tern Special concern Adjacent ocean and sound Common torn Special concern Adjacent ocean and sound Royal tern Special concern Adjacent ocean and sound Sandwich torn Special concern Adjacent ocean and sound Black skimmer Special concern Purple martin Special concern (Wayne's)Black-throated Special concern Nests in area green warbler Swainson's warbler Special concern Nests in area some years Prothonotary warbler Special concern Nests ti@ area Publications and Scientific References: Fisher, J.J. 1967o Development pattern of relict beach ridgest Outer Banks barrier chaing North Carolina. Doctoral dissertation. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, N.C, Flora Species List: See appendixed Vascular Plants of (Theodore) Roosevlet Natural Area (prepared in 1974 for the Division of State Parks). This includes almost all plant species that occur.;in the area covered by this report. Fauna Species List: See appendixed Fish., Amphibians, Reptiles and Mammals of (Theodore) Roosevelt Natural Area and Summer Birds of (Theodore)Roos;-velt Natural Area (both prepared in 197@'-for the North Carolina Division of State T-arks). - To the bird list, the following species should be added: White Ibis- visitant all year Black Duck- winter visitant Merlin- uncommon fall transient Peregrine Falcon- rare fall transient Sandwich Tern- transient Evaluation of the Site's Ecological Significance: 1) This area is geologically significant because the well-defined system of ancient relict beach ridges is virtually undisturbed. The fact that the ridges have been stable for,.so long is of interests, as is the fact that those next to Bogue Souhd curve northwestward. It is also interesting that several large shoals in adjacent Bogue Sound have the same northeyest-southeast alignment as the northward ends of the relict beach ridges on the island. 2) The stabilized relict beach ridge system has contributed to a large number of habitats in a relatively small area. Wetland habitats are salt marsh, brackish marsh, fresh marsh, temporary ponds (both .fresh and saline), shrub swamps swamp forest, and pond holes. Plant communities of the ridges are maritime forest and maritime shrub thicket, A. The.most significant of the above are the maritime forest and swamp forest. In North Carolina, maritime forests are.rapidly beEng destroyed by man. This area ts now the least humanly disturbed example of the type of maritime forests In the state south of Cape Hatteras, those thab are dominated by red cedar and broadleaf ever- green species such as live oak*t laurel oak (Quereus laurifolia). red bay, wild olive, and Carolina cherrylaur-el.- This is also the only area in the state where there still remains a complete cross- section-- ocean to sound-t- of maritime forest. The tract of forest south of the Salter Path Road is especially unique. No where else in North Carolina does forest occur so close to the ocean-- as close as 200 feet to mean high water. (Adjacent similar areas have been or are now being altered by human development.) It should be noted that this is the "natural" situation here-- old charts show the same forest to ocean proximity in the mid to late 1800's. This seaside tract of forest is dominated by live oak. It Is probably the only tract of live oak-dominated forest in the state that is on a site that has apparently been stable for several hundred years. The swamp forest of the area is also unique. This is the only tract of swamp forest on the barrier islands of North Carolina. It is interesting that bald cypress (Taxodium distichum is absent here. Also interesting is the relative abundance of ash (Fraxinus tomentosa). 3) This area is important to a large number of rare species: a) There are two endangered plant species and two threatened plant species in the area. b) The endangered American alligator is resident andt at least occasionally, nests within the area; the loggerhead turtle may occasionally nest on the ocean beach; the endangered brown pelican feeds in the adjacent ocean and sound; the endangered peregrine falcon sometimes uses the area during the fall migration. c) The threatened red-shouldered hawk nests in the area every year, and the threatened merlin uses the area during the fall migration. d) Also, 22 bird species of special concern occur in the area; at least four of these nest within the area. M 0 /R .ACOASTAL o Daybeacon 0 Daybeacon WArERwAy o Daybeacon o Light o Daybeacon 0 Daybeacon 13 G Hoop Hoop Pc IVI038-1-4 _zN.C. Manne- Resources Cent@ r 5. State of North Caroli cr s) a(290 e M038-1-2 .............. .................... ... ...... ............................. 6:@ 0- 3 -Salter P th 5 4 6 M037-1 Iron Steamer Pier . ....... ............... Inn Property M037-1-1 3.77 acres First Citizen's Bank and Trust Co. M037-1-3 11 acres Frances Webb Roosevelt, Box 736, Pine Knoll Shores, Morehead City, NC 28557 M037-14 12 acres Theodore Roosevelt I I I (address as above) M037-1-5 10 acres Grace Roosevelt McMillan (address as above) M037-1-6 10 acres Cornelius van Schaak Roosevelt (address as above) M038-1 -1 60 acres (approx.) T.R. Roosevelt 111, et al, Box 736, Pine Knoll Shores Morehead City, NC 28557 M038-1-2 24.2 acres T. R. Roosevelt I 11, (address as above) M038-1-3 2 acres Carteret-Craven Electric Membership Corporation Morehead City, NC 28557 M038-1-4 27 acres Town of Pine Knoll Shores M038-1-5 I acre Carolina Water Corporation, Pine Knoll Shores MAP 14: OWNERSHIP OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT TRACT e) Two species, although not listed as rare, are still of special interest. An orchid (Triphora trianthophora) is primarily a mountain species-- its relative abundaTce in the maritime forest of this area is very interesting. A fresh- water clam (S-phae-r-ium sp.) occurs in the swamp forest. There is some possibility that this could be an endemic race or species. f) The area also has a large number of species that, although not rare, are of interest because they are near their northern limit. It also harbors several species that are generally rare or absent elsewhere on North Carolina's barrier islands. 4) This area is used regularly for scientific research. Geological, botanical, and zoological research have been done here. At least two theses are based partly on research done in this area. 5) This are has educational value. Educational groups-- especially school groups-- use the area, including both beach and forest areas, for field trips and field projects. 6) There is at least one historically notable point about the area. Toward the west end of the tract, there is an old sound to ocean path that dates back to the 1800's. This was one of many samll footpaths that once crossed the island. The community of Salter Path was named for such a path. Management Recommendations: (Note: this area is listed in the Register of National Natural Land- marks and State Registry of Natural Heritage Areas) Clearly, this area, with its prominent relict beach ridge system, many different plant communities, excellent examples of maritime forest (especially the area where forest occurs so close to the ocean), the unique presence of swamp forest, the large number of rare and endangered and other notable species, and scientific and educational value, is deserving of area of environmental concern status. Furthermore, we can envision no development in the area that would be consistent with the continuation of the values of this natural area. Between Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and Pine Knoll Boulevard, any development would require the filling in of the swamp forest and thus the destruction of the area as a natural area. Development south of the Salter Path Road might be done tastefully, but the most tasteful development in adjacent maritime forest areas still effectively destroyed the forest, since virtually all the canopy is removed. If, of the total land included in this report, only the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area remains in its natural state, then it is very likely that at least two or three of the rare and endangered species now in the area will be exterminated from it. Atlantic Natural Area Natural Area Name: Atlantic Natural Area County: Carteret Location: This tract of land lies northwest of the community of Atlantic. Specifically, it lies along both sides of the section of N.C. 12 between U.S. 70 and Co. Rd. 1387. It includes the tract extending about 1.75 miles nw. of N.C. 12 and 1.25 miles to the southeast of N.C. 12. The center lies 34 054' N., 76 23'30" W. See Maps 1 and 15. Topographic Quadrangle: Atlantic and Long Bay, N.C. Size: ca. 3000 acres Elevation: 3 to 16' above sea level Access: Easily accessible from N.C. 12 with many sand roads going into the area along the sand ridges Names of investigators: John 0. Fussell, III and Jeannie Wilson Date(s) of investigation: Study from November 1979 through May 1980 Individual dates of visits: November 23, 1979 February 24, 1980 March 31, 1980 April 13, 1980 May 24, 1980 Also, Fussell made many brief visits looking for birds and listening for frogs from 1970 to the present. Legal status and use: Ownership type by percent area -- Private 100% Number of owners: two Names of owners or custodians: Duke University, Durham, N.C. Sailors Snug Harbor, Atlantic, N.C. 28557 mz Nil 14' 14, .MIN 31 - 4 lo 4"*1 $' 1 41 '14 104 'i q f-T,4 14 ''?'4 0'4 'It 0.1 V. IT, 0 6F, 14 t(. 10" - I I I., "I" IP I IM 1, it, 04 11 If I + J 1 14 1 9 1 , X" . .1 'C ' V'. .- ., @ 1-, 1. . 114' 1 F:,, , 1 '4 - I 14 4 1101W-4,4 40".4 4 4) ,ee 41' I.p C.-C 4. 1 ""ch - 00,01111 "', 19 1 j, It T C 1, IT ItI I'lN 4". voo 0., 9"1 O,q "T T;it"o 1-44, 'Oil'@'(,+l @;y i: V g!" fitA A 1, 4 6 1 0,44'. Ne itIII14 4 1. 4 d4 -4 41 ". 4, 41, it All, '4 4,' 14 It "I,, 41, 4.- "'0:0 Oil 'IR -4r-. - 115 - Significance Summary (See Map 16) a. Feature Map legend b. Description of significant feature Endangered species d. Red-cockaded woodpecker: occurs in longleaf pine ridge, pocosin and Carolina bay habitats. Endangered species no specific Bald eagle site Endangered species no specific There has been a local report of a site mountain lion in the area, but it has not been documented. Habitat with see map Leiophyllum buxifolium: Occurs on relict species longleaf pine ridges southeast of N.C. 12 Outstanding geologic see map Prominent relict beach ridge system feature Outstanding geologic see map Prominent Carolina Bays feature N F B B Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge B C Boundary A D To Cedar Island E Co. Rd. 1387 D F N.C. 12 U.S. 70 Nelson Bay U.S. 70 Scale 1 mile MAP 16: ATLANTIC NATURAL AREA, SIGNIFICANT SUMMARY 117 - Use of Natural Area: The primary low intensity use of this area is hunting. Although the area has not been systematically logged recently, the cumulative effect of many private individuals cutting longleaf pines on the ridges is noticeable. The main intrusion of the area is its use of a dumping area, but dump sites are mainly restricted to one sand road. Use of surrounding land: a. Wildland 95% b. Agricultural land 5% Management Problem Description Impact Effort Control of human overuse and abuse- affects natural 2, possibly 1 control of dumping land if closing roads to dumping is done effectively Vegetation and animal management. significant 2 Area would benefit from a fire features management program. Presence of jeep trails natural land 2, pissibly 1 if roads can be cloaed to vehicles. Preservation status: Private land, not protected by owner. Regulatory protections in force: There are no regulatory protections that we know of. None of the land is an AEC, which includes intertidal areas. The land to the north of the study area is part of the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. The same kinds of habitats exist within part of the refuge (longleaf pine ridges, pocosins, and Carolina Bays), but the total area of these habitats is small. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: unknown Threats: Threat Category *SF logging pines 2- threat of destruc- tion known, but not immediate dumping 2 jeep trails 2 development (probably 3 or 4- no known threat confined to dry areas) & a possibility that a threat will develop within 5 years peat mining 4- no known threat & no likelihood that a threat will develop within 5 years Management and Preservation Recommendation: Considering the sorts of natural values of this tract, it is difficult to delimit features that are more worthy of preservation than,other features. One value of the tract is its size, and any diminishment in-size increases the liklihood of species within being extirpated. This is true of species such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker that are restricted to an already small "island" of suitable habitat and species that require large "wilderness" tracts, such as Bald Eagle and Black Bear. There is a possibility that Duke University may sell the tract northwest of N.C. 12. Since the land.has virtually no commercial value, it is probably not threatened by any sudden extreme alteration. If it were sold, the most likely future alteration might be the building of homes along the highway. This would have little immediate direct impact on the rest of the area, but would detract from the near-wilderness character and could also lead to a decrease in the incidence of wildfires that are important in maintaining certain plant communities. Considering the fact that the Cedar Island National Wild- life Refuge abuts the northwest portion of this tract and that particular portion includes all the endangered and threatened species we found, it might be appropriate for the U.S. Fish and* Wildlife Service to acquire most or all of that area. The Fish and Wildlife Service is certainly an appropriate agency to administer a fire management program which the area badly needs. If the Fish and Wildlife Service were to acquire the land northwest of N.C. 12, and if Sailors Snug Harbor, which probably is not considering selling the land, could be made to realize the natural significance of their land through the Natural Heritage Program, then the entire study area would be reasonably well preserved. However, a fire management program for the area southeast of N.C. 12 would still be lacking. - 119 - 24. Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community Type: 1. Pinus palustris/Myrica cerifera/Gaylussacia frondosa/Aristida stricta (west of N.C. 12) or 1. Pinus palustris/Myrica cerifera/Leiophyllum buxifolium/Aristida stricta (east of N.C. 12) 2. Pinus serotina/Mixed heaths/Sphagnum spp.// Smilax laurifolia. Community Cover Type: 1. Pinus palustris 2. Pinus serotina General Habitat Feature: 1. Relict interior dune, savannah 2. Carolina Bay, Pocosin in dune swales. Average tree height: 1. 30' 2. 25' Estimated Age of canopy trees: 20 to 30 years old judging by size Trees were not cored. Estimated size of association: 1. 1200 acres 2. 1800 acres (approx) Successional Stage: Transient and climax present. It varies throughout because of regular fires. Sere type: 1. Psammosere 2. Hydrosere or psammosere Common canopy species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): 1. Quercus laevis, Q. virginiana, Pinus taeda, Persea borbonia 2. Persea borbonia, Acer rubrum, Kyssa sylvatica Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): 1. Ilex glabra, Il vomiterda, Lyonia marians 2. Ilex glabra, Cyrilla racemiflora, Myrica heterophylia. Common herb stratum species in community type (not dominant) 1. Aster linariifolius, Heterotheca nervosa, Solidago fistulosa, Rhexis lutea, Andropegon Scoranise Panicum portoricense, Pteridium aquilinum. 2. Sarrocenia flava, Agalinis obtusifolia, Myris caroliniana, Rhynchospora spp., Woodwardia virginica, 120 b. Soil Summary Source of information: Soil Conservation Service, USDA. 1979. Soil Survey of @Iarteret County, N.C. (interim report). Gina Boccetti , Soil Conservation Service, Beaufort, N.C. 1. Series: Leon Sand Order: Aeric Haplaquod, fine loamy, silicious, thermic (Spodosol) pH Class: extremely acid to strongly acid (3.6-5.5) Moisture class: wet to droughty, cemented pan. C, Community: Finus palustris, ridges. 2. Series: Mandarin Sand Order: Typic Haplohumod, sandy silicious, thermic (Spodosol) pH Class: Extremely acid to medium acid (3.6-6.0) Moisture Class: wet to droughty. Community: Finus palustris, rims of Carolina bays. 3. Series: Murville Sand Order:Typic Haplaquod, sandy silicious, thermic (Spodosol) pH Class: Extremely acid to strongly acid @3.6-5.5) Moisture Class: Wet, floods, cemented pan. Community: Pinus serotina, Carolina Bays, and pocosin. 4. Series: Ponzer Muck Order: Terric Medisaprist, loamy, mixed, dysic, thermic (Histosol) pH Class: Extremely acid to very strongly acid (3.6-4.5) Moisture class: ponding, floods, percolates slowly. Community: Finus serotina, Carolina Bays. c. Hydrology Summary Drai-nage basin: Core Sound, Thorofare Eav, Lon:- B-ay C-1 Hydrologic System: 1. Terrestrial 2. Palustrine Hydrologic Subsystem: 1. Dry xeric --- very dry xeric 2. interaquecus Water Chemistry: fresh, very strongly acidic to acidic CD . Water regime: 1. Terrestrial- permanently exposed 2. Non-tidal- semipermaner-litly floodel-1 :.o d. Sur=ary-Topography and Physiography Topographic site type characteristics: Irregular coas'@al pla4@n with slight relief Land form: Carolina bays, relict dunes and swales. Shelter: open 121 Aspect: Relict dunes and Carolina bays generally run in a northwest direction. In the southeast section of the area, the dunes run in a northeast direction. 0 0 Slope angle: Nearly level 0-2 to gently sloping 2-6 Profile: Dune ridges are convex, Carolina bays are concave. Surface patterns: Swell and swale Position: jot applicable Physiographic site type of natural area: Atlantic outer coastal plain. Pleistocene estuarine barrier. Physiographic site type of community cover type or community type: Relict beach ridges and swales. Geolologic formation: Relict beach ridges and swales, Carolina Bays. Geologic formation age: Pleistocene. Recent marine quartz sands of a pleistocene barrier "Atlantic Barrier". References: R.B. Mixon & O.H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, N.C. Geol. Survey Prof. Faper 859. U.S. Govt Printing Office. Washington, D.C. "Atlantic Sand (Pleistocene). Quartz sand, well-sorted; in northeast and central parts of outcrop area, forms northwest- trending beach ridges, average surface elevation is 10 to 15 feet, ranging upward to 20 feet. Southwest part of outcrop area is characterized by lower relief and arcuate, northeast- trending sand ridges; arcs are convex northwestward. to strongly elliptical northwest-oriented depressions, some with well-developed sand rims and organic fill, truncate-, beach and dune-ridge topography" 122 - e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species (see Figure 1) *Name of species: Fothergilla gardenii Species legal status: Threatened peripheral Number of populations on site: only one observed, probably more exist. Number of individuals per population: only 1 plant observed. Size or maturity of individuals: stage-flowers abundant Disturbance or threats to Population: no known threat Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: wide ecotonal area between longleaf nine ridge and pond nine shrub (pocosin) Topography: slight slope (to 2) between relict beach ridge and swale or Carolina Bay. Soil Series: Murville sand Drainage basin: Thorofare Bay (via small creeks). Other plant and animal species present: Pinus palustris, Gaylussacia frondosa, Zenobia pulverulenta, Pinus serotina. Note: Plant species of special concern: *Leiophyllum buxifolium: This species is not recognized as threatened in North Carolina, but its presence on the sand ridges southeast of N.C. 12 is very interesting. The nearest counties where it occurs are Brunswick, Bladen and Robeson counties. it appears to be in the same T niche as Gaylussacia frondosa on the ridges northwest of N.C. 12. *Xyris flabelliformis: This species is not threatened, but is listed as rare in moist savannahs and wet ditches in Brunswick, Carteret and Onslow Counties (Radford et al, 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, UNC Dress). It Was foUnd in a ditch along the sand road going into the area northwest of 12. 123 *Name of species: Red-Shouldered Hawk Species legal status: Threatened Number of populations or, site: one Number of individuals per population: 2 or 3 Size or maturity of individuals: presumed to be adult nesting is likely General vigor of population: unknown Disturbance or threats to population: no specific threats Habitat characteristics Vegetation association: ecotonal area between swamp, on northwest boundary of study area _and pocosin. 0 Topography: level to slight slope, 0 - 2 Soil Series: Murville sand (flys over other types Drainage basin: Thorofare Bay Name of Species: Bald Eagle Species legal status: Endangered We did not observe this species, but there are a few recent records for the study area or immediately adjacent lands. An adult was observed perched in a tree just southwest of the study area in December 1979 (Kevin Hintsa, pers . com.). The study area, combined with adjacent extensive uninhabited areas, are potential eagle nesting habitat. *Name of Species: Mountain lion, cougar Species legal status: Endangered Neither of us is qualified to evaluate sight records of this species . There is a recent sight record of a this area by a hunter .Identification may or may not have been correct. Nevertheless, any occurrence of this species in the future will be related to the future alteration of presently "wild" land to the west. 124 *Name of species: Red-cockaded Woodpecker Species legal status: Endangered Number of populations on site: Possibly one Number of individuals per population: possibly 2 or 3 (the species was sighted three times, 2- Feb. 24, 2- Mar.31, and 1 - May 24.) These records may represent only two individuals. Size or maturity of individuals: probably adult. Cavity trees may be within the area bounded by the three sightings. General vigor of population: Extremely small number of individuals, possibility of extirpation in the near future. Threats to population: Lack of fire management produces a lack of suitable habitat. They probably nest in pond pines. Habitat characteristics: Vegetation association: Longleaf pine/shrub, pond pine/shrub Topography: level to slight slope, relict beach ridges, swales and Carolina Bays. Soil series: Leon sand, Mandarin sand, Murville sand, Ponzer muck. Drainage basin: Core Sound, Thorofare Bay, Long Bay *Name of species: Swallow tailed kite Species legal status: Undetermined We did not observe this species but there are two published records - one within the study area in 1978 (Chat 42:62' and Carol Reigle, pers. com.) and one either within the study area or within land adjacent to the study -area in 1968 (Chat Name of Species: Osprey Species legal status: Of special concern only There is at least one nest of this species in the study area (see map). 