Natural Areas Inventory-1982

Natural Areas Inventory
of
Gates County, North Carolina
Cecil C. Frost
Department of Botany
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
APRIL 1982
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Division of Coastal Management
CEIP REPORT NO.16

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i
NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY
GATES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BY
Cecil C. Frost
Department of Botany 1
University of North Carolina
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 Administration. This CEIP
grant was part of NOAA grant.
This natural areas inventory was prepared for and supervised by the
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Division of Parks and Recrea-
tion, N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development).
April-1982
CEIP Report No. 16
1Chapel Hill, NC 27514

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 Gates County inventory was conducted in 1981 and was financed
by a Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) grant. CEIP funded the Gates
County survey because of the potential environmental impacts of energy -
related development.
The recommendations made in this report are by Cecil C. Frost. His
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 seven outstanding 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 Service, Wildlife
Resources Commission, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and
Environmental Protection 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.
Cecil Frost is an experienced field biologist, with initmate
familiarity with Gates County. The former ranger -naturalist for
Merchants Millpond State Park is a candidate for a doctorate in botany
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The investigator
was exceptionally well qualified to identify, describe, and evaluate the
most outstanding natural areas of Gates County.
The project investigator was instructed to identify those natural
areas that contain highly unique, endangered, or rare natural features, or
highest quality representations of relatively undisturbed natural
habitats. The investigator was instructed to include the portion of the
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Gates County in his survey report
because the state's scientific community is generally unfamiliar with the
ecological resources of the refuge.
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 high -quality natural areas that
possess natural elements of statewide priority and are important parts of
North Carolina's natural diversity. The Natural Heritage Program hopes
that these areas will be protected for the benefit of present and future
generations of North Carolinians and for the preservation of the state's
truly exceptional natural heritage.
Charles E. Roe, Coordinator
N. C. Natural Heritage Program
November 16, 1982

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES .........................................
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .........................................
INTRODUCTION ............................................
NATURAL AREA INVENTORIES
Dismal Swamp Shield Fern Natural Area ..............
Dismal Swamp Mesic Islands Natural Area............
Corapeake Marsh Natural Area .......................
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge ..............
Merchants Mill Pond State Park Natural Area........
Chowan Swamp Natural Area ..........................
Sand Banks Natural Area................... .......
REFERENCES..............................................
GLOSSARY................................................
Page
ii
1
9
27
45
67
90
163
203
227
233

LIST OF TIGURES
Page
1.
Geology of
Gates County Area ............................
2
2.
Access map,
Dismal Swamp Shield Fern Natural Area.......
14
3.
Topography,
Dismal Swamp Shield Fern Natural Area.......
15
4.
Access map,
Dismal Swamp Mesic Islands Natural Area.....
34
5.
Topography,
Dismal Swamp Mesic Islands Natural Area.....
35
6.
Corapeake Marsh .........................................
50
7.
Access map,
Corapeake Marsh Natural Area ................
55
8.
Topography,
Corapeake Marsh Natural Area ................
56
9.
Geologic section
through Dismal Swamp ...................
68
10.
Access map,
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Natural Area
............................................
75
11.
Topography,
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Natural Area
............................................
76
12.
Access map,
Merchants Mill Pond State Park Natural Area.
107
13.
Topography,
Merchants Mill Pond State Park Natural Area.
108
14.
Ecological
Habitats — Chowan Swamp ......................
168
15.
Access map,
Chowan Swamp Natural Area ...................
179
16.
Vegetation
map, Chowan Swamp Natural Area ...............
180
17.
Access map,
Sand Banks Natural Area .....................
211
18.
Topography,
Sand Banks Natural Area..... ..............
212

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The assistance of the following individuals is gratefully acknowledged:
1. Pat Gammon, U. S. Geological Survey and M. K. Garrett, Dismal Swamp
National Wildlife Refuge for color infrared aerial photographs, free
advice, and access to the Dismal Swamp.
2. Dr. Lytton J. Musselman, Biological Sciences Dept, Old Dominion
University, for aerial photos, expert identification of ferns
in the field, access to materials collected by students on projects
in Gates County, and companionship in field explorations.
3. Leo Snead, who prepared the map of vegetation of Chowan Swamp under
supervision of, and with minor assistance from the author.
4. Chuck Roe, Julie Moore, Merrill Lynch and Lance Peacock of the
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, for preparation of a
workable set of inventory specifications, advice and guidance
during the project.

3. Corapeake Marsh Natural Area
4. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Natural Area
5. Merchants Mill Pond State Park Natural Area
6a. Chowan Swamp Natural Area — Forestry Foundation Property
6b. Chowan Swamp Natural Area — State Parks Property (Sarem Creek Tract)
6c.,Chowan Swamp Natural Area — State Parks Property (Capt. Jim Felton's Island)
6d. Chowan Swamp Natural Area — State Parks Property (Barne's Creek Tract)
6e. Chowan Swamp Natural Area — Wildlife Resources Commission Property
7. Sand Banks Natural Area

INTRODUCTION
Gates County, North Carolina is located in the northeastern region
of the state, adjacent to the Virginia state line. The Chowan River forms
its western and southern borders. while the eastern boundary runs
approximately down the center of Dismal Swamp. Most income of this rural
county comes directly from the land, with the majority of the population
of about 8,000 employed in agriculture, logging or related occupations.
Principal agricultural products are soybeans, corn, peanuts and hogs, the
latter becoming a major source of income subsequent to development of
numerous small hog farming operations in the past 20 years.
The principal forest products are pulpwood and sawtimber, primarily
derived from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Most farms have some portion
in woodlands, which produce a crop of,pine that is currently being
harvested at about 35 to 75 years of age. Several timber companies have
large tracts of woodlands in the county, chief of these being Union Camp
Corporation. The company has extensive holdings in the western third of
the county, most of which are intensively managed as loblolly pine
plantations. These woodlands supply pulpwood to the paper mill at
Franklin, Virginia.
The county has been isolated historically from major arteries of
trade, and consequently has experienced little industrialization or
urbanization. The population has changed little since the first US
census in 1790, suggesting -that it is in balance with the natural
resources the land has to offer.
Few in the county would lament this condition. The quality of life
is high in terms of clean air, access to outdoor recreation, such as
fishing, boating and hunting, unspoiled natural beauty and open space.
A major shopping area is 35-40 minutes away in Elizabeth City, and
cultural events are available in Norfolk, little more than an hour's
drive. While per capita income is lower. than some other areas of the
state, relative isolation has meant that the county has escaped the
pollution, crime, overpopulation and high taxes of more urbanized,
industrialized areas. The pace of life appears to be much more relaxed
than in the cities.
GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
Gates County spans three terraces in the Embayed Section of the
Coastal Plain Province of the Atlantic Plain. Its flat to gently rolling
topography has largely been determined by marine and fluvial events
within the past 80,000 years (Fig. 1). No detailed geologic survey of
the county has been done. The geologic information presented here, and
in the following individual sections on each of the natural areas

00
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400
300
200
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2.8 MYA? YRS. AGO IRS. AGO YRS. AGO to present
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CORRELATION WITH INTERGLACIAL SEAS:
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C. C. Frost
Fig. 1. Geology of Gates County in relation to the rest of the
Coastal Plain: simplified surficial stratigraphy and geomorphology
from high -elevation remnants in western Wake County to the coast.
Elevations are for toes of scarps. Vertical exaggeration 60OX
(subsurface formations and lateral distances variable in scale).
Compiled from Oaks and Coch (1963), Oaks and DuBar (1974), Oaks and
Whithead (1979), Daniels et al. (1966, 1971, 1972, 1978). Bellis
et al. (1975), Vail and Hardenbol (1979) and Parker (1979). The
Hazelton Scarp is a local feature, perhaps analogous to the
Walterboro Scarp elsewhere, and identified at present only in
Suffolk, Virginia and Gates County.
surveyed for this report, is a tentative interpretation based upon
the references given in figure 1, field work for this study, the 1929
soil map for Gates County, and the work of Whitehead (1972). This
interpretation relies most heavily upon the detailed work of Oaks and
DuBar (1974)'in adjacent Virginia and the northeastern corner of Gates
County. & conclusive understanding of the geology of the area will
have to.await further comprehensive field studies at some future date.
The county is quite young geologically. The oldest part is repre-
sented by the high, rolling land from Gates and Willeyton north to the
Virginia line. This area comprises a semicircular plateau above the
Hazelton Scarp. Even so, this portion of the Wicomico Terrace has only
been exposed since sometime in the mid to late Pleistocene, about
2

220,000 to 400,000.years ago. The rest of the county is much younger.
The Suffolk Scarp and the older parts of the Talbot Terrace, which
includes most of the upland areas and farmland of the county, are
probably no more than 80,000 years old. The next younger surface includes
the sandy lands around 20 feet elevation in the southern part of the
county near Carter and the sub -peat formations beneath Dismal Swamp,
perhaps 40,000 to 60,000 years in age. The Dismal Swamp peat only
began forming around 8,900 years ago (Oaks and Whitehead 1979). In Chowan
Swamp, peat probably only began forming around 5,000 years ago (see
discussion of geology in section on Chowan Swamp). Sea level appears to
be rising worldwide (Milliman and Emery 1968, Bloom 1978), and the rate
of rise in the Albemarle area suggests that the region of which Gates
County is a part is presently subsiding. Consequently, Chowan Swamp,
which lies approximately at sea level in the southern part of the county,
is undergoing geologic aggradation through deposition of river sediment
and accumulation of peat. This would make it the youngest surface in
the area.
CTTMV STTF.S
The present study was undertaken to inventory the remaining natural
areas, vegetation and wildlife of the county for the use of county
officials, state and federal government, and the public. The study was
carried out from May 1981 to April 1982 and utilized other data collected
by the author during residence in the county from February 1976 to May
1981 as the first ranger at Merchants Mill Pond State Park.
Study sites were selected by travelling all of the roads in the
county and by examination of a complete set of black and white ortho-
photoquad aerial photographs and color imagery from the Landsat satellite.
Detailed study was carried out with NASA color infrared aerial photo-
graphy of Dismal Swamp, Chowan Swamp and Merchants Mill Pond. Low
altitude 35mm color infrared photography by Pat Gammon of the USGS was
also used for Merchants Mill Pond.
Study sites were analyzed according to the specification guidelines
of the North Carolina Natural Heritage•Program, based in part on the method
of Ecosystematics devised by A. E. Radford of the University of North
Carolina. This involves study of each site in terms of seven major
components: Biology, Climatology, Geology, Soils, Hydrology, Topography
and Physiography.
An attempt was made to accumulate all scientific literature in which
work was carried out in Gates County, or was directly.related.to the area.
The majority of the material found involved work only within the past
10 years. These materials are presented in the section on References
Cited.
With the exception of a small area in the Sand Banks, and the uplands
around Merchants Mill Pond, all of Gates County's significant remaining
natural areas are wetlands. Final areas selected for detailed study were:
3

1. A small tract of rare ferns in Dismal Swamp south of US 158.
2. The sandy "islands" north of US 158 in the Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge.
3. The remnant marsh at the mouth of Corapeake Swamp in the Dismal.
4. The rest of the Gates County portion of the Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge.
5. Merchants Mill Pond State Park.
6. The publicly owned lands in Chowan Swamp.
7. The small remnant areas of longleaf pine and turkey oak in the Sand
Banks.
These areas are summarized in detail in the following report.
VEGETATION AND LAND -USE TYPES IN GATES COUNTY
1. UPLAND OAK FORESTS: originally a major type, rare now, with only
scattered small remnants.
2. LONGLEAF PINE (Pinus Palustris) and Longleaf pine/turkey oak/heath:
originally the dominant upland communities of the county, on well -
drained loams as well as deep sand soils. Now gone except for small
remnants in. the Sand Banks owned by the Story and Vaughan families.
3. BEECH SLOPES: once bordered all of the streams wherever high, steep
slopes occurred. Many small remnants, the principal one at Merchants
Mill Pond.
4. UPLAND POCOSINS OR CAROLINA BAYS: (Whiteoak, Black Mingle, Hall
Pocosins) now mostly drained and converted to loblolly pine
plantations.
5. SWAMP FORESTS:
A. ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR: Once occurred in pure stands in Dismal
and Chowan Swamps. All gone now except for scattered trees and
a small stand of about 5 acres owned by Weyerhauser.Corporation
south of US 158. This portion of the Dismal has recently been
extensively ditched and drained, so, once removed by logging or
fire, this stand will not reproduce itself.
B. BALDCYPRESS/BLACK GUM: This was the dominant swamp forest, with
the following major variations: cypress (Taxodium distichum) over
tupelo (Nyssa.aquatica) in areas with permanently standing water,
and cypress over black gum (Nyssa sylvatica biflora) in the
larger, less wet areas. This community has reproduced itself well
in Chowan Swamp and along stream swamps, but it will take _
several centuries to regain its full stature because of the long
4

time required for cypress to reach its full height and mature
form.
C. RED MAPLE and various mixtures of red maple, loblolly pine and
black gum: This is a disturbance community resulting from
wetland drainage attempts. Now the dominant forest type of the
Dismal.
6. FRESHWATER MARSH: A naturally rare community, found only at the
mouths of Sarem and Bennett's Creeks and at.the mouth of Corapeake
Swamp.
7. LOBLOLLY PINE - either in plantations or as unmanaged old -field and
post -logging seral stands: This is now the dominant forest type of
the county, having replaced several different presettlement forest
communities.
8. MIXED PINE (LOBLOLLY) - HARDWOODS: Earlier in this century this was
the prevailing type, occurring in unmanaged stands following 19th
century and early 2Oth century logging. The present area of this type
is about 15% of the uplands, and declining as more intensive forestry
is practiced.
9. AGRICULTURE: Cleared agricultural lands, mostly in row crops, now
comprise the largest single vegetation -land use category in the
county.
10. URBAN - towns, trailer parks, houses, paved roads: Only about 1 to
2% of the county land area.
Pine timber presently being cut still comes chiefly from unmanaged
woodlands. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the principle old -field pine of
the county, springing up wherever a small patch of cultivated land or
pasture is unused. -
The original upland vegetation of sandy loam and clay soils was
probably a complicated mosaic of longleaf pine with some shortleaf and
loblolly; pocosin vegetation, and patches of oak forest. The drier uplands
were cleared and farmed first, eliminating longleaf from all but the
sandiest lands. As various small tracts were cleared and then abandoned,
old -field loblolly pine stands became established, initiating the trend
which resulted in dominance of this species by the early to mid 19th
century. These were the stands reported by W. W. Ashe (1894) in the first
survey of timber of the Coastal Plain by a trained forester.
Actual logging for sawtimber was apparently a minor practice, and
mostly for local consumption until the mid 1800's. The invention of
steam power in the early 19th century, and subsequent development of
logging technology using steam equipment, led to the first large-scale
removal of timber. A postal survey of individuals knowledgable about
local forests,conducted by P. M. Hale, showed that by 1882 whole counties
in northeastern North Carolina had been almost completely timbered.
5

Timber removed from central Gates County probably went from the old
landings on Bennett's Creek by the Albemarle Sound and the Dismal Swamp
Canal to Norfolk for export to New England, which had already decimated
most of its large timber. The resulting cut -over woodlands, whatever the
original forest types, formed the basis of the second major source of
loblolly pine stands. Whereas abandoned agricultural tracts produced
uniform stands of old -field pine, the ragged woodlands, completely
unmanaged, developed a second growth of mixed pine and hardwoods. As these
matured, they began to be logged in piecemeal fashion in the early 20th
century. Removal of the second growth pine and some of the hardwood
accellerated and became a major business for small, locally -owned logging
companies. Essentially all of this wave of pine regeneration was removed
by mid-century. Most of the present pine supply comes from unmanaged old -
field and cutover woodland stands dating from the depression era.
Intensive forestry and conversion of woodlands to pine monoculture
only began to be practiced in this area about 30 years ago. This process
is intensifying, with most corporate and private lands now receiving site
preparation by heavy equipment, followed by pine seeding or planting after
logging. Nearly all of the extensive Union Camp holdings have already been
so treated.
The county is therefore in a major period of transition in terms of
its forests. The original types are being permanently converted to
loblolly pine plantations. In addition, a great deal of land has been
cleared for agriculture after logging, in the past 20 years. Examination
of color infrared aerial photographs shows that, of the uplands, about
80% are now either cleared or in essentially pure pine stands. About
1 to 2% is urban or paved road. About 15% is in mixed pine -hardwood stands,
most of which will be logged and converted to pine within the next 20
years. Therefore, only about 1 to 2% of the original upland oak and
upland longleaf pine forest remains.
The only sizable remnants occur around Merchants Mill Pond and in the
Sand Banks. Many farms have small tracts of oak forest, but most of these
will be consumed for firewood within the next few years or otherwise
converted to pine, agriculture or house lots..The outlook is bleak, then,
for the county to retain examples of its native upland forests. Merchants
Mill Pond will have a remnant of the white oak and red oak types. The only
hope for future generations to see the native longleaf pine and turkey
oak forests will be if the Story and Vaughan families see fit to preserve
some small areas of these unusual types in the Sand Banks.
THREATS TO NATURAL AREAS, REMNANTS OF ORIGINAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
HABITAT IN GATES COUNTY
1. LAND CONVERSION FROM WOODLAND AND WETLAND TO OTHER USES. As discussed
in several places in the following report, the original forests of the
county have been entirely removed except for a few small remnants. Large
areas have been cleared for agriculture. It is predicted that millions of
6

acres of new land will be cleared in the US in the next 20 years, to keep
pace with rising world demand for grain. It is conceivable that most of
the upland forests of the county will eventually be removed for agriculture.
This may be carried out by the next generation, after the present pine
plantations are harvested.
About half the county's portion of Dismal Swamp is being converted
to agriculture and tree farming operations. Through continuing drainage
efforts, the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge will eventually be the
only significant remnant of this wetland.
Future demand for forest products after upland forests are all
converted to agriculture and other uses, plus new technology will
probably lead to some sort of tree farming in even the wettest swamps,
with native communities being replaced with some fast growing species.
2. PEAT MINING: There may be enough peat in the Dismal and Chowan Swamps
to fuel a power plant or some other facility for 20 to 30 years. Should
this occur, Dismal Swamp might cease to exist as a wetland. Should Chowan
Swamp be mined for peat, only open water would remain and the county would
actually lose about 30,000 acres of land area. This would be an extremely
short-sighted action, since the peat, once used, would be gone, but left
in place would provide a permanent base for forest and wildlife habitat.
Should the Miocene formation underlying the swamp ever be mined for
phosphate, the same result would ensue. The county commissioners would
do well to prepare ordinances in advance to prevent such a loss.
At present, the only significant natural areas in the county that
are reasonably protected for access by future generations are Merchants
Mill Pond and the portion of Dismal Swamp included in the Refuge. Should
owners of the lands in the Sand Banks decide to log the small.tracts of
longleaf pine and turkey oak, these remnants of the original forests
would be gone forever. In Chowan Swamp, the mineral rights to the public
lands are privately owned, so this extensive natural area is, in reality,
unprotected, and could be destroyed at some future date.
SPECIES EXTIRPATION FROM GATES COUNTY
Removal of the remaining upland forests and peat mining or tree
farming of wetlands would drastically reduce the diversity of wildlife
and plant species in the county. A number of native species have already
been lost. The county was within the original range of both the Carolina
Paroquet and the Passenger Pigeon before their extinction. It is unknown
whether the Ivory -billed Woodpecker ever occurred this far north. At least
two large mammals, the eastern panther and red wolf were eliminated long
ago, probably during the 18th century.
The shortnose sturgeon and an unknown number of other aquatic
species have been extirpated. Most of the other anadromous fishes of the
Chowan River are on the decline because of pollution. An unknown number
7

of bird species, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals have been
eliminated. Half the nest trees of the endangered red -cockaded woodpecker
in the county have been cut in the past five years. Only about eight known
nesting cavity trees remain. If the remaining longleaf pine - turkey oak
areas in the Sand Banks are cut over, this species will also pass from the
county fauna.
Among plants, it is likely that a large number of sandhills species
has been lost, especially as land was converted to loblolly pine
plantation in the sandy areas. Longleaf pine and turkey oak are reduced
,to only a few mature trees. During the course of this study, a search was
made for the attractive, small creeping blueberry, which once occurred
in the northern part of the Sand Banks. Examination of its last two known
northern locations in Gates and Hertford Counties, revealed that both
sites had been destroyed, one for a pulpwood plantation and the other
cleared for agriculture. It can be concluded that this species has now
been eliminated from the northern part of the state.
The future looks bleak in the county for fox squirrel, wild turkey,
bobcat, river otter, mink, weasel, the red -shouldered hawk, eastern
bluebird, red -cockaded woodpecker, the major food fishes of the Chowan
River, longleaf pine, turkey oak, white cedar and a great number of less
conspicuous species of birds, animals, shrubs and herbs, unless there is
an active concern and effort by county residents to protect the critical
habitats necessary.
Hopeful signs that this can be done have been efforts in recent years
by area wildlife clubs to restore black bear and wild turkey; the decision
by farm landowners not to channelize Duke Swamp and its tributaries; and
efforts by the county commissioners to find a solution to the problem of
pollution of the Chowan River. Sufficient natural areas barely remain to
guarantee habitat for survival for most of the animal and plant species
of Gates County. The quality of life of future generations will depend
upon the decisions and efforts of the present inhabitants. This will
eventually boil down to hard choices between natural values and the
dollar.
E3

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: DISMAL SWAMP SHIELD FERN NATURAL AREA
2. County:
Gates, NC
3. Location:
Along south side of US 158, just below toe of Suffolk Scarp.
About 0.6 mi east of Acorn Hill in east -central Gates County.
Fern area occurs for 300 m parallel to hwy. and extends 300 m into swamp.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s):
Beckford, 1929(1942) 15 min (1:62,500).
Beckford NE, 1981 advance print. 711 min (1:24,000)
5. Size:
40 acres (16 ha)
6. Elevation: 20 feet (6 meters)
7. Access: '
Park along shoulder of US 158. Walk in along.boundary line path
between M. R. White and J. B. Briggs. Boundary perpendicular to road,
poorly marked with faded red blazes.
8. Names of investigators:
Cecil C. Frost, Botany Dept., UNC
9. Date(s) of investigation:
8-12-1981,.1-4-1982 and -several other visits from 1977 to 1981.
10. Priority rating:
High
9

11A. Prose Description,of Site.
This 40 acre area is remarkable for containing eight taxa (four
species and four hybrids)of rare shield ferns (Dryopteris spp.).. It was
discovered in 1974 during the compilation of a preliminary flora of Dismal
Swamp (Musselman et al. 1977), and has been the subject of two journal
articles (Nickrent et al. 1978, McGraw et al. 1979) and a book chapter
(Wagner and Musselman 1978). It is sometimes referred to enthusiastically
by Dr. Musselman and his students as the Dismal Swamp "fern supersite".
The area occurs at the toe of the Suffolk Scarp, a relict wave -cut
shoreline which forms the western boundary of the Dismal. At this point,
US 158 decends about 25 ft. from the farmland along the top of the scarp
to the old sea floor now occupied by swamp forest. This marine feature
probably dates to the height of the Sangamon Interglacial around 90,000
years ago. Sea level at that time is believed to have been around 25 ft.
higher than at present, which would correspond with the elevation at.the
bottom of the escarpment.
Much of Dismal Swamp is underlain by peat, up to 12 feet thick, over
a'sandy basal deposit of marine origin.,In most of the swamp the age of this
sand should correspond the beginning of recession of the sea around the.end
of the Sangamon, perhaps 70,000 to 80,000 years ago. Shallow drainage
patterns bably formed on this exposed surface during the early Wisconsin
ice age. The peat deposits are much younger, having been formed beginning
around 11,000 to 12,000 years ago at the end of the Wisconsin.
As the scarp is approached on the west, organics are shallower and
peat grades into a mineral soil with high organic content, which then
feathers out onto the toe of the scarp. Underlying the fern site are fine -
textured soils, probably derived from colluvial downwash from the scarp,
continually mixed over a long period of time with organic material formed
on the site. The soil
Organic soils are formed when the water table is high enough to prevent
complete decomposition of plant litter. Under the previous hydrologic
regime and in the absence of a sediment source from the nearby scarp, this
site would have developed a thin layer of peat, which would have increased
in thickness eastward into the swamp. The mineral content, however,
probably precludes it being classified as a histosol.
Color infrared photography shows that the hydrology of the site was
considerably interrupted by construction of US 158. In the undisturbed
swamp, water was collected by the small swamp which crosses US 158 at
Acorn Hill and flows downhill through a stream cut in the scarp just
north of the highway. From there it moved south along a low area near the
toe of the scarp into the headwaters of the Perquimans River.
US 158 has acted as a dam, preventing southward flow and causing the
10

swamp to become relatively wetter on the north side and drier on the south.
Water entering the swamp from the Acorn Hill drainage is now diverted into
the canal on the north side of the highway, where it flows easterly across
the swamp.
A second important aspect of the hydrology of Dismal Swamp may be the
supply of water from aquifers below the surface with origins somewhere
above the Suffolk Scarp (Gammon & Garrett , pers. comm.). Clearing of much
of the watershed for agriculture on the high lands above the swamp means
that rainfall may now run off rapidly through drainage ditches rather than
percolating slowly through forest litter into the ground to recharge these
aquifers.
A third hydrologic factor for consideration is the general lowering of
the water table in the Dismal which was begun with ditch construction by
George Washington in the 18th century and has continued to the present day.
The combined effects of these changes have undcubtedly caused the fern site
to be considerably drier than in the original, undisturbed swamp.
These water table changes may not necessarily have seriously affected
the rare Dryopteris populations however. The ferns occupy a topographic
position that is better drained than the wetter lands to the east. It is -
quite possible that they existed in the virgin forest of the area on the
toe of the scarp and simply adjusted to their moisture needs by migrating
slowly downslope over the 200 years that the water table has been
declining in response to drainage.
The complexity of the fern community and the general northern
affinities of most of the genus suggest that they are relicts from cooler
times at the end of the Wisconsin, protected here by the cool, moist
conditions at the foot of the Suffolk Scarp.
11B.. Prose Description of Site Significance.
This site contains a remarkable assemblage of ferns of the genus
Dryopteris. This grouping has already been the subject of several
scientific investigations. Of these, three species, plus an orchid,
Listera australis are listed as threatened in North Carolina. The
other 5 taxa of ferns are a group of disjunct and hybrid species, the
nature of which is still not understood.
The swamp forest on this site is one of the more unusual in the
Dismal, being a mature stand, of a type on more mesic sites than the
generally hydric swamp forest which dominates the area. The difference
is due to its presence on the lowest portion of the toe of the
Suffolk Scarp, giving it a slightly better drainage situation.

r
N
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
Special concern species
A
Dryopteris celsa. .Rare
Perhaps largest known popula-
in North Carolina (Log fern)
tion of this species. Over
1,000 individuals reported
by Lytton Musselman
Endangered or threatened
A
Dryopteris cristata (Crested
One of only two populations
species
shield fern). Threatened in
known on the Coastal Plain of
North Carolina.
North Carolina.
Endangered or threatened
A
Dryopteris spinulosa (Spinulose
Only two other populations
species
wood fern). Threatened in
(2 plants and four plants)
North Carolina
known on the North aro na
Coastal Plain.
Disjunct plant population
A
Dryopteris intermedia (Fancy
Only known population on the
fern)
Coastal Plain of North
Carolina.
Special concern plant
A
Dryopteris x australis
Only population in North
hybrid
(Southern wood fern hybrid)
Carolina.
Special concern plant
A
Dryopteris,x triploidea
Only population in North
hybrid
(Glandular spinulose fern
Carolina.
Spe,c,ial concern plant
A
Dryopteris x separabilis
One other site in N.C.
hybrid
(Glandular log fern hybrid)
(Perquimans Co., 2 plants)

r
w
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
legend
b. Description of
significant feature
c. Comparative
assessment
Special conCern.plant
hybrid
A
Dryopteris celsa x cristata
(I.og fern -crested shield
Known from only three other
locations in the United
fern hybrid)
States.
High quality wetland plant
community
A
Acer rubrum/Ilex opaca/
mixed Dryopteris taxa
Mature 2nd growth (70-90
years old). May be useful in
determining the outcome of
Acer rubrum succession in
other Acer-dominated parts
of the swamp.
Endangered or threatened
species
A
Listera australis (Southern
twayblade)
Endangered peripheral in
NC (Cooper et al. 1977)
Reported by Lytton Musselman.
Being a spring ephemeral,
this species was not seen
during this site investiga-
tion.

Fig. 2. Access information:
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T

Legal status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area:
14. Number of owners: 2
Type
Private
100
Public
Unknown
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses,
phone numbers, other pertinent information).
Moses R. White M. R. White Lumber Co. East half of
Rt. 3 Rt. 5 natural area
Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Elizabeth City 27909 (20 a)
919-771-2423 919-771-5140
Joseph B. Briggs West half of
Rt 1 Box 151 natural area
Sunbury, NC 27979 (20 a)
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
1. Dr. Lytton J. Musselman. Biological Sciences. Old Dominion Univ.
804-440-3610 Office Discovered site, has published several
804-489-8614 Home journal articles on fern studies there.
2. Pat Gammon, Botanist, US Geological Surve
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
804-539-7479 Office Has published several studies on the flora
804-539-5335 Home of Dismal Swamp using remote sensing.
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
Mr. White has registered his 20 a half (part of a wooded tract of
Mr. Briggs has not been contacted His attitude is unknown.
W

18. Uses of natural area:
Site has been used by Dr. Musselman and several of his graduate .
students for species biology studies of the rare fern assemblage.
No other uses known.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 % C.
b. Agricultural
d.
20. Preservation status:
High -intensity forestry
%
Developed
Cat.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
4
50%
White tract registered natural heritage area
6
50%
Briggs tract - unprotected
21. Regulatory protections in force:
TTnlcn nwn
17

22. Threats:
Anything that would disrupt present light and moisture regimes.
Logging is the most likely threat. Clearcutting would destroy the
fern community by elimination of the shady, moist habitat and by
allowing a takeover by weedy species.
It is likely that at some time in the future US 158 will be widened.
Ditching on the south side of the highway could destroy the fern site
by lowering the water table.
23. Management and preservation recommendations:
Preserve the site from any type of logging. Explore the possibility of
Natural Heritage Registry with Mr. Briggs. Consider the possiblity of
acquisition. See if Mr. White might consider willing his 20 a portion
to the Nature Conservancy. The land on the opposite side of US 158 is
owned by the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which might be able
to manage the area.
The District Engineer of the Dept. of Transportation in Ahoskie and the
Division Engineer in Elizabeth City should be notified of the sensitiv—
ity of the site to highway construction, and requested to keep this
information on file for such time as the highway is to be widened.
Widening of the highway per se will not harm the site. However, care
must be taken to preserve existing hydrology. This means that there
should be no ditching on the south side of the highway and no'new
culverts connecting the north and south sides. Existing culverts far
down the road should be replaced at exactly the same elevation after
any new construction and any redredging or'relocation of the existing
ditch on the north side should be done in such a way as to maintain
existing,water levels-.
The vegetation consists entirely of.native species, with the exception
of Japanese honeysuckle which has invaded and is locally dominant in
the herb and shrub layers. At some point it might be necessary to
(manually?) remove this species if it appears to be overrunning the
mote important fern assemblages.
18

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type:
Acer rubrum/Ilex opaca/mixed Dryopteris taxa
Community cover type:
Acer rubrum
General habitat feature:
Pocosin-relict marine scarp ecotone
Average canopy height:
82-92 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees:
Around 80 yrs.
Canopy cover:
Closed.
Estimated size of community:
40 acres.
Successional stage: Subclimax. Eventual climax unknown. The area
is in transition because of disturbances in hydrology within the swamp
Snd above the Suffolk Scarp.
ere type: Originally a psammosere (beginning of Wisconsin period)
but present vegetation developed on a soil derived from fine -textured
colluvial-material from the Suffolk Scarp, intermingled with organic
material formed in situ. There is no suitable term for this seral
situation.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant): Nyssa sylvatica biflora, Taxodium
distichum.
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
MI

24b. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Bladen loam. (1929 classification - probably
incorrect).
Soil classification: n.d. (Humaquept?)
Soil association: Coxville-Myatt-Rains (1972 tentative general
soil map). Mapped Ponzer-Pamlico-Dorovan on
general soil map of North Carolina.
pH class: n.d.
Source of information: Davis, W. A. and R. E. Devereux. 1929.
Soil survey of Gates County, North Carolina. USDA
Bureau of Chemistry and Soils.
Other notes:
No survey has been done in the county using modern
nomenclature.
.24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine (bordering on terrestrial)
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Intermittently flooded
Drainage. class: Somewhat poorly drained
Drainage basin: Perquimans River
Hydrology characterization: A somewhat poorly drained,
intermittently flooded, interaqueous palustrine
system, wetted by fresh rains and a seasonally high
water table.
20

24d. Topography Summary
Lan df o rm: Transition zone between relict marine scarp and
peat -filled pocosin. Located on lower toe slope
of scarp.
Shelter: Partly sheltered by scarp on west.
Aspect: n. a.
Slope angle: Nearly level (0-2°)
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Generally smooth surface with minor
undulations.
Position: n.a.
21

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Subclimax community on mixed organic and fine -textured colluvial
deposit at toe of the Suffolk Scarp, on the western boundary of the
Great Dismal Swamp, in the Embayed section of the Coastal Plain
Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation:
Holocene organics and colluvium overlying the Pleistocene Pamlico
Formation. In recent work a few miles to the north of this locality,
the Pamlico has been found to be a complex group of five geologic
formations. Exact data is not available for the natural area
however.
Geological formation age:
About 80,000 years (Pamlico Formation).
References cited:
Daniels, R. E., E. E. Gamble and W. H. Wheeler. 1978. Age of soil
landscapes in the Coastal Plain of North Carolinal Soil Sci.
Soc. Am. J. 42:98-105.
Oaks, R. Q., Jr. and D. R. Whitehead. 1979. Geologic setting and
origin of the Dismal Swamp, southeastern Virginia and north-
eastern North Carolina. In: P. W. Kirk, Jr., ed. The Great
Dismal Swamp. Charlottesville: Univ. of Virginia Press.
427 p.
22

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Dryopteris celsa (Log fern)
Species legal status and authority: Threatened in North
Carolina.Cooper et al., 1977.
Number of populations on site: One large, irregularly dist-
ributed population.
Number of individuals per population: Over 1,000 plants
reported by Lytton J. Musselman.
Size or maturity of individuals: Large, reproducing plants.
Phenology of population:
Eg vegetative % Most individuals producing abundant sori.
flowering
fruiting
General vigor of population: Robust
Disturbance or threats to population:
Potential logging, likely widening of US 158 at some future date.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT -A
Topography: Swampy toe of relict marine scarp
Soil series: Bladen loam (1929 classification)
Microclimate: Cooler and wetter than natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Perquimans River
Other plants and animal species present:
Red maple, american holly, seven other Dryopteris taxa.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
23

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Dryopteris cristata (Crested shield fern)
Species legal status and authority: Threatened in North
Carolina. Cooper et al. 1977.
Number of populations on site: Unknown. Not abundant.
Number of individuals per population: Unknown (few).
Size or maturity of individuals: Healthy, reproducing plants.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative % Most individuals producing sori.
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: Small, fragile population.
Disturbance or threats to population: Logging, lowering of
water table by ditching or change in hydrology during widening of
US 158 at sometime in future, or overrunning of site by Japanese
honeysuckle could eliminate this species.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT -A
Topography: Flat lower toe of Suffolk Scarp.
Soil series: Shown Bladen loam on 1929 soil map.
Microclimate: Cooler and moister than natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Perquimans River.
Other plants and animal species present: Red maple,
american holly, seven other-Dryopteris taxi.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
24

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Dryopteris spinulosa (Spinulose wood fern)
Species legal status and authority: Threatened in North
Carolina. Cooper et al. 1977.
Number of populations on site: Unknown.
Number of individuals per population: Unknown (Abundant).
Size or maturity of individuals: Large plants.
Phenology of population:
.Eg: vegetative
flowering
fruiting Most individuals producing abundant sori.
General vigor of population: Robust. _
Disturbance or threats to population: Potential logging,
likely widening of US 158 at some future date.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT -A
Topography: Flat lower toe of Suffolk Scarp.
Soil series: Bladen loam (1929 classification)
Microclimate: Cooler than natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Perquimans River.
Other plants and animal species present: Red maple,
american holly, seven other Dryopteris taxa.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
25

27. Master species list.
CANOPY:
Acer rubrum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Nyssa aquatica
Nyssa sylvatica
Pinus taeda
Taxodium distichum
Ulmus americana
SUBCANOPY:
Aralia spinosa
Asimina triloba
Ilex opaca
Magnolia virginica
Prunus serotina
Symplocus tinctoria
SHRUBS:
Arundinaria gigantea
Callicarpa americana
Clethra alnifolia
Euonymus americana
Leucothoe axillaris
Rubus sp.
HERBS:
Asplenium platyneuron
Athyrium asplenioides
Carex sp. (3 species)
Commelina sp.
Dryopteris x australis
Dryopteris celsa
Dryopteris celsa x cristata
Dryopteris cristata
Dryopteris intermedia
Dryopteris x separabilis
Dryopteris spinulosa
Dryopteris x triploidea
Panicum sp.
VINES:
Anisostichus capreolata
Campsis radicans
Decumaria barbara
Lonicera japonica
Parthenocissus cinquefolia
Rhus radicans
Smilax rotundifolia
Smilax glauca
Vitis rotundifolia
Phytolacca americana
Sambucus canadensis
Woodwardia (Lorinseria) areolata
26

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: DISMAL SWAMP MESIC ISLANDS
2. County: Gates
3. Location: On refuge road 2.4 miles north of US 158 near Gates
County line. About 1/4 mile due west of road.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s):
Beckford 1929(1942) 15 min (1:62,500).
South Mills1940 15 min (1:62,500).
ahe islandsnof snoextend Toss both of these topos but, unfortunately,
5. Size:
600 acres (242 ha)
6. 'Elevation: From about 20 to 30 ft.
7. Access: East on US 158 from Acorn Hill, 2.7 mi. Turn north on
refuge road across ditch. North 2.4 miles to a large steel pipe
(about 4 ft in diameter) lying in canal parallel to road. Cross
canal and steer due west through swamp 34 mi to first island.
8. Names of investigators:
Cecil C. Frost, Botany Dept., UNC-Chapel Hill.
9. Date(s) of investigation: 9 August 1981.
10. Priority rating: High.
W

11A. Prose Description of Site:
The mesic islands are a series of sand ridges in the Dismal
Swamp, the most conspicuous of which occur in small groups along
an east -west axis in Gates and Pasquotank Counties. They rise
several feet above the general peat landscape and support a
mesophytic plant community that is of very limited extent in the
Dismal. The flora is similar in composition to the mesic islands
in Chowan Swamp which have, however, a different geologic origin.
The elevated portions of the islands are dominated by a mature
(75-100 yr) beech forest.
The modern history of the Dismal Swamp has been one of
artificially lowered water tables, leading to peat removal by
wildfire, and subsequent replacement of the native white cedar by
less specialized mesophytes — red maple in particular. Much of the
black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) and loblolly pine in the southern part
of the refuge also represents disturbance vegetation. The proper
habitat of these species in the original forest is discussed in
the section of the Introduction on presettlement forests of Gates
County.
There is no reason to assume that this portion of the swamp
has escaped the type conversion which has occurred over other
areas of deep peat. Therefore, the original forest vegetation
surrounding the mesic islands was probably Atlantic white cedar
(Chamaecyparis thyoides). There was probably a higher water table
and a more constant moisture regime.before european settlement.
The role of fire in regulating beech communities on the
Coastal Plain may be the prevention of their spread onto drier
uplands (Ware 1978) and, therefore, confinement to moist slopes
and other fire -protected sites. It is unlikely that fire played
a major role in the vegetation of these isolated islands. While
the original vegetation of the dry top of the Suffolk Scarp, and
of the drier sandy uplands in other parts of Gates County to the
west, was a longleaf pine pyroclimax, the surrounding swamp
probably protected the mesic islands from all but the infrequent
surface peat burns characteristic of white cedar habitat. This
phenomenon may have been enhanced by the fire barrier created by
a wet depression along the toe of the scarp to the west.
It is presumed that the Indians living along the scarp
probably fired the woods, for hunting purposes and for ease of
travel, as often as litter accumulation would support a fire —
perhaps every 2 or 3 years. Within the central swamp, a likely
fire frequency might be only 3 or 4 per century. Judging from
the age of existing white cedar stands, fires hot enough to kill
established stands of cedar occurred only once or twice per
century. Large stumps preserved in older levels of peat suggest
that the frequency may have been even less in the past.
28

In the summer of 1982, after 2 yrs of severe drouth, there
was no appreciable litter buildup on the islands, and scarcely
enough material to support a light surface fire. This apparently
is a characteristic of mature beech forest. Little litter is
produced by the trees themselves. On the shady, moist sites
preferred by beech, litter decomposes rapidly. The closed canopy
prevents growth of shrub and herb vegetation which could support
fire when dry. Therefore, it seems unlikely that fire could
substantially affect these sites.
It might be questioned with some justification, whether the
mesic islands might have originally supported mesophytic oak
species in addition to beech. It is possible that white oak and
other species were dominant or co -dominant with beech before the
surrounding swamp land was logged. Oak could have been removed
for timber, or consumed for fuel by logging or hunting camps
(a small cedar cabin remains standing on one of the largest
islands). If so, the present beech stand could represent a
residual species which has simply closed the canopy after removal
of its associates. The long-term successional role of beech
beyond 75 to 100 yrs in southern Coastal Plain forests is unknown.
Soils of the mesic islands are sands and sandy loams. These
have not been mapped on existing soil maps and their further
classification is unknown. The islands derive most of their
moisture from rainfall and the high water table in the surrounding
swamp. Root systems of most of the trees should be able to reach
the water table or benefit from capillary action in the soil
above it.
POSSIBLE ORIGINS
Two hypotheses are proposed to account for the geologic
originof these unusual features. Their presence in the otherwise
unbroken swamp is striking in that they appear to be unrelated to
the rest of the landscape. This is a consequence of post -Wisconsin
mantling of the area with peat, obscuring the basal topography of
which they are a part. Mapping of this sub -peat horizon is
incomplete in the southern portion of the Dismal, and a satisfac-
tory account of their origin may not be obtained until this is
done.
Their remarkable orientation, perpendicular to the Sangamon
shoreline, and their lenticular shapes, suggest formation by
fluvial or eolian processes. They could date from the end of the
Sangamon interglacial period, some 80,000 years ago, or may have
been deposited later during the Wisconsin glacial.
29

1. Sangamon Origin: Dunes along shoreline of the Pasquotank
basin.
Perhaps the most plausible explanation might be that they
formed as a series of dunes along the south shore of a lagoonal
area during recession of the Sangamon sea. As discussed in the
formation of the marsh at 'Washington's Rice Farm', creation of
the Pasquotank drainage may have begun with the cutting of
Corapeake and Moss Swamps through the Suffolk Scarp during the
Illinoian glacial period. As these flowed together across the
flat plain of the Dismal, they would have formed a shallow stream
valley which may have been the precursor for the present sub -peat
drainage pattern partially mapped by Oaks and Whitehead (1979).
With the rise of sea levels during the Sangamon, this area
was flooded as far west as the Suffolk Scarp, and some filling of
the shallow valley occurred. Deposition of the Norfolk and Sand
Bridge Formations would have softened the contours of the previous
drainage, leaving only a shallow estuarine basin. The mesic islands
could have formed in a lagoonal situation, along the southern rim
of this Pasquotank basin, as the Sangamon shoreline receded to the
east.
Details of these sandy ridges are readily distinguishable on
color infrared aerial photography. Eolian origin is suggested by
their lenticular shapes and the repetitive pattern observable in
some groups. The islands are elongated from west to east, but
show a stacking pattern from north to south. In one remarkable
group, just east of the Gates/Pasquotank County line, a series of
five parallel ridges can be discerned. Similarly, a
repeating pattern of ridges within an island group can be found
along the Pasquotank River farther east, and, less distinctly,
within the clusters in Gates County.
If this hypothesis is correct, these ridges were probably
formed at the close of the last high stand of the Sangamon sea
and have been covered with vegetation since that time.
Unfortunately, since sea levels are presently rising (Bellis
et al. 1975), contemporary examples of coastal morphology
resulting from receding seas are not available for comparison in
this part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
2. Wisconsin Origin: Fluvial sand deposits and associated dunes.
The distribution of these ridges along the apparent former
course of the Pasquotank River suggests the possibility of
fluvial origin. Whether or not the Pasquotank drainage, with its
headwaters in Corapeake and Moss swamps, began to form in the
Illinoian,it is certain that it operated during the Wisconsin
since it can be seen directly beneath.the post -Wisconsin peat.
30

Formation of the Dismal Swamp peat did not begin until
around 11,000 to 12,000 years ago. During the Wisconsin, this
abandoned sea floor was a flat, sandy plain, vegetated by spruce,
northern pines of sandy soils (Pinus banksiana and Pinus resinosa)
and northern herbaceous species characteristic of open areas
(Whitehead 1972). The mesic islands could have originated as dune
sands accumulated by dry winds sweeping across the sandy plain.
A more likely hypothesis, however, might involve both
fluvial and eolian processes. Fluvial origin is suggested by the
fact that the entire series of ridges parallels the apparent sub -
peat course of the Pasquotank River. Sand, from the Sangamon beach
deposits atop the Suffolk Scarp, could have been carried down onto
the plain.
Because of the elevational differences between the Talbot
and Pamlico terraces, the floor of the plain underlying the Dismal
served as base level for streams arising above the scarp. The
stream gradient was much lower to the east. As gradient decreased
abruptly, the sand portion of the bed load would have been
deposited as sand bars on the lower terrace. This alone, however,
would not be adequate to explain the present sand ridges, which
rise 6 to 8 feet above the peat beds.
Significant sand movement through the stream system, across
the nearly level plain, probably occurred only during times of
high water. During dry periods the low sand bars would have been
exposed to drying and subsequent wind action. Wind-borne sands
could have been swept from the shallow stream bars and accumulated
in the adjacent woods to their present height. The parallel
ridges could represent sequences of accumulation during channel
migration.
31

11B. Prose description of site significance:
The mesic islands are.covered with mature beech stands
(75 to 100 yrs: one specimen 60 cm (24 in] dbh), which also contain
a few oaks ( uercus alba, _Q. nigra, g. falcata, Q. michauxii).
This may have been the major presettlement community type on mesic
slopes and other fire -protected sites with similar drainage on the
Coastal Plain. The role and composition. of this type have been
investigated (Nesom and Treiber 1977, Ware 1978) but is still
poorly understood. Few quality sites remain. These islands will be
valuable study sites for determination of the long-term successional
fate of beech and its oak associates.
Similarly, the islands are ringed by large loblolly pine
(Pinus taeda: one specimen.59 cm [23 in] dbh): As a consequence of
disturbance through logging, agriculture and fire suppression, this
weedy, old -field species is now the dominant tree in Gates County.
Its primary original habitat may have been a zonal situation along
a moisture gradient, such as that in which it occurs on this site.
Here, pines form a ring around each island in the transition area
between mesic upland and hydric swamp..
Loblolly occupies the zone which is slightly wetter than beech
and oak, but drier than baldcypress and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica).
Its preferred habitat is very close to that of red maple. Most
studies of loblolly pine have treated its characteristics as a
sylvicultural specimen grown for pulpwood and timber, taking
advantage of its role as an early successional species on upland
sites. Little has been done to study it in its primary wetland
habitat. Because of its commercial value, few remnant old -growth
stands remain; consequently, the mesic islands will be valuable
study sites for this species also.
The "islands" constitute a significant geomorphic feature,
being the only specimens of this type in the region (along with
the two or three small groups to the east in Pasquotank County).
No comparable features elsewhere are known to this author. Two
possible origins are suggested: peripheral lagoonal dunes
deposited by a retreating Sangamon sea, or fluvial and eolian dunes
formed during the Wisconsin.
The islands contain Stewartia malacodendron (silky camellia)
and Listera australis (southern twayblade), an endangered
peripheral species in North Carolina. Mesic sites are rare in the
Dismal and were even more so in the original swamp. As such they
are of critical importance as wildlife habitat. They are used
heavily by black bear, a species plagued on the Coastal Plain by
shrinking.habitat. Further investigation is needed to determine
use by other swamp species such as bobcat and possibly panther, an
endangered species of which several sightings were made a few miles
to the north in 1979 and 1980.
32

w
w
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
legend
b. Description of
significant feature
c. Comparative
assessment
High quality terrestrial
plant community
A
Fagus grandifolia/Ilex opaca/
Fagus transgressives
Mature beech forest (75-100
yrs) on mesic sand ridges
surrounded by swamR. Absence
of any non-native species.
High quality wetland plant
community.
B
Pinus taeda/mixed evergreen
shrubs
Large second -growth loblolly
pine in one of.its native
Dresettlement habitats,
Geologic/geomorphic feature
C
Relict Sangamon lagoonal
dunes (or Wisconsin fluvial-
eolian dunes)
Unusual landform in this area
Extent elsewhere unknown.
Endangered or threatened
species
D
Listera australis (Southern
twayblade).
Endangered peripheral in
North Carolina (Cooper et al.
1

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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).
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434 [phone]
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Pat Gammon, Botanist, US Geological Survey
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434
[phone] Office
[phone] Home Has published several studies on the flora of
Dismal Swamp, using remote sensing techniques.
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
Contacted June, 1981. Refuge managers consider this an important
natural area because of presence of Stewartia, the large, mature
hardwood forest and the importance as habitat for black bear and
other wildlife species.
36

18. Uses of natural area: Present use is as wildlife habitat for
black bear and other species, and as a natural area for preservation
of high quality plant community containing Stewartia malacodendron,
Listera australis, and mature beech forest.
A tiny cabin on the island closest to the road may have been
used as a hunting camp in the past. The islands were undoubtedly
used as temporary bases during past logging operations.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 c. High -intensity forestry
b. Agricultural %
d. Developed %
20. Preservation status:
at.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
1
100%
National Wildlife Refuge. Area
registered as a North Carolina Natural
Heritage Area.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Area is subject to all the rules and regulations of the Dismal
Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
37

22. Threats: None known if Refuge continues to protect the area.
23. Management and preservation recommendations: Maintain the
site as a study area for observation of the long-term successional
role of beech, for other vegetation studies, and for wildlife
habitat. Leave the mesic islands undisturbed. Do not practice
fire suppression or prescribed burning.
38

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Fagus grandifolia/Ilex opaca/Fagus transgressives.
Community cover type: Fa us grandifolia.
General habitat feature: Possible late Sangamon relict dunes,
occurring as 'islands' in a sea of peat.
Average canopy height: 24 meters.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 100 years.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: Perhaps 100 acres total,
scattered over several islands.
Successional stage: Climax.
Sere type: Psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant) : Mixed oaks.
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community
cover or community type (but -not dominant) : Vaccinium
corymbosum, Gaylussacia frondosa.
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): None.
39

24b. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Unknown. Unmapped on any existing soil maps for
the area.
Soil classification: Unknown.
Soil association: Unknown.
pH class: Unknown.
Source of information: Davis et al. 1929. USDA SCS 1972.
USDA SCS 1974.
Other notes: Surface soils are sands and sandy loams.
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Dry-mesic.
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage. class: Well -drained.
Drainage basin: Located in the swamp near the divides between
the Pasquotank, Little and Perquimans Rivers. Presettlement
drainage for those mesic islands in Gates County may have been to
"the-_Perquimana_River.,Mapni,ng- of subsurface drainage patterns,
formed before the post -Wisconsin accumulation of peat, is
incomplete for the southern half of the swamp (Oaks and Whitehead
1979).
Hydrology characterization: A well -drained, permanently
exposed, dry-mesic terrestrial system, wetted by fresh rains
(and at its lower level, by a seasonally high water table in the
surrounding swamp.)
40

24d. Topography Summary
Landf o rm: Possible relict estuarine dune system.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A.
Slope angle: From flat top to 10% around periphery of islands.
Prof ile : Convex.
Surface patterns: Smooth to gently undulating.
Position: From mid -slope on one side of island, across
gently rounded crest, to mid -slope on other side.
41

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Climax beech community on.mesic islands in the southern
half of the Great Dismal Swamp, in the Embayed Section
of the Coastal Plain Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation: Unnamed local formation, of limited
extent, on Pleistocene deposits of unknown stratigraphy, over the
Yorktown Formation.
Geological formation age: Late Sangamon or Wisconsin (see
prose description of site for discussion).
References cited: Oaks, R. Q., and D. R. Whitehead. 1979.
Geologic setting and origin of the Dismal Swamp, southeastern
Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. In: P. W. Kirk, Jr.,
ed. The Great Dismal Swamp. Charlottesville: Univ. of Virginia
Press. 427 p.
Oaks, R. Q., JR. and N. K. Coch. 1963. Pleistocene sea levels,
southeastern Virginia. Science 140:979-983.
Daniels, R. B., E. E. Gamble and W. H. Wheeler. 1978. Age of
soil landscapes in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Soil
Sci. Soc. Am. J. 42:98-105.
42

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Listera australis (Southern twayblade).
Species legal status and authority: Endangered peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations On site: One reported by Pat Gammon,
Dismal Swamp National Wilflife Refuge.
Number of individuals per population: Unknown.
Size or maturity of individuals: Unknown..
Phenology Of population: Unknown. Highly ephemeral species.
not easily recognizable at the time
Eg: vegetative % of year during which this survey
f lowering % was conducted.
fruiting %
General vigor of population: Unknown.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: CT -A. Fagus grandifolia
Topography: Gently rolling eolian ridges of low relief.
Soil series: Unknown.
Microclimate: Warmer .and drier than local climate.
Drainage basin: On ill-defined divide between Pasquotank,
Lii tle and P r uima s Rivers.
Otrher plants- and animal species present
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
43

27. Master species lists:
CANOPY:
Acer rubrum
Fagus grandifolia
Liquidambar styraciflua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Pinus taeda
Quercus alba
Quercus falcata
Quercus michauxii
Quercus nigra
SUBCANOPY:
Ilex opaca
Magnolia virginiana
Oxydendron arboreum
SHRUBS:
Aralia spinosa
Asimina triloba
Euonymus americana
Gaylussacia frondosa
Hamamelis virginiana
Lyonia lucida
Persea borbonia
Rhododendron viscosum
Sassafras albidum
Stewartia malacodendron
Symplocus tinctoria
Vaccinium corymbosum
Vaccinium stamineum
HERBS:
Arundinaria g3gantea
Carer sp.
Carex sp.
Chimaphila maculata
Conopholis americana
Goodyera pubescens
Medeola virginiana
Mitchella repens
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Rubus sp.
Thelypteris noveboracensis
Tipularia discolor
Woodwardia virginica
Woodwardia areolata
44
VINES:
Anisostichus capreolata
Gelsemium sempervirens
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Rhus.radicans
Smilax rotundifolia
Vitis rotundifolia'
BIRDS:
Carolina wren
Chickadee
Pileated woodpecker
Prothonotary warbler
Red -bellied woodpecker
Red -eyed vireo
Wood thrush
MAMMALS:
Black bear (Tracks, droppings,
diggings on island & gnawings
on cabin)
Raccoon
White-tailed deer
Listera australis, a species
listed as an endangered
peripheral in North Carolina
(Cooper et al. 1977), occurs
on the site (Pat Gammon, pens.
comm.) but, being a spring
ephemeral, was not recorded
during this survey.

