Natural Areas Inventory-1981

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Natural Areas Inventory
of
Tyrrell County, North Carolina
Charles B. McDonald
Andrew N. Ash
Department of Biology
East Carolina University
JANUARY 1981
North Carolina
Coastal Energy Impact Program
Office of Coastal Management
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
CEIP REPORT NO.8
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

To order:
Residents of North Carolina may
receive a single copy of a
publication free upon request.
Non-residents may purchase
publications for the prices
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residency. Prices for'these are
indicated in the price list as
being "for all requests".
When ordering publications
please provide the publication
number and title and enclose a
check made payable to DNRCD. For
a complete list of CEIP
publications - or to place an
order - contact:
Coastal Energy Impact Program
Office of Coastal Management
N.C. Department of Natural
Resources and Community
Development
Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
Series Edited by James F. Smith
Cover Design by Jill Miller

AWL
February 16, 1981
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Ken Stewart
Dave Owens
Ralph Cantral
Pres Pate
John Holley
John Parker
Charles Pattison
Geoff Willett
Steve Benton
OCM, LIBRARY
JAN 29 1032
Susan Schmidt
'Dave Gossett ,
Charles Jones
Doug Ringer
Rob Moul
Bob Stroud
Jim Mercer
im Stott
George Wood
Liz Lance
Jim Smith '
CEIP Project Completion - Survey of Natural Areas
in Tyrrell County
1. "A Survey of Natural Areas in Tyrrell County, North Carolina" .
by C. B. McDonald and A. N. Ash has just been completed. It consists
of a 139-page narrative and a reference set of 13 topographic (7.5'
series) maps marked to show community types/land use and the priority
of preservation (roughly an index of disturbance) for all land in the
county. A copy of the introduction and general discussion is attached
to this memo for your information; it summarizes the contents and
conclusions of the study.
2. Copies of the full narrative will automatically be provided to
Tyrrell County, Dave Gossett, Susan Schmidt, OCM Library, the ECU
environmental geologic atlas project, four university libraries (ECU,
NCSU, UNC,-and Duke), Wildlife Resources, Corps of Engineers, U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service - Ecological Branch, and Parks and Recreation.
Please let me know where other copies should go. The reference map
set will be kept at OCM in Raleigh.
3. Five more inventories are in progress:
Carteret County- expected by'2/28/81
Brunswick County - expected April 1981
Gates County - expected September 1981
Craven County - expected September.1981
Pender County - expected September 1981
4. This project has been funded by the Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP).
JFS/er
Attachment
cc: Art Cooper
Frank Furlough
V;'

V
Introduction and General Discussion
Tyrrell County, North Carolina is located on the south shore of the
Albemarle Sound between Washington County and the Alligator River. It is
an area of low elevation (0 to 17 feet) and little topographic relief
encompassing 399 square miles. About 55 percent of the county is wetland
of swamp forest, pocosin, or marsh while the remaining upland is mostly
managed pine plantation or cultivated fields. The population of about
5000 is supported by agriculture, logging, and fishing, and although the
standard of living does not seem as high as in the more industrialized
portions of the state, the citizens of Tyrrell County still enjoy high
quality life in terms of open space, clean air and access to outdoor
recreation.
During the summer of 1980 a project was undertaken to develop
vegetation maps, locate potential natural areas, and further survey those
areas for the North Carolina Natural'Heritage Program. Since very little
natural heritage information was available the first objective of this
project was a general familiarization with the entire county. This was
accomplished by ground reconnaissance and the use of orthophotoquad aerial
photographs. Virtually every road in the county was traveled, many of
them being nearly impassible farm or logging roads. In this way shades
and textures on the orthophotoquad maps could be matched with actual
vegetation types. Outlines of units of vegetation were marked on the
orthophotoquad maps for later transfer to the corresponding topographic
sheets. One readily apparent problem with this technique involved the
age of the aerial photographs and subsequent extensive changes in land use.
For this reason considerable effort was devoted to redrawing field boundaries
and marking the extent of recent logging. Despite the work involved, this
effort has produced relatively accurate information about the extent of
recent land conversion in this county. Eleven different plant community
land use types were recognized and mapped. These were:
A) Fresh water marsh. These marshes are generally dominated
by cattail. Sawgrass is often"a subdominant.
B) Swamp forests. These consist of gum and some cypress.
They vary in age depending on the last logging.
C) White cedar swamp forests. Areas that appear to have
50% or greater dominance by Atlantic white cedar. Lower
density stands have been mapped as swamp forest.
D) Pine -swamp hardwoods. Areas dominated by loblolly pine
with a subcanopy of black gum, sweet gum, and red maple.
This association is found in the slightly better drained
portions of what would otherwise be swamp forest.
Ls'

2
E) Pine -upland hardwoods. Old loblolly pines in association
with mature red oak, southern red oak, tulip poplar, and
beech. 'Very limited in extent due to conversion of this
land to pine plantation or agriculture.
F) Pocosin/Bay forest. A heterogenous assemblage of community
types that can varyconsiderably in general aspect. All
develop in peat soils and are characterized by an impenetrable
shrub layer. Areas that are open or have a high canopy
dominance of pond pine would be called pocosin. Areas with
significant numbers of red bay and loblolly bay would be
called bay forest.
G) Old pine stands. Planted loblolly pines that exceed about
30 years. Few such areas are intensively managed so old
pine stands have started to develop stratification into
canopy, subcanopy, shrub, and herb layers.
H) Young pine stands. Planted loblolly pines that are less than
about 30 years. The pines are still so dense that vertical
stratification has not yet developed.
I) Unmanaged early seral. Mostiyrecently logged and abandoned
areas in swamp forest. Also used to designate recently
disturbed areas anywhere that the future use of the land could
not be determined.
J) Agricultural fields. Land devoted to row crop agriculture.
K) Urban.
As reconnaissance and mapping progressed, lists were being compiled
of the plants and animals that were encountered. These lists of 227 plants
and 89 animals (see attached sheets) represent only a portion of the
natural diversity but they do give an idea of the types of organisms and
amount of diversity present. Vouchers are deposited in the ECU herbarium.
e
Once mapping was complete, the next task was the selection of potential
natural areas. Since the extensive mapping amounted to an initial investi-
gation of all potential areas it was not necessary to designate a large
number of areas and then "sift out" those of little potential as might have
been done if the initial reconnaissance had been limited to aerial ob-
servations or map inspection. Areas were selected on several criterea:
1) those areas without recent disturbance that have developed'into
exemplary examples of Coastal Plain plant communities; 2) those areas
that seemed to have potential for harboring rare or endangered organisms;
3) those isolated areas that might serve as wildlife sanctuaries; and,
4) those areas with high scenic or aesthetic value. Naturally enough,
each of the selected areas qualified for more than one of the above reasons.
As measures of comparison we used our general knowledge of the Coastal Plain
and our more extensive knowledge of Tyrrell County. Ultimately some of the

4
corridors is the black bear for it allows them to have large home ranges
without ever venturing into the open upland. We have observed signs of
bear in virtually every lowland part of the county so perhaps this county
has 'a relatively healthy population (see attached map).
Even though Tyrrell County has vast areas of relatively undisturbed
wetland, there are still threats to the wildlife and natural diversity.
One possible threat is peat mining but this probably will not occur very
soon, at least not in Tyrrell County itself. The major threat has been
and still is land conversion for agriculture. By comparing present field
boundaries with the orthophotoquad maps, we determined that 27,160 acres
have been cleared and converted to row crop agriculture since the photo-
graphs were taken with most of this probably being done in the latter part
of the 1970's. Much of this land was pine plantation that had been cut
and abandoned but other portions were swamp forest and pocosin constituting
high quality wildlife habitat. Hopefully, this conversion is near an end
and will allow present wildlife corridors to remain intact. Further
modification can only be detrimental to wildlife populations while further
alteration of runoff patterns could produce major detrimental changes in
the estuary. If the general soils map for Tyrrell County is reasonably
accurate, it would indicate that land conversion is largely complete.
Most of the soils that appear suitable for agriculture have ether been
converted to that purpose or the land is owned by timber companies who
will maintain the land in pine production. We certainly hope that this
proves to be the case and that most of Tyrrell County's remaining pocosins,
swamp forests, streams, shores, and marshes can be preserved with minimal
further change.
o,