125 *Name of species: Black-throated Green Warbler Species legal status: of special concern only Two singing individuals were seen on May 24. Fussell also has previous record in the area: 'May 28, 1970 and April 18, 1976. *Name of Species: Swainson's Species legal status: of special concern onlY Three singing birds were seen on May 24. *Name of species: Prothonotary Warbler Species legal status: Of special concern only Several territorial individuals were scattered throughout the area on May 24. *Name of Species: Bachmans Sparrow Species legal status: Threatened We did not find this species in 1980. However, Rowlett found two singing birds here in 1912 (Chat 37:33). Perhaps there was more suitable habitat in 1972 because of a previous forest *Name of Species: Black Bear Species legal status: of special concern onlv We saw no signs of bear, but hunters reported it in the area recently. *Name of species: Amphibians- Fine Barren Treefrogs and Carolina Gopher Frogs. During our entire study period, there was not a single rainfall. Thus, we did not have good conditions for finding these amphibians. 126 Map legend and other details: (Refer to Map 16 on page 116.) A: Fothergilla gardenii "site is approximate) B: Red-shouldered hawk sighting locations C: Osprey nest location D: Red-cockaded woodpecker sighting locations E: Black-throated green warbler sightings location F: Swainson's warbler sighting location Leiophyllum buxifolium is abundant on longleaf pine ridges on the southeast side of N.C. 12. Solid heavy line denotes highway Light solid line denotes major jeep trail Dashed line denotes boundary of study area. Dotted line denotes general orientation pattern of longleaf pine ridges within different sections of study area; they do not represent individual ridges, but they do show where ridges are most prominent. Solid area denotes natural pond in Carolina Bay. Borrow pits along jeep trails are not shown on map. Cross-hatched ellipses denote minimum area of Carolina bays, those highly visible in aerial- photographs. We used the term pocosin to refer to all evergreen shrub bog vegetation other than that which occurs in well-defined bays. Thus the evergreen shrub bog vegetation in flat featureless areas and that in the inter-ridge swales are pocosin. All of the study area northwest of N.C. 12 (1900 + acres is part of a larger tract owned by Duke University. All of the study area southeast of N.C. 12 (1900 + acres' is part' of a larger tract owned by Sailors Snug Harbor. f 127 T Master Species List FLORA Longleaf pine ridge L Carolina Bays, Pososin P Hardwood Swamp (nw boundary) S Ponds, Borrow pits po Weeds (usually associated with trash) W Trees Aceraceae Acer rubrum L,P,S Fagaceae Quercus laevis L I Q. nigra Q. virginiana L Lauraceae Fersea borbonia L,P Sassafras L Magnoliaceae Magnolia virginiana L,F Nyssaceae Nyssa sylvatica L,P,S var. biflora Pinaceae Pinus palustris L P. serotina P P. taeda L Rosaceae Malus pumila L Prunus serotina L Salicaceae Salix caroliniana L,S Theaceae Gordonia lasianthus P Shrubs Anacardiaceae Aquifoliaceae Ilex coriacea I. I. opaca T I. vomitoria Asteraceae Baccharis Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Cyrillaceae Cyrilla racemiflora 128 Shrubs Ericaceae Cassandra calyculata p Gaylussacia dumosa L G. frondosa L Kalmia angustifolia L,P, L/P var. caroliniana Leiophyllum buxifolium L Lyonia lucida p L. mariana L Rhododendron atlanticum P, L/P Vaccinium atrococcum V. tenellum T Zenobia pulverulenta p Hamamelidaceae Fothergilla gardenii P,L/P Hypericaceae Hypericum cistifolium L H.reductum T H. stans L Myricaceae Myrica cerifera L, P, S M. cerifera var. pumila L M. heterophylla p Rosaceae Rosa multiflora L,W Sorbus arbutifolia L,P Vines Convolvulaceae Calystegia sepium W Ericaceae Vaccinium crassifolium L, L/P Fabaceae Galactia regularis? L Wisteria sinensis L,W Liliaceae Smilax bona-nox L S. glauca S. laurifolia P Loganiaceae Gel3eMiUM sempervirens L,P Rosaceae Rubus trivialis Herbs Apiaceae Hydrocotyle verticillata po Araceae Feltandra virginica po 129 Herbs Asteraceae Aster linariifolius L A. paludosus L Carphephorus tomentosus L Chondrophora nudata L Eupatorium capillifolium W E. leucolepis L E. recurvans Lip Helianthus angustifolius L Heterotheca gssypina L H. nervosa L Liatris spicata L var. resinosa Pyrrhopappus carolinianus W Solidago fistulosa L,P S. tenuifolia L S. stricta L Trilisa odoratissima L T. paniculata L Campanulaceae Lobelia nuttallii L Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium ambrosioides W Cistaceae Lechea leggettii L Droseraceae Drosera capillaris P,po Ericaceae Monotropa uniflora L Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon decangulare P,po Lachnocaulon minus L Euphorbiaceae Cnidoscolus stimulosus T Gentianaceae Bartonia verna L, L/P I Gentiana autumnalis Haemodoraceae Lachnanthes caroliniana P Haloragaceae Proserpinaca pectinata P,po Iridaceae iris verna L T amiaceae Scutellaria integrifolia L Lentibulariaceae Finguicula caerulea P,L/P Utricularia inflata po var. minor U. juncea P U. subulata L Liliaceae Zigadenus densus P 130 - Herbs Melastomataceae Rhexia lutea L R. mariana L,P R. petiolata L,P Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea odorata po Onagraceae Ludwigia alterniflora p L. maritima P, po Orchidaceae Calopogon pallidus L,P Cleistes divaricata L Spiranthes vernalis p Polygalaceae Polygala lutea P,L/P Primulaceae Lysimachia loomsii p Sarraceniaceae Sarracenia flava P,po S purpurea p Scrophulariaceae Agalinis obtusifolia P,L/P A. purpurea p A. setacea L Seymeria cassioides L Typhaceae Typha angustifolia po T. latifolia po Violaceae Viola primulifolia L Xyridaceae Xyris caroliniana L,P X. flabelliformis P, L/P Brominoids Cyperaceae Carex walteriana P,po Eleocharis tuberculosa p Rhynchospora fascicularis L,P Rhynchospora spp. L,P Juncaceae Juncus diffusissimus P,po J. effusus P,po J. scirpoides L,P Poaceae Andropogon scoparius L A. virginicus L,P Aristida stricta L Arundinaria gigantea L,P Eragrostis refracta L Panicum hemitomom P,po P. portoricense L P. spp. L,P Sporobolus poiretii L Ferns, Fern allies, Mosses Blechnaceae Woodwardia virginica L,P Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium appressum P Osmundaceae Osmunda cinnamomea P Pteridaceae Pteridium aquilinum L Sphagnaceae Sphagnum spp. P,po 132 F . Master Species List Fauna Amphibians (list may omit a few species) Southern toad Little grass frog Oak toad Eastern narrow-outhed toad Southern cricket frog Bullfrog Green treefrog Carpenter froq Aline woods treefrog Southern leopard frog Squirrel treefrog Reptiles (list probably omits several species) Snapping turtle Easter qlass lizard Eastern mud turtle Northern black -acer Eastern box turtle !Rough green snake Green anole Southern copperhead Skink- Eumeces sp. Birds (list probably omits several species) Great blue heron Fish crow Green heron* Carolina chickaduee* Swallow-tailed kite Tufted titmouse* Red-shouldered hawk* Brown-headed nuthatch* Bald eagle House wren Marsh hawk Carolina wren* 0sprey* Gray catbird* Bobwhite* American robin Mourning dove* Wood thrush*@ Yellow-billed cuckoo* Eastern bluebird* Barred owl* Blue-gray gnatcatcher* Chuck-wills-widow* Ruby-crowned kinglet Common nighthawk* Cedar waxwing Chimney swift White-eyed vireo* Common flicker* Prothonotary warbler* Pileated woodpecker* Swainsons warbler* Red-bellied woodpecker* Northern parula* Yellow-bellied sapsucker Yellow rumped warbler Hairy woodpecker Black-throated green warbler* Downy woodpecker Yellow-throated warbler* Red-cockaded woodpecker* Fine warbler* Eastern kingbird* Prairie warbler* Great crested clycatcher* Common Yellowthroat* Eastern phoebe Yellow-breasted chat* Acadian flycatcher* Hooded warbler* Eastern wood pewee* Eastern meadowlark* Purple martin Orchard oriole* Blue jay* Common grackle* - 133 - Birds Brown-headed cowbird* Savannah sparrow Cardinal* Dark-eye junco Indigo bunting* Field sparrow Rugou-sided towhee* Swamp sparrow Mammals (list may omit several species: Opossum Black bear (see previous section) Raccoon Mountain lion (see previous section) Eastern cottontail White tail deer Browns Ishind Name of Area: Browns Island Location Description: Browns Island is located within Straits (the estuary between Harkers Island and the towns of Gloucester and Marshallberg). By water, it lies about -2 mile east of the bridge to Harkers Island. See Map 17. Topographic Quadrangle: Harkers Island, N.C. Ownership: Brown family Report Prepared by: Jeannie Wilson and John 0. Fussell, III Date: May, 1979 Other Persons Knowledgable about Site: JoAnne Powell, Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N.C. 28516 Allyn Powell, National Marine Fisheries, Beaufort, N.C. 28516 Current Use and Protection Status: Currently, Browns Island is in a relatively natural state, although there is at least one homesite on the northeast section of the island. There are evidences of several old homesites on the dune ridges. Cattle, horses and pigs graze on the island now. The major threat to the area is the plan for development (possibly into a community similar to Hilton Head, SC.) Lots are for sale at the present time. Because the "high" ground is less than 10' in elevation and consists of narrow relict dunes separated by marshes and development would require the filling- in of marshes. The soil is also very low for septic tanks. Charred tree trunks and stumps indicate the occurrence of fire on the island. The scarcity of Red Cedar (Juniperus vir- giniana) appears to be due to selective cutting. Otherwise, Ch-isspecies is very common in the area. Vegetation and Plant Communities: The distinct plant communities of Browns Island are related to slight changes in topography. The south side of the island and the swales between the relict beach ridges consist of salt marshes, dominated by Black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and Salt marsh cord grass (Spartina alter- n7f`=lora). Within the expanse of marsh on the south side is a liv hammock. Tree stumps are present in the surrounding tidal creeks indicating that the land was probably higher forested ground in the past. The hammock appears to be what is left of a maritime forest. Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is the only tree species present with a n7im er of herbs not found elsewhere in the marsh. -134- ST r m A' w 6x .6 it Ta=* - k1 01 VI GloucTter 11 4. rab fl. ;I 0 11 "1 17 - r GasiZil Pt :-:Adz= Lig Gilkill Landing Gaskill Gloucester Pt o'Light 0 jjgh@ T IS Ligt T H E S T Z. 4" mou Wading -7, .41 W th Bay WostinOu -7- Z ji. 41, white Pt pili"g, Z/1 ly a A, out'i Sandy Pt 7 01; p arKer$ blis X 0 R.ins! 7 d Light pm Sam 2 Shell point A DaybeacOn MAP 17: BROWN'S ISLAND LJght 0 136 The southermost dune ridge which reaches up to 10' in ele- vation supports the unique combination of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), live oak and wiregrass (Aristida stricta). The community has elements of both a longleaf pine sandhills com- munity and a maritime forest. This community probably evolved as such due to the changing nature of the island in relation to salt spray and rising-water levels. Evidence of fire is also present here typical of a sandhills community. The northern ridge is similar to the southern-ridge except' that longleaf pine is not as important as loblolly pine and wiregrass is not very common. More laurel oaks (Quercus laurifolia) are present than live oaks. In the swale area to the southeast of the northern ridge is a low woodland with elements of a maritime forest and a pocosin. Indicative species are loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), american holly (Ilex �paca), wild olive (Osmanthus americana), red bay (Persea borbonia), titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), fe-tterbush (Lyonia lucida5, liberry (Ilex glabra) and wax myrtle (Myrica ceri era-)_. Saline wale ponds are al-so present in low areas on the island. The dominant aquatic herb here is Widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima). The north shore of the island exhibits'characteristics of an eroding shoreline. In some areas, the vegetation is being undercut by the water. The presence of a swale pond adjacent to the shoreline indicates that it was between two dune ridges at one time. Also, there is a small@island to the northeast which was probably connected to Brown's Island in the past., There is one old homesite in the maritime forest on the! northwestern portion of the island. Florida pellitory (Parietaria floridana) is growing on the old brick chimney bases, and daffodils are scattered throughout the area. Physical features: (See Map 18.) The island consists of a series of relict beach ridges separated-by marshes (formerly swale areas). The marshes extend to Harkers Island indicating that perhaps the islands were connected in the past. The presence of live oaks and stumps in the southern ex- panse of marsh appears to be a remnant of an earlier maritime forest. The island itself appears to be in a state of change. The forested areas are becoming marsh, leaving only narrow stretches of forest. The dynamic nature of the area is not restricted to the present. During the Pleistocene, Hark6rs Island (including Browns Island), Beaufort and Morehead City were probably barrier islands (Steve Snyder, Geology graduate student, UNC, Institute of Marine Sciences). Many prominant landforms on inland coastal North Carolina (including scarps) are Pleistocene barriers (Mixon and Pilkey, 1976). It is possible that Browns Island will be a salt marsh in the future with the forces of a rising sea level and erosion that is active on the North Carolina coast. WESTERN PORTION OF BROWNS ISLAND SURVEYED Rough Sketch P a th Taken North Shore ridge- Live Oak-Loblolly Pine Juncus marsh Maritime Forest-pocosin-like thicket ridge- Live Oak Longleaf Pine Grazed Spartina marsh Straits Live Oak Hammock To Harkers Island S MAP 18. - j38 Rare Plants and Animals: Salt Marsh Gerardia Agaliais Maritina Endangered periph- eral Creeping Marsh purs- Ludwigia Repens Endangered periph- lane eral Florida pellitory Parietaria floridana rare, endemic Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis endangered Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus threatened floridanus Great egret Casmaeodius albus special concern Snowy egret Egretta (Leucophoyx) thula special concern Louisiana heron Hydranassa tricolor special concern Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus special concern Black duck Anas rubripes special concern Osprey Pandion haliaetus special concern Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica special concern Least tern Sterna albifrons special concern Laughing gull Larus atricilla special conc ern Royal tern Thalasseus maximus special concern Black skimmer Rhynchops niger special concern Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius undetermined Black throated green warbler Dendroica virens special concern Prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea special concern Carolina salt marsh snake Natrix sipedon williamengelsi endemic, undetermined Outer Banks Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus stricticeps. endemic, special concern 139 Publications and Scientific references: Brown, E.E. 1929. A list of mid-summer birds of the Beaufort region observed from June 12 to August 12, 1929. unpublished manuscript, in National Marine Fisheries library. Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, J.D. Funderberg (eds). Endan@ered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natur-aT R-istory, Raleigh. Harper, Francis 1913. A list of birds observed in Carteret County, North Carolina from June 20 to September 16, 1913. Cornell Univ. Ithaca, N.Y. unpublished manuscript, in National Marine Fisheries library. Mixon, R.B. and O.H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance geology of the submerged and emerged coastal plain province, Cape Lookout area, North Carolina. Geological Survey Professional Paper 859, Govt. Printing Off. Washington, D.C. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles & C,.R. Bell. 1968. @Aanual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. UNC press, Chapel _Hill,-N.U_._ - 140 - FLORA SPECIES LIST Salt Marsh: shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia groundsel-tree, silverling Borrichia frutescens sea ox-eye Iva frutescens marsh elder herbs: Distichlis spicata salt @rass Fimbristylis spadicea fimbristylis Juncus roemerianus black needle rush Limonium carolinianum sea lavendar Salicornia virginica glasswort, saltwort Spartina alterniflora salt marsh cordgrass Agalinis Maritima salt marsh gerardia Live Oak Hammock Trees: Quercus-virginiana live oak Herbs: Allium bivalve false garlic Centella asiatica centella Cerastium glomeratum mouse-ear chickweed Elephantopus nudatus elephant's foot Geranium caroli.nianum cranesbill Gnaphallum sp. cudweed, rabbit tobacco Hydrocotyle umbellata marsh pe*nnywort Hypoxis micrantha yellow stargrass Juncus bufonias rush Krigia virginica dwarf dandelion Limonium carolinianum sea lavendar Panicum spp. panic @rass Plantag? @eterophylla plantain P. virginica plantain Rumex hastatulus sheep sorrel Samolus parviflorus water pimpernel Spartina alterniflora salt marsh cordgrass Spergularia marina sand spurrey Stellaria media chickweed Vines: Parthenocissus quinquefolia virginia creeper Rhus radicans poison ivy Rubus trivialis dewberry Maritime forest-shrub thicket: Trees: Acer rubrum red maple Cornus florida flowering dogwood Cordonia lasianthus loblolly bay Ilex opaca American holly Liquidambar sty@aciflua sweetgum Magnolia virpniana sweet bay Nyssa sylvatica black gum Osmanthus americana wild olive Persea borbonia red bay Pinus taeda loblolly pine Prunus serotina wild cherry Quercus nigra water oak 141 - Shrubs: Amelanchier canadensis juneberry, serviceberry Cyrilla racefiflora titi Gaylussacia frondosa huckleberry Ilex glabra inkberry, bitter gallberry Lyonia lucida fetterbush Myrica cerifera wax myrtle Vaccinium atrococcum black highbush blueberry V. tenellum. lowbush blueberry Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet Herbs: Andropogon virginicus broomsedge Arundinaria gigantea cane Juncus roemerianus black needle rush Mitchella repens, partridge berry Panicum spp. panic grass Pteridium aquilinum. bracken fern Samolus parviflorus water pimpernel Vines: Gelsemium. sempervirens yellow jessamine Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia.creeper oison ivy Rhus radicans p , Smilax laurifolia bamboo vine Smilax walteri greenbriar, catbriar Longleaf Pine-Live Oak Woodland: Trees: Diospyros virginiana persimmon Ilex opaca American holly Magnolia virginiana sweet bay Osmanthus americanus wild olive Pinus palustris longleaf pine P. taeda loblolly pine Persea borbonia red bay Quercus laurifolia laurel oak Q. virginiana live oak Shrubs: Gaylussacia frondosa huckleberry Ilex glabra inkberry I. vomitoria yaupon Vaccinium tenellum. lowbush blueberry Herbs: Andropogon scoparius little bluestem Aristida stricta wiregrass Cerastium glomeratum. mouse-ear chickweed Elephantopus nudatus elephant's foot Heterotheca nervosa camphor weed Poa annua blue grass Polypodium. polypodioides ressurection fern Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern Xyris caroliniana yellow-eyed grass Vines: Vitis rotundifolia muscadine grape vine Epiphytes: Tillandsia usneoides Spanish moss - 142 - Swale Pond: Herbs: Andropogon virginicus broomsedge Distichlis spicata saltgrass Galium obtusum bedstraw Juncus roemerianus black needle rush Ludwigia repens ludwigia Ruppia maritima widgeon grass North Shore: swale pond and marsh Shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia groundsel-tree Iva frutescens marsh elder Herbs: Atriplex arenaria seabeach orach Cerastium. glomeratum mouse-ear chickweed Hydrocotyle umbellata marsh pennywort Juncus roemerianus black needle rush Rumex hastatulus sheep sorrel Ruppia maritima widgeon grass Typha domengensis ? cat-tail Vines: Ipomoea purpurea common morning glory Strophostyles helvola beach pea Old Homesite Area:, Trees: Pinus taeda loblolly pine Quercus laurifolia laurel oak Q. virginiana live oak Shrubs: Asimina parviflora dwarf paw-paw Hypericum hypericoides St. John's sort Herbs: Carduus horridulum. Thistle Desmodium sp. beggar's lice Narcissus pseudo-narcissus daffodil Oxalis sp. sourgrass Parietaria floridana florida pellitory Phytolacca americana poke Sanicula sp: snakeroot Viola papilionacea purple violet Vines: Bignonia capreolata trumpet vine Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper Rhus radicans poison ivy Smilax auriculata greenbriar, catbriar S. bona-nox greenbriar, catbriar Epiphytes: Tillandsia usneoides Spanish moss 143 * probably breeds + possibly breeds .FAUNA OBSERVED 14 APRIL, 1979 Amphibians: Southern leopard frog Rana sphenocephala permanent resident Birds: Double-crested cormorant transient, winter resident