Natural Areas Inventory-1982

rl
OCM LIBRARY
t'
Natural Areas Inventory
of
Mainland Dare County, North Carolina
S.Lance Peacock
J. Merrill Lynch
NOVEMBER 1982
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management
CEIP REPORT NO.27

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Series Edited by James F. Smith
Cover Design by Jill Miller

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 Dare County inventory was conducted in 1982
and was financed by a Coastal. Energy Impact Program (CEIP) grant.
CEIP funded the mainland Dare County survey because of the potential
environmental impacts of peat mining and other energy -related develop-
ment.
The recommendations made in this report by J. Merrill Lynch and
S. Lance Peacock are advisory. Their inventory and recommendations
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 six outstand-
ing or exemplary natural areas described in this report. Agencies
such as the N.C. Division of Environmental Management, Division of
Land Resources, Division of Marine Fisheries, Wildlife Resources
Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Environmental Pro-
tection 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.
Merrill Lynch and Lance Peacock are experienced field biologists,.
who have previously been -employed with the N.C. Natural Heritage
Program and are most familiar with natural habitats throughout the
North Carolina coastal plain region. The investigators were ex=
ceptionally well -qualified to -identify, describe and evaluate -the
most outstanding natural areas of the project region.
This project was restricted to the mainland sector of Dare
County and, consequently, excludes those special interest natural
areas present on Roanoke Island or the Outer Banks barrier islands.
Project investigators were instructed to identify those mainland
natural areas that contain highly unique, endangered, or rare natural
features, or highest quality representations of relatively undisturbed
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 marsh
that fringe most of the shoreline, and which, for the most part, is
an ecosystem protected through state and federal regulatory programs.
ii

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
Environmental Concern (AEC). In many cases, AECs coincide with
natural areas that are herein recommended for preservation or
special management. In some 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 histo-
soils 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 pleased to have had this
opportunity to conduct this project for the Office of Coastal
Management. The inventory has documented a number of extraordinary
natural areas that possess natural elements of statewide or national
priority and may be critical to the survival of North Carolina's
natural diversity. We are particularly impressed by the natural
heritage values contained in the series of wetlands extending
across Southern Dare County from the Alligator River Swamp forest,
to the interior pond pine pocosin, and encompassing the low "264"
pocosin.
While much of the Dare penninsula is presently covered by
wetland habitats and regenerated forests, we are convinced that
those areas described in this inventory are the natural areas of
highest quality. The Natural Heritage Program hopes that these
areas will be protected for the benefits of present and future
generations of North Carolina and for the preservation of the state's
truly exceptional natural heritage.
Charles E. Roe, Coordinator
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
November 16, 1982
iii

ABSTRACT. Six natural areas are described and delineated
for Dare County as a result of a field survey December 1981 -
September 1982. The natural areas contain about 80,000 acres,
of which the majority (65%) is privately owned, with the remainder
in Federal ownership on the Dare County Bombing Range. The entire
acreage is wetland, primarily various pocosin types, swamp forest
and brackish marsh. Several categories of significant features
are described and mapped for each site, including representative
plant communities, rare species, and the presence of exceptional
biotic/abiotic diversity.
iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The assistance of the following individuals is gratefully
acknowledged:
Hobart Truesdell, II and Steve Barnes, both of First Colony
Farms, Inc., granted access to First Colony lands, provided generous
assistance in the field, and freely shared their expertise concerning
the resources of Dare County. J. H. Carter, III, Julie H. Moore,
Lee Otte, Chuck Roe, Brenda Smith and John Taggart reviewed manu-
scripts and offered many helpful comments. Lee Otte and Brenda Smith
also provided invaluable insights into the ecology and biota of Dare
County Pocosins. Al Smith, Range Management Officer for the US Air
Force Bombing Range, cleared us for reconnaissance flights in the
restricted air space of the county, and Earl Faison assisted as our
pilot.
v

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ABSTRACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
LISTOF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . vii
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
NATURAL AREA INVENTORIES
Alligator River Swamp Forest . . . . . . . . . . 13
Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
US264 Low Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Roanoke Marshes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Mashoes Pocosin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Durant Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
vi

LIST OF FIGURES
Paqe
1. Natural Areas of Mainland Dare County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2. Access Information: Alligator River Swamp Forest. . . . . . . . 14
3. Significant Features: Alligator River Swamp Forest. . . . . 30
4. Access Information: Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand. . . . . . . 50
5. Significant Features: Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand. . . . . . 58
6. Access Information: US 264 Low Pocosin. 70
7. Significant Features: US 264 Low Pocosin. . . . . . . . . . . . 82
8. Access Information: Roanoke Marshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
9. Significant Features: Roanoke Marshes . . . . . . . . . 0 .100
10. Access Information: Mashoes Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
11. Significant Features: Mashoes Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
12. Access Information: Durant Island . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
13. Significant Features: Durant Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
LIST OF TABLES
1'. Dare County Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Pocosin Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. Composition and relative abundance of breeding wood warblers in
Alligator River Swamp Forest, Dare County . . . . . . . . . . 23
vii

INTRODUCTION
Dare County is in the northeastern section of North
Carolina, situated in the Coastal Plain Province. The
county was formed in 1870 from portions of Currituck,
Tyrrell and Hyde Counties. Dare County has an area of
1246 square miles, of which 388 are land and 858 are water.
The approximately 797,000 acres encompass a variety of
habitats, ranging from open lakes, brackish sounds and
embayed rivers to freshwater marshes, pocosins and wooded
swamps, with minor areas of upland mixed pine -hardwood
forests, as well as various maritime habitats on the outer
banks.
The mainland part of the county, which is the subject
of the present study, is a peninsula bounded by the em-
bayed section of the Alligator River on the west and Albe-
marle, Croatan and Pamlico Sounds on the north and east.
The only overland link between the Dare mainland and the
rest of the Pamlimarle Peninsula is to the south, where
Hyde County adjoins. The width of this isthmus is about
6.5 miles. Small embayed streams dissect the coastline:
East Lake and South Lake at the north end of the county;
the Long Shoal River in the south. Whipping Creek and
Milltail Creek are non-embayed blackwater streams draining
the western side of the county; Callaghan Creek drains
parts of the eastern side, primarily through brackish
marsh. Small blackwater lakes are scattered in the county
interior, including Milltail Lake, Whipping Creek Lake and
Lake Worth. Elevations on the mainland are 12 ft. or less.
SOILS AND RECENT GEOLOGY
Soils of mainland Dare County have been mapped in ac-
cordance with US Soil Conservation Service standards under
the direction of Mr. Steve Barnes, agronomist for First
Colony Farms, Inc. Most of the major series identified
in this effort are summarized in Table 1 (after Barnes,
1981). Organic soils predominate on the mainland. The
deepest Histosols border the Alligator River and also
occupy pre -peat drainage channels in the interior of the
county. Shallow Histosols generally adjoin deeper peats
in the soilscape, and mineral series occur in areas which
were local interstream divides on the pre -peat surface.
The pre -peat topography is now thoroughly obscured by
organic deposits.
1

The entire area of mainland Dare County is on -the
Pamlico terrace or Pamlico surface. The Pamlico is the
lowest and youngest of the several generalized surfaces
of the state's Coastal Plain recognized as having been
formed during periods of higher sea level. The history
of sea level rise and fall is complex. About 75,000 yrs.
BP (Daniel, 1981), during the Pamlico transgression, the
edge of the sea lay inland to a point now marked by the
sandy ridge of the Suffolk Scarp. The toe of the scarp
is now about 20 ft. above modern sea level, and 45 miles
west of the western shoreline of the Dare mainland. During
the peak of the Wisconsin glaciation (15,000 yrs. BP), sea
level stood as much as 400 ft. below its modern level
(Daniel, 1981). Since that period the sea has risen to
its present level, and continues to rise today.
The complex cycle of marine transgressions and re-
gressions has produced differing effects upon the topo-
graphy of the alternately exposed and submerged surfaces.
Rising seas slowed stream erosion by raising stream base
level, and planed off or obscured with silts and muds the
previous surface features. Falling sea level in contrast
exposed areas of the continental shelf and rejuvenated
streams, increasing downcutting and topographic relief.
Concurrently with the recent period of rising sea
level , conditions favorable to peat formation have pre-
vailed in Dare County and throughout the North Carolina
Coastal Plain, in a variety of vegetational and topo-
graphic situations. During the past 10,000 years, peat
has been forming in blocked drainages, Carolina bays and
river floodplains; under swamp forests, pocosins and
marshes (Otte, 1981). Of these, however, only flood -
plain and coastal marsh peats appear to be caused by
or directly related to sea level rise and position.
Interior Dare County peats are not a direct result of
sea level rise (Otte, 1981).
Peat has filled many of the topographic lows which
were developed on the pre -peat Pamlico surface during the
full -glacial lower stand of the sea, and peat deposits
have spread beyond the original lows to mantle adjacent
uplands. In the Dismal Swamp Oaks and Whitehead-(1981)
have intensively examined the topography at the base of
the peat deposits, and find that a dendritic pattern of
stream drainage was present before peat formation began.
Detailed exploration of the sub -peat "topography" has not
been conducted in Dare County, but extensive sampling of
peat depths, in conjunction with surveys of energy -grade
peat deposits, indicates the presence of a sub -peat system
2

TABLE 1
(from Barnes, 1981)
SOIL GROUP SOIL SERIES NAME SOIL DESCRIPTION
Very Poorly Drained
Hyde
Mineral soil with fine silty subsoil
Mineral
Cape -Fear
Mineral soil with clayey subsoil
Histic Epipedon
(Organic Depth 8-16")
Roper
Organic depth 8-16", Friable organic over fine silty
textured mineral
Pettigrew
Organic depth 8-16", Friable organic over clayey
textured mineral
Histosols
Ponzer
Organic depth 16-51", Friable, black organic over loamy
(Organic Depth 16-51")
textured mineral
Kilkenny
Organic depth 16-51", Weak colloidal, black, woody organic
over loamy textured mineral
Belhaven
Organic depth 16-51", colloidal, reddish brown, loggy
organic over loamy textured mineral
Mattamuskeet
Organic depth 16-51", colloidal, reddish brown, loggy
organic over sand or loamy sand textured mineral
Histosols
Pungo
Organic depth greater than 51", colloidal, loggy, reddish
(Organic depth greater
brown organic over loamy textured mineral
than 51")
Dare
Organic depth greater than 51", colloidal, loggy, reddish
brown organic over sand or loamy sand textured mineral .

of stream channels similar to that in the Dismal Swamp
(Ingram and Otte, 1982; Plate I). The regional trend
of these peat -filled channels is from northwest to
southeast. Stream channel peats are the norm in the
vicinity of the Alligator River.
THE VEGETATION
Nearly the entire mainland of Dare County is a vast
diverse wetland, under the criteria established by Cowardin
et al. (1979). Most of the county supports hydrophytic
vegetation and the soils are mostly hydric. Either of
these attributes is sufficient to indicate the presence
of wetlands. Only minor areas of mineral soils, princi-
pally near US 64 and on the Defense Department Bombing
Range, are non -wetlands.
The forests of Dare County, particularly the softwood
timber, have been exploited since the colonial period.
Timber cutting and similar activities do not necessarily
entail a permanent alteration of plant communities, however.
Plant communities of the county have retained considerable
integrity of composition in the face of repeated logging
cycles -- although with changes in the age class structure
and increased presence of some species which are promoted
by disturbance or by selective removal of their competitors.
Recovery after cutting is most complete in communities where
extensive ditches have not been constructed. The vegetation
of southern Dare County in particular still exhibits a re-
markable correlation with soil types, an observation which
supports the conclusion that edaphic and related hydrologic
and nutrient conditions still exert a controlling influence
on the basic wetland communities of that part of the county.
Contemporary disturbances affecting the Dare County
vegetation include continued timber cutting, fire suppres-
sion, clearing of wetland vegetation and draining of wet-
land soils for agriculture, and potentially, peat mining.
The now -common practice of extensive ditching in conjunction
with timbering will shift wetland sites toward drier con-
ditions and prevent the self -maintenance and recovery of
the vegetation. This process is much further advanced and
readily observable in the Dismal Swamp (cf. Meanley, 1979).
4

Modern fire control and suppression also contribute to
vegetational changes. Fire is a natural and common force
in the pocosin vegetation which abounds in Dare County.
Fire/vegetation relationships cannot be adequately expressed
solely in terms of fire presence or fire absence, however.
Where fire occurs, as in Dare County pocosins, its influ-
ence on vegetation will be in large measure a function of
its frequency. Although large wildfires continue to occur,
fire frequency is being reduced over much of the county,
purposely through fire control efforts and incidentally
through creation of cleared areas which act as firebreaks.
Long term land -use commitments such as agricultural
development obviously require an effectively permanent
alteration of the ecosystem, including both biotic and
abiotic components. Current agricultural land conversion
proposals on the Dare mainland involve 22,000 acres.
Peat mining is the ultimate consumptive use proposed
thus far for mainland Dare County, in which the soil itself
is removed from the site and used to produce energy. Peat
Methanol Associates, Inc. (PMA) has an option to buy peat
from First Colony Farms in the south Dare County peat fields
(ETCO, 1980). PMA planning documents indicate that this area
would be "harvested" (mined) ahead of most other Pamlimarle
peat deposits; possibly as early as the end of 1988 according
to PMA's tentative methanol production expansion schedule
(ETCO, 1980). PMA notes that the southern Dare field "is
a more sensitive environmental area" than peat fields near
Lake Phelps in Washington County.

OUTLINE OF PRINCIPAL VEGETATION TYPES IN MAINLAND DARE COUNTY
I. Aquatic Communities - submerged and floating aquatic
plants are found in numerous areas of Dare
County, and in habitats ranging from fresh
to brackish water. Primary localities in-
clude the Alligator'River shoreline, Pamlico
and Croatan Sounds, and minor areas in the
small lakes of the Dare peninsula interior.
No extensive beds of aquatics are known to
occur in the immediate vicinity of the main-
land, although such beds may occur offshore
in the sounds.
II. Wetland Communities
A. Brackish Marsh - abundant in mainland Dare County
along the shoreline of Pamlico and Croatan
Sounds.
B. Freshwater Marsh - naturally uncommon in the county;
occurs in limited areas along the Alligator
River and at the mouth of Whipping Creek. A
large expanse of fresh -to -brackish marsh is
found on Durant Island; this is the largest
single example of the type in the county. A
marsh -like area in the 264 Low Pocosin is
unique (see pp. 69 ) .
C. Cypress -gum -cedar Swamp Forest (Taxodium distichum-
Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-Chamaecyparis
thyoides) - One of the most extensive plant
communities of Dare County; primarily associ-
ated with the Alligator River and along its
tributary blackwater creeks. Occurs also in
more limited stands in the Mashoes vicinity,
on Durant Island, and around the headwaters
of Callaghan Creek. These palustrine swamps
are on deep peat soils apparently subject to
sporadic flooding from adjacent waterways
(Otte, 1981).
D. Atlantic White Cedar - a seral sub -type within the
preceding community. Most monospecific stands
resulted after logging opened sites suitable
for seedling establishment. In Dare occurs
6

principally on deep peats, perhaps where
underlain by sand (Buell and Cain, 1943).
E. Pocosin - the most common general habitat in
Dare County. A fire- influenced group of
communities, always occurring on peats or
peaty sands, but with considerable variation
in the vegetation in response to varying peat
depth, hydrology and availability of nutrients
to the system. Four types recognized by Otte
(1981) are Pond Pine Forest, Pond Pine Woodland,
High Pocosin and Low Pocosin; his criteria for
these types are summarized in Table 2.
III. Terrestrial Communities
A. Seral Pine and Hardwoods large areas of young
second -growth sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua),
loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and red maple (Acer
rubrum) predominate on areas of very poorly
drained mineral soil. Many of these sites
probably were originally cleared for a 19th
century phase of agriculture, abandoned, and
then logged for pine timber in the mid-20th
century. Other areas may never have been cul-
tivated, but were logged during the same recent
cutting cycle. The pre -disturbance vegetation
of these sites is unknown, but possibly was
dominated by hydric to mesic oaks (such as
ercus michauxii, Q. laurifolia and g. falcata
var. pagodaefolia) and loblolly pine, red maple
and beech (Fagus grandifolia) .
Other vegetation and land use types in Dare County include
agricultural lands, abandoned fields and habitations, pine
plantations, military bombing ranges, urban areas and
small expanses of impounded brackish marsh.
7

w
Soils
Hydroperiod
Shrubs
Pond Pines
TABLE 2
SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF OTTE'S POCOSIN TYPES
(from Otte, 1981)
low high pond pine pond pine
nnnnsin nocosin woodland forest
greater than four
two to four feet of
one to two feet of
peaty sand to one
feet of peat
peat
peat
or two feet of sandy
peat
abundant surface
flooded in wet sea-
flooded or saturated
saturated in wet sea-
water in wet season;
son; water table
in wet season but
son; water table drops
saturated year-round
below surface but
dropping to mineral
into mineral sediments
except in severe
remains within or-
layer in dry season
in dry season
drought
ganic layer in dry
season
height is two to
height is four to
height six to fif-
height ten to twenty
four feet on moss
eight feet; tallest
teen feet; shrub
feet; generally
mats; four to six
on hummocks; density
layer usually
closed
feet on hummocks;
is closed
closed
density of lower
shrubs open; of
taller shrubs closed
height to ten feet;
height to 25 feet;
up to 60 feet tall
mostly less than 50
trees widely scat-
widely scattered
and 2 feet dbh;
feet tall, dbh to
tered, gnarled
scattered, less
12 inches; canopy
than 50% cover
generally closed

STUDY OBJECTIVES, METHODS AND RESULTS
Contract requirements called for identification -and
field inventory of natural areas in mainland Dare County; -
the Outer Banks and offshore islands in the sounds were
excluded from the study area. The field inventory was
community -oriented; we concentrated on locating natural
communities of exceptional quality, based on such factors
as size and age of canopy species, biologic, edaphic and
hydrologic diversity, extensiveness of habitat(s) and
contiguity with other natural areas, absence of intensive
disturbance and recovery from past disturbance, and the
presence of a full range of communities and ecological
conditions functioning as a system.
To inventory the diverse communities of mainland
Dare County first necessitated a general county -wide
reconnaissance. After review of several sets of aerial
photographs, particularly November 1981 color infrared
photography (US Environmental Protection Agency, 1982),
an initial inspection of the county by vehicle and on
foot was completed in April, 1982. Shortly later, an
aerial reconnaissance of the entire county was conducted.
Species and site reports on file with the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program were examined concurrently with
these activities, and knowledgeable individuals were in-
terviewed (see acknowledgements). A basic tentative list
of potential study areas began to emerge early in the re-
connaissance, and was finalized by early June.
During the reconnaissance period many of the private
and all the public roads in the county were driven. Roads
in most of the potential study areas identified during
photography reviews were walked during April. Throughout
all periods of fieldwork, notes were taken on vegetation,
both in study areas and, for comparative purposes, in
areas not exhibiting superior natural qualities. Ortho-
photoquad diazo (blackline) prints were used in the field
as guides in assessing the extent of large communities,
the amount of recent disturbance and to some degree the
cover composition of inaccessible stands.
Sites selected as representative of community types
to be described in this report were examined on foot.
Plant species lists, tree diameters at breast height,
tree height and age estimates and a judgement of dominant
species were all recorded. Examples we considered repre-
sentative or superlative and on which we base our descrip-
tions of the vegetation are mapped on the site report maps
incorporated in the text.
9

We conducted an informal but complete survey of the
breeding birds at most of the wooded and shrub -bog habitats
upon which we report. We did not survey the avifauna of
marsh habitats included as natural areas in this report.
Other "high profile" vertebrates were noted where observed.
The six areas we have identified are as follows (also
see county map):
(1) Alligator River Swamp Forest and associated
communities - 22,300 acres
(2) Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand - 4200 acres
(3) US 264 Low Pocosin - 21,000 acres
(4) Durant Island - 4000 acres
(5) Marhoes Pocosin and other communities - 15,500 acres
(6) Roanoke Marshes - 13,250 acres
These areas are summarized in detail in the following report.
The candidates represent several edaphic and biotic combina-
tions. Most of the areas selected have a long history of
disturbance of the cover vegetation by human activity; but
all are considered to be recovered from past disturbance and
ecologically intact; i.e. not drained, having continued fre-
quent fire in fire -adapted vegetation, etc. Most of the
areas are large, in keeping with the expansive and relatively
unbroken character of the vegetation in much of Dare County,
however none was chosen on the basis of so-called "wilderness
values." All support some rare plant and/or animal species,
but none was chosen based solely on the presence of these
organisms. Typical questions we considered when examining
a potential site were:
(1) Does the site have regional, state or county-
wide significance as a natural area?
(2) Are there unusual habitat conditions present?
(3) Has the site recovered from (or escaped) prior
disturbance?
(4) Is the site representative of a type of habitat
which is rapidly being converted to other land
uses?
(5) Would loss of the habitat constitute an irretrievable
loss of resources to Dare County?
10