NATURAL AREX INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet.
CORAPEAKE MARSH
1. Natural area name: (WASHINGTON'S RICE FARM)
2. County: Gates.
3. Location: Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Just east of
mouth of Corapeake Swamp.
4. Topographic quadrangle (s) : Corapeake, VA - NC, 1977. 7311 min
(1:24,000) topographic orthophotomap.
5. Size: Originally described as 2,000 to 3,000 acres by George
Washington in 1763. Visible boundaries indicate an area of about
300 acres overgrown in recent times. Actual remnant marsh about 30
acres. Nominal natural area size, 300 acres (121 ha).
6. 'Elevation: 24 feet.
7. Access: East on SR 1332 from Holly Grove, about 1 mile to
southern edge of Corapeake Swamp. Turn right onto dirt farm road
about 1.1 miles east into Refuge along south side of Cross Canal.
Cross Cross Canal on foot by rotting bridge into remnant marsh.
8. Names of investigators:
Cecil C. Frost
Botany Department
University of North Carolina
9. Date(s) of investigation: 17 June 1981.
10. Priority rating: Medium (demonstration that this is truly a
remnant of a natural marsh would require upgrading the priority
rating of this area).
45

11A. Prose description of site.
In the Dismal Swamp, just east of the mouth of Corapeake
Swamp, lies a 30 acre freshwater marsh. It is unique within the
geographic region and its origin is an enigma.
The vegetation is a mixture of hydrophytic grasses and
other wetland herbs. From the comments of early travelers,
seeking a night's pasture for horses, any type of grassland may
have been rare in the original forests of this area. The existing
marsh is a small remnant of a much larger wetland, rapidly being
invaded by red maple, which, if unmanaged, will convert the
community to a swamp forest within a few more years.
The marsh lies at an elevation of about 20 feet in the
Dismal Swamp proper. It may be significant, however, that it
occurs at the mouth of Corapeake Swamp, just east of the point at
which it enters the Dismal. This small swamp originates in
Virginia, about 8 miles to the northwest. Beginning at some time
in the past, it has downcut through the Suffolk Scarp, perhaps
to a level slightly below that of the swamp floor today. This
cutting may have begun in the early Illinoian glacial period
after recession of the Yarmouth sea. The land has been exposed to
erosion since that time, between 145,000 and 400,000 years ago
(Daniels et al. 1978).
The greatest depth of channel cutting should have occurred
by the late Wisconsin. However, topographic contours at the base
of the Dismal Swamp peat indicate that Corapeake Swamp cut no
deeper than to an elevation of about 16 to 20 feet above sea
level. This is not unexpected, since the flat, sandy plain.
forming the basal surface of the Dismal would have acted as base
level for the small streams to the west. The flat bottom of
Corapeake Swamp suggests that downcutting largely ceased after
base level was reached, and subsequent erosion was limited to
lateral expansion of the small floodplain.
While sub -peat contours of much of the floor of the Dismal
have been mapped, 200 years of drainage, and consequent deep peat
burns, may have disrupted presettlement drainage patterns within
the peat formation beyond the possibility of reconstruction. The
pre -peat drainage from Corapeake Swamp appears to have been to
the Pasquotank River. However, the mouth is near the center of
the Dismal and is remote from any well -established drainage
system. Topographic variation in the area is so subtle today
that a slight accumulation of peat in the middle of the swamp
might have been sufficient to divert flow to the north toward
Lake Drummond or south to the Perquimans River. The characteris-
tic of pocosins to accumulate peat in their centers makes this
supposition a reasonable possibility. Examination of color
infrared aerial photography suggests that the most likely
drainage, after peat buildup in the Holocene, would have been
46

along a wet topographic low at the foot of the Suffolk Scarp,
south into the Perquimans River. The disturbance history of the
area, however, prevents the advancement of this hypothesis with
any degree of certainty.
Mantling of the Dismal with peat, during the period 8,900
to 6,000 years BP, would have slightly raised the base level of
Corapeake Swamp, terminating further valley carving. This
probably initiated a period of slight aggradation, bringing the
swamp bottomland to its present elevation of just under 25 feet
MSL near the mouth.
The rate of post -Wisconsin erosion from the surrounding
uplands should be considered minimal. However, it is likely that
small quantities of fine sediment and organic matter would be
transported during times of heavy rainfall and deposited in the
Dismal. This may have resulted in a soil with a mineral fraction
intermixed with alluvial organics and those formed in situ.
Fanlike deposition in a deltaic area at the mouth of Corapeake
Swamp may have created the basis for a marsh.
The exact nature of the original hydrology is unknown. Water
was received from rainfall and from Corapeake Swamp. It is.also
possible that groundwater may have been obtained from beneath
the Suffolk Scarp. The porous Norfolk sand underlies the site but
stops at the scarp, its western depositional boundary (Oaks and
Coch 1973). An older aquifer beneath the scarp could deliver
water to the Norfolk sand from a recharge area to the west. The
current potentiometric studies of Gammon and Garrett may shed
light on this possibility.
It is also plausible that the marsh may have received water
from elsewhere in the swamp. If there were peat accumulation
toward the center of the Dismal (now reduced by post -drainage
fires), water from rainfall could have flowed west to the toe of
the scarp and then north or south to an outlet. However, neither
this effect nor an artesian source of ground water would
necessarily be required to explain the existence of a marsh.
The present woody invasion of the last marsh remnant
represents the current stage of succession after nearly 40 years
of fire suppression. Fire protection has been particularly
effective for the past 15 years. Any wildfire in the Dismal Swamp
is considered to have "project fire potential" by the NC
Division of Forest Resources and is promptly dealt with. The 30
acre remnant marsh is surrounded by a disturbed area of about
300 acres, clearly visible on aerial photography. There is
historical evidence of a much larger size in the past.
47

ORIGIN OF THE MARSH — NATURAL OR MAN-MADE?
Possible natural origin
Whether the original marsh was of human or natural origin
may never be known unless historical research uncovers some
account from the early period of settlement. It is clear, however,
that a much larger grassy wetland once existed.
In 1762 a land company of which George Washington became a
member purchased 40,000 acres in the Dismal, and the following
year he explored the area on horseback. Washington made the notes
below on October 15, 1763:
"From Mossey Swamp to:_a_bpanch,:.and..a large one it
is, of Oropeake (not less than 80 yards over) is reckoned
4 miles; two miles short of which is a large plantation
belonging to one Brindle, near to which (on the south
side) passes the Carolina line.
The Main Swamp of Oropeake is about } a mile
onwards from this, where.stands the Widow Norflets,
Mi & Luke Sumner's plantations. This swamp cannot be
less than 200 yards across, but does not nevertheless
discharge as much water as Cypress Swamp.
At the mouth of this swamp is a very large meadow
of 2 or 3000.acres, held by Sumner, Widow Norflet,
Marmaduke Norflet, Powel and others, and valuable ground
it is.
From Oropeake Swamp to loosing swamp is about 2
miles, and this 70 yards across."
In several other letters Washington mentions his private
land purchases in the Dismal, in addition to his 10% holdings
in the Company (Washington 1784). He refers to a purchase from
Marmaduke Norfleet, presumably the same person he listed as one
of the owners of the large marsh -(Washington 1794), and else-
where mentions sharing a half interest in land with a Mr.
Norfleet's father (Washington 1784). It is not clear from his
letters what use Washington made of the property.
McClenny (1933) says that George and John Washington owned
a plantation in Gates County and that "there had been a large
field cleared in the swamp and that rice was attempted to be
grown on a commercial scale."
It would have been not at all uncharacteristic of an
enterprising planter like Washington to experiment with a rice
plantation in the marsh that he found in Dismal Swamp in 1763.
48

The early planters in Virginia eagerly tested any crop which
might be planted for profit, including such ill-fated tropicals
as oranges, lemons, almonds and tea. Rice culture had been
introduced 116 years earlier and was first grown in this country
in Virginia.
Debow (1853) reported the history of rice and a number of
other crop species in America. "This grain was first introduced
into Virginia by Sir William Berkeley, in 1647, who received half
a bushel of seed, from which he raised sixteen bushels of
excellent rice, most or all of which was sown the following year."
Rice was introduced into Charleston, SC in 1694 and 60 tons were
exported to England only 4 years later. By 1754 the export of rice
from South Carolina was up to 104,682 barrels, while Virginia's
economy was still almost entirely dependent on tobacco. The
success of rice in South Carolina was viewed enviously by
planters like Washington, who saw this as a way to produce income
from wetlands which previously had been used only for pasturage.
The Dismal Swamp Land Company actually operated a plantation on
the western edge of the swamp for a few years. Rice and corn were
produced, with rice crops up to 10,000 pounds annually (Stewart
1979).
In 1729, thirty-four years before Washington's description
of the great marsh at Corapeake Swamp, William Byrd surveyed the
boundary between Virginia and North Carolina. He waited at a
plantation on the Suffolk Scarp for his men to traverse the
Dismal, occupying the time by making notes on the surrounding
land, including a striking feature of the swamp:
"There is one remarkable part of the Dismal, lying
to the south of the Line, that has few or no Trees
growing on it, but contains a large Tract of tall Reeds.
These being green all the Year round, and waveing with
every Wind, have procur'd it the Name of the Green Sea."
There appear to be two candidates :for the...location.of the
"Green Sea" in the historical literature. It may have been the
same large marsh that Washington observed in 1763, or it.may
have been another feature described by him to the south. It is
not clear whether Byrd or his men actually saw this feature.
If the marsh were present at the time of Byrd's survey, it would
have been remarkable for them to have missed it during the
several goings and comings between the survey line and the
plantation at which Byrd was a guest, 6 miles south of Corapeake
Swamp.
Washington explored south along the western periphery of
the Dismal in 1763, crossing the Perquimans River in northern
Perquimans County, and then travelling north through the swamp
to the neck of higher land where US 158 emerges on the east side
today. He described the traverse through this southeastern arm
49

of the swamp, which overflowed into the Little River.
"The arm of Dismal, which we passed through to
get to this new land (as it is called) is 31 miles
measured; little or no timber in it, but very full
of reeds and excessive rich."
It is possible that Byrd received descriptions of this
large, reedy marsh from his host, Thomas Speight, the Carolina
Commissioners or the local residents who came to visit during his
two -week stay in Gates County.
In the Dismal, at the mouth of Corapeake Swamp there is
visible on color infrared photography, a series of three
concentric areas of disturbance (Fig.6 ). The 30 acre remnant
marsh is represented by a whitish area. The next larger zone, of
darker appearance than the surrounding swamp, about 300 acres in
size, indicates the former marsh area of recent times, perhaps
the remaining size before the era of modern fire suppression.
A larger, fine -textured, light blue area of over 1,OOO acres may
represent the limits of the large marsh described by Washington.
i
O .
/1 MI
RM
GW GW
FM
S U F F O L S S C A R p
CS
Fig. 6. Corapeake Marsh (Washington's Rice Farm). CS - Corapeake Swamp, MI - mesic
islands. RM - remnant marsh, FM - former marsh, invaded by forest in recent years, GW -
possible outline of original marsh described by George Washington in 1763.
F797

Why should there be a large marsh along a portion of the
toe of the scarp and not in the rest of the swamp? Hydrology,
fire and nutrients may all have played a part. Fire, either
lightning -started or set by Indians (Corapeake was originally
Orapeake, an Indian village), could have removed (or prevented)
forest vegetation, allowing new herbaceaous growth when the
water table returned to the surface. In nutrient -poor wetland
areas where fire-hydroperiod regimes prevent reforestation,
pocosin shrub vegetation predominates. Marshes (grassy wetlands)
may require more nutrients than shrublands. In this respect, it
may be significant that the marsh lies at the mouth of Corapeake
Swamp, which could be expected to have delivered a fresh supply
of nutrients and bases after each rainfall.
In the wet interval after fire, and in the presence of
surviving subsurface rhizomes and higher nutrient levels, reeds
and grasses (Arundinaria gigantea, Calamogrostis cinnoides etc.)
might be competent to rapidly revegetate the area, assuming
dominance before establishment of woody species.
This hypothesis requires four interacting factors: a water
table higher than that presently found on the site; seasonal
drought (or at least every few years) sufficient to support fire
hot enough to kill woody species; fires, probably set by Indians,
(and later by settlers to maintain pasturage), and a supply of
nutrients and bases higher than those found in the deep peat
areas of the swamp.
It should be possible to sample soils to determine whether
there is a nutrient or pH gradient from the the mouth of
Corapeake Swamp into the Dismal. However, it would be expected
that there would have been little new nutrient input since
construction of Cross Canal. This drainage effectively bypasses
any distribution of water or nutrients over the marsh, carrying
all nutrient runoff through the site into other areas (originally
directly across the swamp Uto the Dismal Swamp Canal).
Finally, it cannot be ruled out that the marsh may have been
simply the result of deliberate land clearing by early settlers.
Edmund Ruffin (1861) described the practice of clearing swamp
lands for agriculture, a few miles to the south in Perquimans
County in the 18301s:
"On the farms of Messrs. Francis Nixon and J. T.
Granberry, I saw the manner in which these swamp lands
are brought under cultivation. The large trees, not needed
for timber or fuel are belted and so killed. The heavy
forest growth is mostly of gum, poplar, oak and large
swamp pine, used for naval timber, some of the latter
of great size. The smaller growth is cut down more than
once, and mostly dies. The land is used for grazing,
until the roots are enough rotted to permit ditching
51

and ploughing. This will be in about five years after
the belting of the trees."
It could be that.the Corapeake marsh was so created, in the
late 17th or early 18th century. An equally reasonable possibility
is that the settlers found a small marshy area which they
subsequently enlarged for pasture.
52

11B. Prose description of site significance:
Whether of natural or man-made origin, a large fresh marsh has
existed for over two hundred years at the mouth of Corapeake Swamp.
It is the only vegetation community of its type in Gates County or
the Dismal Swamp, and may not be known elsewhere. Historically, it may
have been the only place in the county where rice culture was practiced.
This grassy wetland, especially if restored to its former extent,
could be one of the most striking features of the Dismal. Its possible
original significance to resident wildlife and wintering waterfowl are
unknown.
Riverbank sandreed (Calamovilfa brevipilis), a species listed as
threatened (Cooper et al. 1977) and as a protected species in North
Carolina (Sutter 1980) was listed for this site, but was later found to
be Calamogrostis cinnoides (L. J. Musselman 1980, pers. comm.), and
should be removed from any lists of records for Gates County.
No other endangered or threatened species are currently known.
However, no avian or other faunal survey was made at the site. Also,
the field work was done in the later stages of a two-year drought.
Most of the grasses present were not flowering or fruiting at the time
and remain to be identified. Other surviving herbs were obviously
drought -stressed.
The presence of hydrophytes such as golden club (Orontium
aquaticum), lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) and wild iris (Iris
virginica) indicate that the water table must ordinarily occur at or
above the surface for at least part of the year. Many more species of
hydrophytic herbs are to be expected in a year with normal rainfall.
Consequently, the area should be resurveyed during a season of
typical precipitation.
If the original 2-3,000 acre marsh were indeed a natural feature,
it may have been a community type found nowhere else. It presently has
considerable value for vegetation study and for examining the effects
on a marsh, of .two centuries of varying agricultural uses. Documenta-
tion of efforts to reestablish the marsh will be of value to other
land managers involved in rehabilitation of damaged natural areas, a
relatively new science.
53

Ln
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
legend
b. Description of
significant feature
c. Comparative
assessment
Unique wetland
community
B
Mixed hydrophytic grasses and
other hydrophytic herbs.
Only marsh community of this
type in Gates County or the
Dismal Swamp. Only community
of this type known to this
surveyor.
Endangered or
threatened species
B
Southern bog lemming
Reported by Pat Gammon.
No further information.

u
c
P�
V
Fig. 7. Access information: CORAPEAKE MARSH. NATURAL AREA.
1
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.,' a �� iiii., r"'Fm{,v w -. •�,� T.a �c-- �Y_ _ }it � 1. i
a 'a x Z •G 20• � 1 _ / i�ttya ye„ �'`->,M :-+" t' •a,. -�<' _ .r s +..
v
.i.K-

Legal status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area:
14. Number of owners: 1
Type
Private
Public
100 y
Unknown
Y
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses,
phone numbers, other pertinent information).
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434 [phone]
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Pat Gammon, Botanist, US Geological Survey
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434
[phone] Office
[phone] Home Has published several studies on the flora of
Dismal Swamp, using remote sensing techniques.
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
Contacted 17 June 1981. Refuge managers plan to try to maintain
existing remnant marsh by the use of controlled burning to prevent
encroachment of forest species.
57

18. Uses of natural area: Present use as wildlife habitat in a
National Wildlife Refuge. Formerly used as pasture land for grazing,
and possibly as a rice plantation in the late 1700's or early 1800's.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100
b. Agricultural
20. Preservation status:
c. High -intensity forestry
d. Developed
Cat.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
1
100%
National Wildlife Refuge.
Area registered as a North Carolina Natural
Heritage Area.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Area subject to all the rules and regulations of the Dismal Swamp
National Wildlife Refuge.
58

22. Threats: The site, at present, is conspicuously threatened with
invasion by woody species, especially red maple (Acer rubrum). In
June, 1981 the 30 acre remnant was occupied by small patches of open
marsh with scattered clumps of maple. These were present in numbers
sufficient to have divided the marsh into a mosaic of small openings
of perhaps 0.1 hectare in size. As maple continues to close the
canopy, marsh grasses and other hydrophytic herbs will be unable to
tolerate the increasing shade and will disappear. Unless management
steps are quickly taken to restore previous environmental conditions,
the site will succeed to red maple, the ubiquitous disturbance
vegetation of the Dismal.
23. Management and preservation recommendations: Regardless
of the historical origin of the marsh, the only reasonable manag- -- --
went alternative for the site is maintenance of this community, for
vegetation study and for the habitat diversity that it lends to the
otherwise forested swamp. While other portions of the refuge might
be managed for conservation of disturbance forest types, there is
no compelling reason why the goal for this area should not be
restoration of the 18th century marsh.
The immediate aim should be stabilization of the 30 acre remnant,
with the long range goal of slowly expanding the marsh to at least
300 acres, the minimal area that can be historically documented.
Any decision on further expansion, to the size suggested by George
Washington, could be based on the relative success of initial
efforts.
Cross Canal should be closed at some point east of the marsh
with a variable water control structure. The best approximation to
original conditions would be to raise the water in the canal to a
level which causes the water table of the surrounding land to be
at or above the surface during the wetter seasons of the year. The
height should be sufficient to cause the outflow from Corapeake
Swamp to spread over the -marsh as -it -would have done during
wet seasons before artificial drainage. This would restore
periodic nutrient and base input to the marsh.
Increasing hydroperiod and height of the water table will
probably not eliminate established red maple, since it is
highly tolerant of fluctuating moisture regimes. It will be
necessary to burn periodically as proposed by Gammon and Garrett
(1981) to eliminate this species. Once fire has eliminated the
maple, it should be possible to prevent encroachment by woody
67M

species by firing the marsh during natural dry periods at the rate
of every two or three years. Actual fire frequency necessary to
maintain or expand the marsh should be readily discernable after
a few years.
The specific nature of the original grassy vegetation is not
clear. Washington describes it as a large meadow, which would
suggest grasses of medium height, such as those now investing the
site. Byrd called the "Green Sea" a tract of tall reeds, a term he
usually applied to Arundinaria gigantea. Decisions on management
practices that may lead to a specific type of marsh vegetation will
have to be made by refuge botanists once conditions approximating
those of the undisturbed marsh community have been reestablished.
The hydrologic studies and preliminary burning experiments
begun by Gammon and Garrett should provide valuable scientific
background for future evaluation. Hydrologic and vegetation changes
should be studied quantitatively and significant results published
for the benefit of those attempting to manage similar areas else-
where.
Further historical investigation should be pursued. The
journals of Washington and others may have additional information.
The records of the Register of Deeds for Gates County are complete
to the earliest times, never having been destroyed by fire. A
thorough title search of the adjacent upland properties (Washington
mentioned the names of four landowners whose properties included
portions of the marsh in 1763) might reveal clues as to the nature
and management of this area over the past 200 years.
CS]

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Mixed fresh hydrophytic grasses. (Trending
toward red maple/mixed mesophytic grasses)
Community cover type: Mixed fresh hydrophytic grasses.
General habitat feature: Remnant of a large freshwater marsh
in a deltaic area where a small swampy stream empties into the
Dismal Swam
Average canopy height: About % meter for grasses, up to 5 m
for invading red maple.
Estimated age of canopy trees: Maples about 4 to 6 years.
Canopy cover: Closed (grasses)
Estimated size of community: 30 acres.
Successional stage: Originally pyroclimax. Now, subsequent to
fire suppression, the community is moving into a sere that will
4ea typswamp forest in which red maple will be the early dominant.
psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Acer rubrum
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
None.
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
None.
61

24b. Soil.Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Unknown. Simply listed as 'peat' on 1929
soil map. May be Pamlico.
Soil classification: Terric medisaprist?
Soil association: Mapped Ponzer-Dorovan-Dare on tentative
general soil map of Gates County; Ponzer-Pamlico-Dorovan on
general soil map of North Carolina.
pH class:
Source of information: Davis et al. 1929. USDA SCS 1972.
USDA SCS 1974.
Other notes: Soil formed in a deltaic area where the mouth of
Corapeake Swamp delivered water and small amounts of sediment into
the Dismal. A textural gradient of the mineral fraction from the
mouth into the larger swamp would be expected. This would be an
interesting area for pedogenic and other studies.
24c. Hydrology.Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous.
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Intermittently flooded. (Was probably seasonally
flooded before construction of Cross Canal).
Drainage class : Somewhat poorly drained (Was probably poorly
drained before canal construction).
Drainage basin: Pasquotank River.
Hydrology characterization: A somewhat poorly drained,
intermittently flooded, interaqueous palustrine system, wetted
by fresh rains, a tributary swamp and a seasonally high water
table.
1.14

24d. Topography Summary
Landf orm : Deltaic area at mouth of small swamp.
Shelter: Open. Perhaps a minimum of shelter provided by Suffolk
Scarp to west of site.
Aspect: Flat.
Slope angle: Nearly level (0-2%)
Prof ile : Flat.
Surface patterns: Smooth.
Position: N/A
63

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Pyroclimax marsh grass community on mixed organic -alluvial
deposit below mouth of Corapeake Swamp, on the western boundary of
the Great Dismal Swamp, in the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain
Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation: Holocene organics and alluvium over
the Sand Bridge and Norfolk Formations.
Geological formation age:
Mixed organics and alluvium: Holocene (11,000 yrs. ago to present)
Sand Bridge and Norfolk
Formations : 35,000 to 115,000 yrs ago.
References cited: Oaks, R. Q., Jr. and D. G. Whitehead. 1979.
Geologic setting and origin of the Dismal Swamp, southeastern
Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. In: P. W. Kirk, Jr.,
ed. The Great Dismal Swamp. Charlottesville: Univ. of Virginia
Press. 427 p.
Oaks, R. Q., Jr. and N. K. Coch. 1963. Pleistocene sea levels,
southeastern Virginia. Science 140: 979-983.
Daniels, R. B., E. E. Gamble and W. H. Wheeler. 1978. Age of
soil landscapes in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Soil
Sci.,Soc. Am. J. 42:98-105.
64

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: None known at present.
Species legal status and authority:
Number of populations on site:
Number of individuals per population:
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering
fruiting
General vigor of population:
Disturbance or threats to population:
Habitat characteristics
Plant community:
Topography:
Soil series:
Microclimate:
Drainage basin:
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
65

27. Master species lists:
CANOPY:
Acer rubrum
Nyssa sylvatica
SHRUBS:
Salix caroliniana
HERBS:
Calamogrostis cinnoides
Carex sp.
Dulichium arundinaceum
Eupatorium capillifolium
Iris virginica
Orontium aquaticum
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Peltandra virginica
Sagittaria sp.
Saururus cernuus
Typha angustifolia
Woodwardia virginica
VINES:
Clematis crispa
Rhus radicans

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
(portion not included in Washington's Rice Farm and the Dismal
Swamp mesic islands).
2. County: Gates.
3. Location: Entire tract of land bounded on the south by US 158;
on the north by the NC/VA state line; on the east by the Gates
County line, and on the west by the Suffolk Scarp.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s) : Beckford 1929(1942) 15 min (1:62,000)
South Mills 1940 15 min (1:62,000); Corapeake VA -NC 1977 711 min
(1:24,000); Beckford NE, 1981 advance print 711 min (1:24,000).
5. Size: 13,500 acres (5,464 ha) not including 600 acres in the
mesic island portion and 300 acres in Washington's Rice Farm.
6. 'Elevation: 20-30 ft MSL.
7. Access: By Refuge roads from US 158, Corapeake and Holly Grove.
All Refuge roads are gated and permission to enter must be obtained.
8. Names of investigators: Cecil C. Frost, Dept. of Botany, UNC
Chapel Hill.
9. Date(s) of investigation: 12 August 1981, 15 August 1981 and
numerous other visits from 1976 to 1981.
10. Priority rating: High.
67

11A. Prose Description of Site.
This section treats the remaining portion of the Dismal
Swamp north of US 158, not discussed in Washington's Rice Farm
(Corapeake Marsh) or the Dismal Swamp Mesic Islands. This large
tract (about 13,500 acres) of swamp forest lies between US 158
and the NC/VA state line. It is bounded on the west by the Suffolk
Scarp and on the east by the Gates/Pasquotank County line.
The area lies nearly level, at an elevation of about 20 ft,
and forms the headwaters of the Pasquotank, Little and Perquimans
Rivers, and perhaps a portion of that for the Northwest River.
It is underlain by the Dismal Swamp peat, up to 3 meters in depth.
The peat overlies the Norfolk sand and the Sandbridge Formation
of late Sangamon age (Fig. 9 ).
100
Hazleton Pamela
1
SuHelk 0 1 s le e I
Seero
Seero
s0
�
Z
0.
o�� M .
Y 0•
�01 Or, 01 OM
0
a
0
T, i OT,
0 .�...
1
T► 1.50
1
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1 t
11 I 1
D ,r•
win oa.r+
-00
....
S r e 0 Dealt creek Sn.e1e Fentress Rl"
OM 01 OW O.k, " 009 Oke 00, 0M1
T,
a
Fig. 9. Geologic section through Dismal Swamp from a point in
Virginia, across the state line. into North Carolina. Then
parallel to the state line, across the Suffolk Scarp north of
Corapeake, into the Dismal.
Qhu — Dismal Swamp Peat; Qsb, — Sand Bridge Formation (Fm), upper
member, clayey -sand facies; Qsb, — silty -clay facies; Qsbl — lower me•mix-r; Ql =
Londonbridge Fm.; Qn, — Norfolk Fm., coarse -sand facies; Qn, — silty -day facies;
Qns — medium -sand facies; Qn, — fine -sand facies; Qqb, _ Great Bridge Fm..
silty -clay facies; Qw — Windsor Fm.; QTs — Sedley Fm.; Ty — Yorktown Fm.
From Oaks and Coch 1973 (plate 2), courtesy Virginia Division of Mineral Resources.
0
This tract is large enough to contain valuable habitat for
wide-ranging species such as black bear and bobcat, and there were
several panther sightings just to the north of the area in 1979
and 1980. Most of the following endemic, threatened or special
concern species listed in Cooper et al. (1977) probably occur
on the site:
m

Threatened Species:
Buteo lineatus (Red -shouldered hawk
Special Concern Species:
Dendroica virens (Black -throated green warbler
Helmitheros (=Limnothlypis) swainsonii (Swainson's.warbler)
Protonotaria citrea (Prothonotary warbler)
Ursus americanus (Black bear)
Endemic races of unknown status:
Blarina brevicauda telmalestes (Dismal Swamp Short -tailed
shrew). Endemic race; considered a species until recently.
Microtus pennsylvanicus nigrans (Dismal Swamp meadow vole)
Endemic race.
Sorex longirostris fisheri (Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew).
Endemic race.
Synaptomys cooperi helaletes (Dismal Swamp southern bog
lemming). Disjunct endemic race, known from only one site
in North Carolina.
Rare species of unknown status:
Plecotus rafinesquii macrotis (Rafinesque's big -eared bat)
POSSIBLE ENDEMISM OF SMALL MAMMALS IN THE DISMAL SWAMP
A great deal of research remains to be done on the wildlife
of the Dismal, especially the endemic small mammals. Apparent
endemism may be simply the result of taxonomic splitting, based
on regional variation in species characters. However, the
possibility exists that these species may have been isolated
since the Wisconsin.
The species in question could have migrated northward and
inland with warming postglacial climate and rising sea level.
Toward the end of this process the Dismal Swamp area became a
peninsula, isolated by the James River estuary, Chesapeake Bay,
Atlantic Ocean, and Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. The Suffolk
Scarp could have served as a partial migratory barrier for small
wetland mammals. Possible escape routes around the northern and
southern ends of the scarpmay have been blocked by salt marsh
vegetation, a different habitat (Albemarle Sound was brackish
before closure of the last inlet in the early nineteenth century).
Thus, a measure of isolation sufficient to permit development of
local races might have been achieved.
The effects on wildlife habitat of drainage and disturbance,
have probably been to open up the central swamp to medium and
large mammals, which would have found little habitat there when
it was a white cedar bog. Wetland habitat for small endemic
mammals may have been diminished.'
69

VEGETATION, HYDROLOGY AND HUMAN DISTURBANCE
The area remains a high -quality wetland, despite the history
of vegetation change in the Dismal. The present forest canopy
ranges from about 50 to 75 yrs in age, with scattered remnant
individuals and clusters of much older cypress and black gum. This
vegetation has been mapped using color infrared aerial photography
by Gammon and Carter (1979). The canopy is composed almost
entirely of Nyssa sylvatica biflora and red maple in most areas,
with either species being locally dominant. Cypress or loblolly
pine are important in a few small areas. Sweet gum can be found
occasionally in the canopy, but is not abundant.
Locally, red maple, sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana)or holly
(Ilex opaca) form a thin subcanopy. Clethra alnifolia and Smilax
are the most common species in the shrub stratum, occasionally
forming a nearly closed layer. Because of deep shade and low
nutrient availability, the herb flora is depauperate, comprising
only a handful of species, and these very thinly distributed in
most areas.
As discussed in the introduction to this report, the Dismal
has undergone nearly two centuries of human disturbance,
beginning with construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Under-
standing present vegetation will require a variety of scientific
studies, investigation of vegetation along moisture, edaphic
and topographic gradients in the region, as well as recorded
historical events and descriptions of early travelers.
Examination of color infrared aerial photography (NASA
UAg 1045 153.22, 2 December 1972) shows little observable change
from vegetation along ditches to that of areas remote from
drainage. The absence of a visible gradient from mesic species
near ditches to more hydric species farther from drainage is
remarkable in view of the fact that these ditches are cut to a
depth of several feet below the land surface. During wet periods
they can be seen carrying away surplus water at a rate which
must be several times faster than that which occurred in the
original situation. The lack of a vegetation gradient suggests
that the peat is relatively impermeable to lateral movement of
water and that water visible in ditches and canals in wet
seasons is primarily due to shallow surface runoff.
This function of ditches was partially simulated in nature
by a dendritic drainage pattern, remnants of which can be seen
in the headwaters of the major streams draining the Dismal.
That the streams sometimes carried a flow surprisingly rapid
for a swampy area is documented by Kearney (1901) and Ruffin
(1861).
70

A pertinent question for water management in the Dismal
would be the degree to which modern ditches simulate natural
drainage. It is unknown to what extent the original dendritic
stream pattern penetrated the interior of the white cedar bog
which comprised the largest community in the swamp. Similar areas
for comparison, which have been undisturbed by artificial
drainage, are virtually nonexistent.
Even if a complete drainage network existed, its tributaries
would have shallowed progressively toward the interior. This is in
striking contrast with the grid of 20th century ditches and canals
up to 10 ft deep, which dissect the heart of the swamp. The net
hydrologic effect must be a much more rapid removal of water
after rainfall than in the undisturbed swamp.
The consequence of this effect for vegetation would be a
decrease in the time during which the water content of peat soils
exceeds saturation, and an increase in the length of time that
soils are aerated. In white cedar areas the equilibrium between
peat formation and decomposition clearly has been shifted toward
the latter process, with much of the upper surface exposed to
drying and subaerial oxidation.
It appears that the center of the swamp has been most
affected, with white cedar undergoing rapid replacement by more
mesophytic community types. However, the periphery of the swamp
is also undergoing type conversion in many areas. Huge stumps
along the toe of the Suffolk Scarp demonstrate the presence of a
community type in which baldcypress was a canopy or emergent
species. The zone is now dominated by the slightly more mesophytic
black gum (Nyssa sylvatica biflora) and red maple, suggesting that
the slow feed of moisture from the swamp interior and from
uplands to the west originally maintained a higher water table
and/or longer hydroperiod than at present.
To what extent roads in the Dismal Swamp act as dams is
unknown. Since the sands which were dredged from beneath the peat
horizon as roadfill are probably more permeable than the original
peat, it seems likely that the effect of their presence is
negligible in comparison with effects of the adjacent ditches.
The roads may not act as moisture barriers at all, unless in
areas where clay fill was trucked in. Resolution of this question
would necessitate understanding the composition.of the.road'fill
along the different sections, and the original variation in rate
of water movement through peat at different depths.
Restoration of original hydrology might seem a quixotic
endeavor in view of the extent to which it has been disturbed.
South of US 158, drainage and partitioning of the swamp into
small blocks for tree farming, agriculture and eventually peat
71

mining, will remove all the organic horizon and the resulting
land surface will be lowered from several feet to several meters
below the original. To the north, in the Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge, it is possible to use water control structures
to permanently maintain the hydrology of the swamp. This will
eventually by the only significant remnant of the Dismal in
Gates County.
Since it is possible to restore normal water levels to
some areas in the southern half of the Refuge, it might be
desirable to attempt reversal of drainage efforts on selected
sites. Insofar as vehicular access would not be needed or
appropriate in areas with higher water tables, managed as
natural communities, it would be desirable to actually remove
existing roads. It would be prohibitively expensive to do
this on a large scale, since a great quantity of road fill was
trucked in to build up roadbeds. However, on an experimental
basis, it might be feasible to slowly mine fill from one or
two roads over a period of years, using the material elsewhere
as needed. The adjacent ditches could be permanently closed
and allowed to fill with organic matter, reestablishing the
original continuity.
72

11B. Prose description of site significance:
Much old -growth forest remains in patches or as scattered
individuals of cypress and black gum. One Taxodium measured
98 ft (30 m) high and 5 ft (151 cm) in diameter. These large
individuals are several hundred years old and therefore
represent remnants of the original forest.
The endemic small mammals discussed earlier may represent a
unique example of species isolation on the Coastal Plain, and
deserve further study. A detailed survey of the fauna of this
tract has not been conducted. Further work, especially with
warblers and other birds, will undoubtedly show that the area
supports additional rare or threatened species.
Any remaining large tract of wildland is of significance
simply because of its size, in view of the rapid conversion of
land from natural communities to agriculture and intensive
forestry during the past twenty years. Such areas offer the only
hope for permanent survival of many native wildlife species,
especially those such as black bear, bobcat, panther and wild
turkey which require roadless areas ar large tracts in which to
range.
73

v
41
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
High quality wetland plant
Extensive wetland dominated by
Largest single -owner tract of
community
black gum (Nyssa sylvatica
wildland remaining in county.
rubrum).
Scattered stands of original
old -growth baldcypress and
black gum.
Rare mammalian fauna
Dismal Swamp short -tailed
Unusual (and unexplained)
shrew (Blaring brevicauda
group of small mammals with
telmalestes), Dismal Swamp
races endemic to the Dismal
meadow vole (Microtus ep nnsl-
Swamp area.
vanicus nigrans), Dismal Swamp
southeastern shrew (Sorex
longirostris fishers , Dismal
Swamp southern bog lemming
(Synaptomys coopers helaletes)
Special concern
Red -shouldered hawk
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977).
Occasional in this tract.
Nesting status unknown.
High quality w e
Black bear
Size of the area important in
habitat
sustaining a.permanent
population of this large
mammal on the Coastal Plain.