Great egret Perm. resident Snowy egret Perm. resident Louisiana heron Perm. resident Glossy ibis summer resident Black duck +winter resident (summer?) Red-breasted merganser winter resident Osprey summer resident American oystercatcher +Perm. resident Black-bellied plover transient, winter resident Whimbrel transient Willet "summer resident Greater yellowlegs transient, winter resident Lesser yellowlegs transient Pectoral sandpiper transient Least sandpiper transient Dunlin winter resident Short-billed dowitcher t ra ns i ent. wint-pr rpqidpTl t Laughing gull perm. resident Great black-backed gull winter resident Herrin@ gull p@rm. resident Ring-billed gull winter resident Forster's tern +Perm. resident Least tern summer resident Royal tern summer resident Black skimmer Perm. resident Mourning dove *Perm. resident Yellow-bellied sapsucker winter resident Hairy woodpecker +Perm. resident ? or visitor from mainland Eastern Phoebe transient Common crow +Perm. res. Fish crow +Perm. res. Carolina chickadee ..Perm. res. Carolina wren *Perm. res. Hermit thrush winter res. Blue-grey patcatcher *summer res. Cedar waxwing winter res. Prothonotary warbler *summer res. Yellow-rumped warbler (myrtle) winter res. Black-throated green warbler *summer res. Yellow-throated warbler *summer res. Pine warbler *summer res. Prairie warbler *summer res. Common yellowthroat +Perm. res.? or winter res. only? - 144 - Eastern meadowlark *perm. resident Red-winpd blackbird *perm. res. Boat-tailed grackle *perm. res. Cardinal *perm. res. Rufous-sided towhee *perm. res. Savannah sparrow .. winter res. White-throated sparrow winter res. Undoubtedly, several other species of waterbirds occur on the island during the course of the year. Clapper rails probably breed on the island. Also, several other landbird species occur during the.migrations. The above list probably omits a few summer resident or permanent resident landbird species- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Chuck-wills-widow, Common flicker, Red-bellied woodpecker, Downy woodpecker, Crested flycatcher, Gray catbird, White-eyed virio, Common grackle (one may have been seen 14 April 1979), Seaside sparrow, Swamp sparrow, Song Sparrow, and probably other species occur on the island. In 1913, Francis Harper called Browns Island an important heronry in the area. He recorded the following birds: Red-breasted merganser Roy Brown claimed nesting American egret (Great) large heronry- Julian Brown said it was the first time they nested Louisiana heron 150 at heronry Little blue heron 350(nesting?.) Black-crowned night heron 8-10 immatures Whirrbrel 7 birds seen Flicker noted as present Fish crow 200 roosted near heronry Red-eyed vireo noted as present Prothonotary warbler noted as present Hooded warbler noted as present In 1929, E.E. Brown recorded the following birds on Browns Island (also called Craney Island): Snowy egret breeding Louisiana heron abundant Little blue heron abundant Black-crowned night heron immature birds Hudsonian curlew 2 birds seen Mourning dove observed Brown thrasher infrequent Other amphibians that may occur are Squirrel treefrog (Hvla squirell,2) and Eastern Narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne caroTil-n-ensis) and Fowlers toad Q@ufo woodhousei fowleri). Reptiles: 145 No reptiles were observed during the 14 April 1979 Visit, perhaps because it was a relatively cold day. However, the Carolina diamondback terrapin (Malaclem terrapin centrata , Green anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensisF, -Six -lined racerunner (Chemidnhorus sexT-ineatus sexlTn-eatus), EasE-ern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis), Northern Black r-a-ce-r--TQoluber constrictor constrictor) certainly occur on the island, as w(@-Il a@-perhaps other species. Two rarer torms that might occur on the island are the Carolina salt marsh snake (Natrix sipedon williamengelsi) which is endemic to coastal North CaroT-ina, aiid the Ou-ter.Banks kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulu sticticeps), endemic to the Outer Banks between Capes Hatteras ana Lo-o-Fo-ut. Mamma 1 s : Tracks of raccoons (Pr cy n lor-or) were seen on the island. Eastern Moles (Scalopus aquaticus), River Otters (Lutra canadensis), Per ice Rats (9 @@KoT Cottom Mice omyscus 0 pinus), and R ys.palustris) gossy probably occur on the island. Opossums (Didelphis marsup .alis), Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and probably one of the rabbits, Marsh Rabbit (Syjy@i ag_@js RqL UStr S or Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) may occur on the island. Also, domestic cows, horses and pigs graze on the marsh,grasses and in the woodlands of Browns Island. Evaluation of the site's ecological significance: The significant features of Browns Island can be summarized in the following: 1. The island is undeveloped and in a relatively natural state, which is surrounded by developed areas. 2. The dynamic process of natural ecological change is easily illustrated (a former barrier island with relict beach ridges). 3. The unusual plant communities of lon@leaf pine and live oak (I have personnally never seen the combination before), and a maritime- pocosin-like forest. 4. The presence of the rare Florida pellitory endemic to maritime forests. 5. The presence of 15 bird species which are endangered, threatened or of special concern. 6. The possible presence of endemic reptiles, the Carolina salt marsh snake, and the Outer Banks Kingsnake. Management Recommendations: Browns Island does not appear to be very suitable for development because of limited "high" ground. It would seem more suitabic as a recreation area or open space rather than residential or commercial sites. Straits is an important commercial fishing area for the people of Carteret County and is fairly free of pollutants. Heavy development on Browns Island would definitely have an impact. The grazing by domestic animals has probably had a great impact on the vegetation of the island. The southern Spartina marsh is heavily ,grazed, but provides better shorebird habitat. The woodlands have , @ been grazed decreasing the amount of undergrowth and diversity of species - 146 Browns Island Management Recommendations: In regards to remnant, endangered or threatened species, Browns Island is not particularly notable. The only plant species of concern is the rare endemic, Parietaria floridana, which occurs only in the man-made habitat ot oI_J chimney Uricks. Of the birds of special concern, only 4 do or may nest on the island: Black Duck, Osprey, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Prothonotary Warbler. Although the endemic reptiles, the Carolina Salt Marsh Snake and Outer Banks Kingsnake, could occur on the island, their presence has not been documented. Browns Island's strong points are as a complex natural area and as a unique coastal geologic formation. There are undoubtedly complex biological relationships in a variety of habitats from salt marshes, to forested sand.ridges, low woodlands and swale ponds. Although there are no unusual plant species for the area, the plant communities are unique. Elements of inland coastal plant communities appear to be combined with maritime communities. The south ridge is a combination of a longle@af pine-wiregrass community and a live oak maritime forest. The north ridge (or collection of ridges) also has a veptation type that is neither typical of the mainland nor of maritime communities. Species such as lobiolly bay, titi, fetterbush and gallberry are typical of pocosins whereas many of the species are more typical of maritime forests. Also the rarity of red cedar and wild olive, which are common in the Roosevelt Natural Area and Emerald Isle woods on Bove Banks is notable, even though both areas are similar mesic sites. The unusual plant communities is a result of a unique coastal geologic formation. The relict beach ridges could be remnants of pleistocene barrier islands or scarps farther inland. Most pleistocene relict beach ridge areas have been altered considerably by man, especially the areas that now comprise islands, such as Roanoke Island and Harkers Island. The dynamic nature of the island suggests a history of rapid geological change. The recent change is towards salt marshes encroaching the forested areas leaving live oak hammocks separated by marsh. Fresh water swale ponds are being encroached by salt. water allowing the invasion of species such as Juncus'roemerianus. The unusual plant communities and dynamic geolo-g-1--c-al nature may provide clues to the geologic past of North Carolina. 147 Professional comments: Dr. Albert E. Radford: Botany Dept. UNC, Chapel Hill,N.C. 27514 The unique vegetation type at Browns Island (Longleaf Pine- wiregrass-Live oak) in a geologically dynamic area , possibly a relict pleistocene scarp, may have statewide significance. He has not seen a community such as this in good condition in North Carolina(although he has not yet visited this site). JoAnne Powell: Chairman of Environmental Resources Commission Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N.C. 28516 On a local scale, rapid development in the county has been detrimental to the commercial fishing industry, since many of the marshlands have been distroyed. Leaving a few areas in a natural state is of prime importance to much of the livelihood of county residents. Most of the Brown family wants to sell the land, and would probably not agree to a conservation easement. It may be best to purchase the land by a conservation organization. Dr. Gene Huntsman: Member of Coastal Resources Commission NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, Beaufort, N.C. 28516 Generically, part of Browns Island is already an "Area of Environmental Concern". The marshes are classified as an AEC, plus a zone of 75' landward from the mean high water level, which places stricter restrictions on development. Proposed land uses cannot significantly harm estuarine resources. Since a majority.of Browns Island is already classified as * an AEC, restrictions may be imposed on the rest of the island. The only way to include the rest of the island as an AEC is to nominate it based on its being a unique coastal natural area, including rare species or outstanding geological or archeological features. - 148 - Recommendations: The island appears to be significant on the local level and possibly the state level. Since a large portion of Browns Island is already classified as an AEC, development should be controlled for the rest of the island. If development occurs, the only area of the island that would be suitable is the north ridge, which could accept low density development (few septic tanks). The south ridge (Longleaf pine-Live oak) is not really suitable for development because it is very narrow and surrounded by marsh. Of course, the marshes are not suitable for development, and under no circumstances should they be filled in. The marshes are vital to the commercial fishing industry. I Development would also jeopardize many nesting bird species, including four of special concern. In addition to general dis- turbance, development could produce a change in habitat conditions, such as filling in of marshes, ponds and low forested areas. We recommend that all or most of the island be maintained as open space either by local government regulations or by acquisi- tion for a natural area. 140, - Jeannie Wilson Sept. 19, 1979 Species additions to Browns Island, Carteret County, N.C. Marsh: Agalinis maritima Bacopa monnieri Pluchea purpurascens Live Oak Hammock: Shrubs: Ilex glabra Myrica cerifera Herbs: Aristida stricta Lechea leggettii Lobelia nuttallii Polygala lutea Maritime Forest:Shrub thicket T r e e s : Pinus se'rotina (I tree seen on the ecotone between the Longleaf Pine-Live Oak woodland and the shrub thicket) Vines: Smilax glauca Herbs: Rhexia mariana Longleaf Pine-Live Oak Woodland: Shrubs: Myrica cerifera var. pumila Vaccinium stamineum Xanthoxylum clava-herculis Vines: Vaccinium crassifolium Swale Pond (edge): Cyperus sp. (specimen immature to identify) Rhynchospora fascicularis Birds: White-eyed vireo Red start Emerald Isle Woods Name of Area: Emerald Isle, west end of Bogue Banks, N.C. Location Description: Approximately k mile west of the B. Cameron Langston Bridge on the north and south sides of "Coast Guard Road". The site is immediately west of the electrical sub- station. See I-lap 19 Topographic Quadrangle Map Reference: Swansboro Ownership Information: (See map 20) Richard M. White Emerald Isle Developer Lewis R. Holding Emerald Isle Developer James A. Singleton Singleton Realty Emerald Isle Report Prepared by: Jeannie Wilson and John 0. Fussell, III Other Persons Knowledgeable about Site: Nora Murdock, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Asheville, N.C. Dave Rackley, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Raleigh, N.C. Kathryn Henderson, The Nature Conservancy, Chapel Hill, NC Current Use and Protection Status: Currently, the forest is in an undisturbed and relatively pristine state on the north side of the road. The only signs of human activity here are foot paths that meander through it, some trash and signs of raccoon hunting. The major and most obvious threat to the area is plans for residential development. Land is now for sale near the electric substation and roadways have been cut through the forest to the ocean on the south side of the road. 150 - Lmett L Foul n a C) it -0 " 04. 3 4 e4 Daybeaco!@---, gnx Spoil V.A 7_'CRW. Area.--- w- Av@ - - !Jze @l Bm- Spoil Area 101 A, Lig -,e. ea @spo@' At 'V Z 1*011 2 % A@ lAud Ile 10 10 Bogue r -0 'j t 7 kk 7@-4@ 9 Imp A 0 12 04. past Gu 3 b 25 .. . .. .. .... F 9 Ac@ Z4 10 N L E T 43 39 23 34 25 40 MAP 19: EMERALD ISLE WOODS 35 44 31)7--r- 311 2 570 000 FEET 308 SCALE 1:24000 - 152 - If it becomes inevitable that development will proceed over the entire area, plans should be made to protect as much of the natural features as possible. These natural features include large 50' relict dunes, swale ponds, large trees, and large pri- mary and secondary dunes. Many of the swale ponds are already being filled in on the south side of the road. Developers are considering leaving some of the forest on the north side of the road as a greenway area. Vegetation and Plant Communities: This tract of land is essentially a transect of a barrier island. Large sand dunes (to 35' in ele- vation) including shifting dunes and stabilized dunes are present near the ccean. The stabilized primary dunes are dominated by Sea oats (Uniola paniculata). The shifting dunes do not have any vegetation cover. The swale between the primary and secondary dune contains a shrub thicket of predominantly wax myrtle (MZrica cerifera), cottonbush (Baccharis halimifolia) and yaupon (Ilex ',@_omitoria). The vegetation cover of the secondary dune is -a shrub thicket with dwarf live oak (Quercus virginiana) and many herbaceous species. The live oaks only reach 3' in height due to high winds and salt spray pruning. There is an abrupt transition into maritime forest behind these high dunes. This maritime forest is unique because of its undisturbed state, the unusually high dune ridges (to 50') and high species diversity relative to its proximity to the ocean. The dominant tree species are laurel oak, red maple, american holly, red cedar, loblolly pine, red bay.and ironwood. Many species of shrubs, vines and herbs are also present. Species diversity of plants and animals is high at Emerald Isle because of the forest size and stability. Large swale ponds occur between the dune ridges. These are freshwater ponds containing many aquatic species such as duckweed (Spirodela and Wolffiella), frog's bit (Limnobium spongia), hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) and cat-tail (Typha latifoliaT_ The ponds serve as gathering are for many animal species as well. On the north side of the island along Bogue Sound is a thin margin of salt marsh, dominated by Spartina alterniflora and Juncus roemerianus. An extensive patchy salt mars@ is present throughout this portion of Bogue Sound. Tax Map Book WO-35 Bogue Sound Salt Marshes Electric Substation Parcel 7 Parcel 5 Parcel 3 f 88.4 acres 97 acres approx. 98 a4res IJames A. Singlfton Richard M. White Ownership I Information 1$ 166,000 Parcel 6 $ 174,000 not 88.4 acres Parcel 4 Available ownership Lewis R. Hold ng Information not $ 166,000 lAvailable Approx. 104 4cres Atlantic Ocean MAP 20: OWNERSHIP MAP OF EMERALD ISLE NATURAL AREA J@ote: Figures represent tax evaluations. 154 Physical Features: This section of the barrier island of Bogue Banks is about 3/4 mile wide and is oriented in an east-west direction. Consequently, southwest winds have contributed to the formation of dunes oriented in an east-west to southwest-northeast direction. The dunes range from 10'to 50' in elevation. Between a number of the larger dunes' are swale ponds. The island is somewhat protected-from the strong north winds of winter due to the presence of land north of the island. In contrast, Core Banks (Cape Lookout National Seashore) has small unstable dunes due to its north-south orientation and exposure to both northerly and southerly winds. Protection from wind is significant in the formation of large stable dunes and a maritime forest. Therefore, only a few barrier islands in North Carolina have extensive maritime forests. Rare Plants and Animals: Plants: none Reptiles: Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta Endangered occasionally nests on the beach American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Endangered possibly occurs here (present in Roosevelt Natural Area) Birds: Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus Threatened probably nests within area Merlin Falco columbarius Threatened fall transient Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Endangered fall transient 155 Current use and protection status: Currently, the forest 'is in an undisturbed and relatively pristine state on the north side of the road. The only signs of human activity here arefobt paths that meander through it, some trash and signs of raccoon hunting. A steel trap was seen as well as the use of a crab pot with a can of sardines as bait. The crab pot had a dead opossum in it! (Human creativity riever ceases to amaze us!). Several hollow trees had been cut (Laurel oaks) indicating that a hunted raccoon had been there. Apparently, raccoon skins are bringing good prices, according to a Fish and Wildlife game warden who was trying to catch a hunter.in ithe Roosevelt Natural Area. The major and most obvious threat to the area is plans for residential development.' Land is now for sale near the electric substation and roadways have been cut through the forest to the ocean on the south side of the road (see photo). If it becomes inevitable that development will proceed over the entire area, plans should be made to protect as much of the natural features as.possible. These natural features include large 50' relict dunes, swale ponds, large trees,and large primary and secondary dunes. Many of the swale ponds are already being filled in on the south side of the road. Developers are considering leaving some.of the forest on the north side of the road as a greenway area. Wiwi, A" ail 156 - Publications and Scientific References: Au, Shun-Fun. 1974. Vegetation and Ecological Processes on Shackleford Banks, N.C. National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series No. 6. Cooper, John E., S.S. Robinson, J.E. Funderburg.(Eds). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh. Fussell, John 0. 111. 1974. Vascular Plants of Roosevelt Natural Area. Unpublished report for the Division of State Parks and Recreation. N.C. Dept of Natural Resources & Community Development. Fussell, John 0. 111. 1978. Bogue Banks Study, Bogue Banks, N.C: A Description of Vegetative Communities and Annotated lists of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Endangered and Threatened Species. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Raleigh. Godfrey, P.J. and M.M. Godfrey. 1976. Barrier Island Ecology of Cape Lookout National Seashore and Vicinity, N.C. National Park Service Scientific Monograph Series No. 9. Pilkey, O.H.Jr. O:Hi,)Pilkey, Sr, and R. Turner. 1975. How to live with ;n is and, A handbook to Bope Banks, N.C. N.C. Dept. of Natural Resources and Community Development, Raleigh Pilkey, O.H. Jr., W.J. Neal and O.H. Pilkey Sr. 1978. From Currituck to Calabash, Living with North Carolina's Barrier Islands. N.C. Scientific and Technical Res. Center. Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, N.C. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. UNC press, Chapel Hill. 157 Evaluation of Ecological Significance: Bogue Banks is one of the few barrier islands in North Carolina with extensive maritime forests. It is also one of the more stable barrier islands in terms of shifting patterns and vegetation, thus lending itself to more development. Becaus a of heavy development on the island, the forest has become a sanctuary for animals at the west end of the island. An unusual significant feature of the area are the 50' relict dunes which are forested with a mature maritime forest. The large dunes form a protective barrier which allows for the colonization of many plant species which results in. a more stablized barrier island. Due to this protection, the forest provides a habitat for plants and animals that normally cannot survive in such close proximity to the ocean. Several rare and endangered animals occur in this area that are worthy of mention. The Atlantic loggerhead turtle lays eggs on the beaches from June through August. The brown pelican and the peregrine falcon are transient through the area. The red-shouldered hawk probably nests in the area. The american alligator may possibly occur in the area, as they have been seen in the Roosevelt Natural Area. A question necessary to consider is whether this area is unique or different from other maritime forests in the area, such as Bear Island (11ammocks Beach State Park), Shackleford Banks (part of Cape Lookout National Seashore) and the Roosevelt Natural Area. The dunes are much higher at Emerald Isle than they are in the other forests. The forest seems to be more stable on Emerald Isle, meaning that it is a larger forested area, unstable dunes are not rapidly encroaching on the forest, and the sound is not rapidly eroding the north shoreline. Shackleford forest is being eroded at an alarming rate on the nortn side. Also, grazing by feral animals has reduced the undergrowth to nearly nothing. The Bear Island forest is rapidly being covered by a very large moving dune. The forest in the Roosevelt Natural Area is very similar to Emerald Isle, although the dunes do not reach that elevation. In our opinion, Emerald Isle is a significant area, not only for Carteret County, but for the state of North Carolina. Management Recommendations: We feel that the Emerald Isle Woods and the adjacent sea oats dunes - together comprising a complete ocean to sound transect of approximately 500 acres - is worthy of preservation. The total extent of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast (and especially Bogue Banks) is rapidly decreasing due to human development and the Emerald Isle Woods is an excellent example of maritime forest. It has a very high plant and animal species diversity and possibly the largest trees and greatest structural diversity of any maritime forest in North Carolina. It certainly has a great deal of esthetic appeal, especially in the areas where relict beach ridges 40 feet and higher alternate with swale ponds. This area also supports several species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Any degree of human development is inconsistent with the ecological values of the Emerald Isle Woods area. Development would result in the canopy being broken, and thus the forest is no longer a forest. Wide roadways running perpendicular to the beach would channel in salt spray and drying winds. Development would require the fillingin of the swalg.-ponds and development would involve some degree of bulldozing of the forested relict dunes. H fabitat for many species would be lost,_and this would be especially true for the rarer species. Of course, development pressure on this area is high, especially on the area south of the road. However, development pressure would be less on the approximately 200 acres that are north of the road. This area is further from the ocean, has the highest relict ridges, has the most swale ponds, and it abuts marshes rather than deep water. Thus development might not proceed here for 3 or.4 years. The preservation of the 200 acres north of the road would not be as desirable as the preservation of the entire 500 acres, but it would save the best-developed area of forest, a large number of species, and the most prominent area of relict beach ridges and swales. If the entire 500 acres were acquired for preservation, then steps wouldhave to be taken to protect the dune areas, as from 159 Management Recommendations: We feel that the Emerald Isle Woods and the adjacent sea oats dunes - together comprising a complete ocean to sound transect of approximately 500 acres - is worthy of preservation. The total extent of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast (and especially Bogue Banks) is rapidly decreasing due to human development and the Emerald Isle Woods is an excellent example of maritime forest. It has a very high plant and animal species diversity and possibly the largest trees and greatest structural diversity of any maritime forest in North Carolina. It certainly has a great deal of esthetic appeal, especially in the areas where relict beach ridges 40 feet and higher alternate with swale ponds. This area also supports several species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Any degree of human development is inconsistent with the ecological values of the Emerald Isle Woods area. Development would result in the canopy being broken, and thus the forest is no longer a forest. Wide roadways running perpendicular to the beach would channel in salt spray and drying winds. Development would require the fillingin of the swale-ponds and development would involve some degree of bulldozing of the forested relict dunes. H Abitat for many species would be lost,,and this would be especially true for the rarer species. Of course, development pressure on this area is high, especially on the area south of the road. However, development pressure would be less on the approximately 200 acres that are north of the road. This area is further from the ocean, has the highest relict ridges, has the most swale ponds, and it abuts marshes rather than deep water. Thus development might not proceed here for 3 or 4 years. The preservation of the 200 acres north of the road would not be as desirable as the preservation of the entire 500 acres, but it would save the best-developed area of forest, a large number of species, and the most prominent area of relict beach ridges and swales. If the entire 500-acres were acquired for preservation, then steps wouldhave to be taken to protect the dune areas, as from 160 Off Road Vehicles, etc. However, forest areas would probably require very little protection from human disturbance, especially if residents of adjacent areas are relatively affluent or retirees. 161 Flora Species List: Beach and DUnes Trees: Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar Prunus caroliniana Laurel cherry Quercus virginiana Live oak Xanthoxylum clava-herculis Hercules club, Toothache tree Shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel tree, Cottonbush Croton punctatus Croton Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle Vines: Ampelopsis arborea Peppervine Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper Passiflora lutea Passion flower Rhus radicans Poison ivy Rubus trivialis Dewberry Smilax laurifolia Bamboo vine Strophostyles helvola Wild bean Vitis rotUndifolia MUScadine grape Herbs; Amaranthus pumilus Seabeach amaranth Cakile edentUla Sea rocket Chenopodium ambrosioides Mexican tea Erigeron canadensis Daisy fleabane Euphorbia polygonifolia Seaside spurge Gaillardia pulchella Gaillardia Heterotheca subaxillaris Camphorweed Hydrocotyle bonariensis Pennywort Lepidium virginicum Poor Man's Pepper Lippia nodiflora Capeweed Oenothera humifusa Evening primrose Physalis viscosa ssp. maritima Ground cherry Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod Graminoids: Andropogon. scoparius Little blue stem Panicum spp. Panic grass Spartina patens Saltmeadow hay Uniola paniculata Sea oats 162 Swale Ponds Trees: Cornus stricta (edge) Swam dogwood Salix caroliniana Carolina willow Shrubs: Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Vines: Cuscuta sp, Dodder Rhus radicans Poison ivy He r b s : Amaranthus cannabinus Water hemp Ceratophyllum demersum Hornwort Decodon verticillatus Water willow, Water loosestrife Galium hispiduluni Bedstraw Hydrocotyle verticillata Pennywort Limnobium spongia Frog's bit Ludwigia palustris Ludwigia Polygonum hydropiperoides var. opelousanum Knotweed Rumex verticillatus Swamp dock Spirodola polyrrhiza Spirodela, Duckweed Wolffiella floridana Duckweed Graminoids: Carex comosa Carex ?Eleocharis baldwinii Spike rush Sparganium americanum Bur-reed Typha latifolia Cat-tall Ferns: Thelypteris palustris Ma rsh fe r n -163- Maritime Forest Trees: Acer rubrum Red maple Carpinus carolinianus Ironwood Carya glabra Pignut hickory Cornus florida Flowering dogwood C. stricta Swamp dogwood Ilex opaca American holly Juniperus virginiana Red cedar Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet gum Magnolia virginiana Sweet bay Nyssa sylvatica Black gum Osmanthus americana Wild olive (large to 10" diam) Persea borbonia Red bay Pinus taeda Loblolly pine Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak Q. virginiana Live oak Salix caroliniana Carolina willow Sassafras albidum Sassafras (large to 10" diam) Shrubs: Aralia spinosa Hercules club Euonymus americanus Strawberry bush Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel Hypericum hypericoides St. John's wort Ilex glabra Inkberry, bitter gallberry I. vomitoria Yaupon Lyonia lucida Fetterbush Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle Prunus caroliniana Carolina cherry Rhus copallina Winged sumac Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry V. atrocossum Black highbush blueberry V. tenellum Blueberry Yucca gloriosa Yucca Vines: Ampelopsis arborea Peppervine Berchemia scandens Rattan vine Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow jessamine Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper Rhus radicans Poison ivy Rubus trivialis Dewberry Smilax auriculata Greenbriar, Catbriar S. bona-nox Greenbriar, Catbriar S. glauca Greenbriar, Catbriar S. laurifolia Bamboo vine S. rotundifolia Greenbriar, Catbriar Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape 164 Epiphytes: Phoradendron serotinum MisLletoe Tillandsia usneoides Spanish moss Herbs: Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit Aureolaria virgnica False foxglove Conopholis americana Squaw root Decodon verticillatus Water loosestrife Galium hispidulum Bedstraw Hydrocotyle verticillatus Pennywort Lemna perpusilla Duckweed Limnobium spongia Frog's bit Mitchella repens Partridge berry Monotropa uniflora Indian pipe Spiranthes vernalis Spring ladies tresses Tipularia discolor Crane fly orchid Graminoids: Carex comosa Carex C. lupulina Carex Cyperus spp. Cyperus Panicum commutatus Panic grass Panicum spp. Panic grasses Scirpus cyperinus Scirpus S. validus Scirpus UnIola laxa Uniola Ferns: Asplenium platyneuron Ebony spleenwort Botrychium dissectum Common grapefern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal. fern Polypodium polypodioides Resurrection fern PteridiLlium aquilinum Bracken fern Woodwardia areolata Notted Chain fern Salt 'Marsh Shrubs: Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel tree, Cottonbush Borrichia trutescens Sea oxeye Herbs: Aster subulstus 'Marsh aster Limonium carolinianum Sea lavendar Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod -165- Graminoids: Elymus virginicus Rye grass Fimbristylis spadicea Fimbristylis Juncus roemerianus Black needlerush Panicum virgatum Panic grass Spartina alterniflora Salt marsh cord grass S. patens Salt meadow hay Fauna Species List Amphibians: *Eastern spadefoot toad Scophiopus holbrooki holbrooki Southern toad Bufo terrestris Green treefrog Hyla cineica Squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella Eastern narrow-mouthed toad Gastrophryne carolinensis Southern Leopard frog Rana utricularia Reptiles: **American alligator Alligator mississippiensis *Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentina Eastern mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum Northern diamonback terrapin Maleclemys terrapin centrata **Yellow-bellied turtle Chrysemys scripta scripta *Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta (occasionally nests on the beach) Green anole Anolis carolinensis carolinensis Six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineat *Ground skink Leiolopisma laterale *S.E. Five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus Eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis Banded water snake Natrix fasciata fasciata *Eastern ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus sauritus Eastern hognose snake Heterodon platyrhinos **Pine woods snake Rhadinaea flavilata Northern black racer Coluber constrictor constrictor **Eastern coachwhip snake Masticophis flagellum flagellum *Rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus Greenish rat snake intergrade between Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata X.E. obsoleta obsoleta * Probably occurs ** Possibly occurs - 166 - Reptiles: **Northern scarlett snake Cemophora coccinea copei Southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Eastern cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorous piscivorous Canebrake rattlesnake Crotalus horridus atricaudatus Mammals: Opossum Didelphis marsupialis Raccoon Procyon lotor *River otter Lutra canadensis Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Eastern grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis *Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus *Rice rat Oryzomys palustris Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris Whitetail deer Odocoileus virginianus *Probably occurs **Possibly occurs -167 Birds Species Primary Status Primary Habitat Common loon winter resident ocean Red-throated loon winter resident ocean Horned grebe winter resident ocean Pied-billed grebe winter resident marshes Brown pelican permanent resident ocean Gannet winter resident ocean Double-crested cormorant winter resident ocean Great blue heron permanent resident marshes Green heron summer resident-nests marsh-s, ponds Little blue heron permanent resident marshes Great egret permanent resident marshes Snowy egret permanent resident marshes Louisiana heron permanent resident marshes Black-crowned night heron permanent resident marshes Yellow-crowned night heron summer resident marshes Loast bittern summer resident-nests marshes White ibis permanent resident marshes Black duck winter resident marshes Wood duck winter resident ponds Bufflehead winter resident sound Surf scoter winter resident ocean Mack. scoter winter resident 0cean Hooded merganser winter resident Ponds, marshes Red-breasted merganser winter resident ocean Sharp-shinned hawk fall transient, winter res. forest Red-shouldered hawk perm. res. probably nests forest Marsh hawk winter resident marshes Osprey. summer resident-may nest sound Peregrine Falcon falltransient flying over Merlin fall transient flying over American kestrel winter resident dunes Clapper rail perm. res.-nests marshes Common gallinule transient ponds American oystercatcher perm. res. marshes Semipalmated plover transient beach Piping plover transient beach Black-bellied plover transient, wint. res. beaches Ruddy turnstone transient beach American woodcock wint. res. or perm. res. forest may nest some years Wh imbre I transient beach Willet perm. res. beaches Greater Yellowlegs transient marshes Red knot transient beach Least sandpiper transient beach Dunlin wint. res. beach, marshes - 168 - Species Primary Status Primary Habitat Short-billed dowitcher transient, wint. res. marshes Semipalmated sandpiper transient beach Western sandpiper trans., wint. res. marshes, beach Sanderling wint. res. beach Great black-backed gull wint. res. ocean Herring gull wint. res. ocean Ring-billed gull wint. res. ocean Laughing gull trans., summer res. ocean Bonaparte's gull wint. res. ocean Gull-billed tern summer res. beach, dunes Forster's tern wint. res. ocean Common tern summer res. ocean Least tern summer resident sound Royal tern perm. res. ocean Sandwich tern transient ocean Caspian tern fall transient marshes Black tern transient ocean Black skimmer perm. res. sound Mourning dove perm. res.-nests dunes, shrub-forest edge Yellow-billed cuckoo sum. res.-prob. nests forest Screech owl perm. res.-nests forest Chuck-will's widow prob. sum. res.-nests forest Whip-poor-will fall transient forest Common nighthawk summer resident flys over Ruby-throated hummingbird sum. res.-prob. nests forest Belted kingfisher wint. res. sound Common flicker fall trans, wint. res. forest edge perm. res.? may nest Red-bellied woodpecker perm. res.-nests forest Yellow-bellied sapsucker wint. res. forest Downy woodpecker prob. perm. res. forest may nest Eastern kingbird Summer res. may nest forest Great crested flycatcher summer res.-nests forest Eastern phoebe fall trans, wint. res.? forest edge Tree swallow primarily fall. trans. -- Bank swallow fall transient -- Rough-winged swallow summer res. -- Barn swallow summer res. -- Purple martin summer res. -- Blue jay perm. res.-nests forest Common crow prob. perm. res. may nest beach, dunes, forest Fish crow perm. res.-may nest beach, dunes, forest Carolina chickadee perm. res.-nests forests Red-breasted nuthatch prob. wint. visitant forest House wren fall trans., wint. res. shrub thicket, forests edge Winter wren prob. wint. res. forest Carolina wren perm. res.-nests forest 169 species Primary Status Primary Habitat Long-billed marsh wren fall trans. marshes Mockingbird perm. res.-nests shrub thicket Grav catbird primarily wint. res. forest edge Brown thrasher primarily wint. res. forest edge American robin wint. visitant forest Hermit thrush wint. res. forest Blue-gray gnatcatcher summer res.-prob. nestforest Golden-crowned kinglet wint. Visitant forest Ruby-crowned kinglet wint. res. forest Water pipet winter visitant sound beach Cedar waxwinq winter res. forest White-eyed vireo summer res.-nests forest solitary vireo wint. res. forest Red-eyed vireo summer res.-nests forest. forest Black and white warbler transient L Prothonotary warbler summer res.-nests forest Orange-crowned warbler winter res. forest Northern parula warbler summer res.-nests forest Yellow-rumped warbler winter res. forest Black-throated green warbler poss. sum. res. forest may nest Yellow-throated warbler summer res-nests forest Blackpoll. warbler transient forest Pine warbler summer res. or perm. forest res.- may nest Prairie warbler summer res.-nests shrub thicket Palm warbler trans., wint. res. shrub thicket Common yellowthroat trans., wint. res. shrub thicket American redstart fall transient f ores t Rod-winged blackbird perm. res.-nests shrub-thicket Orchard Oriole summer res.-nests forest edge Boat-tailed grackle perm. res. marshes Common grackle summer res.-nests forest Brown-headed cowbird early sum. res. roadsides breeds, doesn't nest Summer tanager summer res.-nests forest Cardinal perm. res.-nests Forest Indigo bunting summer res.-nests forest edge Painted bunting summer res.-nests forest edge Air rican goldfinch wint. res. dunes, forest Rufous-sided towhee perm. res.-nests shrub thicket Savannah sparrow wint. r es . dunes Sharp-tailed sparrow wint. res. marshes Seaside sparrow perm. res. marshes Dark-eyed junco winter visitant forest edge- White-throated sparrow wint . res. forest edge Fox sparrow wint. visitant forest edge Swamp sparrow wint. res. forest edge Song sparrow wint. res. forest edge Hadnot Creek on White Oak River Name of Area: Hadnot Creek on the White Oak River Location Description: Hadnot Creek is a tributary of the White Oak River. The creek crosses N. C. 58 about 3 miles south of Kuhns, near Hadnot Road. See Map.21. Topographic Quadrangle Map Reference: Maysville 1:62500 Ownership: -Croatan National Forest (northeast section) c/o District Ranger 435 Thurman Road New Bern, NC 28560 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Warner (southwest section and Hadnot Creek Farm, N. C. 58 mouth of creek) Swansboro, NC 28584 The Mower Lumber Company not a local company owns 359 acres of forest, and 41 acres of cleared land. The creek east of the N. C. 58 bridge is administered by Inland Fisheries (freshwater) and west of the bridge is administered by Marine Fisheries. Report prepared by: Jeannie Wilson and Manley Fuller Date: July, 1978 Current Use and Protection Status; Currently, the creek is in a natural state and relatively undisturbed state, as is the entire White Oak River. Hunting and fishing are the primary activities along this tributary. Evidence of disturbance includes a hardwood timber cut on a section of bluff, as well as secondary forest growth along most of the bank and bluff. Since most of the land is owned by a lumber company,'there is the potential for extensive logging in the future. Luckily, the Warners, who own the land at the creek's mouth, are interested in land con- servation. Because the entire White Oak system of creeks and the river is relatively undisturbed, it should be preserved as a whole unit. The gradation from brackish to fresh water is quite striking in terms of vegetation changes (see Holston Creek report). The area has proved to be an excellent area for scientific and educational endeavors. The presence of the endangered American Alligator also warrants its protection. The Warners have registered their portion of Hadnot Creek as a protected North Carolina Natural Heritage Area. - 170 - F 0 R E N., s r Wl XL & 0 b ly "Amia 0- a- 0 Al Y, "K ns P11L1TV Irv,= =--wo ::Q .0 Ila -7 - m-p- _7 1)@-== 7-= _:L 4, - - - - -- Silverdale ".0 Z __ZZ 7., FIR SCALE 1:62500 o NDE1 TO OUNDA-S p-1-f--l 1w 1. o 3000 I I All 11 11111@1"' "-- - - - - - - :,A C NTOUP 11T11VAL 10 111T 11411V11111 M11CAT 11101UT*@ MAP 21: HADNOT CREEK 172, Vegetation and Plant Communities: Hadnot Creek is a brackish water creek which encompasses several distinct plant communities. The primary communities include brackish marshes, a brackish island, cedar hummocks, and a combination of hardwood-pine stands. Brackish Marshes: The marshes and the creek exhibit varying degrees of salinity from the mouth to the head of the creek, as shown by several species. Spartina alterniflora is common near the mouth of the creek where the salinity is higher, and Scirpus americanus, Cladium jamaicense, and Spartina cynosu- roides become abundant toward the head of the creek, where the salinity is lower. Common species along the marshes include the following: Spartina alterniflora S. patens S. cynosuroides Scirpus americanus Cladium jamaicense Juncus roemerianus Hibiscus moscheutos Disticlis spicata Typha latifolia Typha angustifolia Oenothera fruticosa Rumex verticillatus Pontederia cordata Myosotis laxa Solidago sempervirens Senecio glabellus Ipomoea pandurata Small brackish island (Pork Chop Island) along the north shore of the creek: This island is relatively unique, because of the presence of an extensive matformer, Lilaeopsis chinensis. Common species are: Lilaeopsis chinensis Ptilimnium capihlaceum Eleocharis albida