3 •
selected areas may be found to have only local or regional significance
while others, hopefully, will be significant of the state or even national
level.
The site specific investigations of each potential area concentrated
on the development of a good general description of that area usually based
on quantitative samples. This information could be gathered in a relatively
short period of time and it was felt that at this stage accurate information
about the structure and geographic extent of an area would be more valuable
than exhaustive collecting and observations that might fail to produce any
sightings of rare or endangered organisms. Due to this approach it is
strongly recommended that some of the designated areas be further investigated
with the specific purpose of locating rare plants and animals.
Eight areas were selected. We feel that five of the areas should have
a very high priority for further investigation while the other three
should be placed at medium priority. The areas are located in all parts
of the country and vary in size from 154 to 29,793 acres (see attached map).
All are wetland habitats. The high priority areas and their sizes are:
Upper Alligator River Pocosin; 29,793 acres
Buck Island Bay Forest; 1,368 acres
Upper Alligator River Marsh; 971 acres
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest; 7,569 acres
Frying Pan Lake White Cedar Forest; 154 acres.
The medium priority areas and their sizes are:
Harvester Road Tall Pocosin; 7,989 acres
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline; 1,633 acres
Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp Forest; 16,044 acres.
Of all the areas, the most significant seems to be the Upper Alligator
River Pocosin. This huge tract represents only a portion of a much larger
area that issouth of Lake Phelps in Washington and Hyde Counties (see
attached map). This vast system of about 124 square miles has been greatly
modified by prior attempts at agriculture and is now threatened by the
possibility of peat mining. The segment that we have designated as the
Upper Alligator River Pocosin is the least disturbed portion of this system
and remains the best example of unmodified or only slightly modified
pocosin on the Albemarle Pamlico Peninsula. This segment is much lower
in elevation than the area south of Lake Phelps and at mostly less than 5
feet above sea level future peat mining would be difficult. If accomplished,
the mining of this area would result in the formation of a lake or marsh.
If permits are ever granted for peat mining south of Lake Pehlps, we
recommend that the state attempt to acquire the Upper Alligator River
Pocosin in partial mitigation for that destruction.
Although we have identified specific potential natural areas in
Tyrrell County, other wetland areas that were not chosen may be equally
significant for shelter and wildlife movement. All of the wetlands in
this county are interconnected creating corridors that allow unmolested
movement. Perhaps the best example of an animal that benefits from these
o-
A I a
V:'

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Ge4eral Discussion . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 1
Natural Area Inventories
Upper Alligator River Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 16
Harvester Road Tall Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 37
Buck Island Bay Forest . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 51
Upper Alligator River Marsh . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 65
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 78
Frying Pan Lake White Cedar Forest . . . . . . . . .
. . . 95
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 109
Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp Forest . . . . . .
. . . . . 126
Topographic Maps
L
w

A SURVEY OF NATURAL AREAS IN
TYRRELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
for
The North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program
Coastal Natural Area Inventory Project
by
Dr. Charles B. McDonald
)
Department of Biology, East Carolina University
and
. Dr. Andrew N. Ash
Department of Biology, East Carolina University
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 NA-79-AA-D-
CA097.
January 1981
CEIP Report No. 8
1Department of Biology
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27834

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Introduction and General Discussion . . . • • • • • • • • . ' ' 1
Natural Area Inventories
Upper Alligator River Pocosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Buck Island Bay Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Upper Alligator River Marsh . . . . . . . . . • . 41
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Frying Pan Lake White Cedar Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Harvester Road Tall Pocosin . . . . . . . • • • • • • • . 71
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline . . . . . . . • • • ' . ' 81
Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp Forest . . . . . . . . . 92
Bibliography

List of Figures
I.
Map of Tyrrell County, N.C., showing eight natural areas
inventoried.
3
2•
Washington-Hyde-Tyrreli Pocosin System
5
3.
Tyrrell County Wetlands
15
4.
Location of Upper Alligator River Pocosin
17
5.
Boundary and Significant Features, Upper Alligator River
Pocosin
21A
6.
Access Information, Upper Alligator River Pocosin
22
7.
Ownership Information, Upper Alligator River Pocosin
24
8.
Boundary and Significant Features, Buck Island Bay Forest.
32
9.
Access Information, Buck Island Bay Forest.
34
10.
Boundary and Significant Features, Upper Alligator River
Marsh
43
11.
Boundary and Significant Features, Scuppernong River Swamp
Forest
50
12.
Ownership Information, Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
58
13.
Boundary and Significant Features, Frying Pan Lake Atlantic
White Cedar Forest
64
14.
Access Information, Frying Pan Lake Atlantic White Cedar
Forest
66
15.
Location of Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
72
16.
Boundary and Significant Features, Harvester Road Tall
Pocosin
73
17.
Access Information, Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
75
18.
Ownership Information, Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
78
19.
Boundary and Significant Features, Albemarle Sound Low
Shoreline
82
20.
Ownership Information, Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
84
21.
Boundary and Significant Features, Alligator Creek Second
Creek Swamp Forest
94
22.
Access Information, Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp
Forest.
95
23.
Ownership Information, Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp
Forest.
97

List of Tables
1.
Plant Species List for Tyrrell County, N.C.
7
2.
Animal Species List for Tyrrell County, N.C.
11
3.
Master Species List for Upper Alligator River Pocosin
28
4.
Sampling Summary, Upper Alligator River Pocosin
19
5.
Significance Summary, Upper Alligator River Pocosin
21
6.
Sampling Summary, Buck Island Bay Forest
35
7.
Sampling Summary, Upper Alligator River Marsh
44
8.
Sampling Summary, Scuppernong Swamp Forest
52
9.
Plant Species List, Swamp Forest
57
10.
Ownership Information, Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
59
11.
Sampling Summary, Frying Pan Lake Atlantic White Cedar
Forest
65
12.
Sampling Summary, Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
83
13.
Ownership Information, Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp
Forest.
100

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 Tyrrell
County inventory was conducted in 1980 and was financed by
a Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) grant. CEIP funded
the Tyrrell County survey because of the potential environ-
mental impacts of peat mining and other energy -related
development.
The recommendations made in this report by Dr. Charles
B. McDonald and Dr. Andrew N. Ash are advisory. Their
inventory and recommendations are designed to help state
and federal agencies, county officials, resource managers,
landowners and developers work out effective land manage-
ment and preservation mechanisms to protect the eight
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, Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National
Marine Fisheries 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.
Charles McDonald and Andrew Ash are experienced field
biologists, with respective specialties in botany and
zoology. The investigators, at the time of this project,
were faculty members with the Department of Biology, East
Carolina University. Both were well qualified to identify,
describe, and evaluate the outstanding natural areas of
the county.
Project investigators were instructed to identify
natural areas that contain highly unique, endangered, or
rare natural features, or high -quality representations
of relatively undisturbed natural habitats, and which may
be vulnerable to threats and damage from land use changes.
The perspective taken by the investigators focused
strictly on the county, and their original ratings for
described sites did not attempt to assess the sites in
comparison to other similar habitats in the region.
Since the completion of the Tyrrell County survey,
additional natural areas inventories have been conducted
for the other counties of the Pamlico -Albemarle Peninsula.
i

Based on comparative assessments to other natural areas
in other North Carolina coastal counties, the DNRCD Natural
Heritage Program rates the Tyrrell County natural areas on
a statewide perspective as follows:
Statewide significance (high)
Upper Alligator River Pocosin
Regional significance (medium)
Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
Buck Creek Bay Forest
Frying Pan White Cedar Stand
Upper Alligator River Marsh
Local significance (low)
Scuppernong River Swamp
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
Alligator Creek - Second Creek Swamp Forest
In addition to this survey report, Drs. Ash and
McDonald prepared topographic maps on which they mapped
vegetation covers for the entire county. This remark-
able "snapshot" of land use in Tyrrell County in the
fall of 1980 can be compared to pocosin maps and aerial
photographs to document the extraordinarily rapid clear-
ing, draining and land conversion activities which have
been occurring in Tyrrell County since 1974.
The Office of Coastal Management, and the Coastal
Resources Commission which it serves, implement the
Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (CAMA). Under this
statute, the North Carolina Coastal Management Plan has
been prepared and approved. It includes the definition
and designation of various Areas of Environmental Concern
(AEC). In some cases, AECs may coincide with natural
areas that are herein recommended for preservation or
special management.
Peat mining has particular implications for these
natural areas, some of which overlay exploitable peat
deposits. Mining will remove natural vegetation, perma-
nently alter the hydrology of the region, lower surface
soil types from high organic histosoils to the clayey,
sandy, and loamy soils typical of other parts of the
outer coastal plain. Thus, natural communities, once
mining is complete, almost certainly could never be re-
established or reclaimed on mined -out land. Preservation
of the best natural areas, and appropriate hydrological
management, is necessary prior to and during active peat
mining.
ii