7
6
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a5

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).
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434 [phone]
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Pat Gammon, Botanist, US Geological Survey
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P. 0. Box 349
Suffolk, VA 23434 Has published several studies on the
[phone] Office flora of Dismal Swamp.
[phone] Home
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
Contacted June, 1981. Management plans for this tract depend upon
continuing studies by Gammaon, Garrett and others.
77

18. Uses of. natural area: Presently contained entirely within
the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Past uses were logging,
hunting, some hiking. Primary use now is for preservation of
wildlife habitat (black bear, bobcat, many other species). Also
used for hunting white-tailed deer, educational and research
purposes. It is unknown whether the Refuge will practice timber
cutting on this tract in the future.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 50 % c. High -intensity forestry
b. Agricultural 40 % 10 %
d. Developed %
20. Preservation status:
Cat.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
1
100%
National Wildlife Refuge. Area ,
registered as a North Carolina Natural Heritage
Area.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Area is subject to all the rules and regulations of the Dismal
Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
78

22. Threats:
1. Continued loss of peat through fire and oxidation (perhaps
the principal process of peat wastage since establishment of
effective fire suppression).
2. Continued type conversion of forest communities: Conversion
of white cedar to maple and gum is already complete in the
Gates County tract. The type probably occurred at least in the
northeast corner and along the eastern third of the property.
Along the western half of the tract, hydrologic conditions
are among the least altered in the swamp. Even here, however,
the slight change in soil drainage class from very poorly
drained to poorly drained, has apparently caused a shift to
the next more mesophytic forest type. The moist area at the
toe of the scarp probably originally contained tupelo (Nyssa
aquatica). An example of a second -growth stand of this type
can be seen in a similar topographic position south of US 158.
Stumps of large baldcypress, and the existing vegetation
gradients in other parts of the region suggest that the
original series of communities, from the toe of the scarp
east into the swamp was as follows:
Taxodium distichum/Nyssa aquatics ->. Taxodium distichum
Nyssa sylvatica biflora } Chamaecyparis thyoides.
Red maple would have occurred as a common, small understory
species.
Logging and slight alteration of hydrology have produced
a community composed almost entirely of black gum and red
maple, with one or the other being dominant in selected areas.
Should the existing canopy be disturbed, it is likely that the
subsequent community would be dominated by red maple and
loblolly pine, the next more mesophytic type in the hydrologic
series.
Invasion by loblolly pine in many areas of the swamp
where it did not originally occur, represents a subtle threat
in itself, in that its commercial value leads to political
and administrative pressures for its management and
perpetuation, to the detriment of natural communities.
23. Management and preservation recommendations:
1. Establish water control structures on all ditches and canals.
2. Raise water table in as much of the swamp as practicable.
3. Begin to eliminate roads where practicable.
79

These suggestions are intended for the swamp as a whole, but
especially for the portion south of Lake Drummond, including the
North Carolina State Park lands. The Gates County tract has been
less affected than these sections to the north and northeast, but
here too,water level should be raised enough to stop type
conversion and to initiate return to the original communities.
If management objectives are to preserve existing remnants of
the original vegetation of the Dismal, the best alternative would
be to close all the ditches and raise the water table until water
is ponded in the topographic lows. Ponding would serve as an
indicator of the proper level at which to set spillways.
The result, of course, would not be an entirely natural
situation, since the aquatic community was probably rare in the
undisturbed swamp. It would, however, be a first step in healing
the past century's scars by reinitiating peat formation in the
ponded areas and protecting the remaining peat highs from further
oxidation and deep peat burns.
This would be the most ethical course of action and would
acknowledge the disturbance nature of much of the present
vegetation and topography. Reflooding the burned -out lows would
create excellent waterfowl habitat for a century of two while
these areas undergo peat filling and succession from aquatics to
white cedar. The healing process could be a central interpretive
theme for the Refuge and a subject for research.
Without some such management, prospects for the Dismal are
more burns, continued loss of peat by oxidation and continued
conversion to loblolly pine and red maple. Because of the depth
of the ditches, and of organic matter, these processes could
continue for centuries, until exhaustion of the peat.
Since pine and maple would not be expected to survive in the
wetter areas if the water table were raised, it might not be
objectionable to harvest these in some areas. Some tracts should
be left for study.
Should survival of the National Wildlife Refuge system become
contingent upon production of income at some time in the future,
it might be desirable to maintain a portion of the swamp in
loblolly pine. However, for esthetic, scientific and educational
purposes, some large portion of the swamp should be managed in
_the manner suggested.
:E

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica/Acer rubrum/mixed deciduous and
evergreen shrubs. (Maple dominant in many areas).
Community cover type: Nyssa sylvatica
General habitat feature: Pocosin (swamp).
Average canopy height: 70 ft (individual relict cypress and
black gum [Nyssa sylvatica biflora] to 100 ft).
Estimated age of canopy trees: 75 yrs where dominated by Nyssa.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: 12,000 acres.
Successional stage: Seral. Unknown whether this community will
eventually be dominated by Nyssa, red.maple or some other species.
Sere type: Psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Acer rubrum (red maple)
Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) in a few small areas.
Taxodium distichum (baldcypress) in a few areas.
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Ilex opaca (holly)
Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepperbush)
Magnolia virginiana (sweet bay)
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern)
81

24b. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Unknown. Simply listed as 'peat' on 1929
soil map.
Soil classification: Histosol. Saprist.
Soil association: Mapped Ponzer-Dorovan-Dare on tentative
general soil map of Gates County; Ponzer-Pamlico-Dorovan on
general soil map of North Carolina.
pH class: Undetermined. Probably strongly acidic.
Source of information: Davis et al. 1929; USDA SCS 1972:
USDA SCS 1974.
Other notes: At least two soil series must be included since
the site ranges from deep peat to shallow peat over mineral
substrate.
24c. Hydrology.Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous.
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Saturated. Much of site was probably seasonally
flooded in presettlement moisture regime.
Drainage• class: Poorly drained. Was probably very poorly
drained before ditch and canal construction.
Drainage basin: Drainage obscure. Located near the divide
between the Pasquotank, Little and Perquimans Rivers. Portions
of this site may have drained into all of these.
Hydrology characterization:
A poorly -drained, saturated, interaqueous palustrine system,
wetted by fresh rains, downslope drainage and a high water table.
82

24d. Topography Summary
Landform: Pocosin (swamp).
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: Flat.
Slope angle: Nearly flat (0-2%).
Prof ile : Flat
Surface patterns: Irregular.
Position: N/A
83

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Seral gum -maple community in the northern half of the Gates
County portion of the Great Dismal Swamp, in the Embayed Section
of the Coastal Plain Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation: The Dismal Swamp Peat, over the Norfolk
and Sandbridge Formations.
Geological formation age:
Dismal Swamp Peat: 11,000 - 12,000 yrs ago to early 19th century.
Norfolk and Sandbridge Formations: Sangamon Interglacial, 801,000
to 100,000 yrs BP.
References cited:
Oaks, R. Q., and D. R. Whitehead. 1979. Geologic setting and origin
of the Dismal Swamp, southeastern Virginia and northeastern North
Carolina. In: P. W. Kirk, Jr., ed. The Great Dismal Swamp.
Charlottesville: Univ. of Virginia Press. 427 p.
Oaks, R. Q., Jr. amd J. R. Dubar. 1974.Post-Miocene stratigraphy,
central and southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Logan: Utah State
Univ. Press. 275 p.
84

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) .
Species legal status and authority: Threatened in North
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Unknown.
Number of individuals per population: Unknown.
Size or maturity of individuals: Adults.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering 1�
fruiting X
General vigor Of population: Uncommon in the central Dismal
Swamp. Better habitat exists in the swamps along the rivers
draining the Dismal.
Disturbance or threats to population: Continued drainage
of wetlands. Continued conversion of upland woods to agriculture,
with consequent increase of pesticide runoff into wetland food
chains.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Taxodium distichum/Nyssa aquatica;
Topography: Taxodium distichum/Nyssa sylvatica.
Soil series:
Microclimate:
Drainage basin:
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
85

27. Master species lists:
CANOPY:
Acer rubrum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Nyssa sylvatica biflora
Taxodium distichum
Pinus taeda
SUBCANOPY:
Acer rubrum
Ilex opaca
Magnolia virginiana
SHRUBS:
Callicarpa americana
Clethra alnifolia
Leucothoe axillaris
Symplocos tinctoria
Vaccinium corymbosum
Vaccinium stamineum
HERBS:
Arisaema triphyllum
Arundinaria gigantea
Carex sp.
Hypericum virginicum
Mitchella repens
Osmunda regalis
Saururus cernuus
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
VINES:
Berchemia scandens
Decumaria barbara
Parthenocisus quinquefolia
Rhus radicans
Smilax rotundifolia
86

DISMAL SWAMP MAMMALS
Virginia Opossum (DideZphis virginiana)
Eastern Cottontail (SyZvilagus fZoridanus)
Marsh Rabbit (SyZvilagus paZustris)
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Gray Squirrel (Scirus caroZinensis)
Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Muskrat (0ndatra..zibethicus)
Black Bear (Ursus americana)
Raccoon (Procyon Zotor)
Long -Tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)
Mink (MusteZa vison)
River Otter (Lutra canadensis)
Bobcat (Felis rufus)
White -Tailed Deer (0docoiZeus virginianus)
DISMAL SWAMP TURTLES
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina s.)
Stinkpot (Sternothaerus odoratus)
Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum s.)
Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrepene caroZina c.)
Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys pictap.)
Yellow -Bellied Turtle (Chysemys concinna c.)
River Cooter (Crysemys concivia c.)
Red -Bellied Turtle -(Crysemys rubriventris r.)
LIZARDS
Green Anole (AnoZis caroZinensis c.)
Northern Fence Lizard (SceZoporus undulatus hyacinthinus)
SKINKS
Ground Skink (Lygosoma ZateraZe)
Five -Lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus)
Brown -Headed Skink (Eumeces Zaticaps)
Southeastern Five -Lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus)
87

DISMAL SWAMP SNAKES
Non -Poisonous
Brown Water Snake Matrix taxispilata)
Red -Bellied Water Snake (Natrix erythrogaster e.)
Northern Water Snake (Natrix sipedon s.)
Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi d.)
Northern Red -Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomacutata o.)
Eastern Ribbon Snake (Ihamophis sauritus s.)
Eastern Garter Snake (Ihamophis sirtaZis s.)
Eastern Earth Snake (Virginia vaZeriae v.)
Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon pZatyrkinas p.)
Southern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus p.)
Eastern worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus a.)
Eastern Mud Snake (Faroncia abacura a.)
Northern Black Racer (Co Ubur constrictor e.)
Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
Black Rat Snake (EZaphe obsoleta o.)
Eastern Kingsnake (LampropeZtis getuZus g.)
Scarlet Kingsnake (LampropeZtis trianguZum eZapsoides)
Poisonous
Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contoritrix c.)
Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous p.)
Canebrake Rattlesnake (CrotaZus horridus atricaudatus)
DISMAL SWAMP SALAMANDERS
Greater Siren (Siren Zaeertina)
Two -Toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means means)
Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
Southern Disky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus auriculatus)
Red -Backed Salamander (Ptethodon cinereus cinsreus)
Many -Lined Salamander (StereochiZus marginatus)
Southern Two -Lined Salamander (Eurycea'bisZineata cirrigera)
88

Toads
Frogs
DISMAL SWAMP TOADS AND FROGS
American Toad (Bufo americanus a.)
Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris)
Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousei fowLeri)
Oak Toad (Bufo quercicus)
Green Treefrog (HyZa cinera cinera)
Pine Woods Treefrog (HyZa femoraZis)
Squirrel Treefrog (HyZa squireUa)
Gray Treefrog (HyZa versicoZor v.)
Little Grass Frog (Limaeoedus ocularis)
Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata feriarm)
Brimsley's Chorus Frog (Pseudaris brimZeyi)
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus gryUus)
Bull Frog (Rana catesbeiana)
Carpenter Frog (Rana vigatipes)
Green Frog (Rana cZamitans melanota)
Southern Leopard Frog (Rana utricularis)
Eastern Narrow -Mouthed Frog (Gastrophyrne carolinensis)
89

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: MERCHANTS MILL POND STATE PARK
2. County: Gates.
3. Location: SR 1400, 1.4 mi south of Eason's Crossroads on US 158.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s) : Beckford 1929 15 min (1:62,500).
5. Size! 3,300 a (1,335 ha).
6. Elevation: 6 ft to 38 ft (2 m to 11 m).
7. Access: Park entrance on SR 1400. Best access to beech slopes,
pond and swamp is by canoe. Access to beech slopes, upland beech -
white oak and pine successional areas by 7 mi loop trail on
north side of pond.
S. Names Of investigators: Cecil C. Frost, Dept. of Botany, UNC
Chapel Hill.
9. Date(s) of investigation: 3 June 1981, 7 June 1981, 10 June
1981 plus data gathered during five years residence on site as
naturalist and Ranger in charge.
10. Priority rating: High.
Guf

11A. Prose Description of Site.
Merchants Mill Pond is located in central Gates County, on
SR 1400 about 1.4 miles south of US 158 at Eason's Crossroads.
The park presently consists of about 2,500 acres, with eventual
proposed size of about 3,300 acres upon completion of the park
master plan.(Fig. 13).
The history of the area, discussed in the master plan (1978),
revolves around the mill pond, constructed in 1811, and once a
center of commercial activity. The pond was constructed to operate
a series of mills, with the most important in existence around
the end of the 19th century, supporting a number of small
businesses and a post office.
The pond fortunately survived the period when milling
businesses turned to other sources of power and most of the old
mill ponds were abandoned and eventually drained. The property
was donated to the State in 1973 by the A. B. Coleman family of
Moyock, NC and dedicated as a State Park. In 1980 a large tract
was registered as a North Carolina Natural Heritage Area,
designating it for the permanent protection of high quality
wildlife habitat; habitat for a number of rare, endangered or
threatened plant species, and as examples of the original forest
types of the area.
With the exception:of the pond itself, all of the plant
communities of the park are representative natural communities of
the region. Despite its man-made origin, the pond is also an
outstanding natural community. It has existed for about 170
years and has acquired one of the most diverse collections of
aquatic and wetland plants in the mid -Atlantic area — over 165
species. Only three of these, Myriophyllum brasiliense (Parrot's
feather), Spirodela oligorrhiza and Aneilema kaizak, are not
native.'plants.
Furthermore, there is evidence that this flora, with :
communities too numerous to analyze separately in a study of this
scope, is entirely natural for the geographic region, having
originally occurred in beaver ponds (Frost, unpublished study).
Beaver, originally common in this area, carved out numerous
ponds in the virgin swamp forests. These natural impoundments
would have been the major habitat.for many of the species of
aquatics now found in the remaining mill ponds.
Beaver were completely extirpated from the Atlantic Coastal
Plain by trapping, by the early part of this century (the last
one was trapped in North Carolina around 1915). As beaver
disappeared in the 18th and 19th centuries, and their ponds
were absorbed into new swamp forest, numerous mill ponds were
being constructed for water power. So, by happy circumstance,
91

these aquatic communities were preserved, albeit on a larger
scale. The mill ponds may have even served to prevent extinction
or extirpation of a few rare aquatics such as Hottonia inflata
and Potamogeton confervoides.
Now, as the old mill ponds are drained one by one, the
return of beaver offers hope of reestablishing these communities
in their natural setting, at least in areas where trapping is not
permitted and the ponds can be maintained on a semipermanent basis
(it takes 20-50 yrs or more for this type community to reach
its full development). The early steps of this process can be
observed in Lassiter Swamp where the rare Hottonia can be seen
invading new beaver ponds as they are extended upstream.
The water supply for the pond comes almost entirely through
Lassiter Swamp, originating in upland forest and agricultural
lands. The system is presently just able to handle existing
amounts of sediment input and agricultural runoff. Some additional
water comes from small direct tributaries to the pond, from
rainfall, the water table, and downslope drainage from adjacent
slopes.
The park is found within the Embayed Section of the
Atlantic Coastal Plain, in the Chowan River basin. It is tributary
to the Albemarle estuary, the headwaters of which extend some
distance up the Chowan River and Bennett's Creek. The exact point
at which this stream reaches base level is unknown, but apparently
occurs within a mile or two below the Merchants Mill Pond spillway.
The mouth of the creek is embayed and lies approximately at sea
level. Wind tides from the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River
frequently cause reversal of flow in Bennett's Creek, extending
nearly to the park boundary.
The mill pond is impounded in a flat, alluvial swamp bottom -
land which is only 2 to 4 ft above sea level. The pond surface is
611 ft MSL. Communities in Lassiter Swamp represent the type
of swamp forest that would have occurred in the pond area before
impoundment. The flat-bottomed swamp averages about 11 mi wide
and is bounded on both sides by steep valley walls, which rise to
an elevation of about 30 ft MSL. Above these are flat to very
gently rolling upland divides which reach a maximum elevation in
the natural area of 39 ft.
These flat uplands are remnants of the Talbot Terrace, which
in this area may have been formed by fluvial or estuarine wave
action during the Sangamon. The last stand of the sea high
enough to have covered central Gates County occurred at the time
of deposition of the Norfolk Formation on the eastern edge of
the County. Sea level at that time (about 80,000 - 90,000 yrs
ago) reached 45 to 50 ft higher than the present in this area
92

(Oaks and DuBar 1974). This would have inundated all of the county
with the exception of the plateau of high land above the Hazleton
Scarp in north -central Gates County adjacent to the NC/VA state
line.
Some or all of the carving of the scarp could have occurred
during that period, which may have lasted several thousand years.
The coastline apparently lay along the Suffolk Scarp. Sand
deposits there may have comprised something resembling modern
barrier islands, at least during the later stage of this time.
The interior of the county may have been a sound or bay where the
Chowan emptied into the sea. Water may have flowed through inlets
in the barrier or directly from the mouth of the river, perhaps
in the same manner in which the James River becomes embayed at
its mouth before emptying into the Chesapeake.
The Hazleton Scarp would have been formed primarily by wave
action from the Chowan embayment. As its wave -cut face receded
northward, the present 35-40 ft terrace forming the uplands
surrounding Merchants Mill Pond would have been.created and
mantled with estuarine sediments which later developed into the
modern soils of the area. Recession of the Sangamon sea left the
new terrace exposed from that time until the present day.
While the precursor of the drainage pattern that was to
become Bennett's Creek may have been incised during.the earlier
Illinoian glacial exposure, most of the existing modern
topography visible along its course was shaped in the Wisconsin.
The dendritic pattern of streams that were to become Duke,
Harrell, Raynor and Lassiter Swamps was extended and deepened
during this erosional period.
Daniels et al. (1971) have shown that the flat terraces
between stream drainage systems are extremely stable on the
Coastal Plain, with little erosion having occurred over a period
of several million years on the higher terraces. Since the
Talbot Terrace is only about 80,000 to 90,000 yrs old, its
present surface is probably little changed from the time of its
deposition, with the exception of portions dissected by streams.
The most prominent of these stream valleys is that of
Bennett's Creek which, although flat-bottomed, is walled by
steep, rolling valley sides and has topography which is locally
quite rugged for the Coastal Plain (see ravines around Merchants
Mill Pond and Lassiter SWamp). Most of this relief was created
in the period from late Sangamon (around 70,000 - 80,000 yrs
ago) to the end of the Wisconsin (around 15,000 yrs ago).
During this 60,000 yr period, world sea level fell to as
much as 350 ft lower than the present. This meant that most of
the continental shelf to the east of the present Outer Banks
93

was exposed as dry land, and that Gates County stood about 400
ft above sea level, nearly the elevation of the present lower
Piedmont in the vicinity of Raleigh and Durham.
With greatly lowered base level, the Chowan River and
Bennett's Creek were narrow, Piedmont -like streams, downcutting
and becoming entrenched in their floodplains. Stream valleys
would have been much more V-shaped than at present. The depth
to which these valleys were cut is unknown, although this may
someday be determined from well borings. It is certain that the
level was considerably below that of the present. Deep holes in
the stream channels of Lassiter Swamp and Bennett's Creek, both
in its upper section and near its mouth, are remnants of the
Wisconsin stream valley. Since the present surface of Bennett's
Creek is at sea level, the holes 20 ft or more deep reported
from its lower section could not have been eroded by the present
slow -flowing stream, but are remnants of a much deeper valley
that only began to fill around 5,000 yrs ago (see discussion
of geology of Chowan Swamp).
The rolling land and slopes forming the valley sides of
Bennett's Creek were probably formed by a series of processes.
One such event may have been wave action during recession of
water from the Chowan embayment. The major erosional period,
however, probably occurred during the Wisconsin while streams
were deepening their valleys.
With respect to the relative ages of these three major
topographic surfaces exposed within the natural area, the flat,
stable uplands are the oldest, dating from the end of the
Sangamon. The valley slopes are younger, having undergone
extensive erosion and lateral recession during the Wisconsin.
This process has continued, although at a very reduced rate,
in post -Wisconsin time to the present day. Youngest of all are
the swamp bottomlands, which are presently aggrading year by
year.
Obviously, very different time intervals have been available
for the formation of soils. From the overview above it would be
expected that the bottomlands would contain Entisols in the
swampy areas and Inceptisols on the drier flats. The valley
walls may be Inceptisols, and the upland divides should have
had time to develop Ultisols. A detailed soil survey of part of
the natural area has been begun by the local office of the Soil
Conservation Service. Identification of the various soils to
series has -not yet been completed.
These swamp bottoms, tributary to the Chowan River, are
the filled floodplains of deeper stream valleys carved during the
late Sangamon and Wisconsin. Filling must have been rapid in the
past few thousand years. About 2,000 years ago sea level had
94

recovered to its present height in this region, and actually rose
to about 4 ft above modern levels during a period from about
1900 to 1200 yrs BP (Oaks and DuBar 1974). This would have
embayed water in all of these low-lying stream valleys, allowing
deposition of sediment and organic matter in the upper stretches
of the impounded portions, and initiating new peat deposition
in the lower segments. Sea level later fell about 10 ft and has
risen to its present level over the past 725 yrs. This recent
rise has elevated stream base levels and initiated more valley
filling. Lassiter Swamp is typical of these swampy streams in
that it is presently aggrading. Each spring flood brings sediment
from the uplands which is spread over the swamp floor, incorpor-
ating leaf litter and other organic matter and adding slightly
to its elevation. This process will continue for as long as
sea level remains at its present elevation or continues to rise.
The role of beaver in the geology of these valleys is
unknown, but must have been a factor. If present during the
Wisconsin, their impoundments would have created a terracing
effect, slowing the rate of stream downcutting. Historical
records show that they were present in the post -Wisconsin.
period, when their dams may have contributed to the rapid
filling of swamp bottomlands. It is possible, for instance, that
in the absence of beaver, delayed filling of upper Bennett's
Creek might have caused the stream to remain navigable as far
as Sunbury. That this filling is very recent is indicated by
the remaining holes in the channels of Lassiter and Duke Swamps.
The activities of recently returned beaver, which have constructed
dams in excess of 2,OOO ft across the swamp, give some indication
of their potential for affecting local geology.
PRESENT PLANT DIVERSITY AND ORIGINAL FLORA
There are six major forest .community types within the
natural area *(see analysis of communities CT -A through CT-F),
not including the disturbed pine successional areas found over
much of the uplands. In addition, there are numerous minor
community types which were not analyzed. These include some
distinct forest types of very limited extent, and a number of
aquatic communities that are either seasonal or ephemeral.
CT -A. CYPRESS -TUPELO SWAMP FOREST (Taxodium distichum(emergent)/Nyssa
aquatica/Acer rubrum-Fraxinus caroliniana/Saururus cernuus.
This community appears to be climax for the wettest portion
of low lying fluvial swamps in the county. Because of proximity
to sea level, it occurs where the water table is never more than
a few inches below the surface, even in the most severe droughts.
A few acres of this type in Lassiter Swamp may represent a
remnant of the virgin forest of the area. The state record tupelo
(Nyssa aquatica) is found in this stand. A larger area has been
95

logged, but a number of the larger virgin cypress were left
standing. One of these measured over 100 ft tall and 7.2 ft dbh.
This is the best remaining example of what was once a major
forest type in the county.
CT-B. TUPELO FOREST (Nyssa aquatica/rare aquatic herbs.
The tupelo stand occurs in the headwaters of Merchants Mill
Pond, in the transition area between the pond and Lassiter Swamp.
As such, it is apparently the result of the man-made impoundment.
Similar stands can be seen in the headwaters of other mill ponds
in nearby counties.
However, it may to some extent duplicate conditions
occurring in the headwaters of relatively permanent beaver ponds
before extirpation of this mammal in historical times. The
natural relationships of the community will have to await long-
term successional studies on some tract where beaver are
protected and allowed to maintain ponds on a continuous basis.
The natural area would be an ideal site for this study, but
unfortunately, incomplete park boundaries in Lassiter Swamp
prevent protection of the present beaver population from
trapping.
This community provides habitat for several endangered or
threatened species of plants. Most prominent of these are Hottonia
inflata (Featherfoil), Ranunculus flabellaris (Yellow water
crowfoot) and Glyceria pallida (Pale mannagrass). This is one of
the two best locations -in the US for Hottonia (the other is in
Nags Head Woods). The largest recorded bloom of this species
occurred at Merchants Mill Pond in 1979.
There is only one other location known in North Carolina
for water crowfoot, and the natural area is the only presently
known location for pale mannagrass. In addition, the uncommon
form of hornwort (Ceratophyllum echinatum) is found on this tract.
Red -shouldered hawks with young are seen here in spring, but it
is unknown whether they are nesting in Lassiter Swamp. On 13
May 1980 a pair of anhingas were observed in this area and another
was sighted here 11 April 1981 — very rare sightings this far
north. The least bittern has also occurred here.
CT-C. OLD MILL POND WITH DIVERSE AQUATIC AND WETLAND PLANTS.
This 170 yr old, 600 acre pond (Merchants Mill Pond) has
one of the most diverse assemblages of aquatic and wetland
plants in the geographic region. Rare aquatics include Hottonia ,
Carex lupuliformis (not seen in this study, but reported from
the north shore by Gammon 1976), Potomogeton confervoides,
Potomogeton foliosus and Wolffia papulifera. Potomogeton
confervoides (Conferva pondweed) is recorded from only three
96

other counties in North Carolina, as is Potomogeton foliosus
(Leafy pondweed). Both these are found here around submerged
tree stumps in the lower pond. As species they seem to require
very clean, unpolluted water, which may explain their confinement
to the area of the pond closest to the spillway.
Sediments and pollutants entering the pond appear to be
strained out and deposited in the upper reaches. Originating as
agricultural runoff, these materials pass through Lassiter Swamp
and enter the upper pond, where still water and a thick growth of
aquatic plants remove them from suspension and solution. A series
of conductivity readings taken in fall, 1976 showed that the
total amount of dissolved material decreased regularly from the
upper pond to the lower end near the spillway.
Neither species is common here, and their limitation to the
cleanest waters of the pond indicate that their presence is
endangered at this site. Additional runoff of sediment and
nutrients from fertilizer and livestock wastes would probably
eliminate these species from the county flora.
Wolffia papulifera (Pappilose water meal) occurs in the
pond but is rare in some years. Wolffia columbiana was listed for
the site in the park master plan but only the above species has
been seen during the past six years. An unidentified species of
Ludwigia, which could be a state record, also occurs at the pond.
CT-D. BLACK GUM SWAMP (Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer rubrum-Liriodendron
tulipifera-Liquidambar styraciflua/mixed mesophytic herbs).
This community type is best seen on the recently purchased
Cathleen Edwards tract along a small swamp tributary leading
from SR 1404 into the southeastern headwaters of the mill pond.
This is the type, within the natural area, which most closely
resembles the dominant community of the Dismal Swamp. The
presence of yellow poplar and sweet gum is probably due to the
presence of colluvium along the valley borders and could likely
be segregated as a distinct community type.
This community type contains two rare herb species plus a
third, Listera australis (Southern twayblade) on the adjacent
uplands. The four other sites for this orchid species in the
county are on low moist sands around the periphery of sand
ridges in swamps. Here it occurs at an elevation of 35 ft in a
pine successional area. Its presence on this atypical site may
be due to a local seepage area.
Yellow water crowfoot (Ranunculus flabellaris) is found
at the lowest elevation on this site, along the tributary swamp
andis actually confluent with the larger population of this
species described under CT-B (Tupelo Swamp). Along the eastern
97

edge of this community, in a colluvial area, is found a tract of
about two acres in which logfern (Dryopteris celsa) is abundant.
Some of these, growing in a small opening, form robust masses
four feet high. A visit to the site with Dr. Lytton J. Musselman,
world's leading authority on this species, revealed that it was
the only member of its genus present.
CT-E. BEECH SLOPES (Fagus grandifolia)
This type is the dominant community on the valley wall slopes
.which represent the transitional topography between flat uplands
and swamp bottom. As such, it occurs in narrow strips several
miles long on both sides of the natural area. Mature stands of
this type 70-90 years in age occur in several places, most
strikingly in a large tract on the north side of the mill pond
in the vicinity of the long, north -trending ravine, and along the
pond to the east of this area.
Slightly different beech communities are found on several
flats in Lassiter Swamp and on some of the flat uplands to the
south of the pond. Stewartia malacodendron (Silky camelia) occurs
beneath the beech at the canoe camp on the north shore. On some
narrow upland ridges in this vicinity, beech is found with white
oak in what might be segregated as a distinct community.
CT-F. MIXED MESOPHYTIC OAKS
This designation includes upland communities dominated
primarily by white oak (Quercus alba), black oak (Quercus
velutina), southern red oak (Quercus falcata) and water oak
(Quercus nigra). This is the least understood of the major
forest types of the natural area since it occurs on the uplands
which have been almost universally disturbed by logging or
agriculture. This is true of nearly the whole Coastal Plain.
No sizable tract of upland hardwoods remains in the county.
Enough small patches of mature and seral stage oaks exist to
indicate some type of oak or oak -beech forest to be one of the
climax types of the uplands. There is evidence in places to
suggest that there may have been a beech -white oak type on
some of the moister uplands, and a mixed oak type in the drier
places.
Fire undoubtedly played an important role, and there was
probably some longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) along the well -
drained ridge crests at the top of the steep valley slopes.
Just north of the state line, above Corapeake, the last natural
stand of longleaf pine in Virginia was cut in 1978. This had
been a Pinus palustris/ uercus alba community on a sandy loam
soil. The same was true of several other former longleaf sites
in Virginia. Apparently, deep sand was not a requirement for
98

longleaf in this area. The pines at the last site in Virginia
were somewhat older than the oaks (up to 100 yrs) and the presence
of oak was probably due to fire suppression. Before this practice
became universal in the 20th century, fire was an important
factor in determining upland forest types of this region.
William Byrd in 1729 described longleaf pine as the
dominant type along the Suffolk Scarp near Sunbury. An ad in the
Virginia Gazette in 1772 described a large tract of land on the
headwaters of Bennett's Creek (possibly the present site of
Sunbury) on which there was available a large quantity of
"lightwood". This term was usually applied to dead and fallen
longleaf pine, and when present, was sometimes mentioned in
land descriptions because of its commercial value for tar and
pitch making.
Modern remnants of the longleaf pine forests of Gates
County occur now only on a few small tracts in the Sand Banks
area. This species was probably an important forest type on the
uplands of the rest of the county as well. It would have been
found as a fire climax on sandy loam soils on low ridges above
streams or wherever the land was rolling enough to allow good
drainage. Virtually all of these sites are now in agriculture.
ANIMAL DIVERSITY
Because of the diversity of wetland and upland habitats
within the natural area, Merchants Mill Pond has the highest
species diversity of the remaining natural areas in the county.
Species lists, while still incomplete, have been kept for plants,
birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. In a published study
(Tarplee 1979) 26 species of fish were identified from the
watershed above the mill pond. Virtually no work has been done
on bryophytes, fungi, lichens, algae, insects or other inverte-
brates. The rich invertebrate fauna of the pond should be
especially rewarding. Much work remains to be done before it
will be possible to complete a catalog of species and evaluate
the habitat and protection status of each. This should be a
long-term goal of park naturalists.
The park bird list includes about 160 species, of which
11 are listed as endangered or threatened in North Carolina
(see Significance Summary Table). About an equal number are
listed as of special concern. No information is available on
the possible breeding status of the first 11 species mentioned.
All except several hawks are presumed to be visitors. The red -
shouldered hawk, in particular, is present year round and nests
somewhere in the vicinity. Their presence,.with young in Lassiter
Swamp during spring and summer months suggests nesting there,
but no actual sites have been discovered.

WINTER WATERFOWL
During the winter of 1976, the first year of protection from
waterfowl hunting, only about 75 ducks were to be seen at one time
on the upper mill pond. This is a large, open area where summer
and fall seed production by a variety of wetland plants creates
an abundance of food for winter waterfowl.
During the winter of 1977 about 300 ducks were seen, mostly
mallards and black ducks. In 1978 this increased to about 1,000
birds, and in 1979 and 1980 from 1,000 to 2,000 could be seen on
some dates, with up to 14 species of ducks present (see site bird
list). Canada geese have been known to occasionally visit the
pond in large flocks. Snow geese and whistling swans sometimes
overfly the area. Whether or not they use the pond for feeding
is unknown.
Osprey visit the area in spring and fall, and have been
observed fishing successfully on the upper pond. Wild turkey were
once numerous on the site, according to several older residents
who used to hunt them on the property, sometimes killing several
in one day. They were nearly extirpated from the county, but now
under full protection,seem to be making a comeback. A'small flock
of about three birds was reported south of the park in 1980. If
protection is continued, they should eventually find their way
into the park and become a permanent part of its bird fauna. As
pine successional areas are replaced by mature, mast -producing
hardwoods, the park should contain excellent wild turkey habitat.
There have been occasional rare sightings of such species
as anhinga, purple gallinule, glossy and white ibis and red -
cockaded woodpecker.
Other species lists include 11 turtles, 6 lizards, 16 snakes,
2 salamanders and 11 frogs and toads. There are undoubtedly more
species, especially of the amphibians to be collected.
Twenty six mammals have been found. No detailed small
mammal study has been conducted, and it is certain that a few
species have escaped notice. The natural area constitutes
excellent habitat for wetland mammals. The park serves as a
refuge for these species, which are maintained everywhere by
trapping, at levels far below those at which they would have
a natural interaction with the environment. The park boundary
upstream and downstream is lined with traps each winter.
River otter occur on the park, probably denning in
abandoned or active beaver lodges. There have been only three
sightings of bobcat within the park since its inception, plus
one sighting several years earlier. Mink den on the park, and
have been seen with young in the mill pond. All three of these
100

species are threatened in the area and should receive full
protection.
Raccoon are abundant and are occasionally seen in the daytime.
Gray fox, opossum, white-tailed deer and two species of rabbits
also occur. A considerable number of deer, perhaps 50 to 100, may
be found on the park at any one time. No damage of any kind
attributable to deer has been noted. In late winter browsed
stems of cane (Arundinaria gigantea), cat brier (Smilax
rotundifolia and other species, and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica can be seen. At other times there is little evidence
of their presence.
Bear were numerous in this area in the past. About 1978, a
bear that had been transplanted to the Dismal Swamp passed
through the park and was killed later in a county to the south.
With this exception, the last bear reported was seen around 1966,
uprooting and eating water lily rhizomes in the upper section
of the mill pond. The only way that this species could ever be
a part of this system again, however, would be if a fairly wide
wildlife corridor could be maintained between Chowan Swamp,
through this area to Dismal Swamp. This appears to be a very
unlikely possibility.
101

11B. Prose description of site significance:
Merchants Mill Pond State Park contains six major examples
of climax forest types native to Gates County. Several of these
have been nearly eliminated from the area. As the remaining
wooded areas mature, the quality of these forests will continue
to increase. This large natural area will eventually be the only
place in the county to see these examples of the primeval forests
of the area. There are a diversity of lesser (but valuable) forest
and herbaceous community types, too numerous to be surveyed in
this study.
Nine endangered or threatened plant species occur on the
park. For two of these, Glyceria pallida and Ranunculus flabellaris,
this is the only protected site in the state. For a third, Hottonia
inflata, this is one of the two best sites known for the species.
The area when completed will be, large enough, and contain an
adequate diversity of habitats, to support permanent populations
of most of the mammals and many of the birds present in the area.
The mill pond is the most significant waterfowl site in the
county, and serves a valuable function in the support of winter
ducks and other waterfowl. The provision of this winter feeding
and resting area guarantees the return of many of these birds
to summer breeding grounds.
A total of 22 birds listed as endangered, threatened or of
special concern occur within the park. The status of many of these
on the park is incompletely understood. Whether nesting or not,
the site is important in the support of these and the 140 other
species which occur here.
As wildlife habitat continues to disappear in the face of
growing population, and as more land is converted to agriculture
and intensive forestry, the value of these few reserved areas, in
guaranteeing survival of native plants, animals and forest types,
will be inestimable. Many forest researchers indicate that
adequate study sites for many forest types can no longer be
found. The value of this natural area for scientific study alone
would be enough to justify its preservation.
For the people of the county, the area will be of increasing
value as a permanent place to see and experience the beauty and
diversity that is part of the natural heritage of the area.
102

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0
w
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
High quality wetland plant
CT -A
Taxodium distichum Nyssa
Climax (possibly v rg n
community
aquatica/Acer rubrum-Fraxinus
cypress -tupelo stand. State
caroliniana/Saururus cernuus
Record tupelo.
High quality wetland plant
CT-B
N ssa aquatica mixed aquatic
Almost pure stan o tupelo.
community
herbs.
Rare aquatic herbs:
Ranunculus flabellaris(EP)
Hottonia n ata
Glyceria pallida(TP)
High quality wetland plant
CT-C
Old mill pond with squat c and
One ot most diverse assem -
community
wetland plants.
lages of aquatic and wetland
plants on the mid -Atlantic
Coastal ain. Rare aquatic
herbs:
Carex lupuliformis(TP)
otton a in ata
Potomogeton confervoides(TP)
Potomogeton foliosus(TP)
Holffia papu era
High quality wetland plant
CT-D
N ssa sy vat ca bitloral
Late success ona - yrs
community
Acer rubrum-Liriodendron
black gum stand. Rare herbs:
tulipifera-Liquidambar
Dryopteris celsa(TP)
styraci ua m xe mesop yt c
Listera austra s on
herbs.
adjacent uplands)
Ranunculus flabellaris(EP)
High quality terrestrial
CT-E
Fagus grandifolia
Climax Coastal Plain beech
plant community
community(75-90 yrs) on
moderately steep slopes.
High quality terrestrial
CT-F
Mixed mesophytic oaks.
Mature - yrs oaks in
plant community
mixed stands in scattered
small remnants on uplands

r
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12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by sit.e
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
Endangered or threatened
Ranunculus flabellaris
Endangered peripheral in North
species
(Yellow water crowfoot)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Known only from one other site
in NC.
Endangered or threatened
stera austra s (Southern
-Endangered peripheral in North
species
twayblade)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Known from 7 sites in NC (5
from Gates County).
Endangered or threatened
Hottonia inflata Featherfoil
Threatene periphera in Nort
species
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
This location and Nags Head
Woods are the two best sites
for this species in the US. The
largest known bloom of Hottoni
occurred ere In 1979.
Endangered or threatened
Glyceria pal i a (Pale
Threatened per p era n ort
species.
mannagrass)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Only location in NC where this
species still known to exist.

r
O
Ul
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
Endangered or threatened
Potamogeton con ervo es —Th—reatened
peripheral in ort
species
(Conferva pondweed)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Known in NC only from three
other counties.
Endangered or threatened
Potomogeton foliosus (Leafy
Threatened peripheral in North
species
pondweed)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Known in NC only from three
other counties.
Endangered or threatened
Carex lupuliformis (Hoplike
Threatened peripheral n ort
species
sedge)
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Known in NC only from three
other counties.
Endangered or threatened
Dryopteris celsa Log ferny—T-fir—eatened
peripheral in North
species
Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Endangered or threatened
Red -shouldered hawk
Threatened in North Carolina
species
.(Cooper et al. 1977).
Resident, possibly nesting.
Endangered or threatened
Cooper's Hawk
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977).
Occasional visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Sharp -shinned hawk
reatene n North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977).
Uncommon visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Turkey vulture
Threatened in North CarorIffal—I
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Common
in this area.

0
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12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
Endangered or threatened
Black vulture
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Common
in this
Endangered or threatened
Sparrow hawk (American Kestrel)
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Winter
resident
Endangered or threatened
Brown creeper
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Rare
visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Least bittern
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Rare
visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Anhinga
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Rare
visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Least bittern
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Rare
visitor.
Endangered or threatened
Red -cockaded woodpecker
Endangered (Endangered
species
Species Scientific Authority).
Rare visitor.
Endangered or threatened
species
Trillium pusillum (Carolina
trillium
Threatened throughout (Cooper
et al. 1977). Large
flowering population.

ok
1�
0
I'l
ef Pil I amile'.14

_ i 1 US I
i
Roads
_ __ _ Park Boundary
..............Traits /(� •�� �..,
Campsites _ I ..° a•
NOLL pORD
STATE PARK gates county, n.c.
1 I 1 1 I I I 1
Fig. 13. Property boundaries of Merchants Mill Pond State Park:
WWWWW ! Existing boundaries as of 1981
Proposed final boundary.

Legal Status, Use and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area:
Type
Private
23
Public
77
Unknown
14. Number of owners: 1
15. Names of owners and/or custodians (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Numbers correspond with ownership map of Merchants Mill Pond -
Lassiter Swamp vicinity. (Map in NC State Parks planning section
files).
6. John Moody
Sunbury, NC 27979
8. C. C. Edwards estate. Hunter Morgan, trustee
Kellogg -Morgan Insurance Co.
Sunbury, NC 27979
11. Same as 8.
29. Same as 8.
30. Mrs. Frank Nixon
Sunbury, NC 27979
24. Same as 30.
28. Johnny C. Lassiter
Sunbury, NC 27979
26. William H. Lassiter
Sunbury, NC 27979
14. S. E. Nixon
Sunbury, NC 27979
15. D. W. Wiggins
Sunbury, NC 27979
16. R. L. Corbett Est.
Rt. 4, Box 299
Oxford, NC 27565
17. Cathleen Edwards
Sunbury, NC 27979
109

18. 0. G. Williams
Sunbury, NC 27979
25.'Earlie B. Brinkley
Sunbury, NC 27979
19. Verna Bond
Sunbury, NC 27979
20. Pierce, Stephan & Ange
Sunbury, NC 27979
23. G. L. and J. W. Nixon
Sunbury, NC 27979
21. 1. F. Outland
Sunbury, NC 27979
22. Rosie Tucker Cross
Sunbury, NC 27979
7. J. W. Busbee
Sunbury, NC 27979
18. North Carolina Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development
P. 0. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
16. Names of knowlegeable persons (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Hon. Phillip Godwin
Godwin & Godwin
Gatesville, NC 27938
17. Attitude of owner(s) toward preservation (contacted?):
All of landowners contacted by Div. of State.Parks when Merchants
Mill Pond State Park established. Attitudes vary widely.
110

18. Uses of natural area:
State Park property used for canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking.
A large portionof the property designated a natural area for
preservation of rare plant species, habitat for endangered and
threatened species.
Portion in private ownership consists of wooded slopes and swamp.
Used for hunting, occasional timber harvesting.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 25
b. Agricultural 70 %
20. Preservation status:
c. High -intensity forestry
%
d. Developed' 5 %
Cat.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
1
52%
Registered Natural Heritage Area.
2.
25%
State Park public use area.
6.
23%
Private land. No protection provisions.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Merchants Mill Pond State Park covered by park rules and regulations.
111

22. Threats:
1. Channelization of Duke, Harrell and Raynor Swamps in the
watershed above the park.
2. Logging in Lassiter Swamp.
3. Logging of hardwood forest remnants on adjacent slopes and
uplands.
4. Further clearing of woodlands for agriculture leading to
additional disruption of natural hydrology.
5. Pollution in the form of nutrient runoff from hog farming
operations and agricultural fields.
6. Pollution in the form of pesticides used in agriculture.
7. Sedimentation from all sources
Of the various threats listed above, potentially the most
damaging would be channelization in any part of the watershed above
Merchants Mill Pond and Lassiter Swamp. This region, which already
contains the largest area of cleared agricultural land in the
county, supplies the mill pond with as much sediment and
agricultural chemicals as the system can handle.
Some 20 yrs ago the Soil Conservation Service and US Army
Corps of Engineers proposed to channelize the entire watershed,
including all of Duke Swamp and part of Lassiter Swamp. A variety
of prechannelization studies studies were done (Pardue et al.
1975). In 1979 a meeting was held in the county to present plans
and options to all County, State and Federal officials who might
be involved. After two days of plan review, on -site inspections
and meetings, the concensus was that the damage to water quality,
fishing, and wildlife habitat would far outweigh the slight
agricultural advantage to be gained.
Soon after, at a meeting of the landowners involved, it was
voted to scrap the project in view of the potentially harmful
effects. Officials involved were informed by the Raleigh office
of the Soil Conservation Service that they had agreed to drop the
project and that a notice to that effect would soon be mailed. A
telephone call some months later brought only the information that
this was still the intention of the federal agencies. Some two
years later, however, no such notice has been received. It may be
that the Corps and the SCS are still planning to carry out this
destructive project.
[NOTE: in a follow-up visit to the Raleigh office of the SCS after
completion of this study, it was found that this project was
indeed closed out on September 30, 19811.
112

In Pitt County, North Carolina, sediment traps constructed as
part of the channelization of Chicod Creek were filled the first
year. No effective method for dealing with this problem has yet
been devised. Merchants Mill Pond acts as a 600 acre sediment trap
for upper Bennett's Creek. As such, it is undergoing slow filling
and eventual conversion to a bog. Already fishing and boating have
been affected, with the shallower water and high levels of nutrients
from agricultural runoff and livestock operations causing a lush
growth of aquatic plants.
Should the park ever be able to acquire a portion of land
around the whole mill pond, it will be possible to raise the water
level, effectively deepening the pond and reducing the present
problems. However, there is a limit to which the water can be
raised without affecting some of the important wetland forest
communities. Park trails and some facilities would have to be
relocated. This course of action might be effective for the next
50 to 100 yrs with the present rate of sediment input. Evidence
from Chicod Creek suggests that the huge input of sediment from
channelization would defeat these efforts, and destroy much of the
natural qualities of Merchants Mill Pond.
113

23. Management and preservation recommendations:
1. ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT
Update the park master plan to limit park development to
the northwestern corner, from the mill pond to US 158, and
along SR 1403-1400 near the spillway. Development in the
center of the park as proposed in the original master plan
would be enormously detrimental to park wildlife, mill pond
plant communities and esthetic values.
Because of future funding uncertainties, care should be
taken not to develop facilities beyond the ability of one
or two rangers to maintain. Examples abound in other state
park systems, where excess commitment to user facilities
was followed by loss of staff positions, with the consequence
that present facilities are shabby and run down, and with
inadequate staff to prevent damage to natural values caused
by excessive public access and use.
The planned park.boundary should be completed. Future
conversion of land use to other types will necessitate that
all state parks should be, as far as possible, complete
and self-sufficient ecosystems.
2. PERSONNEL
The park should always have a resident naturalist, or the
park superintendent or a ranger should be a competent
naturalist with a degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology or
Forestry. One of the naturalist's responsibilities should
be to make recommendations and be involved in any aspect of
park operations, construction and development that might
affect the natural systems involved.
3. FIRE MANAGEMENT
A fire plan should be developed for the park, in conjunction
with county forestry personnel. It should be made clear that
in no circumstance should fire plows be used within park
boundaries. The use of fire plows to fight fires in any
state park should be -eliminated. Preservation of soil
structure and topography will one day be recognized as as
important role of these areas.
Any fire should be controlled with hand tools only. Areas
around buildings or equipment should have vegetation
thinned, mowed or otherwise planned so that fire will not
be a threat. Forestry may consider it necessary to prevent
a fire originating on, or passing through the park from
continuing onto adjacent private property. In this case,
114

any plowed fire lines should be established outside park
boundaries.
Wildfire was a frequent natural occurrence in this area
before settlement. The only real danger from fire in this
area is damage to loblolly pine plantations. Mature hardwood
forest is essentially immune from damage by fire, unless it
recurs frequently. There is little litter accumulation
under the several climax forest types present on the park,
and any fire would only burn lightly across the surface in
these areas. It is questionable whether it is even desirable
to try to suppress fire on these sites. The only communities
on the park capable of supporting a hot fire are weedy and
loblolly pine successional areas. When fire occurs in such
an area the usual practice is to use fire plows. This is
neither necessary nor desirable, since state parks are not in
the business of raising pine for sale. Such fires should
only be controlled at park roads or boundaries.
No harm will be done by destruction of young pine stands.,
Fire was a natural determiner of forest types on the uplands
in this area, and may serve to redirect the course of
succession toward fire -tolerant community types if it occurs.
Plant succession following fire can be interpreted by the
park to the public.
The only exception to the use of fire plows on state parks
should be in areas such as Weymouth Woods where the dominant
forest type was a pyroclimax or in experimental areas where
fire may have been a lesser factor. This differs greatly
from fighting wildfires, in that park personnel can carefully
plan permanent boundaries of areas to be fire -managed, so as
to minimize damage to natural values.
It would be desirable.to do this on some small upland tract
at Merchants Mill Pond since some of the upland communities
were probably fire -selected. Much of the present upland
vegetation may represent an unnatural grouping.resulting
from 20th century fire -suppression. None of the slope or
swamp communities develop flammable litter, nor would they
have been dependent upon fire for their original composition.
4. MANAGEMENT OF FOREST TYPES
No management is needed for any of the slope or swamp
community types in the park. These are natural climax
communities.
Since there is historical evidence for the presence of
longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) on some of the upland sites,
115

it would be desirable at some time in the future to treat
one or two small tracts by burning and seeding with native
longleaf pine (from local sources) and study the results.
Little harm to park values would be done since much of the
uplands have been heavily disturbed by past logging and
agriculture.
Beyond the attempt to restore a sample of the original
upland types, no other attempts at management on the uplands
is necessary. Most of these areas are dominated by loblolly
pine in successional stands of various ages. In the natural
process of succession, these will begin to thin gradually
and eventually will be replaced by hardwoods — one of the
native climax types. The exact composition of the original
upland hardwood forests is unknown.
Under no circumstances should pines be harvested from these
areas. Neither should any attempt be made to spray or
otherwise control beetle infestations or diseases should
they occur. The replacement of pines on these sites is a
natural process, and care should be taken not to interfere
with the natural succession. The resulting climax forest
will be invaluable for scientific purposes, since it will
be the only site within the geographic region where climax
upland hardwood forest can be studied on a long-term basis.
5. FIREWOOD FOR PARK USE
State parks should develop a policy regarding use of firewood
as fuel for heating park buildings. At some time in the
future, economic pressures might make it necessary for parks
to be more self-sufficient. Ideally "these needs should be
met by having all park structures designed for passive solar
heating. However, should it be necessary to use firewood, it
might not be objectionable to designate a small tract of 5
or 10 acres specifically for the purpose. It should be
carefully chosen, and be within the developed portion of the
park or in a non -sensitive area along a state road. Once so .
designated,.it should be carefully managed to provide a
perpetual supply of firewood. No change of site should be
permitted, and no harvesting of living, dead or fallen trees
should be allowed within parks, with the exception of any
that happen to fall across a road.
6. MILL POND MANAGEMENT
Sedimentation may be the greatest long-term problem.
suspended material from agricultural fields has accumulated
over the 170 year existence of the pond, but has been
greatly aggravated by additional land clearing and ditching
in the past 20 years. During this time the upper pond has
116

accumulated sediment, and shallowed to the point that it
supports a dense, impenetrable mat of vegetation in the
summer.
This process will continue, eventually converting the upper
mile of pond to a bog, a natural stage in the filling of
any lake. It will be necessary, especially under pressure
from the public for improvement of fishing and boating
access, to resist the temptation to tamper with the system
in a destructive manner. Under no circumstances should
herbicides be used. Since the problem is due to simple
shallowing of the pond by sediment fill, the only workable
solution will be to raise pond level.
Increasing the height of the spillway by about a foot might
alleviate the problem for another century. If this were
done slowly, perhaps 6 inches the first year, and 6 inches
two years later, the rare aquatic plants in Lassiter Swamp
should be able to adapt by moving upstream. This should
probably only be done once, to avoid repeated disruption of
the major wetland forest communities, decreasing their
value for scientific study.
117

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT -A
Community type: Taxodium distichum (emergent) /Nyssa aquatica
Acer rubrum-Fraxinus caroliniana/Acer & Fraxinus transgressives/
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum Saururus cernuus
General habitat feature: Fluvial swamp.
Average canopy height: Emergent cypress: 120 ft +
Nyssa aquatica: 80-90 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: Emergent cypress: 300-500 yrs
Nyssa aquatica: 80-120 yrs
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: 60 a.
Successional stage: Climax.
Sere type: Pelosere.
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):
Itea virginica.
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Unidentified aquatic moss in stream -channel.
118

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT -A
Soil series: Johnston?
Soil classification: Coarse -loamy, silceous, acid, thermic,
cumulic Humaquept.
Soil association: Johnston=Bibb.
pH class: Strongly acid.
Source of information: USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map for Gates County.
Other notes:
A small portion of the park has been surveyed recently (around
1979).
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower perennial.
Water chemistry: Fresh. Following determined 10 June 1981:
pH 5.0, Cl- 23 mg/L, Conductivity 220 micromhos/cm, Turbidity
15 JTU (Jackson Turbidity Units).
Water regime: Seasonally flooded.
Drainage class: Very poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained, seasonally
flooded, lower perennial riverine system.
119

24d. Topography Summary CT -A
Landform: Aggrading alluvial floodplain.
Shelter: Open to partly sheltered.
Aspect: N/A.
Slope angle: 0-2%.
Profile: N/A (flat bottom) .
Surface patterns: Dissected by shallow, water or muck -filled,
intermittent swamp stream channels.
Position: Nearly flat swamp bottom between toe of slope -at
well-defined valley side, and stream channel.
120

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-B.
Community type: Nyssa aquatica/Sparganium americanum (pond ecotone)
Nyssa aquatica/Hottonia.inflata (vernal), Nyssa/Polygonum punctatum
Community cover type: Nyssa aquatica. (autumnal) .
General habitat feature: Broad ecotone between large, old mill
pond and alluvial bottomland swamp.
Average canopy height: 70 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 75 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed to open.
Estimated size of community: 100 a (40 ha) .
Successional stage: Climax? Presence of Taxodium suggests one
more stage in succession: the establishment of cypress as an emergent.
Sere type: Pelosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Taxodium distichum.
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Cephalanthus occidentalis Decumaria barbara
Rosa palustris
Fraxinus caroliniana
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Ranunculus flabellaris (dominant in one area)
Potomogeton pulcher Glyceria pallida (vernal)
Limnobium spongia Ceratophyllum echinatum
Callitriche heterophylla (vernal) Lemna sp.
Saururus cernuus Spirodela polyrrhiza
Nuphar luteum Pontederia cordata
121

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-B
Soil series: Johnston?
Soil classification: Coarse -loamy, siliceous, acid, thermic
cumulic Humaquept (before alteration by
impoundment of Merchants Mill Pond.
Soil association: Johnston -Bibb.
PH class: Strongly acid.
Source of information: USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map for Gates County.
Other notes: Impoundment of Merchants Mill Pond about 170 yrs
ago has initiated deposition of sediment in this area, probably
changing the soil classification to an Entisol.
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower perennial.
Water chemistry: Fresh. Following data collected 10 June 1981:
pH 5.0 (unusually acid following prolonged drought), Cl- 23 mg/L,
Conductivity 140 micromhos/cm, Turbidity 15 JTU.
Water regime:
Semipermanently flooded.
Drainage class : Very poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained,
semipermanently flooded, lower perennial riverine system.,,
122

24d. Topography Summary CT-B.
Lan df o rm: Transition area between aggrading alluvial floodplain
and man-made impoundment (170 yr old mill pond).
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A. (flat) .
Slope angle 0-2%.
Prof ile : N/A (flat bottomland) .
Surface patterns: Dissected by shallow, water or muck -filled
intermittent stream channels and pools.
Position: Nearly flat swamp bottom, contained between steep
valley walls.
123

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-C.
Community type: Taxodium distichum-Nyssa aquatica/mixed wetland
shrubs/mixed aquatic herbs.
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum-Nyssa aquatica.
General habitat feature: 170 yr old, man-made mill pond.
Average canopy height: 40-60 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 75 yrs.
Canopy cover: Sparse.
Estimated size of community: 600 acres (243 ha) .
Successional stage: Unknown.
Sere type: Hydrosere.
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):
Acer rubrum Myrica cerifera Cephalanthus occidentalis
Rosa palustris Itea virginica Vaccinium sp.
Decodon verticillata Leucothoe racemosa Rhus radicans
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Nuphar luteum Potomogeton pusillus
Nymphaea odorata Brasenia shreberi
Egeria densa Myriophyllum brasiliense
Ceratophyllum demersum Spirodela oligorrhiza
Riccia fluitans Wollfiella floridana
124