The inventory results reflect a bias toward large areas
of -relatively undisturbed land. A chief limit inherent in
the study is that it was too broad; more attention should
have been focused on analysis of communities at specific
locations. While such an approach would have satisfied
the desire for technically complete community descriptions,
it would have diverted us from our objective to present
useful natural areas data in the context of the county and
its land use patterns as a whole. We recognize that certain
biologically significant areas - and significant features at
identified sites - have gone unnoted and unreported by us.
We wish to point out the following areas in need of further
inventory:
(1) Brackish Marshes around the Long Shoal River
and north
(2) Aquatic habitats in the Alligator River, black -
water lakes and the sounds
(3) Additional survey work in the 264 Low Pocosin
(4) Further survey work on Durant Island
(5) Complete survey of red -cockaded woodpecker habitat
in southern Dare County
(6) Additional survey work north of US 64, near East
Lake and South Lake.
11

6
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Alligator River Swamp Forest
2. County: Dare
3. Location: Centered around Whipping Creek; and bounded on the
west by the Alligator River, on the,south by the Dare,/Hyde
County line, on the east by the Air Force Bombing Range and
the Faircloth Road Pond Pine natural area, and on the north
by short segments of Alligator Road, Navy Lead Road and a
line drawn cross-country to Beechland Road where Jackson
Road comes in.
4. Topographic quadrangles: Engelhard NW (1975)
Fairfield NE (1974)
Buffalo City (1975)
all 7.5 min.
5. Size: 22,300 acres (U.S. Dept. of Defense, 12,380 acres;
private 9,920 acres) measured with a grid calculator
6. Elevation: 0-5 feet above mean sea level
7. Access: Best access from the south is along Maple and Whipping
Creek Roads; from the north along an unnamed extension of
H & B Road.
8. Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock J. Merrill Lynch
P. 0. Box 6006 Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823
9. Dates of investigation: April 29, May 9, June 8, 9 and 20, 1982
10. Priority rating: High - very high.
13

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11A. Prose Description of Site:
INTRODUCTION
The most extensive natural lands in mainland Dare County
are located along its southern border. These lands extend from
the marshes of Pamlico Sound westward to the swamp forests of
the Alligator River, and represent several major vegetation types.
From this immense tract along the county line, three contiguous
but distinctive wetland natural areas have been selected,
recognized on the basis of their distinctively different
vegetation types which ultimately originate with differences in
soils, hydrology, fire and the local and regional history of
human -caused disturbances. Of these natural areas the Faircloth
Road Pond Pine Stand and the US 264 Low Pocosin are described
on pp. 49 and pp. 69 respectively. The Alligator River
Swamp Forest natural area is described in the pages of the
following site report.
The Alligator River natural area, about 22,300 acres in
size, is located due west of the Air Force Bombing Range and is
centered around Maple Road and the Whipping Creek drainage. The
natural area is bounded on the south by the Dare/Hyde County
line; on the west by the Alligator River; on the north by short
segments of Alligator Road, Navy Lead Road, and a line drawn to
Beechland Road where Jackson Road enters; and on the east by
the Faircloth Road Pond Pine natural area and cleared portions
of the bombing range.
The Alligator River swamp forests, together with certain
other vegetation types which are included in the natural area,
comprise the most extensive and varied of the three sub -units
of the county line tract. Due to its valuable timber resources
the natural area in recent times has been the recipient of
somewhat more extensive ecological disturbance than the two
county line natural areas to the east. The thin network of
roads and accompanying canals which penetrates the southern
portion of Dare County is concentrated in the Alligator River
natural area, and considerable logging activity has been carried
out in swamp forest stands along these roads. Additional canals
and roads have been constructed into most of the pure Atlantic
white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) stands i1Y the natural area,
and many of these stands have been cut during the past ten years.
The logging of swamp forest timber continues today.
Soils of the natural area are primarily deep Histosols.
The most extensive soil mapping unit is the Pungo soil series,
classified as dysic, thermic Typic Medisaprists (all field soils
mapping data from Barnes, 1981). This mapping unit is understood
to include large areas of the Dare series, carrying an identical
classification and,, -separated from Pungo soils based on texture
of underlying mineral strata (Barnes,'pers. comm., 1982). The
Pungo series forms two main bodies in the natural area: one along
the Alligator River in a north -south trending band ranging
15

from about 1 to slightly more than 2 mi. wide; the other
extending east -west across the natural area in a strip which
coincides with the Whipping Creek drainage. Presumably this
latter area of deep peat occupies a small trough or valley
in the surface of the pre -peat landscape. Much smaller por-
tions of the natural area are mapped as the Belhaven, Kil-
kenney and Ponzer series, which are shallow Histosols, and
the Roper series, a mineral soil with a histic epipedon
(organic surface layer).
VEGETATION
The predominant vegetation type along much of the Alligator
River shoreline in Dare County is the swamp forest which lends
its name to the Alligator River natural area and retains its
best development here. In these swamp forest stands no dcaminant
canopy species is immediately evident, although relatively few
characteristic species compose the swamp forest canopy. There
are four principal species which form the canopy in a mixture
of varying proportions. Swamp black gum or swamp gum (Nyssa
sylvatica var. biflora) is the tree species exhibiting the
most consistent density and distribution. Based on canopy
dominance data taken in similar Hyde County stands which are
considered extensions of the same swamp system, swamp black gum
is the predicted dominant or co -dominant in many of the swamp,
forest stands of the Alligator River shoreline in Dare County.
The physiognomy of the mature gum stands in Dare County is much
different from that of swamp gum -dominated stands on brownwater
river systems, due to the significant component of swamp and
lowland conifers. Atlantic white cedar or juniper (Chamaecyparis
thyoides) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda join swamp black gum
in the canopy, and often can be considered as a co -dominant
gymnosperm component of the community. The proportional make-up
contributed by these two species is more variable than that
provided by swamp gum. Atlantic white cedar particularly has
been selectively cut in many parts of the natural area, with
consequent variation in its importance from stand to stand; in
other stands its dominance locally exceeds that of swamp gum.
Throughout the natural area in mature swamp forest stands,
Atlantic white cedar is a large and beautiful old -growth tree
with a shaggy conical top and long clear trunk. These indivi-
duals range from 18-24 in.dbh with some even larger. Loblolly
pine is much more scattered in all stands investigated, but
often attains comparable diameters and usually exceeds cedar in
height.
Emergent from the canopy at many sites within the natural
area are scattered old -growth bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).
This species where present usually appears to have been left
as "wolf trees" during previous cutting cycles, and indeed the
16

practice of cutting around such relict or cull trees continues
to be a part of at least some modern logging operations (see
photograph ). The cypress of the Dare County swamp forests
seems not to regenerate readily after cutting. Very few cypress
stands were seen in which the cypress trees were of approxi-
mately the same age as the rest of the canopy. In most swamp
forest stands cypress is either present only as old -growth,
characteristically scattered, emergent "flat tops", or it is
absent. As a result of these factors of selective logging and
uncertain regeneration, the density of bald cypress is highly
variable throughout the community. In many parts of the natural
area cypress is technically not dominant since its importance
value is less than 50%. In other areas, particularly the highest
quality old -growth swamp forest stands, cypress is a true dominant,
sharing the canopy with a few tall loblolly pines, under which
swamp gum and Atlantic white cedar form a sub -canopy layer. In
the best such stand, along the western end of Maple Road, the
bald cypress are 80-100 ft. tall and average 24 in. dbh with
some up to 36 in. dbh (CT 2; see map).
In addition to the four principal tree species just discussed,
several others reach the canopy but are of far less importance.
Red maple {Acer rubrum) is locally dominant where cypress, cedar
and swamp gum have been removed or thinned out by logging, but
does not attain dominance in stands where the latter species have
been less heavily cut or where fewer logging cycles have occurred.
Pond pine (Pinus serotina) is occasional in the canopy, as are
isolated large sweet bays (Magnolia virginiana).
Generally, the swamp forest subcanopy consists of smaller
individuals of swamp black gum and red maple, with an occasional
sweet bay. This stratum is not well -developed, except as noted
where bald cypress forms the true canopy. The shrub layers of
the swamp forest are rather open and are generally occupied by
one or.two species. A tall shrub layer of red bay (Persea
borbonia) is locally present, ranging in height from 15-20 ft.
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) and fetterbush (Lyonia
lucida) are usually the dominant low shrubs; bitter gallberry
(Ilex glAbra_) and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
are scattered. Ground cover is absent except for sphagnum mats.
The ground surface is wet, with shallow standing water present
in local depressions during winter and. spring. Cypress knees
(to 2 ft. tall) and many fallen logs add to the rough and hummocky
surface pattern.
Two main community types are designated in the swamp forest
portions of the natural area, based on the features summarized
in the preceding discussion. Occupying most of the swamp forest
sites is a community consisting of Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-
17

mixed lowland conifers/Persea borbonia Clethra alnifoiia-
Lyonia lucida (Swamp black gum. -mixed lowland conifers/Red bay/
Sweet pepperbush-f.`etterbush; CT 1); bald cypress is usually
present but reduced in importance due to past cutting. The
second community type occurs where bald cypress is still dominant:
Taxodium distichum/Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-mixed lowland
conifers/Persea borbonia/Clethra alnifolia-Lyonia lucida (Bald
cypress/Swamp black gum -mixed lowland conifers/Red bay/Sweet
pepperbush-fetterbush; CT 2). Both these community types are
correlated with the Pungo soil series which is the predominant
soil mapping unit in the Alligator River natural area.
Another important community type in the Alligator River
natural area is Chamaecyparis thyoides/Mixed shrubs (Atlantic
white cedar/Mixed shrubs; CT 3). This community is much more
limited in area than the cypress -gum swamp forest communities.
In addition, it has been clearcut extensively during the past
ten years, both within the natural area and throughout the
Dare mainland. Timber rights to many of the cedar stands were
sold to Atlantic Forest Products, a timber company which
specializes in cedar. Two excellent stands remain in the
natural area in the vicinity of Whipping Creek Lake (see
map ). These stands total about 1000 acres; a canal has been
constructed into each stand within the past few years. Other
stands may remain based on examination of aerial photographs,
but these have not been examined in the field.
The Atlantic white cedar in these pure even -aged stands
is considerably younger and smaller than that associated with
the swamp forests. It most probably grew up after logging and/
or fire. One vigorous stand of saplings (not mapped) has grown
up in a cleared bombing range flight approach lane and is now
about 10-15 ft. tall, mixed with scattered cypress of the same
age and height. The stands now being opened to cutting are
roughly 60 70 yrs. old, + 50 ft. tall, and 12 in. dbh; many
suppressed trees are much smaller.
The shrub layer is moderately well developed in this
community, but not extremely dense or diverse. Typical
species include sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry and
sweet gallberry. Herbs are scarce; some partridgeberry
(Mitchella repens) and netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata)
are usually found.
In the Alligator River natural area, pure white cedar
stands are on the deep peats of the Pungo series, and are the
only important divergence from the previously described mature
mixed -species swamp forests predominant over that soil series.
Elsewhere in the Dare County mainland, most of the extensive
cedar stands also appear to be associated with deep peats,
although some smaller stands are over shallow peats and mineral
soils with a histic epipedon.
18

A fourth and very different community is a series of pond
pine stands in the southeastern corner of the natural area,
bordering the Air Force Bombing Range and both sides of Whipping
Creek Road (see map). This pond pine community appears to
extend for a considerable distance south across the line into
Hyde County; these southerly portions were examined only during
a brief aerial reconnaissance.
The community type in closely -examined stands is Pinus
serotina/Acer rubrum-Persea borbonia/Mixed shrubs (Pond pine/
Red maple -red bay/Mixed shrubs; CT 4). The canopy size classes
are varied in this community but most of the stands are mature
ranging to old -growth. The largest pines seen are along Ring -
neck. Road on a .200-acre stand (see map). Here the average
dbh is 12-14 in., height about 70 ft. and the canopy is open.,
The subcanopy in this stand is poorly defined; red maple is
present but not dominant, and a few pockets of swamp black gum
occur locally. Associated with the latter are scattered bald
cypress which join pond pine in the canopy. A distinctly lower
tall -shrub stratum is composed of red bay and lesser amounts of
small red maples. The lowest shrubs present include fetterbush
and bitter gallberry beneath the red bay layer; some cane
(Arundinaria gigantea)'also occupies this lowest layer. These species
do not form a'dense growth and the ground is fairly open within the stand.
The community along Ringneck Road is the best -quality
pond pine stand in the Alligator River natural area in terms
of a mature stand of well -developed large trees. The pines
here rival the largest individuals in the Faircloth Road Pond
Pine natural area (pp. 49 _), although the stand is less
extensive and much less well -maintained by fire.
Other pond pine stands within the natural area (about 2000
acres) are very similar to the Ringneck Road stand in composi-
tion, but without equivalent size and height in the canopy.
These stands are excellent examples of Otte's (1981) pond pine
forest pocosin type, although considerably more open than is
called for by his classification, perhaps due to fire history.
The•canopy is open ranging to scattered; trees are 40-50 ft.
tall and 8-12 in. dbh. The tall shrub layer is again distinctly
below the canopy, and is comprised of red bay and red maple.
Cane is locally dense; the low shrubs occurring at the Ringneck
Road site are present here also. These stands are not burned
regularly.
The distinct separation of canopy and shrub strata in
these stands provides enough openness for a small population
of red -cockaded woodpeckers to inhabit the area; details of
observations are presented in the subsection on wildlife
which follows.
19

The pond pine stands are associated with soils of the
Roper series (mineral with a histic epipedon) and Ponzer,
Belhaven and Kilkenny series (shallow Histosols). These
represent the shallowest organic deposits in the Alligator
River natural area.
ECOLOGY OF CYPRESS -GUM AND CEDAR STANDS
The swamp forests along the Alligator River are non -
alluvial in the sense that the Alligator is an estuary or
embayed stream, not heavily loaded with sediment from the
upstream parts of the Alligator River system, or frequently
experiencing high overbank flows. These swamp forest com-
munities correlate closely with deep Histosols of the Pungo
series, although Pungo soils and similar deep peats are
dominated by pocosin vegetation in other parts of Dare
County and elsewhere. Furthermore, certain of the dominant
swamp.forest trees are also common associates on mineral
alluvium and floodplain peats along brownwater Coastal
Plain rivers which are very different from the Alligator
River. Although the Dare County swamp forests are
physiognomically and hydrologically distinct from those
of the river floodplains, they appear to be much more
closely related to the distant river swamps than to the
nearby pocosins. The question arises as to what ecological
influences are controlling the development of the swamp
forests of the Alligator River, and conversely, what factors
prevent.pocosin development.
Otte (1981), in addressing the problem of transitional
development from swamp forest to pocosin vegetation, states
that neither peat thickness nor fire can be considered
sufficient to control pocosin development. He points out
that many thick peats, including those of the Alligator
River natural area, are vegetated by swamp forest. He also
notes that fire has historically occurred in such vege-
tation without subsequent pocosin development, as indicated
by charcoal layers sandwiched within forest peat profiles.
Otte reports that water flow patterns are the major difference
between swamp forest sites and pocosin sites:
In swamp forests the water flows primarily into
and through the system, whereas, in pocosins the
major direction of flow is out of the system.
Thus, for pocosins, the only major source of water
is precipitation, whereas for swamp forests, besides
precipitation, a large amount of water comes in from
the surrounding higher ground [ or adjacent through -
flowing streams] (Otte, 1981).
20

Daniel (1981), discussing flow sources and relationships
in peatlands, makes supporting observations of the correla-
tion between vegetation types and the predominant direction and
source of water movements. He links the swamp forest
vegetation type directly with relatively nutrient -rich ground-
water, stream and surface flows into peatlands which are
topographically situated to receive such flows; while
interstream peatlands elevated above the surrounding' terrain
receive water only from nutrient -poor precipitation. Otte
(pers. comm., 1982), based on field surveys and laboratory
peat analyses conducted on the Alligator River peat deposits,
feels that the swamp forests occupy locations which are or
have been subject to flooding by sediment -laden waters backing
up the Alligator River and Whipping Creek during major flooding
events in the Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River system, with the
resulting sediment and nutrient input maintaining the swamp
forest community as predicted by his and Daniel's hypothesis.
Otte's data demonstrate that the mineral content in peat is
greatest close to the river, an expected pattern if river
flooding provides sediment to the system. The topographic
arrangement of the Dare County peatlands is consistent with
Otte's view. Many of the thick peat deposits are not domed,
but instead are associated with the Alligator River and its
tributaries (Otte and Ingram, 1980; Ingram and Otte, 1982),
where they are theoretically subject to some nutrient/mineral
influx. Mineral transport in the Alligator River swamp forests
is a complex phenomenon, and other transport agents besides
flooding from the river may be involved. Clearly flooding
does not occur with the same regularity and high visibility
seen on brownwater rivers. Topographically and hydrologically,
however, the Dare County swamp forest sites appear to be
integrated with the regional drainage, rather than isolated
as are pocosin sites further to the east.
One question which may be asked is whether the land -
clearing activities of man have in the past three centuries
tended to favor swamp forests locally on peats by increasing
stream sediment loads and thus nutrient influx. Otte (pers.
comm., 1982), without proposing an answer to this elusive
problem, has noted an increased mineral content in the extreme
upper layer of peats he has sampled which may be subject to
flooding; and he attributes this to such human activity.
At the same time the direct effect of logging and clearing
for agriculture has been to reduce the extent of the swamp
forest community throughout the peatlands of North Carolina
(Ashe and Pinchot, 1897; Kologiski, 1977; Christensen,
et.al., 1981; Daniel, 1981). Generally, in the Alligator
River system, most of the thick peat contains abundant wood
throughout the profile, indicating the swamp forests were
present prior to any historical period of increased
sedimentation due to upstream disturbance by man (Otte, pers.
comm., 1982).
21

OTHER FEATURES
A geomorphological feature of interest within the natural
area is Whipping Creek Lake (280 acres; see map). This
blackwater lake represents a type which is characteristic
of small tributaries to the Alligator River in Dare and Hyde
Counties.. These small lakes are irregular in shape but
often elongate on a north -south axis, and usually appear to
have been formed by local widening along pre-existing creek
systems. Long reaches of the original narrow channel are
often present upstream and downstream from a given lake, as
is the case with Whipping Creek Lake. These lakes are of
uncertain origin, but may be deep peat burns which have been
shaped by wave and current action.
WILDLIFE AND AVIAN DIVERSITY
Wildlife values throughout the Alligator River natural
area are superior. Black bear sign (tracks, scat, clawed
trees) were common along all roads throughout the site.
Although no attempt is made here to interpret the highly
visible sign of this large and mobile animal in terms of
relative or absolute abundance, the species is evidently
using all habitats in the natural area. White-tailed deer
are common at least in association with roads. Raccoon,
marsh rabbit and gray squirrel are fairly common.
Breeding bird diversity is exceptional in the natural
area, due both to the diverse habitats present and to the
structural diversity of the swamp forests in particular.
The wood warblers are especially well -represented, with 10
species breeding in the swamp forest communities proper,
where certain species are -exceptionally abundant (see Table 3).
The black -throated green warbler, while found in much
younger vegetation elsewhere in Dare County, occurs in its
greatest densities in mature swamp forests where conifers
such as bald cypress, Atlantic white cedar and loblolly pine
are an important component of the canopy; this warbler
is also common in pure white cedar stands. It is a very
local breeder in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina (Parnell,
1977).
Two other generally uncommon to rare nesting species
in the Coastal Plain are Swainson's and worm -eating warblers
(Potter, et al., 1980); both are fairly common throughout
the swamp forests of the Alligator River natural area.
Swainson's warbler prefers shrub thickets, often sweet
pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), within mature swamp forest
stands having a closed canopy; it was not.recorded in pure
white cedar stands. Worm -eating warblers are less habitat -
specific, occurring in mature swamp growth, pure cedar stands
and second -growth scrub.
22