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 revealed
a number of natural areas that possess natural elements
of statewide or regional priority and are important parts
of North Carolina's natural diversity. Most of the
identified sites were previously unknown and undocumented
by the state's scientific community. The Natural Heritage
Program hopes that these areas will be protected for the
benefits of present and future 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 17, 1982
iii

Introduction and General Discussion
Tyrrell County, North Carolina is located on the south shore of the
Albemarle Sound between Washington County and the Alligator River. It
is an area of low elevation (0 to 17 feet) and little topographic relief
encompassing 399 square miles. About 55 percent of the county is wet-
land of swamp forest, pocosin, or marsh while the remaining upland is
mostly managed pine planatation or cultivated fields. The population of
about 5000 is supported by agriculture, logging, and fishing, and
although the standard of living does not seem as high as in the more
industrialized portions of the state, the citizens of Tyrrell County
still enjoy high quality life in terms of open space, clean air and
access to outdoor recreation.
During the summer of 1980 a project was undertaken to develop
vegetation maps, locate potential natural areas, and further survey
those areas for the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Since very
little natural heritage information was available the first objective of
this project was a general familiarization with the entire county. This
was accomplished by ground reconnaissance and the use of orthophotoquad
aerial photographs. Virtually every road in the county was traveled,
many of them being nearly impassible farm or logging roads. In this way
shades and textures on .the orthophotoquad maps could be matched with
actual vegetation types. Outlines of units of vegetation were marked on
the orthophotoquad maps for later transfer to the corresponding topo-
graphic sheets. One readily apparent problem with this technique
involved the age of the aerial photographs and subsequent extensive
changes in land use. For this reason considerable effort was devoted to
redrawing field boundaries and marking the extent of recent logging.
Despite the work involved, this effort has produced relatively accurate
information about the extent of recent land conversion in this county.
Eleven different plant community land use types were recognized and
mapped. These were:
A) Fresh water marsh. These marshes are generally dominated by
cattail. Sawgrass is often a subdominant.
B) Swamp forests. These consist of gum and some cypress. They
vary in age depending on the last logging.
C) White cedar swamp forests. Areas that appear to have 50% or
greater dominance by Atlantic white cedar. Lower density
stands have been mapped as swamp forest.
D) Pine -swamp hardwoods. Areas dominated by loblolly pine with a
subcanopy of black gum, sweet gum, and red maple. This associa-
tion is found in the slightly better drained portions of what
would otherwise be swamp forest.
E) Pine -upland hardwoods: Old loblolly pines in association with
mature red oak, southern red oak, tulip poplar, and beech.
Very limited in extent due to conversion of this land to pine
plantation or agriculture.
It

-2-
F) Pocosin/Bay forest. A heterogenous assemblage of community
types that can vary considerably in general aspect. All
develop in peat soils and are characterized by an impenetrable
shrub layer. Areas that are open or have a high canopy
dominance of pond pine would be called pocosin. Areas with
significant numbers of red bay and loblolly bay would be
called bay forest.
G) Old pine stands. Planted loblolly pines that exceed about 30
years. Few such areas are intensively managed so old.pine
stands have started to develop stratification into canopy,
subcanopy, shrub, and herb layers.
H) Young pine stands. Planted loblolly pines that are less than
about 30 years. The pines are still so dense that vertical
stratification has not yet developed.
I) Unmanaged early seral. Most recently logged and abandoned
areas in 'swamp forest. Also used to designate recently
disturbed areas anywhere that the future use of the land could
not be determined.
J) Agricultural fields. Land devoted to row crop agriculture.
K) Urban.
As reconnaissance and mapping progressed, lists were being compiled
of the plants and animals that were encountered. These lists of 227
plants and 89 animals (See Tables 1 and 2.) represent only a portion of
the natural diversity but they do give an idea of the types of organisms
and amount of diversity present. Vouchers are deposited in the ECU
herbarium.
Once mapping was complete, the next task was the selection of
potential natural areas. Since the extensive mapping amounted to an
initial investigation of all potential areas it was not necessary to
designate a large number of areas and then "sift out" those of little
potential as might have been done if the initial reconnaissance had been
limited to aerial observations or map inspection. Areas were selected
on several criteria: a) those areas without recent disturbance that
have developed into exemplary examples of Coastal Plain plant
communities; 2) those areas that seemed to have potential for harboring
rare or endangered organisms; 3) those isolated areas that might serve
as wildlife sanctuaries; and, 4) those areas with high scenic or
aesthetic value. Naturally enough, each of the selected areas qualified
for more than one of the above reasons. As measures of comparison we
used our general knowledge of the Coastal Plain and our more extensive
knowledge of Tyrrell County. Ultimately some of the selected areas may
be found to have only local or regional significance while others,
hopefully, will be significant of the state or even national level.
The site specific investigations of each potential area con-
centrated on the development of a good description of that area usually
based on quantitative samples. This information could be gathered in a

i
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LEGEND
A. NATURAL AREAS
1. Upper Alligator River Pocosin
% 2. Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
3. Buck Island Bay Forest
4A tj� 4. Upper Alligator River Marsh
5. Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
�' 6. Frying Pan Lake White Cedar Forest
h �•.r ✓" E,j. i 7. Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
t
8. Alligator Creek -Second Creek Swamp Forest
o ray e u
f?° O B. COMMUNITYTYPES
c
___._ u•�s•_._ __ j . A. Fresh water marsh
_.._...
e' B. Swamp forest
r C. White cedar dominated swamp forest
^i D. Pine -swamp hardwoods
E. Pine -upland hardwoods
Figure 1. F. Pocosin/Bay forest

- E -
-4-
rela relatively short period Of time` and it was felt. that at this stage
accurate information about the structure and geographic extent of an
area would be more valuable than exhaustive collecting and observations
that might, fail to produce any sightings". of rare or endangered
organisms. Due to this approach it. is. strongly recommended that some of
the,, diLlsignated areas be further investigated with -the specific purpose
­o.f fo.caflng rare plants and anim al S.l
Eight areas were selected. ;We f &61 that, five,of the areas should
-'have,- -a, very high priority for further investigation while the other
three should be placed at medium priority. ,iThe 'areas -are located in all
-parts," of the country and, vary ins size trom,15,4 'to 29,793 acres (See
'Figure 1.) All are wetland Imbitafg'.i- The 14gh priority areas and their
sizes are:
A
f Upper Alligator River Pocosin; 29,793 acres
I Buck Island Bay, -Forest; 1,368 acres
Upper Alligator, River Marsh; 971 acres
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest;'--17.,569 , acres
Frying Pan Lake White Cedar Forest; 154 acres.
The medium priority areas and they? sizes are;
Harvester Road Tallpocosin7,989 acres
---t,-Albemarle Sound Low Shbreline; 1,633 acres
%-,Alligator Creek-Seeond Creek"Swamp Forest;
16,044 acres.
Of all the areas, the most significant seems to be the Upper
Alligator River Pocosin. c�his huge tralct represents only a portion of a
much larger area ,that i� south of Lake •-Pherlj &,,in Washington and Hyde
Counties (see -attached map). This vast system of-aiYout 124 square miles
has been greatly' modified by prior _,attempts at agric-u,lture and is now
threatened'by th e-p,ospAbility of pea 'mining. The segrpent that we have
designated -as"'the Upper Alligator River Pocosin is the! least disturbed
portion of ;this system and remains the best example ( of unmodified or
only. slightly modified pocosin on the Albemarle Pamlico Peninsula. This
Z. c, .1 segment -is muchlower. in elevation- than the area south of Lake Phelps
"
and at mostly iesi thar -,feet-AkcrVi�--se4-.le-v.el-future-.*peat mining would
be difficult. If 6ccoibplished, the mining of this area would result in
the, formation of a"'Ilqke or marsh. If 'permits are ever granted for peat
mining south of ,Lake Phelps, we recommend that the state attempt to
acquire the Upper,Alligator River Pocosin in partial mitigation for that
destruction.
Although we haye identified specific potential natural areas in
A:' , A Tyrrell County, other'.�',,wetland areas that were not chosen may be equally
significant for shelte� and,,wildlife movement. All of the wetlands in
this county are interconnected creating corridors that allow unmolested
movement. Perhaps t-he,,-,bd 1, `,example of an animal that benefits from
these corridors is the�.bl.arzk.,bear for- it. allows them to have large home
ranges without ever vent4xngf,-into the open upland. We have observed
�
signs of bear in virtually every lowland part of the county so perhaps
this county has a relatively healthy population (See Figure 2.).
f,� rA .3