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-C.
Soil series: Johnston? (before impoundment).
Soil classification: Unknown.
Soil association: Unknown.
pH class: Medium to slightly acid.
Source of information:. USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map for Gates County.
Other notes: Impoundment of Merchants Mill Pond about 170 years
ago has initiated deposition of sediment in this area, probably
changing the soil type.
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Lacustrine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Littoral.
Water chemistry: Fresh. pH varies from about 5.5 to
circumneutral during the year, depending on rainfall and
agricultural runoff.
Water regime: Permanently flooded (to intermittently exposed
around pond periphery.
Drainage. class: N/A (flooded) .
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A littoral lacustrine system
in the Chowan River drainage basin.
125

24d. Topography Summary CT-C.
Lan df o rm: A man-made impoundment (170 yr old mill pond)
in an aggrading alluvial floodplain.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A (flat) .
Slope angle: 0%.
Profile: N/A.
Surface patterns: Water.
Position: Impoundment in nearly flat swamp bottom, contained
between steep valley walls.
126

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-D.
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer rubrum-Liriodendron
tulipifera-Liquidambar styraciflua/Ilex opaca-Carpinus caroliniana/
ipc�hoC&Mnyver type: Nyssa sylvatica biflora.
General habitat feature: Colluvial-alluvial floodplain of
a small, intermittent swamp stream.
Average canopy height: 70 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 40-70 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: 80 acres. .
Successional stage: Seral. Perhaps undergoing change from Nyssa
and Taxodium to Liriodendron and Liquidambar because of lowering of
Sere type • pond level 30-40 yrs ago.
Pelosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Ulmus americana
Fagus grandifolia (slightly drier microsites).
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Morus rubra
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Woodwardia areolata Glecoma hederacea
Dryopteris celsa (locally dominant). Saururus cernuus
Arisaema triphyllum Impatiens capensis
Thelypteris noveboracensis
Athyrium asplenioides
127

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-D.
Soil series: Johnston or Bibb?
Soil classification: Unknown.
Soil association: Johnston-Bibb7
pH class: medium to slightly acid.
Source of information: USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map for Gates County.
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: wet..
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Semipermanently saturated.
Drainage. class: Somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A somewhat poorly drained,
semipermanently saturated, wet terrestrial system in the Chowan
River drainage basin.
128

24d. Topography Summary CT-D.
Lan df o rm: A colluvial-alluvial floodplain of a small
tributary swamp.
Shelter: Open to partly sheltered.
Aspect: N/A (flat)
Slope angle: 0-2%.
Profile: N/A (flat). (Slightly concave in colluvial areas
near edge of stream valley)
Surface patterns: Dissected by shallow, water or muck filled
intermittent swamp stream channels.
Position: Nearly flat swamp bottom bounded by gently to strongly
sloping valley walls.
129

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-E.
Community type: Fagus grandifolia.
Community cover type: Fagus grandifolia.
General habitat feature: Beech slope.
Average canopy height: 70-80 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 70-90 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: 500 a total as long, narrow
strips several miles long, on slopes bordering north and south sides
9f Me shanty Yi sltage and Lassiter Swamp.
• Topoedaphic climax.
Sere type: Pelopsammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
uercus alba
Pinus taeda
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Oxydendron arboreum
Ilex opaca
Symplocos tinctoria
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Hexastylis virginica
Euonymus americana
Mitchella repens
Tipularia discolor
Epifagus virginiana
130

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-E.'
Soil series: Unknown. Mapped Craven on 1929 soil map for Gates
County. A detailed soil survey of the park has been initiated
through the local office of the Soil Conservation Service.
Soil classification: Clayey, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludult.
(if Craven).
Soil association: Lenoir -Craven -Dunbar
pH class: Medium acid to very strongly acid.
Source of information: USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map for Gates County. Davis and Devereux.
1929. Soil survey of Gates County. USDA Bur. of Chemistry and Soils.
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology.Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: Mesic.
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage. class: Well -drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A well -drained, permanently
exposed, mesic terrestrial system in the Chowan River drainage
basin.
131

24d. Topography Summary CT-E.
Landform: Valley wall slopes transitional from flat upland
divides of the Talbot Terrace, to low alluvial floodplain
swamp and mill pond.
Shelter: Open to sheltered.
Aspect: All aspects are represented.
Slope angle: Nearly level (0-2°) to moderately ,steep (15-25°).
Profile: Constant.
Surface patterns: Nearly smooth.
Position: Entire slope and on upland divides in topographically
fire -protected areas.
132

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-F.
Community type: Mixed oaks. (The nature of this community is
unclear because it occurs on the upland divides = the most
u be a eay. o or more communities could probably be segregated)
eoirm
Mixed oaks.
General habitat feature: Hardwoods on ridges and flat upland
divides of the Talbot Terrace.
Average canopy height: 70-80 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 70-90 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: 500 acres (including all post -
pine successional areas and areas with a variety of disturbance).
Successional stage: Seral and climax.
Sere type: Pelopsammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Quercus alba Quercus falcata
Quercus nigra Fa us grandifolia
Quercus velutina Pinus taeda
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant).:
Ilex opaca
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
None.
133

24b . Soil Summary (by community type) CT-F.
Soil series: Mapped;,Lenoir on 1929 soil map of Gates County.
Soil classification: 'G3ayey, mixed, thermic Aeric
Paleaquult.
Soil association: Lenoir -Craven -Dunbar.
pH class: Strongly to very strongly acid (pH 4.5-5.5).
Source of information: USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
Tentative general soil map of Gates County. Davis and Devereux.
1929. Soil survey of Gates County. USDA Bur. Chemistry and Soils.
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: Mesic.
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage. class: Moderately well -drained. .
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A moderately well -drained,
permanently exposed, mesic terrestrial system, wetted by fresh
rains and a high water table, in the Chowan River drainage
basin.
134

24d. Topography Summary CT-F.
Landform: Upland ridges and divides.
Shelter: open.
Aspect: N/A (tops of divides)
Slope angle: 0-10%.
Profile: Flat to gently rolling.
Surface patterns: Generally smooth, with scattered pits and
mounds from the root systems of wind -thrown trees. Furrows from
past agriculture visible in some small areas. Large upland area
cut over about 8 yrs ago deeply rutted by heavy logging
equipment.
Position: Flat interstream divides.
135

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Climax communities on fluvial bottomland swamp, steep valley
slopes and upland divides surrounding Merchants Mill Pond and in
Lassiter Swamp, in the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain
Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation: Bhallow-surface formation on upland
divides probably an estuarine deposit corresponding in age to the
Norfolk Formation (early Sangamon?); over unnamed Pleistocene
deposit corresponding in age to the Windsor Formation; over unnamed
Pleistocene deposit corresponding in age to the "Moorings Unit" of
the Bacon's Castle Formation; over unnamed Pleistocene (Pliocene?)
deposit corresponding in age to the Sedley Formation, over the
Miocene Yorktown Formation.
Geological formation age: Surface formation may correspond
to the height of the Sangamon Interglacial, about 80,000 to 90,000
yrs ago. Steep slopes art erosional surfaces active from the late
Sangamon Zperhaps 60,000 to 80,000 yrs ago) to the present.
Islands in the mill pond, and slightly elevated flats around the
pond and -in Lassiter Swamp may contain deposits corresponding to
one of the higher stands of the sea between 40,000 and 60,000
yrs ago described by Oaks and Dubar (1974). The swamp bottom is
an alluvial deposit which is presently aggrading.
References cited:
Oaks, R. Q., Jr. and J. R. Dubar. 1974. Post -Miocene stratigraphy:
central and southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Logan, Utah: Utah
State University Press. 275 p.
136

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Ranunculus flabellaris (Yellow water -crowfoot).
Species legal status and authority: Endangered peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: One large tract with
numerous small patches.
Number of individuals per population: 20-100.
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering
fruiting
General vigor of population: Various annually with water
volume and chemistry.
Disturbance or threats to population: Possible pollution
with agricultural pesticides. No others known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Nyssa aquatica/Ranunculus flabellaris.
Topography: Water.
Soil series: Unknown.
Microclimate: Cooler and with less insolation than natural
area climate.
Drainage basin :. Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
137

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Listera australis (southern twayblade)
Species legal status and authority: Endangered peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: One.
Number of individuals per population: only about 8.
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative 50%
flowering 50%
fruiting
General vigor of population: very tenuous population.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Pinus taeda/? Sucessional area.
Topography: Flat ridge top.
Soil series: Unknown.
Microclimate:
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
138

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Wolffia papulifera (Papillose water -meal).
Species legal status and authority: Endangered peripheral in
North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Unknown.
Number of individuals per population: Individuals widely
dispersed over 600 acre mill pond.
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering %
fruiting
General vigor of population: Rarely abundant. Nearly impossible
to find in some years.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Mill pond aquatic community. Mixed
Lemnaceous aquatics.
Topography:
Water.
Soil series: Undetermined.
Microclimate:
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present: About 165
species of aquatic and wetland plants.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
139

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Hottonia inflata (Featherfoil).
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Numerous, scattered through
transition area between mill pond headwaters and Lassiter Swamp.
Number of individuals per population: Several hundred in
good years.
Size or maturity of individuals: Usually fairly large and
robust when flowering and fruiting from April 1 through June 7.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative %
flowering % 100%
fruiting % 100%
General vigor of population: Varies highly with water volume,
quality and chemistry from year to year.Adversely affected by both
flooding and drought.
Disturbance or threats to population: Disturbed water regime.
of excessively fast runoff alternating with dry spells affects site
quality. Beaver trapping on park boundary eliminates some habitat.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Nyssa aquatica/Hottonia inflata.
Topography: Water.
Soil series: Undetermined.
Microclimate: Cooler, and with less insolation than natural
area.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present: Glyceria
pallida, Callitriche heterophylla, Sparganium americanum,
Ceratophyllum echinatum. Beaver, wood ducks.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
140

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name Of species: Glyceria pallida (pale mannagrass).
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Several.
Number of individuals per population: Varies greatly
from year to year. From 2 or 3 to several hundred individuals
in good years.
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering 100%
fruiting 100%
General vigor of population: Varies highly from year to year.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Nyssa aquatica/mixed emergent aquatic
erbs.
Topography:
Soil series: Undetermined.
Microclimate: Cooler and with less insolation than natural
area climate.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Hottonia inflata, Callitriche heterophylla, Ceratophyllum
echinatum, beaver, wood ducks.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
141

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Potomogeton confervoides (Conferva pondweed).
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral
in North Carolina (ooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: A few.
Number of individuals per population: Few.
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering 50%
fruiting 50%
General vigor of population: Rather tenuous population.
Disturbance. or threats to population: Sedimentation,
excess dissolved material in water.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Mill pond aquatic community.
Topography: Water.
Soil series: N/A.
Microclimate: Same as natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present: About
165 species of aquatic and wetland plants.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
142

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name Of species: Potomogeton foliosus (Leafy pondweed) .
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral
in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Only one seen.
Number of individuals per population: only a few.
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative %
flowering
fruiting % 50%
General vigor of population: Very tenuous population.
Disturbance or threats to population: Sedimentation.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community': Mill pond community. Plants grow attached
to submer ed tree stumps a few inches below the surface.
Topography : Water.
Soil series: Arboraquent.
Microclimate:
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present: Around 165
species of aquatic and wetland plants.
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
143

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name Of species: Carex lupuliformis (Hoplike sedge) . Not seen
during this study but reported by Gammon 1976.
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral in
North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977)..
Number of populations on site:
Number of individuals per population:
Size or maturity of individuals:
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative 7.
flowering 7.
fruiting %
General vigor of population:
Disturbance or threats to population:
Habitat characteristics
Plant community:
Topography:
Soil series:
Microclimate:
Drainage basin:
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
144

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name Of species: Dryopteris celsa (Logfern) .
Species legal status and authority: Threatened peripheral in
North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: One.
Number of individuals per population: Several hundred.
Size or maturity of individuals: Some unusually large (to
4 ft high) .
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative %
flowering
fruiting % 100%
General vigor of population: Robust.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community • Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer rubrum-
Liriodendron tulip iferaa-LIiqui am a s yraci lua mix�mesophytic
opograp y herbs.
Colluvial/alluvial area at toe of slope.
Soil series:
Microclimate : Same as natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
145

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Trillium pusillum (Carolina trillium) .
(Reported after completion of field work for this study, by Floyd
Williams, park naturalist, Merchants Mill Pond State Park).
Species legal status and authority: Threatened throughout
(Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: one.
Number of individuals per population: Several hundred.
Size or maturity of individuals: Flowering.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative %
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population: Good.
Disturbance or threats to population: None known.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community:
Topography:
Soil series: Undetermined.
Microclimate: Cooler and wetter than natural area climate.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
146

27. Master species lists:
CANOPY
Populus heterophylla
Juglans nigra
Carya tomentosa
Fagus grandifolia
Quercus alba
Quercus stellata
Quercus lyrata
Quercus michauxii
Quercus shumardii?
Quercus velutina
Quercus falcata
Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia
Quercus nigra
Quercus phellos
Quercus laurifolia
Ulmus americana
Liriodendron tulipifera
Platanus occidentalis (introduced)
Acer rubrum
Paulownia tomentosa
Pinus taeda
Pinus echinata
Pinus palustris (extirpated)
Taxodium distichum
Nyssa aquatica, Nyssa
SUBCANOPY
Juniperus virginiana
Carpinus caroliniana
sylvatica biflora
Morus rubra
Magnolia viriginana
Asimina triloba
Sassafras albidum
Prunus persica (persistent)
Ilex opaca
Cornus florida
Oxydenrum aboreum
Diospyros virginiana
Fraxinus carolinana
Prunus serotina
SHRUBS
Salix sp.
Myrica cerifera
Alnus serrulata
Castanea pumila
Ulmus rubra
Lindera benzoin
Itea virginica
Rosa palustris
Sorbus arbutifolia
Crataegus uniflora
147
SHRUBS (cont.
Amelanchier sp.
Amelanchier sp.
Cyrilla racemiflora
Ilex verticillata
Ilex glabra
Euonymus americanus
Stewartia malacodendron
Hypericum hypericoides
Aralia spinosa
Clethra alnifolia
Rhododendron viscosum
Rhododendron atlanticum
Leucothoe racemosa
Epigaea repens
Gaylussacia frondosa
Vaccinium stamineum
Vaccinium tenellum
Vaccinium vacilans
Vaccinium corymbosum
Symplocos tinctoria
Ligustrum sinense
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Sambucus canadensis
Decodon verticillatus
Callicarpa americana
HERBS
Lycopodium obscurum
Lycopodium flabelliforme
Selaginella apoda
Botrychium dissectum
Botrychium biternatum
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Athyerium asplenioides
Dryopteris celsa
Polystichum acrosticoides
Thelypteris hexagonoptera
Thelypteris noveboracensis
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
Asplenium platyneuron
Polypodium polypodioides
Azolla caroliniana
Typha latifolia
Sparganium americanum
Potomogeton diversifolius
Potomogeton confervoides
Potomogeton berchtoldii
Potomogeton foliosus
Potomogeton pulcher

HERBS (cont.)
Egeria densa
Smilacina racemosa
Elodea canadensis
Polygonatum biflorum
Limnobium spongia
Yucca filamentosa
Arundinaria gigantea
Amianthium muscaetoxicum
Uniola laxa
Hemerocallis fulva
Glyceria pallida
Lilium michauxii
Leersia lenticularis
Allium vineale
Leersia oryzoides
Hypoxis hirsuta
Paspalum laeve
Iris virginica
Panicum scoparium
Iris verna
Cyperus odoratus
Cypripedium acaule
Cyperus erythrorhizos
Listera australis
Cyperus strigosus
Spiranthes cernua
Dulichium arundinaceum
Spiranthes praecox
Eleocharis obtusa
Tipularia discolor
Scirpus cyperinus
Goodyera pubescens
Rhyncospora corniculata
Saururus cernuus
Carex annectens
Boehmeria cylindrica
Carex seorsa
Pilea fontana
Carex alata
Phoradendron serotinum
Carex nigromarginata
Hexastylis virginica
Carex debilis
Rumex conglomeratus
Carex glaucescens
Tovara virginica
Carex crinita
Polygonum densiflorum
Carex comosa
Polygonum pensylvanicum
Carex lupulina
Polygonum cespitosum
Carex gigantea
var. longisetum
Carex lupuliformis
Polygonum punctatum
Peltandra virginica
Polygonum hydropiperoides
Arisaema triphyllum
Polygonum hydropiperoides
Spirodela polyrrhiza
var. opelousanum
Spirodela oligorrhiza
Polygonum sagittatum
Lemna valdiviana
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Wolffia papulifera
Chenopodium album
Wolffiella floridana
Phytolacca americana
Tillandsia usneoides
Mollugo verticillata
Commelina communis
Stellaria sp.
Commelina virginica
Cerastium glomeratum
Aneilema keisak
Saponaria officinalis
Pontederia cordata
Ceratophyllum demersum
Juncus effusus
Ceratophyllum echinatum
Juncus coriaceus
Nuphar luteum
Juncus tenuis
Nymphaea odorata
Juncus repens
Brasenia schreberi
Luzula bulbosa
Clematis crispa
Luzula echinata
Ranunculus flabellaris
Smilax rotundifolia
Podophyllum peltatum
Smilax sp.
Sanguinaria canadensis
Trillium pusillum
Draba verna
Medeola virginiana
Lepidium virginicum
148

HERBS (cont.)
Arabidopsis thaliana
Cardamine hirsuta
Penthorum sedoides
Potentilla canadensis
Rubus sp.
Cassia fasciculata
Cassia nictitans
Trifolium arvense
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Trifolium dubium
Melilotus alba
Desmodium paniculatum
Lespedeza striata
Vicia angustifolia
Apios americana
Polygala mariana
Polygala lutea
Croton glandulosus var.
septentrionalis
Acalypha virginica
Acalypha gracilens
Tragia urens
Euphorbia supina
Euphorbia maculata
Callitriche heterophylla
Impatiens capensis
Sida rhombifolia
Hibiscus mosheutos
Hypericum walteri
Hypericum mutilum
Viola papilionacea
Viola primulifolia
Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora lutea
Rhexia marianna var.
purpurea
Ludwigia decurrens
Ludwigia palustris
Ludwigia sp.
Oenothera laciniata
Circaea lutetiana ssp.
canadensis
Myriophyllum brasiliense
Myriophyllum heterophyllum
Hydrocotyle sp.
Sanicula canadensis
Daucus carota
Ptilimnium capillaceum
Chimophila maculata
Monotropa hypopithys
149
HERBS (cont.)
Galax aphylla
Hottonia inflata
Polypremum procumbens
Bartonia paniculata
Asclepias tuberosa
Cuscuta compacta
Hydrolea quadrivalvis
Verbena urticifolia
Glecoma hederacea
Lamium amplexicaule
Lamium purpureum
Salvia lyrata
Pycnanthemum setosum
Lycopus rubellus
Perilla frutescens
Physalis sp.
Solanum americanum
Solanum carolinense
Datura stramonium
Gratiola virginiana
Lindernia dubia
Mimulus alatus
Verbascum thapsus
Linaria canadensis
Veronica peregrina
Aureolaria virginica
Agalinis purpurea
Epifagus virginiana
Utricularia inflata
Utricularia purpurea
Utricularia biflora
Utricularia vulgaris
Ruellia caroliniensis
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago aristata
Plantago virginica
Mitchella repens
Houstonia caerulea
Galium circaezans
Galium triflorum
Galium obtusum
Valerianella radiata
Specularia perfoliata
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia puberula
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Hieracium X marianum
Rrigia virginica
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Senecio tomentosus
Elephantopus tomentosus

HERBS (coast.)
Elephantopus carolinianus
Eupatorium capillifolium
Eupatorium coelestinum
Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Erigeron annuus
Erigeron canadensis
Aster pilosus var.
demotus
Aster laterifolius
Solidago rugosa var.
celtidifolia
Solidago altissima
Eclipta alba
Rudbeckia hirta
Bidens laevis
Bidens discoidea
Bidens bipinnata
Helenium autumnale
Helenium amarum
MOSSES (Data supplied by Dr. Lewis E. Anderson, Duke University)
Mnium cuspidatum
Atrichum crispum
Hypnum lindbergii var. americanum
Thuidium allenii
Amblystegium sypho
Amblystegium riparium
Fissidens fontanus
Leskea gracilescens
Brotherella tenuirostris
Climacium americanum
150

FISHES OF MERCHANTS MILL POND STATE PARK
(From Tarplee 1979; most species verified during this study)
1.
BOWFIN
Amia calva
2.
AMERICAN EEL
Aguilla rostrata
3.
EASTERN MUDMINNOW
Umbra pygmaea
4.
REDFIN PICKEREL
Esox americanus americanus
5.
CHAIN PICKERAL
Esox niger
6.
GOLDEN SHINER
Notemigonus crysoleucas
7.
Unidentified shiner
Notropis sp.
8.
CREEK CHUBSUCKER
Erimyzon oblongus
9.
YELLOW BULLHEAD
Ictalurus natalis
10.
BROWN BULLHEAD
Ictalurus nebulosus
11.
TADPOLE MADTOM
Noturus gyrinus
12.
SWAMPFISH
Chologaster cornuta
13.
PIRATE PERCH
Aphredoderus sayanus
14.
LINED TOPMINNOW
Fundulus lineolatus
15.
MOSQUITOFISH
Gambusia affinis
16.
MUD SUNFISH
Acantharchus pomotis
17.
FLIER
Centrarchus macropterus
18.
BLACK BANDED SUNFISH
Enneacanthus chaetodon
19.
BLUESPOTTED SUNFISH
Enneacanthus gloriosus
20.
BANDED SUNFISH
Enneacanthus obesus
21.
PUMPKINSEED
Lepomis gibbosus
22.
WARMOUTH
Lepomis gulosus
151

FISHES (cont.)
23. BLUEGILL
24. LARGEMOUTH BASS
25. BLACK CRAPPIE
26. SWAMP DARTER
Lepomis macrochirus
Micropterus salmoides
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Etheostoma fusiforme
152

The following faunistic list
several years of observations
or uncommon visitors.
BIRDS
Pied -billed grebe
Red -necked grebe
Whistling Swan
Canada goose
Snow goose
Mallard
Black duck
Pintail
American widgeon
Blue -winged teal
Green -winged teal
Wood duck
Redhead
Canvasback
Ring-necked duck
Lesser scaup
Bufflehead
Common goldeneye
Hooded merganser
Turkey vulture
Black vulture
Cooper's hawk
Sharp. -shinned hawk
Marsh hawk
Rough -legged hawk
Red-tailed hawk
Red -shouldered hawk
Broad -winged hawk
Osprey
Sparrow hawk
Bobwhite
Great egret
Snowy egret
Cattle egret
Great Blue heron
Green heron
Yellow -crowned night heron
Black -crowned night heron
American bittern
Least bittern
Glossy ibis
White ibis
Purple gallinule
American coot
Killdeer
Spotted sandpiper
American woodcock
Common snipe
Herring gull
Ring -bill gull
for Merchants Mill Pond was compiled over
and includes common species and very rare
Rock dove
Mourning dove
Yellow -billed cuckoo
Screech owl
Great horned owl
Barred owl
Chuck-willis widow
Whip -poor will
common Nighthawk
Chimney swift
Ruby -throated hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Common flicker
Pileated woodpecker
Red -billed woodpecker
Red -cockaded woodpecker
Red-headed woodpecker
Yellow -belted sapsucker
Hairy woodpecker
Downy woodpecker
Eastern kingbird
Great crested flycatcher
Eastern phoebe
Acadian flycatcher
.Eastern wood pewee
Barn swallow
Tree swallow
Righ-winged swallow
Bank swallow
Purple martin
Blue jay
Common crow
Fish crow
Carolina chickadee
Tufted titmouse
White -breasted nuthatch
Red -breasted nuthatch
Brown -headed nuthatch
Brown creeper
Winter wren
Carolina wren
Mockingbird
Catbird
Brown thrasher
Robin
Wood thrush
Hermit thrush
Swainson's thrush
Eastern Bluebird
Blue -gray gnatcatcher
153

BIRDS (continued)
Golden- crowned kinglet
Ruby crowned kinglet
Cedar waxwing
Loggerhead shrike
Starling
White -eyed vireo
Yellow -throated vireo
Red -eyed vireo
Black and white warbler
Prothonatary warbler
Swainson's warbler
Magnolia warbler
Yellow-rumped warbler
Black -throated green warbler
Black -throated §lue warbler
Yellow -throated warbler
Chestnut -sided Warbler
Pine warbler
Prairie warbler
Ovenbird
Louisiana waterthrush
Yellowthroat
Hooded warbler
American redstart
Kentucky warbler
House sparrow
Bobolink
Eastern meadowlark
Red -winged blackbird
Rusty blackbird
Common grackle
Brown -headed cowbird
Northern oriole
Orchard oriole
Scarlet tanager
Summer tanager
Cardinal
Evening grosbeak
Blue grosbeak
Indigo bunting
Purple finch
American goldfinch
Rufous -sided junco
Chipping sparrow
Field sparrow
White -throated sparrow
Fox sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Song sparrow
154
Opossum
Shorttail shrew
Eastern mole
Pine vole
Hoary bat
Black bear
Raccoon
Mink
River otter
Longtail weasel
Red fox
Bobcat
Gray fox
Eastern chipmunk
Eastern Gray squirrel
Southern flying squirrel
Beaver
House mouse
White footed mouse
Hispid cotton rat
Norway rat
Muskrat
Eastern cottontail
Marsh rabbit
Whitetail deer
TURTLES
Snapping turtle
Stink pot
Eastern mud turtle
Spotted turtle
Eastern box turtle
Eastern painted turtle
Yellow -bellied turtle
River cooter
Slider
Florida cooter
Red -bellied turtle
LIZARDS
Northern fence lizard
Six-Linned racerunner
Ground skink
Southeastern five -lined skink
Broad -headed skink
Slender glass lizard

SNAKES
Brown water snake
Red -bellied water snake
Northern water snake
Banded water snake
Eastern garter snake
Eastern hognose snake
Southern ringneck snake
Eastern worm snake
Rainbow snake
Northern Black racer
Rough green snake
Black rat snake
Greenish rat snake
Eastern king snake
Southern copperhead
Eastern cottonmouth
155
AMPHIBIANS
Red -backed salamander
American toad
Fowler's toad
Southern toad
Pine woods treefrog
Green treefrog
Spring peeper
Pickerel frog
Southern leopard frog
Green frog
Bullfrot
Carpenter frog
Cricket frog
Gray treefrog

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: CHOWAN SWAMP NATURAL AREA.
2. County: Gates.
3. Location: Forming the southern border of the county along
the Chowan River from the Meherrin River to the Chowan County
line at Catherine's Creek.
4. Topographic quadrangle(s): Winton 1906 15 min (1:62, 00).
Beckford 1929 15 min (1:62, 00).
5. Size: About 11,000 acres in 6 tracts.
6. 'Elevation: Sea level to 6 ft.
7. Access: By canoe from ferry landing near mouth of Meherrin River
in Hertford County. From US 158 at Chowan River bridge. From new
landing at end of SR 1111 from Gatesville. By canoe from landing
near the Gatesville bridge on Bennett's Creek. By canoe from SR 1102
at Catherine's Creek. From wildlife access area in Chowan County.
8. Names of investigators:
Cecil C. Frost, Department of Botany. University of North Carolina.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
9. Date(s) of investigation:
26 April 1980, 3 May 1980, 4 May 1980, 8 October 1980, 27 October
1980, 31 October 1980, 6 May 1980, 9 November 1980 31 May 1981,
14 July 1981, 17. August 1981, 12 July 1981, 21 Juiy 1981.
10. Priority rating:
High.
163
(Pages 156-162 intentionally deleted.)

11 A. Prose description of site:
Chowan Swamp is a continous wetland forest, overlying a
peat deposit along the southern boundary of Gates County. It
extends from the point at which the Chowan River bends eastward
around the southwestern corner of the county, to the Chowan
County line. The average width is about 3 miles.
All of the natural area studied lies within boundaries of
several tracts of land which have just come into public ownership
within the past 10 years. These are the Forestry Foundation
property, consisting -of 3,800 acres on both sides of the mouth of
Bennett's Creek; 6,500 acres (in 3 tracts) purchased with funds
for Merchants Mill Pond State Park, and the land donated to the
Wildlife Resources Commission just west of US 13, consisting of
about 900 acres. Collectively, this 11,000 acres comprises over
12 miles of shoreline along.the Chowan River.
The natural area can be divided into four broad ecosystem
categories: swamp forest, which includes over 90% of the site;
the mesic islands described later; the two freshwater marshes
at the mouth of Bennett's and Sarem Creeks, and the mesic slopes
of the escarpment forming the transition between swamp and
adjacent sandy uplands. The marshes have the greatest species
diversity to be found in the swamp, and include such unusual
wetland species as Zizaniopsis miliacea (southern wild rice) and
Spartina pectinata (freshwater cordgrass).
A variety of studies of the area have been carried out by
several agencies. Deyle and Smith (1976) explored the State Park
properties for two days and prepared a report for the Department
of Natural and Economic Resources. Wilkinson (1978) submitted a
site report on a portion of the same properties to NC Natural
Heritage Program staff. Pitchford and Stuart (1978) inventoried
aquatic and wetland plant species of Sarem and Bennett's Creek
marshes, and submitted a report to Lytton J. Musselmar•in
fulfillment of class requirements for Biology 418 at Old Dominion
University in Norfolk. Mead and Gammon (1981) mapped the regional
vegetation of the area including Chowan Swamp, on a scale of
1:24,000, using color infrared aerial photography. A report has
been prepared by a study group at NC State University (Kaplan
et al. 1978) on the potential for development of an environmental
education and study center adjacent to the 3,800 acre Forestry
Foundation property. The most detailed vegetation study to date
was carried out in 1980 and 1981 by Snead and Frost (results
reported in the present study (Fig. 16).
164

GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND.PEAT FORMATION IN CHOWAN SWAMP
Kaplan et al. (1978) discuss geology of the area based on
Richards (1950). The following interpretation is based on the more
recent work of Oaks and DuBar (1974).
Geology of the upland portion of the Sand Banks area,
forming the escarpment bordering Chowan Swamp, is described in the
discussion of the Chowan Sand Ridge natural area later in this
report. Most of the adjacent topographic features of the natural
area were formed during the Sangamon. Similarly, the floor of the
basin which contains Chowan Swamp probably corresponds to a late
Sangamon floodplain of the Chowan River. This was the period in
which the river carved the two large meander bends which can be
seen south of Eure and Gatesville. The mesic islands in Chowan
Swamp are probably fluvial/estuarine sands deposited earlier in
the Sangamon and reworked during late Sangamon high stands of the
sea.
The history of the peat deposits supporting swamp vegetation
along the Chowan River has not been investigated. Peat formation
in the Dismal Swamp began about 8,900 years ago, some time after
the end ofthe Wisconsin (Oaks and Whitehead 1979). The Chowan
Swamp peats may be much more recent.
During the Wisconsin, the Chowan and its local tributaries
carved channels to an unknown depth below the present surface, as
indicated by holes in their channels 10 to 20 feet or more below
present sea level. Not until 5,000 years ago did post -Wisconsin
sea levels reach -20 feet MSL in this area (Oaks and DuBar 1974),
perhaps initiating peat formation and sedimentation in the lower
levels of the river valley.
Peats investigated in the present study range from very
shallow, where they feather out onto the fluvial sand ridges
composing the mesic islands and upland borders, to at least 10
feet below sea level at the mouth of Bennett's Creek. The total
extent and greatest depth in the area are unknown. As sea level
continued to rise, peat deposits apparently kept pace, spreading
over the inundated floodplain. Not until about 3,200 years ago,
did sea level reach -13 feet, enough to initiate peat formation
at the lowest levels. Therefore, it is presumed that most of the
modern peat deposit underlying Chowan Swamp is no more than about
3,000 years old.
Sea level rise continued until about 1185 years ago, at
which time it was 4 feet above the present level. This was
followed by recession of relative sea level to about -6 feet 725
years ago. Sea level has risen since that time to its present
elevation.
165

World sea level is estimated to be rising at more than
10 cm per century (about 4 inches) (Milliman and Emery 1968,
Bloom 1978). Relative sea level rise in the Albemarle region
has been estimated at 6 to 18 inches per century (Bellis et al.
1975), implying regional subsidence of the land. Data from Oaks
and DuBar (1974) give an average relative'rise of 10 inches per
century over the past 725 years.
These recent fluctuations, 10 feet in all, have left visible
reminders, and may be important in interpreting recent vegetation
changes. During the +4 feet high stand of the sea 1185 years ago,
a considerable additional depth of peat must have been deposited.
Now, however, the peat surface is approximately at sea level, with
small hummocks of vegetation raised a few inches above the surface,
interspersed with the general low flats, which are constantly
moist and flooded almost daily by wind tides.
This illustrates well the dynamic nature of peat formation
and destruction at the interface between water.and.air..
Apparently all of the peat formed during the high stand of the
sea was oxidized during the following 500 years of sea level
recession. In the intervening 725 years between that time and the
present, peat formation has kept pace with sea level rise, creating
an average of 10 inches new peat per century.
Evidence of recent sea level.rise abounds along the shoreline
of Chowan Swamp. Numerous cypress and tupelo are found growing in
permanent standing water two feet deep, a situation in which they
could never have germinated today. Both species require at least
temporarily exposed soil on which to become established. Neither
could they have germinated in time of drought, since the area is
at sea level today. In the summers of 1980 and 1981, after a
severe drought, there was no readily observable change in water
level in the area being discussed. The only observed consequence
of the drought was the unusual sighting of blue crabs following
intrusion of brackish water, because of the lack of fresh water
flow from upstream. This influx caused dieback of a previously
lush growth of freshwater plants along the shores of the
Perquimans River near its mouth on the Albemarle Sound (observed
fall, 1981). In a year of normal rainfall, chloride content of
water in the Chowan River at the landing near the mouth of Sarem
Creek was 11mg/L, less than that of drinking.water from wells
in the area (31 September 1979). Conductivity, also tested at that
time was only 70 micromhos/cm; pH was 6.7.
VEGETATION DYNAMICS
As water level rises, the swamp as a whole is moving upslope
over higher ground. This means that some low-lying areas such as
the pastureland along the upland swamp boundary near Gatesville
will become increasingly hydric. Juncus and other hydrophytes are
common there now. Along the Chowan the swamp forest appears to be
166

receding slowly. This contradicts Kaplan et al. (1978) who claim
that the swamp is building to the south. Evidence for recession
can be seen in the unvegetated peat beneath the surface of the
river along the swamp border. In the vicinity of Bennett's Creek,
a thick peat, composed of only slightly decomposed rhizomes and
and roots, lies at a depth of six feet below the surface. Tussocks
of Carex stricta, the common grassy sedge of the swamp, stand on
submersed columns of interlaced rhizomes. These underwater pillars,
as much as 2 or 3 feet tall and each supporting a single clump of
sedge, have kept pace with sea level rise and could be a century
or two in age.
Within the swamp, replacement of one of the major original
forest types, Atlantic white cedar, by other types after logging,
may be due to sea level rise. Earlier in this century, existing
stands were logged by Richmond Cedar Works and later by other
companies. These have been replaced largely by black gum (Nyssa
sylvatica biflora) and loblolly pine. Only single trees and very
small clusters of white cedar remain. Kaplan et al. (1978) found
that the cedar occurred on shallow peat over the tops of
submerged sand ridges (Fig.14 ). It could be that these moist
sand ridges were occasionally dry enough in the past to support
the fire required for establishment of white cedar stands.
Examination of the swamp during the recent drought leads to the
impression that it is now impossible for these wet sites to ever
burn under the present moisture regime. It may be that a few
inches of sea level rise during the 60 or 70 years since the
last stands were established could be enough to convert the area
to more hydrophytic, non fire -dependent species. An interesting
series of vegetation changes must occur with the submergence of
sand flats and islands under peat. The range of forest types
present in the area suggest that the sequence may be as follows:
1. High, well -drained mesic (beech -oak) or xeric (oak -
longleaf pine) sand ridges, with Pinus taeda around the
moist periphery.
2. Less well -drained mesic (beech -oak) islands ringed
with Pinus taeda.
3. Low, wet, peat -mantled sand ridges with the peripheral
Pinus taeda closing in over the top of the ridge as sea
level rises: stands of white cedar arising after drought -
induced fires.
4. Site mantled with peat, with sea level too high to
permit fire. Vegetated with Pinus taeda, Nyssa sylvatica
biflora, red maple.
5. Hydric site, permanently saturated, with sand ridge too
far beneath water table and peat to have any significant
167

HABITAT
HABITAT
DrSCRIrfIO!
MICROCLIMATE
GEOLOGY
SUBSURFACE
HYDROLOGY
SOILS
VEGETATION
WILDLIFE
,��� �„' 1 • �• "t if V� f '� i _�
,' II S . � �, "' Lr�lt � .'i. a- . ram► ..'' ••� • �� Mf ` _ _
iW.
- j a la- �•• -`.Ft' l�4F �IMI� '� _fh. �4.%
.�• �...�-.-. .. —.. --.. _. .. Apt.: 'r"€ ff "A n��-'h 1 'Jim Y'_AIOC�•:.
-- — - _ _ _ -- — �hiL_. 1-_t-s. •i z, �__51� end^ ;•rP_ _I,.
... .. ... ... �... ...
OPEN WATER CHANNEL
AND MARGINS
SEASONALLY FLOODED BOTTOMLANDS
WELL DRAINED UPLANDS
AQUATIC
FRESH WATER
MARSH
cum -CYPRESS
HARDWOOD SWAMP
ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR BAY FOREST
PINE -MIXED HARDWOODS
The river and creek
Chan.1: are typicall
wide, shallow with
sandy bottoms. the
water 1s slow moving,
h lyh or content,
and relatively low pH.
Landwater inter-
face with tidal
fluctuations up
to two feet.
Characterized by long Fey-
dro periods, flooded up
to ] teat, a muck substta
tom with vegetation as
tr.es.
Long hydtope[lodatthick canopy
with sparse shrub and herb
layer. The most extensive hab-
itat in the Union Camp Land.
Long hydroperiods, medium depth
pest underlain by sandy s.bear -
face, in this ease possibly a
troll. sand bar.
Characterized by long hydro-
periods but only ttmponzy.
surface water. Logging and fin
have had considerable influence
on the atructure and compost-
tion of this plant community
Well drained sandy to fin.
loamy uplands. separated
from bottomlands by a relic
river bank and a three to
IIV. toot eI.v.tion.1
differ.....
High humidityl low light
High humidltyt open
light
Pamlico deposits, uncon-
solidated sands and
lays of Quaternary Age.
orktown Formation: sand.,
clay, .hell bds of late
Age
flooded year-round
Seasonally high water table
at surface
4ell drained, no standing water
are Brie i Dark organics,
up to S sep. rim sandy
.ob.o(l, poorly drained.
Dorovan Series,
Black, highly decomposed
organic soil, greater
than 51 imh of poorly
drat and
Ponzer Se89 ".n Organic material
6 tl o 4O inches thick with loamy
mineral subsolli poor drainage
-
Norfolk Seriesg eine loamy
imra sot s, wall drained
Black Gum Bald [sae,
Slack
Ash, Water Gum
Atlantic White Cedar, Wbloll
Fin., Red Maple. Black Gum, Y
Red Bay
—
Rad Bay, Black Gum. Red Maple,
Loblolly Pim
Canopy
Black Gum, Rod Maple, sweet
Gum, Beech, Yellow Poplar.
Swamp Chestnut Oak, Loblolly
P..
Loblolly rim, Sweet Gum, Red Kept.,
white Oak, Southern Red Oak Mockernut
Hickory.Pignut Hickory.Water Oak, Ameri-
can Holly.Swamp Chestnut Oak,Tulip Poplar
be9 Myrtle. Red
hobble, Wax M
Bay. Swat Pepperbu.h, G.11-
berry
Bweet Ba y,Leatherwood, Sweet
P.ppetbush, Gallbcry. Letterbus
Wax Myrtle, American Holly. Sourwood
Dogwood, Ironwood, Coghobble, V=ccini-
mum Sp.
Subcanopy
Rod Maple. Swat
Bay
Red Mapple,Lmtherwood.Wa-
tter A'h Sweet Bay,Te9 A1-
de[,Buttonbuth,Dogwood.
Wax Myrtle
Virginia Willow, was Myrtle,
Swamp Rose, Horse Sugar. Sweet
pay Wathe[wnod Sweet Pepper-
Southern Wild Rice,
Rice Rush, Bulrush,
Sedge
Cane, Royal Fern arexsp
Poison Ivy, Southern Wild
Rice. Spatterdock. Lis-
ard•s Tail.Resurrection
Fern,Spani.h Mote, Vir-
glnis Creeper, Catbriar
Sphagnum, Cane Royal Fern,.
Virginia Creeper, Poison Ivy,
Spanish hose. Resurrection
Fern, Cstbriaz
Catbriar, Sphagnum
bush, Fetterb.., Gallbrry
Cane, Royal tarn, Cinnamon Per
RI",I Catbriar,
Sphagnum
Catbriar, Mild Grate, itum Honeysuckle.
Trumpet Vim, Cax anieum sp.
Rattle.mk. Plaintain, Netted
Chain Fern, Rattlesnake Fern
Understory
Yellow Perch, Black
Crappie, Blu.gill. Sun-
FIN, FlbI. Golden
Shimr. White Patch,
White Catfish, Alewive,
Blueback Hering.
Stripped Be.., A —clean
SAad
Cottonmouth, Mate[
snake, Red-belli.d
Snake, Bastern Box
T.,tI.. Bull Frog,
Spring Peeper. Ot-
ter. Mink. Wood
Duck, Nooded Mar-
ganser, Prothow-
tort' Warble[, Par'
la Warbler. Gr..n
Bacon. Gnat Blue
Black Bea[, Whit. Tailed Dear
Bobcat. Fox. Raccoon, Oppos-
.w, Swamp Rabbit, Grey Squir
al, Cottonmouth. Cam Brake
Rattler, Copp.thead, Red-
tailed Hawk, R.d-shouldered
Hawk. Broad -winged Hawk.
F(leated Woodpeeke[, Red -
Rallied Woodpecker, Redheaded
Woodpecker, Red Cockad.d
Woodpecker
Fig. 14. Ecological Habitats of Chowan Swamp.
( From Kaplan et ale 1978).
Heron Osprey

effect on surface vegetation. Typical swamp forest of Nyssa
sylvatica biflora with emergent Taxodium distichum.
PLANT COMMUNITIES
The vegetation of Chowan Swamp can be seen to be a complex
mosaic of community types (Fig. 16), resulting from environmental
gradients, disturbance by logging and possibly by rising sea level.
Since most of these areas are only seral stages after disturbance,
with different combinations of the same species, natural
characteristics summaries are limited to four major community types:
CT -A Beech -mixed mesophytic oaks/mixed ericads on mesic islands.
CT-B Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer rubrum/Woodwardia virginica, the
dominant community type of the swamp.
CT-C Mixed hydrophytic grasses and shrubs: the freshwater marsh
community.
CT-D Taxodium distichum/Nyssa aquatica/ mixed wetland herbs. As a
narrow strip along the Chowan River.
Of the community types listed above, all are believed to be
representative of the original vegetation of the respective sites
with the exception of CT-B. This type may have originally had an
open or sparse canopy of Taxodium distichum emergent above the
closed Nyssa layer.
The following field notes were made summer of 1980 by
Leo Snead, with additions by Cecil Frost during the present study:
CATHERINE CREEK, TROTMAN CREEK
At the mouth of Trotman Creek the canopy is Nyssa sylvatica
biflora, N. aquatica, Fraxinus caroliniana and Taxodium distichum.
Nyssa sylvatica biflora and N. aquatica are the major species.
Taxodium distichum tends to form a very sparse fringe along streams.
Fraxinus caroliniana is scattered throughout. The shrubs are Alnus
serrulata, Lyonia ligustrina, Cyrilla racemiflora and Myrica
cerifera. Rosa palustris is an occasional species.
Farther down Catherine Creek (the first 180' turn past
Trotman Creek) there are some Acer rubrum and Pinus taeda included
in the canopy. The frequency of these two species seems to increase
downstream. At bends the canopy is mostly Taxodium distichum.
The fifth 180° turn past Trotman Creek is a shrub -marsh
area with a scattered, open canopy of Acer rubrum (very young).
There is little marsh — this area is very similar to the shrub
zone on the south side of Sarem Creek. Just before reaching this
point, there is a cluster of Fraxinus on the west side of of the
169

fourth 180° turn. There is a very small marsh on the east side of
the point consisting of Hibiscus mosheutos, Cicuta maculata, Typha
latifolia, Polygonum arifolium, Pontederia cordata, Asclepias
lanceolata,_ Ludwigia alternifolia, Thelypteris palustris, young
red maple and Vernonia noveboracensis.
Farther down the creek, near the mouth, was found a species
of Sagittaria not in fruit. This plant was growing on the water's
edge along with Polygonum arifolium, Thelypteris palustris,
another species of Sagittaria, Rosa palustris and Osmunda regalis.
This is a very marshy area that is fairly narrow. The shrub and
tree zones are no more than 50 feet away.
At the junction of Chowan River, Catherine Creek and a small
unnamed tributary of Catherine Creek (Snake Creek?), is a narrow
marsh whose predominant cover is Polygonum arifolium. Typha
latifolia, Sagittaria sp., Pontederia cordata, Cicuta maculata.
and Rosa palustris occur along the shoreline. Scattered shrubs
and trees (Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica biflora, Alnus serrulata,
Myrica cerifera) are found inland. The west side of this marsh
is bordered by shrubs and trees, mostly Acer rubrum.
Near the mouth of the unnamed tributary there is a large
cypress fringe along the shore. The major tree species behind
this fringe are Nyssa sylvatica biflora and N. aquatica. Viburnum
dentatum, Myrica cerifera and Alnus serrulata appear to be the
dominants in the subcanopy, along with a few Magnolia virginiana.
There is no Fraxinus and very little red maple. There is a shrub
area along the west side.
Between this small tributary and Bennett's Creek there are
a number of pines behind Nyssa sylvatica biflora and N. aquatica.
The only cypress here occur as a fringe along the water's edge.
BENNETT'S CREEK
On the Chowan River side of the marshy point along the west
side of Bennett's Creek at its mouth, the vegetation is mainly
Acer rubrum forest with Salix as an infrequent associate. There
are some shrubby areas consisting of red maple and Arundinaria
gigantea that approach the shoreline.
On the southwest side of Bennett's Creek at its mouth, there
is a marsh that is predominantly Spartina pectinata. Behind the
marsh is a shrub zone that is contiguous with the Acer-Salix forest.
The marsh.itself is well above water level — quite a bit of leaf
litter covering the ground (mostly from Spartina pectinata) — one
of the only areas in the swamp that might become dry enough to
support,a fire. There are a few small Acer rubrum and Nyssa
sylvatica biflora. In the shrub zone and beneath the trees there
is a stand of Arundinaria.
170