Our Dare County observations on habitat and relative
abundance during the 1982 breeding season agree closely
with Meanley's (1979) conclusions based on field work
during eight consecutive breeding seasons from 1966 to
1973 in similar habitats in the Dismal Swamp, centered about
70 miles to the northwest. Meanley notes the abundance
of the black -throated green warbler in the Dismal Swamp.
He also points out the scarcity of Kentucky warblers (three
in eight seasons) and black -and -white warblers; we found
none of either species during the nesting season. In his
study area he found Swainson's warbler slightly more common
than we did in Dare, but considered the worm -eating warbler
a notably rare breeder, whereas it is fairly common in the
natural area and common in other parts of Dare County, where
we recorded 23 singing males during June 8-10, 1982.
In the pond pine community red -cockaded woodpeckers
were observed on two occasions. On April 29, 1982, one bird
was calling near an active cavity tree 0.4 mi. west on
Whipping Creek Road from its junction with Maple Road, and
north of the road. On June 10, 1982, two red -cockaded
woodpeckers were observed feeding young in a cavity tree
in a cut -over stand, 0.3 mi. west on Whipping Creek Road
from the point of the April 29 sighting, and south:.of the
road.
Table 3. Composition and relative abundance
of breeding wood warblers in Alligator
River swamp forest, Dare County
29 April 1982
9:30-12 noon
Prothonotary
38
Prairie
23
Black -throated Green
16
Parula
8
Hooded
5
Swainson's
4
Common Yellowthroat
4
Worm -eating
3
Yellow -throated
3
Pine
1
NOTE: Singing males recorded along three mile
transect, Maple Road.
23

11B. Prose Description of Site Significance:
The swamp forests of the Alligator River shoreline in
southern Dare County form, with contiguous stands in Hyde
County, the state's best remaining example by far of the
palustrine swamp forests which were once a predominant vegeta-
tion type over much of the eastern North Carolina peat lands.
This site is virtually the only example of the palustrine
swamp forest of significant size remaining in North Carolina.
No other similar swamp forest is in public management or
assured of preservation. Although much impacted by logging
activities over the centures, this natural area remains
superlative in its extent, remoteness, maturity of timber,
diversity of fauna, and contiguity with other wetland natural
areas.
The qualities of extent, development and maturity which
make the stands attractive to various timber companies are
the same qualities which .impart significance to the Alligator
River swamp forests as a natural area. Although subjected
to steady and continuing cutting in recent decades, signifi-
cant amounts of these swamp forests remain as excellent
examples of a ---vegetation type which has been exploited since
the early colonial period. The mature swamp forests of
southern Dare County also offer an exceptional opportunity
for research into the ecological factors controlling the
vegetation over peats in the southeast. Together with
adjacent wetlands to the east, these swamp forests provide
an uninterrupted tr.ansect across virtually all the wetland
types of mainland Dare.
The southern swamp forest fauna is well -represented in
the natural area. Black bear occur throughout, and the
available habitat is extensive enough to maintain a population.
The avifaunal component particularly is intact and notably
diverse, in keeping with the structural diversity of the swamp
forest itself. Approximately 40 breeding bird species are
known to date from the swamp forests proper, including 10
wood warblers.
Two less extensive vegetation types within the described
area add to the overall diversity and have significant features
in their own right. The monospecific Atlantic white cedar
stands, actually part of the general swamp forest system,
support many of the same breeding birds discussed above. The
pond pine stands in places attain canopy tree sizes of note,
and support a part of Dare County's small but geographically
important population of red -cockaded woodpeckers.
24

N
Ln
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
b. Description of significant feature
C. Comparative assessment
Leaend
High quality wetland
Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-mixed
The swamp forests of the Al -
plant community
CT 1
lowland conifers/Persea borbonia/Clethra
ligator River shoreline in
alnifolia-Lyonia lucida
Dare County, with contiguous
stands in Hyde County,, form
representative examples of CT 1
the state's best remaining
example by far of the exten-
sive palustrine swamp forests
which once were a predominant
vegetation type over much of
the eastern North Carolina
peatlands; and are virtually
the only example of signifi-
cant size. Although much
impacted by the logging of
centuries, the natural area
remains superlative in extent,
remoteness, maturity o .ti er
diversity of fauna and con-
tiguity with wetland natural
areas to the east.
High quality wetland
Taxodium istic um Nyssa sy vatica
See preceding comparative
plant community
CT 2
var. biflora-mixed lowland conifers/
assessment of significance;
Persea borbonia Clet ra alni o ia-
this CT is a somewhat more
Lyonia lucida
intact but less extensive
type within the same system.
representative old -growth stand

N
Oh
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Leaend
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
High quality wetlanff
plant community
CT 3
Chamaecyparis.thyoides/Mixed shrubs
Well -developed examples of a
younger seral vegetation type
•
l
largest example of CT 3
which contributes to the .
diversity of the natural area.
The natural area contains some
of the most extensive stands
of this community type in N.C.
High quality wetland
plant community
CT 4
Pinus serotina/Ater rubrum-Persea
borbonia/Mixed shrubs
Good to excellent examples of
pond pine forest and pond pine
approximate areal extent of CT 4
woodland (sensu Otte, 1981);
habitat for small population
of red -cockaded woodpeckers.
Endangered species
1
Red -cockaded woodpecker
Federal and state endangered;
small but apparently repro-
ducing population in fair
habitat; at least one other
population within three miles
suggests present population
is not genetically isolated.

N
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Leap
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Endangered species
2
American alligator
Small population in Whipping
Creek and Whipping Creek Lake
was reported observed in 1978
in response to NCSU question-
naire survey (NC NHP files).
Threatened species
T roug -
out
Red -shouldered hawk
Listed as threatened in Cooper,
et al. (1977); large and vig-
orous population in excellent
habitat.
concern species
TnroSpecial
outug
Black bear
Listed as special concern in
Cooper, at al., (1977); number
unknown, but habitat suffici-
ently extensive and remote for
long-term maintenance of popu-
lation.

N
CO
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Map
Leqend
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Rare species
CT 1,
CT 2
Black -throated green warbler;
Swainson s warbler; worm -eating
Wood warblers which are un-
common
warbler
breeding birds in the N.C.
Coasta 1 Plain. Primarily in
forested wetland habitats.
of the natural area have large
-Populations
the coastal plain population
of the Black -throated
warbler occurs in the mature
mixed tree species swamps
along the Alligator River in
numbers equalled only in the
Dismal Swamp.
High faunistic diversity
CT 1,
CT 2
Diverse assemblage of breeding birds
Approximately 40 species are
known or suspected breeders
in the swamp forest communi-
ties including 10 wood warblers
This represents an excellent
total for a single coastal
plain habitat.

N
t0
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Dap
Le end
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Unusual geomorp o ogical
feature
3
Whipping Creek Lake
Whipping Creek Lake is lo-
cated along the channel of
Whipping Creek. This lake
and several other examples in
the Dare Peninsula (Back Lake,
Milltail Lake, Swan Lake) are
dissimilar from most other
natural coastal plain lakes,
such as Phelps and Pungo, in
being located along peat -
filled stream channels rather
than in topographically ele-
vated portions of the land-
scape. These "stream channel"
lakes may be the result of
deep peat burns, although
their origin is still uncer-
tain. Whipping Creek Lake is
an excellent example of this
rare geomorphological feature,
in terms of lack of disturbance
of the lake and surrounding
vegetation.

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Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private 45 %
Public 55 %
Unknown %
14. Number of Owners: 2
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information).
1) First Colony Farms, Inc. 2) Department of Defense
Route 1, Box 201 The Pentagon
Creswell, NC 27928 Washington, DC 20301
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
Mr. Hobart G. Truesdell, II, President
First Colony Farms, Inc.
Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27928
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
First Colony Farms and the North Carolina Nature Conservancy are
engaged in discussions concerning the natural area.
31

18. Uses of natural area:
All or essentially all of the natural area has been
logged over in several cycles to obtain the successively
most valuable remaining or regenerated timber. Earlier
loggers used barges and a herringbone pattern of tram
roads to remove timber; evidence of this transportation
system remains in the form of abandoned road beds.
Logging continues today in the Alligator River swamp
forest, now employing and extending a permanent net-
work of roads and Canals into the work sites. Atlantic
white cedar is one of the most sought after species, but
cypress, pine and swamp gum are also cut.
Hunting is a low -intensity use throughout the area;
the degree of illegal hunting, if any, is not known. Bee
yards are placed seasonally at scattered locations along
roads.
Modern"agricultural development has not been attempted
in the natural area; the predominantly deep peat soils of the
Pungo series are considered inferior for agricultural use due
to excessive wood content (Barnes, pens. comm., 1982). Peat
mining for energy production is possible on these soils in the
long term. Pungo soils are suited.to this use within certain
limits regarding mineral content (Barnes, pers..comm., 1982).
A currently very active use which is in one sense lo-
calized but which at the same time affects the entire
area stems from the nearness of two bombing practice ranges
operated by the military. Approach flight lanes used by
low flying military jets crisscross the swamp forest system,
and the resulting sudden noise when an aircraft passes over-
head is an unpredictable and highly pre-emptive use, fortun-
ately of short duration. The effect of this noise pollution
on the wildlife populations is unknown.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 90 %
b. Agricultural land %
c. High -intensity forestry %
d. Developed 10 %
32

20. Preservation Status:
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
3
55
Public land, not recognized as a natural'area
6
45
Private land, not protected by owner
21. Regulatory protections in force:
The Army Corps of Engineers 11404" permit process applies to this
area; the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects the
red -cockaded woodpecker and its habitat. These two sources of
regulation are limited in scope and ultimate effect.
22. Threats:
Timber cutting is the chief disruptive activity foreseeable
in the short term. A current round of logging in the swamp forest
stands along the Alligator River has been underway for several
years. This logging cycle will likely continue as timber oper-
ators move into and open up new stands. The timber rights in
the natural area are apparently held by several corporate owners,
each with its own plans for cutting. Logging of course results
in locally severe disturbance; it also inevitably means road and
canal construction and resulting hydrologic disturbance. Addi
tional timbering in the pond pine stands would reduce the al-
ready limited habitat for red -cockaded woodpeckers; swamp forest
logging results in some degree of habitat loss for certain of
the characteristic deep swamp breeding birds, including Swainson's
warbler and to a great extent the black -throated green warbler.
Threats on a regional scale are more uncertain. Peat
mining is one such potential threat; Otte and Ingram (1980)
have found energy grade peat (less than 25% ash at 0% moisture)
under much of the natural area. Agricultural development is
limited as a threat to some degree because the woody peats are
uneconomical to farm.
33

23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
The -Alligator River Swamp Forest natural area offers
an excellent opportunity for conservation of a superlative
palustrine (non-riverine) swamp forest system. Its values
are enhanced by its position as the westernmost in a chain
of three wetland natural areas, all distinctive and each
complementing the others.
Privately -owned portions of the Alligator River swamp
forests are highly suited to designation as mitigation lands
as part of the process of environmental assessment and water
quality permit -letting for proposed development in mainland
Dare County. The North Carolina Nature Conservancy is the
organization best suited to hold any transferred mitigation
lands, whether temporarily or permanently, and should be an
integral part of any mitigation plan. The Nature Conservancy
is in a good position to negotiate to consolidate the apparently
fragmented timber rights in the natural area, something which
must be accomplished for satisfactory protection of the natural
qualities present. The Nature Conservancy possibly can nego-
tiate conservation agreements with the Department of Defense
over bombing range parts of the natural area; such agreements
would greatly augment the natural values of any mitigation
lands established.
Once protected the swamp forest system will require
relatively little general management. Some assessment of
the ongoing hydrologic effects of existing canals may be
requisite to maintaining or duplicating the natural hydro-
logy of the system. Unless wildfires are sufficient to
maintain open conditions in the pond pine stands, habitat
maintenance for the red -cockaded woodpecker will be event-
ually necessary and will be a challenging problem.
Patrolling, gates and enforcement agreements with the
state's Wildlife Resources Commission may be needed to
control unlawful hunting.
34

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 1
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-mixed lowland conifers/
Persea borbonia/Clethra alnifolia-Lyonia lucida
Community cover type: Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora-mixed lowland
conifers
General habitat feature: Swamp Forest
Average canopy height: 60-70 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 80-100 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 16,000 acres
Successional stage: Tate successional after past logging
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not'dominant):
Chamaecyparis thyoides, Taxodium distichum, Pinus taeda,
Acer rubrum _
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Magnolia virginiana, Acer rubrum, Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea,
vaccinium corymbosum, Nyssa transgressives, Smilax laurifolia,
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Woodwardia virginica, Woodwardia areolata, Osmunda regalis,
Sphagnum spp.
35

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 2
Community type: Taxodium distichum/Nyssa,sylvatica var. biflora-
mixed lowland conifers/Persea borbonia/Clethra alnifolia-Lyonia lucida
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum
General habitat feature: Swamp Forest
Average canopy height: 80-100 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: approximately 150 years
Canopy cover:. open to scattered
Estimated size of community: 300 acres
Successional stage: near climax
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Pinus taeda .
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species -in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Chamaecyparis thyoides, Pinus taeda, Acer,rubrum, Magnolia
virginiana, Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea, Vaccinium corymbosum,
Smilax laurifolia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
See CT 1
36

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 3
Community type: Chamaecyparis thyoides/mixed shrubs
Community cover type: Chamaecyparis thyoides
General habitat feature: Swamp Forest
Average canopy height: 50 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 60-70 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 1,000 acres or more
Successional stage: Seral stage after severe disturbance of canopy
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Pinus taeda
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Persea borbonia, Clethra alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum,
Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Woodwardia areolata, Mitchella repens
37

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 4
Community type: Pinus serotina/Acer rubrum-Persea borbonia/mixed
shrubs
Community cover type: Pinus serotina
General habitat feature: Pocosin (pond pine forest)
Average canopy height: 40-50 feet to 70 feet locally
Estimated age of canopy trees: Unknown
Canopy cover: Open to sparse
Estimated size of community: 2,200 acres
Successional stage: Pyroclimax
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Ilex glabra, Clethra alnifolia, Magnolia virginiana,
Myrica cerifera, Lyonia lucida, Vaccinium corymbosum,
Smilax laurifolia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Arundinaria gigantea, Woodwardia virginica
38

24b. 1) Soil Summary (by community type) CT 1, CT 2, CT 3
Soil series: Pungo
Soil classification: dysic, thermic Typic Medisaprists
Soil association: none given
PH class: Extremely acid
Source of information: Barnes, 1981. Soil Map of First
Colony Farms Lands, Dare County.
Other notes: Small areas of CT 1 may be over soils of the
Belhaven series.
2) Soil summary (by community type) CT 4
Soil series: Roper (mineral); and Ponzer, Kilkenny and
Belhaven (organic)
Soil classification: Roper: fine -silty, mixed, non-acid thermic
Histic Humaquepts
Ponzer and Belhaven: loamy, mixed, dysic,
thermic Terric Medisaprists
Kilkenny: shallow Histosols
Soil association: none given
PH class: All extremely acid
Soi&ce of information: Barnes, 1981. Soil Map of First Colony
Farms Lands, Dare County.
Other notes:
39

24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT 1, CT 2, CT 3, CT
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Saturated and temporarily flooded
Drainage class: Very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Alligator River and, for portions of CT 4,
Pamlico Sound via the Long Shoal River
Hydrology characterization: A freshwater, very poorly drained,
saturated to temporarily flooded
interaqueous palustrine wetland
system.
40

24d. Topography Summary: all CT's
Landform: a peat -mantled marine terrace
Shelter: partly sheltered
Aspect: not applicable (flat)
Slope Angle: nearly level
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Irregular hummocks and local depressions; the
hummocks both free-standing and associated with tree bases. Many
fallen logs and cypress knees add to the irregularity of the surface
pattern.
Position: not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Late successional, near climax and pyroclimax communities of a
pelopsammosere, on peats and peaty mineral soils underlain by
Pleistocene marine and lagoonal deposits; draining into the
Alligator River and Pamlico Sound; on the Pamlico marine
terrace in the Outer7:Coastal Plain Region of the Embayed
Section of the Coastal Plain Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 years BP to present) over
late Sangamon Interglacial marine and estuarine deposits;
probably underlain by Yorktown Formation.
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 years BP
Sangamon interglacial - 75-100,000 years BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr. and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk, Jr.
(ed.) 1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia
Press, Charlottesville, VA.
41

26. Suxunary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Black bear
Species legal status and authority: Listed as of Special Concern in
North Carolina by Cooper et al. (1977)
Number of populations on site: One
Number of individuals per population: Unknown
Size or Maturity of individuals: Unknown
Phenology of population: not applicable
Eg: vegetative %
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: unknown; possibly will be eventually
limited by the relatively small amount of available habitat.
Disturbance or threats to population: There is no open season on black
bear in Dare County; amount of illegal hunting is unknown. Some depre-
datory bears may be legally killed.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT 1, CT 2, CT 3, CT 4
Topography: n/a
Soil Series: n/a
Microclimate: n/a
Drainage basin: n/a
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species List.
AERIAL OR DETAILED :BAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
42

26. SuaLnary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -cockaded woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federal Endangered (Federal Register
10/13/70; and Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended)
Number of populations on site: One (?)
Number of individuals per population: at least two birds (a pair)
Size or Maturity of individuals: A pair were feeding young in a cavity
along Whipping Creek Road on June•10, 1982. Number of young and whether
they fledged are unknown.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative % not applicable
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: unknown; habitat appears adequate in extent
Disturbance or threats to population: Cutting of cavity trees, potential
cavity trees and foraging stands; without fire, understory will eventually
encroach on canopy and render habitat unsuitable.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT 4
Topography:
Soil Series: N/A
Microclimate:
Drainage basin:
Other plants and *animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
43

26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -shouldered hawk
Species legal status and authority: Listed as threatened in North
Carolina by Cooper et al. (1977)
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: Calling birds were recorded at
five localities in the natural area; representing a minimum number of
pairs.
Size or Maturity of individuals: Adults
Phenology of population: not applicable
Eg: vegetative %
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: Excellent
Disturbance or threats to population: Extensive timbering or clearing
for agriculture
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT 1, CT 2
Topography:
Soil Series: N/Ay
Microclimate:
Drainage basin:
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
44

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. glabra
I. opaca
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CUPRESSACEAE
Chamaecyparis thyoides
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
ERICACEAE
Leucothoe racemosa
Lyonia ligustrina
L. lucida
Vaccinium corymbosum
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liguidambar styraciflua
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYTHRACEAE
Decodon verticillatus
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nymphaea odorata
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora
45

27. Master Species Lists: -continued-
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda regalis
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
P. taeda
POACEAE
Arundinaria gigantea
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
ROSACEAE.
Rosa palustris
RUBIACEAE
Mitchella repens
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaria barbara
Itea virginica
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
VITACEAE
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Southern Cricket Frog
Gray Treefrog
Little Grass Frog
Green Frog
'Southern Leopard Frog
Carpenter Frog
Snapping Turtle
Broadhead Skink
Black Rat Snake
Eastern Kingsnake
Redbelly Water Snake
Canebrake Rattlesnake
AMPHIBIANS
REPTILES
46

BIRDS
(Emphasis of bird lists is on breeding or summering
species; lack of adequate field work during the other
seasons prevented compilation of a complete list.)
KEY
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Green Heron
SR*
Wood Duck
PR*
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
Bobwhite_
PR*
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Screech Owl
PR*
Barred Owl
PR*
Chimney Swift
SV or SR
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SR*
Belted Kingfisher
PV
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Hairy Woodpecker
PR*.
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SR*
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Acadian Flycatcher
SR*
Blue Jay
PR*
Common Crow
PR*
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Tufted Titmouse
PR*
Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Gray Catbird
PR*
Wood Thrush
SR*
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
SR*
White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Red -eyed Vireo
SR*
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Worm -eating Warbler
SR*
47

Master Species Lists: - continued -
Northern Parula
SR*
Black -throated Green Warbler
SR*
Yellow -throated Warbler
SR*
Pine Warbler
PR*
Prairie Warbler
SR*
Ovenbird
SR*
Common Yellowthroat
PR*
Hooded Warbler
SR*
Common Grackle
PR*
Brown -headed Cowbird
PR*
Cardinal
PR*
American Goldfinch
PR (')
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
Black Bear
White-tailed Deer
Raccoon
Gray Squirrel
Opossum
Bobcat (?)
Marsh Rabbit
MAMMALS
48

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand
2. County: Dare
3. Location: Centered due north of and adjoining the Air Force
Bombing Range; bounded on the north by Jackson Road, on the
west approximately by Beechland Road, on the south by cleared
lands of the Bombing Range and on the east by the lower pocosin
vegetation of the US 264 Low Pocosin (See p. )
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): Engelhard NW (1975)
Engelhard NE (1975)
all 7.5 min.
5. Size: 4200 acres, measured with a grid calculator
6. Elevation: 5 feet above mean sea level
7. Access: Along Jackson Road, and from Faircloth and Bluewing Roads
extending off Jackson south into the interior of the natural area.
8. Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock J. Merrill Lynch
P. 0. Box 6006 Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823
9. Date(s) of investigation: May 9, June 9 and June 30, 1982
10. Priority rating: High
49