WASH INGTON-HYDE-TYRRELL POCOSIN SYSTEM
uvuuuai ic2l alu appl ununau:I

Even though Tyrrell County has vast areas of relatively undisturbed
wetland, there are still threats to the wildlife and natural diversity.
One possible threat is peat mining but this will probably will not occur
very soon, at least not in Tyrrell County itself. The major threat has
been and still is land conversion for agriculture. By comparing present
field boundaries with the orthophotoquad maps, we determined that 27,160
acres have been cleared and converted to row corp agriculture since the
photographs were taken with most of this probably being done in the
latter part of the 1970's. Much of this land was pine planataion that
had been cut and abandoned but other portions were swamp forest and
pocosin constituting high quality wildlife habitat. Hopefully, this
conversion is near an end and will allow present wildlife corridors to
remain intact. Further modification can only be detrimental to wildlife
populations while further alteration of runoff patterns could produce
major detrimental changes in the estuary. If the general soils map for
Tyrrell County is reasonably accurate, it would indicate that land
conversion is largely complete. Most of the soils that appear suitable
for agriculture have either been converted to that purpose or the land
is owned by timber companies which will maintain the land in pine pro-
duction. We certainly hope this proves to be the case and that most of
Tyrrell County's remaining pocosins, swamp forests, streams, shores, and
marshes can be preserved with minimal further change.

-7-
Table 1`
Plant Species List for Tyrrell County, North Carolina
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum arvense
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium alopecuroides
SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella apoda
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Botrychium biternatum
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
Thelypteris palustris
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
P. taeda
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
CUPRESSACEAE
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Juniperus virgiaiana
TYPHACEAE
Typha angustifolia
T. glauca
T. latifolia
ALISMATACEAE
Sagittaria falcata
S. latifolia
HYDROCHARITACEAE
Limnobium spongia
POACEAE
Arthraxon hispidus
Arundinaria gigantea
Briza minor
Bromus japonicus
Echinochloa walteri
Hordeum pusillum
Phragmites communis
Polypogon monspeliensis
Sacciolepis striata
Setaria magna
Sphenopholis obtusata
Trisetum pensylvanicum
CYPERACEAE
Carex alata
C. complanata
C. debilis
C. festucacea
C. howei
C. lurida
C. strpata
Cladium jamaicense
Dulichium arundinaceum
Eleocharis baldwinii
E. tuberculosa
Eriophorum virginicum
Rhynchospora alba
Scirpus americanus
ARACEAE
Arisaema triphyllum
Peltandra virginica
LEMNACEAE
Spirodela oligorrhiza
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon decangulare

Table 1 (continued)
JUNCAGINACEAE
Triglochin striata
PONTEDERIACEAE
Pontederia cordata
POTAMOGETONACEAE
Potamogeton diversifolius
JUNCACEAE
ULMACEAE
Juncus acuminatus
Ulmus americana
J. bufonius
J. debilis
MORACEAE
J. dichotomus
Morus rubra
J. effusus
J. scirpoides
URTICACEAE
Boehmeria cylindrica
LILIACEAE
Amianthium muscaetoxicum
LORANTHACEAE
Smilax bona-nox
Phoradendron serotinum
S. laurifolia
T
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
IRIDACEAE
Hexastylis arifolia
Iris virginica
Sisyrinchium mucronatum
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum arifolium
ORCHIDACEAE
P. hydropiperoides
Calopogon pulchellus
P. punctatum
Cleistes divaricata
P. setaceum
Goodyera pubescens
Rumex verticillatus
Habenaria blephariglottis
Po onia ophioglossoides
AMARANTHACEAE
Spiranthes cernua
Alternanthera philoxeroides
S. praecox
PHYTOLACCACEAE
SAURACEAE
Phytolacca americana
Saururus cernuus
NYMPHAEACEAE
SALICACEAE
Nuphar lutea spp. m_acrophyllum
Populus heterophylla
Nymphaea odorata
Salix caroliniana
S. ni ra
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
MYRICACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
M rica cerifera
M. heterophylla
RANUNCULACEAE
Clematis cris a
JUGLANDACEAE
Ranunculus sardous
Cara lg abra
C. tomentosa
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
BETULACEAE
Sassafras albidum
Alnus serrulata
Carpinus caroliniana
BRASSICACEAE
Ostrya virginiana
Lepidium virginicum
Rorippa'islandica

-9-
Table 1 (continued)
FAGACEAE
Fergus grandifolia
uercus alba
Q. falcata
Q. laurifolia
Q. michauxii
Q nigra
Q. rubra
CRASSULACEAE
Penthorum sedoides
DROSERACEAE
Drosera intermedia
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaria barbara
Itea virginica
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
PLATANACEAE
Platanus occidentalis
ROSACEAE
Potentilla simplex
Rosa multiflora
R. palustris
Sorbus arbutifolia
FABACEAE
Amorpha fruticosa
Lathyrus hirsutus
Lespedeza bicolor
Lotus corniculatus
Melilotus alba
Trifolium re ens
LINACEAE
Linum striatum
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus copallina
R. radicans
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. lg abra
I. laevigata
I. opaca
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea
VITACEAE
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vitis labrusca
V. rotundifolia
Hibiscus moscheutos
Kosteletskya virginica
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus
VIOLACEAE
Viola primulifolia
LYTHRACEAE
Decodon verticillatus
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia mariana
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia palustris
L. pe_ploides
Oenothera fruticosa
ARALIACEAE
Aralia spinosa
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
H. umbellata
H. verticillata
Saaicula canadensis
NYSSACEAE
N ssa aquatics
N. sylvatica
CORNACEAE
Cornus florida
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia

-30-
Table 1 (continued)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
CELASTRACEAE
Euonymus americanus
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia scandens
R. nudiflorum
Vaccinium arboreum
V. atrococcum
V. corymbosum
Zenobia pulverulenta
PRIMULACEAE
Samolus parviflorus
EBENACEAE
Diospyros virginica
SYMPLOCACEAE
Symplocos tinctoria
STYRACACEAE
St rax grandifloria
OLEACEAE
Chionanthus virginicus
Fraxinus caroliniana
Ligustrum sinense
LOGANIACEAE
Cynoctonum sessilifolium
Gelsemium sempervirens
Polypremum procumbens
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias incarnata
A. lanceolata
CONVOLVULACEAE
Calystegia sepium
POLEMONIACEAE
Phlox drummondii
HYDROPHYLLACEAE
Hydrolea,quadrivalis
VERBENACEAE
Callicarpa americana
Verbena bonariensis
LAMIACEAE
Pycnanthemum setosum
Salvia 1 rata
Scutellaria integrifolia
ERICACEAE
Cassandra calyculata
Kalmia angustifolia
Leucothoe axillaris var. axillaris
L. racemosa
L onia ligustrina
L. lucida
Rhododendron atlanticum
BIGNONIACEAE
Anisostichus capreolata
Campsis radicans
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Ultricularia biflora
U. inflata
U. inflata
ACANTHACEAE
var. inflata
var. minor
Ruellia caroliniensis
RUBIACEAE
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Diodia virginiana
Galium tinctorium
Mitchella re ens
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera japonica
L. sempervirens
Sambucus canadensis
Virburnum dentatum var. lucidum
V. nudum
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia cardinalis
ASTERACEAE
Archillea millefolium
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Anthemis cotula
Buccharis halimifolia
Carduus spinossissimus
Coreopsis falcata
C. lanceolata
Erigeron philadelphicus
E. quercifolius
E. vernus
Kri is oppositifolia
Mikania scandens
Pluchea foetida
Senecio tomentosus
Sonchus asper

-11-
Table 2
Animal Species List for Tyrrell County, North Carolina
AMPHIBIA: BUFONIDAE
Southern toad (Bufo terrestris)
HYLIDAE
Pine Woods treefrog (Hyia femoralis)
RANIDAE
Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Southern leopard frog (Rana utricularia)
Pickerel frog (Rana palustris)
REPTILIA: KINOSTERNIDAE
Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)
ENYDIDAE
Spotted turble (Clemmys guttata)
Eastern box turtle (Terra ene carolina)
Yellow-beliied turtle (Chrysemys scripta)
Florida cooter (Chrysemys floridana)
Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys ip cta)
IGUANIDAE
Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis)
COLUBRIDAE
Plain -bellied water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster)
Southern water snake (Nerodia fasciata)
Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
Black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta)
Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus)
VIPERIDAE
Eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
AVES: PODICIPEDIDAE
Pied -billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
PHALACROCORACIDAE
Double -crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
ARDEIDAE
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
Green heron (Butorides striatus
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Great egret (Casmerodius albus)
Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
Black -crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax),feed