The greatest diversity occurs near the water, with almost
all of the species, with the exception of Arundinaria and
Asclepias, being found here. Osmunda regalis occurs between
hummocks of Spartina pectinata in lower.areas.
On the east side of Bennett's Creek the canopy is mostly
Taxodium distichum and Nyssa sylvatica. There area few large pines
behind the cypress and gum. Some large Acer rubrum occur occasion-
ally. The understory is largely Cyrilla racemiflora, Alnus serrulata,
Viburnum nudum, Myrica cerifera, Fraxinus caroliniana and red maple.
There is also a narrow fringe of Typha latifolia around part of the
area. Just a little farther downstream there are approximately 20
cypress that reach inland. Still farther east, there are more
Acer and Salix.
LANDING RIDGE
This is a large island in the swamp to the north of Sarem
Creek. Along the creek in several places there are a large number
of Fraxinus caroliniana intermixed with gum, cypress and large
maples. In places Fraxinus is the dominant tree. Little or no
difference could.be determined for these areas on color infrared
aerial photography.
Landing Ridge island has many hardwoods: Quercus falcata,
Q, nigra, Q. velutina, Q.stellata, Q. laevis, Acer rubrum. Other
species include Pinus taeda, P. echinata, Chamaecyparis thyoides,
Magnolia virginiana, Persea borbonia, Vaccinium spp., Lyonia
lucida, Smilax rotundifolia, S. lg abra, Ilex lg abra, I. opaca and
Clethra altifolia. There are a number of large pines onthe island
(up to 30" dbh). Myrica cerifera occurs in clumps that are in some
cases up to 50 feet from the ditch leading to the island, in dry,
sandy soil similar to that found in the Sand Banks. Hexastylis
virginica is found throughout. Gaultheria procumbens grows
beneath Quercus ni ra on a ridge ten feet from the ditch. This
entire area is very dry — mostly pines and oaks. There are
occasional Fagus grandifolia. Vaccinium spp., Gaylusaccia spp.,
Pteridium aquilinium, Smilax rotundifolia, Vitis rotundifolia,
Lyonia lucida and Acer rubrum are ever-present. Oxydendrum
arboreum is sparsely scattered through the under.story.
CAPT. JIM FELTON'S ISLAND (called Hermit island on brochure for
the Chowan Swamp Trail)
This is the first island on the south side of Cole's Creek
upstream from its mouth on Bennett's Creek. The island is raised
two to six feet above water level and is crossed by two trenches,
probably remnants from past logging activities, that appear to
intersect in the swamp away from the island. The southeast end
(that nearest the channel) is predominantly Pinus taeda on the
former site of a cabin. There is a clearing west of this, and on
171

the western side there are four large beech trees along with two
or three large oaks ( uercus falcata, g. velutina and g. nigra).
Approximately 100 feet south of this there are more oaks (Q. stel-
lata, g. falcata and g. nigra). Lyonia lucida forms a shrub layer
beneath this canopy near the edge of the island. with Vaccinium
spp. and Gaylusaccia spp. in the drier areas. The west side of the
island has a fringe of Gaylussacia with scattered Asimina
parviflora and Hamamelis virginiana. The northeast end of the
island has two large beech.
BUCKHORN CREEK
The lower part of Buckhorn Creek is a young cypress -gum
forest. This area has been logged in recent years. Most cypress are
less than 8 inches dbh, with a few large specimens standing as
lone sentinels. Nyssa sylvatica biflora is by far the dominant
tree. Fraxinus caroliniana is scattered throughout. None of the
Fraxinus are large trees, nor do they make up a very large portio-
of the canopy or subcanopy. Several areas along the creek have
Zizania aquatica and Nuphar luteum in shallow water.
At the power line crossing are several pines and maples
(with increasing frequency over that near the mouth of the creek).
The northeastern side of the creek has more cypress and fewer Nyssa
sylvatica biflora. There are also more cypress here than near the
creek mouth.
The south side of the creek was investigated by foot down-
stream (near the first large bend from the power line crossing).
Again, by far, the most abundant tree was Nyssa sylvatica biflora.
Pines and large cypress were scattered throughout. The understory
was predominantly Arundinaria Pigantea, with Smilax, small trees and
Vaccinium on mossy hummocks in the dense understory. There are many
fallen trees in some sections. There were also young red maple and
a few Magnolia virginica in the understory.
FLUVIAL/ESTUARINE ESCARPMENT along upland boundary of Forestry
Foundation property (3,800 acre tract).
At the escarpment adjacent to the Union Camp Corparation
property on the uplands, there is a decrease in elevation of
approximately 15 feet. On the slope there is a localized popula-
tion of Liriodendron tulipifera surrounded by Pinus taeda.
Northwest of this site at lower elevation is a population of Acer
rubrum. This area is wet and has a low ground cover of Leucothoe
axillaris, Woodwardia and sphagnum along with a sparse shrub
layer represented by Clethra alnifolia, Persea borbonia and
Magnolia virginiana. This area differs from the area described
below in.that vegetation beneath the canopy is less than three
feet tall and is mostly ground cover, whereas the following site
is mostly a very dense layer of shrubs, mostly Ilex lg abra.
172

The second community in this site has a canopy of Pinus
taeda and Chamaecyparis thyoides which is open enough to allow the
dense growth of shrubs below. This site at the toe of the slope
is considerably drier than that previously described.
West of the escarpment the slopes level off abruptly into
the Ilex thicket. The canopy becomes more sparse to the west and
pine is replaced by Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer rubrum/Woodwardia
areolata. Close to the slope there is no ground cover — just a
shrub layer within the gradient from pine to gum.
CANAL ISLAND
Canal Island is so named because it is bisected by an old,
partially filled, canal or ditch which runs down to a small
tributary of Sarem Creek. It rises only about two feet above the
surrounding swamp. It is covered primarily with beech, with a few
Liriodendron tulipifera, Oxydendron, Quercus nigra and Ilex opaca.
Around the border of the island is a zone of Arundinaria and Smilax
that is dense in places. This island is ringed by scattered large
Pinus taeda (around 2 feet dbh) along its moist perimeter. About
50 feet south and 200 feet from the canal Habenaria clavellata
grows on low, moist hummocks above a dark, mucky swamp soil. This
small swamp forest orchid is widespread throughout the swamp in
similar situations.
SAREM CREEK
The majority of the marsh species at the mouth of Sarem
Creek occur on low hummocks, mostly Carex stricta and Carex alata
derived. Large populations of Peltandra virginica occur between the
hummocks. Apios americana and Lathyrus palustris serve effectively
to bind the vegetation together. The marsh itself, consisting of
the hummocks and the surrounding muck of the Dorovan Series,
extends 50 to 150 feet inland to a shrubby area consisting of a
young Acer rubrum canopy with Myrica cerifera and Alnus serrulata
as codominants in the understory. As the inland swamp forest is
approached, the frequency of Arundinaria gigantea increases. Some
Typha latifolia and Rubus ar utus, as well as Fraxinus caroliniana,
are found sporadically (all trees were less than 4 inches dbh).
Several species of herbs (Ludwigia palustris, Carex stricta, Apios
americana, Mikania scandens, Peltandra virginica, Hibiscus
mosheutos, Polygonum arifolium and P. punctatum) are characteristic
of the flora beneath the canopy. A11 of the trees are growing on
the hummocks, which may extend up to 18 inches above the mucky peat.
There is a shrub zone surrounding a small area of larger
trees. This consists of Acer rubrum up to 6 inches dbh (8 inches
near the pines) with an extensive subcanopy of Myrica cerifera and
Alnus serrulata. Major species below this are: Peltandra virginica,
Polygonum punctatum, Osmunda regalis (all three very abundant)
173

with some Arundinaria occurring in scatterred areas, but by no
means a large part of the cover.
There is also a pine zone (Pinus taeda) farther inland.
Within this area there is a small clearing of.about.14 acre
almost completely filled with Osmunda regalis and fringed with
Arundinaria gigantea. Apparently this area is slightly raised
and not quite as wet as the adjacent marsh. Within the interior
of the point of land between Sarem Creek and the Chowan River,
pine is common, suggesting dry land from aerial photographs.
Examination of this site, however, proved it all to be swamp, with
the pines growing on individual hummocks, only 1 or 2 square
meters in size, and about 6 to 12 inches above the saturated,
mucky swamp soil. Within the pine site, the understory is reduced
to Smilax laurifolia, scattered Rosa palustris, Arundinaria
gigantea and Osmunda regalis. There are a few Alnus and Myrica.
Approximate maximum sizes of the three tree species present are
as follows:
Pinus taeda: 6-20 inches dbh and 60-65 feet tall.
Nyssa sylvatica biflora: 12-20 inches dbh and 50-60 feet.
Taxodium distichum: 12-15 inches dbh and 50-60 feet tall.
ANIMAL DIVERSITY
The swamp supports a population of black bear and is the
only site remaining in the county, besides the Dismal, with the
proper vegetation to provide permanent habitat for this species.
All of the wetland mammals found at Merchants Mill Pond,
including beaver, river otter, muskrat and mink, also occur
here. Bobcat have been observed swimming creeks in the swamp, and
there was an unverified panther sighting around 1979.
The swamp harbors a large number of bird species. The
threatened red -shouldered hawk can always be found, and the area,
if protected, may be one of the best permanent nesting sites for
this species. Osprey feed here and nest along the ends of Holiday
Island just offshore from the mouth of Bennett's Creek. A pair
of anhinga were sighted in Sarem Creek on 4 May 1980.
In summary, the natural area is a complex wetland with
high quality wildlife habitat for a diversity of species. The
area has suffered only moderate human disturbance, primarily
from past logging, and if protected, has a high potential for
returning to an exemplary mature freshwater swamp forest of the
type originally occurring on the site. Such a site would preserve
high wildlife, scientific, recreational and aesthetic values.
174

11B. Prose description of site significance:
1. UNIQUE WETLAND COMMUNITY. The most significant feature of
this extensive tract of wetland is the high diversity fresh
marsh community, dominated by Spartina pectinata and
Zizaniopsis miliacea (Southern wild rice), a type not known
to be represented elsewhere in public ownership, and perhaps
unique in the state. This association is represented primarily
by marshes at the mouths of Sarem and Bennett's Creeks and to
a lesser extent at Catherine Creek. Small patches of tall
Zizaniopsis occur at intervals along most of the streams
within the natural area.
The hydrologic situation which supports these communities
is unique in the state in that it is the headwaters of an
embayed area which, although at sea level, is maintained in
fresh water because of the lack of a direct outlet to the
sea. Similar areas farther east and to the south are occupied
by marsh species adapted to brackish water.
2. HIGH QUALITY WILDLIFE HABITAT. This is the most important
site in the county for wetland mammals. -The sheer size of the
wetland area (around 11,000 acres) plus mesic islands and
an equally large area of, surrounding wetland in private
ownership contributes to its value for wildlife species. If
native mammals, such as black bear, river otter, beaver, mink,
muskrat and bobcat are to remain a permanent part of the
natural heritage of the county, it will be essential to
leave as much of this large wetland as possible in an
undisturbed condition.
3. SCIENTIFIC VALUE AS A STUDY SITE FOR FOREST SUCCESSION. In
contrast to most other areas of the Coastal Plain, the
hydrology of this site, which lies nearly at sea level, has
been essentially undisturbed by ditching and draining.
Disturbance history is largely limited to logging, and dates
primarily only to the late 19th century. Consequently,
natural processes of succession should return the vegetation
to the original forest types of the area. These would include
those'of the mesic islands, with a gradient from upland types
in the centers, to mesic and hydric types around the moist
peripheries; slope community types transitional to the
adjacent uplands; the primary cypress -gum forest of most of
the swamp; the special communities along the edges of the
interior streams and the Chowan River, and the marsh
communities.
Little is known of the processes or end results of forest
succession in wetland areas. No long-term studies have been
carried out, and suitable sites protected from logging are
few. Chowan Swamp is a valuable site for long-term study of
wetland forest succession.
175

4. HABITAT FOR ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES. The red -
shouldered hawk is a threatened species, limited to swamp
forests, and has suffered from destruction of habitat and
probably from pesticides such as DDT. A decline of populations
by as much as 75% over a few years was noted in the 1970's.
The species is conspicuous here throughout the year (being ^
an especially noisy denison of the swamp). The size and
quality of this large feeding and nesting habitat makes it
the best in the county. Protection from logging will make
it the focal point of the region for this species.
Many other birds and mammals listed as of special
concern or of undetermined status (Cooper et al. 1977) occur
here. Yellow -crowned and black -crowned night herons probably
nest on the site and numerous bird species use the swamp as
a feeding and resting area seasonally and during migration.
Dryopteris celsa (logfern), a threatened peripheral in
North.Carolina, has been reported from an area north of Barne's
Creek and along the canal bank adjacent to SR 1111 (Wilkinson
1978). Construction related to extension of this road to the
Chowan River in 1979 may have eliminated the second site. The
presence of this species in these two areas was not investigated
during this study.
Listera australis (Southern twayblade) is a small orchid
of moist, sandy woodlands, known only from two other counties
in North Carolina (Dare and Brunswick). In Chowan Swamp a small
population occurs on Hermit Island. Similar habitat was
examined for this species on several other islands with no
success.
5. VALUE AS A SITE FOR STUDY OF PEAT FORMATION. In contrast with
Dismal Swamp, which is losing peat through oxidation, there is
evidence that Chowan Swamp is in a state of active peat
formation. The presence of an organic horizon approximately
coincident with the water table indicates that peat formation
has kept pace with recent sea level rise. This should be an
excellent site for geological studies of peat deposition
under freshwater conditions.
6. . Such a large, high quality wetland also offers unlimited
opportunities for studies of any of its individual species
of trees, other plants and wildlife species. The site also
acts as a buffer for the Chowan River which contains a
number of species considered rare or otherwise in need of
protection. The list and their status is from Cooper et al.
(1977):
176

Extirpated? Acipenser brevirostrum (Shortnose sturgeon).
Anadromous. Tidal portions of basin.
Special concern. Lampsilis ochracea (Tidewater mucket).
Tidal portions.
Oronectes virginiensis (Chowan River
crayfish). Tributaries.
Depleted: Alosa aestivalis (Blueback herring).
Alosa pseudoharengus (Alewife).
Alosa sapidissima (American shad).
All three are anadromous fishes which migrate
throughout the Chowan River and tributaries.
Acipenser oxyrhynchus (Atlantic sturgeon).
Anadromous. Tidal portions of the basin.
Undetermined. Ligumia nasuta (Eastern pondmussel). Tidal
portions. Only known site of occurrence in
North Carolina.
177

r
v
00
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map •
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
High quality wetland plant
CT -A
Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Acer
Extensive swamp forest.
community
rubrum/Woodwardia areolata
High quality wetland plant
CT-B
Mixed hydrophytic marsh
High species diversity fresh
community
grasses and herbs
marshes at mouths of Bennett's
and Sarem Creeks. Spartina
pectinate and Z zan ops s
miliacea.
High quality wetland plant
CT-C
Taxodium distichum Nyssa
Very large cypress o
community
aquatica
and 5 ft dbh) left along
Shoreline of Chowan River and
especially along parts o
Bennett's and Sarem Creeks
High quality terrestrial
CT-D
Fa us grandifolia-mixed oaks
Mature harawood forest yrs
plant community
on mesic islands in swamp.
Listera australis, Stewartia
ma aco en ron.
Endangered or threatened
Listera australis (Southern
On Hermit Island. Endangered
species
twayblade
Peripheral in North Carolina
Special concern
Red -shouldered hawk
Threatened in North Carolina
species
(Cooper et al. 1977). Nesting
on site.
High quality wildlife habitat
Black bear, osprey, beaver,
Area is large enough to provid
mink, waterfowl, bobcat.
permanent habitat for these
species.
Special concern
Dryopteris celsa (Logfern)
Reported from swamp north of
species
Threatened peripheral in
Barnes creek (Wilkinson 1978)
North Carolina (Cooper 1977).
1 and canal bank along SR 1111.

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a Gum -cypress
gem Gum -cypress -maple
gcmp Gum -cypress -maple -pint
mp Maple -pine
mpe Maple-ppne-cypress
pmg Pine -maple -gum
pms Pine-maple-stuubs
pmgw Pine -moplo-guwn•eedar
.--... Boundary One
Fig. 16. Vegetation cover map prepared in 1980 by Leo Snead, from ground work and color
infrared aerial photography (NASA photos, JSC 356, April 12, 1977, numbers 241, 242, 243).
Area mapped extends 14 mi, from the abandoned railroad right-of-way above Barnes Creek
to the Chowan County line at Catherine Creek.

Legal status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Type
Private %
Public 100 %
Unknown
14. Number of owners: 3
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian.(s) (with addresses,
phone numbers, other pertinent information).
North Carolina Forestry Foundation
NCSU School of Forestry
North ; Carolina State University
Ralei g}y Wr
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Dev.
P. 0 Box 27687 _
Raleigh, NC 27611
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
P. 0. Box
Raleigh, NC 27611
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Richard R. Wilkinson (Forestry Foundation tract)
School of Design
North Carolina State University
Raleigh; NC
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
All state agencies involved concerned about preservation. Future
of Forestry Foundation Tract still under study.
181

18. Uses of natural area:
Used as a canoe trail with wilderness campsites (Chowan Swamp Canoe
Trail), Fishing, Hunting. Past use was primarily logging of white
cedar and other timber types.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 %
b. Agricultural
20. Preservation status:
c. High -intensity forestry
d. Developed %
Cat.
*Description of Preservation status
2.
100
Lands recently acquired by three NC state
Carolina Natural Heritage Areas.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
Land owned by NC Wildlife Resources Commission, west of US 158 at
Chowan River Bridge covered by their regulations. State Park lands
in large tract and several small tracts presently being used as
game lands andadministered under the same regulations.
182

22.. Threats:
PEAT MINING, PHOSPHATE MINING.
While the property is now in public ownership, the mineral
rights to the 6,500 acres owned by the Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development were retained by a previous
owner. The status of these rights as pertain to the other tracts
in Chowan Swamp is unknown.
Perhaps the most destructive threat facing this large
natural area would be the possibility of future surface mining.
Energy demand in the future could make it economically profitable
to sell or mine the peat underlying the swamp. Similarly, if
the phosphate -bearing portion of the Miocene Yorktown Formation
is present beneath the swamp, it could someday become economically
significant enough.to mine.
Since the site lies at sea level, either event would destroy
the natural area. Any removal of material leading to lowering of
the surface would simply eliminate the swamp, leaving only the
river and irregular islands of whatever waste remained.
TRAPPING, LOSS OF VALUE AS STUDY SITE FOR WETLAND MAMMALS.
The site contains habitat for black bear, bobcat, and most
of the wetland mammals native to the area, including beaver, river
otter, muskrat and mink. These species are heavily trapped within
the surrounding region. All of these, while once abundant, are now
maintained at levels far below that at which they could have a
significant interaction with the environment. At present, few
significant mammal study sites exist where trapping is prevented.
A great deal remains unknown about the life histories and
ecology of these species in the south. This site, for instance,
would have previously been considered an unlikely site for beaver.
However, the species returned to the area about 10 years ago and
now build lodges and low dams in the small tributaries of the
swamp. Their ultimate effect in determining the composition of
the native swamp forest is completely unknown. Trapping prevents
their numbers from reaching a saturation level, at which
reasonably scientific studies could be carried out, or from
even maintaining existing lodges. Numerous other examples could
be cited of the value of this area as a study site if maintained
as a sanctuary for wetland mammals.
LOGGING, DAMAGE TO WILDLIFE HABITAT AND LOSS OF VALUE AS A STUDY
SITE FOR SWAMP FOREST SUCCESSION AND AS EXAMPLES OF NATIVE SWAMP
FOREST TYPES.
As discussed elsewhere in this report, the natural area has
excellent potential as a site for long-term forest successional
183

studies. These processes are poorly understood. One such study
was carried out at a site in Hertford County several miles
upstream (Allen 1958). This present site has a considerably
different moisture regime and the successional processes are
unstudied. As more land is converted to other uses, it is
increasingly important to set aside examples of each of the several
hundred plant community types in the state to serve as scientific
reference, as a basis for management decisions elsewhere, and to
guarantee the right of North Carolinians to see unspoiled examples
of their natural heritage. Logging in Chowan Swamp would
diminish this important social and scientific resource.
23. Management and preservation recommendations:
Because of the hydrologic stability of the site little
management is needed. Fire offers no hazard and there is little
accessible dry land that might be abused by overuse by the public.
1. All mineral rights should be acquired for the several tracts
in public ownership to prevent possible future destruction
through mining of peat, phosphate or other minerals.
2. A cooperative agreement should be worked out between the
Wildlife Resources Commission, the Division of State Parks,
and the Forestry Foundation that would:
A. Protect from logging so that the area can return to mature
forest for study and as examples of the original climax
forest types.
B. Protect from trapping, and designate the area as a study
site and sanctuary for wetland mammals.
C. Retain the use of Hermit Island and Landing Ridge for
camping.
D. Allow hunting on the rest of the property under rules
and regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
184

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT -A.
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica biflora/Ater rubrum/Woodwardia
areolata.
Community cover type: Nyssa sylvatica biflora
General habitat feature: Freshwater peat swamp.
Average canopy height: 50 ft. Highly variable from place to
place depending upon logging history.
Estimated age of canopy trees: Mostly less than 50 years.
A few remnant cypress along streams may be 200-300 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size , of community: 8,000 acres.
Successional stage: Seral, all stages.
Sere type: Hydrosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Taxodium distichum
Pinus taeda
Nyssa aquatica
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Fraxinus caroliniana
Vaccinium corymbosum
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Osmunda regalis
Arundinaria gigantea
185

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT -A
Soil series: Ponzer, Dorovan and Dare Series.
Soil classification: Ponzer: Terric Medisaprist
Dorovan:-Typic Medisaprist
Dare: Typic Medisaprist
Soil association:
Ponzer-Dorovan-Dare
pH class: Very strongly acid to slightly acid.
Source of information: Soil Conservation Service (1972)
Tentative General Soil Map of Gates County. Kaplan et al.(1978)
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Tidal.
Water chemistry: Acid within the interior of the swamp to
circumneutral in the Chowan River. Following values obtained
31 August 1979: pH 6.7, Chloride 11 mgd/L, Conductivity 70 micromhos/cm.
Water regime: Semipermanently flooed. Hard to .apply any of the
standard modifiers on this case where wind tides flood the area at
highly irregular intervals, sometimes twice a day or twice a week.
Drainage. class: Very poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained, semi -
permanently flooded tidal riverine system, wetted by fresh rains.
tributary streams and wind tides.
186

24d. Topography Summary CT -A.
Landform: Fluvial/estuarine peat swamp.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A.
Slope angle: N/A (flat).
Profile: Flat.
Surface patterns: Flat-topped hummocks which rise 12 in
above the permanently saturated, mucky swamp floor.
Position: N/A
187

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-B.
Community type: Mixed hydrophytic marsh grasses and herbs.
Community cover type: Mixed hydrophytic marsh grasses and herbs.
General habitat feature: Fluvial/estuarine freshwater marsh
over peat.
Average canopy height: 3 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: N/A.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: Perhaps 50 acres total, including
Bennett's and Sarem Creeks.
Successional stage: unknown.
Sere type: Hydrosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Spartina pectinata Carex alata
Carex stricta
Zizaniopsis mileacea
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):
188

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-B.
Soil series: Dorovan.
Soil classification: Typic medisaprist.
Soil association: Ponzer-Dorovan-Dare.
pH class: Slightly acid.
Source of information: Soil Conservation Service (1972)
Tentative General Soil Map of Gates County. Kaplan et al.(1978).
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Tidal.
Water chemistry: Circumneutral.
Water regime: Semipermanently flooded. (Very erratically flooded
by wind tides. Flooding may occur at intervals from twice daily to
twice a week or less.)
Drainage class : Very poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained,
semipermanently flooded tidal riverine system, wetted by fresh rains
and wind tides.-
189

24d. Topography Summary CT-B
Landform: Fluvial/estuarine peat swamp.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect • N/A.
Slope angle: N/A. (flat)
Prof ile : N/A (flat) .
Surface patterns: Sedge hummocks which rise 12 in above the
permanently saturated, level, muck surface.
Position: N/A.
190

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-C.
Community type,* Taxodium distichum/Nyssa aquatica.
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum.
General habitat feature: Fluvial/estuarine freshwater
peat swamp.
Average canopy height: 80 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 200-300 yrs old.
Canopy cover: Sparse.
Estimated size of community: Perhaps 500 acres in widely
scattered remnant strips and patches.
Successional stage: Climax.
Sere type: Hydrosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Pinus taeda
Nyssa sylvatica biflora
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Fraxinus caroliniana Alnus serrulata Hypericum walteri
Acer rubrum Rosa palustris
Cyrilla racemiflora Myrica cerifera
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Nuphar luteum Osmunda regalis
Carex stricta
Zizaniopsis miliacea
191

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-C.
Soil series: Dorovan.
Soil classification: Typic medisaprist.
Soil association: Ponzer-Dorovan-Dare.
PH class: Circumneutral to slightly acid.
Source of information: Field observations, Soil Conservation
Service Tentative General Soil Map for Gates County (1972). Kaplan
et al. (1978).
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT-C.
Hydrologic system: Riverine.
Hydrologic subsystem: Tidal.
Water chemistry: Circumneutral. Values obtained 31 August 1979:
pH 6.7, chloride 11 mg/L, conductivity 70 micromhos/cm. (All values
subject to considerable fluctuation in this system, esp. chloride).
Water regime:
Permanently flooded.
Drainage. class: Very poorly drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained, permanently
flooded tidal riverine system, wetted by fresh rains, tributary streams
and wind tides.
192

24d. Topography Summary CT-C.
Landform: Fluvial/estuarine peat swamp.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A. (Flat)
Slope angle: N/A (flat) .
Profile: N/A (flat).
Surf ace patterns: Water.
Position: N/A.
193

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-D.
Community type: Fagus grandifolia-mixed oaks/mixed ericads.
Community cover type: Fagus grandifolia-mixed oaks.
General habitat feature: Relict estuarine shoreline dunes.
Average canopy height: 60 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 75-85 yrs.
Canopy cover: Closed.
Estimated size of community: Around 10 acres in several
islands.
Successional stage: Climax. Beech may be the eventual climax
in the absence of fire on the smaller islands. Larger islands
may have burned occasionally.
Sere type: Psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Pinus taeda (successional except around wet periphery)
Quercus falcata Liquidambar styraciflua Quercus alba
Quercus nigra Oxydendrum arboreum
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Vaccinium stamineum
Gaylussacia frondosa
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
194

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-D.
Soil series: Undetermined.
Soil classification: Psamment? Possible Spodosol.
Soil association: Lakeland-Chipley-Pactolus.
pH class: Undetermined.
Source of information: Soil Conservation Service Tentative
General Soil Map of Gates County (1972).
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community• type) CT-D.
Hydrologic. system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: Dry-mesic to mesic.
Water chemistry: Fresh.
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage class: Well -drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A well -drained, permanently
exposed, mesic terrestrial system wetted by fresh rains
and a permanently high water table in the surrounding swamp.
195

24d. Topography Summary CT-D.
Landform: Relict estuarine shoreline dunes. Now islands
surrounded by peat swamp.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A. (nearly flat) .
Slope angle: N/A (nearly flat) .
Profile: Slightly convex. .
Surface patterns: Smooth.
Position: All parts of these low, gently rolling islands which
are sufficiently raised above the water table. A separate community,
not analyzed in this report forms a distinct ring around the island
peripheries, This CT would be Pinus taeda/Lyonia lucida and other
variants.
196

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
Complex mosaic of seral and mature plant communities on islands,
and in marshes and swamp forests on the Chowan Swamp Peat, within
the Chowan Embayment in the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain
Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation:
Recent peat (5,000 years BP to present) over late Sangamon fluvial
and estuarine deposits. Unnamed formations, corresponding at least
in part to the ages of the Norfolk, Sand Bridge and Londonbridge
Formations to the east of the Suffolk Scarp.
Geological formation age: See above.
References cited:
Kaplan, C. J. et al. 1978. The Chowan Swamp Environmental Center.
A development feasibility study. Raleigh: NC State
University Schools of Forest Resources and Design. 197 p.
Oaks, R. Q., Jr. and J. R. DuBar. 1974. Post -Miocene shorelines and
sea levels, southeastern Virginia. In: R. Q. Oaks, Jr. and
J. R. DuBar, eds. Post -Miocene stratigraphy, central and
southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University
Press. 275 p.
197

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) .
Species legal status and authority:
Threatened in North Carolina (Cooper et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: Unknown. Probably 10 or
more nesting pairs.
Number of individuals per population: Two.
Size or maturity of individuals: Adults and immatures.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative
flowering %
fruiting %
General vigor of population:
Disturbance or threats to population: Possible accumulation
of pesticides in the food chain from runoff of agricultural pesticides
into the Chowan River and its tributaries. Future logging or peat
mining could.destroy this habitat.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Taxodium distichum/Nyssa aquatica.
Topography: Taxodium distichum/Nyssa sylvatica.
Soil series:
Microclimate:
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
198

27. Master species lists: CT-n only
CANOPY
Fagus grandifolia
Quercus falcata
Quercus alba
Quercus velutina
Quercus nigra
Quercus laurifolia
Pinus taeda
Pinus echinata
Pinus palustris (formerly — on
Liquidambar styraciflua
Quercus laurifolia
Quercus michauxii
Oxydendron arboreum
SUBCANOPY
Ilex opaca
Acer rubrum .
Fagus transgressives
Sassafras albidum
Cornus f lorida
Quercus laevis
SHRUBS
Rhododendron nudiflorum
Vaccinium stamineum
Vaccinium atrococcum
Vaccinium corymbosum
Gaylussacia frondosa
Gaylussacia baccata
Stewartia malacodendron
Persea borbonia
Lyonia lucida
Hamamelis virginiana
Ligustrum sp.
Magnolia virginiana
Clethra alnifolia
Rhododendron viscosum
Myrica cerifera
Castanea pumilla
Kalmia angustifolia
Asimina parviflora
Sorbus arbutifolia
Vaccinium vacilans
Rhus sp.
Ilex glabra
Symplocos tinctoria
199
HERB LAYER
Listera australis
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Mitchella repens
Hexastilis virginica
Chimaphila maculata
larger islands)
Tipularia discolor
Medeola virginiana
Pteridium aquilinum
Aureolaria
Gaultheria procumbens
Mitchella repens
Cypripedium acaule
Euphorbia ipecacuanhae
VINES
Rhus radicans
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Smilax sp.
Smilax sp.
Vitis rotund ifolia
Smilax laurifolia

27. Master species lists: Wetland areas.
CANOPY:
Taxodium distichum
Nyssa sylvatica biflora
Nyssa aquatica
Fraxinus tomentosa
Pinus taeda
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Liquidambar styraciflua
Liriodendron tulipifera
SUBCANOPY:
Fraxinus carolinana
Acer rubrum
Magnolia virginiana
Salix caroliniana
SHRUBS:
Alnus serrulata
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Clethra alnifolia
Cyrilla racemiflora
Itea virginica
Lyonia ligustrina
Lyonia lucida
Persea borbonia
Myrica cerifera
Rosa palustris
Rhododendron viscosum
Ilex glabra
Sambucus canadensis
Vaccinium corymbosum
Viburnum nudum
Viburnum dentatum var lucidulum
Ilex verticillata
Leucothoe axillaris
Leucothoe racemosa
Ilex coriacea
HERBS:
Iris virginica
Justicia americana
Muphar luteum
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Ludwigia palustris
Pontederia cordata
Saururus cernuus
200
HERBS (cont.)
Zizaniopsis miliacea
Zizania aquatica
Arundinaria gigantea
Carex stricta
Carex alata
Thelypteris palustris
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
Polypodium polypodioides
Phoradendron serotinum
Tillandsia usneoides
Impatiens capensis
Convolvulus arvensis
Asclepias lanceolata
Boehmeria cylindrica
Dracocephalum purpureum
Hypericum virginicum
Hypericum walteri
Lycopus rubellus
Echinochloa walteri
Peltandra virginica
Cuscuta sp.
Polygonum sp.
Arisaema triphyllum
Galium obtusum
Habenaria clavellata
Juncus effusus
Cladium jamaicense
Typha latifolia
Sphagnum sp.
Sagittaria falcata
Sagittaria latifolia
Agrostis perennans
Spartina cynosuroides
Spartina pectinata
Leersia oryzoides
Echinochloa crusgalli
Panicum virgatum
Panicum dichotomum
Calamogrostis cinnoides
Sacciolepis striata
Cyperus erythrorhizos
Cyparis strigosus
Eleocharis quadrangulata
Scirpus validus
Rhynchospora macrostachya
Acorus calamus
Spirodela polyrrhiza
Chelone glabra

HERBS (Cont.)
Lobelia elongata
Gentiana catesbaei
Proserpinaca palustris
Riccia fluitans
Commelina virginica
Aneilema kaisak
Pilea fontana
Polygonum punctatum
Polygonum hydropiperoides
Lathyrus palustris
Polyginum sagittatum
Polyganum arifolium
Clematis crispa
Apios americana
Kosteletskya virginica
Hibiscus mosheutos
Viola sp.
Rhexia virginica
Cicuta maculata
Ptilimnium capillaceum
Oxypolis rigidior
Asclepias incarnata
Asclepias tuberosa
Cuscuta compacta
Lycopus virginicus
Agalinis purpurea
Lobelia glandulosa
Lobelia puberula
Lobelia cardinalis
Vernonia noveboracensis
Eupatorium capillifolium
Aster puniceus
Aster novi-belgii
Eclipta alba
Helianthus giganteus
Bidens mitis
Helenium autumnale
Herbs in part from Pitchford & Stuart (1978).
201

BIRDS
Wood duck
Black duck
Chickadee
Chimney swift
Fish crow
Great blue heron
Green heron
Kingfisher
Pileated woodpecker
Robin
Red -eyed vireo
Red -shouldered hawk
Downy woodpecker
Wood thrush
Yellow -bellied cuckoo
Yellow -throated warbler
Prothonotary warbler
Cormorant
Anhinga (yes)
Ring -billed gull
Laughing gull
Osprey
Black vulture
Turkey vulture
Red -bellied woodpecker
Yellow -crowned night heron
Black -crowned night heron
202
MAMMALS
Bobcat
Black bear
Panther (one sighting)
Mink
Beaver
Gray squirrel
Raccoon
River otter
Swamp rabbit
White-tailed deer
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Yellow -bellied turtle
Stinkpot
Brown water snake
Cottonmouth

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural area name: SAND BANKS NATURAL AREA
(CHOWAN RIDGE)
2. County: Gates
3. Location: Along SR 1200 on both sides of road from Storys at
junction of SR 1200 and US 13/158 in southwestern Gates County.
4. Topographic .quadrangle(s): Winton 1906 15 min (1:62,500)
5. Size: About 800 acres.
6. Elevation: Near sea level to 47 ft.
7. Access: SR 1200 runs through the natural area from US 13 and
158, west about two miles.
8. Names of investigators: Cecil Frost, Department of Botany,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
9. Date(s) of investigation: 17 September 1981, 26 November 1980,
.Numerous other visits between February 1976 and September 1981.
10. Priority rating: High (Highest priority in County, since this
is the only significant natural area which does not receive at
least partial protection, remaining in Gates County).
203

11A. Prose Description of Site.
The Gates County Sand Banks is a portion of a series of
fluvial and estuarine sand deposits of Sangamon age, which border
the western and southern boundaries of the county along the Chowan
River. The "Sand Banks" is a local name, of some antiquity,
applied to a section of these sand ridges running from US 13
near Storys, paralleling the Chowan River to the Virginia state
line. It is proposed that the entire geomorphic feature, from
Edenton to the Virginia line, be called the Chowan Sand Ridge,
and that the natural area be named for the local feature, the
Sand Banks, in which it occurs.
The natural area comprises about 840 acres of forested sand
ridges on SR 1200 just west of US 13 and 158. Elevation within the
study area ranges from near sea level to 47 ft. This is the last
remnant in the county, and the northern half of the state, of a
once extensive longleaf pine - turkey oak forest, which, before
settlement, reached uninterrupted from Edenton,nearly to the James
River in Virginia.
The area was probably first seen by upriver explorations
from Sir Walter Raleigh's early settlement on Roanoke Island in
the 1580's, but the first description dates from 1609. In that
year Capt. John Smith sent a search party from Jamestown overland
through this area to the Indian town of Chowanoc in what is now
Chowan County to search for survivors of Raleigh's ill-fated
colony:
"Master Sicklemore well returned from Chawwonoke, but
found little hope and less certaintie of them were left
by Sir Walter Raleigh. The river, he saw was not great,
the people few, the countrey most over Browne with pynes,..."
William Byrd, in his journal of the VA/NC boundary line
survey of 1728 - 1729,�also described the area as a pine barrens.
The xerophytic longleaf pine forests were later described with
more certainty by Hale (1883), Ashe (1884) and Fernald (1939).
Drainage is rapid from the elevated sand ridges into several
small swamp runs, which flow slowly into Chowan Swamp to the
south. Soils in the area have been described by Risk (1981), who
observed the following catena:
Lakeland.Series, Thermic, coated, Typic Quartzipsamment,
on xeric upland sand ridges formerly dominated by longleaf
pine.
Sandy mixed, thermic, Typic Haplaquept, beneath loblolly
pine and tulip poplar on mesic lower slopes adjacent to
wet bottomlands.
204

Otte (1978) determined the following soil in the interspersed
bottomlands dominated by loblolly pine:
Mixed, thermic, Typic Hydraquent.
PREVIOUS STUDIES IN THE SAND BANKS
The site has been visited for years by Ecosystematics class
field trips taught by Dr. A. E. Radford of the Dept. of Botany,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Two detailed reports
have resulted — the first by Otte (1978) and a second, more
detailed study by Pat Risk (1981). A third report was prepared by
Lynch (1980). Consequently, less field time was spent on this site
for the present study. Much of the data presented here is
summarized from the above studies, especially that of Pat Risk,
which contains quantitative field data on vegetation and soils
and should be consulted for a detailed understanding of these
factors.
The above studies discussed geology in terms of the very
general work of Richards (1950) and others. A different interpret-
ation is presented in this report, based on the more recent work
of Oaks and DuBar (1974). This excellent study was carried out
only 20 miles from this site and is therefore the most relevant
source. Their data are adequate to permit a tentative geologic
interpretation based on simple, well-known processes.
GEOLOGY — CHOWAN SAND RIDGE
The time of initial establishment of the modern Chowan River
channel is unknown, but probably dates to the Illinoian glacial
or earlier. Most of the modern geomorphology can be interpreted
in terms of events during and following the Sangamon Interglacial
beginning some 80,000 to.90,000 years ago.
At the height of the Sangamon, relative sea level in this
area was 45 to 50 feet higher than at present (Oaks and DuBar
1974). Consequently, all of Gates County was submerged, with
the exception of the high land from Gates and Willeyton north,
behind the Hazleton Scarp, and the sand ridge along the top of
the Suffolk Scarp, perhaps acting as a barrier island. There may
have been an inlet in the area between Corapeake and US 158,
where these higher sediments are lacking, and another inlet just
south of Edenton, where the Chowan now enters the Albemarle Sound.
Otherwise, all of central Gates County lay under a small
sound or bay, with the coastline along the Suffolk Scarp in the
eastern part of the county. The water would have been saline or
brackish, and no more than 10 feet deep, except where previous
land exposure during the Illnoian may have established the initial
205

valleys of the Chowan River and possibly, of Bennett's, Cole's,
Trotman, Catherine and Somerton Creeks, and the small swamps
draining into the Dismal.
The Chowan Sand Ridge is not a part of the Suffolk Scarp.
It, however, joins the scarp at Edenton, and is a fluvial
counterpart in which several of the higher features correspond
with the high stands of the sea which formed the scarp. Some of
the steepest portions of the Chowan River Scarp may have been
formed by fluvial action some time after the sea receded from the
Suffolk Scarp.
The deposits of the Chowan Sand Ridge are a complex feature,
ranging in elevation from near sea level to 47 ft., and in time
from recent to 80,000 years ago, and cannot be explained by a
single geologic event. Sands of the highest ridge are located
in the Gates County Sand Banks, and support the last small stands
of longleaf pine and turkey oak in the county. The earliest
plausible date for these ridges would be early Sangamon, perhaps
80,000 years ago. At this time the area was inundated by the high
stand of the sea which deposited the Norfolk Formation to the east
of the Suffolk Scarp, and its estuarine counterpart in central
Gates County.
This hypothesis presupposes that the modern course of the
Chowan River had already been established during an earlier
glacial period, and that these highest deposits were formed perhaps
as sand bars and low dunes along the northern edge of the
inundated valley. Much of the deposition of sands which were to
become the Sand Banks probably occurred during this time.
Since the highest sands are only about 5 to 15 feet above
the interior plateau (Talbot Terrace), their present configuration
could represent estuarine dunes from the mid Sangamon, when sea
level had fallen slightly to the upper level of the.modern
Chowan River Valley. The rest of the lower ridges and flats of the
Chowan Sand Ridge are younger features, dating from a series of
events in the mid to late Sangamon (perhaps 40,000 to 50,000 years
ago.
After the initial retreat of the sea from its high level in
the early Sangamon, there were two separate stillstands in the
mid Sangamon, reaching +22 and +26 feet above present sea level
respectively (Oaks and DuBar 1974). These corresponded with
deposition of the Kempsville and Londonbridge Formations to the
east of the Suffolk Scarp.
The lands on the southern border of the county, between
Carter, Trotman and Bennett's Creeks, lie at an elevation of 15
to 20 ft. These flats, which were inundated twice during this
time, were mantled by sands, either newly deposited or reworked
206

from the earlier period of deposition. Similarly, the next lower
series of ridges in the Sand Banks and in the area south of Eure
were deposited or reworked during this period. These areas may have
been vegetated with salt marsh during this time, since the coast-
line was nearer than at present, and the area would have likely
been a brackish estuary similar to that of the present James River.
Comparable modern sand deposits can be seen there, and around the
shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, the embayed river valley of the
ancestral Susquehannah River.
This period was followed by a series of four stillstands of
the sea before the close of the Sangamon around 40,000 years BP.
Relative elevations of sea level during these stages were +17,
+15, +6 and +2 ft above present sea level. The lower ridges of
sand in the Sand Banks area and the various islands in Chowan
Swamp were probably deposited or reworked to their modern
positions during this time.
There are two prominent meander bends of the Chowan River
along the.southern margin of the county. One of these, south of
Eure, inundated Fort Island and carved the channel separating it
from the uplands to the north. The other, more striking bend,
reached as far as Gatesville, inundating Landing Ridge and
carving the shoreline nearly to NC 137 just west of Gatesville.
SR 1111 from Gatesville to the new landing on the Chowan, traverses
this old river meander, now filled with swamp forest. Dating of
these features is difficult., but the manner in which they
truncate some of the sand deposits suggests that they occurred in
the late Sangamon, around 40,000 years ago (although there is a
chance that this may have taken place much more recently, in the
past 3,000 years).
There appears to have been little change in the general
geomorphology of the Chowan Sand Ridge since that time. During
the Wisconsin, the Chowan River became entrenched in its present
valley, and the dendritic drainage patterns of the smaller
streams in the county were extended to their present development.
207

11B. Prose description of site significance:
This is the only significant natural area left in the county
which is not protected in some manner. It consists of a complex
series of sand ridges of various elevations and geologic ages,
interspersed with moist depressions. The site is the last remnant
in the county of xerophytic, pyroclimax longleaf pine - turkey
oak forest, which was once a major dominant in the area.
Significant remnants occur only on the Story and Vaughan
tracts. Many sandhills - type plant species probably reached
their northern limits in the vicinity, but have now been
extirpated from the northern part of their range. One documented
example is Vaccinium crassifolium (creeping blueberry). With the
exception of this site, longleaf pine as a forest type has been
extirpated from the northern 300 km of its original northern
range (Frost, unpublished study).
The fallowing list of significant features is from Lynch
(1980), with a few additions.
1. Presence of the most extensive stand (at least 400 acres) of
mature, old -growth loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forest in the
state; trees up to'120 ft tall, 3 ft in diameter and 250 yrs
old (Radford 1980, Heritage files, this study).
2. Northernmost natural old -growth stand of longleaf pines
(Pinus palustris) on the Atlantic Coastal Plain (Frost,
unpublished study).
3. Presence of exemplary plant communities: Pinus taeda/Quercus
laevis-Q. falcata/Gaylussacia frondosa-Vaccinium vacillans;
Pinus taeda-Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis/Gaylussacia
frondosa-Vaccinium vacillans. These communities are
significant because of the mature canopy cover, the excellent
zonation of the tree-subcanopy-shrub strata, and the high
diversity of ericaceous shrubs present (Otte 1978).
4. Presence of plant community (Pinus taeda/Quercus laevis/
mixed ericaceous shrubs) with unique species composition:
9 species of ericaceous shrubs present (Otte 1978).
5. Example of possible vegetational determination of soil
type (spodosol under the ericaceous shrubs, entisol under
areas without ericaceous shrubs (Otte 1978,.Risk 1981).
6. Excellent examples of relict beach ridges along the Chowan
River embayment. Geomorphic landform feature formed by
receding sea level during periods of previous Pleistocene
glacial maxima (Richards 1950, Oaks -and DuBar 1974).
208

7. Presence of state "champion" & co -champion longleaf pines.
Largest 95 ft tall, 39.9 in dbh (diameter breast height) and
an estimated.350-400 years old (NC list of state champion
trees 1980).
8. Presence of at least three active breeding colonies of red -
cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), an endangered
species; northernmost colonies in North Carolina (Lynch
1980).
9. High diversity of breeding birds, including many associated
with extensive tracts of mixed pine -hardwoods systems; 62
species have been recorded, including 7 species of wood-
peckers, 3 species of owls and 11 species of wood warblers
(Lynch 1980).
10. Presence of black bear (Ursus americanus), nominated for
state endangered status (Coastal Plain population). Area
is an important adjunct to bear habitat in Chowan Swamp
where they forage throughout the wetland and especially
on the numerous mesic islands (Frost 1981).
11. Presence of a population of longleaf pine that may be
varietally distinct. Mature individuals here and in Virginia
appear to have smaller cones and shorter needles than in the
rest of the range further south. Only about 25 mature
individuals remain in the state of Virginia, and perhaps an
equal number here. If this observation is correct, this
genotype is in danger of extinction.
12. Most extensive stand of large turkey oaks (Quercus laevis)
known (Radford 1981).
13. A few virgin loblolly pine (trees to 250 yrs old) in moist
depressions, perhaps their optimum habitat in the original
forest.
209

N
r
O
12. Significance Summary Table (categories represented and descriptions) -by site
a. Feature
Map
b. Description of
c. Comparative
legend
significant feature
assessment
Endangered or threatened
Red -cockaded woodpecker
3 nest colonies.
species
(Picoides borealis)
High quality terrestrial
Shaded
Pinus taeda-Pinus palustris/
Two small remnants of the
plant community
Quercus laevis/mixed erigads
native forest of the area
northern ecotype of longleaf
pine?).
High quality terrestrial
Shaded
Pinus taeda/ uercus laevis/
Largest known stand of old -
plant community
mixed ericads
growth turkey oak.. Unusual
assemblage of 9 species of
ericaceous shrubs.
High quality wetland plant
Shaded
Pinus taeda
A few large loblolly pines,
community
some in excess of 200 years
old, in a small bottomland.
High quality wildlife
Whole.
62 species of breeding birds,
Excellent mast -producing
habitat
site
black bear, wild turkey.
habitat. One of two areas
left in county for black bear.
Exemplary geomorphic
Whole
Relict Sangamon estuarine
Well -developed feature along
feature
site
shoreline dunes.
many miles of Chowan River.
This is the oldest and best -
developed portion.