W
i•7M_MEM„
I�

lla. Prose Description of Site:
Along the southern boundary of Dare County lies a broad
tract of undeveloped land which extends in an arc from the
marshes around Long Shoal Point to the swamp forests of the
Alligator River, and encompasses exceptional examples of most
of the major vegetation types found in mainland Dare County.
Some of this area has been penetrated by a thin network of
roads and canals; and locally associated with these roads are
recent and ongoing logging operations, primarily concentrated
in stands of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) with
some old -growth bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) also being
removed. Overall, however, due to remoteness, inaccessibility,
continued frequent fire and absence of hydrologic disturbance,
the County Line tract is an ecologically undisturbed transect
of contiguous wetland habitats. Several general habitats types
will be described elsewhere in this document, including swamp
forest (pp. ) and low pocosin (pp. ). A third habitat,
a large area of mature to old -growth pond pine (Pinus serotina)
located at the center of the County Line tract, is described
in the following site report.
This natural area, known as the Faircloth Road Pond Pine
stand or Faircloth Road tract for short, lies generally due
north of and adjacent to the Air Force bombing range, in the
central southern part of the Dare County mainland. The ir-
regularly shaped tract of pond pine is about 4200 acres in
size and is coterminous with a large body of shallow Histosols
mapped as the Ponzer series (Barnes, 1981). To the north,
Jackson Road provides a convenient demarcation line beyond which
are found both distinctly different (mineral) soils and a com-
plex of seral communities originating after logging and domin-
ated by scrub hardwoods such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweet
gum (Liquidambar styraciflua). To the east, south and west is a
continuous band of deep Histosols mapped as the Pungo series
(Barnes, 1981), supporting a great variety of high quality vege-
tation types ranging from extremely low pocosin in the east to
old -growth swamp forest in the west. The Air Force Bombing
Range, a large cleared site, is the chief area of disturbed
vegetation on the south side of the Faircloth Road Pond Pine
stand. Faircloth Road itself provides a means of access into
the natural area, but should be used only by permission from
the military.
The community type over most of the natural area is Pond
pine/Cane (Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea). The pond pine
canopy is open to scattered and includes various size classes,
perhaps resulting from local variations in fire history and
other conditions; trees in the best developed parts of the
stand average about 12-14 inches in diameter (dbh) and 50-70
51

feet tall. The continuous cane layer in the most frequently
burned areas is about 6-8 feet tall; a few sparsely distributed
shrubs are present, including 15 foot tall loblolly bays (Gordonia
lasianthus). Fire -killed hardwood stems are common. Locally,
where fire has been checked by roads and ditches the old -growth
pond pine canopy continues, but the lower strata are dominated
by a denser growth of 25 foot tall loblolly bays over mixed
shrubs such as sweet gallberry (Ilex coriacea ), bitter gallberry
(Ilex glabra), and sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia). This
pond pine/cane community was once typical.of frequently burned
sites having shallow relatively well -drained Histosols, with a
proportionately fairly high mineral content, such as the Ponzer
series. Although the presence of cane continues to be correlated
with such soils (Barnes,pers. comm. 1982) few if any other examples
remain in the state of mature pond pine over a well -developed cane
stand. Both pond pine and cane are adapted to survive and repro-
duce under a regime of fairly frequent fire: pond pine through
its ability to sprout from trunk and root collar after fire, and
its moderately serotinous cones (Christensen,1980; Fowells,1968);
and cane through its strategies of vegetative reproduction (Hughes,
1966). Cane does not regenerate from seed efficiently, and stands
degenerate in the absence of fire (Hughes, 1966; see further dis-
cussion below).
The Faircloth Road tract is the most frequently burned shallow
Histosol pocosin community seen in Dare County today. The source
of this frequent fire is the Air Force Bombing Range immediately
adjacent to the south; the natural area lies generally in the path
of the winds which prevail during hot dry periods when fuels are
most flammable and fire most likely to start on the bombing range.
No reconstruction of the fire history of the tract has been at-
tempted, but fire probably occurs approximately once every 10
years. This frequency approaches sufficiency for the maintenance
of a cane understory, but is probably less frequent than -the fire
periodicity in such communities before the modern era of fire sup-
pression (see below). The persistence of a significant shrub
component in the community may indicate that fire frequency is
not optimal.
The pond pine/cane community type has rarely received any
explicit note or description in the ecological literature of the
last eighty years. This is surprising in view of the fact that
pond pine/cane community was much more common rather recently
than it is today, and also in view of the recent upsurge in
published research on pocosin vegetation.
Extensive cane stands under pond pine were noted by B. W.
Wells in his 1932 popular description of pocosins:
52

To be included in the shrub bogs are the great
areas covered by the grass shrub commonly known
as cane or reed. Large portions of Angola and
Holly Shelter Bays are in solid cane. (Natural
Gardens of North Carolina, p. 50).
In a contribution to the professional literature exactly one
decade later, Wells (1942) was already reporting that cane
"was formerly much more common than at present." Wells was
inconsistent in his interpretation of the ecology of cane -
dominated communities, and by implication inconsistent in
his interpretation of their decline. He stated that cane
replaced shrubs in frequently burned pocosins (Wells, 1928);
but felt that fire was much increased "in the last 50 years"
even as he noted the decline in cane -dominated communities
(Wells, 1942). Probably Wells' assessment of fire frequencies
in 1942 was rendered inaccurate by events of the times, for
even as he wrote, timber corporation holdings in pocosins
had been expanding for a decade, and in the late 1940's
"the forest industries and the`North Carolina Forest Service
banded together to control the menace of wildfire that an-
nually blackened the pocosins" (Campbell and Hughes, 1981).
The modern period of reduced fire frequency per given site
has resulted from the policy of intensive fire suppression
coupled with vastly increased private road construction and
cleared acreage in the pocosins, which further reduce the
spread of fires, particularly fires of relatively low in-
tensity. Christensen (1980) refers to this as the "environ-
mental mosaic" factor.
The reduction of fire frequency in conjunction with over-
grazing and land clearing had greatly reduced the extent of
cane -dominated stands by 1950 (Hughes, 1966). Hughes (1966)
points out that a historical fire cycle of three to five years
in canebrakes is indicated by early writings and records of
the colonial period. Wells (1942) stated generally that
pocosin vegetation burned in five-year cycles on the average;
we have already seen that he included cane -dominated areas in
his concept of shrub bogs or pocosins. Such a fire periodicity
is consistent with Hughes' (1966) observation that cane stands
undergo significant decreases in density and vigor during 10-15
years of continuous fire exclusion. Hughes presents a clear
argument, based on observed declines in stem densities on
unburned plots and studies of cane seedling growth, that cane
is adapted to reproduce vegetationally rather than sexually
and does so most vigorously when burned more frequently than
once in ten years.
Hughes' conclusions resulted from a series of studies con-
ducted by himself and other groups of researchers during the 1940's
and early 19501s. Interestingly, these few observers, most of whom
53

worked in areas of applied agricultural and forestry research,
were the only group who recognized the extent and importance
of the pond pine/cane vegetation type in North.Carolina's
Coastal Plain. They published a number of valuable descriptive
reports on cane -dominated stands, usually presented in conjunction
with detailed results of range management research. (Biswell and
Foster, 1942; Biswell et al., 1945; Shepherd et al., 1951; Hughes,
1957; Hughes et al., 1960).
A recent body of publications on pocosin ecology has ap-
peared in response to, among other factors, the increasingly
intense and rapid physical alteration of pocosins by agri-
cultural, forestry and energy interests. The recently pub-
lished literature consistently omits any mention of cane -
dominated pocosin systems, and generally the authors do not
note the absence of this vegetation type. Kologiski (1977)
in his ordinations performed on 220 stands (mostly pocosin
types) in the Green Swamp (Brunswick County) included only
four stands in which Arundinaria was dominant or co -dominant,
although soils of the Pamlico and Ponzer series, suitable for
cane growth, were a prominent soil mapping unit in his study
area. Current overviews of pocosin research and the liter-
ature of pocosin ecology also fail to discuss cane -dominated
communities (Christensen, 1980; Christensen et al., 1981; Otte,
1981). — —
Two factors may account for the notable omission of a
once -common pocosin community. First, many of the shallow
Histosols of the type which supported canebrakes are con-
sidered productive for agriculture, and large areas of these
soils have been cleared for row crops or tree plantations
(Barnes, pers. comm. 1982).
Second, fire suppression has effectively lenIthened fire
periodicity, allowing shrubs to dominate at the expense of cane,
and disrupting the fire frequency to which cane is optimally -
adapted. Christensen (1981) states that the "postfire abundance"
of perennial pocosin species such as Arundinaria "is simply a
consequence of rapid vegetative growth." This statement does
not address the central fact implicit in widespread reduction
of canebrakes, which is that a once -extensive graminoid-dominated
community has been shifted to a shrub -dominated community as a
result of fire exclusion. Certainly cane persists in the shrub -
bog community, but its loss of dominance indicates an alteration
of the ecosystem akin to that taking place when woody plants
encroach on a mesic savanna from which fire is excluded.
A loose cluster of red -cockaded woodpecker cavity trees is
located along both sides of the last mile of Faircloth Road,
which extends into the natural area (see map). On June 9,
54

1982, one bird was heard at this site, and .two active cavity
trees, one active start tree, four abandoned cavity trees
and six other worked trees.of undetermined status were
noted. The size of the population is not known, but the
extent of suitableNhabitat in this vicinity and throughout
the natural area is such that additional cavity trees not
yet located are very likely present. The open pine wood-
lands of the natural area are a major area of suitable red -
cockaded woodpecker habitat in Dare County. The presence of
the species in this increasingly rare pocosin habitat type
suggests that the loss of open, fire -maintained pond pine
stands has reduced a once widely -available woodpecker
habitat. Lack of consideration of the full range of vari-
ation in pond pine habitats has led some observers (e.g.,
Potter, 1982) to misjudge the species' position as an ele-
ment of the pond pine pocosin avifauna. Under a regime of
frequent fire, such as occurred historically, old -growth
pond pine woodlands can develop the open conditions required
by the red -cockaded woodpecker. Much remains to be learned
regarding the carrying capacity of such habitat.
55

llb. Prose Description of Site Significance:
The Faircloth Road Pond Pine stand is the most extensive
cane -dominated community remaining in the state and is the
best remaining example of a once -common vegetation type. The
site appears to burn much more frequently than adjacent pond
pine -shrub communities. Fire occurs in the natural area with
a frequency approaching the historical fire incidence which
continued well into the mid-20th century.
The natural area is also the best maintained and most
extensive remaining habitat for the red -cockaded woodpecker
in the Pamlimarle peninsula. The presence of this species
at several locations in southern Dare County demonstrates
that it is and has been a permanent resident of the Pamli-
marle pocosin system. Our observations of the species'
habitat in Dare County indicate the wide variation to be
expected in aspect and structure of pond pine habitats
generally.
56

W
J
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Leap
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
High quality wetland
plant community
CT 1
Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea
The only extensive and well -
maintained canebrake community
representative old -growth examp a
of CT 1 surveyed by authors
in North Carolina; and one of
the state's most extensive
examples of a mature to old -
growth pond pine cover type;
also important as a pocosin
type habitat for the red -
cockaded woodpecker.
Endangered species
1
Red -cockaded woodpecker
The best red -cockaded wood-
pecker habitat in the Pamli-
marle peninsula. The species
presence here is indicative of
its ability to inhabit the
once more common pond pine/
cane woodlands, which were
fire maintained.

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Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area:
14. Number of Owners: 1
Type
Private %
Public 100 %
Unknown %
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information),
U. S. Department of Defense
Department of the Air Force
HQ USAF/PREY
Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
(Mineral rights are retained by the previous owner, First Colony Farms, Inc.)
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
Hobart Truesdell, II, President Steve Barnes
First Colony Farms First Colony Farms
Route 1,'.Box 201 Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27978 Creswell, NC 27978
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Unknown
59

18. Uses of natural area:
Although the Faircloth Road Pond Pine site has almost certainly
been logged through at least once, no evidence of this past usage
was located in the field. Steve Barnes (pers. comm., 1982) reports
that the site has not been logged in since acquisition by First
Colony Farms, Inc., principally due to higher timber cutting
priorities elsewhere on corporation lands.
Much of the area falls within the danger zone around the Air
Force bombing range target area, and is posted to prevent unauthorized
entry to the impact area. The noise of jet aircraft during passes
over the range can be disruptive to the point of qualifying as a
"use".
Hunting is a probable low-key use. Bee keepers maintain yards
of hives on the north side of the natural area during summer. Some
dumping of military gear and ordnance has occurred at the end of
Faircloth Road, and an apparently unused trailer is parked there.
19,. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 90 % c. high -intensity forestry %
b. Agricultural land % d. developed 10 %
20. Preservation Status:
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
3
100
Public land, not recognized as a natural area
21. Regulatory protections in force:
The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, protects the
red -cockaded woodpecker and its habitat.
60

22. Threats:
The significant features of the natural area, its old -
growth pond pine stand over cane and its population of red -
cockaded woodpeckers, would be severely disrupted by logging.
It is unclear whether timber harvest on the site is likely
under Department of Defense policies, but military installations
in general in North Carolina have active programs of timber
cutting.
A constant threat to the ecosystem is that fire suppression
in the area will become too effective, with a consequent shift
to shrub -dominated stands and eventual loss of red -cockaded
woodpecker habitat. A related threat is that firelanes, plow -
lines and other activities to prevent or extinguish fires may
directly damage the natural area. These projected habitat
shifts and physical disruptions are virtually inevitable, due
to continued vigorous fire control and suppression efforts,
unless a conservation policy and plan are developed for the
natural area which recognize the role of fire in the system
and provide for its continuance.
Agricultural development is probably foreclosed by military
ownership. However, the Ponzer soils of the natural area are a
prime agricultural soil type (Barnes, pers. comm., 1982); so
until a clear military policy of intent to conserve is established,
the possibility of agriculture use remains. Peat mining is un-
likely in the short term, due both to military ownership and to
shallowness of the deposits. First Colony Farms may have re-
tained mineral rights which include peat. Again, a clear policy
is lacking. The likelihood of expanded military use of the site
is unknown.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
The general Defense Department policies on logging, agri-
culture and energy resource development on agency lands, which
presumable apply to the Faircloth Road area de facto, should be
explored. A formal conservation program should be formulated
which will recognize the natural values of the site and their
relationship to regularly occurring fire in the system. Site
protection might be attained either through a formal federal
program such as the Research Natural Areas Program; or possibly
through an agreement with the North Carolina Nature Conservancy.
Protection may be established jointly or separately from the
contiguous natural areas in federal (military) ownership.
61

23. - continued
Management of the area is critical, particularly by
maintenance of the regime of frequent fire. Such mainte-
nance will be challenging in the flammable vegetation of
the site. Research into red -cockaded woodpecker habitat
utilization in pocosin vegetation is needed, as is an
assessment of jet noise impacts on the species.
62

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 1
Community type: Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea
Community cover type: Pinus seroti.na
General habitat feature: Pocosin (pond pine woodland)
Average canopy height: 50-70 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: unknown
Canopy cover: open to sparse
Estimated size of community: 4200 acres
Successional stage: Pyroclimax
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Gordonia lasianthus, Ilex coriacea, Ilex glabra, Smilax
laurifolia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
None
63

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT 1
Soil -series: Ponzer
Soil classification: loamy, mixed,-dysic, thermic, Terric Medisaprists
Soil association: none given
pH class: Extremely acid
Source of information: Barnes, 1981. Soil Map of First Colony Farms
Lands, Dare County.
Other notes: minor soil series present are Roper (mineral with a
histic epipedon) and Belhaven (shallow Histosol)
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT 1
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Saturated and temporarily flooded
Drainage class: . Very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Probably into the Alligator River via Whipping
Creek, and Pamlico Sound via canals.
Hydrology characterization: A freshwater, very poorly drained, saturated
to temporarily flooded interaqueous palus=
trine wetland system.
64

24d. Topography Summary: CT 1
Landform: a peat -mantled marine terrace
Shelter: partly sheltered
Aspect: not applicable (flat)
Slope Angle: nearly level \
Profile: flat
Surface patterns: Surface irregularly interrupted by stools of
fire -killed shrub coppice sprouts and local depressions; thickly
covered by cane litter.
Position: not applicable (flat)
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Pyroclimax community of a pelopsammosere on peats underlain
by Pleistocene marine and estuarine sediments; draining into the
Alligator River and Pamlico Sound; on the Pamlico Marine Terrace
in the Outer Coastal Plain Region of the Embayed Section of the
Coastal Plain Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 years BP to present, over
late Sangamon Interglacial marine and estuarine deposits; probably
underlain by Yorktown Formation.
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 years BP
Sangamon interglacial - 75-100,000 years BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr. and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk, Jr.
(ed.) 1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia -
Press, Charlottesville, VA.
65

26. SL=mary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -cockaded woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federal Register 10/13/70 and
Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: unknown
Size or Maturity of individuals: one adult observed, 6/9/82
Phenology of population: not applicable
Eg: vegetative %
flowering % `
fruiting %
General vigor of population: apparently good, judged on basis of
number of worked trees
Disturbance or threats to population: _logging, fire exclusion, noise
effects from bombing range(?)
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Pinus serotina/Arundinaria gigantea
Topography: not applicable
Soil Series: not applicable
Microclimate: not applicable
Drainage basin:- not applicable
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species List.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
66

27. Master species lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. glabra
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
POACEAE
Arundinaria gigantea
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus
BIRDS
(Emphasis of bird lists is on breeding or summering
species; lack of adequate field work during the other
seasons prevented compilation of a complete list.)
KEY
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PV
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
PR*
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Wood Pewee
SR*
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Gray Catbird
PR*
67

Master species lists: -continued-
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Worm -eating Warbler
SR*
Pine Warbler
PR*
Common Yellowthroat
PR*
Hooded Warbler
SR*
Cardinal
PR*
Indigo Bunting
SR*
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
Note: No other vertebrate species lists were recorded.
68

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: US 264 Low Pocosin
2. County: Dare
3. Location: Within the area bounded by the Air Force Bombing Range
on the west, the Faircloth Road Pond Pine Stand to the west and
north, segments of Jackson, Long Curve and Lake Worth Roads to the
north and east, and US Hwy 264 from the Stumpy Point fire tower
to the Dare/Hyde County line, on the east, south and southwest
(including minor buffer areas as described below).
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): Engelhard NE (1975)
Long Shoal Point (1951)
Engelhard NW (1975)
all 7.5 min.
5. Size: 21,000 acres, measured with a grid calculator
6.' Elevation: Less than 5 feet above mean sea level.
7. Access: None except overland on foot or bombardier. The eastern
periphery of the low pocosin communities may be examined along US
264, 3 to 6 miles south of the Stumpy Point fire tower.
8. Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock J. Merrill Lynch
P. 0. Box 6006 Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823
9. Date(s) of investigation: April 28, May 9, and June 29, 1982.
10. Priority rating: Very high.
69

K

lla. Prose Description of Site:
INTRODUCTION
The wide band of natural wetlands which lies along the
Dare/Hyde County line is split into three natural areas based
on differences'in soils, hydrology and fire regime, differences
which are ultimately expressed in distinctive vegetation types.
These three natural areas are contiguous and form an uninter-
rupted transect which begins in the Alligator River swamp
forests (pp. 13 ), proceeds through the Faircloth Road
Pond Pine Stand (pp. 49 ), and beyond that to the US 264
Low Pocosin, which is described in this site report.
The US 264 Pocosin natural area, or simply 264 Pocosin, is
centered inside a broad twelve -mile -long curve of US 264 which
begins at the Dare/Hyde County line and ends in the vicinity
of the Stumpy Point fire tower. Through most of this long
section the natural area is immediately adjacent to US 264
on the inland side, or separated only by narrow buffer strips
less than 0.5 mi. wide. Other natural and man-made features
which delimit the site include the Air Force Bombing Range and
associated roads on the west, the Faircloth Road Pond Pine
natural area on the west and north, and segments of Jackson,
Long Curve and Lake Worth Roads on the north and east.
In terms of the local topography the southern end of
the natural area occupies a local peninsula between Stumpy
Point Bay to the north and the Long Shoal River to the south.
Thus this southern end fits the classic topographic descrip-
tion of a pocosin as a peat -covered flat or slight concavity
on a broad interstream divide. In this case the interstream
flat is now less than five feet above mean sea level. The
northern end of the natural area appears to be an extension
of the same narrow, peat -filled stream channel which begins on
the Alligator River shore and crosses nearly the entire county,
and with which Whipping Creek is associated. This stream -channel
type peat deposit is more typical of Dare County than is the in-
terstream flat type (Ingram and Otte, 1982). The deposit was
identified by extensive auger -type sampling of the entire peat
profile conducted by Ingram and Otte while surveying energy -
grade peats of the North Carolina Coastal Plain.
Soils of the 264 Low Pocosin are principally deep peats of the Pun -
go (and Dane) series (dysic, thermic Typic Medisaprists; all
soils data from Barnes, 1981). An immense body of this soil
type lies at the heart of the natural area and is the eastern
terminus of a broad east/west band of Pungo soils which extends
from the Alligator River almost to Pamlico Sound. This soils
unit is the parallel in soils descriptive and mapping terms of
the above -noted deep, narrow stream channel peats.
71