-12-
ANATIDAE
Mallard (Anal platyrhynchos)
Wood duck (Aix s onsa)
CATHARTIDAE
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
ACCIPITRIDAE
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Red -shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)
FALCONIDAE
American kestrel (Falco sparverius)
PHASIANIDAE
Common bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
CHARADRIIDAE
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
SCOLOPACIDAE
Solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)
American woodcock (Philohela minor)
LARIDAE
Herring gull (Larus argentatus)
Ring -billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
Royal tern (Sterna maxima)
COLUMBIDAE
Rock dove (Columba livia)
Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)
TROCHILIDAE
Ruby -throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris)
ALCEDINIDAE
Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alc on)
PICIDAE
Common flicker Cala tes auratus)
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Yellow -bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicusyarius)
Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
TYRANNIDAE
Eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
HIRUNDINIDAE
Bank swallow (Riparia riparia)
Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)

-13-
Table 2 (continued)
CORVIDAE
Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
PARIDAE
Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis)
Tufted titmouse (Pa us bicolor)
TROGLODYTIDAE
Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
MIMIDAE
Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Brown trasher (Toxostoma rufum)
TURDIDAE
American robin (Turdus migratorius)
STURNIDAE
European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
PARULIDAE
Prothonotary warbeler (Prothonotaria citrea)
Yellow-rumped warbeler (Dendroica coronata)
Pine warbeler (Dendroica iP nus)
Prarie warbeler (Dendroica discolor)
Common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
PLOCEIDAE
House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
ICTERIDAE
Eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
Red -winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Brown -headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)
FRINGILLIDAE
Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea)
MAMMALIA: DIDELPHIDAE
Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
LEPORIDAE
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Swamp cottontail (Sylvilagus palustris)
CRICETIDAE
Cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus)
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

-14-
Table 2 (continued)
CANIDAE
Red fox (Vulpes fulva)
URSIDAE
Black bear (Ursus americanus)
PROCYONIDAE
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
FELIDAE
Bobcat .(Lynx rufus)
CERVIDAE
White -tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

-15—
Scuppernong River
Lake Phelps
TYRRELL COUNTY WETLANDS
MMUZM
iaw'A
Albemarle Sound
tier
WETLANDS
(Swamp forest Pocosin or Marsh)
BLACK BEAR TRACKS OR SCAT
Figure 3.

-16-
UPPER ALLIGATOR RIVER POCOSIN
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
1.
Natural Area Name
Upper Alligator River Pocosin
2.
County
Tyrrell
3.
Location - On both sides of NC 94 for 2.3 miles
S. of bridge over
NW fork of Alligator River. To reach center
of area, begin at
bridge over NW fork of Alligator River, drive
S for .5 miles and then
turn W on a canal road. Proceed 7.5 miles to
end of road. Other
parts of area are reached by various farm and
canal roads. (See
Figures 4-6).
4.
Topographic quadrangle
Fairfield NW, 7.5 min; New Lake, 7.5 min; Scotia,
7.5 min;
Creswell SE, 7.5 min.
5.
Size
29,793 acres
6.
Elevation
0-10 feet but mostly less than 5 feet
7.
Access
By car on NC 94 and some farm roads, by trail
bike or foot on
poorly maintained canal roads, by canoe on NW
and SW forks of
the Alligator River. (See Figure 6)
8.
Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation
5/16-17/80
5/29/80
8/6/80
9/13-14/80
9A. Prose description of site
The Washington -Hyde -Tyrrell Pocosin system stretches across
parts of three counties and covers about 124 square miles. It can
be divided into two parts. The western part found in Washington,
Hyde, and Tyrrell counties covers about 88.5 square miles and might
be termed the "high elevation" portion. This area with an eleva-
tion of about 20 feet has been greatly modified by a network of

WASHINGTON-HYDE-TYRRELL POCOSIN SYSTEM

-18-
drainage canals and attempted agriculture. The eastern part, all
found in Tyrrell County, covers about 45.5 square miles. With
elevations of mostly less than 5 feet it can be called the low
elevation portion. This part of the system has been modified
relatively little. No agriculture has ever been attempted and
there are relatively few logging or canal roads. This report
describes the low elevation part of this vast three -county pocosin
system.
This area forms the drainage basin for the Northwest and
Southwest forks of the Alligator River. It is virtually flat and
the buildup of peat has formed deep organic soils. Like many large
pocosins the vegetation is a mosaic of related assemblages that
although similar in many ways can differ considerably in general
aspect. The most striking differences from place to place involve
the canopy pond pines (Pinus serotina). In some places they are
completely absent, in other places they are widely scattered, while
in still other places they may be fairly dense. Their size may
vary from stunted 10 to 15 foot trees to fairly healthy looking
trees that reach about 50 feet. In some areas they form a re-
latively uniform canopy indicating an even -aged stand while in many
other places they form a very irregular canopy probably indicating
slow establishment or episodes of establishment over a number of
years. A dense shrub layer is ever present. Like the pines, the
shrubs vary in size and thickness. They are usually largest and
thickest, 6 to 10 feet, in the areas with tall pines and much
shorter, 2 to 3 feet, in areas where the pines are widely scattered
or absent. The most common species are leatherwood (Cyrilla
racemiflora), Zenobia (Zenobia pulverulenta), fetterbush (Lyonia
lucida), greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), bitter gallberry (Ilex
glabra), and leatherleaf (Cassandra calyculata). The relative
abundance of each varies from place to place. Openings between the
shrubs, mostly in the wetter areas, will permit the development of
some herbaceous vegetation. Sphagnum moss is always present.
Perhaps next in frequency is Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia
virginica) while pitcher plants (Sarracenia flava and S. purpurea),
sundews (Drosera sPP.), and cotton grass (Erio horum virginicum)
are all common.
This area is so large and structurally diverse that quanti-
tative samples from any single location are inadequate to describe
the whole. Lacking time for more in depth study we sampled only a
single area. This area along NC 94 would best be called short
pocosin. It has scattered runty pond pines (see attached sheet for
calculations) that vary from about 8 to 20 feet. One tree about 12
feet tall was cut and determined from its growth rings to be 18
years old. Most larger trees cannot be aged because they have
begun to rot in the middle. Whatever their age, their growth is
very slow. The shrub zone consists of two distinct layers. The
upper layer is leatherwood and about 6 feet tall while the lower
layer at about 3 feet is dominated by Zenobia with some fetterbush,,
leatherleaf, bitter gallberry, and lamb -kill (Kalmia angustifolia).
The two layers are not mixed, if leatherwood is present it crowds
out the smaller species. When there is an opening in the shrubs
Virginia chain fern and other herbaceous plants are present.

i
-19-
Table 4
Vegetation Sampling Summary
Upper Alligator River Pocosin
Based on 25 quarter points
Total density = 722 trees/ha
Relative
Species Frequency
Pinus serotina 93
Canopy
Relative Relative
Density Dominance
98 99
Importance
Value
290
Taxodium distichum 7 2 1 10

-20-
10. Significance Summary. See Table 5 and Figure 5
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership
type by percent area:
Private
100%
Public
%
Unknown
%
12. Number of
owners:
4
13. Name(s) of
owner(s)
and/or custodian(s) with addresses,
phone
numbers.
1. First Colony
Farms 2.
Richard H. Cox
3. Mary B. Lebo
4. Burruss Land
Creswell, NC
27928
RFD 1
c/o Gilbert
and Timber
Princeton, NC
Petrina
Box 5152
130 State St.
Roanoke VA
Harrisburg, PA.
24012
17101
14. Use of natural area:
a. Cat.: low intensity hunting
b. Other (N/A)
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 95%
b. Agricultural land 5%
C. Developed land
16. Management Problem description
Control of hunting - Impact 3; Effort 1
Possible future logging - Impact 3; Effort 1
17. Preservation status
Cat -6-100%
18. Regulatory protections in force: None.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: Unknown
20. Threats
a. Cat *SF
3 X
3 X
b. Description of threat
logging
peat mining

Table 5. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature Map Legend b. Description of significant feature c. Comparative assessment
High quality wet- a Pinus serotina/Zenobia pulverulenta-Cyrilla One of the least disturbed of any
land plant commu- racemiflora%Woodward virginia-Spaghnum sM pocosin lands in region. Many
nity interesting vegetative and physio-
graphic features, some of which may
be unique to this area.
Special feature b Taxodium distichum
Area with high Entire Area
research interest
Wilderness Entire area
Special concern c Ursus amdricanus (black bear)
species
Endangered periph- d Rhynchospora alba
eral
Huge bald cypress trees perhaps
some of state record size.
The unique features of this area
provide opportunities to study
many aspects of pocosins such as
geomorphology, hydrology, vegeta-
tion gradient analysis, species
biology, etc.
Largest wilderness area in county.
Probably one of the larger such
areas in the state.
Sign and tracks seen in several
parts of area.
A mountain -coastal plain disjunct
that grows in bogs. Coastal Plain
populations are rare. It is com-
mon here in low pocosin areas.