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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 primary owners. 9 owners of
total natural area.
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses,
phone numbers, other pertinent information).
See next page.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers, other pertinent information).
Dr. A. E. Radford, Department of Botany, Univ. of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
nr" jyttnn T MnaaPlman. Riningiral 4rianraa,
Old Dominion University,Norfolk, VA
Pat Risk, Department of Botany, Univ. of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
J. Merrill Lynch, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, N.C. Depart-
ment of Natural Resources & Community Development, Box 27687, Raleigh,
- NC 27611.
17. Attitude of owner toward preservation (contacted?):
Contacted for permission to study area. Attitude toward preservation
unknown.
213

September 1981
15. Names of Owners. See also Lynch 1981.
LANDOW%=� CHOWAN SAND RIDGE,- GATES COUNTY
i
Gates Co. tax map 236
1. A. T. Byrum & Son, Inc. (lumber company) -
1A. Lonnie & Ina Kay Powell
2- Mrs. Sue -Felton Recently inherited >- Helen Felton Vaughan (Mrs. T. C.
Rt. 1• Box 7 Vaughan, Sr.)
Are, NC 27935 86 acres
3- J. B. Futhrell
Winton, NC 27986 50 acres
4. E. R. Evans, Jr,
P. o. Box 621
Ahoskie, NC 2?910 30 acres
20. Edward P. Story, Sr.
Rt. 19 Box 37
Eure, NC 27935 413 acres
528. Union Camp Corporation
Franklin, VA
Gates Co. tax map 255
6. Curtis A. Crawford
7. Frances Story Lawrence & Dorothy-L., Bauerle
Rt. 1, Box 38 -
Eure,.NC 27935 150 acres
8. Devilla Story Kennedy
8A. H. S. Hofler & Sons Lumber Co., Inc.
Sunbury, NC 27979 171.9 acres
532. Union Camp Corporation
Gates County tax map 234
Ce Mrs. Devilla Story Kennedy
Rt. 1, Box 138
Aire, NC 27935 8.68 acres
D. Frances Story Lawrence
Rt. 1, Box 138
Aire, NC 27935 11.6 acres
214-
r

18. Uses of natural area:
Hunting deer, squirrel, quail. Selective logging. Botanical study.
19. Uses of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 65 % C.
b. Agricultural 10 %
d.
20. Preservation status:
High -intensity forestry
25 %
Developed %
Cat.
*%
*Description of Preservation status
6
100
Private land. Unprotected.
21. Regulatory protections in force:
None known.
215

22. Threats: While there is the possibility of activities such as
residential homesite development, sand mining, and damage from
road widening at some future date, logging is the only likely
short-term activity which could harm some of the unusual plant
communities. This, however, is a serious and immediate threat.
If logged, the area will undoubtedly be converted to plant-
ations of loblolly or longleaf pine. This would have the following
sad effects on the flora of the county:
1.
Loss of
these last remnants of
the original forests — an
important part of the natural
heritage of Gates County.
2.
Loss of
the entire population
of the northern race of longleaf
pine,in
North Carolina. .
3.
Loss of
the largest known stand of large turkey oak.
4.
Loss of
the small bottomland
tract of virgin loblolly pines.
5. Elimination of the great scientific research value of the area
as a study site for forest ecology.
23. Management and preservation recommendations:
The choicest areas of high quality natural communities occupy
only a small percentage of the total natural area. These are:
1. The stand of large turkey oaks on the Vaughan tract, which
also contain a colony of red -cockaded woodpeckers and the
unusual assemblage of ericad shrubs described by Otte (1978)
and Risk (1981): about 40 acres of very important communities.
2. The adjoining east -facing slope on the Story property with
the second largest longleaf pine in the state, other very old
longleaf specimens, large turkey oak and diverse ericads:
perhaps 20 acres.
3. The moist bottomland at the foot of the above site, containing
a few very large, very old loblolly pines and some large
beech: about 5 acres.
4. The site shown the author and the staff of the NC Natural
Heritage Program by Mr. Story in 1981, containing a very
xerophytic stand of large longleaf pines with an understory
of small turkey oak & ericads: about 35 acres.
This is a total of only about 100 acres, on which is
represented nearly the whole remaining portions of these types of
216

forest communities in the county, and in the northern half of
North Carolina.
With this in mind, it might be possible to approach the
Story and Vaughan families to see if they would consider marking
off these tracts to be left undisturbed as natural areas. If this
would impose too great a financial hardship, perhaps they would be
willing to enter into some sort of easement to preserve these
tracts and give them some financial benefit.
217

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: CT -A. Pinus taeda-Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis/
mixed ericads.
Community cover type: Loblolly pine -longleaf pine.
General habitat feature: Relict sand ridge.
Average canopy height: 60-70 ft.
Estimated age of canopy trees: Annual rings were counted
on the stumps of three old longleaf pines cut August 1981:
Canopy cover: open. DBH AGE
23 in 308 yr
25 in 177 yr
Estimated size of community: 27 in ' 167 yr
About 55 acres of prime CT, in 2 separate places.
Successional stage: Pyroclimax, succeeding to Loblolly pine and
hardwoods because of fire suppression.
Sere type:. Psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant): Quercus falcata. Pinus echinata.
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Oxydendrum arboreum Vaccinium atrococcum
Gaylussacia baccata Vaccinium tenellum
Gaylussacia dumosa
Vaccinium stamineum
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Gaultheria procumbens
Cladonia sp. (perhaps should be named as a layer)
218
It

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT -A
Soil series: Lakeland (Risk 1981) .
Soil classification: Thermic, coated, Typic Quartzipsamment.
Soil association: Shown Lake land -Chip ley-Pacto lus on tentative
general soil map of Gates County.
pH class: Strongly acid.
Source of information: Risk (1981).
Other notes:
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: Very dry-xeric.
Water chemistry: N/A
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage class : Excessively drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A permanently exposed, very dry-
xeric terrestrial system wetted by fresh rains.
219

24d. Topography Summary CT -A.
Landform: Relict Sangamon estuarine shoreline dunes.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: East -facing.
Slope angle: 2-10%.
Profile: Convex.
Surface patterns: Smooth to gently undulating.
Position: Upper slope.
220

Natural Characteristics Summary
24a. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary CT-B
Community type: Pinus taeda/Quercus laevis/Gaylussacia frondosa-
mixed ericads.
Community cover type: Pinus taeda.
General habitat feature: Relict Sangamon estuarine shoreline
dunes, highest ridge tops with thin, xerophytic pine forest.
Average canopy height: 60 feet.
Estimated age of canopy trees: 100 yrs.
Canopy cover: Open.
Estimated size of community: 40 acres.
Successional stage: Seral: in transition from longleaf pine
pyroclimax to Pinus taeda following fire suppression.
Sere type: Psammosere.
Common canopy species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant):
Pinus echinata
Common sub -canopy or shrub -stratum species in community
cover or community type (but not dominant):
Carya tomentosa Gaylussacia dumosa
Pinus transgressives (taeda) Vaccimium atrococcum
Oxydendrum arboreum Vaccinium vacillans
Ga luss cia bac ata gaccigium tenellum
Common herb stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant):
Cladonia sp.
221

24b. Soil Summary (by community type) CT-B.
Soil series: Lakeland (Risk 1981) .
Soil classification: Thermic, coated, Typic Quartzipsamment.
Soil association: Lakeland-Chipley-Pactolus.
PH class: Strongly acid.
Source of information: Risk (1981), Soil Conservation Service
Tentative General Soil Map ofGates County (1972).
Other notes: See Risk (1981) for excellent analysis of this site.
24c. Hydrology Summary (by community type) CT-B.
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial.
Hydrologic subsystem: Very dry-xeric.
Water chemistry: N/A.
Water regime: Permanently exposed.
Drainage. class: Excessively drained.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Hydrology characterization: A permanently exposed, very
dry-xeric terrestrial system wetted by fresh rains.
222

24d. Topography Summary CT-B.
Landform: Relict Sangamon estuarine shoreline dunes.
Shelter: Open.
Aspect: N/A (Ridge crest) .
Slope angle: 0-6%.
Prof ile : Convex.
Surface patterns: Smooth to gently undulating.
Position: Ridge crest
223

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area:
. Relict xerophytic forest communities on highest ridge of the
Gates County Sand Banks, a part of the Chowan Sand Ridge, in the
Chowan Embayment in the Embayed Section of the Coastal Plain
Province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological formation: Unnamed estuarine/fluvial sand deposits.
Geological formation age: Early Sangamon —highest ridges;
mid to late Sangamon for progressively lower ridges.
References cited: Oaks, R. Q. , Jr. and J. R. DuBar. 1974.
Post -Miocene shorelines and sea levels, southeastern Virginia.
In: R. Q. Oaks, Jr. and J. R. DuBar, eds. Post -Miocene stratigraphy,
centeal and southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Logan, Utah: Utah
State University Press. 275 p.
224

26. Summary - endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Red -cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis).
Species legal status and authority: Federally listed
Endangered Species.
Number of populations on site: 3 colonies (Lynch 1981) .
Number of individuals per population: Unknown.
Size or maturity of individuals: Adults and immatures.
Phenology of population:
Eg: vegetative %
flowering
fruiting %
General vigor of population: May be declining due to logging
of cavity trees within last five years.
Disturbance or threats to population: Logging threatens to
destroy remaining populations.
Habitat characteristics
Plant community: Pinus taeda/Quercus laevis/mixed ericads.
Topography: Ridge tops.
Soil series: Lakeland.
Microclimate: Xeric.
Drainage basin: Chowan River.
Other plants and animal species present:
Aerial or detailed maps with populations clearly marked:
225

27. Master species lists: See Otte 1978.for additional species.
CANOPY
Pinus palustris
Pinus taeda
Pinus echinata
Quercus falcata
SUBCANOPY
Quercus laevis
Oxydendrum arboreum
Pinus transgressives
Fagus grandifolia
Juniperus virginia
Carya tomentosa
Carya sp.
Quercus margaretta
Sassafras albidum
Magnolia virginiana
Quercus velutina
Ilex opaca
SHRUBS
Gaylussacia frondosa
Gaylussacia baccata
Gaylussacia dumosa
Vaccinium stamineum
Vaccinium atrococcum
Vaccinium tenellum
Vaccinium vacillans
Castanea pumila
Acer rubrum
.Symplocos tinctoria
Kalmia angustifolia
Pteridium aquilinium
Gaultheria procumbens
VINES
Vitis rotundifolia
Smilax glauca
Smilax rotundifolia
Clitoria mariana
HERBS
Cladonia sp.
Euphorbia ipecacuanhae
Heterotheca (Chrysopsis) nervosa
Diodia teres
Chimaphila maculata
Cypripedium acaule
Cyperus sp.
Panicum sp.
Cassia nictitans
See NC Natural Heritage Program files for list of 62 bird species
reported by J. M. Lynch (1981). No.survey of mammals of other groups
was.conducted on this site.
226

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232

GLOSSARY
ABBREVIATIONS (units)
in
- inches
ft
- feet
mi
- miles
cm
- centimeters
m
- meters
km
- kilometers
mg/L
- milligrams per liter
ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS (terms)
dbh - diameter at breast height (standard measurement of tree
diameter at 411 ft above the ground).
hydric - a wet plant habitat (adjective).
mesic - a plant habitat of moderate moisture levels.
xeric - a very dry plant habitat, often on sandy soils.
hydrophyte - a plant of aquatic or wetland habitats.
mesophyte - a plant of sites with moderate moisture conditions.
xerophyte - a plant of very dry habitats.
sere, seral stage - referring to a sequence of vegetation changes
after disturbance. In this area, for instance, there is
often a loblolly pine seral stage a few years after
logging.
233

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 Oil Spills: Environmental
and Economic Consequences for Brunswick County, N. C. CEIP Report
#13. May 1982. $10.

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.

a

I
4
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
II.
Present Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
A. Population and Economy . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
B. Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations . . . .
29
III.
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .
30
A. Land Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
B. Capacity of Community Facilities and
Community Facilities Demand . . . . . . . . . .
46
IV.
Public Participation Activities . . . . . . . . . .
50
A. Land Use Compatibility Problems . . . . . . . .
50
B. Objectives, -Policies. and Standards
Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
C. Land Use Objectives, Policies, and Standards
53
D. Process to Determine Objectives, Policies,
and Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54
E. Methods to Secure Public Participation . . . . .
54
V.
Estimated Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
A. Population and Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
B. Future Land Needs . . . . . . .
57
C. Community Facilities Needs
57
D. Carrying Capacity: Land and Water . . . . . . .
61
VI.
Plan Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
A. Land Classification . . ... . . . . . . . .
64
B. Population Allication . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
C. Population Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
VII.
Potential Areas of Environmental Concern . . . . . .
67
VIII. City/County Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
IX. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
X. Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

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14
INTRODUCTION
The coastal area of North Carolina is one of the most important regions
in the United States for food production, future expansion of commerce, indus-
try and recreation. To enable orderly growth and protection of important
natural resources of that area, the 1974 General Assembly passed the Coastal
Area Management Act.
The Coastal Area Management Act is a state law that asks local government
in 20 counties in Coastal North Carolina to prepare a blueprint for their
future growth and development. The county officials are asked to work closely
with local citizens in deciding what their goals are, in planning for their
best use. This Land Use Plan will serve as that blueprint.
The purpose of the Land Use Plan is to determine the most appropriate
future use of land in Gates County. This plan was undertaken by the county
citizens, elected officials, and staff in an effort to fulfill the requirements
of the Coastal Area Management Act and provide an opportunity to all citizens
in the county to participate in the planning process.
In recent years it has been recognized that rigorous demands are being
made upon the land and natural resources that were not evident a short time
ago. This can be attributed in great part to rapidly advancing technology
and population migration. We.have moved into an era where various use of
the land in one area may adversely affect -the property values and use of land
miles away.
In order to preserve and protect natural resources and property values,
it is necessary to plan for future development to occur where the land and
natural resources can withstand development.
1

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On the State level, administration and coordination of the Coastal Area
Management Act will be handled by the Department of Administration and Depart-
ment of Natural and Economic Resources. The Act creates two citizen agencies:
Coastal Resources Commission - The commission is a 15-member body appointed
by the Governor. All members are residents of the coast. Twelve were
chosen from among nominees made by counties and towns in the coastal area.
Three are appointed at the discretion of the Governor. The Commission
is responsible for establishing planning guidelines, approving land use
plans and issuing permits for construction when required.
Coastal Resources Advisory Council - The Council is a 47-member body
made up of locally appointed representatives from each coastal county,
plus representatives from six state government departments. It includes
a broad cross section of coastal interests. The Council advises the
Commission on those matters before the Commission, and assists local
governments.
J There are three major land use management tools created by the Bill: Land
use plans, areas of environmental concern and a permit system.
Land Use Plans - Each county has prepared a land use plan. The plans
are based on the goals of the people in the county, the resources avail-
able in the county, and the most reasonable path for reaching toward
those goals with the resources available. After the plans are adopted,
use of the land must agree with the plans.
Areas of Environmental Concern - These areas and their boundaries will
be designated by the Coastal Resources Commission. We know from expe-
rience to be cautious when using these areas. They include marshlands,
beaches, sand dunes, navigable waters, national and state parks and areas
,J of historical importance. Designation of an area as one of environmental

x
concern does not prohibit use of that area. It is a warning sign to be
careful.
Permit System - Any development within an area of environmental concern
must have a permit. The Act does not require a permit for development
outside areas of environmental concern. The Act requires the following
projects in areas of environmental concern to obtain a permit from the
Coastal- Resources Commission: those projects currently needing state
..permits; those of greater than 20 acres in size; those that involve
.drilling or excavating natural resources on land or under water; those
which involve construction of one or more structures having an area in
excess of 60,000 square feet.
PRESENT CONDITIONS
Regional Location
.Gates County is located in northeastern North Carolina. It is -bounded
on the east by Camden and Pasquotank Counties, on the south by Perquimans.and,
Chowan Counties, on the west'by Hertford County (along the Chowan River), and
on the north by the State of Virginia. The county has a total area.of 343
square miles.
Gates is.one of.'the few counties covered by the Coastal Area.Management
Act which is not contiguous to either the Atlantic Ocean.or to one of North
Carolina's major sounds (Albemarle, Currituck, and Pamlico). The county's
southernmost point lies approximately thirty miles north of the western end
of the Albemarle Sound on the east bank of the Chowan River. Gates's inclu-
sion among the counties covered by the Act is due to the fact that the Chowan.*.
River is classified by state law as "estuarine water."
3

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'EXISTING POPULATION
Township Population Trends
Gates County's population has been declining slowly but steadily for the
past thirty years,., -.In 1970, the county's total population was 8,524. This.
represented a decrease of 1,536 people since*1940 when the population was over
10,0000
Long-term.population losses have occurred in six of the county's seven .
townships,. Only Gatesville and Reynoldson• Townships have experienced growth
during this period.
The county lost. seven percent of'its•population between 1960-1970, the
sharpest ten-year decline since 1940. During that same decade the population
of Reynoldson and Hall Townships increased significantly but not enough to
regain their 1940 levels. This trend -is expected to continue during -the plan-
ning period. These data are shown in the following table.
TABLE I
POPULATION
1940 - 1970
BY TOWNSHIP
Township
0
1950
1960
197
Gatesville
1,563
1,571
.1,658
1,598
Hall
950 ,
944
847
949-
Haslett
1,053
929
904
767
Holly Grove
1,646
1,751
1.,599
1,367
Hunters Mill
1,812
-1,539
1,568
1,339
Mintonstiille
1$71
-1,4g2
1,287
1,045
Reynoldson
...1,465
1�,369
1,391
1.,459
COUNTY TOTAL
1.
10,060
9,555
9,.254
8,524,
4

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Seasonal Population Fluctuations
Unlike many other counties in*the coastal plain, Gates experiences vir-
tually no seasonal.populatio.n fluctuation resulting from tourism. This is
due to its position far inland from the major tourist -,attracting bodies of
water.
Future Population
Gates County's population has been declining for more than three decades,
largely the result of out=migration.. In, the absence`of evidence to the con
trary, the only reasonable assumption about population dynamics in the near -
and intermediate -term future'is that the decline will continue. A review of
several sets of population projections -for Gates County supports this assump
tion. These are presented in the following table.
TABLE II
POPULATION PROJECTION
1980'. -. 2000 .
Year
1980
1990
2000
Projection Type
BERS
8500
8800
9100
Series "C"
OBERS
8200 .
.7500
7000
Series " "
N. C. Department of
Administration #1
7402
6310
5158
N. C. Department of
Administration #2
8000
7700
7300
The wide disparity between theseprojections'.results from differing
methods of projection and from differing assumptions about future-birth-riates,
mortality rates, migration, and other factors. -Nevertheless, it is disap-
pointing to find -that demographers are so Aivided in their prognoses for com-.
munities of decreasing population.
5

The significant feature of the four preceeding projections is that three
of them exhibit the general decline anticipated solely on the basis of the
county's past performance. It -would seem then that a simple average of the
four projected popul-ation levels is as sound as any one of them individually.
On the basis of this, the following estimates of -population were adopted by
the Gates County citizens to,be used throughout the remainder of this report:
Year
Estimated
Population
1-980
8,025
-1990
7,577
20fM
7,139
2025
6,929
Age Distribution
The outstanding components`of the 1960-1970 population change were the
decrease in the number of persons aged 0-34 and the increase of persons aged,
55.and over. The younger groups constitute a.small.er percentage.:o.f total
county population in 197.0 than' in 1960 while the elderly group increased as
a percentage of the total: Age group.'distributions for 1'960 and 1970 are
shown i n i'abl e III-.
The population decline shown.'in Table III is underscored by the declining
number of births in.the county. Between 1960 and 1970 the number of live
births declined from 225' to 127. The decline in live births can be atlribu-
ted toga number.of factors including improved birth control. methods and the
outmigration of women in the childbearing.age group of 15-49 years.
M

TABLE III
AGE DISTRIBUTION
1960 - 1970
1960
1970
Age Grou
Male
Female
Male
Female
0-4
555 _:
526.
367
113
,o
5-14
1091
1052
978
891
15-24
716.
631.
697
686
25-34
470
536
'431
393
35=44
540
471
442
482
45-54
479
457
513
509
55-64
349
.392
425
a
423
65 & Over
411
478
401 :,.
568
TOTAL
4611
4543
4260
4264
.Racial Composition
K 'In 1960, 54% of the County's population was Negro and 46%.was Caucasian.
Although there was a decline in both Negro and Caucasian.population of the
County between 1960 and 1970, greater loss was in the Negro segment (10% Negro
vs 6% Caucasian). Census.data for 1970 indicate that 53% of. the County's
population was Negro and 47% was Caucasian.
Age -Sex profiles.for 1960 and 1970 indicate that loss of Negro popula-.
tion occurred primarily in the 0 to 14 age group and the second largest loss
was between 15 and 44. This was also true of the Caucasian population but
in lesser numbers:
7

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This further points out the trend towards -out -migration of the child-
bearing productive age group in both races. Out -migration, coupled with the
decrease in birth rate, has contributed to the large decrease in the 0 to 14
age group.
EXISTING ECONOMY
Family Income
The..median family income in Gates County in 1970 was $5,879. Even after
converting this to constant (1960) dollars, a great improvement in family in-
come is seen to have occurred during the 1960-1970 decade (see Table IV).
Gates County, in fact, outstripped both the State and Region R in family in-
come improvement (though not in absolute dollar level) during that period.
TABLE IV
MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
1960 - 1970
Area
-1970
Median Family -Income
(Constant.19W Dollars)
Percentage
chg. 1960-70
Gates.County
$41,585
..+'102.8
Region R-
-$6,311`
+ 64.6
STATE OF N. C.
$6,064
+ .53.2
The County's.median family -income for .1970 :is still far below that of
Region R and the State. The per capita income is drastically low when com-
pared to the remainder of the State (99th out of 100 counties).
The increase in median family,income, however, is encouraging. It may be
noted at this point that the percent of families in Gates,.County considered be-
low the -poverty threshold has decreased between 1960 (57.39%) and 1970 (25.53%)
by 56.02t'.
8

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Retail Sales
Gross retail sales in the County have increased from $3,452,170 in 1960-61
to $10,018,556 in 1971-72. This represents an approximate 200 percent increase
for the 11 year period. All retail sales groups realized an increase in -total
retail sales between 1964-65 and 1971-72. The largest increases occurred in
building materials, general merchandise, and food. This trend is interesting
considering the close proximity of the sophisticated retail centers of the
Virginia Metropolitan Area, Elizabeth City, Edenton and the fact that so..many
of the County's employed commute to these areas for work.
Educational Attainment
Educational achievement of the County's population'was bel-ow that of the
State and Region R as a whole, both in 1960 and 1970. In 1960, the *median
number -of school years completed for persons 25 years of age and older was
" 8.9 for the State, 8.1 years for Region R, and 7.8 years for Gates County.
In 1970, the State, County, and Region R's'educational attainment increased
r
by over a full school year with the median number of school years completed
of 10.6, 9.1, and 9.5 respectively. Also seen in Table.Viis the percent of
the'25 years+ population that is high school graduates. Gates County, in
both areas, trails the State and Region despite a,large increase over 1960.
*Median school years completed is that year which divides the total
" school years into two equal parts, one -half -being more than the median
year and one-half being less.
W

TABLE V
Place
Median Number of School Years
Completed for 25 & Older
Percent County Population
With Hi h School Diplomas
„
1960 1970
1970
Gates County
7.8 9.1
23.2
Region R
8.1. 9.5
:28.5
State (N.C.)
8.9 10.6
38.4
..Gates`County has attained a pupil/teacher ratio comparable to that of
the'State;and Region R in the secondary schools; however, it=appears that
more effort -should be concentrated within.the elementary schools which depicts
a greater number of pupils per teacher than the elementary schools of the
State and Region R.
Gates County is presently allocating more money per pupil than either
Region R or the State. (see -Table VI).
V.
TABLE VI
1970
Pupil -Teacher.
Expenditure
Ratio
Per Pupil
Elem. Sec.
Region-"R"
25 19
$586.00
State of N. C.
26 21
$463.00
Gates County
30 23
$632.00
Employment
The number of employed persons residing in Gates County has increased
between 1960 and 1970. The total employed residents in 1960 was 2,666 as
compared to 2,777 in 1970 representing a 4% increase.. The number -of persons
10

V
employed in 1960 represented 29% of the total county population. This number
increased to 33% of the total county.population in 1970.
Even though the number of employed persons and the percent of the County's
total residing population employed increased during the 10 year period between
1960 and 1970, the -number of jobs in Gates County decreased by 318 or 15%.
This may be attributed largely to a decline in agricultural employment.
Commuting patterns for Gates County point to the same trend. In 1960
there was a *net commuting loss of 569 persons and a net commuting loss in
1970 of 998. This represents a 75% increase in the out -commuting trend.
Many factors may contribute to this trend. The gradual disappearance
of small farms.due to large farm competition and mechanization has forced a
flight to the city and towns for jobs by rural residents. There is little
indication that the small farm will again flourish --therefore, continued
commuting to the city and suburbs for employment. The major metropolitan
areas have continued to draw workers by offering higher salaries and con-
tin6a11y''impr'oving'highways which make commuting more feasible in spite•of.
rising fuel costs. The loss of workers to Virginia is likely to continue
unless there are some developments in the northeastern counties which create
more jobs,for residents.
In.Gates County 23% of the employed are white collar workers and 77%
are blue collar workers (as defined by the N. C. Department of Public Instruc-
tion).
*Net Commuting Loss - The number of persons commuting to Gates County for
employment subtracted from the.number commuting from Gates.County for
employment.
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Agricultural Characteristics
Between 1960 and 1970, the acres of harvested and idle cropland has
remained approximately the same. However, other changes have occurred on
the agricultural scene that are noteworthy. For instance, the farm population
discussed earlier has decreased between 1960-70 by 52%. At the same time,
farm income rose 106%.
This may be attributed in part to larger farms employing more sophisti-
cated labor saving machinery. As a result the demand for farm labor is not
as great. This has resulted in farm labor migrating to other areas where
job opportunities are greater. This situation has led to a decreasing farm
labor supply which is badly needed by the small farm operator who cannot af-
ford the expensive, automated farm machinery. The small farm operator cannot
provide enough work nor pay wages that would interest an adequate labor supply.
Gates County witnessed its greatest decline in the number of farms betwden
1954-64 (see Table VII). Within this time period, the number of farms de-
creased 46.8% whereas the average farm -size increased 46.1%. This points
to the continuing trend.throughout.the United.States of small, less.efficient
farms giving way to larger, more efficient farming operations.
The trend from small to large farms has been caused principally by
1. inflation
2. farm labor shortages
3. high.labor wage increases
4. high cost of sophisticated machines
These four factors stymie survival attempts by small farm operators.
The small farm owner has been pressured into selling to the -larger farm
operations that are production oriented and can afford to purchase the high'
priced, sophisticated machinery. However, in Gates County, between 1964-70,
12

both trends have practically ceased, suggesting that the farm operations, as
they now exist, are returning adequate income for the operator's subsistence.
This trend is depicted in Table VII.
TABLE .VII
FARM NUMBER AND SIZE
NUMBER OF FARMS
AVERAGE SIZE OF FARMS
Change
% Change
% Chang
.'%-Change
1954 1964 1954-64
1970 1964-70
1954 1964 1954-64
1970 .1964-70
1165 620 -46.8
614 -1.0
99.3 .145.1 .46.1
140.5 ' -3.1
w
Further investigation illustrates the desire of the Gates County small
farm operator to continue his%farming business. Table VIII portrays the:
increasing change between 1960-70 of. the number of farm operators working 1001.
or more days off the farm. In Gates County, during the ten'year period, there
was an increase in this number from 20.6% in 1960 to 3863% in..1970. This
trend appears more evident in Gates County than in Region R and the State.
This fact may be.attributed to the fact that more Gates farmers are trying
to hold on to their small forms by supplementing their income with second jobs.
TABLE VIII
FARM OPERATORS WORKING•100 OR MORE DAYS OFF THE FARM
1954 1960 1970
Percent of Percent of Percent of
Total Operators Total Operators Total Operators
Gates Co. 19.'8 20.6 38.3
Tenure of farm operators also.illustrates the point that the smaller farm

F is succumbing to larger farm operations. Between 1964 and 1970 there was an
increase.in full owners from 48 to 59, a decrease in part owners from 34 to
25 and a decrease in tenants from 18 to 16.•-
Gates County's farm population declined (52.2% decrease) in the past ten
years (Table IX). At the same -.time, those persons seeking a rural setting
for living conditions while maintaining -non -farm occupations increased by
19.8%. Both trends are evident in the nation and in Region R and the State.
This trend is expected to continue as people move from the large city in
search .of aesthetically pleasing open space.
TABLE IX
RURAL`CHANGE ::
Urban
Percent Change
1960-70
Rural Farm ..
Percent Change*.
1960-70
Rural Nonfarm
Percent Change
1960-70
ates County
---
-52.2
+19.8
egion R
+1.1
-54.0.
+19.3
tate,of N. C.
+26.9
. -53.6
+24.5
In the following diagram -of Gates County'.s farm land use, the amount of
land in farms has fluctuated between 1969 and 1974. The 1974 acreage was
approximately 4,000 acres less than 1969. Forest and other farmland witnessed
an overall decrease between 1969 and 1970. The amount of"harvested cropland
increased every year except 1912. Idle cropland and pasture has continually
declined from 10,027 acres in 1969 to 2,780 in 1974.
14

GATES COUNTY
FARM LAND USES
Acres
230,000
220,000
210,000
200,000
190,000
180,000
170,000
160,000
150,000
140,000
130,000
All Land in Farms
120,000
110,000
123,947
124,460 123,-380 1.2 ,617
123,239
119,652
100,000
90,000
Forest -and Other Farmland
80,000
70,000
80,321
81,798 80,09
80,2
78,935
60,000
76,662
50,000
40,000
Harvested. -Cropland
30,000
37,252.
34,487 - 34,831
39,061
40,210
20,000
33,599
10,000
Idle Cropland and Pasture
10,027
8 175 ,
0
1969
1970 1971 1972
1'
1974
15

In the next diagram on page 17, the amount of Gates County's major crops
harvested is given for the 1969-1974 time period.
-The amount of acres harvested for corn increased each year until 1972.
Between 1972 and 1974, increases were once again noted.
Soybeans followed the same pattern'as corn. Overall increases in
acreage was greater, increasing from 8.,631 in,1969 to 13.,168 in 1974.
Peanut. acreage harvested decreased steadily each year except 1973. .
Cotton and.tobacco acreage has decreased each year since 1969.
dates County, between.1960-1970, witnessed an.increase in.receipts:for.•
crops and livestock/poultry. In Table X, there was a substantial increase
margin in.receipts.for livestock/poultry over crops. This trend is expected
to continue and.accplerate for poultry due to the recent efforts of Perdue
Farms, Inc. to expand their broiler industry into Northeastern North Carolina.
TABLE X
y
PERCENT CHANGE IN RECEIPTS 1960-1970
Livestock
Crops & Poultry
Gates w 56.3 180.1
Forestry
In 1974, all forest ownership was comprised of .156,206 -acres. 63,742
was under the ownership of the forest industry, 62,546 was farmer owned and
29,918 was owned by private individuals.
The amount of forest ownership has decreased since 1964 by 6,594 acres.
Wood+and. owners have failed to realize the value of good forestry
management. Emphasis -should be on reforestation and putting. their timber
back into a productive condition.
16

GATES COUNTY
Acres
MAJOR CROPS HARVESTED
20,000
Corn For Grain
19,000
19,009
189000
18,837
18,001
18,077
17,000
16,855
16,000
15,000
15,748
14,000
13,000
12,970
13,168
12,000
11,000
10,000
Soybeans
91000
9,543
8,000
8,631
8,909 8,587
.
Peanuts
7,80
7,000
7,444
7,25,6 7,163 7,127
7,170
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
11000
Cotton and Tobacco
240
202
0
1969
1970 1971 1972
1973
1974
17

Farmers need to change their attitude about reforestation and be willing
to return a portion.of profits to aid in reforestation. A forestry program
should be set up on each farm to show the economic value of using good forestry
management practices. Farmers need to be informed of the latest production
techniques.
According to the publication IMPACT '76, Gates County, N. C., farmers
within the county are not attaining their full production capabilities.
Regarding the three major crops, the following -problems and suggestions have
been determined.by the Agriculture Extension Service:
MAJOR.CROPS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
TYPE OF CROP
PROBLEMS
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
CORN..
--- Yields are far below
--- Educate the
PRODUCTION*'
the potential of
farmers on manage -
most soils in the
ment and produc-
country.
tion techniques.
--- Farmers are not
using adequate
management techhi-
ques. ,
SOYBEAN
--- Voducers.are not
--= Educate.farmers
using recommended
on production and
PRODIXTION
production.practices
management -tech! -
such as proper ro-
niques.
tation, fertiliza-
tion, insect and
weed control, etc.
PEANUT
PRODUCTION
--- Farmers have.not
reached full po-
tential production.
for the land due
to improper use of
chemicals, pod rot,,
and inadequate farm
management techniques
--- Farmers must be-.
gin practicing
recommended pro-
duction practices,
familiarize them-
selves with latest
pesticide informa-
tion, and.practice
better management
technique~-,.
0
.18

There are other farm operations conducted within the county that have
been analyzed. Some of these and their problems/solutions are:
a)' Swine production — Producers have failed to use proper management
to maximize their income from their swine operations.
.b) Beef cattle production — Farmers have failed to recognize the oppor-
tunity to increase income from cow -calf herds -and feeding beef cattle.
Better record keeping on the production of land involved in cattle
production will. help in making the decision on whether to decrease
cattle production and increase pasture on marginal land.
c) Tobacco production - The major problem in tobacco production is
emphasis on economical harvesting aids and equipment. Labor is in
short supply and the cost of labor is so high that .production without
mechanization will eventually make it unprofitable to produce tobacco.
Another problem is the failure of farmers to realize the economic
value of following the all -practice production outline'to'increase
net income.
d) Horticultural production - Many farmers of low-income families do
not realize what the addition of.alternative enterprises such as
grapes or even a.family garden could mean in increasing their incomes.
An all out effort is being made through the Gates County Extension
Service to encourage 42 families to participate.in a County Garden
Program and 12 low income farmers add one (1) acre.of grapes.to-
their operation to increase their income.
e) Forestry production - .Woodland owners have failed. to realize the
value of good forestry management. emphasis should be on reforest-
ation and putting their timber land back into a productive condition.
T9

The Gates County farmer has not been using his land to its greatest
capacity. Due to the present trend of high yield production and mechanization,
he must become educated to and practice modern management and production
techniques in order to survive.
EXISTING LAND USE
Land utilization in Gates County may be divided into four large groups.
They are: *non -farm land, forest and.other land,.harvested cropland, idle and
pasture. The percentage of each is shown in the following diagram:
UTILIZATION OF ALL LAND'
Non -farm Land
40%
4% Idle
39% Pasture
Forst and
other' l and . 17%
Harvested
Cropland
*Crops with no significant agricultural production
20

Residential Use
Residential development in the County consists primarily of single-family
rural units. The distribution of housing units is wide -spread throughout the
County as depicted on the existing land use map.
Mobile homes have recently become an increasing source of housing supply.
This trend is reflected across the nation, and Gates County is no exception'.
(see Table XI).
The number of mobile homes 'increased by 169% between 1970 and 1974.
Mobile homes now`make up 11% of the housing stock in Gates County as compared
to '4% in 1970. The largest percentage increases occurred in Holly.Grove,
Hunter's Mill, and Mintonsville Townships. These townships also witnessed
a -greater increase.in conventional housing supply during the same period.
This may be attributed to'the close proximity of these townships to the
major employing :areas of Virginia, Elizabeth City, and Edenton,. --
TABLE XI
TOWNSHIP _
MOBILE HOMES (.1970-1974)
Re noldson
Census
1970
Visua-1 Survey-
1974
# Change %:Change
22
- 55
+33 150.0
Hall
29
67
+38 131.0
Haslett
14
22
+ 8 175.0
Gatesville
24
50
+26 ' 108.3
Holly Grove
6
52
+46 766.6
Hunters Mill
4
18
+14`- 350.0
Mintonsville
5
16
+ll 220.0
TOTALS
104
280
+176 169.2
21

In January of-1974 the Division of Community Assistance conducted a visual
survey of the exterior condition of housing within the county. Housing`
structures were graded and classified into three general categories as follows:
Standard: Structures which have no defects or only slight defects which
are correctable during regular maintenance.
Deteriorated: Structures having defects which require -major -repair -to
prevent further deterioration,.
Dilapidated: Structures which are unfit and unsafe for human occupancy.
Such housing has one or more critical defects which are beyond economical
repairo
In addition, residential structures were classified as to whether they
were mobile home units or -of conventional construction.
The survey indicated a.t$ tal of 2,586 rural dwellings in Gates County.
Of.this amount, 67.6% of the housing was classified as standard, 12.9%'deter-
iorated, 8.5% dilapidated, and 10.8% were mobile homes. Table XII indicates
the total number and percentage distribution_ by condition of residential
structures in each of the seven townships in Gates County. There are no
large concentrations of.*substandard units A n any one particular area -of the
County outside the Town of Gatesville. They are distributed rather evenly
throughout the County.
21.4% of the housing was judged to be substandard. Housing becomes sub-
standard for many reasons. Poor original construction and lack of proper
maintenance are two major -factors. However, much more is involved than just
poor construction and maintenance. Substandard dwellings are a problem in
*Substandard: As used in this study, encompasses housing of deteriorated
and dil.apidated.condition.
22

and of themselves, but more than this, they are symptoms of a much broader
problem. The environment in which housing is located is vital to its exi.s-
tence. Such factors as incompatible land use, lack of community facilities,
land speculation, poor subdivision practices, and the inadequate income of
families lead to deterioration.
TABLE XII
HOUSING CONDITIONS AND MOBILE HOMES
BY TOWNSHIP: 1974
ownshi
Standard %
Deter-
iorated
%
Di l api•-
dated %
Mobile
Home
%
Total
e noldson
245
61.0
71
17.7
30
7.4
55
.13.7
401
100
all
243
69.0
21
5.9
21
5.9
67
19.0
352
100
aslett
154
63.9
38
15.7
27
11.2
22
9.1
241
100
atesville*
237
68.2
28
8.0
32
9.2
50
14.4
347
100
olly Grove
346
70.0
53
10.7
43
8.7
52
10.5
494
100
unters Mil 1
282
69.1
62
5.4
39
9.7
18
4.4
401.
100
intonsvill
242
69.1
63
18.0
29
8.2
.16
4.5
350
100
TOTALS
749
67.6
336
12.9
221
8.5.
280
10.8
2586
100
Commercial Use
Gates County's commercial land use has changed very little over the past
years. Gatesville remains the major retail center with a variety of small
shops. The remainder throughout the County',primarily,distribute food and
gasoline and'are strategically.located along primary transportation systems
AN and at important crossroads. It i.s evident that each location -originated
because of onetime population concentrations and/or vehicular circulation.
Whether or -not each'-adEquately serves the retail needs of a particular
*This survey excludes the Town of Gatesville.
23

section of the County is difficult to determine. For a higher level of
comparison shopping, residents must travel to larger retail trade areas in
Virginia, Elizabeth City Ahoskie, and Edenton.
It is obvious in many cases that some of these establishments create
many problems which would not necessarily occur if located elsewhere or con-
centrated in other -areas. One of the problems created is the traffic hazard
associated with -the -crossroads commercial areas. With.insufficient off-street
parking, cars are often -parked on or.close to secondary and primary roads
reducing the field:.of vision for oncoming cars. An additional problem caused
by commercial structures in the rural areas is that they are often constructed
too close to the primary roads. The Existing Land Use Map provides an adequate
picture of the land being utilized for retail and wholesale.establishments.
Industrial Use
According to the windshieldsurvey taken in 1974, five industrial opera-
tions were identified. All..five locations are east of Gatesville. Industrial
land use.is not expected to significantly alter land use patterns within the
County within the ten year planning period. This may be attributed to various
reasons including an inadequate availability of local community facilities,
services, and skilled labor,supply that are essential for industrial develop-
ment.
Public and Semi -Public Use
Public and semi-public uses include schools, government offices, and
recreation -areas. The demand for land under this.category has not been inten-
sive in the past and is not expected to be a forceful land consuming factor
during the ten year planning period.
24

Z
Recreation Use
Gates County has been rated as having eleven types of outdoor recreation
potential available for possible development. Each has been rated either high,
medium or low development potential.
The types of recreation having potential in .Gates County are summarized
as follows:
1. Big game hunting areas. Hunting areas for small game have medium
potential. Waterfowl has medium potential because of the abundant
habitat resources.
2. -Vacation cabins, cottages, and homesites have medium potential for
future development.
3. Camping grounds for vacation campers have medium potential. Transient
. campers were judged to have medium potential.
.4. Fishing waters for warm water fishing have medium potential for
development.
5. Natural, scenic, and historic areas have medium potential for
development. The Great -Dismal Swamp is a unique natural area and
was felt to have high potential.
6. Vacation farms, although yet untried in this area, were appraised
as,having medium potential.
7. Water sports are possibly the most popular of all outdoor activi-
ties. With adequate existing water sites, these types of sports
were appraised as having medium potential.
8. Picnic and field sports areas were appraised low for game, play,
target, and bicycling areas. picnicking areas were judged to
have medium potential,,
9. Golf courses for standard and-par-3 golfing have low potential for
development as do driving ranges and miniature golf, due to limited
demand for these types of activities by strictly local people.
10. Riding stables have low potential. The natural resources suitable
for this activity are present in the county, however.
11. Shooting preserves rated only low potential with the -demand being
poor as a result of the small proportion of population in the ."over
age 30" professional group which supplies the bulk of clientele
for this activity.
25

To aid in assessing recreational facilities, the Bureau of Outdoor Recre-
ation (BOR) has established a classification system for different recreation
facilities. Following is a description of each class. Each recreation facili-
ty which now exists in the county has been classified using this system.
BOR Class I: HIGH DENSITY RECREATION AREAS
Intensive development_ and recreation activities such as group sports.
Usually within or near major urban populations.
BOR Class II: GENERAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS
Generally less intensive and more remote ,than Class I areas. Interesting
and attractive setting for activities such --as camping, nature walks and out-
door sports.
BOR Class III: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AREAS
Weekend and vacation activities depend on a natural.setting such as
nature study, sightseeing,.hunting and fishing. .Light -facility development,
access, trails and campsites.
BOR Class IV:- OUTSTANDING (UNIQUE) NATURE AREAS
Outstanding -natural features that merit special attention and -preser-
vation. Activities limited to those that preserve the -setting, Minimum
development outside the immediate area of the unique features..
BOR Class V: PRIMITIVE AREAS
Wild and undeveloped areas removed from the effects of civilization.
Activities limited to those requiring minimum of conveniences and equipment.
No development of recreational facilities except trails.
BOR Class VI: HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SITES
,Sites associated with history, tradition or cultural heritage that merit
preservation or restoration. Activities such as sightseeing and study of
features. Development not to detract from.value of site.
26

a
Of the six BOR Classifications, Gates County's 12 outdoor facilities
were.listed either as Class II or III.
Gates County is limited greatly in the availability of recreation programs
and facilities. What does exist is limited in variety (primarily hunt clubs)
and public availability (primarily for private use).. Facilities for public
use structured around an organized program'are non-existent in Gates County.
Although potentials exist in the county for recreation (public and
private), the potential cannot develop alone. The people of Gates County
must.have the incentive to work for recreation facilities. and they must let
this fact be known.
27

Following is a list of each facility and its appropriate BOR Class, address, and
operation status.
BOR CLASS II
NO.
NAME
C
1.
Bennetts Creek Landing. _
Gatesville
Commercial
1
2.
Merchants 'Mill Pond..
Gatesville
Public
1,001
3.
Iixons Land & Boat Club
Gatesville
Private Club
1
4.
Rays Beach Fish Club
Sunbury
Private Club
1
5.
Shoups Marina
Winton
Commercial
5
-6.
Va.-Carolina Boat Club
Eure
Private Club
1
BOR CLASS III
NAME
LOCATION
OPERATION STATUS.,
ACREAGE
7.
Gates Community Hunt Club
Eure
Private Club
7,000
8.
Gates Summerton Hunt Club
Gates
Private Club
4,500
9..
Gatesville Hunt Club
Gatesville
Private Club
6,200
10.,
Old Buck Hunt Club
Gates
Private Club
5,000
ll.
Sunbury Hunt Club
Sunbury
Private Club
4,000
12.
Water Swamp Hunt Club
Hobbsville
Private Club
7,000
13. Hungary Farmers Country -Club (Golf Course)
*Hungary Farmers Country Club (Golf Course) was -not given a BOR Classification.

CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
This section contains a.list and description of previous planning documents
prepared for Gates County.
Water and Sewer Study
A Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study for Gates County was prepared in
1970 by Rivers and Associates of Greenville, N. C. The purpose'of the study was
to identify the county's water and sewer needs over the next twenty years and
to recommend.a plan by which these facilities might be provided.
To date no construction has taken place nor have financing arrangements
been finalized.' .The county is updating the 1970 cost estimates as a basis for .
future action.
Consumer Characteristics..
A survey entitled Comprehensive Consumer Characteristics was prepared in
1969 by the Gates County Development Commission in cooperation with East
Carolina University's Regional Development Institute., The study was aimed at
identifying certain consumer needs as a guide to future economic development
activities.
Impact '76
This report was prepared by.the Gates County Extension Service in 1972.
It was designed to increase farm income through production and marketing pro-
grams; improve economic opportunity and the quality of life in rural areas;
protect and improve the quality of the environment; facilitate the. development
of youth; and help families better develop and manage personal and family
resources.
29

Mobile Home and Mobile Home Park -Ordinance
This ordinance was adopted by the Gates County Board of Commissioners
in 1973. The purpose of the ordinance is to establish minimum development
standards to be adhered to before the mobile home park is developed in order
to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The County Planning Board
reviews plats, and the County Manager is the enforcement officer.
An Appraisal of Potential for Outdoor Recreation, Gates County, N. C'.
This 'study rated the various types of outdoor recreation potential
available for possible development. It was prepared in 1974 by the Soil
Conservation Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
The Gates County.Thoroughfare Plan
This plan does not propose any construction of new rights -of -way or
change i.n the existing rights -of -way during the planning period.
Minimum standards for septic tank installations are being enforced by
the County Sanitarian.
CONSTRAINTS
The following.analysis has been made of the general suitability of the
undeveloped lands within the Gates County planning area for development with
consideration given to .the following factors:
1) Physical Limitations for Development;
2) •Fragile. Areas;
3) Areas with Resource Potential.
These factors were analyzed, and where possible mapped, based upon the
best information available.
30

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
An identification is made of areas likely to have conditions making
development costly or causing undesirable consequences if developed. The
following areas are required to be identified:
Hazard Areas
(1) -Man-made. (for example, airports, tank farms for the storage of
flammable liquids, nuclear power plants);
(2) Natural, including:
(a) Ocean erodible areas
M Estuarine erodible areas
(c) Flood hazard areas
- Riverine (floodplains and floodways)
- Coastal floodplains
Areas With Soil Limitations
(1) Areas presenting hazards for foundations;
(2) Shallow soils;
(3) Poorly drained soils;`.
(4) Areas with limitations for septic tanks including both:
(a) areas that are generally characterized by soil
limitations, but within which small pockets*of
favorable soils do exist; and
(b) areas where soil limitations are.common to most
of the soils present.
Sources of Water Supply
(1) 7'Groundwater recharge areas (bedrock and surficial);
(2) Public water supply watersheds;
(3) -.Wellfieldso
Where Slope Exceeds Twelve Percent
31

FRAGILE AREAS
An identification is made of those areas which could easily be damaged
or destroyed by inappropriate or poorly planned development, such as:
(a) Coastal.Wetlands
(b) Sand Dunes along the Outer Banks
(c) Ocean Beaches and Shorelines
(d) Estuarine Waters
(e) Public Trust Waters
(f) Complex Natural Areas
(g) Areas that Sustain Remnant Species'
(h) Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations
(i) Registered Natural Landmarks
(j) Others (such as wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, scenic
and prominent high points, etc.)
(k) Archeologic and Historic Sites
AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL
(a) Productive and unique agricultural lands', including:
Prime agricultural soils
- Potentially valuable agricultural -lands with moderate
conservation efforts
- Other.productive or unique agricultural lands.
(b) Potentially valuable mineral sites;
(c) Publicly owned forests, parks, fish and gamelands, and
other non -intensive outdoor recreation lands;
(d) Privately owned wildlife sanctuaries.
32.

APPLICABILITY TO GATES COUNTY
Land use constraints that are evident in many counties are not evident
in Gates County. This fact is obvious from reviewing the list of fragile
areas to be identified by all coastal counties. Those applicable to.Gates
County follow:
Hazard Areas:
Gates County contains no "hazard areas" other than the.flood-
plain.of the Chowan River.
Soils Limitations: Soils present considerable limitations for the'use of
septic tanks and building foundations throughout the county. A soils associa-
tion map is presented in this section along with an explanation of the limita-
tions of each association.
Source of Water Supply: These are discussed under the sub -section entitled
"Geology and Ground Water -.
Steep Slopes: There are no significant areas with slopes in excess of 12
percent. These exist only in very narrow strips along stream banks.
Wetlands:..There are no coastal wetlands in Gates County.
Sand Dunes along Outer Banks: Gates County is landlocked.
Ocean Beaches and Shorelines: Gates County is landlocked.
Estuarine Waters: The Chowan River is estuarine, as are several smaller
streams. These are listed in the "Areas of Environmental Concern" section.
Public Trust Waters: Virtually all surface waters in.the County are public
trust waters.
Complex Natural Areas: Wooded swamps are evident along many streams in -Gates
County. The Dismal and Chowan Swamps are complex natural areas; however,
the citizens of Gates County`do not wish to designate the Dismal Swamp as a
Conservation Area.
Areas that Sustain Remnant Species: The red -cockaded woodpecker occurs•in
stands of mature Joblolly pine. The southeastern shrew, swamp short -tailed
shrew and southern hog lemming occur in the Dismal Swamp -.or eastern portion
of the county° All of these are classified endangered species. The.endangered
short-npsed sturgeon and the Atlantic sturgeon probably occur in the Chowan
River, however, occurrence records are scarce for these species.
33

Unique Geological Formations: There are no unique geological formations in
Gates County.
Registered Natural Landmarks: There are no Registered Natural Landmarks in
Gates County.
0
Archeological and Historic Sites: Elmwood Plantation, located near Vivian,
is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Gates County
Courthouse, located in.Gatesville,.has been approved for.listing in'the
Register by the North Carolina Historical Commission.
Productive and Unique Agricultural Lands: The use of land for agriculture
was discussed in the "Existing Land Use" sub -section. Soil factors which
have importance for agriculture are discussed in this section, "Con straints."
Research.conducted in the preparation of this plan revealed no evidence of
any "unique" agricultural practices or potentials.
Mineral Sites: Research conducted in the preparation of this plan revealed
no evidence of potentially valuable mineral deposits in the county.
Publicly -Owned Forests, Parks, etc.: Publicly -owned forests, parks, fish and
gamelands are illustrated on the Existing Land Use Map. They include!Merchants
Millpond, Chowan Swamp State Park, Chowan Swamp Gameland and a Union Camp.
Land Grant to the University,of N. C. located in the Southeast section of the
County.
Privately -Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries: Privately -owned wildlife sanctuaries
and other outdoor recreational areas are illustrated on the Existing Land Use
Map.
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Climate
The climate of Gates County is oceanic - that is, it is -affected by the
proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. The winters.,•as,a rule, are mild, but a few
days occur during the.winter when the temperature stays below freezing. The
summers are long and hot. The average length of the frost -free season is 210
34

days, from April 3 to October 30, but killing frosts have occurred as late as
i ,
April 26 and as early as October 11. The average temperature for the year is
60.3 degrees.
Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year,.the greater part falling
during the growing season.' The fall months are usually dry, thus allowing the
farmers good weather in .which to harvest their crops. The abundant moisture
and length of the growing season render Gates County climatically'a good agri-
cultural region. .Cover crops and a few hardy vegetables can be grown throughout
the winter, and farm labor can be carried on at all times of the year. The
average rainfall for the year.is 49.13 inches.
Topography and Drainage
The topography of Gates County ranges from level to undulating and gently
rolling, interspersed.with many small swamps and structural depressions., The
gently rolling topography occurs mainly along the Chowan River, the Virginia
State line and along the Dismal Swamp. The.western, north -central and -south
eastern sections of.the county are generally flat and include a'number.of
swamps. Elevations range from.14 feet along the Chowan River and the Great
"`. Dismal Swamp to 78.feet above sea level in the central -northern section. The
greater part of the county lies approximately 40.feet above sea level.
With the.exception of Bennett's Creek, which drains .into the.Chowan
River, there are no large streams within the county. Drainage is largely ef-
fected by short, meandering streams that feed the large swamps bordering much
of the county. The.largest of these are the Great Dismal Swamp in the east
..and the Chowan Swamp in the south and west. The drainage divide separates the
county into two drainage areas.--- Pasquotank River Basin to the east and the
.Chowan River Basin to the west,
35

Geology and Groundwater.
The study of the geology of an area is essential to the study of its
ground water resources. Geologic formations of high permeability may readily
store and transmit ground water, whereas geologic formations of low permea-
bility may retard the movements of ground water. Thus, the movement of ground
water depends, among other factors, upon the size, shape, and physical character-
istics of the geologic formations. In addition, ground water may dissolve from
or deposit chemicals in the material through which it moves. Thus, the chemical
quality of ground water is dependent upon the geology of an area.
The entire county is.mantled by sands and.clays of Quaternary age,
ranging in thickness from 15 to 40 feet. This material., composed of light-
colored iron -stained sands and clays, occurs at elevations ranging from nearly
80 feet in the northwestern part of the county to less than 20 feet in the
southeastern part of the county. Several former beach ridges are developed in
this material, particularly in a northeast direction from Hobbsville and Sun-
bury. The height of these fossil beach ridges is everywhere less than 10 or
15 feet..
Underlying the s.urficial material are clays, -sands, and shell beds of
the Yorktown formation of late Miocene age. Individual beds within the forma-
tion..a e-lenticular,and cannot be traced from well to well in the subsurface.
In any one locality the Yorktown formation consists of a blue -gray marine clay
with subordinate occurrences of lenticular sand and shOeds. In a recently
f
drilled well (1956) at.Gatesville.the Yorktown formation -was 126 feet thick.
It is thought that the formation is somewhat less than 100.feet thick wes, of
Gatesville, and that it is not more than 150 feet thick east of Gatesville.
36

Underlying the Yorktown formation in central parts of the county are
deposits of middle Miocene age. 'The deposits are as much as 30 feet thick in
the vicinity of Gatesville. The deposits of middle Miocene age in Gates
County were not deposited in the same basin of deposition as deposits of
comparable age in Beaufort and Washington, Counties to the south. .
West of Gatesville no subsurface information is presently available to
indicate the presence of middle Miocene deposits. These deposits are probably
absent west of Gatesville.
Underlying the middle Miocene deposits in the -central part of Gates
County.and the Yorktown formation in western and eastern Gates County are
deposits of Paleocene age, the Beaufort formation. Euhedral'.crystals or
authigenic pyrite occur'in sufficient abundance so as -to give well cuttings
a metallic sheen.
The thickness of the.Beaufort formation in Gates County increases from
west to east across the county.. In the central part of the county, according
to a study of well cuttings, indicate that the formation is more than 300
feet thick in the coastal part of the county; and no more than 150 feet thick
in the -western part. Examination of incomplete samples from several wells
suggests that the formation maybe more than 400 feet thick in the eastern
part of the county.
Underlying the Beaufort formation within the county are sediments of Late
Cretaceous age, the Peedee formation. No wells have been drilled deep enough
in this area to pass entirely through the Peedee formation and, therefore, no
information is available regarding its total thickness. According to LeGrand
and Brown, the top of the Peedee formation lies about 300 feet below sea level
in the western part of the county and about.700 feet below sea level in the
eastern part of the county. Older Cretaceous formations underlie the Peedee
"formation throughout the county.
37

The Town of Gatesville is the only area within the county that has a
public water system. Remaining domestic supplies are obtained from wells,
and as many as 7 or 8 families often obtain their water supply from a single
well.
Surficial sands of Quaternary age and near -surface shell and sand beds
of the Yorktown formation are tapped by large numbers of dug and driven wells
that -range in depth from 10 to 60 feet. The yield ;from this type of well
ranges from several to 20 gpm'. Sand and shell beds in the Yorktown formation
and middle Miocene strata are capable of yielding small to copious supplies
of water throughout the county,.
Jetted and drilled wells obtain water from the Beaufort formation and the
upper beds of the Peedee formation at -.depths of as much as 300 feet in the
western part of the county and at -depths slightly more than 600 feet in the
eastern part of the county. Such wells, rarely greater than 4 inches in dia-.
meter, yield 5 to 50 gpm throughout the county.
Water occurring at depths greater than 40 to 50 feet throughout the county
is under artesian pressure and will rise to within 5 to 30 feet of the land
surface at most places. Flowing wells are common along the low land bordering
the Chowan River, and several flows -occur in and near Gatesville.
The chemical quality of the water is adequate for most domestic purposes.
Water from the shallow sands is soft but may be corrosive and may contain
objectionable quantities of iron. Water from the deeper aquifers is soft
sodium bicarbonate water. Water from the Paleocene and Cretaceous aquifers,
particularly in the vicinity of Gatesville and Sunbury, contains excessive
amounts of fluoride, as much as 6 to 8 ppm, but otherwise the water is of
acceptable quality.. In the vicinity of Hohbsville, brackish waters occur at
a depth of about 600 feet.