The vegetation varies radically across the county along
this strip of deep peat soils. In the west the mature swamp
forests of the Alligator River are found on these soils; in
the east is some of the lowest pocosin vegetation in North
Carolina (CT 1).
Other soils series represented in the natural area include
the Belhaven series (loamy, mixed, dysic, thermic Terric Medisa-
prists) which underlies much of the site's eastern and southern
periphery, and considerably smaller areas of Ponzer and Kilkenny
soils, both of which are shallow Histosols. The former has a
classification identical to that of the Belhaven series; the
latter is an informal mapping unit used in First Colony Farms
soils work (Barnes, pers. comm., 1982).
The US 264 Low Pocosin is distinguished from neighboring
natural areas to the west by the very low incidence of human -
originated ecological impacts. Whereas the other areas described
have received a variety of disturbances -- logging, roads, ditches
-- over an extended period on the order of several centuries, few
of these influences have affected the Low Pocosin natural area.
The 264 Low Pocosin is a true roadless area; the road system which
traverses the other natural areas of the County Line tract only
skirts this vast wetland stronghold. Only US Highway 264, from
which comes the site's name, crosses the low pocosin along its
southern and eastern margins. Excluded from the natural area
on the east side are a few canals and the associated patches
of disturbed vegetation extending about one mile south of Lake Worth.
Little if any timber removal has ever occurred in the natural
area; the evidence indicates that merchantable timber has never
been present on the site. The 264 pocosin is unique as regards
the apparently total absence of tree -dominated vegetation through-
out its history:
The large tract of low pocosin in southern Dare County
... grades both laterally, and with depth (in the under-
lying peat) into a marsh system. On the surface, the
wetter, central portion of this tract is dominated by
marsh vegetation, whereas the less wet, outer zones
are pocosin dominated. At depth the peat yields debris
suggesting periodic dominance by marsh and by pocosins
[Most Pocosins] started as a marsh system, succeeded
to cypress and white cedar forests, and finally to poco-
sins (Otte, 1981).
The 264 pocosin is clearly a primary pocosin; i.e., one which shows
no sign of having.been created by logging of swamp forest timber
and subsequent capture of the site by released shrub -bog species
(see Otte, 1981).
72

VF.rTRTATTnM
Because the natural area lacks roads, canals , cut -over
areas and similar artifically abrupt interruptions of the
vegetation, the plant communities of the site do not exhibit
discrete boundaries; but rather change gradually along mois-
ture.and peat depth gradients. Often an abrupt change in the
appearance of -vegetation is evident at the boundaries of a
recent burn. Within such a burned area the pond pines (Pinus
serotina), where present, show more epicormic sprouting and
are commonly top -killed. The shrubs are lower than on un-
burned areas, and shrub and herb layers may be somewhat more
diverse (Christensen, et al., 1981). These differences are,
however, superficial and short-lived; the basic pre -fire com-
position.is not greatly altered and is quickly reasserted as
pines and shrubs recover (Otte, 1981). Thus, a transitory
pattern of sharply delineated recent burns overlies the basic
spatial pattern of pocosin communities.
Otte (1981; see Table 2) proposes a basic pocosin classi-
fication which relates vegetation to combined factors of peat
depth, seasonal wetness and nutrient availability from under-
lying mineral strata or elsewhere. His system is employed in
the following description of the plant communities present in
the 264 Low Pocosin.
The most extensive and significant natural community of
the 264 area is Otte's low pocosin type. The essential criteria
for low pocosin suggested by Otte are: peat depths greater than
4 feet, water table at the surface year-round except during severe
drought, abundant standing water, and site dominated by 2-4 ft.
tall ericaceous and "bay" shrubs with widely scattered pond pines
to 10 ft. tall.
A representative example of low pocosin is located in the
southeastern fringe of the natural area (in association with an
area of Belhaven soils). Areas of this typical low pocosin ex-
amined in late April and late June, 1982,were extremely wet with
Sphagnum occurring throughout. The entire bog surface, when
walked upon, gives the impression of being a semi -floating mat
of roots, rhizomes and Sphagnum. Much of the area is dominated
vernally by dense zones of mixed Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia
virginica) and sedge (Carex walteriana), as well as zones com-
posed of pure stands of the same sedge. Later in the growing
season a beak rush (Rhynchospora wrightiana) forms large patches
(Brenda Smith, pers. comm., 1982). Yellow pitcherplant (Sarra-
cenia flava) is scattered in these herbaceous zones.
73

Shrub clumps 2-6 ft. tall are common, separated by
open water and the low herbaceous zones described. These
clumps are composed of fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) with
some bitter gallberry (Ilex 1� abra) and wax myrtle (Myrica
spp.), bound together by catbrier (Smilax laurifolia).
Zenobia (Zenobia pulverulenta) and leatherleaf (Cassandra
calyculata) are common at the edges of taller shrub clumps
and in free-standing lower zones. Extremely.scattered pond
pines grow in the dense shrub clumps, and average 6-8 ft.
tall. Sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana) is present; red bay
(Persea borbonia) is present but quite uncommon; no lob -
lolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) was seen at the sites ex-
amined.
The community type may be given as Pinus serotina/
mixed low shrubs/Woodwardia virginica-mixed sedges (Pond
pine/Mixed low shrubs/Virginia chain fern -mixed sedges;
CT 1). Although pond pine, as,a characteristic species,
is included in the community name, the true dominants of
this type are shrubs and herbs.
The typical low pocosin type along US 264 grades rather
quickly into a very unusual low pocosin which approaches a
freshwater marsh in the amount of surface water present and
the dominance by sedges. This is the "marsh" noted by Otte
in his characterization of the natural area quoted above.
It is located at the very inaccessible center of the southern
(interstream flat) portion of the 264 pocosin. Brenda Smith
of the U.S. Geological Survey is familiar with this part of
the natural area and has graciously shared her general field
observations of the site for use in the following discussion.
Wetness is the overwhelming characteristic of this cen-
tral portion of the low pocosin. The same basic local patterns
observed within CT 1 are present here, but with the wetter pat-
terns now predominant. From "driest" to wettest these are tall
shrub hummocks; low shrubs; open water and finally, open "muck"
pools dominated by graminoids, ferns, sphagnum, and sub -shrubs.
As one moves into the center of the pocosin, the hummocks de-
crease in total area, and the low shrubs, muck pools and open
water phases are common.
Leatherleaf is abundant in this community, in stands
about 2-2.5 ft. tall around the edges of open pools.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), an Endangered
Peripheral plant in North Carolina (Cooper et al., 1977)
grows in large mats on the mucky flats between slightly
74

elevated„shrub zones and open water. Unfamiliar gallberry
plants collected here apparently result from hybridization
between bitter gallberry and sweet gallberry (Ilex coriacea).
Purple pitcherplants (Sarracenia purpurea) are scarce on
hummocks. Beak rush (Rhynchospora wrightiana) forms large
stands. Pond pine is present on some of the hummocks and
occasionally grows in isolation from any such local elevation.
Other species referred to in the discussion of CT 1 are
also present, with the more hydric being most abundant.
A precise designation of the community type here awaits
further field work; multiple types may be recognized based
on the very evident zonation of the vegetation. Provisionally
and subject to refinement, the community type will be con-
sidered a hydric extreme of CT 1 (CT la), with a concomitant
increase in overall site dominance by sedges, leatherleaf,
cranberry and open water.
North of the preceding low pocosin types and associated
with deep stream channel peat deposits in the Lake Worth
vicinity, is an area which appears to be somewhat taller
than the typical low pocosin, again in Otte's (1981) sense
of the term. The soils mapped in this area are a continua-
tion of the Pungo series, the same deep peat soils which
predominate in the low pocosin, but those portions of the
Lake Worth site which were field -checked were much drier
than sites already discussed. The "floating mat" aspect
is completely absent.
A wide range of shrub heights, from 4-10 ft. tall,
is represented; shrub density is also variable but tending
toward a closed layer. Small pond pines are very sparsely
distributed, 15-20 ft. tall. All these physical parameters
overlap Otte's criteria for separating low and high pocosin.
The variability in this part of the natural area is attri-
butable to the frequent fires coming off the bombing range.
Only the periphery of this intermediate pocosin zone
has been examined in the field. It is dominated by bitter
gallberry on the western shore of Lake Worth, and by a
mix of bitter gallberry and other low pocosin shrubs to
the north of the lake. West of Lake Worth the vegetation
grades quickly into a distinctly low pocosin which adjoins
the low pocosin communities to the south. The large interior
section of the natural area is occupied completely by low
pocosin vegetation. Examination of aerial photography
indicates the presence of several distinct textures which
probably represent a south/north vegetation continum from
open and very wet to drier and more closed.
75

At the northern end of the natural area, bordering
Jackson Road, is a narrow strip of pond pine -dominated
vegetation which is referable to Otte's high pocosin and
pond pine forest types. High pocosin occurs here where
deep peat soils are mapped; stunted pond pines about 20 ft.
tall form an open to scattered canopy over mixed low pocosin
shrubs. Where shallow Histosols of the Belhaven series are
mapped, a dense stand of 25-30 ft. tall pond pines grows over
..a thick layer of mixed shrubs about 8-10 ft. tall; the canopy
is closed. The communities noted here are not designated as
high quality examples of the respective pocosin types, but
serve both to connect and to buffer the 264 Low Pocosin and
i Faircloth Road Pond Pine natural areas.
Additional buffer lands are located on the extreme
southwestern edge of the natural area, along US 264 due north
of the Long Shoal River. Here a complex of deep and shallow
Histosols (Pungo, Ponzer and Belhaven) is vegetated primarily
by pond pine forest pocosin. These communities grade into
the extensive low pocosin communities of the 264 Pocosin
interior. A small finger of brackish marsh extends across
highway 264 into the natural area along the same stretch.
A'stand of large pond pines was noted along Stomper
Road north of its junction with Whipping Creek Road. This
area was not field -checked due to access prohibitions. The
extent of the stand is not known- but it should be examined for
the presence of red -cockaded woodpeckers, which occur within
two miles of Stomper Road.
76

ECOLOGY OF LOW POCOSIN
The vegetation of the 264 Low Pocosin, as described
in the preceding section, consists of several pocosin :_
natural communities. Together, these pocosin communities
of the 264 natural area represent one extreme of the
vegetational and ecological conditions associated with
deep peats of the North Carolina Coastal Plain. The
mature swamp forests of the Alligator River natural area
are at the other extreme. Yet both these drastically
divergent vegetation types -- pocosin and swamp forest --
occur over deep peats. The Pungo soil series which is the
principal organic soil series of the swamp forests is
precisely the same series which is predominant in the
pocosins. Furthermore the two natural areas are in large
part associated with the same peat deposit, an uninterrupted
strip of peat which completely fills a stream channel in
the pre -peat surface and spreads beyond over upland features.
Fires also are common to both vegetation types, although
fire frequency varies. The arrangement of charcoal layers
in forest peats indicates that swamp forest vegetation
historically has persisted in the presence of repeated
fires (Otte, 1981).
Given that edaphic and other abiotic characteristics
of the two natural areas exhibit striking parallels, what
are the factors that control the very different vegetations?
The most powerful influenbe apparently is nutrient movement,
or lack of movement, into the system, as dictated by
hydrologic factors and/or peat depth (Otte, 1981; Daniel,
1981). The essence of the pocosin system is that it is
ombrotrophic or nutrient -poor, whereas the swamp forest
system is minerotrophic or nutrient -rich (Daniel, 1981).
The 264 Low Pocosin communities are isolated from any
throughflowing water which could carry sediments and
nutrients into the system. There is no adjacent high ground
and no source of overbank flow from streams. Precipitation
is the main source of water entering the pocosin, and
waterflow is essentially out of the pocosin. The swamp
forests, by contrast, are potential recipients of flood-
waters from the nearby Alligator River, at least during
extreme flood events in the Albemarle Sound and/or its
major tributaries.
Resulting from these hydrologic differences are pre-
dictable differences in the ash or mineral content of peats
from the two natural areas. Where water/mineral influx
from adjacent areas is high (swamp forest), ash content
of peats should be high. Where enriched surface 'water
influx is nil, ash content should be low. These predictions
have been confirmed through laboratory testing of multiple
peat samples during surveys conducted by Ingram and Otte
(1982).
77

OTHER FEATURES
Strikingly evident on aerial photography of southern
Dare County is a Carolina bay -like feature closely correlated
with the wettest portions of the 264 natural area. This feature
is completely mantled by peat, but is made "visible" through its
sub -peat influence upon the pocosin vegetation. This bay must
have been present on the pre -peat landscape, since true Carolina
bays were formed in sandy rather than organic substrates
(Kaczorowski, 1977). If this feature is a true bay, it is
a rare example of a buried bay, one of the easternmost bays
still in evidence in North Carolina, and it provides a fas-
cinating hint of the nature of the pre -peat landscape. Stumpy
Point Bay may be a Carolina bay (or bays) breached by shoreline
erosion (Otte, pers. comm., 1982).
WILDLIFE VALUES
The US 264 Low Pocosin supports a notably depauperate
breeding bird fauna. Only 4-6 species may be considered common
nesters. This is in interesting contrast to the rich breeding
bird diversity of the nearby Alligator River swamps.
Black bears use the periphery of the natural area. The
extent to which this species uses the interior is probably
limited. Bears may occasionally use the interior low pocosin
communities for refuge. The scarcity of large trees which in
some portions of the Coastal Plain forces bears to den on the
ground in pocosin vegetation (Hamilton and Marchinton, 1980)
may not be operant in the natural area, due to the abundance
of trees suitable for denning elsewhere in the county.
78

llb. Prose Description of Site Significance:
The US 264 Low Pocosin natural area acquires significance
from its unique developmental history, its superlative plant
communities, and the exceptional absence of human -caused dis-
turbance at the site.
The 264 Pocosin has never during any phase been dominated
by swamp forest vegetation. Based on analysis of peat compos-
ition (Otte, 1981), all other pocosins in North Carolina have
passed through a developmental phase of dominance by swamp
forest and/or Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides).
The 264 Pocosin is thus unique in its development and its
stability as a pocosin system.
The natural area includes superior examples of low pocosin
vegetation along the southeastern periphery (CT 1). In the
center of the natural area is an exceptionally wet low Pocosin
which resembles a freshwater marsh (CT la); no other pocosin in
the state is so wet over such a large area (+3000 acres).
No disturbance of the natural area has occurred. The site
is the largest area in the state's Coastal Plain from which
roads and canals are entirely absent; only the ecologically
different Angola Bay is of similar size. This shrub -bog has
never supported logging.
Biotic features of note include the southernmost naturally
occurring population of cranberry, and a series of unusual gall -
berry holly hybrids.
A peat -mantled Carolina bay, evident from the air, is a
unique feature deserving of additional study by geomorphologists.
It is apparently a relict of the full -glacial landscape before
sea level began to rise, plant growth began to exceed decompos-
ition, and peat formation began.
79

0
0
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Leap
High quality wetland
Pinus serotina/mixed low shrubs/
Outstanding example of very
plant community
CT 1
Woodwardia vir inia - mixed sedges
wet low pocosin, with abundant
representative example surveyed by
standing water, semi -floating —
combined aerial and ground
mats of roots and Sphagnum,
reconnaissance
and scattered low and tall
shrub hummocks. Forms with CT
la and other adjacent low po-
cosin communities a system of
climax low pocosin vegetation
which has maintained itself at
least 3-5000 yrs. It is an
exceptionally stable primary
pocosin, the only one in the
state which has never passed
through a tree -dominated
developmental phase. Probably
the least disturbed pocosin in
existence.
High quality wetland
la
(see above)
Wettest extreme o , in
plant communityCT
which low pocosin nears marsh -
approximate extent of community
like conditions o open water
1J11T=QdecorJbPd
by Na nrenda- smith
and dominance by sedges. No
(pers. comm., 1982)
other pocosin in the sae ex-
hibits such extreme wetness;
this -is a critical part of the
US 264 Pocosin. The above com-
ments on eve opmen a is ory
apply to CT la.

co
H
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Map
Leqend
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Endangered species
CT la
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Listed as an Endangered Peri-
Pheral i
(1977); here at the southern
limit of its natural range on
the Coastal Plain. Occurs in
CT la in large mats (Brenda
Smith, pers. comm., 1982).
Threatened species
CT 1
Green arum (Peltandra sagittaefolia)
Listed as a Threatened Peri-
heral iCooper, et al-,
(1977); observed along US 264.
Unusual species assemblage
CT la
Ilex hybrids
A series of hybrids betweenIlex glabra and I. Coriacell
has been collected in the 264
Pocosin interior by Brenda
Smith (pers. comm., 1982).
Unusual geomorp o ogic
feature
1
Sub -peat Carolina bay or bay -like
feature
Rare example of a Carolina bay
completely mantled by Peat- A
remarkable remnant of the pre-
most bay still in evidence in
sible exception of Stumpy Point

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Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private 48 %
Public 52 %
Unknown %
14. Number of Owners: 2
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information).
1) First Colony Farms, Inc. 2) Department of Defense
Route 1, Box 201 The Pentagon
Creswell, NC 27928 Washington, DC 20301
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
Mr. Hobart G. Truesdell, II., President Ms. Brenda Smith
First Colony Farm, Inc. Department of Geology
Route 1, Box 201 East Carolina University
Creswell, NC 27928 Greenville, NC 27834
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?);
First Colony Farms and the North Carolina Nature Conservancy are
engaged in discussions concerning the natural area.
83

18. Uses of natural area:
Much of the natural area is used as a buffer around
the military bombing ranges, and is subjected to sudden
noise peaks caused by low -flying jets, which may be con-
sidered a form of use.
Casual hunting, trash dumping and bee keeping occur
around the periphery. Virtually no timber cutting or land
drainage have ever been conducted.
Peat mining for energy production is a potential use.
Agricultural development may not be economically practical,
due to woody content of peat, and wetness of the site.
19, Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 90 % c. high -intensity forestry
b. Agricultural land % d. developed 10 %
20. Preservation Status:
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
3
52
Public land, not recognized as a natural area
6
48
Private land, not protected by owner
21. Regulatory protections in force:
None known except the incidental exclusion, from part of the area, of uses
incompatible with the active practice firing of weapons by military pilots.
84

22. Threats:
The natural area contains extensive energy -grade peats
(Otte and Ingram, 1980). Barnes (pers. comm., 1982) states
that peats of the Pungo soil series, which are predominant on
the site, are considered generally suited to peat energy pro-
duction, within certain mineral (ash) content limits which
must be tested on a per -site basis. The peats of the 264 Low
Pocosin have been extensively tested during a recent field
survey of peat deposits in North Carolina and are among the
best low -ash peats in the state (Otte, pers. comm., 1982).
Additionally, Peat Methanol Associates, Inc. (PMA) holds an
option over the peat of First Colony Farms lands, including
the natural area, which is known as the Southern Dare field
(ETCO, 1980). PMA considers the optioned portions of the
natural area to be one of the first Pamlimarle peat deposits
in line for mining in their short-term methanol production
plan. If expansion proceeds as planned, peat options over
the natural area may be exercised by the end of 1988 (ETCO,
1980).
Therefore, exploitation of peat for energy must be con-
sidered a potential activity at the site, depending on various
factors of energy economics. Removal of peat would inevitably
and severely alter the natural area qualities of the Low Pocosin. _
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
The most significant portions of the 264 Low Pocosin natural
area are in private ownership. Any protection effort must begin
with a thorough understanding of the plans and intentions of the
owner, First Colony Farms, Inc. First Colony staff have been
extremely cooperative during our investigation of natural areas
in Corporation ownership. They have an intimate interest in the
future of both economic and natural values in Dare County, as
well as extensive expertise in management of the natural resources
under their cont3'ol: Every effort should be made to emphasize the
unique qualities of the 264 Low Pocosin; its value as a "primary"
pocosin, one which has existed in the same open condition for a
span of thousands of years, and its place in the unbroken continuum
of wetland habitats along the county line. The presence of rare
species and unusual forms is also important.
85