Eleocharis sp. Baccharis halimifolia Cedar Hummocks: These are possibly the result by some dredging that may have occurred to keep the creek open to small boat traffic. Common species are: Juniperus virginiana Sabal minor Ilex vomitoria Rhus radicans Myrica cerifera Baccharis halimifolia Rosa palustris Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis 173- Pteridium, aquilinum Polypodium polypodioides Vitis aestivalis Usnea sp. Forest Types: The mixed-hardwood and pine forest is the dominant type along the creek bank and bluff, although Beech and Bald Cypress appear infrequently. Beech occurs infrequently on protected bluffs, and Cypress appears occasionally along the creek margin, where the salinity has dropped to a low level. Common forest trees are: Acer rubrum Carya pallida Fagus grandifolia Juniperus virginiana Liquidambar styraciflua Liriodendron tulipifera Fraxinus caroliniana Magnolia virginiana Persea borbonia Pinus taeda Stewartia malacodendron Taxodium distichum Ilex opaca Ostrya virginiana Pinus taeda Unlike most brackish creeks in the area, Hadnot Creek is relatively undisturbed, and very few dwellings or buildings are found along it. In this regard, this creek is unique for Carteret County. Physical Features: The creek meanders southwest and empties into the south-flowing White Oak River. Along the margins of the creek is a 20' bluff over marl (limestone), supporting a mixed hardwood forest. Rare Plants and Animals: Chinese Lilaeopsis Lilaeopsis chinensis locally abundant; rare. American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis probably breeds in area; endangered References: Kuenzler, E. J. 1976. unpublished class notes from Wetlands Ecology Class, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences. Radford, A. E. et al, 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. UNC Press, Chapel Hill. - 174 - Recorded Flora Aceraceae Acer rubrum f Alismataceae Sagittaria falcata m Amaranthaceae Amaranthus cannabinus m Anacardiaceae Rhus copallina h,f R. radicans h,f R. toxicodendron f R. vernix f Annonaceae Asimina parviflora f Apiaceae Centella asiatica m Lilaeopsis chinensis m Ptilimnium capillaceum m Aquifoollaceae Ilex glabra h,f I. opaca f I. vomitoria f Araliaceae Aralia spinosa f Arecaceae Sabal minor h Aristolochlaceae Hexastylis arifolia f Asclepidaceae Asclepias lanceolata f A. tuberosa f Aspleniaceae Asplenium platyneuron f Aspidiaceae Athyrium asplenioides f Asteraceae Baccharis halimifolia h Borrichia frutescens m,h Elephantopus tomentosus f Eupatorium sp. f Senecio zlabellus m Solidago sempervirens m Petulaceae Ostrya virginiana f Blechnaceae Woodwardia areolata f Bignoniaceae Anisostichus capreolata f Boraginaceae Myosotis laxa m m-marsh h-hummock f-forest a-aquatic - 175 - Bromeliaceae Tillandsia usneoides f Convolvulaceae Ipomoea pandurata m Cornaceae Cornus florida f Cucurbitaceae Melothria pendula f Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana f Cyperaceae Cladium jamaicense m Eleocharis albida m Eleocharis sp. m Scirpus americanus m S. robustus m Ebenaceae Diospyros virginiana f Ericaceae Epigaea repens f Gaylussacia frondosa f Leucothoe racemosa f Oxydendrum arboreum f Rhodolendron nudiflorum f Vaccinium arboreum f V. stamineum f V. vacillans f Fabaceae Clitoria mariana f Lespedeza spp. f Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia f Quercus alba f Q. nigra f Q. stellata f Q. velutina f Q. virginiana f Hamamelidaceae Hamamelis virginiana f Liquidambar styraciflua f Hipoocastanaceae Aesculus pavia f Castanea pumila f Hypericaceae Hypericum hypericoides f Juncaceae Juncus effusus m J. roemerianus m Juglandaceae Carya pallida f C. tomentosa f Juglans nigra f - 176 - Lauraceae Persea borbonia f Sassafras albidum f Liliaceae Smilax bona-nox f S. laurifolia m S. rotundifolia h,f S. walteri m Yucca filamentosa f Loganiaceae Gelsemium sempervirens f Magnoliaceae Liriodendron tulipifera f Magnolia virginiana f Malvaceae Hibiscus moscheutos m,h Moraceae Broussonetia papyrifera f Morus rubra f Myricaceae Myrica cerifera h,f Najadaceae Najas quadalupensis a Oleaceae Fraxinus caroliniana f Osmanthus americana f Onagraceae Oenothera fruticosa m Osmundaceae Osmunda cinnamomea f O. regalis var. spectabills h Pinaceae Pinus taeda f Tsuga canadensis-planted on Warner property Poaceae Arundinaria gigantea f Distichlis spicata m Panicum spp. h,f Phragmites communis m Spartina alterniflora m Spartina cynosuroides m S. patens m Polygonaceae Polygonum sp. h Rumex verticillatus m Polypodiaceae Polypodium polypolioides h,f Pontederiaceae Pontederia cordata m Pteridaceae Pteridium aquuilinum h,f Rosaceae Prunus caroliniana a Rosa palustris m Ruppiaceae Ruppia maritina a - 177 - Salicaceae Salix caroliniana Scrophulariaceae Aureolaria virginica Styracaceae Styrax grandifolia Symplocaceae Symplosos tinctoria Taxodiaceae Taxodium distichum Theaceae Stewartia malacolendron Typhaceae Typha angustifolia T. latifolla Verbenaceae Callicarpa americana Vitaceae Ampelopsis arborea Parthenocissus quinquefolia Vitis aestivalis V. rotundifolia Usneaceae Usnea sp. (lichen) Recorded Fauna Mammals Raccoon Bob Cat (heard by Manley Fuller summer 1977) Reptiles American Alligator Birds Cardinal Carolina Chickadee Yellow-billed cuckoo Common egret Black crowned night heron Bob white quail Rough winged swallow White eyed virio Parula warbler Pine warbler Prairie warbler Prothonotary warbler Yellow bellied sapsucker Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Pine Woodlands Name of Area: Hadnot Creek Ponds and Longleaf Pine Woodland (Upstream) Location: In vicinity of intersection of U.S. Forest Service Roads 182 and 200. (See Map 22.) Quadrangle: Maysville Date: November 20, 1980 Investigator: John Fussell Physical/Habitat Feature: Freshwater ponds and longleaf pine woodland. Survey Priority: Medium (see comments) Site Quality: Some longleaf pine trees are mature; Red-cockaded wood- pecker cavity trees are present. Elevation: Ca. 25-40' Topography: Nearly level Soil Series: Area not yet mapped by Soil and Conservation Service. Size: Ca. 210 acres Geolo,-ical Formation: May be within or on periphery of Flanner Beach Formation. (See Mixon, R. and O..Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, North Carolina. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859.) Drainage: Hadnot Creek to White Oak River E & T Species Present: 5+ Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees seen. At least 2 of these were currently active. Potential for E & T Species: See comments. Site Integrity: Some of the longleaf pine woodland has been clearcut within last 10 years. Owners: USDA, Forest Service Other Knowledgeable Persons: U.S. Forest Service 178 *"CK F R E z" 27 1 Y 4V` '.p0 zL' de is. V 41- -Z 0 Z- c -Z T ns zl@ -.111t i\ -z 1MAD N Ila 7 7 -7 Silverdale :wc A, Z: _77m- @X X Lj FwRq- z4b 4, so os SCALE 1:62500 2 3 m".1 w D I., sooo 401 M.1111 INDEX TO BOUNDARIE5 INIII IDED, 1. si I- CONTOUR INTERVAL 20 FEET 1'11.IECTI.t4 IRANIVERIE M'E1 I.T., @R MAP 22: HADNOT CREEK PONDS AND LONGLEAF PINE WOODLAND - 180 Comments The primary purpose of this visit was to see the ponds that are evident on aerial photographs. Within the tract that includes the ponds (ca. 210 acres), there is open longleaf pine woodland, a small area of pocosin, a'small area of loblolly pine forest, and some clearcut areas. Of these, the ponds and the, longleaf pine woodland are of primary interest. Some of the ponds appear to be naturally impounded remnants of former drainage systems. Others, though, appear to be "s.ink- holes". In any event, they represent an unusual concentration of freshwater ponds in this county. The ponds are generally small (largest seen ca. 200' across) and shallow (less than 2' deep). They appear to have been dry during the summer and fall and had little vegetation in them. However, it seems likely that some rare plant species might occur here. These ponds are in the corner of the county closest to the known- range of the pine barrens treefrog and it is possible that that species occurs here. Most of the longleaf pine woodland has a fairly pure growth of longleaf pine. It grows up to 70' tall with a DBIJ of 12"+. There is little understory. Ilex glabra often dominates tho ground cover. Aristida stricta is generally sparse; the are-4wotild bene- fit from more frequent fire management. Two active red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees were seen; the area is marginal habitat for Bachman's sparrows, but none were seen. This area should be considered at least of medium priority. The concentration of freshwater ponds (especially when surrounded by longleaf pine woodland) is unusual. The "sinkhole" appearance of some adds to their geological significance. The longleaf pine woodland is one of the better examples of this community in the county and it harbors at least one endangered species. 0 Additional geological and botanical work on the ponds might reveal that the area is of high priority. 181 Species lists PLANTS Trees Acer rubrum Pinus serotina Liquidambar styraciflua Pinus taeda Magnolia virginiana Quercus laevis Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora Quercus laurifolia Persea borbonia Sassafras albidum Pinus palustris Shrubs Cyrilla racemiflora Lyonia mariana Gaylussacia dumosa Myrica cerifera var. pumila Ilex coriacea Vaccinium atrococcum Hex glabra Vaccinium crassifolium Lyonia lucida Herbs Carpliephorus sp. Polygala cymosa Centella asiatica Proserpinaca pectinata Drosera sp. Solidago sp. Liatris sp. Graminoids Andropogon virginicus Juncus sp. Aristida stricta Panicum hemitomon Arundinaria gigantea Scirpus.cyperinus Vines Smilax laurifolia Ferns and allies Lycopodium sp. Sphagnum sp. Pteridium aquilinum Woodwardia virginica @8-2 ANI11ALS Birds Wood duck House wren Sharp-shinned hawk Eastern bluebird Mourning dove Golden-crowned kinglet Common flicker Ruby-crowned kinglet Pileated woodpecker Yellow-rumped warbler Downy woodpecker Pine warbler Red-cockaded woodpecker Palm warbler Eastern phoebe Song sparrow Brown-headed nuthatch Masontown Pocosin Name of Area: Masontown Pocosin Location: Tract of pocosin lying NW of community of Masontown which is about two miles NW of Town of Newport. Pocosin is bounded on the east by the Atlantic and East Carolina Railroad, and the west by the Lake Road (SR 1125). See Map 23. Quadrangle: Masontown Date: October 28, 1980 Investigator: John Fussell (Report by Fussell and Jeannie Wilson) Physical/Habitat Feature: Pocosin Survey Priority: Medium 1 tract includes a large area of pocosin and a significantly large area of low pocosin. Site Quality: Pinus serotina are very small; age is unknown. This is a relatively large tract of low pocosin (ca. 1200+ acres) and rela- tively large tract of high and low pocosin combined (ca. 4800 acres). Elevation: ca. 25-28' Topography: flat, featureless Soil Series: Only the southern border of the large pocosin area has been mapped. Consists of a combination of Croatan Muck, Pantego fine sandy loam, and Torhunta fine sandy loam. SCS, USDA, 1979. Carteret County Soil Survey, Interim Report. (Jeannie Wilson) Size: total pocosin 4800 acres low pocosin 1200 acres All low pocosin is in Carteret County; approximately one third of total pocosin in Craven. Geological Formation: Flanner Beach Formation, Pleistocene Mixon, R.B. & O.H. Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Print. Off. Drainage: North section of pocosin drains northward into tributaries of Slocum Creek. South section drains southward into tributaries of Newport River. E & T Species Present: none observed Potential for E & T Species: See additional page. - 183 - 2. xz9 X.?7 -77 -7- -CO Cp@A@LFI - co -CAitERET 27 '29 .7- 30- BM 29 7 7 --Z7 33 -7 7. N', -7 n I 22 24Q) @N -D ts S, MAP 23: MASONTOWN POCOSIN -185 Site Integrity: There are no drainage ditches or other human encroachments within the tract. Tracks from a large ORV (probably Forest Service) transect the tract. Owners: USDA, Forest Service, Croatan National Forest Other Knowledgeable Persons: none known Other Comments: This tract is notable for having a rather large area of low pocosin. DOMINANT VEGETATION: Only the central low pocosin area of the tract was analyzed. This area is roughly rectangular, ca. 1.75 x 1.10 miles, the long axis NW-SE. The mass of shrub vegetation is less than two feet high and is dominated by Lyonia lucida and Zenobia pulverulenta. Pinus serotina (ca. 15' tall) are scattered very sparsely throughout. Small "clumps" (ca. 20' X 20') of larger broadleaf evergreens (to 6-8' high) are scattered at 100'-200, intervals. Those are. dominated by Gordonia lasianthus, Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida, Myrica heteroph I , and Smilax laUrifolia. Carex walteriana and Sphagnum sp. are abundant throughout the area. Cassandra calyculata is also frequent through- out, and Eriophorum virginicum is fairly common where the mass of vegetation is less than a foot or so. POTENTIAL FOR ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES Although the pond Pines are very small, much of this area appears to be structurally suitable for red-cockaded woodpeckers. American alligators occur in the pocosin west of Lhe Lake Road, and may occur in this pocosin occasionally. Black bears, now considered to be of special concern status, may be considered threatened in the future.. They undoubtedly occur in this pocosin. (They are rather common in the pocosin west of the Lake Road.) 186- PLANTS OBSERVED (Species list is for low pocosin species only.) Trees: Cordonia lasianthus (primarily in "clumps"), Magnolia virginiana (few), Persea borbonia (mostly "clumps"), Pinus serotina (small, very sparse). Shrubs: Cassandra calyculata (common), Cyrilla racemiflora (common), ilex glabra (common), Lyonia lucida (abundant; with Zenobia, forms bulk of low growth), Myrica heterophylla (mostly restricted to "clumps"), Sorbus arbutifolia (few), Zenobia pulverulenta (commort). Vines: Smilax laurifolia (common) Herbs: Sarracenia flava (few) Graminoids: Andropogon virgin icus (scattered in low growth areas), Arundinaria gigantea (few; more common toward high pocosin), Carex walteriana (abundant), Eriophorum virginicum (fairly common) Ferns: Woodwardia virginica (fairly common) Koss: Sphagnum sp. (abundant) ANIMALS OBSERVED Reptiles: Rough green snake Birds: Short-billed marsh wren (one), house wren, Gray catbird, Yellow-rumped warbler. Mammals: Whitetail deer North River Marshes Name of Area: North River Marshes County: Carteret Location Description: In this report, the North River marshes are considered to be all the marshes on the west side of North River that lie between the U. S. 70 bridge on the north and Fulcher Creek on the south. Their extent is approximately 112 miles by 1/3 mile. See Map 24.. Topographic Quadrangle Map Reference: Williston, N. C. Ownership: Seven private owners. Report Prepared By: Jeannie Wilson and John Fussell, III Date: July, 1979 Other Knowledgeable Persons: JoAnne Powell Hampton Mariners Museum Beaufortl NC 28516 T. L. Quay Dept. of Zoology NCSU Raleigh, NC 27607 Current Use and Protection Status: North River marshes are important nursery areas for many of North Carolina's fish and shellfish as well as an important nesting and feeding ground for many shorebirds. This portion of the marsh is transected by three drainage ditches used-in mosquito control. one roadway in the marsh leads to the house owned by Mr. Van Dooren. The north half of the area is currently used as a grazing pasture for cattle which primarily feed on Salt Marsh Cordgrass (Sp2.1tina alterniflora). 187 ------------ "41 10, tV (7 N, "P *41 14, 10 i. ,4' t' 14 189 The grazing has created a better habitat for shorebirds. North River has been used for many years for scientific research projects on fish and shellfish, particularly by National Marine Fisheries in Beaufort. The marshes are also used for educational purposes. Biology classes from East Carteret High School conduct field trips and the Hampton Mariners Museum conducts bird-watching trips in this area. Major direct threats to the area include filling-in, ditching, and pollution. Pollution from the North River community has probably been the cause for the adjacent estuary being closed to shellfishin&. Vegetation and plant communities: North River marshes consist of a variety of microhabitats caused by small topographic changes. This "high" marsh is infrequently inundated by tidal water. Because of this, the short form of Spartina is present. Mich of the Spartina has been grazed by cattlel but the Sipartina. is still short in ungrazed areas. Black need urs along the landw-,:xd side. Shallow lerush (Juncus roemeria@ullr-oc--Ct pools are scattered throughout the marsh. Toward the north is a chain of pools (to approximately 61,) that are surrounded by black needlerush. Salt pans, or slightly elevated areas in the marsh, contain glasswort (Salicornia virainic an d other herbs. On the margins of the drainage ditches, where spoil has been placed, are shrubs such as sea ox-eye (Borrichia hutescens), wax myrtle kMyrica cerifera), cottonbush (Baccharis hkimifolia) as well as several small oblolly pines (Pinu3 taed P'.-gsical features: North River marsh occurs along the west side of Worth River-. The marsh is irregularly inundated by tidal water, producing a short and sparse population of cordgrass (Spartina alterrdflora) * Small topographic differences, such as small pools and salt pans affect the zonation of vegetation. Rare Plants and Animals: COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Special concern Great Egret GasmeroJius albus Special concern Snowy Egret Egretta (Leucophoyx) thula Special concern Louisiana Heron Hydranassa tricolor Special con6ern Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nyeticorax hoactli Special concern Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyetanassa violacea Special concern Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis exilis Threatened American Bittern Botourus lentiginosus Undetermined (as a breeding species) - 190 Rare Plants and Animals: COW)N NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS Glossy This Plegadis falcinellus Special concern White This Guara alba Special concern Black Duck Anas rubripes Special concern 01sprey Pandion haliaetus' Special concern Marsh Hawk Circus cyanus hudsonius Undetermined (as a breeding species) Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis pygmaeus Undetermined Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Special concern Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica aranea Special concern Common Tern Sterna hirundo hirundo Special concern Least Tern Sterna albifrons Special concern Black Sklimner Rhynchops niger Special concern Barn Owl Tyto alba pratincola Special concern Purple Martin Progne subis subis Special concern American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Endangered * Black-necked Stilt Himantopus memicanus Not listed as rare or endangered but is generally uncommon in North Carolina, very local. Rarely nests out of the Bodie Island - Pea Island area. Historical Significance: The North River marshes have been known to ornithologists since the turn of the century. It was apparently here, in 1898, that the eminent ornithologist T. Gilbert Pearson collected the first North Carolina specimen of White Ibis. White Ibises were rare in the state at that time. I The Van Dooren house was a state oyster experiment station from 1940 to 1942, closed because of World War II. Experimental oyster beds were in the marshes. Since then, oyster research has been taken over by the UNG Institute of Marine Sciences, National Marine Fisheries, and N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (Dr. Al Chestnut, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, Personal Communication). Publications and Scientific References: Cooper, John E. (et. al.) (Eds-) 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natural Historyy Raleigh. Richert, Jon E. Sr. 1978. A Guide to North American Bird Clubs. Avian Publications, Inc. Elizabethtown, Kentucky (Hampton Mariners Museum bird trips list North River marsh as a popular bird watching spot). Fussell, John Oe 111. 1969 -1971- Systematic bird censuses of North River marsh (plus additional censuses to 1979) unpublished. FAUNA SPECIES LIST Birds that occur regularly in the North River marshes: 1. This list includes birds that occur (f6ed in or over the marsh) regularly in the marsh proper. Birds of the adjacent open estuary, adjace 'nt wooded areas, and rarities not sighted every year are excluded from the list. 2. For bre vity, status listed is a short approximation. Water birds often do not fit well into a transient-summer resident; winter resident-permatent resident grouping* 3. List is based primarily on over two years (1969-1971) of systematic censuses of the marsh conducted at approximately three week intervals at all seasons? plus numerous additional censuses to 1979- SPECIES-COMMDN NAME PRIMARY STATUS BREEDS Pied-billed Grebe winter resident Great Blue Heron permanent resident Green Heron summer resident Little Blue Heron permanent resident Great Egret permanent resident Snowy Egret permanent resident Louisiana Heron permanent resident Black-crowned Night Heron permanent resident Yellow-crowned Night Heron summer resident Least Bittern summer resident yest apparently American Bittern winter resident Glossy This summer resident Shite This summer resident Mallard permanent resident yes Black Duck permanent resident yes Green-winged Teal winter resident Blue-winged Teal transient Hooded. Merganser winter resident Red-breasted Merganser winter resident Osprey summer resident Mar sh Hawk winter resident Clapper Rail permanent resident yes llir@-,inia Rail winter resident Sora winter resident Black Rail permanent resident American Oystercatcher permanent resident Semipalmated Plover transient Killdeer winter resident Black-bellied Plc,\rer transient Ruddy Turnstone transient Common Snipe transient-winter resident dhimbrel transient 192 SPECIES-COMn)N NAME PRIMARY STATUS TREMS Spotted Sandpiper transient Willet summer resident yes Greater Yellowlegs transient-winter resident Lesser Yellowlegs transient Pectoral Sandpiper transient White-rumped Sandpiper transient Least Sandpiper transiedt Dunlin transient-i-rinter resident Short-billed dowitcher transie@nt-wiriter resident Long-billed dowitcher transient Stilt Sandpiper transient Western Sandpiper transient-winter resident Black-necked Stilt summer resident yes Herring Gull winter resident Ring-billed Gull winter resident Laughing Gull transient-mimmer resident Gull-billed Tern summer resident Forster's Tern summer resident apparently, some years Common Tern summer resident Lc:a3t Tern summerresident Caspian Tern transient black Skimmer summer resident Barn Owl@ winter resident Common Nighthawk summer resident Belted Ungfisher winter resident Tree Swallow transient Rough-singed Swallow summer resident Barn Swallow summer resident Purple M,.