Stream Classification
Rivers and streams of North Carolina are classified by the N. C. Depart-
ment of Natural and Economic.Resources according to their existing or contem-
plated best usage. The classifications.are based on extensive studies of
stream characteristics, established water quality standards, and public hear-
ings held within the area. -
The streams of Gates County have "swamp water" characteristics. These
are characterized by high coloration, low pH and dissolved oxygen due to decay
of organic substances, and sluggish flow.
The following is a brief explanation of the classification s'stem as to
best usage and conditions related to best usage.*
1. Class B Waters
(a) Best Usage of Waters: Bathing and -any other best usage except as a
source of water supply for drinking,.culinary.or.food-processing
purposes
(b) Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters, under proper sanitary
supervision by the controlling health authorities, will meet accepted
standards of water quality for outdoor bathing places and will be
considered safe and satisfactory for bathing purposes. _Also, suitable
for other uses requiring waters of -lower quality.
2. Class C Waters -
(a) Best Usage of Waters Fishing, boating, wading -and any other usage
except for bathing or as a source of water supply for drinking,
culinary or food -processing purposes.
(b) Conditions Related to Best Usage: The waters will be suitable for
fish and wildlife propagation. Also, suitable for boating, 'Wading,
and other uses, requiring waters of lower quality.
3. Class D Waters
(a) Best Usage of Waters: Agriculture, industrial cooling and process
water supply, fish survival, navigation, and any other usage, except
fishing, bathing, or as a source of water supply for drinking,
culinary or food processing purposes.
*Water quality standards applicable to each class are omitted here because
of length and technical detail; however, the applicable water quality standards
for each.classification can be obtained from the. Department of Natural and
Economic Resources, Washington, NC.
39

1�
(b) Conditions Related.to Best Usage: The waters without treatment
and except for natural impurities which may be present therein will
be suitable for agricultural uses and will permit fish survival.
The waters will also be usable after special treatment by the user
as may be needed under each particular circumstance for industrial
purposes, including cooling and process waters.
4. Class D-SWP Waters
Same as #3 above except that swamp waters may have a pH as low as
4.3. The pH for Class D streams generally range between 6.0 and
8.5. q.
MAJOR STREAMS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
IN GATES COUNTY
Chowan River Basin:
Chowan River C
Somerton Creek C
Beaverdam Creek D
Duke Swamp C
Goodman Swamp D
Laster Jordan Branch D
Flat Branch also known as Jones Swamp D
Hacklan Branch D
Buckland Mill Branch D
Barnes.Creek C
Spikes Creek C
Island Creek C
Sarem Creek C
Bennetts Creek C
Gum Branch C
Chowan River B
Middle Swamp D
Lassiter Swamp C
Harrell Swamp C
Raynor Swamp C
..Catherine Creek C
Trotman Creek C
Warwick Creek C
Pasquotank River Basin:•
Taylor Swamp D swp
.Jones Millpond D swp
Folly Swamp D swp
Goose Creek D swp
Jones Pond D swp
40

SOILS
Basic to any long-range planning program is a knowledge of the soils,
their productive capabilities and their suitability for supporting various
urban land uses.. This sub -section provides interpretations of the soils of
Gates County with respect to both agricultural. productivity and suitability
for selected urban land uses.
For purposes of interpretation, the soils of Gates County were grouped
into seven interpretive groups. These groupings were based on similarity of
soil characteristics and degrees of limitations the soils have for specific
uses.
Soils occurring together in a characteristic and repeating pattern con-
stitute a,general.soil area or soil association.. An association consists of
two or more principal soils and at least one minor soil - which may be quite
similar to or quite different from each other. Although closely associated
geographically, the soils in an association may differ in their suitability
for agricultural and non -farm uses.
Soil ratings are based on the characteristics of the soils and related
costs of developing the land area for a specific use.. Any soil area may be
developed for any use if the capital is available to perform the necessary.
modifications of the land area in question; however, one of the main purposes
of planning is to identify and make key use of soils in order to avoid unneces-
sary investment in poor soil.s.' The ratings used in this report are l isted
and defined as follows:
41

a
DEFINITIONS OF SOIL -LIMITATIONS
None to. Slight --- Soils have properties favorable for the rated use.
Limitations are so minor that they can be easily
overcome. Good performance and low maintenance
can.be expected from.these soils.
Moderate --------- Soils have properties moderately favorable for the
rated use. Limitations can be overcome or modified
with planning, design, or special maintenance.
Severe ----------- Soils.have one or more properties unfavorable for
the rated use. Limitations are difficult and costly
to modify or overcome,.requiring major soil reclama-
tion, special design, or intense maintenance.
Caution should be exercised.. in using this information for detailed or
small area interpretations. The scale -on which the soil resources were're
corded is such that it is not possible to evaluate small tracts of land in
• any one geographic area of the county. As an example, an area on the map of
15,000 acre size may be listed.as "unsuitable" for residential development
without public sewer; however, within this area there may be -several hundred
acres of soils that would be suitable for residential developmentwith septic
tank disposal systems. These interpretive maps should be used as guides to
evaluate the dominant suitability of land areas for specific land use.- A.
soil survey of medium or high intensity would be required to determine the,"*
use suitability for small tracts of land. The scale limitations of the soil
survey used for these interpretations does not, however, eliminate its use-
fulness for planning and implementation of a sound land use policy for the
County. For example, if the County Planning Board was interested in locating
a suitable development site, then the chances for' finding satisfactory sites
would be significantly higher in soil areas designed as "suitable" than they
• would be in soil areas designated as "unsuitable."
42

A General Soil Map appears on the following page which shows the location
and -extent of the seven soil associations in Gates•County. In addition, imme-
diately following the General •Soil Map is a -soi.1 interpretative table giving
the suitability of the principal soils.for_.general agriculture and woodland.
It also gives their limitations for non -farm uses; such.as septic tank absor-
ption fields, foundations -for -light industry or recreation areas.
The seven soil associ-atfons 'a s mapped in Gates County are'describe'd,'ag
follows:
SUMMARY DATA
SOIL SUITABILITY FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT
TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT
SOIL
GROUP
RESIDENTIAL
INDUSTRIAL
RECREATION
1
Slight
Moderate
Slight
2
Severe
Severe
Moderate
3
Severe.
Severe
Severe
4
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
5
Severe
Severe
Severe
6
Severe.
Severe
Severe
7
Severe
Severe
Severe

EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Educational Facilities
Gates County`s educational facilities include four elementary schools,
one high school, one junior high school and six public kindergartens. There
are no private or parochial schools located -in the county. Vocational education
programs are included in the high school. curriculum for students entering into
the labor force upongraduation,
Gates County students have access to a number of institutions of higher
.education. The College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, Chowan College,- a
junior college located at Murfreesboro,* is only 23 miles from Gatesville.
Elizabeth.City State College at Elizabeth City is a- four year college and only
35 miles from Gatesville. A technical institute, Roanoke- Chowan Technical
Institute, is approximately 25 miles from Gates residents.
Transportation
The county"s present highway needs are met by U.S. Highways 13,'158, and
N.C. 32, and a number of state secondary roads which.criss-cross the county;
These roads provide access to all parts of the county and.connect the county
with the. nearby regional trade centers of Elizabeth City and the Norfolk -
Suffolk metropolitan area. U. S. Highway.13 provides the primary north -south
route and connects the western section of the county with Norfolk. N. Co 32
links the eastern section of the county to Norfolk'. U.S. 158 which intersects
U.S. 13 divides.the county approximately in half and provides an east -west
arterial linking the county to Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks of North
Carolina.
46

Bus Service: There are no regular scheduled bus services in Gates County.
Motor Freight: Five motor freight carriers are certified to stop in the
county. United Parcel. Service makes deliveries in the county.
Rail Transportation: Railroad transportation consists of the mainline of
the Seaboard Coast Line from Rocky Mount to Norfolk, Virginia. This line
is also leased by the Southern Railroad and has several loading points
in the county;
Air Transport: The nearest commercially -served airports are located in
Elizabeth City and Norfolk, Virginia. Charter -,services aire�also available
at both. Edenton Municipal Airport offers maintenance and charter flights
from a private aviation service.
Medical Facilities
The County's medical facilities are limited. Gates County's medical
facilities consist of -a County Health and Welfare Department. The.Health
Department also employs a full=time Sanitarian'. There are no dentists in.the
county....
There are numerous.medical facilities within a 30 mile radius of the -
center of the county. There are two hospitals within this.'radius (totaling
151+ beds), 38 physicians, and 14 dentists,
Police and Fire Protection
Police protection is provided primarily by the County Sheriff's Depart-
ment which consists of one deputy and the Sheriff. The Department has one
patrol car. There is'no municipal police protection. The only police services
provided in the county, other than the Sheriff's Department, is by.the State
Highway Patrol. Fire -protection is provided by the fire departments in
Gatesville and two rural fire departments. (Gates,.and Sunbury). The Gatesville
fire department is .;supported by 18 volunteer firemen and two 500 GPM pumps.
47

Rescue Services
The Gates County Rescue Squad was.formed in 1964 at Eason's Crossroads.
In 1972 the building was enlarged in order tobouse the expanding service.
Prior to 1964 county residents had to rely upon surrounding counties for all
emergency ambulance services..
-The Gates County Rescue -Squad owns two ambulances One is a standard
-ambulance and the second is -termed a ''crash truck" which is equipped with
tools.needed to.r.etrieve and treat automobile crash victims. Both ambulances
are equipped with modern medical gear, including oxygen, standard splints,
inflatable splints, traction splints,•a "spine board", an orthopedic structure
designed to splint the entire body, dressings and bandages.
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
Approximately 40 refuse containers are placed at strategic points through-
out the county. Residents are allowed to dispose of household garbage into
these containers. Each container is dumped twice weekly and carried to a
central site to be buried. Open dumps presently being operated by municipal,
community, or private groups are closed and covered with two feet of soil.
These operators are allowed to use.the county landfill,
Water Transportation
The Chowan River is used by barge .traffic carrying pulpwood. So far,
Gates County is not making use of this potentially important and inexpensive
means -of transportation. With the exception of the marina near Winton, there
are no commercial developments on the river.
Telephone
Gates County is served by two telephone companies, the Carolina Telephone
and Telegraph Company, serving the western half, and the Norfolk and Carolina
Telephone Company serving the eastern half of the county.
48

Post Offices
Post offices in the county are located in the following communities:
Eure, Roduco, Gates, Gatesville, Sunbury, Corapeake and. Hobbsville.
Radio and TV
There are no radio or TV stations located in the county. However, there
are three AM stations within a 30-mile radius and one FM station 58 miles
away. Television reception is excellent from a number of.North Carolina and
Virginia stations-.
Newspapers
There is one weekly paper, The Gates County.Index, published in Gatesville.
Electricity
Electric power -is furnished in Gates County by the V.irgi.nia Electric and
Power Company and the Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation.
Gas Lines
There are no natural, gas lines in Gates County. Lines are.located
withinI5 miles in Hertford County. Should the people of Gates County desire
natural gas, these lines could.be extended to serv.e.the_county.
Fuel. -Oil
Fuel -oil is available to county residents using this type of fuel.
Sanitary Sewer
There are no sanitary sewer systems in Gates County.,
Water Supply and Distribution
The only water distribut ion system in the county -is the Gatesville Muni-
cipal system. Install.ed in 1971 it has approximately.l`60 connections'..••'The
system is supplied by two deep wells:with a combined pumping capacity of 200
gallons per minute. A 150,000 gallon elevated tank provides storage and main-
tains pressure in the system. Fire hydrants are located throughout -the system.
P. 9

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ACTI VI TI E S
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
Many of the major land use problems that are prevalent in other coastal
counties are not so evident in Gates County. This is primarily due to the
distance of Gates County from the sounds and ocean,arid the county's landlocked
characteristics° Intensive.land development in Gates County has been very
limited An thepast and little is: expected due to a projected popuIation. decline
in years to come. County citizens therefore rated land use planning as the
lowest priority on a list involving ten:county .needs.
A rapid influx of mobile homes has been identified by the Citizens Advisory
Board as one of the major land.use issues confronting the county. Recently,
minimum standards for lot size, park development, tie down requirements, etc.,
were adopted. Only through continued enforcement of the existing regulations
will minimum standards be.implemented to assure a high degree of health, safety,
and protected land values to mobile home dwellers, and to all citizens affected
• by the mobile home influx,
The use of individual wells and septic tanks in areas of.high.density is
a threat to the health of some citizens of the county, particularly where well
depths.are shallow. :Such areas as Eure, Roduco, Eleanor's Crossroads, Corapeak,
Sunbury and ,the Hobbsville/Mintonsville area presently do not have public water:
or sewer services. To enhance the health, safety, and welfare of residents in
these areas, it..may be necessary to establish water corporations or sanitary
districtsA n order to obtain public water systems that will eliminate the
potential.dangero
Gates County has not -felt the "growth pains" that other coastal counties
are enduring as a result of recreation oriented development, urban spillover,
and the accompanying rapid development.
50

With a declining population and a seasonal population that is insignifi-
cantly low, the demand upon public services and natural resources has been
minimal. This has been the trend in Gates County for decades and is projected
by the citizens to continue. The county citizens do not believe urban spill-
over from the Virginia metropolitan areas will occur so intensely that it
will present a problem during the planning period,
ALTERNATIVE POLICIES
The goals and policies adopted by the county citizens were formed as a
result of various methods used to measure citizen views.
A set of alternative goals may be established for various public service
.categories -based upon the results of .the citizen survey/questionnaire that
was distributed throughout the county. They are as follows:
Law Enforcement: It is widely felt that drugs are a problem and that more
public funds should be spent to control illegal drugs and organized crime.
Environmental Considerations: Most respondents believe agricultural pollution
should be.regulated. They are willing to pay a high cost for commodities if it
means no pollution. Although many would like to see more job opportunities
expand into the Gates County area", they would not like to see the environment
harmed in the process.
Land Use Planning: 93% of the questionnaires believe future development should
be planned.. Most believe that growth should occur at a slow, controlled rate.
People should not be permitted to do anything they want with their land, no
matter how it affects their neighbors. The majority believe that there is.
danger in rapid development and mobile home development should be controlled.

Educational Facilities: The adequacy of school facilities is not perceived
to be a problem. Most believe the kindergarten program is adequate. Vocational
and adult education programs are not considered a problem.
Community Facilities: Garbage collection,.water and sewer services, libraries
and transportation system were judged by the respondents to be adequately
meeting their needs.
Recreation: Recreation facilities are.not considered adequate. Most believe
more money should be spent to develop public recreation facilities and programs,
public parks, and tourist attractions.
Industrial Development: Employment opportunities -are inadequate and unemployment
is a problem. Industrial development is considered to be inadequate and most
believe more industrial development would improve the quality of life. Most
believe more funds should be spent for industrial development.
Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and staff are inadequate. More funds
should be appropriated in an effort -to alleviate this short -fall.
'The goals and policies and alternative goals and policies.derived from the
citizen participation efforts served as a guide for land classification.
Citizens at the public meetings expressed the desire to maintain Gates County's
.,rural and small community characteristics. As a result of this 'slow growth'
attitude anda declining population.trend,' the County citizens limited.the
classification,•of land to Community, Rural, and Conservation. A discussion
of each follows later in this report.
52.

POLICY STATEMENT
According to the Guidelines adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission,
"The basic policy.decisions in any effective program of county -wide land use
planning must be made within the.county -- by the people familiar with local
tradition, local problems and local desires for the future."
After conducting a series of public meetings, questionnaire distribution,
and township meetings, the Planning Board proposed the following policy state-
ments to be adopted by the Board of County -Commissioners.
1) Law Office: there is a definite-need'for a full-time, qualified
enforcement staff including an immediate need for at least one
additoonal deputy.
2) Environmental Considerations and Land Use Planning,-- they should
be covered by the land use plan,
3) Education: there is a.need for a larger gymnasium'in the school
system anda need for an auditorium sufficient in size to accom-
modate school and county activities.
4) Community facilities: a need for a childcare center for working
parents.
5)' A need for a county -wide water systems
6) Recreation: need for supervised programs for youth.
7) Industrial Development and Employment: a need for a'continued
effort to attract desirable industry. A need fora professional
industry hunter.
8) Medical Facilities: a desparate need for doctors, and a clinic to
serve Gates County.
9) Social Services.
10) Cultural Activities:a.'need for library facilities.
53

Based on the results of the.meetings, it appears that the categories should
be numbered as follows:
1) Law Enforcement
2) Medical Facilities
.3) Community Facilities'
4) Educational Facilities
5) Recreation
6) Cultural Activities
7) Social Services.
8) Industrial Development and Employment
9) Environmental Considerations
10) Land Use Planning
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SUMMARY
.The effort to achieve public participation during the planning process in
Gates County was accomplished primarily through the efforts of the County
Planning. -Board and the 42 member Citizens Advisory Board. The planner provided
technical assistance, -data, and materials. The Planning Board and Advisory
Board, through various -methods, contacted the.public and in turn relayed this
input to the planner for.incorporation into the plan.
The Gates County Commissioners instructed the Planning'Board to do all
that was necessary to.assure optimum citizen participation and input throughout
the process. The Planning Board appointed the 42 member Citizens Advisory
Board to distribute questionnaires,.make individual contacts throughout their
respective townships and to give input into the planning process.
Combination workshops and public meetings have. been held to assess public
needs and to acquire input. Workshops were.held with the members of the
Advisory Board to explain CAMA- Township meetings were held as a combination
workshop and public participation sessions.. Later, this group held similar.
township meetings once again to explain CAMA to new participants and to receive
input concerning the questionnaire results. A meeting of. the Planning Board
was held to assess.the questionnaire results and to assess the input from the
54

township meetings regarding the questionnaire results. The assessment was
written in the form of alternative policy statements concerning various cate-
gories of public service.
The County school system's aide in distributing questionnaires was helpful
toward educating the public about CAMA and soliciting citizen input.
The questionnaires instructed that the head of household was to fill out
the form. Out of 2,396 heads of households in the County, 564 or 24% fi'lled
out a questionnaire and returned it for tabulation. The Planning Board -and
Citizens Advisory Board members were actively involved with personal contact
conversations within their community in an effort to acquire input from those
who did not attend a meeting or fill out a questionnaire.
The survey questionnaire sought citizen ideas regarding the following
public service categories: (1) Law Enforcement; (2) Environmental Consider-
ations; (3) Land Use Planning; (4) Educational Facilities; (5) Community
Facilities; (6) Recreation; (7) Industri-al Development and Employment; (8)
Community Responsibility and Pride; (9) Medical Facilities; (10) Social
Services; and (11) Cultural Activities.
Out of the total -number of questionnaires returned, 60.9% were.completed
by males, 55.2% were completed by non -white -persons, 29.0% of the respondents
were presently living on a farm, and 49.4% had a high school education or less.
This is evidence that the returned questionnaires were diversified and repre-.
seated a diversified cross-section of the county.
Public participation in Gates County can be assessed as adequate. Major
efforts by local governing officials, Planning Board.and Advisory Board members,
and media have -made every effort to inform the public of meetings to be held and
results of meetings involving CAMA. If public turnout at any meeting was in-
adequate, it was'not because the effort to inform was not :made.'
55

ESTIMATED DEMAND
1
POPULATION AND ECONOMY
Population in Gates County will continue to decline as it has since 1940.
There is a -trend towards the out -migration of the child-bearing'productive
age group in both races. If the population is to increase and/or maintain it-
self at a -specific level, in -migration must be intensified and out -migration
..must be reduced. Both efforts must be concentrated primarily around the.
child bearing, productive age groups. To accomplish this, job opportunities
and community services must be increased within the county.and neighboring
counties that are in easy commuting'distance. Persons in this*age group
evidently are not attaining tke livelihood that they can be obtaining else-
,
where
The dependent population, persons ages 64-and over plus persons under
age 18, will continue to increase in number while the productive age group
(ages 18-64) will continue to leave the county. Unless more of the productive
age group remains in the future, the overall level of material well-being for
the population will. decline, i.e., services to sustain the elderly,while
the tax services to finance that support is being.'depleted.
The median family income of Gates County families improved substantially
in the last decade. The percent of families considered to be poverty stricken
decreased greatly.
The number of persons commuting out of the county for employment has in-
creased for Gates County during the past decade. The gradual disappearance.
of small farms has forced a flight to the city and towns for jobs by rural
residents. The major metropolitan areas have continued to draw workers by
offering higher salaries. The loss of workers to .Virginia is likely to con-
tinue unless there are some developments in the.northeastern counti'es.which
56

t
create more jobs for residents.
There will be no apparent reasons why the land and water resources of
Gates County cannot sustain the projected population, since a decline is
projected.
FUTURE LAND'NEEDS
The'ten year population projection was used to determine future land
needs in Gates County. The projection portrays a declining population. As
a result there were no areas delineated to develop in the future as Developed.
or Transition. The Citizen Planners designated lands as Community that already
possess these characteristics. It is not expected that these areas will change
in.character during the ten year planning period. The same principal was used
to determine the Rural land classification.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES NEEDS
When the population of an area is projected to increase, a subsequent
increase in the demands for public services should be anticipated. The demands
for increased services `are particularly 'noteworthy for transportation, schools,
and water° -sewer facilities. Although the population of Gates County is pro-
jected to decline, the c-itizen planners of the county have identified needed
facilities.
Educational Facilities
Table XIII is a list -of public schools, the average daily membership (ADM)
for the first part of the'school year 1975-76, and the capacity of,each,build-
ing facility to house additional. students. All schools are presently operating
within the capacity range; however, it has been recommended that the Sunbury
School be phased out and rebuilt -due to inadequate construction, as pointed
out by the Architect/Engineer's. evaluation
57

: TABLE XIII
SCHOOL FACILITIES AND. UTILIZATION
Architect/
Engineer's
Evaluation
Average
Committee
of Long-
Daily
Recommenda-
Range
Membership
Capacity
tions for
School
Adequacy
ADM
Range
Long Range Use
Gates Sr. High'
Adequate
522
480-600
Continue to Use
Central Jr. --High
Adequate
396
400-500
Continue to Use
T. S. Cooper,
Adequate
236
200-250.
Continue to Use -
Elm
unbury
Inadequate-
309
300-375
Phase out of Use
atesville
Adequate
659.
620-775
Continue to Use
(Includes Buckland
School)
• Highway -Facilities
According to the Department of Transportation, the practical capacity for
a two-way highway is between 5,700 - 8,200 vehicles per day. A recent traffic
count of the Gates. County -transportation -network by the Department of Trans-
portation indicates that there -are no public transportation routes presently
exceeding the maximum capacity..
58 .

r
Water Services
A proposed county water system would -serve almost the entire county, with
the exception of Gatesville which has an -existing water system.
Water mains will end where diminishing population density makes it econo-
mically unfeasible to continue service.
It is anticipated that additional homes and small.commercial establish=
meats will be established in the proposed area of service.- It is also possible
that -the area would be attractive to industries.
A public water system is needed in the area because individual private
wells are shal"low,*producing hard, high -iron -content water. -A high chloride
content is also a problem in some parts of the county. Most wells are subject
to pollution from nearby septic tanks and privies. The condition is made
worse -by the low, flat elevations,.high.water tables, and swamp.areas. The
water presently used stains and deteriorates plumbing fixtures, stains clothes,
and is unpleasant in taste and odor. This creates.a serious health hazard.
Many of the residents have installed individual water softening and iron
removal equipment. The cost of maintaining this equipment runs from $10 to
$15 per month requiring continuous maintenance. Added to this.is the cost
of operating.and maintaining the pumping equipment.,'
Industrial growth, which -is very vital to the economical growth of an
area, is somewhat limited in the choice of plant location. With a county -
.wide system, having elevated tanks to,provide an adequate water supply with
adequate pressure, potential industry would have a much better choice of
where to -locate their plant sites. A public water system.also-encourages
home.building along the system mains.
59

The proposed project includes the construction of (1) a water distribu-
tion system, (2) one 900 GPM water treatment plant, (3) three 500 GPM deep
wells, and (4) two 250,000 gallon elevated storage tanks. Should a future
industry require additional pressure to meet insurance requirements, then ad-
ditional elevated tanks or booster pumps can be added to the system to meet
their. requirements. Although the system 1s not designed for complete fire
protection,.fire hydrants are.proposed in the more populated areas to provide.
water to.provide protection and for filling water tankers.. Hydrants and blow-
off valves -are also proposed to flush dead-end lines.
It.is.also proposed that the system be connected to the existing Gatesville
system and Chowan County System through -a buy -sell agreement.
Total estimated project cost would be $3,450,000.00. A detailed break-
down of estimated cost may be reviewed in the appendix.
The construction of.the Gates County water system appears economically
feasible with the aid of.a FHA loan and grant, a State grant, a Coastal Plains
grant, and a favorable user sign-up. It is the recommendation of Rivers and
Associates that the County apply to the Farmers Home Administration -for a loan
of ($1,417,000.00) and a grant of.($1,600;000), to. the N.--C'. State Board of
Health for a grant of ($83,000.00) under the Clean Water Bond Act of 1971, and.
A grant.from the Coastal Plains Regional Commission in the amount of ($350,000).
In_the event that grants are not available, and that-total.user sign' -up
is not sufficient, the system could be constructed in phases, with each phase
coordinated so that the goal of a county -wide water -system could be achieved.
The construction of each phase would depend on the location of the greatest
number of signed users and the availability of funds..
.60

t
Sewage Facilities
There are no existing sewage treatment facilities in Gates County.
Because of a declining population growth rate and limited development in
the County, the demand for a.public sewage system cannot justify the cost
that would-be invdlved..
CARRYING CAPACITY: LAND AND WATER
The Coastal Resources Commission is requiring that crucial and identifiable
carrying capacity issues be addressed in the land use plans. "Particular at-
tention should be given to the capability of the land to sustain whatever growth
is called for, with emphasis on the limitations of the natural resources of
the area". The planning problem thus involves determining at a point in time,.
given existing -and available -technology, existing economic. -ability to,finance
growth, available energy resources, and acceptable concepts of life styles,
the optimum -carrying capacity of an area..
The increasing awareness of the great value, both .in.ecological.and in
economical terms, of our estuarine waters and wetlands has caused increased
concern -over the quality of our coastal surface waters. These coastal,waters
are the.collecting basins for land run-off from adjacent areas, for the drain-'
age of the entire eastern divide, and for seepage of effluents from adjacent -
ground waters.
Perhaps the most significant index is the number of acres of.state waters
closed to the taking of shellfish. As of the end of February, approximately
670,000 acres, or about one-third of the state's coastal waters, were closed
to our oyster and clam fishermen. Another indication of the degradation of
water quality is•the increases in fish diseases over the past decade culmi-
nating'in significant fish mortal.ities'in Albemarle Sound during the summer of.
1975. Such trends are not as yet irreversible.
61

Diminution of the quality and availability of ground water resources in -
the coastal area i.s also a significant potential problem in the coastal area
and hence also a potential carrying.capacity limitation.
Most of the groundwater pollution resulting from surface activities remains
within the upper few feet of the water table; however, the polluted groundwater
flows laterally and discharges into streams, sounds, and other surface water
bodies, and usually causes deterioration of the -surface water quality.
Areas in -which the water table aquifer is the primary source of fresh
water and areas in which the soil -conditions: are not suitable for waste treat-
ment should be protected with stringent regulations to prohibit the installation.
of any surface pollution into the surface waters.
The increasing density pattern of septic tank systems -in the coastal area
has led to a degradation of,both ground and surface waters.
The most recent figures indicate that•in the 20 county coastal area, 89%
of the land areas have soilsjudged to -be unsuitab-le,for conventional septic
systems. Summarized in a different way, if -conventional septic systems are
used for sewage disposal in the coa-stal area region, approximately 90% of these.
systems will malfunction and fail within the first year's use.
It might be appropriate to point out hose that many -coastal communities
may assume that the adoption and enforcement of more -stringent septic tank and
land use density regulations, whether at the state or local level, coupled
with the possible inability of the communities to finance central sewage facili-
ties, may tend to severely retard economic development. However, the real long
run effect is that such'limitations-should encourage an ordered, thoughtful
pattern of development which, benefits not only the -permanent residents of the
area but developers as well.
Y

z Detailed information concerning *actual and potential water quality
problems in Gates County follows:
Waste Treatment Plants
Shoups Chowan River Inn
Design Capacity: .005 MGD
'Current -flow: .007 MGD
Receiving stream: Tributary to Chowan River
Treatment: septic tank
Adequacy: inadequate.
Areas of Concern
none
....In the population and density allocation section of.this report, the
distribution of the estimated population.growth to the various land classi-
-fications is to be made (see page 66). The principle of carrying capacity is
a storage determinant as to where population growth should be allocated... Since
Gates County is estimated to decrease in.population, nd- Developed or Transition
-growth.areas were designated. Community lands were designated as they -presently
exist.. Population increases in.these areas -will be minimal, if any at all.
Since..the population is estimated to remain stable or decrease and there
are no Developed or Transition lands in existence, carrying capacity of the
land and water to sustain growth is not forseen to be --a problem during the
planning period.
*This material was prepared by the.Regional.Water Quality Engineers of
the Northeastern and Southeastern Field Offices of the Department of Natural
and .Economic Resources,
63

PLAN DESCRIPTION
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The purpose of the Land Classification System is to encourage coordina-
tion and consistency between local land use policies and those of State Govern-
ment. Lands are classified by the local governments. The Coastal Resources
Commission then reviews those classifications to ensure conformance with mini-
mum guidelines for the system. The coastal county maps taken together will.be
the principal policy guide for State and Federal governmental decisions and
activities which affect land use in the coastal area.
The system provides a guide for public investment i'n land. For example,
state and local agencies can anticipate the need ,for early acquisition of lands
and easements in the Transition class for schools, recreation, transportation,
and other public facilities.
The system can also provide a useful framework for budgeting and planning
for the construction ofcommunity facilities such'as water and sewer systems,
...schools, and roads. The resources of many state and federal:agencies, as well
as those of the local government which are used for such facilities, can then
be more efficiently allocated.
In addition,.such,a<:system will aid in better -coordination of regulatory
policies and decisions. Conservation and Rural Production lands will help to.
t
focus the attention of state and local agencies and interests concerned with
the valuable natural resources of the state. On the other hand, lands in the
Transition and Community classes will be of special concern to those agencies
and interests who work for high quality development through.local land use
controls such as zoning and subdivision fegulations.
64

Finally, the system can help to provide guidance for a more equitable
distribution of the land tax burden. Private lands which are in the Rural and
Conservation classes should have low taxes to reflect the policy that few, if
any, public services.will be provided to these lands. In contrast, lands in
.the Transition class should be taxed to pay for the large cost of new public.
services which will be required to -'support the density of -growth anticipated.
The following five classifications and definitions have been adopted by
the Coastal_Resources Commission for -use by local government planning teams.
Their application to Gates.County is shown on the Land Classification Map.
Developed
The Developed classification designates all land that. -has access to both
public water and sewer, educational systems, and road systems,- all of which
are able to support the present population and its accompanying land uses
including commercial, industrial, and institutional. These are areas with a
minimum.population of 2,000 people per square mile. There are'presently no
areas 1.n the county that meet these criteria.
Transition
The -Transition classification designates all land that hass.either 2,000
people per -square mile and.no public water and sewer, or land -that has public
water and sewer but does not have 2,000 people per square mile. This classi-
fication does not apply to any area of Gates County.
Community
The Community'classi`fication designates all lands that have minimum
public services and includes clusters of one or more land uses. The Community
class is mapped at several locations in Gates County. This classification
65

logically applies to the areas around the communities of Eure, Roduco, Gates,
Eleanor's Crossroads, Gatesville, Corapeake, Sunbury and the Hobbsville/
Mintonsville area.
Rural
The Rural classification includes all lands not included in the developed,
transition, community, and conservation classes. Only'limited public services
are expected to be.developed in these areas (access roads, electrical lines,
etc.). The majority of Gates County's land is classed as Rural.
Conservation
Conservation is the fifth class. This identifies all land which should
be maintained essentially in its natural state and where very limited"or no.
public services are provided. These lands are fragile and may be easily
destroyed by development. Areas adjacent to the Chowan River, Somertan Creek,
Barnes Creek, Sarem Creek, Cole Creek, Bennetts Creek, Trotman Creek, and
Lassitor and Raynor Swamps have been identified as flood prone areas and
wooded swampland. Also included are the Chowan Swamp State Park, Chowan Swamp
Game"Land, and the State owned.portion of the Merchants Mill Pond. The recent
donation of land by Union Camp to N. C. State University located in southeast
Gates County is also included.
POPULATION AND DENSITY ALLOCATION
The population of Gates County has been projected"by the County citizens
to decline during the planning period. As a result, the Community and Rural
areas were designated according to existing characteristics and availability
of services. Population increases in.these areas afe expected to be minimal,
if any increase at all. Population trend and citizen.views were the.primary
guides for classifying land`in Gates County. The density of areas designated
as Community are areas where lot sizes are ten acres or less.
66

t
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Various areas have been identified throughout the coastal counties as
areas of great -environmental importance. These are areas in which uncontrolled
-or° incompatible development might result in irreparable damage. Unless these
pressures are controlled by coordinated management, the very features of the
coast which make it economically, aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be
destroyed.
Due to the di -stance of Gates County from the coast, many of the environ-,
mentally critical areas identified in.other coastal counties are not found
in Gates..'.Development trends in other coastal counties (seasonal population
demands, etc.) that promote development..which is detrimental to sensitive
environmental areas are not as prevalent in Gates County.
Estuarine waters, public trust waters, and areas that sustain remnant -
species are the only types of environmentally.criiical areas identified.by,.
the citizens of Gates County. These-may'be designated as "Areas of.Environ-
mental Concern" by the Coastal Resources Commission.
ESTUARINE WATERS
(a) Description: Estuarine waters are defined as "all'of the water of the
Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters.of the -
bays, sounds,. rivers; and tributaries thereto seaward of the d.i.viding line -
between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters," -as set forth in -an
agreement adopted by tho..Wildlife,Resources Commission and the Department of
.Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State,
(b) Significance: .Estuaries are among the most productive natural environ-
.ments.of North Carolina. They.not only support Valuable commercial and sports.
fisheries, but -are also utilized.for commercial navigation, recreation, and
67

aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp,
o .
flounder, oysters and crabs make up 90 percent of the total value of North
e
Carolina's commercial catch. These species must spend all or some part of
their life cycle in the estuary. The high level of commercial and sports
fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of Coastal North Carolina is dependent upon
the protection and sustained quality of our estuarine areas.
(c) Appropriate.Uses: Highest priority shall be allocated to the conservation
of estuari-ne waters. The development of navigational channels, the use of
bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no
other feasible alternative exists are examples of land uses appropriate within
estuarine waters, provided that such land uses will not be detrimental -to -the
biological and physical estuarine functions and public trust rights. Projects
which mould directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels,
increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degrada-
tion -•of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the
management of -estuarine waters.
�(d) Applicability to Gates County: Estuarine waters in Gates County have
been identified as .the Chowan River, Somertan Creek,Huckhorn, Creek to the
Seaboard Railroad, Sarem Creek to the intersection of Sarem and Cole.Creeks,
Bennetts Creek to within two miles of Gatesville, and Catherine Creek to the
intersection of Catherine and Trotman Creeks.

PUBLIC TRUST HATERS
.(a) Description: All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder
from the mean high water mark to the seaward ,limit of State jurisdiction; all
natural -bodies of water subject to mea.surable.lunar tides and lands thereunder
to the mean high;:water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands
thereunder to-the.meanhigh water mark or ordinary high'- water mark as the
case may be, except privately owned lakes to which.the.public has rights of
navig�tfon;:all waters in artificially `created bodies of water in which the
public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any
other..means;= In determining whether° the public has acquired rights in arti-
.ficially created`bodies of water, the following factors shall be considered:
(i) the use_of the body oft water by the public;.(ii) the length of time the
public has used the area; (iii) the value of public resources ,in' the body
of water; -(iv) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile
to the extent that they can move into natural..bodies of water; (v) whether the
creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the state;
and (vi) the value of the body of water to the -public for navigation from
one -public area to another public area.
(b) Significance: ...The public h-as rights in these waters including navigation.
and recreation. In addition, these waters support valuable commercial and
spor°t"'-fisheries, have aesthetic'value, and are important potential...resources
' for economic development.
(c) Appropriate Uses': Any land use which interferes with the public right
g
of navigation., or other public trust -rights, which -thd public may be found
to have in these waters, shall not be allowed.. The development of navigational
channels, drainage ditches,.the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the
building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appropriate within public
69

trust waters provided that such land uses will not be detrimental to the
biological and physical functions and public trust rights. Projects which
would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels,
increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degrada-
tion of shellfish waters are generally considered incompatible with the manage-
ment of public trust waters,
(d) Applicability to Gates'County: Includes all waters that are capable of
being navigated in their natural condition by the ordinary modes of navigation
including modes_7'of*.navigation used for recreational purposes.
AREAS THAT SUSTAIN REMNANT SPECIES
(a,) Description: Areas that sustain remnant species are those places that
support native plants or animals, rare or endangered, within the coastal area.
(b) Significance: Complex natural areas provide the few remaining examples
of conditions that existed within the coastal .area prior to settlement by
Western mane Often these natural areas provide habitat conditions suitable
for rare or endangered ~species or they support plant and animal communities
representative of pre -settlement conditions.. These areas help provide a.
historical perspective to changing natural conditions.i.n the coastal area and
together are important and irreplaceable.scientific and educational resources.
(c) .Appropriate Land Uses: Lands within the AEC shall not be planned for -uses
or kinds of development that will unnecessarily jeopardize ttie natural or pri-
mitive character of the natural area directly or indirectly.through-increased
accessibility. Additionally, lands adjacent to #e,compl.ex natural area should*
not be planned for additional development that would unnecessarily endanger the
recognized value of the -AEC.' The variability between kinds of complex natural
-70

areas and between land uses adjacent to those natural areas means that the
range of permissible uses and intensity of use must be carefully tailored to
the individual area.
(d) Applicability to Gates County: The red -cockaded woodpecker occurs in
stands of mature loblolly pine. The southeastern shrew, swamp short -tailed
shrew and southern hog lemming occur in the Dismal. Swamp or eastern portion
of the county. All of these are classified endangered. species. The endangered
shortnosed sturgeon and the Atlantic sturgeon probably occur in the Chowan
River, however, occurrence records are scarce for these species.

CITY/COUNTY RELATIONSHIP
s
The relationship'between the county and Town of ,Gatesvi.11e planning
effort has been closely coordinated. Since Gatesville. did not choose to
apply for.funds-to do its land development plan locally, the county assumed
the responsibility upon direction of the Guidelines adopted by the Coastal.
Resources Commission.
Several methods were used to. -assure' that the relat•ionship-between Gatesville.'
and the county would be coordinated without conflicts. -A questionnaire was
distributed to all parts of the county;.to citizens in Gatesville as.well as
to those*in the.rural, unincorporated areas..
Joint public hearings were held -'in the county involving'Gatesville citi-
zens who participated in discussions and decisions concerning the town..
A Citizens Advisory Board was appointed which included representatives
from the rural county and the town.
As you review the Land Classification Map provided herein, you will
notice that the Community classification -extends from the town's jurisdiction
without conflict.into the unincorporated rural areas.
12

SUMMARY
A summary of reference material used as sources of data for the"Land
.Use Plan is listed as follows:
1. Coastal Area Management, A New Look on the Horizon, N. C.. Agricultural
Extension Service and N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources.
2 N. C. Commuting Patterns, 1960-1970, Employment Security Commission, Job
Research Center, March 1974.
3. Tar Heel Economist, November 1972,
4`0. N. C. Department of Agriculture
5. Changer Agriculture and.Economic Trends in No C., Preliminary Statistics.
6. Impadt '76, Gates County_," N. Co
7. An Appraisal of Potential for Outdoor Recreation, Gates County, N. C.,' -
Gates Soil and Water Conservation District, Gatesville, N.C.", April, 1974
8. N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Recreation Section,
General Inventory Summary, March, 1974.
9. '.State Guidelines for Local Planning in the Coastal Area Under'the Coastal
' Area Management Act of 19740
1;0o Geology and Ground Water Resources in the Greenville; N. C.�Area, Philip
M. Brown, Geol.og st, Geological Survey, U. S. Department of Interior, 1959.
11. U. S. Department of Agriculture,"Soil'Conservation District, Raleigh,. N.C.
12. School Survey, Gates -County, 1973-74, North.Carolina Department of Public:'
Instruction, Divisi-on of School Planning.
13. Gates County North Carolina Water System Study, 1975, Rivers and Associates,
Inc., Consulting Engineers, Greenville, North Carolina
14. Comprehensive Consumer Characteristics, Gates County,.Gates County
Development Commission, 1969.
15. A Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study for Gates Counter, Rivers and
Associates, 1970.
16. Overall Economic Development Plan, Albemarle Regional Planning and
Development Commission, 1971.
17.-Wildlife and Land Use-Planning.with Particular Reference to.Coastal Counties,
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 1975.
73

18. A New Geography of North Carolina, Bill Sharpe, 1966.
1
19; Vital Statistics, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, North Carolina State
Board of Health.,
20. County Population Trends, North Carolina, 1790-1960,- Carolina Population
Center., University. of North.Carolina and Statistical Services Center,
Budget Division, Department of Administration, State of North Carolina,
1969.
21. North Carolina State Government Statistical Abstract, Statistical Services
Section, Office of State Budget, Department of Administration, 1973.
22. 1970 Census of Population, North Carolina, U.S. Department of Commerce.
23. Thoroughfare Plan, Gates County, North Carolina, N. C. Department of
Transportation'.
24. North Carolina Labor Force Estimates, Employment Security Commission,
Raleigh, 1975. .
25. County -Commissioners Farm Census Summary, N. C. and U. S. Departments
of Agriculture, Crop Reporting Service,..Raleigh;.N. C.