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 1, CT la
Community type: Pinus serotina/Mixed low shrubs/Woodwardia
virginica-mixed sedges
Community cover type: Pinus serotina (absent in CT la)
General habitat feature: Low pocosin
Average canopy height: 10 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: unknown
Canopy cover: sparse to absent
Estimated size of community: 6500 acres
Successional stage: climax
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Persea borbonia, Magnolia virginiana, Lyonia lucida, Zenobia
pulverulenta, Ilex glabra, Cassandra calyculata, Ilex coriacea,
Kalmias angustifolia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Vaccinium macrocarpon, Sarracenia flava, Sarracenia purpurea,
Rhynchospora wrightiana, Carex walteriana
86

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT 1, CT la
Soil series: Pungo and Belhaven
Soil classification: Pungo: dysic, thermic, Typic Medisaprists
Belhaven: loamy, mixed, dysic, thermic Terric
Medisaprists
Soil association: none given
pH class: Extremely acid
Source of information: Barnes, 1981. Soil Map of First Colony
Farms Lands, Dare County.
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT 1, CT la
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Semipermanently flooded
Drainage class: Very poorly drained
Drainage basin: drainage is directly into Pamlico Sound
Hydrology characterization: A freshwater, semipermanently flooded,
interaqueous palustrine wetland system.
87

24d. Topography Summary: (entire natural area)
Landform: low pocosin on peat -covered marine terrace
Shelter: open to partly sheltered
Aspect: not applicable (flat)
Slope Angle: nearly level
Profile: flat
Surface patterns: extremely spongy and wet, with locally
slightly elevated, drier hummocks.
Position: n/a
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Low pocosin communities on moderately to very deep peats
underlain by Pleistocene marine sediments, on the outer edge
of the Pamlico marine terrace, in the Outer Coastal Plain. Region
of the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 yrs. BP to present) over
late Sangamon Interglacial marine and estuarine deposits; probably.
underlain by Yorktown Formation.
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 yrs. BP `
Sangamon interglacial - 75-100,000 yrs. BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr. and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk, Jr.
(ed.) 1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia
Press, Charlottesville, VA.
88

26. SuaLnary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Peltandra sagittaefolia (ARACEAE)
Species legal status and authority: listed as a Threatened Peripheral
in Cooper, et al. (1977) .
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: unknown
Size or Maturity of individuals: mature
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative % 25
flowering % 75
fruiting %
General vigor of population: good
Disturbance or threats to population: peat mining is proposed for the ,
site
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT 1
Topography: flat; species growing on very slightly elevated
Sphagnum mats
Soil Series: Belhaven
Microclimate: not determined
Drainage basin: Pamlico Sound
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
89

26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Vaccinium macrocarpon (ERICACEAE)
Species legal status and authority: listed as an Endangered Peripheral
in Cooper; et al. (1977).
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: unknown; numerous
Size or Maturity of individuals: unknown
Phenology of population: unknown
Eg: vegetative %
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: Good; Ms. Brenda Smith (Geology Depart-
ment, East Carolina University) reports this species in the 264 Low Poco-
sin (pers. comet., 1982). No information is available on the size or
maturity of the population, but habit here is excellent and extensive.
The population is the southernmost known on the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Disturbance or threats to population: peat mining is proposed for the site.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT la
Topography: flat
Soil Series: Pungo
Microclimate: undetermined
Drainage basin: Pamlico Sound
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
90

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
* = record provided by B. Smith,
Geology Dept., East Carolina University
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea*
I. glabra
ARACEAE
Peltandra sagittaefolia
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
CYPERACEAE
Carex walteriana
Rhynchospora wrightiana*
DROSERACEAE
Drosera intermedia*
ERICACEAE
Cassandra calyculata
Kalmia angustifolia
Lyonia lucida
Vaccinium corymbosum
vaccinium macrocarpon*
Zenobia pulverulenta
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia sp.
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginica
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
M. heterophylla*
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea*
91

BIRDS
(Emphasis of bird lists is on breeding or summering
species; lack of adequate field work during the other
seasons prevented compilation of a complete list.)
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; year-round, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Solitary Sandpiper
T
American Woodcock
T
Eastern Kingbird
SV
Carolina Chickadee
PV
Carolina Wren
PR*
Gray Catbird
PR*
White -eyed Vireo
PR*
Prairie Warbler
SR*
Yellowthroat
PR*
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
Swamp Sparrow
WR.
Note: no other animal lists were recorded.
92

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Roanoke Marshes
2. County: Dare
3. Location: Due south of Manns Harbor, centering around Callaghan
Creek, and bounded by US 264 on the north and west,
Point Peter Road on the south, and Croatan Sound on
the east.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): East Lake SE (1974)
Wanchese (1974)
Manns Harbor (1974)
5. Size: 13,250 acres, measured with a grid calculator
6. Elevation: 0-4 feet above mean sea level
7. Access: No roads enter the natural area. Access by foot to the
wooded parts of the site is gained along US 264 and Point
Peter Road. A small and disturbed part of the marsh
community is accessible off the latter road; the rest
of the marsh is accessible only by boat.
8. Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock J. Merrill Lynch
P. O. Box 6006 Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823
9. Date(s) of investigation: May 9 and June 9 and 10, 1982
10. Priority rating: Medium
93

Fig. 8. Access information:
ROANOKE MARSHES
V//, study area
94

lla. Prose Description of Site:
Roanoke Marshes natural area is located on the eastern
side of the Dare peninsula, bordered on the north and west by
US 264, on the east by Croatan Sound and on the south by Point
Peter Road (excluding small developed areas along Spencer Creek
at the north end). The brackish -to -freshwater marshes which
give this site its name occur as a wide band along the Croatan
Sound margin and extend inland up,the Callaghan Creek estuary.
Other communities within the site include pond pine (Pinus
serotina) forest-. - (sensu Otte, 1981), a pocosin association
which generally occupies the area between the marshes and US
264; and small areas of swamp forest at the head of Callaghan
Creek.
The natural area contains the most extensive marshes in
mainland Dare County, covering an area of roughly 5000 acres
or almost eight square miles. The marshes were sampled at
only two peripheral points, along US 264 on the northern edge
of the natural area and along Croatan Sound at the eastern
end of the Point Peter Road. The entire natural area was
surveyed from fixed -wing aircraft during low altitude flights.
However, we feel that to provide an adequate account of the
plant communities and faunal assemblages much more ground
fieldwork is needed, particularly in the Callaghan Creek area,
which is accessible by boat from the sound. The following
description is necessarily brief and generalized due to the
restricted amount of fieldwork. Communities are described
in order from west to east.
The natural area overall has been influenced, at least
in recent years, by a number of late winter -early spring
wildfires which.have occurred at a high frequency. Much of
the area burned over in the winter of 1974-75, again in April
1980, and most recently in early spring 1982. The pocosin and
some marsh communities of the Roanoke Marshes area have had a
fire incidence among the highest in the fire -prone Dare penin-
sula, for the period of the last decade. The origin of the
fires is unknown. Probably most started on the Department
of Defense Bombing Range or from the burning of brushpi.les
in newly cleared fields 0.5 to 2.0 miles west and southwest
of the site. Since the prevailing winds are from the south-
west, fires would be expected to move in the direction of
the natural area.
The wildfires have had a marked influence on the stature
and composition of the plant communities present. Much of the
western (pocosin) portion of the natural area, the section
nearest US 264, is dominated by various age classes of pond
pine, most of which is 5-20 feet tall and characterized by
95

dense epicormic branching (resprouting from trunk and root
collar after fire, a common growth habit in this species).
Because of the differential intensity of burning - crown
fires in some areas, killing all trees, where adjacent areas
were burned by less intense, cooler ground fires leaving
most trees alive - the natural area exhibits a patchwork
pattern of skeleton pond pine forests interfingered with.
living pond pine stands. Over much of the heavily burned
areas, particularly where peats are less than 2 feet thick,
a dense ground cover of cane (Arundinaria gigantea) has be-
come dominant. This "woody" grass often dominates the herb/
shrub layer in pond pine pocosins which burn more often than
once in ten years, and it sprouts vigorously after fire
(Hughes, 1966). Continued frequent fire will, maintain
dominance by cane. In areas which have been subjected to
relatively less intense and/or much less frequent burns, a
shrub layer of bitter gallberry (Ilex lg abra), red bay
(Persea borbonia) and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) forms a
dense zone, either with or without a pond pine canopy.
These shrubs also tend to dominate over deeper peats.
The pond pine stands occupy about 65 percent of the
natural area. They represent a very common community type
found in many parts of the Dare peninsula as well as other
parts of the lower Coastal Plain. The stands are not highly .
significant as a plant community - better pond pine/cane
stands are located on the Faircloth Road natural area (pp.
). Many of the Roanoke Marshes stands are, however,
a well -maintained pocosin sub -type developed under a regime
of frequent fire. Thus they represent an interesting potential
study area for research on fire and pond pine management, and
for study of the ecological effects of frequent fire on pond
pine pocosin communities.
The only swamp forest of the natural area is also on the
western side, between US 264 and the headwaters of Callaghan
Creek. It is a minor community both in area (about 500 acres)
and in significance, consisting of immature second -growth
swamp black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), red maple
(Acer rubrum), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and a few bald
cypress (Taxodium distichum) and Atlantic white cedar
(Chamaecyparis thyoides). _Several pure stands of Atlantic
white cedar are also scattered in the vicinity of upper
Callaghan Creek, and some of these were destroyed by the 1982
fires. It is likely that new white cedar stands will regener-
ate on sites in the burned areas, since this species is fre-
quently an early successional occupant of disturbed areas
(Bue31 and Cain, 1943) .
96

The most significant communities of the natural are the
brackish -to -near -fresh marshes occurring along Callaghan and
Spencer Creeks, and along the Croatan Sound shoreline in a
band about 0.5 miles wide. As stated above, these marshes
encompass about 5000 acres and are the least disturbed (by
drainage and ditching) and most extensive to be found in
mainland Dare County. Only the marshes around the Long
Shoal River and on Durant Island are near -equals in extent
and absence of disturbance.
Salinities in the Roanoke Marshes are not definitely
known but originate in the salinities of Croatan and upper
Pamlico Sounds. These sounds may be termed mesohaline or
mesopolyhaline (salinity of 5-18 ppt) on the basis of figures
presented by Giese, et al., (1979). Thus the marshes are
generally brackish; much lower salinities may occur at the
head of Callaghan Creek.
Because of the lack of detailed ground surveys we can
only extrapolate from observations made at two points within
the marsh. Further field work by boat is needed to adequately
determine and map the various community types which undoubtedly
occur here.
Much of the northern portion of the marsh, along the west
end and south side of Spencer Creek, is dominated by sawgrass
(Cladium jamaicense). Scattered small shrubs of groundsel-
tree (Baccharis halimifolia) and wax myrtle are also present.
Underneath the sawgrass are scattered small bitter gallberry
shrubs and abundant poison ivy (Rhus radicans). Throughout
the marsh are the charred stumps and lower trunks of pond
pines which were killed during the 1980 fire.
. Sawgrass marshes, based on the aerial survey, appear to
be the dominant marsh community in the natural area, extending
down both sides of Spencer Creek, a considerable portion of
Callaghan Creek, and along Croatan Sound. These marshes
are characterized as having a very dense growth of sawgrass
and relatively low species diversity.
The area is underlain by various depths of organic mucks
ranging from 0-8 feet (Ingram and Otte, 1982).
97

llb. Prose Description of site significance:
The marshes of the natural area are the most extensive
in Dare County and are fairly extensive by comparison with
estuarine marshes throughout the state's Coastal Plain. The
lack of disturbance is also exceptional, since many extensive
marshes have been thoroughly ditched for mosquito control.
The marshes contribute much of the primary productivity
(organic matter produced by green plants) upon.which the
estuarine ecosystem and its fish and shellfish depend.
Marshes also serve as nursery areas for juvenile fish and
shellfish.
Noteworthy wildlife values occur in all the communities
of the natural area. Black bear use the pocosins and swamp
forest, but the size of the population is unknown. Also
unknown is the degree to which bears move in and out of
the area. The natural area is situated so as to be po-
tentially subject to isolation from natural lands to the
southwest by agricultural development of intervening
tracts. This eventuality would lessen the capacity of
the natural area to support a self -maintaining bear popu-
lation.
The limited swamp forest vegetation is the only habitat
within the natural area in which the locally distributed
black -throated green warbler was noted. Puddle ducks use
the marshes in winter, primarily black ducks, green -winged
teal and pintails (Otto Florschutz, Jr., pers. comm., 1982).
98

12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Map
Legend
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
High quality wetland
general habitat feature
1
Brackish marsh
The most extensive area of
brackish marsh in mainland
approximate areal extent of marsh
Dare County (5000 acres).
Almost completely without
ditching. Serves as a nursery
area for fish and shellfish;
and as a source of nutrients
for other parts of the estu-
arine system. Additional
fieldwork is needed to define
plant community types.
Special concern species
through-
out
Black bear
Bears will use the pocosin
habitats of the natural area
i pocosn
as long as some cover re-
mains connecting larger areas
of habitat to the southwest.
Special Habitat
2
Puddle duck wintering area
Approximately 200 puddle
ducks winter in the marshes
(Otto Florschutz, Jr., pers.
comm., 1982)

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Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private 100 %
Public %
Unknown %
14. Number of Owners: 1
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information).
First Colony Farms
Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27928
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
Mr. Hobart G. Truesdell, II, President
First Colony Farms, Inc.
Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27928
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation,(contacted?)z
First Colony Farms intends to avoid development on the estuarine
side of US 264.
101

18. Uses of natural area:
Timber has been removed from the natural area in the limited .
portions where it was available, particularly in the swamp forest
at the head of Callaghan Creek. Ditches have been placed through-
out the pocosin and swamp forest communities at widely spaced in-
tervals, but are absent from the marsh. The land use associated
with this ditch system is not known; apparently the ditches are
not being maintained. Agricultural development is not known to
have been attempted in the natural area. Soils are generally
considered inferior for modern agriculture due to high wood con-
tent (Barnes, pers. comm., 1982). Areas in the vicinity of Stumpy
Point which were farmed in the 1800's may now be under water.
Hunting is a low level use. An impounded area of marsh is located
at the end of Point Peter Road. This 120-acre impoundment is
leased to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Some commercial
or private shellfishing may occur in the creeks. At the north end
of the natural area, urban and suburban development from Manns
Harbor adjoins the site along Spencer Creek. US 264, a major
traffic artery in Dare County, bounds the natural area along
the entire west side, a length of about 10 miles. High intensity
uses are absent from all but the fringes of the area.
19, Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 85 % C.
b. Agricultural land 10
20. Preservation Status:
% d.
high -intensity forestry %
developed 5 %
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
6
100
Private land, not protected by owner.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
US Army'Corps of Enctineers "404" dredge and fill regulations apply to
much or all of the natural area.
102

22. Threats:
No immediate threats are known. The soils, while not
mapped in high detail, are indicated as being mostly of the
Pungo series, a peat soil considered unsuitable for agri-
culture due to its woodiness (Barnes, 1981 and pers. comm.,
1982). Ingram and Otte (1982) indicate peat depths from
0-8 feet in the natural area; but the deeper peats are
relatively limited in extent and probably will not be
subject to future mining due to their close association
with the marshes and Callaghan Creek. US Army Corps of
Engineers regulatory authority over dredging and filling
in wetlands applies to the entire natural area.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
Acquisition of this wetland natural area, which is not
immediately threatened, is a lower priority than acquisition
of more significant and more severely threatened natural
areas along the Dare/Hyde County line. Protective owner-
ship of the Roanoke Marshes is still a worthy goal, however.
The North Carolina Coastal Federation, Inc., or a similar
wetlands trust, is perhaps best suited to be the ultimate
holder of the natural area.
Little management will be needed. Exclusion and sup-
pression of wildfire should be avoided, since reduced fire
frequency would shift pocosin (and marsh) communities toward
greater dominance by shrubs. Any area dedicated to conserv-
ation will be enhanced by the addition of buffer lands and
corridors connecting natural lands elsewhere in the county.
103

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: (not determined)
Community cover type:
General habitat feature: Brackish marsh
Average canopy height: n/a
Estimated age of canopy trees: n/a
Canopy cover: n/a
Estimated size of community: 5000 acres
Successional stage: climax (or pyroclimax)
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
n/a
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
104

24b. Soil Summary (entire natural area)
Soil series: Pungo
Soil classification: dysic, thermic Typic Medisaprists
Soil association: none given
pH class: Extremely acid
Source of information: Barnes, 1981. Soil Map of First
Colony Farms Land, Dare County
Other notes: minor soil series present include Ponzer
(a shallow Histosol).
24c. 1) Hydrology Summary - brackish marsh
Hydrologic system: Estuarine
Hydrologic subsystem: Intertidal
Water chemistry: Mixohaline (mesohaline to polyhaline)
Water regime: regularly to irregularly flooded
Drainage class: n/a
Drainage basin: directly into Croatan Sound
Hydrology characterization: An irregularly to regularly
flooded, intertidal, mixohaline
(brackish) estuarine marsh system.
2) Hydrology Summary - pocosin and swamp forest
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: saturated to temporarily flooded
Drainage class: very poorly drained
Drainage basin: directly to Croatan Sound
Hydrology characterization: A saturated to temporarily flooded,
very poorly drained interaqueous
fresh palustrine system.
105

24d. Topography Summary:
Landform: a peat -mantled marine terrace lined by estuarine marsh
Shelter: open to partly sheltered
Aspect: n/a (flat)
Slope Angle: nearly level
Profile: flat
Surface patterns: unknown
Position: n/a
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Seral and climax communities on peats of varying depths,
underlain by Pleistocene marine and estuarine sediments; draining
via canals and Callaghan and Spencer Creeks into Croatan Sound; on
the Pamlico marine terrace in the Coastal Plain Region of the Em-
bayed Section of the Coastal Plain Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 yrs. BP to present) over
late Sangamon Interglacial marine and estuarine deposits; probably
underlain by Yorktown Formation.
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 yrs. BP
Sangamon interglacial - 75-100,000 yrs. BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr. and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia
and Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk,
Jr. (ed.) 1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia
Press, Charlottesville, VA.
106

27. Master species lists:
BIRDS
(Emphasis of bird lists is on breeding or summering
species; lack of adequate field work during the other
seasons prevented compilation of a complete list.)
KEY
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV - Visitor; year-round, summer or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
J
Wood Duck
PR*
Bobwhite
PR*
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Whip -poor -will
SR* (?)
Common Nighthawk
SR* (?)
Common Flicker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SR*
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Wood Pewee
SR*
Common Crow
PR*
Fish Crow
SV
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
House Wren
SR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Eastern Bluebird
PR* (?)
White -eyed Vireo
SR or PR*
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Worm -eating Warbler
SR*
Black -throated Green Warbler
SR*
Pine Warbler
PR*
Prairie Warbler
SR*
Common Yellowthroat
PR*
Yellow -breasted Chat
SR*
Hooded Warbler
SR*
Red -winged Blackbird
PR*
Brown -headed Cowbird
PR*
Cardinal
PR*
Indigo Bunting
SR*
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
note: no other vertebrate or plant
lists were compiled
for this site.
107