BULL BAY -21
Lo 22 LZQ
Pw
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1209
r
4
By poo
1117
1.0 Tram
1113 :3 112
"o
1112
117 .7 1 .2 1 1.2
13 1116 1110
117 Lill
Woodf.y i ry ills 'G
1116 SCUPPERSO"
64 LLU 14
lin 7.1
in 0— L
„os
PETTIGREW
STATE
PARK
LAKE PHFLPS
A
!6
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
UPPER ALLIGATOR RIVER POCOSIN
Figure 5.
U T 1 12"
iti ct
1216
1214
1227
1. 12"
COLUMBIA
POP. 902
94
P,.—t vil. 25
110. A liow
Jerry l?
1306
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GROUND
BIG SAVANNAH
12
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WE"
13o
1101
1310
131 .6 4
d
1321
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a - Figure 6.
ACCESS INFORMATION
----------------
f __ UPPER ALLIGATOR RIVER
ALUGAi •t f. 5__- �.�— '/ �.r X sTT -
-'---
r --; POCOSIN
}rf
`_�1�
. g 3 }
� UKE � .'ni t. � ,�.. ./ti` ii/ S.- € r{

-23-
21. Management and preservation recommendation.
Acquisition of this area is recommended. The bald cypress
that are significant are mostly within the area owned by Burruss
Land and Timber. First Colony Farms may be equally reluctant to
voluntarily protect their portion of the area. One possible means
of future acquisition by the state could be through a gift or
bargain purchase from the owners in mitigation for pocosin des-
troyed by peat mining.
The management of some areas may require prescribed burning to
encourage herbaceous species. This could perhaps be limited to the
wetter area east of NC 94. Hunting should be prohibited but this
is seen as a minor problem due to the limited access. No other
management problems are foreseen.
22. Rating (county perspective):
1)
2)
3)
KI
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: Statewide (high) significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance.
This is a huge area with very little access. This alone is a
most significant feature. There is little true wilderness left and
if the pattern of development in this county is being repeated
elsewhere, even that is in jeopardy. Size and isolation make this
an excellent habitat for black bear (Ursus americanus) and if a
species like the mountain lion (Felis concolor) is to be reestab-
lished in eastern North Carolina it will need this type of open
space.
The endangered peripheral plant species, Rhynchospora alba,
was found in low pocosin along NC 94. There appears to be a
healthy population in this area. Further study will possibly show
that such species as sweet pitcher plant (Sarracenia rubra) and
cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are also present.
The pocosin is a disappearing community type. Those with
relatively shallow organic soils are being converted to pine plan-
tation or agriculture while those with deep organic soils are now
being considered as potential energy sources. This pocosin is
significant just for its relatively natural condition with its
single most insignificant feature being the presence of numerous
large bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) (point 1, Figure 5).
In his study, The Phytosociology of the Green Swamp, North
Carolina, Kologiski discussed the land use history of that area.
An 1870 timber survey reported that the Green Swamp contained
tremendous resources of cypress, gum and white cedar. Systematic
logging was started about 1900 using railroads and steam skidders
to transport the harvest. Even though there were no roads, all

121"
BULL BAY
Po.
River N.&
gay ,zoo cn
1117
in
la if 1 2 2
lt
117,11 fM tl3.2•.
ij D-1-6 1110
1p un
W.Odly i U•15 'G
1116 sCUPPERNO'
64 LUJ f4
10 Ij
Im
C— L.,md'-9
1107
hl�
,277
COLUMMA
, POP.902
Figure 7. /
OWNERSHIP INFO�MATION
'!UPPER ALLIGATOR �IVER POCOSIN
(Nb*(Wbe rs- correspond tb ownership list.)
BIG SAVANNAH
Lwek
1701
GROUND
F 131 .2
9i
'010 U21
G— N.*
3 Cherry Ridge lading
O
RS

-25-
parts of the swamp were reached. Logging increased the threat of
fire by promoting shrub growth so the present vegetation has
probably developed in response to both logging and fire. Since all
of the pocosins in North Carolina have been similarly exploited,
our present concept of pocosins probably does not correspond very
well with their appearance prior to man's large scale intervention.
The part of the pocosin in Tyrrell County with its large (18 to 24
inches DBH) bald cypress trees probably represents the closest
approximation to undisturbed pocosin that can be found in the
state. Every effort should be made to preserve this tract.
The pocosins that occupy broad upland flats are thought to
represent drainage basins that have become clogged with vegetation.
There are few streams and any artificial drainage by canals changes
water patterns to the extent that even those streams lose their
flow and cease to exist. To our knowledge, no other pocosin in the
state contains a natural stream that is so'well developed as the
Southwest Fork of the Alligator River. This stream is large enough
to be traveled by canoe for its entire distance of about 9 miles.
Winter travel is recommended unless you are collecting snakes. In
addition to mere presence, this stream and the Northwest Fork of
the Alligator River have some interesting vegetational features.
The Southwest Fork contains a large stretch of open shrub marsh
(point 2, Figure 5) composed of leatherwood and Zenobia while the
Northwest Fork (point 3, Figure 5) is part of a very unusual
ecotone. On the east side of this stream there is swamp forest
while on the west side there is pocosin. Such a situation offers
an excellent opportunity for a comparitive study of the factors
that support the formation of each community type.
A relatively small section of swamp forest (Community Type B)
on Map 5 has been included in this natural area. Even though this
forest was cut within the last 15 to 20 years, the loggers left
behind some huge bald cypress trees. Most have their tops blown
out and they look like giant stumps with only a few scraggly
branches. Some trees exceed 5 feet in diameter. These trees are
either rotten in the middle or the loggers did not have large
enough saws to cut them down. Whichever, the area should be more
thoroughly searched with the chance of finding a tree of state
record size.
24. A. Natural Characteristics Summary Community Type A (See Figure 5):
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Pinus serotina/Zenobia pulverulenta-Cyrilla
racemiflora/Woodwardia virginica-Sphagnum spy
Community cover type:
Pinus serotina
General habitat feature: Pocosin
Average tree height: From 15 to 45 feet
depending on area

-26-
Estimated age of canopy trees: ?
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres,
etc.):
28,833 acres
Successional stage:
Subclimax (fire maintained)
Sere type:
Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover type or
community type (but not dominant): Taxodium
distichum
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community
cover type or community type (but not dominant):
Persea borbonia, Gordonia lasianthus, L onia lucida,
Smilax laurifolia
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant): Sarracenia flava
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS, Rev 7/22
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Doravan
Soil order: Histosol
pH class: Strongly acidic?
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type.or community
type:
Pinus serotina
C. Hydrology Summary
Drinage basin: North Fork of Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal - seasonally flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics

-27-
Land form: Peat Flat
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Hammocky
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Pocosin
Physiographic site type of community cover type or
community type: As above
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stuckey, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953.
Geology and Mineral Resources of North Carolina. N. C.
Geologic Survey Educational Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Rhynchospora alba
Species legal status: Endangered peripheral
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Numerous
Size or maturity of individuals: Fruiting specimens observed
General vigor of population: good
Disturbance or threats to population: This species may need
fire management. If shrubs become to thick they will crowd out
this herbaceous species
Habitat characteristics (See above)
f. Master species lists. See Table 3.