ESTIMATED COSTS
GATES COUNTY PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM
i
A detailed breakdown of -the estimated -cost of
construction of the proposed
- water system is attached. All construction costs
are based on current unit
prices bid-fdr the work in this general area.
The construction cost is.estimated at $2,840,480.00..
The total project
..cost is estimated at'_$3,450,000.00'which includes
construction, technical
services, legal, administrative"costs, interest.during
construction and
development., land .eostland contingencies.
GATESICOUNTY
Water System Design Data
1975
Initial Customers -Anticipated
1400:
(80% of Potential)
Supply Design
Well, Pump., and Treatment
1400 x 400 gal./day/customer =
77.7.7 gal/min.
.2 hrs.x 60 min/hr.
. Future Growth.
50 gal/min.
827.7 gal/min.
3 Wells Proposed Use 500 GPM Wells &
900 GPM Treatment & Pumps
Storage Tank Capacity
1400 Users at- -400 gal/user
560,000 gal.
Allowance for Growth
100,000 gal.
TOTAL
660,000 gal.
Recommended Storage
1/2 Day's Supply Minimum
330,000 gal.
2 Tanks Proposed
250,000 gal. each
76

-
GATES COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
COST
ESTIMATE
DISTRIBUTION
638,880 if
6" PVC
2.00
$1,277,760.00
316,800 if
4" PVC
1.40
443,520.00
137
61' Valves
160.00
21,920.00
74 ea.
4'.' Valves
130.00
9,620.00
3 ea.
Two Way
Meters
49500.00
13,500.00
70 eai
6" Hydrants
350.00
24,500.00
1,400 ea.
3/4" Services
130.00
182,000.00
10 ea.
2" Services
450.00
4,500.00
11 ea.
Blow -off
Valves
60.00'
660.00
3,500.1f
Misc. Casing
30.00
105,000.00
7 ea.
Railroad
Crossings
1,500.00
10,500.00
Bridge & Creek Crossings
20,000.00
$2,113,480.00
' SUPPLY
3 ea.
500 GPM Wells "& Pumps
81000.00
1 ea.
Treatment Plant/Pumps
& Controls (900 GPM)
250,000.00
2 ea.
250,000 gal: Elevated
Tanks
270,000.00
2'ea.
Tank Found'tion,
126,000.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST
$2,840,000.00 -
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Soil Borings
$ 1,200.00
Surveys
200.00
:Engineering
Fee @4.9%
139,180.00
Inspection
Fee @ 2%
56,810.00
197,390-00
$ 197,390.-00
Legal and:Administrative
28,330.00
Land Cost
+�
12,000.00
Interest During
Construction @ 10%-
160,000.00
- Contengencies @
7.5%
211,800.00
TOTAL -ESTIMATED
PROJECT COST
$3,450,000.00-
77
;4
_

FUNDING ANALYSIS
State Grant
$ 83,000.00
FHA Grant
1,600,000.00
CPRC Grant
350,000.00
TOTAL -GRANTS
2,033,000.00
FHA Loan
1,417,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST
3,450,000.00
ASSUME TOTAL INITIAL USERS
1,400
Estimated Annual Income:
First. 2,000 gal.. @
6.00 (Minimum) Average
Next 2,000 gal:
1.50/1,000 gal. Pate
= 7.85/use Mo.
Next .5,000 gal.
1.00/1,000 gal.
Al l Aver 10,000 gale
.80/1 ,000 -gal .
Anticipated Income From Sales. -of Water:
560.Customers.@ 2,000 gal./mo. @
6.00 40,320.00
378 3,000
7..50 34020.00
350 5,000
10.00 42:000.00
98 7,000'
12.00 14,112.00
8 11,000
15..80 '1,517.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED INCOME PER
YEAR ' 131,969.00
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES*
Debt Repayment
1,417,000 (.05928) =
84,000.00
Operation and Maintenance =
45,400.00.*
129,400.00/yr.
Annual Reserve = $2,569.00
*OPERATING EXPENSES
:. Maintenance, Billing & Collections
30,000.00
Analysis of Water. Samples
200.00
Audit
500.00
Materials and Supplies
5,000.00.
Electrical Power
5,500.00
_.Insurance
700.00
Office Expense
3.,500.00
TOTAL EXPENSES.
45,:400.00/yr.
78

GATES COUNTY
4. Characteristics of Persons Filling Out Questionnaires
1.
Male
60.9%
Female 39.1%
2.
White
44.8%
Non -White
55.2%
3.
Ages
17-25
4.7%
26-40
54.5%
41-55
30.7%
56+
9.5%
4.
Do you
live on a
farm?
yes
29.0%
�71.0%
no
S.
Number
of family
living at home.
1-2
7.7%
3-5
60.0%
6-8
24.7%
9+
7.7%
6. Education
High school or less 49.4%
Beyond high school 50.6%
7. Income
Under
$2,000
14.5%
2,000
- 3,999
12.5%
4,000
- 5,999
11.3%
6,000
- 7,999
12.3%
8,000
- 9,999
11.9%
10,000
- 15,000
20.6%
over
15,000
16.8%
79

CATEGORIES
A.) Law Enforcement
L
1. Is fire protection adequate?
No problem 38.9%
Slight problem 30.9%
Moderate problem 18.7%
Severe problem 11.6%
2. Are drugs a problem?
No problem 12.9%
Slight problem 24.3%
Moderate problem 22.2%
Severe problem 40.6%
3. Is police protection adequate?
No problem 27.7%
Slight problem 25.2%
Moderate Problem 24.8%
Severe problem 22.3%
4. How much money should be spent for the control of organized crime?
Spend no funds 8.5%
Spend less funds 5.1%
Spend same funds 33.1%
Spend more funds 53.1%
S. How much should be spent to control illegal drugs?
Spend no funds 5.3%
Spend less funds 4.4%
Spend same funds 18.3%
Spend more funds 71.8%
6. How much should be spent for crime prevention and control?
Spend no funds 5.8%
Spend less funds 5.4%
Spend same funds 28.0%
Spend more funds 60.6%
7. Is youth counseling service adequate?
No problem 20.9%
Slight problem 26.9%
Moderate problem 21.1%
Severe problem 30.9%

B.) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Is water pollution a problem?
No problem 40.4%
Slight problem 36.3%
Moderate problem 12.5%
Severe problem 10.7%
2. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
quality of water and air be?
Not important 1.3%
Slight importance 7.4%
Moderate importance 22.6%
Great importance 68.7%
3. Agriculture pollution should be regulated.
Agree 83.2%
Disagree 16.6%
4. I would pay high cost for commodities if it meant no pollution.
Agree 66.6%
Disagree 33.9%
5. I prefer jobs over clean air and water.
Agree 39.2%
Disagree 60.8%
6. Large developments should be required to file an environmental impact
statement.
Agree 83.7%
Disagree 16.3%
7. How much money should be spent for preventing water pollution?
Spend no funds 7.3%
Spend less funds 8.3%
Spend some funds 48.2%
Spend more funds 36.1%
81

C.) LAND USE PLANNING
1. Is long range planning in the County adequate?
No problem 29.4%
Slight problem 23.5%
Moderate problem 20.2%
Severe problem 26.8%
2. Future development should be planned for.
Agree 93.5%
Disagree 6.5%
3. Growth should occur at a slow, controlled rate.
Agree 54.0%
Disagree 45.8%
4. A person should be able to do anything with his -land no matter how it
affects those around him.
Agree 23.6%
Disagree 72.2%
S. There is danger in rapid development.
Agree 66.7%
Disagree 33.3%
6. Mobile home development should be controlled.
Agree 57.7%
Disagree 42.3%
7. How much money should be spent on restrictive zoning?
Spend no funds 12.8%
Spend less funds 13.8%
Spend same funds 47.7%
Spend more funds 25.5%
8. The present population should be maintained.
Agree 43.8%
Disagree 56.0%
9. What size community do you prefer?
Country 55.4%
near small town of 10,000 24.5%
near small town of 10,000-50,000 8.4%
near medium sized town 5,000-200,000 5.90
near metropolitan area over 200,000 5.7%
82

10. Where do you prefer your home to be located?
Near downtown 3.6%
In city limits 12.8%
In 15 minutes of town 50.8%
Over 15 minutes away 19.4%
Over 30 minutes away 13.4%
11. In choosing a community in which to live, how important would the size
of population be?
No importance 5.9%
Slight importance 21.9%
Moderate importance 47.2%
Great importance 25.0%
12. In choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
availability of shopping facilities be?
No importance 8.2%
Slight importance 18.6%
Moderate importance 42.5%
Great importance 30.7%
D.) EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
1. Are schools adequate?
No problem 47.9%
Slight problem 24.8%
Moderate problem 17.2%
Severe problem 10.0%
2. Is the kindergarten program adequate?
No problem 68.1%
Slight problem 19.3%
Moderate problem 9.6%
Severe problem 3.1%
3. Is vocational education adequate?
No problem 42.3%
Slight problem 26.0%
Moderate problem 17.7%
Severe problem 13.9%
4. Is the adult education program adequate?
No problem 52.8%
Slight problem 22.8%
Moderate problem 15.3%
Severe problem 9.1%
83

S. In choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
quality of schools be?
No importance 2.3%
Slight importance 4.3%
Moderate importance 19.5%
Great importance 73.9%
6. How much money should be spent for adult job training?
Spend no funds 3.6%
Spend less funds 5.9%
Spend same funds 26.8
Spend more funds 63.4%
7. How much should be spent for special education for the retarded and
handicapped?
Spend no funds 3.6%
Spend less funds 3.2%
Spend same funds 18.7%
Spend more funds 74.4%
8. How much should be spent for community colleges and technical institutes?
Spend no funds 4.7%
Spend less funds 3.1%
Spend same funds 26.7%
Spend more funds 65.4%
9. How much should be spent for public education?
Spend no funds 5.0%
Spend less funds 2.3%
Spend same funds 30.4%
Spend more funds 62.1%
10. How much should be spent for public kindergarten?
Spend
no funds
6.6%
Spend
less funds
5.5%
Spend
same funds
46.9%
Spend
more funds
40.8%
11. Are child care and kindergartens adequate?
No problem 47.7%
Slight problem 24.8%
Moderate problem 15.7%
Severe problem 13.6%
84

E.) COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Is garbage collection and disposal adequate?
No problem 46.0%
Slight problem 19.2%
Moderate problem 12.6%
Severe problem 22.1%
2. Are water and sewer services adequate?
No problem 54.1%
Slight problem 15.5%
Moderate problem 11.9%
Severe problem 18.5%
3. Are libraries adequate?
No problem 52.6%
Slight problem 23.5%
Moderate problem 17.5%
4. Is the transportation system adequate?
No problem 38.4%
Slight problem 17.4
Moderate problem 12.4%
Severe problem 31.9%
S. How much money should be spent on public water systems?
Spend no funds 13.9%
Spend less funds 5.1%
Spend same funds 34.4%
Spend more funds 46.4%
6. How much should be spent to support public libraries and museums?
Spend no funds 5.6%
Spend less funds 6.7%
Spend same funds 40.8%
Spend more funds 46.7%
7. How much should be spent for public transportation?
Spend no funds 21.3%
Spend less funds 7.8%
Spend same funds 26.4%
Spend more funds 44.4%
r
r
85

8. How much should be spent for airport facilities?
Spend no funds 32.2%
Spend less funds 13.8%
Spend same funds 27.9%
Spend more funds 25.9%
9. How much should be spent for solid waste disposal?
Spend no funds 5.8%
Spend less funds 7.8%
Spend same funds 47.4%
Spend more funds 38.8%
F.) RECREATION
1. Are tourist facilities adequate?
No problem 26.8%
Slight problem 18.5%
Moderate problem 16.4%
Severe problem 38.3%
2. Are recreation facilities adequate?
No problem 12.1%
Slight problem 20.4%
Moderate problem 19.5%
Severe problem 47.9%
3. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
availability of recreational facilities be?
Not important 9.1%
Slight importance 21.0%
Moderate importance 32.1%
Great importance 37.8%
4. How much money should be spent to develop public recreation facilities
and programs?
Spend no funds 6.5%
Spend less funds 5.6%
Spend same funds 25.5%
Spend more funds 62.2%
86

S. How much should be spent to develop forests and parks for the public?
Spend no funds 13.0%
Spend less funds 8.4
Spend same funds 26.8%
Spend more funds 51.6%
6. How much should be spent for public parks?
Spend no funds 17.3%
Spend less funds 8.0%
Spend same funds 23.0%
Spend more funds 51.6%
7. How much should be spent to develop tourist attractions?
Spend no funds 11.2%
Spend less funds 12.7%
Spend same funds 31.2%
Spend more funds 44.7%
8. How much should be spent for preservation of wildlife?
Spend
no funds
6.6%
Spend
less funds
8.9%
Spend
same funds
49.8%
Spend
more funds
34.6%
G.) INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
1. Are employment opportunities adequate?
No problem 12.1%
Slight problem 19.6%
Moderate problem 16.2%
Severe problem 52.1%
2. Is unemployment a problem?
No problem 11.9%
Slight problem 23.3%
Moderate problem 20.3%
Severe problem 44.4%
3. Is industrial development adequate?
No problem 18.3%
Slight problem 17.7%
Moderate problem 17.3%
Severe problem 46.8%
87

4. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would job
opportunities be?
No importance 5.6%
Slight importance 12.9%
Moderate importance 20.2%
Great importance 61.3%
S. I would pay higher cost for items if it meant no pollution.
Agree 66.0%
Disagree 33.9%
6. If given the choice, I would choose jobs over clean air and water.
Agree 39.2%
Disagree 60.8%
7. Some industries are not worth the problems they bring.
Agree 74.0%
Disagree 25.8%
8. Economic development is more important than environmental considerations.
Agree 25.3%
Disagree 74.5%
9. More industry will improve the life quality.
• Agree 77.7%
Disagree 22.3%
10. There is enough economic development in the county.
Agree 16.8%
Disagree 83.2%
11. How much money should be spend for industrial development?
Spend no funds 10.6%
Spend less funds 7.4%
Spend same funds 31.0%
Spend more funds 50.8%
12. How much should be spent to develop agriculture production and market?
Spend no funds 5.9%
Spend less funds 4.1%
Spend same funds 38.4%
Spend more funds 51.4%

13. How much should be spent to help in finding jobs?
Spend no funds 5.8%
Spend less funds 8.6%
Spend same funds 34.7%
Spend more funds 50.7%
14. How much should be spent to develop employment?
Spend
no funds
4.4%
Spend
less funds
4.2%
Spend
same funds
20.6%
Spend
more funds
70.6%
H.) COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIDE
1. Is government responsiveness a problem?
No problem 33.6%
Slight problem 23.4%
Moderate problem 20.6%
Severe problem 22.4%
2. Is community pride and spirit adequate?
No problem 31.8%
Slight problem 29.5%
Moderate problem 19.7%
Severe problem 18.8%
3. Is community participation adequate?
No problem 20.8%
Slight problem 28.9%
Moderate problem 22.2%
Severe problem 27.9%
4. When choosing a community in which to live, how important is the
friendliness of that community?
Not important 1.9%
Slight importance 10.1%
Moderate importance 27.7%
Great importance 60.3%
S. If you had the opportunity, how would you feel about leaving Gates County?
Never leave
Reluctant
No difference
Happier elsewhere
Like to leave
25.0%
54.3 %
9.0%
5.5%
6.2%
89

6. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
availability of a variety of clubs and organizations be?
w ,
No importance 11.8%
Slight importance 28.9%
Moderate importance 30.8%
Great importance 28.5%
7. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would it be
that the community is a good place to raise children?
No importance 1.5%
Slight importance 5.0%
Moderate importance 14.3%
Great importance 79.3%
8. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the opportunity
for a voice in community affairs be?
No importance 11.5%
Slight importance 19.3%
Moderate importance 33.0%
Great importance 36.3%
I.) MEDICAL FACILITIES
1. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the quality
of medical facilities be?
Not important 3.7%
Slight importance 10.1%
Moderate importance 20.6%
Great importance 65.5%
2. Are medical facilities and staff adequate?
No problem 12.7%
Slight problem 16.1%
Moderate problem 13.3%
Severe problem 57.7%
J.) SOCIAL SERVICES
1. How much money should be spent to help find jobs?
Spend
no funds
5.8%
Spend
less funds
8.6%
Spend
same funds
34.7%
• Spend
more funds
50.7%
It
90

• 2. How much should be spent for retirement benefits?
" Spend no funds 6.1%
Spend less funds 3.8%
Spend same funds 29.9%
Spend more funds 60.0%
3. How much should be spent to assist the old and poor?
Spend no funds 2.5%
Spend less funds 3.4%
Spend same funds 25.2%
Spend more funds 68.8%
4. How much should be spent for health and medical care?
Spend no funds 2.6%
Spend less funds 2.6%
Spend same funds 16.8%
Spend more funds 77.7%
S. Is assistance to the poor adequate?
No problem 23.8%
Slight problem 27.4%
Moderate problem 22.5%
Severe problem 26.1%
w
6. Is the youth counseling service adequate?
No problem 20.5%
Slight problem 26.9%
Moderate problem 21.1%
Severe problem 30.9%
7. Is assistance to the elderly adequate?
No problem 23.4%
Slight problem 21.4%
Moderate problem 25.5%
Severe problem 29.5%
K.) CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
1. Are cultural opportunities adequate?
No problem 29.3%
Slight problem 18.5%
Moderate problem 21.6%
Severe problem 30.6%
w
• 91

Id
P.
2. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would religious
worship be?
No importance 2.8%
Slight importance 9.2%
Moderate importance 28.1%
Great importance 59.8%
3. How much money should be spent for the preservation of historic sites?
Spend no funds 10.5%
Spend less funds 9.7%
Spend same funds 37.6%
Spend more funds 42.0%
4. How much should be spent to support public libraries and museums?
Spend no funds 5.6%
Spend less funds 6.7%
Spend same funds 40.8%
Spend more funds 46.7%
S. When choosing a community in which to live, how important would the
availability of cultural opportunities be?
No importance 9.9%
Slight importance 20.9%
Moderate importance 38.7%
Great importance 30.6%
92

Existing land Use
When reading the following description of past and existing
land use, refer to the Existing Land Use Map in this report. It will
show you where each use is located in relation to each other
throughout the county.
(a) Residential Use: Residential development in Gates County
consists primarily of single-family rural units. There are only a
few duplexes and apartments due to inadequate availability of
needed services (water and sewer).
In January of 1974, a visual survey of the exterior condition of
the county's housing stock was taken. The survey revealed 2,586
rural dwellings in Gates County. 67.7% of the conventional
homes were classified as standard, 12.9% deteriorated, 8.5%
dilapidated, and 10.8% were mobile homes. There are no large
concentrations of substandard units in any particular area of the
county; rather, they are evenly distributed throughout the
county. Mobile homes have become an increasingly important
source of housing. This trend is reflected across the nation, and
Gates County is no exception.
The number of mobile homes almost doubled since 1970.
Mobile homes today make up 10.8% of the housing stock in
Gates County as compared to 4% in 1970. The largest increase
occurred in Holly Grove, Hunter's Mill, and Mintonsville town-
ships. These townships witnessed a greater increase in conven-
tional housing supply during the same period. This is attributed
to the close proximity of these townships to the major employ-
ing areas of Virginia, Elizabeth City, and Edenton. Substandard
mobile home and mobile home park development has been
identified by the citizens of Gates County as a problem. With
conscientious enforcement of the existing Mobile Homes and
Mobile Home Park Ordinance, substandard mobile homes de-
velopment should not be a major problem. The citizens of Gates
County do not consider any other aspects of residential de-
velopment to be a problem.
(b) Commercial Use: Gates County's commercial land use has
changed very little over the past 50 years. Commercial areas
throughout the county primarily distribute food and gasoline,
and are strategically located along primary transportation sys-
tems and at important crossroads.
There are some problems with commercial establishments
which would not necessarily occur if they were located else-
where, or concentrated in one area. One such problem is
insufficient off-street parking, which forces cars to park on or
close to secondary and primary roads. This reduces the field of
vision for on -coming cars. The citizen planners in Gates County
however, do not consider commercial development to pose a
problem which warrants any type of regulatory action.
(c) Industrial Development: On the land use survey, five
industrial operations were identified. All five locations are east
of Gatesville and are associated with bulk storage or lumber
operations. Limited industrial growth is expected in the next ten
years. Small growth is attributed in part to the short supply of
local community facilities, services, and skilled labor. There is,
however, an abundant supply of raw land and adequate subsur-
face water resources. The Gates County Planning Board does
not consider industrial development to pose a problem requir-
ing any action.
�sRyRRR�N
RlvER
H E R T F
O R
0
LAND CLASSIFICATION
1976
(d) Public and Semi -Public Use: Public and semi-public uses
include schools and government offices. The demand for land
under this category has not been intensive in the past. Because
of a lack of population growth, public and semi-public land use
is not expected to be a significant land consuming factor during
the ten-year planning period.
(e) Recreation: Gates County recreational opportunities, as
presently developed, are limited. What does exist is limited
both in variety (primarily hunt clubs) and public availability
(primarily for private use). Facilities for public use structured
around an organized program are non-existent in Gates County.
Although potential exists in the county for recreation (public
and private), the potential cannot develop alone. The people of
Gates County must have the incentive to work and pay for
recreation facilities, and they must let this fact be known.
Recreation development in the county was recognized by the
Gates County Planning participants to be a necessity for county
citizens in the future.
(f) Agricultural: Agricultural land use in Gates County may be
divided into four large groups. They are: non -farm land (tracts
with no significant agricultural production), forest and other
land, harvested cropland, and idle and pasture land. The
percentage of each is shown in the following diagram:
UTILIZATION OF ALL LAND
Forest and Non -farm land
other land 40%
39
Harvested co
Cropland
17 %
�G
co
�o
0
Gates County witnessed its greatest decline in the number of
farms between 1954-64. Within this time period, the number of
farms decreased 46.8%; whereas, the average farm size in-
creased 46.1 %. This points to the continuing trend in the
county of small, less efficient farms giving way to larger, more
efficient farming operations. This trend is expected to continue
in Gates County, but at a slower rate. than in past decades.
(g) Fragile Areas: Fragile areas are not as numerous in Gates
County as they are in other coastal counties. The ones applic-
able to Gates County are estuarine and public trust waters, areas
that sustain remnant species, and wooded swamps.
V I R G I N I A
� O U
tvTr
MAP
LEGEND:
Community
Rural
Conservation
( INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
MF,S,RRR'N
R/X'ER
ti E R T f
O R
0
EXISTING LAND
1976
LEGEND
Cron
1435
V I R G I N I A
Mal?
Government &
Institutional
Cultural,
Entertainment,
& Recreation
Water
GATES COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES
0 0.5 , MI E
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
LAND CLASSIFICATION
Purpose
The purpose of the Land Classification System is to encourage
coordination and consistency between local land use policies
and programs of State Government. Lands are classified by the
local governments. The coastal county maps taken together will
be the principal policy guide for State and Federal governmental
decisions, and activities which affect land use in the coastal
area.
The system provides a guide for public investment in land.
For example, state and local agencies can anticipate the need
for early acquisition of lands and easements in the Transition
class for schools, recreation, transportation, and other public
facilities.
The system can also provide a useful framework for budgeting
and planning for the construction of community facilities such
as water and sewer systems, schools, and roads. The resources
of many state and federal agencies, as well as those of the local
government which are used for such facilities, can now be more
efficiently allocated.
In addition, such a system will aid in better coordination of
regulatory policies and decisions. Conservation and Rural Pro-
duction lands will help to focus the attention of state and local
agencies and interests concerned with the valuable natural
resources of the state. On the other hand, lands in the Transi-
tion and Community classes will be of special concern to those
agencies and interests who work for high quality development
through local land use controls such as zoning and subdivision,
regulations.
Finally, the system can help to provide guidance for a more
equitable distribution of the land tax burden. Private lands
which are in the Rural and Conservation classes should have low
taxes to reflect the policy that few, if any, public services will be
provided to these lands. In contrast, lands in the Transition class
should be taxed to pay for the large cost of new public services
which will be required to support the density of growth anti-
cipated.
A Land Classification Map is provided in this report for your
convenience. As you read the following descriptions of each
classification, you may visually depict the location of each
throughout the county, and its relationship to surrounding land
classifications.
The following five classifications and definitions have been
adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission for use by local
government planning teams.
Developed
The Developed classification includes all land that has access
to public water and sewer, educational systems, and road
systems - all of which are able to support the present population
and its accompanying land uses including commercial, indus-
trial, and institutional. These are areas with a minimum popula-
tion of 2,000 people per square mile. There are presently no
areas in the county that meet these criteria.
VA.
� N.
a
36°25'
b
,A28 \� (O
Greeru
Fork G
1002
All ,ndr Cron �, \
' 135
it ,OPP._-
176
1002
36°20' N
GATES COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES
0.5 1 MILE
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
Transition
The Transition classification includes all land that has either
2,000 people per square mile and no public water and sewer, or
land that has public water and sewer, but does not have 2,000
people per square mile. This classification does not apply to any
area of Gates County.
Community
The Community classification includes all lands that have
minimum public services, and includes clusters of one or more
land uses. The Community class is mapped at several locations
in Gates County. This classification logically applies to the areas
around the communities of Eure, Roduco, Gates, Eleanor's
Crossroads, Gatesville, Corapeake, Sunbury and the Hobbsville/
Mintonsville area.
Rural
The Rural classification includes all lands not included in the
developed, transition, community, and conservation classes.
Only limited public services are expected to be developed in
these areas (access roads, electrical lines, etc.). The majority of
Gates County's land is classed as Rural.
Conservation
Conservation is the fifth class. This identifies all land which
should be maintained essentially in its natural state and where
very limited or no public services are provided. These lands are
fragile and may be easily destroyed by development. Areas
adjacent to the Chowan River, Somertan Creek, Barnes Creek,
Sarem Creek, Cole Creek, Bennetts Creek, Trotman Creek, and
Lassitor and Raynor Swamps have been identified as flood prone
areas and wooded swampland. Also included are the Chowan
Swamp State Park, Chowan Swamp Game Land, the State
owned portion of the Merchants Mill Pond, and the recent
Union Camp land donation to the Greater University of North
Carolina located adjacent to the Chowan River between Ben -
netts and Catherine Creeks.
City/County Relationship
The relationship between the county and Town of Gatesville
planning effort has been closely coordinated. Since Gatesville
did not choose to apply for funds to-do its Land Development
Plan locally, the county assumed the responsibility, upon
direction of the Guidelines adopted by the Coastal Resources
Commission.
Several methods were used to assure that the relationship
between Gatesville and the county would be coordinated
without conflicts. A questionnaire was distributed to all parts of
the county, to citizens in Gatesville as well as to those in the
rural, unincorporated areas.
Joint public hearings were held in the county. Gatesville
citizens participated in discussions and decisions concerning
the town.
A Citizens Advisory Board was appointed which included
representatives from the rural county and the Town.
As you review the Land Classification Map provided herein,
you will notice that the Community classification extends from
the town's jurisdiction, without conflict, into the unincorpor-
ated rural areas.

Existing Land Use
When reading the following description of past and existing
land use, refer to the Existing Land Use Map in this report. It will
show you where each use is located in relation to each other
throughout the county.
(a) Residential Use: Residential development in Gates County
consists primarily of single-family rural units. There are only a
few duplexes and apartments due to inadequate availability of
needed services (water and sewer).
In January of 1974, a visual survey of the exterior condition of
the county's housing stock was taken. The survey revealed 2,586
rural dwellings in Gates County. 67.7% of the conventional
homes were classified as standard, 12.9% deteriorated, 8.5%
dilapidated, and 10.8% were mobile homes. There are no large
concentrations of substandard units in any particular area of the
county; rather, they are evenly distributed throughout the
county. Mobile homes have become an increasingly important
source of housing. This trend is reflected across the nation, and
Gates County is no exception.
The number of mobile homes almost doubled since 1970.
Mobile homes today make up 10.8% of the housing stock in
Gates County as compared to 4% in 1970. The largest increase
occurred in Holly Grove, Hunter's Mill, and Mintonsville town-
ships. These townships witnessed a greater increase in conven-
tional housing supply during the same period. This is attributed
to the close proximity of these townships to the major employ-
ing areas of Virginia, Elizabeth City, and Edenton. Substandard
mobile home and mobile home park development has been
identified by the citizens of Gates County as a problem. With
conscientious enforcement of the existing Mobile Homes and
Mobile Home Park Ordinance, substandard mobile homes de-
velopment should not be a major problem. The citizens of Gates
County do not consider any other aspects of residential de-
velopment to be a problem.
(b) Commercial Use: Gates County's commercial land use has
changed very little over the past 50 years. Commercial areas
throughout the county primarily distribute food and gasoline,
and are strategically located along primary transportation sys-
tems and at important crossroads.
There are some problems with commercial establishments
which would not necessarily occur if they were located else-
where, or concentrated in one area. One such problem is
insufficient off-street parking, which forces cars to park on or
close to secondary and primary roads. This reduces the field of
vision for on -coming cars. The citizen planners in Gates County
however, do not consider commercial development to pose a
problem which warrants any type of regulatory action.
(c) Industrial Development: On the land use survey, five
industrial operations were identified. All five locations are east
of Gatesville and are associated with bulk storage or lumber
operations. Limited industrial growth is expected in the next ten
years. Small growth is attributed in part to the short supply of
local community facilities, services, and skilled labor. There is,
however, an abundant supply of raw land and adequate subsur-
face water resources. The Gates County Planning Board does
not consider industrial development to pose a problem requir-
ing any action.
�iRHRRRlN
RlvFR
H E R T f
O R
D
LAND CLASSIFICATION
1976
■ EM w SM o■ w-
(d) Public and Semi -Public Use: Public and semi-public uses
include schools and government offices. The demand for land
under this category has not been intensive in the past. Because
of a lack of population growth, public and semi-public land use
is not expected to be a significant land consuming factor during
the ten-year planning period.
(e) Recreation: Gates County recreational opportunities, as
presently developed, are limited. What does exist is limited
both in variety (primarily hunt clubs) and public availability
(primarily for private use). Facilities for public use structured
around an organized program are non-existent in Gates County.
Although potential exists in the county for recreation (public
and private), the potential cannot develop alone. The people of
Gates County must have the incentive to work and pay for
recreation facilities, and they must let this fact be known.
Recreation development in the county was recognized by the
Gates County Planning participants to be a necessity for county
citizens in the future.
(f) Agricultural: Agricultural land use in Gates County may be
divided into four large groups. They are: non -farm land (tracts
with no significant agricultural production), forest and other
land, harvested cropland, and idle and pasture land. The
percentage of each is shown in the following diagram:
UTILIZATION OF ALL LAND
Forest and Non -farm land
other land 40%
39
o�
Harvested
Cropland
17 % �o
�s
co
a
P10
O
Gates County witnessed its greatest decline in the number of
farms between 1954-64. Within this time period, the number of
farms decreased 46.8%; whereas, the average farm size in-
creased 46.1 %. This points to the continuing trend in the
county of small, less efficient farms giving way to larger, more
efficient farming operations. This trend is expected to continue
in Gates County, but at a slower rate. than in past decades.
(g) Fragile Areas: Fragile areas are not as numerous in Gates
County as they are in other coastal counties. The ones applic-
able to Gates County are estuarine and public trust waters, areas
that sustain remnant species, and wooded swamps.
V 1 R G I N I A
�o
U N
Tr
MAP
7 f .r
Community
Rural
Conservation
( INCLUDES ALL SURFACE WATERS)
V I R G I N I A
�RHFRRry
H
E R
F,°�
EXISTING LAND USE MOAP, r ^
r
1976 36-
LEGEND:
Residential Government &
ism Commercial Institutional
Cultural,
Industrial Entertainment,
Agriculture & & Recreation
Forestland Water
VA.
N C.
1333
36°TS'
G
1002
wndy Crou
\ 43
4r 1413
36°20'
GATES COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
1 0 I 2 3 4 AULES
0 0.5 1 MRE
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
LAND CLASSIFICATION
Purpose
The purpose of the Land Classification System is to encourage
coordination and consistency between local land use policies
and programs of State Government. Lands are classified by the
local governments. The coastal county maps taken together will
be the principal policy guide for State and Federal governmental
decisions, and activities which affect land use in the coastal
area.
The system provides a guide for public investment in land.
For example, state and local agencies can anticipate the need
for early acquisition of lands and easements in the Transition
class for schools, recreation, transportation, and other public
facilities.
The system can also provide a useful framework for budgeting
and planning for the construction of community facilities such
as water and sewer systems, schools, and roads. The resources
of many state and federal agencies, as well as those of the local
government which are used for such facilities, can now be more
efficiently allocated.
In addition, such a system will aid in better coordination of
regulatory policies and decisions. Conservation and Rural Pro-
duction lands will help to focus the attention of state and local
agencies and interests concerned with the valuable natural
resources of the state. On the other hand, lands in the Transi-
tion and Community classes will be of special concern to those
agencies and interests who work for high quality development
through local land use controls such as zoning and subdivision
regulations.
Finally, the system can help to provide guidance for a more
equitable distribution of the land tax burden. Private lands
which are in the Rural and Conservation classes should have low
taxes to reflect the policy that few, if any, public services will be
provided to these lands. In contrast, lands in the Transition class
should be taxed to pay for the large cost of new public services
which will be required to support the density of growth anti-
cipated.
A Land Classification Map is provided in this report for your
convenience. As you read the following descriptions of each
classification, you may visually depict the location of each
throughout the county, and its relationship to surrounding land
classifications.
The following five classifications and definitions have been
adopted by the Coastal Resources Commission for use by local
government planning teams.
Developed
The Developed classification includes all land that has access
to public water and sewer, educational systems, and road
systems - all of which are able to support the present population
and its accompanying land uses including commercial, indus-
trial, and institutional. These are areas with a minimum popula-
tion of 2,000 people per square mile. There are presently no
areas in the county that meet these criteria.
VA.
N C.
m Q
1 �, <
s�o�n co.asbak _9-a
Molly Grove
N
O
3 6° 5,
b
`o
Greens \ GZ�
Fork
1002 \,
Tandy Crou -/ \
a; 1131 -�
1413
co
36°20'
GATES COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
0 1 2 3 4 AULES
0 �J 0.5 1 MU
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
Transition
The Transition classification includes all land that has either
2,000 people per square mile and no public water and sewer, or
land that has public water and sewer, but does not have 2,000
people per square mile. This classification does not apply to any
area of Gates County.
Community
The Community classification includes all lands that have
minimum public services, and includes clusters of one or more
land uses. The Community class is mapped at several locations
in Gates County. This classification logically applies to the areas
around the communities of Eure, Roduco, Gates, Eleanor's
Crossroads, Gatesville, Corapeake, Sunbury and the Hobbsville/
Mintonsville area.
Rural
The Rural classification includes all lands not included in the
developed, transition, community, and conservation classes.
Only limited public services are expected to be developed in
these areas (access roads, electrical lines, etc.). The majority of
Gates County's land is classed as Rural.
Conservation
Conservation is the fifth class. This identifies all land which
should be maintained essentially in its natural state and where
very limited or no public services are provided. These lands are
fragile and may be easily destroyed by development. Areas
adjacent to the Chowan River, Somertan Creek, Barnes Creek,
Sarem Creek, Cole Creek, Bennetts Creek, Trotman Creek, and
Lassitor and Raynor Swamps have been identified as flood prone
areas and wooded swampland. Also included are the Chowan
Swamp State Park, Chowan Swamp Game Land, the State
owned portion of the Merchants Mill Pond, and the recent
Union Camp land donation to the Greater University of North
Carolina located adjacent to the Chowan River between Ben -
netts and Catherine Creeks.
City/County Relationship
The relationship between the county and Town of Gatesville
planning effort has been closely coordinated. Since Gatesville
did not choose to apply for funds to do its Land Development
Plan locally, the county assumed the responsibility, upon
direction of the Guidelines adopted by the Coastal Resources
Commission.
Several methods were used to assure that the relationship
between Gatesville and the county would be coordinated
without conflicts. A questionnaire was distributed to all parts of
the county, to citizens in Gatesville as well as to those in the
rural, unincorporated areas.
Joint public hearings were held in the county. Gatesville
citizens participated in discussions and decisions concerning
the town.
A Citizens Advisory Board was appointed which included
representatives from the rural county and the Town.
As you review the Land Classification Map provided herein,
you will notice that the Community classification extends from
the town's jurisdiction, without conflict, into the unincorpor-
ated rural areas.

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POPULATION PROJECTION'. r, „�.,., rl I r „., r..., „��,„.,. rrIII ..r,„,,. ,L,......L•�.-..,.I...,„, I�I I
Estuarine Waters
(a) Description: Estuarine waters are defined as "all of the
The size, distribution, characteristics and trends of a popula- water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Caro-
tion are the principal factors involved in determining the future lina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tribu-
needs of an area's educational facilities, recreation facilities, taries thereto seaward of the dividing line between coastal
social services, transportation, and public services (water, fishing waters and inland fishing waters."
sewer, police, etc.) (b) Significance: Estuaries are among the most productive
Population changes occur for many reasons. The most obvi- natural environments of North Carolina. They not only support
ous factor causing gpopulation change is econo
mic conditio
n,
valuable commercial ands sports fisheries, but are also used for
P
particularly employment opportunity. Recreation facilities, the commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes. Fish
quality of life in a community, and other factors also influence dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder,
population, oysters and crabs make up over 90 percent of the total value of
Gates County's population has been declining for more than North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must spend
three decades, largely the result of residents leaving. For the all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level
near and intermediate -term future this decline will continue, of commercial and sports fisheries, and the aesthetic appeal of
The Cates County citizens who participated in this study Coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protection and
reviewed several sets of population projections, the majority of quality of our estuarine areas.
which predicts a declining population each decade through the (c) Appropriate Uses: Highest priority shall be given to the
year 2025. In no sense, however, are these projections to be conservation of estuarine waters. The development of naviga-
considered to be inevitable. Any number of developments tional channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and
could take place in the future that cannot be predicted from the building of piers or wharfs where no other practical alter -
past trends. native exists are examples of land uses appropriate within
estuarine waters, provided that such land uses will not be
Year Estimated Population detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine functions
1980 8,025 and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or in-
1990 7,577 directly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase
2000 7,139 shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause
2025 6,929 adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality stan-
dards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally
POTENTIAL AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN considered incompatible with the management of estuarine
waters.
Various areas have been identified throughout the coastal (d) Applicability to Cates county; Estuarine waters in Cates
counties as areas of great environmental importance. These County have been identified as the Chowan River, Somertan
are areas in which uncontrolled or incompatible development Creek, Buckhorn Creek up to the Seaboard Railroad, Sarem
Creek to the intersection of Sarem and Cole Creeks, Bennetts
might result in irreparable damage, Without coordinated man- Creek to within two miles of Catesville, and Catherine Creek to
agement, the very features of the coast which make it economi- tally, aesthetically, and ecologically rich will be destroyed. the intersection of Catherine and Trotman Creeks,
Due to the distance of Cates County from the coast, many of Public Trust Waters
the environmentally critical areas identified in other coastal
counties are not applicable in Cates. Development trends in (a) Description: All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
other coastal counties (seasonal population demands, etc.) that lands thereunder; all navigable natural bodies of water and
accompany development which is detrimental to sensitive lands thereunder except privately owned lakes to which the
environmental areas are not as prevalent in Gates County. Estuarine waters, public trust waters, and areas that sustain public has rights of navigation; all waters in artificially created
bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by
remnant species are the only types of environmentally critical areas identified in Gates County, prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. '
(b) Appropriate Uses: Any land use which interferes with the
public right of navigation, or other public trust rights, which the
public may be found to have in these waters, shall not be
allowed. The development of navigational channels, drainage
ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the
building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appropriate
within public trust waters provided that such land uses will not
be detrimental to the biological and physical functions and
public trust rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly
block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline
erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse
water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or
cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered
incompatible with the management of public trust waters.
(c) Applicability to Gates County: Includes all waters that are
capable of being navigated in its natural condition by the'
ordinary modes of navigation including modes of navigation
used for recreational purposes.
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INTRODUCTION
This is a summary of the much longer and more technically
written Gates County Land Development Plan. The purpose of
this Synopsis is to provide a readable, concise document, that
informs you of the efforts made by the County Commissioners,
Planning Board, and County citizens to prepare a plan for the
future development of Cates County,
Upon direction of the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974,
each designated coastal county has been given the opportunity
to'prepare Its own plan to guide future land development. The
Coastal Act stresses the point that local people should choose
the direction to be taken by development within their respective
jurisdiction.
In recent years, rigid demands have been placed on our land
and natural resources that were not evident in the past. Rapidly
advancing technology, and an increasing population are among
the major causes. We have moved into an era where various
uses of the land in one area not only may adversely affect
adjoining land owners, but may also affect the property values
and use. of land miles away.
To protect natural resources and property values, it is neces-
sary to direct future development to areas that can withstand
the demand. In that way, the least harm will come to the
environment we all treasure, and wish to pass on to future
generations.
An effort is being made to provide every household with a
copy of this Synopsis. Additional copies, along with the Gates
County Land Development Plan, may be acquired by contacting
the County Manager's Office in Catesville. It is the wish of those
that have been involved in the planning process that you will
read this summary, and attend any future meetings to voice
opinions that you may have. Your comments and participation
have been recognized as the most important ingredients in any
process involving the determination of how land should be used
in the future.
MAJOR LAND USE PROBLEMS
Many of the major land use problems that are prevalent in
other coastal counties are not as evident in Gates County, This
is primarily due to our distance from the sounds and ocean, and
the county's landlocked characteristics. Intensive land develop-
ment has been very limited in the past, This trend is expected to
continue due to a projected population decline in years to
come. As a result, the county citizens rated land use planning as
the lowest priority on a list involving ten county needs.
A rapid influx of mobile homes has been identified by the
Citizens Advisory Board as one of the major issues confronting
the county. Recently, minimum standards for lot size,, park
development, tie -down requirements, etc,, were adopted. These
will assure a high degree of protection for citizens' health,
safety, and land values. Only through continued enforcement
of these existing regulations will minimum standards be imple-
mented.
The use of individual wells, particularly shallow ones, and
septic tanks in high density areas is posing a threat to the health
of citizens of the county. Such areas as Eure, Roduco, Eleanor's
n n viIl o
k Sunbury to s e d
Crossroads, Corapea , S b y and Hobbsville/Mi
not have public water or sewer services. It may be necessary to
establish water corporations or sanitary districts in these areas in
order to eliminate the potential danger of contaminated drink-
ing water.
Gates County has not felt the "growth pains" that other
coastal counties are enduring as a result of recreational devel-
opment and urban spillover, With a declining resident popula-
tion and few seasonal visitors, the demand upon public services
and natural resources has been minimal. This has been the trend
in Cates County for decades, and is projected by the citizens to
continue.
II
Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
(a) Description: Areas that sustain remnant species are those
places that support plants or animals, rare or endangered,
within the coastal area.
(b) Significance: Complex natural areas provide the few
remaining examples of conditions that existed within the coastal
area prior to settlement by Western man. Often these natural
n I r rare or endangered
areas provide living conditions suitable for r e g
species, or they support plant and animal communities repre-
sentative of pre -settlement conditions: These areas help provide
a historical perspective to changing natural conditions in the
coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable
scientific and educational resources.
(c) Appropriate Land Uses: Lands within these areas shall not
be planned for uses or kinds of development that will unneces-
sarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the natural
area directly or indirectly through increased accessibility. Addi-
tionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural area should not
be planned for additional development that would unneces-
sarily endanger the recognized value of the area. The range of
permissible uses and intensity of use must be carefully tailored
to the individual area.
(d) Applicability to Cates County: The red -cockaded wood-
pecker occurs in stands of mature loblolly pine. The south-
eastern shrew, swamp short -tailed shrew and southern hog
lemming occur in the Dismal Swamp or eastern portion of the
county, All of these are classified endangered species. The
endangered shortnosed sturgeon and the Atlantic sturgeon
probably occur in the Chowan River, however, occurrence
records are scarce for these species.
IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW, AND DISTRIBUTION
A comprehensive land development plan alone cannot
achieve recommended policies of land use and land classifi-
cation. The plan only serves a� a beginning point -- to identify
trends and how to minimize problems associated with those
trends. Only through implergentaiton, the subsequent stage
involving regulation enforcement, may growth be guided to
areas suitable for development.
Cates County is presently I enforcing regulations to guide
mobile home growth and development. Other measures that
serve to guide development are the Sediment Control Ordinance
and Septic Tank Regulations. It will be necessary to continue to
enforce these. According to the priority list adopted by the
Gates County Citizen Planners) however, land use planning will
be given last consideration of all public services. Therefore, any
other implementing tools such as zoning, subdivision regula-
tions, minimum electrical, plumbing, and building standards
are not expected to be given Isenous consideration in the near
future.
Whenever a comprehensive plan is adopted, it is not consi-
dered to be the final blueprint for development. Whenever
unexpected trends occur, it is certainly necessary to update
plans that could not anticipate such trends. It will also be
necessary to revise this plan in light of changing conditions,
new technology, national economic trends, etc. This will be
done every five years as required by CAMA. Your participation
in this process will be of the utmost importance.
It is the intent of the County Commissioners to distribute this
Synopsis to all citizens throughout the county by mail. The
Plan, Synopsis, and Maps will be on display in the Courthouse
during the distribution period for all interested parties' review
and comment.
Community Facilities
Carrying Capacity: Land and Water Capabilities
LAND USE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Coastal Resources Commission is requiring that crucial
Public Participation
and identifiable carrying capacity issues be addressed in the
land use plans: "Particular attention should be given to the
Before forming land use goals and objectives, and recom-
capability of the land to sustain whatever growth is called for,
mending them to the County Commissioners, the Planning
with emphasis on the limitations of the natural resources of the
Board used several methods to acquire citizen input. A 42-
area."
member Citizens Advisory Board was appointed by the Planning
The increasing density pattern of septic tank systems in the
Board in an effort to acquire a large number of participants
coastal area has led to a degradation of both ground and surface
representing an adequate cross section of the county, involving
waters. The most recent figures indicate that in the 20 county
all age groups, sex and racer These two Boards, through various
coastal area, 89% of the land areas have soils judged to be
methods, contacted the public to solicit their views and ideas
unsuitable for conventional septic tank systems. Summarized in
which were subsequently incorporated into the plan.
a different way, if conventional septic systems are used for
The County School System's aid with distributing question -
sewage disposal in the coastal area region, approximately 90%
naires was effective in the task of educating the public about
of these systems will malfunction and fail within the first year's
the land use planning process. After township meetings were
use. By failing, it is meant that the water that leaves the system
held, each Planning Board member (along with his respective
will not be satisfactorily purified. This problem is primarily due
Citizen Advisory Board member) held a public hearing in his
to soil limitations, The soils cannot filter out the harmful
township to formally request citizen views about the plan and
elements in the water before they enter drinking water supplies.
policy statement formulation.
Detailed information concerning existing waste treatment
Another joint public hearing was required prior to the adop-
facilities in Gates County follows.
tion of the final plan by the County Commissioners. Subsequent
to this action, a public hearing was held by the Coastal
WASTE TREAMENT PLANTS
Resources Commission before their final approval of the plan.
Public hearing notices and advertisements were given as re-
Shoups Chowan River Inn
quired by the Act,
Design Capacity:.005 MCD
Current flow; •007 MCD
Land Use Goals and Objectives
Receiving stream: Tributary to Chowan River '
Treatment: septic tank
I f aspresent,and projected
As a result of the above study o past, p �
Adequacy; inadequate
land use, a policy statement, to be used as a guide for future
land use decisions, was adopted. According to the Guidelines
OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN
offered by the Coastal Resources Commission, "The basic policy
None
decisions in any effective program of countywide land use
planning must be made within the county —by the people
familiar with local tradition, local problems and local desires for
the future." After conducting a series of public meetings,
questionnaire distribution and township meetings, the Planning
Board compiled the following needs assessment for the Board of
County Commissioners.
1) LAW ENFORCEMENT; There is a definite need for a full-
time qualified enforcement staff including an immediate
II
need for at least one additional deputy.
*
2) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS/LAND USE PLAN-
I II,
NING: They should be covered by the County Land Use
I II
Plan.
3) EDUCATION: There is a need for a larger gymnasium in
W
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the school system, and a need for an auditorium suffi-
..
cient in size to accommodate both school and county
activities,
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I
4 COMMUNITY FACILITIES: A need for a child care center
)
`
for working parents.
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S WATER: A need for acount -wide water system.
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6) RECREATION: Need for supervised programs for youth.
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7) INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT; A
need for a continued effect to attract desirable industry,
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industryhunt r A need forprofessionale .
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8) MEDICAL FACILITIES: A desperate need for doctors, and
a clinic to serve Cates County.
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9) SOCIAL SERVICES: A need for expanded social services.
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facilities.
10 CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: A need for library face sties.
iq
The people in Gates County at public meetings ranked the
IP4I"�
importance of the needs as follows:
" II
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1) Law Enforcement
2) Medical Facilities
3) Community Facilities
r
4) Educational
5) Recreation
6) Cultural Activities
7) Social Services
8) Industrial Development and Employment
9) Environmental Considerations
10) Land Use Planning
When the population of an area is projected to increase, a
subsequent increase in the demands for public services should
be anticipated. Although the population of Cates County is
projected to decline, the citizen planners of the county have
identified facilities which are presently inadequate to serve the
existing population. Expansion is needed in the schools, trans-
portation system and the water and sewer services. I
Each public school in Cates County has been evaluated by the
NorthCa
rolina Department of Public Instruction re
garding the
capacity of each facility to sustain an increased average daily
membership. According to the study, each school's average
daily membership is far below the maximum capacity range and
all schools are physically adequate except one. The Sunbury
Elementary School has been determined by the long-range
evaluation of an architect and engineer to be substandard. The
short-range recommendation suggests that this faiclity should
continue to be used as long as normal maintenance and upkeep
is performed. However, the long-range recommendation is to
replace the Sunbury Elementary School with a new facility,
Cates County students have access to a number of institutions
of higher education. The College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth
City, Chowan College, Elizabeth City State University, and
Roanoke-Chowan Technical Institute are all within easy com-
muting distance of Cates County residents.
The county's present highway needs are met by Highways 13,
158, and N.C. 32, and a number of state secondary roads which
crisscross the county, These roads provide access to all parts of
the county and connect the county with the nearby regional
trade centers of Elizabeth City and the Norfolk -Suffolk Metro-
politan area.
According to the Department of Transportation, the capacity
for a two-lane highway is between 5,700 - 8,200 vehicles per
day, Recent count of the Cates County highway network reveals
that no highways are presently exceeding the maximum capa-
city, The existing highway network should be sufficient to
handle traffic conditions within the planning period.
There is one existing public water facility in Cates County,
The Town of Gatesville maintains a distribution system serving a
population of approximately 460 people, Water for rural homes
outside the Catesville service area is obtained from indivi-
dual wells. Most existing wells are inadequate as far as capacity
is concerned, and are not protected from surface contamina-
tion. Additional contamination is a potential hazard during
excessive rainfall. A public water system is needed in many of
these areas because individual private wells are shallow, pro-
ducing hard, high -iron content water, A high chloride content is
also a problem in some parts of the county, The condition is
made worse by the low elevation, flat terrain, high water table,
and swamp areas. The water stains and deteriorates plumbing
fixtures, stains clothes, and is unpleasant in taste and odor,
Most wells are also subject to pollution from nearby septic tanks
and privies. This creates a serious health hazard that will
continue until the county implements a plan to provide a public
water supply system that is plentiful and free of contamination.
A public water feasibility study was prepared for Gates
County recommending a county -wide system. Total estimated
project cost would be 3'/2 million dollars. According to the
feasibility study, the water system appears economically feasi-
ble with the aid of a FHA loan and grant, a state grant, a Coastal
Plains grant, and a favorable user sign-up. In the event that
grants are not available, and that total user sign-up is not
sufficient, the system could be constructed in phases, with each
phase coordinated so that the goal of a county -wide water
system could be achieved. The construction area of each phase
would depend on the location of the greatest number of
signed users, and the availability of funds.
The present practice of using septic tanks and leaching fields
for the disposal of waste from residences and small commercial
users throughout the rural areas of the county will continue.
Some small rural towns such as Sunbury. and Gates are fairly
concentrated but may not be large enough to justify a public
sewerage system at this time.
w.r %1111w1 I.MW IQ*
II,�� '1' M 'I";N'N '�I' IIII III II'wlyll'41 III r,
1I I �,1 I i � IIM�I i I I �aIIIII I� Ili it 4I I� Il ,y �) I I'll `
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Prepared by the
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
and
CITIZENS
of Gates County
North Carolina
With Assistance from
The Local Planning and Management
Services Section
Department of Natural and
Economic Resources
1976
This report was financed in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the State of North Carolina, and meets the requirements
of the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.