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Mashoes Pocosin
2. County: Dare
3. Location: Centered due west of Manns Harbor; bounded on the
south by US 64, on the west by South Lake, on the
north by East Lake, and on the east by Manns Har-
bor and Croatan Sound. A line connecting the
Wildlife Commission landing on East Lake with Reed
Point on.Croatan Sound completes the boundary.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): Manns Harbor (1974)
East Lake (1975)
East Lake SE (1974)
all 7.5 min.
5. Size: 15,500 acres, measured with a grid calculator
6. Elevation: 0-3 feet above mean sea level
7. Access: Most of the natural area is accessible only by foot
travel across country; the southern edge may be
reached off US 64, and the eastern portion is tra-
versed by SR 1113; access by boat may be gained from
a landing on East Lake, off SR 1113.
8. Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock J. Merrill Lynch
P. 0. Box 6006 Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823
9. Dates of investigation: April 28 and May 9, 1982
10. Priority rating: Low to medium
108

i
F
3b•00'
s
U N
N
Fig. 10. Access information:
MASHOES POCOSIN
study area
DO
109

lla. Prose Description of Natural Area
Along the northern shore of mainland Dare County, above
US 64, is a complexly dissected group of three local penin-
sulas associated with the Croatan and Albemarle Sounds and
the deep embayments of South Lake and East Lake. South Lake
and East Lake are not true lakes, but rather are two forks
of an Alligator River tributary drainage system which has
been embayed (flooded) by sea level rise. The embayed
stream system is of approximately the same length and
drains the same area as the non-embayed Milltail and Whipping
Creeks to the south.
The Mashoes Pocosin natural area, comprising several
vegetation types, occupies much of this dissected shoreline,
including all of the middle peninsula, which lies between
East and South Lakes. The natural area extends east to
Manns Harbor, and to Croatan Sound north of that town
(see map), and is bounded on the south by US 64, on the
west by South Lake, and on the north by East Lake. The ex-
treme northern end of the Dare County mainland, generally
lying north of East Lake, is excluded from the natural area.
The Roanoke Marshes natural area adjoins in a narrow strip
along US 64/264 near the upper end of Spencer Creek.
The Mashoes Pocosin natural area is generally inacces-
sible except by foot or by boat. Portions of the area may
be reached from US 64, and SR 1113 traverses the eastern
side of the site, including the cranberry (Vaccinium macro-
carpon) bog which is the most significant plant community
of the entire natural area (see description below). Access
from these roads is often blocked by deep roadside canals.
A Wildlife Resources Commission boat landing on East Lake
provides access to shoreline portions of the area.
Because of time and access limitations, coupled with the
modest significance of much of the site, no attempt was made
to examine interior portions of the natural area. The entire
delineated area was overflown by fixed -wing aircraft on May 9,
1982, and parts of the community along SR 1113 were examined
on foot on several dates. Description of much of the natural
area'is thus necessarily brief.
In addition, soils of the natural area have not been
mapped in the detail available for most other mainland areas
of the county. Soils on the site are probably complex, since
considerable soils diversity is evident on adjacent mapped
sites and generally throughout the northern end of Dare
County (Barnes, 1981). Peat deposit maps of the county
110

(Ingram and Otte, 1982) indicate that a large area of deep
peat is centered in the natural area due west of Manns
Harbor. This peat is 8 feet thick near the US 64/264
junction, and thins to 0-2 feet near the northeast prong
of South Lake, about five miles to the west in the west -
central portion of the Mashoes Pocosin. Peat 3-6 feet
thick also crosses SR 1113 and extends beyond to Croatan
Sound. Thus the Mashoes natural area is generally under-
lain by peat 1.5 feet deep or deeper, and most of the soils
would be classed as Histosols. The western end of the
natural area may in placesbe underlain by poorly drained
mineral soils.
Several plant communities occur within the natural
area. These include swamp forest, Atlantic white cedar
(Chamaecyparis thyoides) stands, two or more pocosin types,
and some minor areas of marsh.
The most outstanding feature of the Mashoes natural area
is the small cranberry bog (120 acres) along the east side of
SR 1113 about 1.5-1.8 miles northwest from its junction with
US 64/264. This bog was examined on the ground during 1982
fieldworka and has been visited by many biologists during
years past. The community is correlated with a band of deep
peats, reaching 3-5 feet in depth according to the peat de-
posit exploration conducted by Ingram and Otte (1982).
This community is a small example of the vegetation type
termed low pocosin by Otte (1981; Otte's pocosin classification
is presented in summary form in Table 2). Located essentially
at or near the periphery of the natural area, the bog is part
of a larger area of pocosin vegetation to the south and south-
west which is predominantly Otte's pond pine (Pinus serotina)
forest. The entire cranberry bog portion - so named because
cranberry occurs commonly on the site - is extremely wet
throughout, with much surface water present. Cranberry, an
Endangered Peripheral plant in North Carolina (Cooper, et al.,
1977), grows here in close association with partially floating
sphagnum mats around small open pools of shallow water. A
number of shrub species occur, but shrub layer cover is sparse
and shrubs tend to be clumped. The dominant low shrub (2-3
ft. tall) in open areas is leatherleaf (Cassandra calyculata);
additional low shrubs are fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) and
sheepkill (Kalmia angustifolia). Virginia chain fern (Wood-
wardia virginica) is abundant in openings, and sundews (Drosera
sp.) and yellow pitcherplants (Sarracenia flava) also occur.
Taller shrubs (4-8 ft.) are bitter gallberry (Ilex lira),
red bay (Persea borbonia) and sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana).
Red maple (Acer rubrum) saplings are common. Scattered stunted
pond pines about 15 ft. tall are present, not forming a true
ill

canopy. Catbrier (Smilax laurifolia) is entwined through
every shrub clump. The community type is Mixed tall shrubs/
Cassandra calyculata-Woodwardia virginica/Vaccinium macro-
carpon-Sphagnum (Mixed tall shrubs/Leatherleaf-Virginia
chain fern/Cranberry-sphagnum; CT 1).
The surface consistency is very soft and wet - a semi -
floating mat of cranberry, Sphagnum and the roots of other
species such as leatherleaf. The hummocky microtopography
around the bases of pines and taller shrubs provides slightly
better -drained sites for the shrubs not adapted to the extreme
wetness of most of the community.
The Mashoes cranberry bog community is much more limited
in extent than the 264 Low Pocosin cranberry habitat (pp. 69 ),
and also differs from that site in its taller, more closed
shrub layer, and in the common presence of red maple. Both
these latter differences are attributed to less frequent fire
in the Mashoes natural area, and possibly to drying conditions
in the bog. The cranberry bog at Mashoes appears to be shifting
toward a more shrub -dominated condition.- Cranberry may disappear
from the site as shrub dominance increases, closing out the open-
ings which cranberry needs. The Mashoes cranberry bog is con-
sidered distinctly secondary in quality to the 264 Low Pocosin,
in both extent and ecological integrity.
Aerial survey and examination of aerial photography in-
dicate that the Mashoes cranberry bog community extends west
across SR 1113, and also may occur in the natural area interior
due west of Manns Harbor. The presence of cranberry is not veri-
fied in these locations, and no acreage estimate is attempted.
The extremely wet, deep peat conditions of the cranberry
bog (low pocosin) are supplanted by gradually shallower peats
in the adjacent and larger natural area interior, south and
southwest of the cranberry bog. In this contiguous area,
where the water table does not continually isolate plant root
systems from underlying and relatively nutrient -rich mineral
soil, low pocosin gives way to Otte's pond pine forest pocosin
type (11,880 acres). This community was surveyed only by air.
The cover type is pond pine, about 30-40 ft. tall, with a dense
layer of predominantly evergreen shrubs beneath. The plant
community here is not outstanding in quality. Presumably
logging has been conducted in this portion of the natural area.
Most of the site appears to be free of ditches, with the ex-
ception of a limited but distinct canal system on the east side,
which is unmaintained.
The pond pine forest pocosin type is the largest single
community in the Mashoes natural area. The canopy gains height
fairly gradually as peats thin out to the west. In the vicinity
112

of South Lake the pond pine forest grades rather quickly
into swamp forest (3500 acres). The swamp forest community
is composed of red maple, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp
black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), Atlantic white
cedar and some bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), all over
evergreen shrub species. Much shallow standing surface water
is present. The swamp forests are associated with a more
nutrient -rich substrate than the interior pocosins --either
mineral soils or peat soils into which sediments have been
transported by flooding from South Lake. The comparative
quality of the swamp forest community has not been determined.
It is very limited in extent relative to swamp forests in the
southern part of the county, and does not exhibit an equivalent
development of large individual trees. Further examination
should be conducted in the field in order to assess fully the
natural values of this swamp forest example.
Finally, two minor communities are noted. In the interior
of the Mashoes natural area are three monospecific stands of
Atlantic white cedar, and along the fringes of the natural
area are small amounts of brackish marsh. Both these commun-
ities are represented elsewhere in the Dare County mainland by
much more extensive and less disturbed examples, but both types
add to the diversity of the Mashoes natural area.
WILDLIFE
Additional field time is needed to compile a comprehensive
breeding bird list, and in general much remains to be learned
about wildlife values of the natural area. The presence of the
Roanoke Marshes natural area to the south enhances the capacity
for movement by animals into and out of the Mashoes natural area,
although the two sites join only narrowly in the vicinity of
Manns Harbor. Bob Noffsinger. (pers. comm., 1982) reports ob-
serving from the air numerous game trails in the Mashoes natural
area.
Black bears use the site to some extent, and the area as a
whole is one of the more inaccessible tracts on the mainland,
thus having value as an area of refuge for the species. The
natural area potentially could become semi -isolated from large
expanses of bear habitat further south, as a result of agri-
cultural development which is concentrated just south of the
area. In such an event the direct connection with the Roanoke
Marshes area would take on additional importance.
113

llb. Prose Description of Site Significance:
The significance of the Mashoes natural area as a whole
is in its extent, remoteness, absence of intensive artificial
drainage, and in its position in the Dare County mainland.
The natural area occupies a key position between Durant Island
and the Roanoke Marshes area; together these three form an un-
interrupted 30,000-acre band of pocosin and marsh dominated
wetlands around the northern and upper eastern perimeter of
the Dare peninsula. The series of three tracts also is ef- -
fectively linked to the natural areas along the Dare/Hyde
County line, by a block of uncleared land in the vicinity
of Dead End Road, north of Stumpy Point.
The wildlife values of the natural area may be generally
high (Noffsinger, pers. comm., 1982), but further survey work
is needed. Although its comparative habitat value is not
known, the Mashoes natural area is a large component of the
overall black bear habitat of the county, and is easily ac-
cessible to bears as an area of refuge. The swamp forest
portions may serve as an excellent denning locale.
Plant communities are not exemplary. The low pocosin
tract near Mashoes (CT 1), on the eastern edge of the natural
area, supports a healthy population of the endangered peri-
pheral cranberry, but larger populations in more extensive
and better -developed examples of a similar vegetation type
are located in the 264 Low Pocosin to the south.
114

N
N
Ln
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
Legend
High quality wetland
CT 1
Mixed tall shrubs Cassandra calyculata-
A secon ary example of low
plant community
Woodwardia virginica/Vaccinium macro-
pocosin vegetation associated
carpon-Sphagnum (Cranberry bog)
with very deep peats. This
example is of interest pri-
approximate areal extent of CT 1
marl y as a site on which
cranberry (Vaccinium macro-
carpon) is tound. It does no
equal the 264 Low Pocosin in
extent or ecological integrity,
and does not exhibit the ex-
reme wetness ot the
natural area.
Endangered species
1
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Listed as an endangered peri-
pheral in Cooper, et a1.,
(1977); here habitat is
limited but population appears
healthy, except for the pre-
sence of an invasive growth
of red maples which may shade
the cranberry excessively if
not killed by fire.
Special concern species
nearly through-
Black bear
Listed as special concern in
Cooper, et al., (1977); popu-
lation level unknown; natural
area is the most extensive
tract of suitable habitat north
of US 64 which is directly con
nected to bear habitat further
south in Dare County.

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Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private 100 %
Public %
Unknown %
14. Number of Owners: 2 or more
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information),
First Colony Farms, Inc.
Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27928
Ownership of small remaining acreage in vicinity of SR 1113 undetermined.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
Hobart Truesdell, II, President
First Colony Farms
Route 1, Box 201
Creswell, NC 27928
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?);
Unknown.

18. Uses of natural area:
Very little intensive use of the Mashoes natural area now
occurs. A limited drainage canal system is located near SR 1113,
but is not actively maintained. Timber cutting has been a his-
torical use of the site, but no logging is occurring at present.
Two public roads, US 64 and SR 1113 skirt the area, but no roads
extend into the interior. A county landfill is located along
US 64 off the southern boundary of the tract. Some hunting
occurs on ,the periphery of the natural area.
19, Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 60 % c. high -intensity forestry %
b. Agricultural land 30 % d. developed 10 %
20. Preservation Status:
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
6
100
Private land, not protected by owner.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Some development activities are regulated by the US Army Corps of
Engineers "Section 404" dredge and fill permit process.
118

22. Threats:
No intensive threats are known. Due to a combination
of factors, including regulation of wetlands development and
an absence of resources which may be economically developed
(even with federal assistance), the contemporary development
activities in other parts of mainland Dare have not been ex-
tended to the Mashoes natural area.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
No management is needed except some vegetation control,
through burning, in the cranberry bog. Acquisition of the
area, through donation to a wetlands trust such as the North
Carolina Coastal Federation, is desirable.
0
119

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 1
Community type: mixed tall shrubs/Cassandra calyculata-Woodwardia
virginica/Vaccinium macrocarpon-Sphagnum
Community cover type: mixed tall shrubs
General habitat feature: Low pocosin
Average canopy height: n/a
Estimated age of canopy trees: n/a
Canopy cover: sparse
Estimated size of community: 120 acres
Successional stage: climax (but possibly shifting to greater
dominance by shrubs, due to lack of fire
and/or drying conditions)
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Pinus serotina
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Acer rubrum, Persea borbonia, Magnolia virginiana, Kalmia
angustifolia, Ilex glabra, Lyonia lucida
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Sarracenia flava, Drosera sp.
120

24d. Topography Summary:
Landform: marine terrace (dissected by embayment of local
stream systems)
Shelter: open to partly sheltered
Aspect: n/a (flat)
Slope Angle: nearly level
Profile: flat
Surface patterns: unknown
Position: n/a
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Young to near -mature second -growth communities -(climax
An low pocosin), mostly on recent peats, underlain by Pleistocene
marine sediments; draining into the Alligator River and Croatan
Sound; on the Pamlico surface in the Outer Coastal Plain Region
of the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 yrs. BP to present) over
late Sangamon Interglacial marine and estuarine deposits; probably
underlain by Yorktown Formation.
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 yrs. BP
Sangamon interglacial - 75-100,000 yrs. BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr. and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk, Jr.
(ed.) 1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia
Press, Charlottesville, VA.
122

0
'24b. Soil Summary (entire natural area)
Soil series: unknown
Soil classification: mostly Histosols
Soil association: unknown
pH class: extremely acid
Source of information: -
other notes: Barnes (1981) indicates large areas of the
Pungo series, classified as dysic, thermic
Typic Medisaprists.
24c. Hydrology Summery (entire natural area)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh (small areas of marsh are mixohaline)
Water regime: Saturated and temporarily flooded
Drainage class: very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Alligator River via East and South Lakes, and
directly into Croatan Sound
Hydrology characterization: A fresh to brackish, very poorly
drained, saturated and temporarily
flooded interaqueous palustrine wet-
land system, including pocosin, swamp
forest and minor'areas of marsh.
121

26. Suauaary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Black bear
Species legal status and authority: listed as of Special Concern in
North Carolina by Cooper, et al. (1977)
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: unknown
Size or Maturity of individuals: unknown
Phenology of population: not applicable
Eg: vegetative %
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: unknown; future of population may
depend in part upon the maintenance of contiguous habitat or cover,
in Roanoke Marshes natural area.
Disturbance or threats to population: There is no open season on
black bear in Dare County; amount of illegal hunting is unknown.
Some depredatory bears may be legally killed.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: throughout
Topography: n/a
Soil Series: n/a
Microclimate: n/a
Drainage basin: n/a
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED MAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
123

26. S=nary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Vaccinium macrocarpon (ERICACEAE)
Species legal status and authority: listed as an Endangered Peripheral
in Cooper, et al. (1977)
Number of populations on site: one
Number of individuals per population: unknown
Size or Maturity of individuals: mature
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative % 100
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: good
Disturbance or threats to population: shrub and tree (red maple)
growth threatens to shade the site excessively
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT 1
Topography: flat; with shrub hummocks and open pools
Soil Series: unknown (Pungo?)
Microclimate: undetermined
Drainage basin: Croatan Sound
Other plants and animal species present: See Master Species Lists.
AERIAL OR DETAILED :ZAPS WITH POPULATIONS CLEARLY MARKED.
124

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
CT 1 only
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex glabra
ASTERACEAE
Baccharis halimifolia
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
CCEERACEAE
Cladium jamaicense
DROSERACEAE
Drosera sp.
ERICACEAE
Cassandra calyculata
Kal.mla angustifolia
Lyonia lucida
Vaccinium macrocarpon
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
Note: lists of plants from other parts of the natural area
were not recorded; no animal lists were recorded.
125

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
(To be prepared for each site)
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Durant Island
2. County: Dare
3. Location: At the mouth of the Alligator River, and bounded by
the river, by Albemarle Sound and by East Lake.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): East Lake (1975) and Mann's Harbor
(1974), both 7.5 min.
5. Size: 4000 acres, measured with a grid calculator
6. Elevation: 0-12 feet above mean sea level
7. Access: By boat only; best public landing for access to island
is on East Lake off SR 1113
8.� Names of investigators: S. Lance Peacock
P. 0. Box 6006
Raleigh, NC 27628
9. Date(s) of investigation: May 9, 1982
10. Priority rating: Low
J. Merrill Lynch
Route 2, Box 222-B
Enfield, NC 27823
126

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Fig. 12. Access information:
DURANT ISLAND
study area
127

lla. Prose Description of Site:
Durant Island is off the extreme northern end of the Dare
County mainland lying at the juncture of the Alligator River
and Albemarle Sound. It measures 4.7 miles by 2.5 miles and
is 4000 acres in size. The island (or at first a peninsula)
formed in conjunction with the formation of East Lake and
South Lake when geologically recent (Holocene) sea level rise
embayed a small tributary system to the Alligator River. Sub-
sequent erosion may have completed the isolation of Durant
Island from the mainland in the vicinity of Haulover Point,
where a channel only 100 yards wide separates the mainland
(see map).
The southwest and northwest facing shorelines of Durant
Island are exposed to wide reaches of open water: the former
diagonally across the Alligator River and the latter diagonal-
ly across Albemarle Sound. These two shorelines have the
straight or gently arcuate shape seen in exposed shores formed
and eroded by waves driven over long fetches of open water.
Erosion is probably ongoing along these two shorelines (Allen,
et al., 1979). Continuing sea level rise will also expand the
East Lake embayment and contribute further to reducing the size
of the island. Thus Durant Island is a product of relatively
recent (15,000 years BP) changes in sea level, with accompanying
erosion. The island cannot be considered a stable feature. Its
extent will certainly be reduced, on a human rather than geologic
time scale, and it may eventually disappear completely, as for
example the smaller Batts Island in upper Albemarle Sound did
between the 1600's and the mid 1950's (Bellis,et gga., 1975).
Durant Island is accessible only by boat. Several landings
on the mainland provide nearby points from which to begin a boat
trip to the island. Perhaps the most suitable is a Wildlife
Resources Commission landing along East Lake. Two hunting
cabins are maintained on the island, but hunting pressure is
light. There are no roads on the island; some minor ditching
has been done in the marshes at the east end. The timbering
history of Durant Island is unknown; probably cypress has been
removed occasionally.
Soils of Durant Island have not been mapped. The origin
of the island as a recently cut-off section of the Dare main-
land indicates the likelihood that island soils are similar
to those of the adjacent mainland. In light of the variability
of peat deposits on the mainland, however, no extrapolation of
mainland conditions to the island is justified. Presumably
any peats which underlie Durant Island were formed primarily
under swamp forest and pocosin or shrub -bog vegetation, the
128

two types which probably occupied the entire area of the future
island during much of the pre-embayment period of peat formation.
Swamp forest is still a principal vegetation type of Durant
Island, and vestiges -of pocosin remain. With rising sea level,
however, the lowest portions of the island have developed a
marsh vegetation (currently freshwater to brackish), which
probably replaced a prior phase of woody vegetation. Defini-
tive data supporting this scenario would require exploratory
borings to ascertain whether peats are present, and if so,
under what conditions of vegetation the deposits were formed.
A fourth vegetation type on Durant Island is maritime forest,
which occupies three small dune areas immediately along the,
northwest shore'. These dunes are the only areas of mineral
soil known on the island.
The four vegetation -types of Durant Island, in the order
mentioned above, are briefly characterized in the following
discussion, which is based principally on an "Ecological In-
ventory" report by Allen et al. (1979), with additional inter-
pretation based on our aerial reconnaissance in May, 1982, and
on examination of recent aerial photography (EPA, 1981). Time
constraints and the modest significance of the site have pre-
vented us from conducting any on -the -ground field work on
Durant Island.
Swamp forest (1300 acres) occupies the western end of
Durant Island. This community is similar in aspect and species
composition to swamp forests of mainland Dare County. Cypress
(Taxodium distichum) and swamp black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var.
biflora) dominate the canopy. Allen et al. (1979) report that
the swamp forest of Durant Island tends to be more open and
wetter than mainland stands. Our observations confirm these
statements; we also observed that the swamp forest canopy on
the island is generally much lower in height. Whether this
results from logging or environmental conditions is unknown.
We also observed two very limited stands of larger cypress
trees which had the appearance of "cypress domes," well ele-
vated above the surrounding canopy. These may be an artificial
result of cutting history on the site, but stature of the canopy
trees appears to increase overall toward the island's interior,
indicating some environmental control may be involved. Much
dead timber, probably cypress, is visible from the air. This
possibly results from catastrophic saltwater intrusion during
a major storm. Allen et al. also noted shallow ponds through-
out the swamp forest, with which are commonly associated aquatic
plants such as duck -potato (Sagittaria sp.), green arum (Peltandra
sp.) and pennywort (Hydrocotyle sp.).
129