-,Lrll-in summer res lent Fish Crow permanent, resident Long-billed Marsh Wren permanent resident yes Short-billed Marsh Wren winter resident Yellow-n-imped Warbler (Myrtle) winter resident Palm 'garbler transient Bobolink transient Eastp.rn Meadowlark permanent resident yes Red-winged Blackbird permanent resident ye's Boat-tailed Grackle permanent resident Savannah Sparrow winter resident Sharp-tailed Sparrow winter resident Seaside Sparrow summer resident yes birds that occur occasionally in the North River marshes: The ducks listed above are the only species that occur regularly. Gadwall, Pintaill American'Wigeon and Northern Shoveler are occasional. The adjacent North River sometimes has large numbers of other ducks, siach as Redhead, Scaup, Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads. Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Great Horned Owls probably feed in the marsh on occasion. Some notable rarities at North River marshes in the last ten years are Roseate Spoonbill, Peregrine Falcong Merlin, American Golder, Plover, and Wil.@3onls Phalarope. .1,93 COMMON NAME SCIENTI FIC NAME Amphibians: **Southern Leopard Frog Rana utricularia (May occur along the landward side of the marsh) Reptiles: **American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis -xSnapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentina. Carolina Diamondback Terrapin Melaclemys terrapin centrata Mammals: *Opossum Diad elphis marsupialis Raccoon Procyon lotor *River Otter Lutra canadensis (John Fussell says that he has seen at least one) Gray Fox Urocyon cineroagenteus' *Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris Marsh Rabbit Sylvilagus palustris possibly occurs probably occurs FLORA SPECIES LIST Trees: Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda Shrubs: CoLtonbush, Groundsel tree Baccharis halimifolia Sea Ox-eye Dorrichia frutescens Wax Myrtle Myrica cerifera Herbs: Salt Grass Distichlis spicata Black Needlerubh Jun=3 roemerianus Glasswort Salicornia virginica Salt Marsh Cord Grass Spartina alterniflora Salt Meadow Hay Spartina patens Arrow Grass Triglochin striata Ecological Significance. In regards to remnant, endangered or threatened species, the North River marshes are notable as a marsh area re6alarly attracting shoreb-irds that are generally uncommon or rare in intertidal areas (i.e. WI-dte-rumped sandpipers, 31ack-necked stiltsl Stilt sandpirer-31 Long-billed dowitchers, Pectoral sandpipers, Common snipes and Lesser yelioalegs). Elsewhere in the county, the first five species are primarily restricted to manmade sites such as shallow pools on spoiling sites. From mid-April to mid-May, shorebirds are most common and there are often hundreds of birds. The marshes also harbor many herons, egrets and ibises. In the late summer numbers of these waders are impressive. Glossy ibises, which are common, are a species that is generally rare in intertidal areas in this county. Many of the Glossy Ibises that nest at Phillips Island near Morehead city probably feed at these marshes. In fall, winter, and spring, there are u sually a few ducks in the marsh. Mallards and Black ducks nest here. Black rail sp occur in the marsh and may nest here. The marshes also occasionally attract some notable rarities (i.e. Roseate spoonbillt Peregrine falcon, Merlin, American Golden Plovers and Wilson, s Phal arope). 194, Management Recommendations: I would rate the North River marshes at least of statewide significance because of its size, relatively undisturbed state, the variety of microhabitats within the marsh, and its economic significance. Salt marshes are classified as areas of environmental concern, so the North River marshes are included in this classificationo Threats to the area do not really include immediate development, so it, probably is not necessary tu purchase the area. However, a conservation easement would be justified. Filling and ditching represent more immediate threats to the area. If ditching is needed for the adjacent land areas and for mosquito control, the existing ditches should be used. Grazing is probably not particularly harmful, although it may have some negative effect on some of the ground-nesting birds. It appears to be beneficial to shorebirds in that feeding habitat is improved. The best management scheme for the North River marshes is to leave them essentially the way they are now. - 195 Addenda to the North River report: Soil Information: All of the soil in the North River marshes is an Axis muck. This soil is regularly flooded with a high salt content. It is not suitable to develop or for agricultureo Species typical of this soil type are Juncus roemerianus7 Spartina alternifloral S. pat ens, S. cynosuroides, and Salicornia virginica Reference: .S@oil Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1979. Soil Survey Interim Report. Carteret Countyt North Carolina. (advance copy, subject to change.) Pringle Road Carolina Bays Name of Area: Pringle Road Carolina Bays Location: In southern Croatan National Forest. Carolina Bay A: The NW tip of the prominent rim of this bay is ca. 400 yards SE of Millis Road. Its SW rim is ca. 150 yards NE of Pringle Road. Carolina Bay B: Lies inmediately NE of and is parallel to Bay A. See Map 25 - Quad: Intersection of Salter Path, Swansboro and Maysville Date: 10 October 1980 Investigator: John Fussell Physical/Habitat Feature: Carolina Bays Survey Priority: Medium: These two Carolina Bays have the following positive attributes: 1) they are prominent, well-defined, and large (for the county), 2) they are within the National Forest so som degree of protection is feasible, 3) they have a rather wide range of habitats (for Carolina Bays in Carteret County), 4) they are located within a complex of "natural areas", the pocosin to the north being designated as wilderness, the Patsy Pond natural area to the SE, and the Millis Road savannah to the NE. Dominant Vegetation: Carolina Bay A; Vegetation of ca. 90% of bay (total acreage ca. 40) is similar to most pocosin and Carolina bay vegetation in Carteret County, i.e. scattered Pinus serotina. to ca. 40' with a dense broadleaf evergreen shrub growth (up to 10') dominated by Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida, Ilex coriacea, Smilax laurifolia, etc. However, this bay has a small area (ca. two acres) dominated by Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (ca. 401 high), near the southeast end of the bay, and a Cladiun jamaicense marsh (ca. one acre) at the southeast corner of the bay The last two situations are rare in Carolina Bays in this county. Carolina Bay B; Like Bay A, this ca. 40 acre bay is dominated by Pinus serotina. (some to 50') and a low thick growth of broadleaf evergreen shrubs (ca. 37 acres). It also contains ca. three acres dominated by Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (40+'). Site Quality: Both the Pinus serotina and Nyssa sylvatica trees are generally small; th@:i age is unknown. The general quality (and "potential") of both bays is enhanced by their proximity to each other and their proximity to the large pocosin (proposed as wilderness) which begins.about one mile NW, the Millis Road longleaf pine savannah (2 miles NE), and to the Patsy Pond natural area (2 miles SE). Elevation: Ca. 35-381. The rim around the Carolina Bay is about three feet higher than the bay center. Soil Series: Not yet mapped in Carteret County Soil Survey, but is probably murville sand (Jeannie Wilson). - 196 - ROUGH SKETCH TAKEN FROM USDA-ASCS AERIAL PHOTO, 1971. SITE IS AT INTERSECTION OF SALTER PATH, SWANSBORO AND MAYSVILLE QUADRANGLES. MAP 25: PRINGLE ROAD CAROLINA BAYS SIZE: Each bay is ca. 40 acres in extent. GEOLOGICAL FORMATION: Flanner Beach Formation, Pleistocene. This pair of Carolina Bays lies with a pair of larger less distinct Carolina Bays. All these bays lie along the NW side of a well-defined series of relict beach ridges of Pleistocene age, the "Newport Barrier". Mixon,R.B. & O.H. Pilkey, 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coast,-]I Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Print. Off. DRAINAGE: Probably no surface drainage from bays. Subsurface drainage probably into Bogue Sound via Gales and Broad Creek. ENDANGERED AND THR EATENED SPECIES PRESENT: There are a few Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) along the slope of the-rim around Carolina Bay A. POTE14TIAL FOR ENDANGERED & THREATENED SPECIES: Red-cockaded woodpeckers sometimes nest in pond pines in pocosin and Carolina Bays, especially after fire. Although no rare species were seen, the marsh and marsh edge at the southeast end of Carolina Bay A is a situation where rare species might be expected. In the future, Carolina Bays themselves may be considered threatened entities. Fussell found a dead eastern diamondback i-attlesnake (Endangered) on Millis Road, 1-2 miles from here in May 1,973, so that species may occur here. SITE INTEGRITY: There is no evidence of recent disturbance in the bays themselves. Mature longleaf pine timbt-r on the ba'y rims was clearcut ten or more years ago, and loblolly pines have been replanted there. OWNER: USDA, Forest Service, Croatan National Forest. 01'HER KNOWLEDEABLE PERSONS: Michael Alford, Jeannie Wilson, Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N.C. 28516. COMMENTS: Although Carolina bays are not now rare in Carteret County, they are being increasingly destroyed and altered by human activities, and relatively unaltered examples will probably be rare-in a few years. 199 PLANTS OBSERVED Trees: Acer rubrum, Magnolia virginiana, Nyasa sylvatica var. biflora, Pinus serotina. Shrubs: Clethra alnifolia, Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia, Ilex coriacea, Lyonia lucida, Myrica cerifera, 111yrica heterophyl.la, Sorbus arbutifolia. Vines: Smilax laurifolia, Smilax rotundifolia Herbs: Gentella asiatica, Eriocaulkon decangulare, Lobelia glandulosa, Pluchea foetida, Proserpinaca pectinata, Sabatia difformis, Sarracenia flava, Typha latifolia. Graminoids: Andropogon vir-ginicus, Cladium jamaicense. Ferns: Osmunda cinnamomea. Moss: Sphagnum sp. A species list was made only for the marsh area in Bay A. Sea Gate Woods Natural Area Name: Sea Gate Woods Location: This hardwood forest is bordered on the south by Sea Gate development, on the east by an abandoned pecan orchard along the west side of the intracoastal waterway; on the north by (approx.) the Craven Co. line, and on the west by pocosin. See Map 26 Topographic Quadrangle: Core Creek Size: ca. 300 acres (roughly I mile x -2 mile) Elevation: 8-13' Access: Easily accessible from the road that runs along the intra- coastal waterway. Names of investigators: John 0. Fussell, III and Jeannie Wilson Date(s) of Investigation: November 2 & 12, 1980 Also, Fussell has visited this area several times in December and late April-mid May, 1972-1980, in search of birds. Number of Owners: two Names of Owners: International Paper Co. and Moulton Use of Natural Area: Hunting (primarily deer) Use of Surrounding Land: Wildland - 50%; Agricultural land - 40%; Developed land - 10%. Management Problem Description: Introduction of drainage canals on adjacent International Paper Co. land presents a threat to integrity. Threats: We assume the 244 acres owned by an individual is not threatened directly in the forseeable future. However, ca. 50 acres owned by International Paper Co. is adjacent to what appears to be the beginnings of clearcutting/tree farm opera- tions, and it might be clearcut also. Drainage canals are being installed and these could alter areas that are not cut. 200 .- i- LLJ U > ck@ CO Ld < dl ct@x ILI z C/) 0 0 UJ H --J] z -20, co Z C A CREE_ @D @L CO 0 0 Q1 4- it x '4 4 1 114 , Ile 7 C'@ ------- 202 DESCRIPTION OF SITE This hardwood tract covers ca. 300 acres, and is roughly rectangular, ca. one mile x k mile, the long axis north-south. The forest has many species characteristic of floodplains and similarly "wet" areas in this county, but the area is not a floodplain and it never or rarely has standing water. This usually "fairly moist but rarely wet" situation is probably largely due to the fact that the area sits on a broad slight elevational decline'. The western edge of the area has an elevation of ca. 131; at the eastern edge, the elevation is ca. 8'. The major excavation of the intracoastal waterway only 200 yards from the eastern edge of the area probably also contributes to the moisture situation. However, it should be noted that many of the canopy trees in the tract outdate the waterway- Species composition varies with:i@the tract, but, in general, Liquidambar 1_@yraciflua is the major tree. At some points, it is dominant; at others, it is co-dominant with Quercus michauxii and Fraxinus sp. (tomentosa?). In one small area along the west .edge of the tract, ca. 30% of the canopy trees are notably large Pinus taeda-- 100' high with a DBH of 2'. In another limited area, there are several Fagus grandifolia, but these are mostly small-- DBH less than 18" . Average DBH of all canopy trees is ca. 20', but at some points, it is 24". Largest trees seen were Lir.iodendron tuliZifera, DBH -4'; Qaercus laurifolia) DBH- 3.51. Canopy height is mostT7_ 80', but is locally 100' * Over most of the area, the understory is similar. it is fairly open and is comprised primarily of C aroliniana and aip-1- a-UUL E Ilex .2paca. The shrub layer vegetation is more variable. Over most of ti;e area, there is generally no shrub stratum, except for patches of Leucothoe axillaris. Toward the north and east, Sabal minor often for s a definite shrub layer. At one point, the palmettos are impressive, with fronds over 6', the largest we have seen in the county. Ground cover also varies from southwest to northeast. Over most of the area, the cover is sparse, patches of Woodw.ardia areolata and other species alternating with nearly bare ground. To the northeast, f2lZstichum acrostichoides often forms moderate cover. Woody vines are common but do not provide significant cover; Decumaria barbara is probably most common. Tillandsia usneoides was-n3-t noted. if present, it is sparse. At the northeast corner of the tract, there is a small area that deserves special mention. Here, at the edge of the forest, where the edge of spoil material from'the waterway is present, there is an abundance of ferns, primarily Thelypleris kunthii and Dryopteris celsa. We do not know of either of these species being found in the county before. The soil pH here is at least 6.5 (probably locally higher), compared to 6.0 to the west away from the spoil material. The Thelypteris is certainly present because of this situation; the Dryopteris may be. High quality In terms of size and maturity, natural area Hardwood forest (primarily Liquidambar) this is the most impressive i_tra`ct,-c_f11bottomland11 hardwoods 1 in the county, and notable because it is not associated witl a floodplain. This tract supports at least 1 threatened plant species, 3 threatened bird' species and 3 special concern bird species. Threatened This may be the only population a. Dryopteris celsa- see text ,peripheral spec4s in the county. [Threatened Turkey vulture Resident- may breed in area. Threatened Black vulture Resident- may breed in area. ,species Threatened Resident- probably breeds in Red-shouldered hawk :species area. :Species of Black-throated green warbler/occurs primarily Area has one of highest special concern along west border of tract. populations in county ;!Species of Swainson's warbler Ispecial concern !Species of Prothonotary warbler Ispecial concern 'Species of I Black bear probably occurs in this tract at :special concern least occasionally.. 203 C Rare species-noi Thelypteris kunthii This species is known from 2 b. ispecific category: locations in the state, the other area, Carolina Beach. This is apparently the north- ernmost locality at which this species has been found. ;Locally rare C. American redstart Breeding population of 5-10 @kp @ci e:@__ pairs... Species is very rare i in outer coastal plain of N.C. This is one of three "colonies", in Carteret County. 204 -205 MANAGEMENT AN@p PRESERVATION RECOMMENDATION For this tract to maintain its biological value, it should be preserved in its present state. Preservation by itself would probably be adequate; little future management would probably be needed for this hardwood tract. At this time, there are two potential threats to the area; 1) logging. This would almost certainly be clear-cutting, especially on the International Paper Co. land. 2) introduction of drainage canals on adjacent land. The firest threat, clear-cutting, would be totally incompatible with the values of the tract, of course, since the present habitat would be destroyed and most or all of the rare species would be forced from the area. The introduction of drainage canals is difficult to evaluate, but could lower the water table appreciably. The major owner of the tract was not contacted and his feelings regarding preservation are unknown to us. International Paper Co. might consider, fo- the sake of Public image, granting a conservation easement on their small portion of the tract, especially if the presence of some rarer species were stressed. Their attitude might be altered by plans and attitudes of the major owner. RATING: Medium+ priority STATEMENT OF SITE SIGNIFICANCE This forest, because of its size and the relative maturity of the trees, is the most impressive area of hardwoods in this county. It is also notable because it is not a floodplain or swamp forest; most of the larger hardwood areas in this county are limited to those situations. In part of the forest, Sabal minor is a major structural component (shrub level), to a degree we have not seen elsewhere in this county. Also, an "inland species" that is generally uncommon in this county, Polystichum acrostichoides, provides dominant ground cover on part of the tract, This forest provides habitat for several rare bird species. Turkey vulture, black vulture, and red-shouldered hawk, all threatened, are resident here. The red-shouldered hawk almost certainly breeds within the tract; the others may do so also. Three species of special concern are breeding residents here; black-throated green warbler, Swainson's warbler, and prothonotary warbler. The black-throated green warbler is most notable; this area may have the second highest breeding population in the county. Of undetermined status, the worm-eating warbler breeds along the edges of the tract. Near the south end of the tract, there is a breeding population of 5-10 paris of American redstarts. This species is rare as a breeding bird in the outer coastal plain of North Carolina; this breeding population is one of only three in Carteret County. Although not natural, a site at the edge of the area harboring a large population of two rare fern species adds to the biological richness of the tract. The site is at the northeast edge of the tract, at the border of the forest and old spoil material from the inland waterway. Shell material from the spoils has increased the soil pH, and this appears to be why there are large numbers of Thelypteris kunthii and Dryopteris celsa. This appears to be the second record of the Thelypteris for the state and the northernmost site at which the species has been found. This is apparently also the first record of the Dryogteris in the county; this species is considered to be threatened in North Carolina. - 206 - Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Most common is Liquidambar styraciflua or Mixed hardwoods Community type: Carpinus caroliniana-Ilex opaca. Notable variation is Mixed hardwoods/Carpinus caroliniana-Ilex opaca/Sabal Community cover type: minor/Polystichum acrostichoides. Liquidambar styraciflua or Mixed hardwoods General habitat feature: Hardwood forest Average tree height: 80+' Estimated age of canopy trees: up to 100 Estimated size of association (sp. meters, acres, etc.): ca. 300 acres. Successional stage: Sere type: near climax Common canopy species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): Liriodendron tulipifera, Fraxinus sp. & Quercus michauxii-locally co-dominant; Quercus nigra & Q. laurifolia common. Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): Acer rubrum, Cornus florida, Symplocos tinctoria, Lyonia lucida, Ligustrum sinense. Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant): Woodwardia areolata, Aspenium platyneuron, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex spp, Saururus cernuus, Mitchella repens Successional stage: Sere type: Soil Summary Source of information: SCS, USDA. 1979. Soil survey of Carteret County, N.C., Interim report. Soil series: Deloss fine sandy loam, Roanoke loam, Newhan-Carteret (spoil) Soil order: Deloss and Roanoke- Ultisol, Newhan-Carteret-Entisol pH class: Deloss- 4.5-6.5 strongly acidic to acidic, Roanoke-4.5-5.5, strongly acidic to acidic, Newhan-6.6-7.8, acidic to circumneutral. Moisture class: Deloss-wet, floods, Roanoke, clayey, floods, Newhan, droughty Associated community cover type or community type: pH tested was 6.0; near Thelypteris and spoil material 6.5 207 C Hydrology Summary Drainaje basin: Neuse and Newport Rivers Hydrologic system: terrestrial Ilydrologic subsy:7tem: mesic Water chemistry: fresh Water regime: intermittently exposed d. Summary -Topog raphy and Physiogi@aphy Topographic site typo characteristics: Land form: portion of a very slightly sloping plain Sheltur: sheltered Aspect: N.A. Slope ankIle: nearly level 0-20 Profile: N.A. Surface patterns: mostly smooth Position: N.A. Physiographic site type of natural area: "Sea Gate Woods" Physiographic site type of coiamunity cover type or community type: all of Sea Gate Woods. Geologic formation: Core Creek Sand Geologic formation aqe: Pleistocene References: Mixon,R.B. & OH PIlkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, N.C. US Geol Survey Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Print. Off. 208 e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species Name of species: Dryopteris celsa Species legal Status: Threatened peripheral Number of populations oil sit(-: one seen Number of individuals per population: at least "scores" Size or maturity of' individuals: were fertile General vigor of population: apparently good Disturbance or threats to none known Habitat characterists Vegetation Association: Plants on logs; soil more basic Topography: than surrounding areas (pH 6.5 Soil series: compared to 6.0) because of shell Microclimate: material from spoils from the Drainage basin: inland waterway. Other plants and animals species present: AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED. Master species lists 209 Summary Endangered and threatened species Name of species: Thelypteris kunthii Species legal status: Not listed in Cooper et al, 1975, because species had not been found in state at that time. Number of populations on sit(--: one Number of individuals per population: hundreds Size or maturity of individuals: f ertile General vigor of population: good Disturbance or threats to population: none known Habitat characterists Vegetation association: Soil more basic than surrounding Topography: area (6.5 compared to 6.0) because Soil series: of shell material from spoils Microclimate: from the inland waterway. Drainage basin: Other plants and animals species present: AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WPM POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED. Master species lists 210 SPECIES LISTS PLANTS Trees; Acer rubrum Morus.rubra Carpinus caroliniana Myrica cerifera Cornus florida Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora Fagus grandifolia Persea borbonia Fraxinus sp. (tomentosa?) Pinus taeda Ilex opaca Quercus laurifolia Liquidambar styraciflua Quercus michauxii Liriodendron tulipifera Quercus nigra Magnolia virginiana Ulmus americana Shrubs: Callicarpa americana Myrica heterophylla Leucothoe axillaris Sabal minor Ligustrum sinense Symplocos tinctoria Lyonia lucida Herbs: Boehmeria cylindrica Sanicula canadensis Geum canadense Saururus cernuus Impatiens capensis Tipularia discolor Mitchella repens Vines: Ampelopsis arborea Rhus radicans Anisostichus capreolata Smilax bona-nox Decumaria barbara Smilax laurifolia Lonicera japonica Smilax smallii Matelea suberosa Vitis rotundifolia Parthenocissus quinquefolia Epiphytes: Phoradendron seroti-num Graminoids: Arundinaria gigantea Cyperus spp. Carex spp. Panicum spp. Ferns: Asplenium platyneuron Polystichum acrostichoides Athyrium asplenioides Thelypteris kunthii Botrychium dissectum Thelypteris palustris Dryopteris celsa Woodwardia areolata Osmunda cinnamomea Woodwardia virginica Osmunda regalis ANIMALS Amphibians: Southern leopard frog Reptiles: Eastern mud turtle Black racer Eastern box turtle Rat snake Carolina anole Rough green snake Ground skink Copperhead Eastern glass lizard 211 Birds: Great blue heron Ruby-crowned kinglet Turkey vulture Cedar waxwing Black vulture White-eyed vireo Sharp-shinned hawk Solitary vireo Red-shouldere *d hawk Red-eyed vireo Yellow-billed cuckoo Black-and-white warbler Screech owl Prothonotary warbler Great horned owl Swainson's warbler Barred owl Worm-eating warbler Chuck-will's-widow Northern parula Ruby-throated hummingbird Black-throated blue warbler Common flicker Yellow-rumped warbler Pileated woodpecker Black-throated green warbler Red-bellied woodpecker Pine warbler Yellow-bellied sapsucker Ovenbird Hairy woodpecker Kentucky warbler Downy woodpecker Common yellowthroat Great crested flycatcher Hooded warbler Eastern phoebe American redstart Acadian flycatcher Red winged blackbird Blue jay Rusty blackbird Common crow Common grackle Fish crow Brown-headed cowbird Carol'ina chickadee Summer tanager Tufted titmouse Cardinal Red-breasted nuthatch Indigo bunting Brown-headed nuthatch Evening grosbeak Brown creeper Purple finch Winter wren Pine siskin Carolina wren American goldfinch Gray catbird Rufous-seded towhee Brown thrasher Dark-eyed junco American robin White-throated sparrow Wood thrush Fox sparrow Hermit thrush Swamp sparrow Blue-gray gnatcatcher Song sparrow Golden-crowned kinglet Mammals: Opossum Eastern gray squirrel Eastern mole Whitetail deer Raccoon Reference cited: Cooper J. et al (Eds). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, N.C. Union Point Pocosin Name of Area: Union Point Pocosin County: Carteret and Craven Location: Pocosin centered ca. 2 miles N of Union Point community, which is ca. 1.5 miles NE of Newport, N.C. See Map 27. Quadrangle: Newport Date: November 3, 1980 Investigator: John Fussell (Report by Fussell and Jeannie Wilson) Physical/Habitat Feature: pocosin Survey Priority: medium - due primarily to it being a large extent of "wild land". This is the second largest contiguous tract of pocosin in the county, 6000+ acres. Dominant Vegetation: See comments. Site Quality: Age of Pond Pine is unknown; however, there is no evidence of recent fire. Total pocosin acreage, 6000+, is large. Elevation: ca. 24' Topography: Essentially flat, featureless, edges dissected by small streams. Soil Series: Information unavailable from incomplete soil survey of Carteret County. Size: All pocosin - 6000+ acres Geological Formation: Flanner Beach Formation, Pleistocene Mixon & Pilkey, 1976. Reconnaissance Geology of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, N.C. US Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Printing Off. Drainage: N to Neuse River, S to Newport River E & T Species Present: none known Potential for E & T Species: Some of area is marginal habitat for Red-cockaded woodpeckers. Black bears, now considered of special concern status, but which may be considered threatened in the future, occur here. -212 tHym C PC] T S H -V f WA own Ej5FTfRET GO aw NY A R A T N iv io- v, ti Tmd. P.,k WA z 0 NN tN -741 E N nu ..... 32 3d 47'30' lot- 91 it NIO POIN PocOSIN AO 27: 7 "A -214 - Site Integrity: There are no significant human encroachments within this tract. Owners: USDA, Forest Service, Croatan National Forest. Other Knowledgeable Persons: Dr. Gene Huntsman, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, Beaufort, N.C. 28516 Other Comments: This is the second largest contiguous tract of pocosin left in Carteret County. The area of Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea may be the largest in this c6u-nty, but this would be difficult to ascertain. 215 DOMINANT VEGETATION: Most of the area is high pocosin dominated by Pinus serotina, Gordonia lasianthus, Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida, Ilex coriacea, etc. The purpose of this trip was to visit two areas which apparently (based on aerial photographs) had relatively low vegetation. The first (ca. 2000' X 1500') lies ca. one mile W of the Main Prong; the second (ca. 4000' X 3000') lies one mile W of the first. On this visit, only Elie SE site could be reached; the second site is probably similar to the first site. Characterization of the vegetation at the SE site is: Pinus serotina (sparse)/Lyonia lucida-Cvrilla racemiflora/Sphagnum sp//Smilax laurifolia. The pines are ca. 15-20', the largest have a DBH of 14". The mass of Lyonia and Cyrilla is ca. 4' high. One quarter mile NW of the area described above, an area of Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea was found. The pines averaged 25' with an 8" DBH; the cane was 8'. This community cannot be safe ly differentialed on aerial photographs. Tt appears to have an extent Of ca. 2000' X 400'; we do not know of any s imilarly-s ized tracts of Pinus serotina/Arund i naria gigantea in the county. The pocos in grades into bay forests at some points and borders sylvicultural lands elsewhere. PLANTS OBSERVED (List is restricted to immediate sites mentioned above Trees: Acer rubrum (none tree size), Cordonia lasianthus, magnolia virginiana (none tree size), Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (none tree size), Pei-sea borbonia, Pinus serotina. Shrubs: Cyrilla racemiflora, Ilex glabra, Kalmia angusti-folia var . carolin i ana , Lyonia lucida , Myrica he terophylla, Sorbus arbutifolia, Vaccinium atrococcum, Zenobia pulverulenta. Vines: Smilax laurifolia Herbs: Xyris sp. Graminoids: Arundinaria gigantea, Carex walteriana, Eriophorum virginicum. Ferns: Woodwardia virginica Moss: Sphagnum sp . -216 ANIMALS OBSERVED' Birds: Turkey vulture, Black vulture, Carolina chickadee,: House wren, Winter wren, Carolina wren, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Yellow-rumped warbler, Rufous-sided towhee.' Mammals: Whitetail deer (Black bears occur also) Walker's Mill Pond Natural Area Name: Walker's Mill Pond Location: Tract includes Walker's Mill Pond and associated swamp forests and floodplains. This area is ca. 3 miles E of the Town of Newport. See Map 1. Topographic Quadrangle: Newport Size: Ca. 500 acres Elevation: 3-20' Access: SR 1154 passes through area. Logging roads provide access to other parts of area. Names of Investigators: John 0. Fussell, III and Jeannie Wilson Date(s) of Investigation: 1980: July 5; Sept. 13, 16, 23; Nov. 3 (Also, Fussell has made many trips to this area, 1965-1980, mostly winter and spring, primarily in search of birds. He made systematic censuses of breeding birds in part of the area in 1970.) Protection Status: The pond and swamp forest is apparently being preserved by a hunting and fishing club. 217- - 218 - Table 11 Significance Summary: Walker's Mill Pond Feature Map Legend Description of Significant Feature Comparative Assessment Special habitat The major significance of this area is that it includes a complex of habitats that support many rare species. High quality Fraxinus sp.-Nyssa sylvatica var. The floodplain areas are plant community biflorn-Taxodium. distichum/ slightly significant at a Acer rubrum county level, because collec- tively, they make up a sub- stantial acreage. The Main Prong floodplain is most significant in terms of area and tree size. High quality Mesic mixed hardwoods. Mostly CarZa Hardwood forests on mesic sites plant community glabra - Quercus nigra/Cornus florida/ are rare in Carteret County. Polystichum acros-Cl-c-hoi7d-esand C.Zlabra- Major negative point regarding Q. michauxii/Cornus florida/LXonia these hardwood forests are their TucUda very limited size, especially narrowness. However, they are important to the presence of several rare species on the tract Endangered species American alligator Threatened species a. Habernaria flava: Floodplain forests Threatened species Anbinga. Possibly breeds and may be only breeding population in county. Special concern Turkey vulture Special concern Black vulture Special concern Cooper's hawk Special concern Red-shouldered hawk Population is notably high. 219 Table 11 (cont'd) Feature Map Legend Description of Significant Feature Comparative Assessment Species of b nest Osprey At least one pair has bred special concern here 10+ years. Species of Great blue heron A few birds apparently nest, special concern probably in floodplain areas. Species of Red-tailed hawk special concern Species of Black-throated green warbler Uncommon. Apparently limited special concern to north Main Prong. Species of Swainson's warbler Several pairs present through- special concern out area. Species of Prothonotary warbler special concern Species of Black bear special concern Undetermined Worm-eating warbler status species Undetermined Black-and-white warbler status species Locally rare Ovenbird species Locally rare Kentucky warbler species .PO I A L it It It If h X/7 x 19 WX If X/ -7 --------- It I n It 22 It X It, It it it 21 A X11 it 16 !!i 1% It I It it It I fill Is If - Ha6ernavio -Navot It 16 ey 19 i5@VVAAM p *Bfvec,,i- 120A0 10, f:baGr @r MAP 28: WALKERS MILL POND NATURAL AREA (from Newport Quadrangle) _%0 1-01 221 DESCRIPTION OF SITE (See map 28.) Pond The focal point of this natural area is Walker's Mill Pond (now usually called "The Mill Pond"). This reservoir was repor- tedly constructed shortly after 1900; it occupies a former flood- plain and is long and narrow, running generally N-S. The extent of open water is about 125 acres; the pond is probably mostly less than 5' in depth. The pond itself is relatively "sterile"; its associated swamp forests and floodplain forests are much more biologically productive. Swamp forest At the mouths of the four streams running into the pond, where the water is ca. 1-4 feet deep, there are swamp forests made up almost exclusively of Taxodium distichum; these trees have a thick covering of Tillandsia usneoides. Trees are about 70' high with an average DBH of ca. _201r. T!@_e water is mostly covered with Nymphaea odorata. This is the most impressive ex- ample of this type community in Carteret County; of course it is artificial though. Common here are yellowbelly sliders and cot- tonmouths. Wood ducks are common in winter and prothonotary warblers and northern parulas in summer. Floodplain forest Flowing into the mill pond are four floodplains, and another one drains the pond into the Newport River. Together these make up ca. 250 acres of floodplain forest in rather close proximity. The major stream and floodplain, the Main Prong, is most notable because of its extent, especially width (500+ feet across). Ma- jor canopy trees are Fraxinus sp. (tomentosa?), EZ.2.sa 2ylyatica var. biflora, and bia!iidambar 2..Lyraciflua; Nyssa is most common downstream and Liquidambar is most common upstream. At the Main Prong, where the vegetation was analyzed, the canopy height is 80' and the average DBH is ca. 20". The under- story is dominated by @cer rubrum. The shrub layer is generally sparse. The most frequent species are Saururus cernuus and a species of Carex. Cottonmouths are also common in these areas. Common perma- nent residents are downy woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees and tufted titmice; in summer, red-eyed vireos, prothonotary war- blers, and northern parulas are common 222 Mesic hardwood forest Between the floodplain forests and the surrounding sylvi- cultural lands, there is often a narrow strip of mesic forest. This varies in width from nothing to ca. 200'. This community is limited to the slight (ca. 5') and narrow slope that usually bor- ders the floodplains and to a narrow strip of upland along the slopes. This community type is rare in the county and its pre- sence within the natural area contributes to the presence of sev- eral rare species. Species composition appears to vary considerably. Where ana- lyzed next to the Main Prong, co-dominants are.Carya glabra and Quercus nigra at one site and Carya @Iabra and Quercus michauxii at another. The average DBH is 22' and the canopy height is 80T. The understory is dominated by Cornus florida. At the first site, there is thick ground cover dominated by Polystichum acrostichoi- del; at the secon site, there is a thick shrub cover dominated by Lyonia lucida. At another site, also along the Main Prong, there is the notable situation of a mixture of mature hardwoods and 80 year old longleaf and loblolly pines, apparently the result of selective cutting about 1900. Rare species in the natural area that are largely limited to this community are black-and-white warbler, ovenbird, and Kentucky warbler. Often, along the slope, there is an ecotonal area char- acterized by a thick growth of Sal-al rinnr, LX2nia lucida, Leuco- thoe axillaris, and several ferns. This is excelTe7t -ha"Gitat for Swainson's warblers. 223 Management and preservation recommendation: We can think of no management that is needed for the area at this time. This area is, fortunately, probably not threatened for at least 20 years (the approximate time of the first "harvest" of adjacent sylvicultural lands). The pond and the swamp forests are protected as part of a hunting and fishing preserve. The floodplain forests and mesic hardwood forest areas are probably not threatened until the next harvest of adjacent sylvicultural lands, probably about 2000. Major threat then might be that the paper companies will be even more efficient in removing the mesic hardwood strip for conversion to sylvi- culture. 224 Rating Medium+priority Statement of site significance The major significance of this "natural area", which is actually to a large extent a man-made natural area, is that it includes a complex of habitats that support many rare species. We know of at least 17: endangered-- American alligator; threatened-- Habernaria flava, anhinga, turkey viiltiire, black vulture, red-shouldered hawk; of special concern-- great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, osprey, black- throated green warbler, Swainson's warbler, prothonotary warbler, black bear; undetermined-- worm7eating warbler, black-and-white warbler; locally rare-- ovenbird, Kentucky warbler. The baldcypress swamp forest is, although not'natural, the best example of this type community in the county. The floodplain forests are slightly significant for natural values, making up one of the better examples of this community in-the county. The mesic hardwood area is also slightly significant. This is a rare community in this county. The major negative feature of this mesic hardwood forest is its limited (especially narrow) size. - 225 - A. Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community type: Taxodium distichum/Nymphaea odorata// Tillandsia Community cover type: usneoides Taxodium distichum General habitat feature: Swamp forest Average tree height: 80' Estimated age of canopy trees: 100? Estimated size of association (sp. meters, acres, etc.): 100 acres Successional stage: Sere type: Trees probably predate pond. Common canopy species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): NA Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant): NA Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant): NA Successional stage: Sere type: - 226 - b. Hydrology Summary Drainage basin: Newport River Hydrologic system: Palustrine Hydrologic subsystem: Aqueous Water chemistry: Fresh, acidic (pH unknown) Water regime: Permanently (artificially) flooded c. Summary-Topography and Physiography Topographic site type characteristics: Land form: Submerged floodplain Shelter: Some sections are relatively exposed to southerly winds. Aspect: NA Slope angle: NA Profile: NA Surface patterns: NA Position: NA Physiographic site type of natural area: Walkers's Mill Pond Natural Area Physiographic site type of community cover type or community type: Swamp forest within Walker's Mill Pond Natural Area Geologic formation: Flanner Beach Formation (Mixon and Pilkey 1976) Geologic formation age: Pleistocene References: 227 B Natural Characteristics Summary a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community type: Fraxinus sp.-Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora- Taxodium distichum/ Acer rubrum Community cover type: Fraxinus sp.-Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-Taxodium distichum General habitat feature: Average tree height: Floodplain. forest 8 0 Estimated age of canopy trees:100+ Estimated size of association (sq. motors, acres, etc.): 250 acres Successional stage: Near climax7 Sere type: Psammopelosere Common canopy species in community cover tvpe or community.type (hut not dominant) Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus micnauxii, Quercus laurifolia Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant-,): arpinus caroliniana, Ilex opaca, Persea borbonia, Sabal minor Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant): Carex spp., Rhynchospora miliacea, Saururus cernuus Successional stage: Sere type: b. Soil Summary Source of information: USDA-SCS. 1979. Soil Survey of Carteret County, NC. Interim report. Soil series: Johnston and Muckalee Soil order: Johnston- Inceptisol; Muckalee-- Entisol pH class: strongly acid to circumneutral (5.1-7.3) Moisture class: wet to wet-mesic Associated community cover type or community typo: 228@ C. Hydrology Suiiuiiary Drainaje basin: Newport River Hydrologic system: Palustrine Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous Water chemistry: Fresh, acidic (pH unknown) Water regime: Intermittently flooded d. Summary-Topography and Physiography Topographic site type characteristics: Land form: Floodplain Shelter: Sheltered Aspect: NA Slope angle: Nearly level Profile: NA Surface patterns: Flats and pans Position: Entire cross section of floodplain Physio7raphic siLe type of natural area: Walker s Mill Pond Natural Area Physiographic site type of coi-iinainity cover type or community type: Floodplain forest within Walker's Mill Pond Natural Area Geologic formation: Flanner Beach Formation (Mixon and Pilkey Geologic formation age: Pleistocene 1976) References: 229 C. Natural Characteristics Summar a. Vegetation-Biotic Community Summary Community type: Varies. Examples are Carya glabra-Quercus nigra/Cornus florida/Polystichum acrostichoides and C.glsbra-Q. Community cover type: michauxii/Cornus florida/Lyonia lucida Varies. Carya glabra-Quercus nigra and C.glabra-Q.michauxii are General habitat feature: frequent. Mesic hardwood forest Average tree height: 80' Estimated age of canopy trees: 100+? Estimated size of association (sq. motors, acres, etc.): Less than 25 acres Successional stage: Mostly near climax. Mixed transient and climax at some sites due to selective cutting about 1900. Sere type: Psammosere Common canopy species in community cover type or community typo (but not dominant): Quercus alba, Quercus falcata Pinus taeda (locally), Pinus palustris (locally) Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type or community type (but not dominant) : Ilex opaca, Leucothoe axillaris, Symplocos tinctoria, Stewartia malacodendron Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant): Panicum sp., Mitchella repens Successional stage: Sere type: b. Soil. Summary Source of information: USDA-SCS. 1979. Soil Survey of Carteret County, NC. Interim report. Soil series: Onslow loamy sand and Lynchburg fine sandy loam Soil order: both Ultisol pH class: extremely acid to acid (3.6-5.5) Moisture class: mesic Associated community cover type Or Community type: 230 C. Hydroloqy Summary: Drainage Basin: Newport River Hydrologic System: Mesic Hydrolic Subsystem: Mesic to dry-mesic Water Chemistry: Fresh Water region: Permanently exposed Summary-Topography and Physioboundary Topographic bio type characteristics: Land Form: Slope and narrow fringe of adjacent upland_ shelter: Sheltered Aspect: Most slope area fare easterly or westerly. Slope angle: Nearly level (0-2) to gently sloping (2-6); rarely sloping (6-10) profilqe: Convex, concave, and constant Surface Patterns: Mostly smooth Position: Entire slope and fringe of adjacent upland Physiographic pile type of natural area: Walker's Mill Pond Natural Area physioqraphic site type of community cover or community type: Slopes and adjacent upland fringes within Walker's Mill Pond Natural Area Geologic formation: Flanner Beach Formation (Mixon and Pilkey Geologic formation age: Pleistocene 1976) References: Mixon,R. and O.Pilkey. 1976. Reconnaissance Geo- logy of the Submerged and Emerged Coastal Plain Province, Cape Lookout Area, North Carolina. US Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 859. US Govt. Print. Office, Washington. 23,1 e. Summary- Endangered and threatened species Name of species: Habernaria flava Species legal status: T hreatened peripheral Number of populations on site: Several Number of individuals per population: "Scores" Size and maturity of individuals'. Flowering and fruiting General vigor of population:. Ap,pa-rently good Disturbance or threats to population: None Habitat characteristics Vegetation association: Fraxinus sp.-Nyss.E EXlva.Lica var. biflora- Taxodium distichum/ Acer rubrum Name of species: American alligator Species legal status: Endangered "Federal list) Number of populations on site: unknown Number of individuals per population: Unknown Size or maturity of individuals: Unknown Comments: Individuals have been released at the mill pond during the last decade, but the species was pro- bably present before, as it occurs on the adjacent Newport River. 232 Name of species: Anhinga Species legal status: Threatened Number of populations on site: One? Number of individuals per population: Ca. 6 or more Size or maturity of individuals: Adults present General vigor of population: Unknown Disturbance or threats to population: Probably none Comments: This species, which is very rare in Carteret Coun- ty, has been present each spring from 1976 through 1980. Nesting is likely somewhere in the sw-mp forests or floodplain areas. If the species does nest here, this may be the northeasternmost nesting locality in the U.S. Name of species: Turkey vulture Species legal status: Threatened Number of populations on site: Unknown Number of individuals per population: Unknown Size or maturity of individuals: Adults present Comments: This species is permanent resident here. It has apparently increased in population in the last five years. It may breed in or adjacent to the natural area. 233 Name of species: Black vulture Species legal status: Special Concern Number of populations on site: Unknown Number of individuals per population: Unknown Size or maturity of individuals: Adults present Comments: This species is permanent resident here. It has apparently increased in population in the last five years. It may breed In o.r adjacent to.the natural area. Name of species: Cooper's hawk Species legal status : Special Concern Comments: This species is very rare or absent as a breeding species in Carteret County. An individual was seen here in late April 1980, raising the possibility of breeding here. Name of species: Red-shouldered hawk Species legal status: Special Concern Number of populations on site: At least 4-5 (one per floodplain) Number of individuals: Approx. 3 Size or maturity of.individuals: Adults present General vigor of population: Numbers constant for last 10 years Disturbance or threats to population: None Habitat characteristics Vegetation association: Floodplain forest 234 f. Species lists PLANTS- Trees: Acer rubrum Persea borbonia Carpinus caroliniana Pinus palustris Carya glabra Pinus taeda Cornus florida Prunus nigra Fraxinus sp. (tomentosa?) Quercus alba Ilex opaca Quercus falcata Liquidambar styraciflua Quercus laurifolia Liriodendron tulipifera Quercus michauxii Magnolia virginiana Quercus nigra Morus rubra Salix nigra Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora Taxodium distichum Nyssa sylvatica var. sylvatica Ulmus americana Osmanthus americana Shrubs: Alnus serrulata Itea virginica Aralia spinosa Leucothoe axillaris Callicarpa americana Lyonia lucida Cephalanthus occidentalis Myrica cerifera Cornus stricfa Sabal minor Cyrilla racemiflora Stewartia malacodendron Euonymus americanus Symplocos tinctoria Gaylussacia frondosa vaccinium atrococcum Hypericum sp. Viburnum nudum Herbs Arisaema triphyllum Hydrocotyle verticillata Asclepias variegata Iris virginica Bartonia paniculata Lobelia cardinalis Boehmeria cylindrica Ludwigia palustris Burmannia biflora Ludwigia sp. Centella asiatica Mitchella repens Chimaphila maculata Monotropa uniflora Drosera intermedia Pluchea foetida Eriocaulon decangulare Polygala lutea Galium sp. Polygonum spp. Habernaria flava Pontederia cordata Hydrocotyle umbellata Proserpinaca palustris 23A, Herbs (continued): Sabatia calycina Utricularia juncea Sagittaria graminea Viola papilionacea Saururus cernuus Xyris sp. Sparganium americanum Aquatics: Egeria densa Nymphoides aquatica Nymphaea odorata Graminoids: Arundinaria gigantea Fuirena pumila Carex spp. Panicum spp. Cyperus app. Rhynchospora miliacea Eleocharis sp. Scirpus cyperinus Ferns: Asplenium platyneuron Polystichum acrostichoides Athyrium asplenioides Thelypteris palustris Botrychium dissectum Woodwardia areolata Osmunda regalis Woodwardia virginica Vines; Anisoatichus capreolata Rhus radicans Campsis radicans Rubus Sp. I Decumaria barbara Smilax bona-nox Matelea suberosa Smilax laurifolia Mikania scandens Vitis aestivalis Parthenocissus quinquefolia Vitis rotundifolia Epiphytes: Phoradendron serotinum Tillandsia usneoides ANIMALS- Am2hibians: Southern toad Little grass frog Southern cricket frog Bullfrog Gray treefrog Green frog Green tr^-efrog Southern leopard frog Rpring peeper Carpenter frog Pine woods treefrog Eastern narrowmouth toad Squirrel treefrog Reptiles: American alligator Corn snake Snapping turtle Rat snake Eastern mud turtle Eastern kingsnake Yellowbelly slider Banded watersnake Eastern box turtle Rough green snake Carolina anole Eastern ribbon snake Southeastern f-ive-lined skink Copperhead Ground skink Cottonmouth Eastern glass lizard Timber rattlesnake Black racer Birds breeds or probably breeds within area): Common loon Lesser scaup Pied-billed grebe Ruddy duck � Anhinga Hooded merganser � Great blue heron Turkey vulture � Green heron Black vulture Little blue heron Sharp-shinned hawk Great egret Cooper's hawk Snowy egret * Red-tailed hawk Yellow-crowned night heron * Red-shouldered hawk American bittern Marsh hawk White ibis * Osprey Mallard Merlin. Pintail American kestrel Green-winged teal Bobwhite Blue-winged teal American woodcock American wigeon Spotted sandpiper � Wood duck Solitary sandpiper Ring-necked duck Mourning dove 237 � Yellow-billed cuckoo * Yellow-throated vireo Black-billed cuckoo Solitiry -irpo � Screech owl * Red-eyed vireo � Great horned owl * Biack-and-white warbler � Barred owl * Prothonotary warbler � Chuck-will's-widow * Swainson's warbler � Ruby-throated hummingbird * Worm-eating warbler Belted kingfisher Orange-crowned warbler � Common flicker * Northern parula � Pileated woodpecker Black-throated blue warbler � Red-bellied woodpecker Yellow-rumped warbler Red-headed woodpecker * Black-throated green warbler Yellow-bellied sapsucker * Yellow-throated warbler � Hairy woodpecker * Pine warbler � Downy woodpecker * Prairie warbler Eastern kingbird * Ovenbird � Great crested flycatcher Northern waterthrush Eastern phoebe * Kentucky warbler � Acadian flycatcher * Common yellowthroat Purple martin Yellow-breasted chat � Blue jay * Hooded warbler � Common crow American redstart Fish crow Redwinged blackbird � Carolina chickadee Rusty blackbird � Tufted titmouse * Common grackle Red-breasted nuthatch * Brown-headed cowbird � Brown-headed nuthatch Scarlet tanager Brown creeper * Summer tanager House wren * Cardinal Winter wren Blue grosbeak � Carolina wren * Indigo bunting � Gray catbird Evening grosbeak � Brown thrasher Purple finch American robin Pine siskin � Wood thrush American goldfinch Hermit thrush Rufous-sided towhee � Blue-gray gnatcatcher Dark-eyed junco Golden-crowned kinglet White-throated sparrow Ruby-crowned kinglet Fox sparrow Cedar waxwing Swamp sparrow � White-eyed vireo Song sparrow Mammals: Opossum River otter Eastern mole Eastern gray squirrel Black bear Eastern cottontail Raccoon Whitetail deer x 36 A 35 X39 33 as x 13 x 37) x 33 X 3 7 0 24 9 A TT 36 owcr f 331 Pi in X, oul N\ % UE A-. Daybeacon -10 Oroad C,,!.k 2 (C) X 0 Daybeacon Daybeacon 0 CA YJA 0 Light ODaybeac rAL 0".S jr4l Fa Ac Daybeacon )aybeacorF@-@ 13 MAP 29: WILDBERRY WOODS Wildbeny Woods Name of Natural Area: Wildberry Woods Location: Carteret County; Salter Path USGS Topographic quad map; on N.C. Hwy. 24 and Broad Creek southwest of Morehead City, North Carolina adjoining the Croatan National Forest. See Map 29.. Ownership and Administration: Dr. Jan Kohlmeyer is the owner. Size: Approximately 38 acres, excluding residential area. Land Use: The land has served as a study site for biologists from the University of North Carolina and other institutions. Some cutting of pine by the previous owners, occurred around 1962. The Kohl- meyer residence, a house and some outbuildings, adjoin the natural area. Since their ownership, the Kohlmeyers maintained this tract in its natural condition. Protection Status: The land is protected as a registered N.C. Natural Heritage Area. Reasons for Significance: Wildberry Woods is representative of coastal plain communities. Within its relatively small area, three princi- pal communities are featured: the estuarine SEartina-Juncus salt- marsh community; the sandy woodlands, savannas of loblolly and longleaf pines; and the evergreen shrub bogs complemented by a freshwater pond and branches. The site offers habitat for several rare species (see Table 1). Osprey, a bird of special concern, fish regularly in Broad Creek, the northeast boundary of the proposed natural area. Moreover, orchids, the Venus Flytrap and pitcher plants populate portions of the land. Wildberry Woods exhibits a wide natural diversity on both the community and species level. The area serves as an excellent example of coastal plain communities, and its usefulness for nature interpretation and scientific observation is evident. Preserve Recommendation: Wildberry Woods should be protected from develop- ment because of its value as habitat for the various special plants and animals, its function as a possible field station for educational purposes, and its proximity to the Patsy Pond natural area. Management Recommendation: Management. efforts should be directed towards simple maintenance and up-keep of the property with minimal development. 1Compiled by the Natural Heritage Program, DNRCD, Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, N. C. (1979). 239 36 33 x----------- C R 0 A T 3 X39 33 25 37 25 X37 x 33 x 0 It 0 d d e4k x 3 C' Piling P7 Foul it 0 LiF 0 Daybeacon % 0 611, Broad Creek 2 (C) o Daybeacon Daybeacon 71 5 1 0 0 Li ht rrAL IrOSACOA Daybeacon" )aybpacono 13 MAP 29: WILDBERRY WOODS 241 Data Sources: Dr. Jan Kohlmeyer, Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, N. Ce Ms. Jeannie Wilson, Hampton Mariners Museum, Beaufort, N.C. Dr. D. E. Hoss, National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort, N.C. Dr. C. E. Jenner, Dept. of Zoology, University'of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. Scientific References: Kohlmeyer, J. (1977) New records of angiosperm and terrestrial fungi from Carteret County, North Carolina. Jour. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 92: 27-30. - 242 Table Ia. Rare and Endangered Animals of Wildberr-y Woods 2 No. NC Scientific Name Common Name -Status Sites Habitat Pandion haliaetus Osprey SC 64 Breeds near open water Commonly in salt and fresh water. Table lb. Rare and Endangered Plants of Wildberry Woods 2*No. NC Scientific Name Common Name Status Sites Habitat Dionaea Muscipula Venus' flytrap TE 90 Wet, sandy ditches, savannahs and open boq margins. Sarraccnia rubra Sweet pitcher plant TT 52 Shrub bogs and savannahs. These plants are no longer listed as threatened or endangered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Program. 2Taken from Cooper, J. E. , S. S. Robinson, and J. Funderberg (Eds. 1977. Endangered and Threatened Platns and Animals of North Carolina. N. C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, N.C. 444 pages Explanation of Status Categories Plants EE - Endangered Endemic TE - Threatened Endemic ED - Endangered Disjunct TD - Threatened Disjunct EP - Endangered Peripheral TP - Threatened Peripheral ET - Endangered Throughout TT - Threatened Throughout Animals E - Endangered SC - Special Concern T - Threatened UD - Undetermiend 3Number of recorded occurrences of species in state known by the Natural Heritage Program as of July 1979. CEIP PUBLICATIONS 1. Hauser, E. W., P. D. Cribbins, P. T. Tschetter, and R. 1). Latta. Coastal Energy Transportation Needs to Support Major Energy Projects in North Carolina's Coastal Zone. CEIP Report #I. September 1981. $10. 2. P. D. Cribbins. A Study of OCS Onshore Support Bases and Coal Export Terminals. CEIP Report #2. September 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB82-202912) 3. Tachetter, P.T., M. Fisch, and R. D. Latta. An Assessment- of Potential Impacts of Energy-Related Transportation Developments on North Carolina's Coastal Zone. CEIP Report #3. July 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB83-203042) 4. Cribbins, P. S. An Analysis of State and Federal Policies Affecting major Energy Projects in North Carolina's Coastal Zone. CEIP Report #4. September 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB82-202920) 5. Brower, David, W. D. McElyea, D. R. Godschalk, anf N. D. Lofarn, 0uter Continental Shelf Development and the North Carolina Coast-. A Guide, for Local Planners. CEIP Report #5. August 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB82-196304) 6. Rogers, Golden and Halpern, Inc., and Engineers for Energy and the Environment, Inc. Mitigating the Impacts of Energy Facilities: A Local Air Quality Program for the Wilmington, N. C. Area. CEIP Report #6. September 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB82-197872) 7. Richardson, C. J. (editor). Pocosin Wetlands: an Integrated Analysis of Coastal Plain Freshwater Bogs in North Carolina. Stroudsburg (Pa): Hutchinson Ross, 1981. 364 pp. $25. Available from School of Forestry, Duke University, Durham, N. C. 27709. (This proceedings volume is for a conference partially funded by N. C. CEIP.) 8. McDonald, C. B. and A. N. Ash. Natural. Areas Inventory of Tyrrell County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #8. October 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB83-209072) 9. Fussell, J. 0. , III, and E. J. Wilson. Natural Areas Inventory of Carteret County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #9. June 1993. $10. 10. Nyfong, T. D. Natural Areas Inventory of Brunswick County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #10. October 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB83-234039) 11. Leonard, S. W. , and R. J. Davis. Natural Areas Inventory for Pender County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #11. October 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB83-209106) 12. Cribbins, Paul D., and R. Daniel Latta. Coastal Energy Transportation Study: Alternative Technologies for Transporting and Handling Export Coal. CEIP Report #12. January 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-203067) 13. Creveling, Kenneth. Beach Communities and Oil Spills: Environmental and Economic Consequences for Brunswick County, N. C. CEIP Report #13. May 1982. $10. (NTIS # PH83-209064) 14. Rogers, Golden and Halpern, Inc., and Engineers for Energy and the Environment. The Design of a Planning Program to help Mitigate Energy Facility-Related Air Quality Impacts in the Washington County North Carolina Area. CEIP Report # 14. September 1992. $10. (NTIS # PB83- 234021) 15. McDonald C. B., A. N. Ash, and John Fussell. Natural Areas Inventory of Craven County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #15. December 1981. $10. (NTIS # PB83-234021) 16. Frost, Cecil C. Natural Areas Inventory of Gates County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #16. April 1982. $10. (NTIS PB83-209098) 17. Stone, John R., Michael T. Stanley, and Paul T. Tschetter. coastal Energy Transportation Study: Impacts of Increased Rail Traffic on Communities in Eastern North Carolina. CEIP Report # 17. August 1982. $10. (NTIS PB83-203075) 18. Kazarian, Jacqueline S. Newport River Estuary Dye Study: An Analysis of Water Movement. CEIP Report # 18. March 1983. $10. 3/84 CEIP PUBLICATIONS 19. Pate, Preston P. , and Robert Jones. Effects of Upland Drainage on Estuarine Nursery Areas of Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. CRIP Report #19. December 1981. $1.00. (UNC Sea Grant Working Paper 81-10). (NTIS # PB-83- 168096) 20. Carraway, R. J., and L. J. Priddy. Mapping of Submerged Grass Beds in Core and Bogue Sounds, Carteret County, North Carolina, by Conventional Aerial Photography. CEIP Report #20. November 1983. $10. 22. Gregory, J. D. , R. W. Skaggs, R. G. Broadhead, R.H. Culbreath, J. R. Bailey, and T. Foutz. Hydrologic and Water Quality Impacts of Peat mining in the Coastal Zone of North Carolina. CEIP Report #22. Jointly published as N.C. Water Resources Research Institute Report #214. September 1983. $8 (available from WRRI). 24. Stoll, Evans, Woods & Associates. Railroad Induced Vibrations, New Bern. North Carolina, August 10 & 11, 1983. CEIP Report #24. March 1983. $1.00. (NTIS # PB83-233221) 25. Wang Engineering Co., Inc. Analysis of the Impact of Coal Trains Moving Through Morehead City, North Carolina. CEIP Report #25. October 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-200865) 26. Anderson & Associates, Inc. Coal Train Movements Through the City of Wilmington, North Carolina. CEIP Report #26. October 1982. $10. (NT #IS PB83-200857) 27. Peacock, S. Lance and J. Merrill Lynch. Natural Areas Inventory of Mainland Dare County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #27. November 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-208736) 28. Lynch, J. Merrill and S. Lance Peacock. Natural Areas Inventory A Hyde County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #28. October 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-208728) 29. Peacock, S. Lance and J. Merrill Lynch. Natural Areas Inventory of Pamlico County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #29. November 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-209114) 30. Lynch, J. Merrill and S. Lance Peacock. Natural Areas Inventory (it Washington County, North Carolina. CEIP Report, #30. October 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-209080) 31. Mugs, Bruce J. Review and Evaluation of Oil Spill Models for Application to North Carolina Waters. CEIP Report #31. August 1.982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-209056) 32. Lukin, C. G. , and L. L. Mauger. Environmental Geologic Atlas of the North Carolina Coastal Zone: Dare, Hyde, Tyrrel , and Washington Counties. CEIP Report #32. November 1983. $10. 33. Sorrell, F. Yates and Richard R. Johnson. Oil and Gas Pipelines in Coastal North Carolina- Impacts and Routing Considerations. CEIP Report #33. December 1982. $10. (NTIS # PB83-233973) 34. Roberts and Eichler Associates, Inc. Area Development Plan for Radio Island. CEIP Report #34. June 1982. $10. (NTIS PB83-200873) 35. Cribbins, Paul D. Coastal Energy Transportation Study: The Potential for Wide-Beam, Shallow-Draft Ships to Serve Coal and Other bulk Commodity Terminals along the Cape Fear River. CEIP -Report #35. Auguqst 1982. $10. MIS # PB83-203380) 36. DNRCD Peat Mining Task Force. Peat Mining and Natural Resources. CEIP Report #36. March 1983. $10. MIS # PB83-172049) 37. Vandenberg, J. J. , and K. R. Knoerr. The Deposit of Airborne Materials in the Lake Phelps, N.C. , Region. CEIP Report #37. March 1983. $10. (NTIS It PB83-234054) 38. Wyman, C. D. , D. J. Brower, and R. M. Kessler. Oil and Gas Leasing of North Carolina's Submerged Lands. CEIP Report #38. March 1984. $10. 3/84 I I QH 87.3 T33 1984 1 11 -- : ::@ - DATE DUE GAYLORDINo. 2333 PRINTED IN U S A 3 6668 14106 1848