-28-
Table 3.
Master Species List
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
APIACEAE
Hydrocatyle verticillata
var. triradiata
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex lg abra
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Viburnum nudum
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CYPERACEAE
Eriophorum virginicum
Rhynchospora alba
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
DROSERACEAE
Drosera intermedia
ERICACEAE
Cassandra calyculata
Kalmia angustifolia
L onia ligustrina
Lyonia lucida
Zenobia pulverulenta
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum arvense
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon decangulare
FABACEAE
Lathyrus hirsutus
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium alopecuroides
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
M rica heterophylla
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nu har lutea
spp. macrophyllum
Nymphaea odorata
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa sylvatica
OLEACEAE
Ligustrum sinense
ORCHIDACEAE
Calopogon pulchellus
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
PONTEDERIACEAE
Pontederia cordata
ROSACEAE
Sorbus arbutifolia
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
Sarracenia purpurea
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum

-29-
24B. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary Community Type B. See Map
5.
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica
Community cover type: N ssa sylvatica
General habitat feature: Swamp Forest
Average tree height: 40 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 20 years except for the
few huge bald cypress trees.
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.):
960 acres.
Successional stage: Subclimax
Sere type: Pelosere?
Common canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): Acer rubrum, Taxodium distichum
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover
type or community type (but not dominant):
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant):
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County,
North Carolina; USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosol
pH class: Acidic?
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type:
N ssa sylvatica
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: North Fork of Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Palustrine

-30-
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal-seasonally flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Floodplain
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Big stump swamp
(proposed)
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Swamp Forest
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stuckey, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and Mineral Resources of North Carolina, N. C. Geologic Survey
Educational Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species - N/A
f. Master species lists not compiled for this area.

-31-
BUCK ISLAND BAY FOREST
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
I. Natural Area Name
Buck Island Bay Forest
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location
Site is 1 1/4 miles south along an unimproved logging road
from its junction with county road 1314. This junction with .1314 is at
a point on 1314 0.9 miles west of its terminus at Grapevine Landing. (See
Figure I and 8).
4. Topographic quadrangle
Fairfield NE, N. C.
5. Size
1,368 acres
6. Elevation
1-3 feet
7. Access
By unimproved logging road from county road 1314. (See Figure 9).
8. Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University_
9. Date(s) of investigation
5/22-23/80
9/21-22/80
9A. Prose description of site
Buck Island is a robust example of bay forest. The canopy is
dominated by pond pine (Pinus serotina) with many large loblolly
bays (Gordonia lasianthus). The subcanopy consists primarily of
loblolly bay and red bay (Persea borbonia). The shrub layer is
primarily sweet gallberry (Ilex coriacea) and fetter -bush (L onia
lucida). A sampling summary based on 25 quarter points follows
this description to further clarify vegetative composition.
The soils on the site are histosols, primarily composed of
peat, which have been deposited within the last 9,000 years or so.
These soils have a deep organic horizon, 5 feet on the site,
deposited on the Pamlico Terrace, a sand formation of quaternary
age.

No
.6
101- DIC,
Ile
1p-l-
Figure 8.
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATUrES
BUCK ISLAND BAY FOREST
O"
CI
J/
col

-33-
The area is poorly drained and periodically flooded in the
wintertime. During summers, the site is usually dry. Most
drainage. is by sheet flow to the Alligator River or downward
through the organic horizon to the water table.
Upon first glance, the system seems two -layered instead of
three -layered. The canopy and sub -canopy become obvious only after
several minutes careful study. Much closer to the realities of
walking, the shrub layer is immediately obvious and often painfully
SO.
The mature pond pines, ranging from 70-80 years in age, are
certainly as fine a stand of this species as .I have seen. The many
large loblolly bays of the canopy and sub -canopy are worthy of
documentation. The occasional red bay gains true arboreal stature
which I have seen at few other localities. In all, the canopy
seems mature and unaltered since regeneration at about the turn of
the century.
The shrub layer is made up of sweet gallberry, fetter -bush,
male -berry (L onia ligustrina}, and sparkleberry (Vaccinium
corymbosum). The resulting tangle is sufficiently dense to render
"impenetrable" an euphemism. Not only can you not walk, you can't
see where you are not walking. However aggravating this situation
may be, it has some good points. First, it keeps human activity to
a minimum. Second, it provides food in the form of foliage and
berries. Third, it provides excellent cover. For these reasons,
the site should be reasonably rich in wildlife. In particular,
sign of black bear (Ursus americanus) were found on the site. As
Buck Island is a little over 2 square miles in size, it may not be
able to support bear by itself. However, it might be organized as
part of a larger county -wide refuge and corridor system to preserve
present bear populations in Tyrrell County.
In summary, Buck Island is an excellent example of bay forest,
which is not currently disturbed by commercial or recreational
interests. Because of this lack of disturbance, Buck Island and
large acreages of surrounding community types make excellent
wildlife habitat, in particular for black bear.

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Figure 9.
�.
ACCESS INFORMATION
BUCK ISLAND BAY FOREST
n
_
-----
-- —
-

-35-
TABLE 6
Buck Island Bay Forest
Sampling Summary
Based on 25 quarter point plots.
Canopy
Total density = 671 trees/ha
Relative
Relative
Relative
Importance
Species
Frequency
Density
Dominance
Value
Pinus serotina
64
80
78
222
Gordonia
21
13
12
46
lasianthus
Acer rubrum
10
5
8
23
Persea borbonia
5
2
1
8
Subcanopy
Relative
Relative
Relative
Importance
Species
Frequency
Density
Dominance
Value
Persea borbonia
44
49
43
136
Gordonia
40
41
51
132
lasianthus
M rica cerifera
6
5
1
12
Pinus serotina
6
3
2
11
Acer rubrum
2
1
3
6
Magnolia
2
1
1
4
virginiana

-36-
10. Significance Summary. (categories represented and descriptions).
Feature
High quality
wetland plant
community
Special habitat
Description
Pinus serotina/Gordoni
lasianthus-Persea
borbonia/Ilex
coriacea-Lvonia lucida
Black bear, Bay Forest
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area
12. Number of owners:
1
Type
Private
Pub li c
Unknown
Comparative Assessment
a Most nearly "natural"
of 2-3 examples in
county
100%
One of several
large tracts of
bear habitat in the
county that
experience little
human intrusion
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses,
phone numbers.
Prim West, Inc., (M. Primat of France) - apparently managed by First
Colony Farms Inc.
14. Use of Natural area:
a. Cat. Low intensity Forest Low Intensity Recreation
b. Other (describe) Intrusions; a) two unimproved logging roads
b) frequent low-level jet overflights
15. Use of surrounding land
a. Wildland 100%
b. Agricultural Land
C. Developed Land
0 %
0
16. Management problem description^
3./Possible future logging - Impact 3; Effort 1
1./Controlled hunting of bear - Impact 3; Effort 1
*Assuming eventual ownership by public interest group

-37-
17. Preservation status
Cat. - 6 - 100%
18. Regulatory protections in force State and Federal laws protecting
endangered species, Sec. 404(b) of the clean water act.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation. Unknown.
20. Threats
a. Cat *SF b. Description of threat
3 X Possible logging and development of entire
area by First Colony Farms.
21. Management and preservation recommendation.
This large tract of bay forest should be preserved as an
exemplary tract of such habitat. Also, it serves as a refuge for
what I feel may be a good county -wide population of black bear. If
it is to be preserved as bay forest, it should be managed against
any successional trends away from this community type. This would
not be necessary if the site were preserved only as a bear sanc-
tuary, since bear do well in a variety of similar habitats. The
key to bear management should be tract size as bear have large home
ranges.
There are no problems to be corrected on the area at present,
but the owners could try to log and develop the area at any time.
They claim to operate under an informal policy whereby any land
within 1/2 mile of an estuary or river is not developed (Buck
Island falls within this limit).
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
X
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: regional (medium) significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
Buck Island is a mature (70-80 years) example of bay forest.
These systems are probably fire controlled and thus few such
systems can be expected to reach such an age. This lack of fire
has yielded many large pond pines (Pinus serotina), loblolly bays
(Gordonia lasianthus), and red bays (Persea borbonia). For the
same reason, the shrub layer is unusually robust. Certainly there
are few remaining superior examples of this community type in the
state. The area is remote from human habitation or development,
thus it retains a "natural" flavor which is readily apparent to the
visitor. This feeling is slightly marred by low-level jet over-

-38-
flights. As mature habitat, the area offers a haven for endangered
plants and animals germaine to pocosin-type systems. Plants such
as resinous Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium resinosum), white wicky
(Kalmia cuneata) and rough -leaf loosestrife (Lysimachia
asperulaefolia) and animals such as pine -barrens treefrog (Hyla
andersoni) and black bear (Ursus americanus) could occur here.
Sign of bear were noticed at the site. Certainly large tracts of
habitat along estuarine margins are among the last strongholds for
bear in this state. Tyrrell County seems to have a bear population
worthy of further investigation and areas such as Buck Island
should be aquired whenever possible. The community type, age,
remoteness and habitat quality of Buck Island all argue for its
registration as a natural area. Further investigation should lead
to a firm basis in fact to support the indications given here.
24. Natural Chateristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Pinus serotina/Gordonia lasianthus-Persea
borbonia/Ilex coriacea-Lyonia lucida
Community cover type: Pinus serotina
General habitat feature: Bay forest
Average tree height: 42 feet
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.):
1,368 acres
Successional stage: Climax (best guess) could go to Gordonia
forest?
Sere type: Psammosere?
Common canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): Gordonia lasianthus
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type
or community type (but not dominant):
Lyonia ligustrina, Vaccinium corymbosum
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant): None
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS Rev. 7-72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan

-39-
Soil order: Histosols
pH class: Unknown
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type:
Pinus serotina
C. Hydrology Summary
Drinage basin: Alligator River
Hydrologic system; Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Inter aqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal-seasonally flooded
d. Summary -Topography and PHysiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Peat flat
Shelter: Open
Aspect: NA
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: NA
Surface patterns: hummocky
Position: NA
Physiographic site type of natural area: Buck Island
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Peat flat
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stuckey, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and Mineral Reources of North Carolina. North Carolina
Geological Survey. Educational Series No. 3.