Pocosin vegetation occurs in two very small patches
(200 acres total) on the island. Pond pine (Pinus serotina)
and semi -evergreen shrubs (various spp.) comprise this vege-
tation. It does not differ significantly from mainland poco-
sin vegetation of the high pocosin type, in Otte's sense
(1981; also see Table 2, this report).
Freshwater marsh (2300 acres) covers the eastern half
of the island, as well as extensive portions of the western
half. The microtopography of the marsh is variable,'and the
herbaceous vegetation responds noticeably to slight changes
in relief (1 foot or less). Allen et al. observed sedge
zones (Carex spp.) in areas of intermediate relative wetness.
To the drier end of the gradient, on elevated hummocks which
are frequent in the marsh, they found species such as blue
flag (Iris virginica), seashore mallow (Kosteletskya virgin-
ica) and water pimpernel (Samolus parviflorus). wax myrtle
(Myrica cerifera) occurs on the largest, highest hummocks.
To the wet end of the moisture gradient, characteristic
aquatic species such as duck -potato, green arum and bladder -
wort (Utricularia inflata var. minor) are found in association
with shallow open pools and marsh creeks. The community type
given provisionally is Mixed marsh graminoids and herbs (CT 1);
a more exacting description is not possible without additional
data on the identity of dominant species. From aerial recon-
naissance we believe considerable sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense)
is also present in parts of the marsh.
The fourth vegetation type, maritime forest, occupies only
200 acres, but is unusual on the mainland of the county. The
small dunes on which this vegetation association is located
are about 10 feet in elevation, and drop off quickly on the
inland side, where marsh or pocosin vegetation replace the
maritime forest. Live oaks (Quercus virginiana), loblolly
pine (Pinus taeda) and red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
characterize the maritime forest (Allen, et al., 1979).
The origin of the small dunes is uncertain. Possibly they
formed recently as a local depositional product of active move-
ment of water -borne sand in the vicinity. Alternatively the dunes
are remnants of a feature unrelated to modern shoreline processes,
now largely eroded away as part of the overall erosional trend
on Durant Island.
Because maritime forest reaches its best development under
the severe salt spray and deep sand conditions associated with
the immediate seacoast, Allen et al. -interpret the maritime
forest of Durant Island as relictual from a period of more
saline conditions in adjacent waters. They suggest such con-
ditions prevailed when now -closed inlet(s) joined Roanoke and
130

Currituck Sounds and the Atlantic Ocean. Godfrey and Godfrey
(1979) show seven such inlets known north of present day
Oregon Inlet, plus prehistoric relict inlets.
Since maritime forest species occur in many situations
not strictly maritime, a more conservative interpretation
would be that elements of the maritime forest community
occur here primarily due to present edaphic conditions,
coupled with exposed estuarine shoreline conditions which
"simulate" conditions in a true maritime forest site. Thus
the vegetation need not be seen as relict. In noting the
historically more saline conditions around Durant Island,
Allen et al. make a valid point that the vegetation of the
island may have shifted in character with shifts in the
salinity of nearby waters. The marsh vegetation in parti-
cular would be subject to rapid changes in response to
salinity.
Several bird species of interest are reported from
Durant Island by Allen et al. Osprey nest here as else-
where along the shores of mainland Dare County. Both King
and Virginia rails were recorded during May, 1979 field-
work, but their breeding status is uncertain. Blue -gray
gnatcatchers were found on the island but not on the
mainland in similar habitats. Unfortunately, no exact
dates or numbers are given by Allen et al. for any of
these species.
The fish fauna is diverse and unusual, resulting from
the juxtaposition of brackish and strictly freshwater
habitats. This dichotomy was particularly evident at
certain locations; for example "Tom Mann Creek, on the
north shore of the island, where a blackwater stream
yielded pickerel and sunfish while the larger creek,
30 meters away, produced silversides, spot and mullet"
(Allen, et al., 1979).
132

llb. Prose Description of Site Significance:
The principal significance of Durant Island is as un-
disturbed wetlands. Of the plant communities on the island,
only the marsh is considered to exhibit important natural
qualities, on the basis -of its extent relative to other
fresh -to -brackish marshes in the county.
The area supports a diverse assemblage of fishes.
As with marshes elsewhere, the primary productivity of
Durant Island is important to the associated aquatic eco-
systems.
Birds of the island are in need of further study,
particularly the marsh -dwelling species. King and Virginia
rails may nest in the marsh, but verification is needed.
Osprey nest in the vicinity of Durant Island.
132

N
w
w
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) - by site
a. Feature
Legend
b. Description of significant feature
c. Comparative assessment
High quality wetland
plant community
CT 1
Mixed marsh graminoids and herbs
Excellent example of a fresh
to brackish marsh; at 2300
approximate areal extent of CT 1
acres one of the most exten-
sive high marshes in Dare
County. This community is
completely different in
species composition and
hydrology from the marsh -like
area in the US 264 Low Pocosin
Acts as a nursery and food
base for both freshwater and
marine fishes.
Marsh bird habitat
CT 1
Fresh to brackish marsh
King and Virginia rails re-
orted bv Allen et al. (1979)
may breed on Durant Island.
In North Carolina the former
is an uncommon nesting species
where suitable fresh marsh
habitat is available; and the
latter is known as a breeding
bird only in Dare County
(Potter et al. 1980).

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N 134

Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private 100 %
Public %
Unknown %
14. Number of Owners: 2
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
other pertinent information),
Mr. Harry McMullen III (3100 acres)
Route 5, Box 394
Washington, NC 27889
unidentified private (remaining acreage)
hunt club
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information).
None known.
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
The McMullen family in 1979 expressed interest in donating their
portion of the island to The Nature Conservancy.
135

18. Uses of natural area:
Durant Island is used for some light hunting, and two cabins
located on the island are maintained by a hunt club. There are
no permanent inhabitants of the island. The waters around Durant
Island are used for sport fishing.
The history of timbering on the island is unknown, but almost
certainly timber cutting has occurred. A very minor amount of
ditching has been conducted along one of the marsh creeks.
Feral pigs, reported by Allen, et al., presumably do not
represent a contemporary use of the island as rangeland.
19, Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 %
b. Agricultural land
20. Preservation Status:
c. high -intensity forestry %
d. developed %
Cat
* %
*Description of preservation status
4
90
Private land, protected by owner
6
10
Private land, not protected by owner
21. Regulatory protections in force:
US Army Corps of Engineers 11404" regulations apply to the marsh, and
probably to the entire island.
13f_

22. Threats:
No large-scale threats to Durant's Island are known.
Wetland filling regulations, topography and isolation
should prevent intensive disruptions of the island.
Minor disturbance of vegetation may occur, but should
not severely damage the site.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation:
The Nature Conservancy should accept a donation of Durant's
Island or a conservation easement. Ultimate ownership should
be with the state Wildlife Resources Commission,a local park
system, or a wetlands trust, for example the North Carolina
Coastal Federation.
137

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT 1
Community type: Mixed marsh graminoids and herbs
Community cover type: Mixed marsh graminoids and herbs
General habitat feature: Freshwater marsh
Average canopy height: n/a
Estimated age of canopy trees: n/a
Canopy cover: n/a
Estimated size of community: 2300 acres
Successional stage: Climax; probably maintained to some extent by
fire as well as hydric conditions (Allen et al.,
1979). — —
Common canopy species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
n/a
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Myrica cerifera
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant):
Iris virginica, Kosteletskya virginica, Samolus parviflorus,
Peltandra sp., Sagittaria sp., Hydrocotyle sp., Typha
latifolia
Vines: Clematis crispa
138

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT 1
Soil series: unknown
Soil classification: unknown
Soil association: unknown
pH class: unknown
Source of information:
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT 1
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
•
Water chemistry: Fresh to slightly brackish
Water regime: Seasonally flooded
Drainage class: very poorly drained
Drainage basin: n/a
Hydrology characterization: A fresh (to slightly brackish) very
poorly drained interaqueous palustrine
wetland system.
139

24d. Topography Summary: CT 1
Landform: Freshwater marsh
Shelter: Open
Aspect: Not applicable (flat)
Slope Angle: Nearly level
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Hummocks and local depressions (Allen et al. 1979).
Position: not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Climax and seral communities on peats and isolated sand dunes,
underlain by Pleistocene marine sediments, on an island at the mouth
of the Alligator River, on the Pamlico marine terrace in the Outer
Coastal Plain Region of the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain
Province.
Geological Formation:
Recent peats (approximately 8,000 years BP to present) over
late Sangamon Interglacial Marine and estuarine deposits; probably
underlain by Yorktown Formation.
•
Geological Formation age:
peats - 8,000 years BP
Sangamon interglacial - 75 - 100,000 years BP
References Cited:
Robert Q. Oaks, Jr., and Donald R. Whitehead.1979. Geologic
Setting and Origin of the Dismal Swamp, Southeastern Virginia and
Northeastern North Carolina. pp. 1-24 In: Paul W. Kirk, Jr. (ed.)
1979. The Great Dismal Swamp. University of Virginia Press,
Charlottesville, VA.,
140

27. Master Species List:
For lists of vascular plants, insects and vertebrate groups,
see Cynthia Allen et al. 1979. Ecological Inventory for Milltail-
Whipping Creek Natural Area and Durant Island, Dare County. Un-
published report for the N. C. Natural Heritage Program. 53 pp.
r,
141

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Allen, C., M. Corcoran, L. McDade, J. Travis and D. Wheeler.
1979. Ecological Inventory for Milltail Creek -Whipping
Creek Natural Area and Durant Island, Dare County. N.C.
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report. 53 pp.
Ashe, W. W. 1894. The Forests, Forest Lands, and Forest
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Ashe, W. W., and G. Pinchot. 1897. Timber Trees and Forests
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Barnes, J. S. 1981. Soils Map of First Colony Farms Lands,
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Barnes, J. S. 1982. First Colony Farms agronomist, Creswell.,
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Bellis, V., M. P. O'Connor and S. R. Riggs. 1975. Estuarine
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Biswell, H. H., and J. E. Foster. 1942. Forest Grazing and
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Biswell, H. H.,,R. W. Collins, J. E. Foster and T. S. Boggess,
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142

Christensen, N. L., R. Burchell, A. Liggett and E. Simms.
1981. The Structure and Development of Pocosin Vege-
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Wetlands. Hutchinson Ross Publ. Co., Stroudsburg, PA.
364 pp.
Cooper, J. E., S. S. Robinson and J. B. Funderburg (eds.).
1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals
of North Carolina. N.C. State Museum of Natural History,
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Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet and E. T. LaRue. 1979.
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the
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Washington, D.C. 103 pp.
Daniel, C., III. 1981. Hydrology, Geology and Soils of Poco-
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Hutchinson Ross Publ. Co., Stroudsburg, PA. 364 pp.
Environmental Protection Agency. 1982. Land Cover Inventory:
Albemarle/Pamlico Peninsula. Vol. 2. Infrared aerial
photography.
ETCO. 1980. First Colony Farms Peat to Methanol Project.
Unpublished report to Synthetic Fuels Corporation.
Florschutz, Otto, Jr. 1982. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
East Coast Biologist, Washington, N.C. Pers. communi-
cation.
Fowells, H. G. 1968. Silvics of Forest Trees of the United
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Godfrey, P. J., and M. M. Godfrey. 1976. Barrier Island
Ecology of Cape Lookout National Seashore and Vicinity,
North Carolina. NPS Scientific Monograph Series, #9.
Washington, D.C. 160 pp.
Hamilton, R. J., and R. L. Marchinton. 1980. Denning and
Related Activities of Black Bears in the Coastal Plain
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K. L. McArthur, (eds.). Bears -their Biology and Manage-
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143

Hughes, R. H. 1957. Response of Cane to Burning in the North
Carolina Coastal Plain. N.C. Ag. Exp. Station Bull. #402.
24 pp.
Hughes, R. H. 1966. Fire Ecology of Canebrakes. Tall Timbers
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Hughes, R. H., E. U. Dillard and J. B. Hilmon. 1960. Vegetation
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144

Otte, L. J. 1982. Geology Department, East Carolina University,
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145

GLOSSARY
(from Bellis et al., 1975)
Area of Environmental Concern -(AEC) Especially fragile or ecolo-
gically unique areas of the North Carolina Coast where development
should occur only if it is in harmony with natural processes.. Areas
of the coast where the public welfare might be endangered by unwise
manipulation of the environment.
BP - Before present.
canopy - A layer of leaves and branches formed by the interlocking
mosaic of tree tops in a forest.
Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 - An act passed by the North
Carolina legislature in 1974 intended to promote wise development
of North Carolina'a coastal resources. Among other provisions
this act calls for the designation of certain especially sensi-
tive areas as 'Areas of Environmental Concern.'
cypress fringe - A straight or curved line of cypress running paral-
lel to the shoreline. Older cypress fringe has its trees standing
in water while young cypress fringe occupies sandy beaches in front
of eroding sand or clay banks.
dbh•- Diameter at breast height (diameter of tree in inches measured
at a point 4.5 feet above the ground).
ecological succession - Process by which one community of living
organisms is gradually replaced by another. Usually each succes-
sive community is more stable than the last, thus leading toward
a final community especially well suited to the particular environ-
mental conditions existing at that location.
flood plain - Lowlands adjacent to a river or stream which become
inundated during periods of high flow. Flood plains are a natural
component of the river system and function as overflow storage areas.
msl - Mean sea level.
Pamlico Terrace - A low, flat, featureless, topographic surface
extending over the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern U.S. at
elevations less than 20 feet above sea level. It is considered
the relict sea floor of the Sangamon Interglacial.
Pamlimarle Peninsula - The peninsula bounded on the north by Albe-
marle Sound and on the south by the Pamlico River. Includes all of
Washington, Beaufort, and mainland portions of Dare and Hyde Counties.
146

CEIP Publications
1. Hauser, E. W., P. D. Cribbins, P. D. Tschetter, and R. D. Latta.
Coastal Energy Transportation Needs to Support Major Energy Projects
in North Carolina's Coastal Zone. CEIP Report #1. September 1981. $10.
2. P. D. Cribbins. A Study of OCS Onshore Support Bases and Coal Export
Terminals. CEIP Report #2. September 1981. $10.
3. Tschetter, P. D., 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.
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.
5. Brower, David, W. D. McElyea, D. R. Godschalk, and N. D. Lofaro.
Outer Continental Shelf Development and the North Carolina Coast:
A Guide for Local Planners. CEIP Report #5. August 1981. $10.
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.
7. Richardson, C. J. (editor). Pocosin Wetlands: an Integrated Analysis
of Coastal Plain Freshwater Bogs in North Carolina. Stroudsburg (Pa):
Hutchinson Ross. 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. It replaces the N. C.
Peat Sourcebook in this publication list.)
8. McDonald, C. B. and A. M. Ash.. Natural Areas Inventory of Tyrrell
County, N. C. CEIP Report #8. October 1981. $10.
9. Fussell, J., and E. J. Wilson. Natural Areas Inventory of Carteret
County, N. C. CEIP Report #9. October 1981. $10.
10. Nyfong, T. D. Natural Areas Inventory of Brunswick County, N. C.
CEIP Report.# 10. October 1981. $10.
11. Leonard, S. W., and R. J. Davis. Natural Areas Inventory for•Pender
County, N. C. _CEIP Report #11. October 1981. $10.
12. Cribbins, Paul D., and Latta, R. Daniel. Coastal Energy Transporta-
tion Study: "Alternative Technologies for Transporting and Handling
Export Coal. CEIP Report '#12. January 1982. $10.
13. Creveling, Kenneth. Beach Communities and Oi1.Spills: Environmental
and Economic Consequences for Brunswick County, N. C. CEIP Report
#13. May, 1982. $10.

peat - Accumulations of slowly decomposing plant remains.
Peat is formed in swamps and marshes. Erosion of peat soils
releases suspended organic matter into coastal waters as well
as certain 'humic acids' which give water a tea colored stain.
Pleistocene Epoch - That period of earth history which saw the
advance and retreat of the four great Ice Ages. It is generally
considered to have begun between l and 2 million years ago and
to have continued up until about 18,000 years ago.
relict beach ridge - Throughout the Southeastern U.S. ancient
shorelines are detected at various elevations inland from the
coast. These shorelines are often manifested as continuous
ridges and are considered a product of higher stands of the
sea during the Pleistocene Ice Ages.
Sangamon Interglacial - A period of deglaciation (no continental
ice sheets) during the Pleistocene Epoch between the Illinoian
and Wisconsin Ice Ages. This period is generally considered
to have taken place about 80-100,000 years ago.
sp and spp - Species (singular and plural).
Suffolk Scarp - A topographic ridge rising from 20 to 40 feet above
sea level which runs parallel to the coast throughout North Carolina.
It is considered an ancient shoreline formed during the Pleistocene
Epoch.
swamp forest - Type of forest characterized by seasonal flooding
and water saturated organic soils. Water tupelo, swamp black gum
and bald cypress are dominant tree species.
Talbot (Chowan) Terrace - A rather flat but stream -dissected sur-
face lying at an average elevation of 40-45 feet throughout South-
eastern United States. It is considered to have been a sea floor
during the Pleistocene Epoch. In North Carolina it lies west of
the topographic ridge known as the Suffolk Scarp.
Yorktown Formation - An ancient deposit of clay and clayey sand
which typically contains abundant marine fossils including clams,
snails, whale vertebrae, and shark teeth. It occurs extensively
over eastern North Carolina and is generally considered a deposi-
tional product of the Miocene Epoch which took place 15-20 million
years ago.
147

CEIP Publications
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 1982. $10.
15. Fussell, J., C. B. McDonald, and A. M. Ash. Natural Areas Inventory
of Craven County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #15. October 1982.
$10.
16. Frost, Cecil C. Natural Areas Inventory of Gates County, North
Carolina. CEIP Report #16. April 1982. $10.
17. Stone, John R., Michael T. Stanley, and Paul T. Tschetter. Coastal
Energy Transportation Study, Phase III, Volume 3: Impacts of Increased
Rail Traffic on Communities in Eastern North Carolina. CEIP Report #17.
August 1982. $10.
19. Pate, Preston P., and Jones, Robert. Effects of Upland Drainage on
Estuarine Nursery Areas of Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. CEIP
Report #19. December 1981. $1.00.
25. Wang Engineering Co., Inc. Analysis of the Impact of Coal Trains
Moving Through Morehead City, North Carolina. CEIP Report #25.
October 1982. $10.
26. Anderson & Associates, Inc. Coal Train Movements Through the City of
Wilmington, North Carolina. CEIP Report #26. October 1982. $10.
27. Peacock, S. Lance and J. Merrill Lynch. Natural Areas Inventory of
Mainland Dare County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #27. November 1982.
$10.
28. Lynch, J. Merrill and S. Lance Peacock. Natural Areas Inventory of
Hyde County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #28. October 1982. $10..
29. Peacock, S. Lance and J. Merrill Lynch. Natural Areas Inventory of
Pamlico County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #29. November 1982. $10.
30. Lynch, J. Merrill and S, Lance Peacock. Natural Areas Inventory of
Washington County, North Carolina. CEIP Report #30. October 1982.
$10.
31. Muga, Bruce J. Review and Evaluation of Oil Spill Models for Applica-
tion to North Carolina Waters. CEIP Report #31. August 1982. $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.
34. Roberts and Eichler Associates, Inc. Area Development Plan for Radio
Island. CEIP Report #34. June 1983. $10.
35. Cribbins, Paul D. Coastal Energy Transportation Study, Phase III,
Volume 4: The Potential for Wide -Beam, Shallow -Draft Ships to Serve
Coal and Other Bulk Commodity Terminals along the Cape Fear River.
CEIP Report #35. August 1982. $10.

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5 ..

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY OF MAINLAND DARE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BY
S. Lance Peacockl
J. Merrill Lynch
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 Coastal
Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration. This CEIP grant was part of NOAA NA-80-AA-D-CZ149
The natural area inventory was supervised by the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Division of Parks
and Recreation, N.C. Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development).
November 1982
CEIP Report No. 27
P. O. Box 6006 2Route 2, Box 222-B
Raleigh, NC 27628 Enfield, NC 27823

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