WIM
e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Ursus americanus (black bear)
Species legal status: Special concern
Number of populations on site: NA
Number of individuals per population: Not known
Size or maturity of individuals: Not known
General vigor of population: Now known
Disturbance or threats to population: Development of habitat,
excessive hunting and recreational use.
Habitat characterists (See above)
f. Master species lists
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
Ilex lg abra
Ilex laevigata
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
ERICACEAE
L onia lipstrina
Lyonia lucida
Rhododendron nudiflorum
Vaccinium corymbosum
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MYRICACEAE
M rica cerifera
PINACEAE
Pinus serotina
ROSACEAE
Sorbus arbutifolia
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus

-41-
UPPER ALLIGATOR RIVER MARSH
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
1. Natural Area Name
Upper Alligator River Marsh
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location
Located along Alligator River from where NC 94 crosses the river at
the Tyrrell -Hyde County border eastward along the river - 4.5 miles
See figures 1 and 10.
4. Topographic quadrangle
Fairfield, Fairfield NW
5. Size
971 acres
6. Elevation
0-2 feet
7. Access
By foot from NC 94 at Tyrrell -Hyde County border. By boat form
same spot. By boat from Gum Neck Landing. See figures 10.
8. Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation
5/31/80
6/12-13/80
8/6/80
9A. Prose description of site
The upper Alligator River Marsh is a 971 acre stretch of fresh
water marsh dominated by Typha lg auca. The marsh seems robust and has
probably expanded recently as there are dead and dying trees near the
edge. The attached vegetative analysis sheet gives an indication of the
abundance and distribution of the more common plants in the marsh.
The soils are histosoils over a parent material of quaternary sand
typical of the Pamlico Terrace. The marsh occupies the flood plain of
the upper Alligator River for a distance of over four miles.
At first view, the observer is impressed with the extremely high
density of Typha and the fairly common red cedars (Juniperus virginiana)

-42-
which dot the marsh. Other plants are not visible at first glance and
exhibit relatively little importance. The last readily obvious features
are the numerous snags at the edge of the marsh. These might be the
effects of rising sea level or salt water intrusion.
The marsh is undoubtedly the haven of numerous water birds such as
coots, rails, ducks, herrons, egrets, bitterns, etc. As this is one of
only two large tracts of fresh water marsh in the county, preservation
could well be in order.
10. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature - High quality wetland plant community
b. Description of significant feature - Typha lg auca
C. Comparative assessment - One of two large acreages of this
community type in county.
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area: Private 100%
Public
Unknown
12. Number of owners: 1
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone
numbers.
First Colony Farms, Inc. (except for Roper Island)
Creswell, NC 27928
14. Use of natural area:
a. Cat. Low intensity recreation
b. Other (describe) Intrusions: one improved road (NC 94),
intra-coastal waterway passes through the marsh.
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 %
b. Agricultural land %
C. Developed land
16. Management problem description
Control of human use and abuse - Impact 3; Effort 2
Elimation of incompatible uses on - Impact 3; Effort 3
area or adjacent land

SCUPPERNI
t4
Lr
t is
Ing
C. L.4di.9
Doi
43 —
I Lo.
J.
— - --------
V 91127
1195
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
Junper
of 1
35'40'
GP
10
35'35'
um
i 36s iv. frying P— L—d6g
THE
FRYING PAN,,,
_MQ
( L3 L4
131
Zq 14
\131
1313 .�o
c— ++ lateGraperina L—di-g
21 1317
Chain/ Ridge L—d*'N
go 13" .3 swkd.11, sw.
132no
j - C-- N.6 Larding
KA
I'M
3
Kakar.,y SOP'
Figure 10.
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
UPPER ALLIGATOR RIVER MARSH

-44-
Table 7
Vegetation Sampling Summary
Upper Alligator River Marsh
Based on 10 meter square plots
Total density = 1.24 x 106 stems/ha
Species
Relative
Relative
Relative
Importance
Frequency
Density
Dominance
Value
Typha glauca
30.3
88.8
85.8
204.9
Osmunda regalis
15.2
0.6
2.7
18.5
Hydrocotyle umbellata
9.1
3.9
2.1
15.1
Mikania scandens
9.1
1.1
2.4
12.6
Hibiscus moscheutos
9.1
0.4
2.2
11.7
Eleocharis sp.
6.1
2.6
1.9
10.6
Cladium jamaicense
6.1
1.4
1.6
9.1
Triglochin striata
3.0
0.5
0.3
3.8
Polygonum punctatum
3.0
0.3
0.3
3.6
Rhus radicans
3.0
0.2
0.3
3.5
Samolus parviflorus
3.0
0.2
0.2
3.4
Solidago sp.
3.0
0.1
0.2
3.3

-45-
17. Preservation status
Cat. -6 - 100%
18. Regulatory protections in force: Sec. 404 (b) of the Clean Water Act.
U.S. Government owns Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway right-of-way.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?)
Not known
20. Threats
a. Cat *SF b. Description of threat
First Colony Farms could do anything, possibly
3 X new canals, etc.
21. Management and preservation recommendation
The entire expanse of the fresh water marsh should be preserved.
The area should be managed against excess human use or abuse. Farming
practices in fields to the south sould be closely monitored for their
effects. The Army Corps of Engineers should be consulted about
management practices necessary to keep the intracoastal waterway
functional. This waterway passes through the western end of the marsh.
There are no apparent existing management problems.
The only probable land conversion might be the construction of
drainage canals. This is not too likely. Preservation of most of the
marsh could be effected even if canals were dug. Acquisition could
possibly be by registration, purchase, or easement.
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
91
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: regional (medium) significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
The significance of the Upper Alligator River Marsh is that it is a
971 acre expanse of Typha lg auca freshwater marsh. Also, the area
serves as excellent wildlife habitat for marsh, semi -aquatic, and
aquatic species. The area is readily approached by boat and car,
and this adds to its appeal in terms of recreation. There is only
one other large acreage of fresh water marsh in Tyrrell County, and
this marsh is at the other end of the county. Thus, the upper
Alligator Marsh may have some regional importance in terms of
natural heritage. Further, on -site evaluation may yield additonal
data which argue for preservation.

-46-
24. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Typha lg auca
Community cover type: Typha lg auca
General habitat feature: Fresh water marsh
Average rush height: 8-10 Feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: N/A
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.): 971 acres
Successional stage: Climax?
Sere type: Psammosere-Pelosere
Common canopy species in communtiy cover type or community
type (but not dominant): None
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover type
or community type (but not dominant): None
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant):
None
B. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Survey, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS Revised 7/72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosols
pH class: Unknown
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated communtiy cover type or community type: Typha lg auca
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower Perennial

-47-
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Semipermanently flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Stream channel and floodplain
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Sandy-silty-hammocky
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Fresh water cattail
marsh
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Fresh water cattail marsh
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
Referecnes: Stucky, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology and
Mineral Resources of North Carolina. North Carolina Geological Survey, E-
Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species - N/A
f. Master species list:
ALISMATACEAE
Sagittaria falcata
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
APLIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Hydrocotyle umbellata
ASPIDIACEAE
Thelypteris palustris
JUNCAGINACEAE
Triglochin striata
MALVACEAE
Hibiscus moscheutos
Kosteletskya virginica
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda regalis

-48-
ASTERACEAE
Baccharis halimifolia
Mikania scandens
Solidago sp.
CUPRESSACEAE
Juniperus virginiana
CYPERACEAE
Carex lurida
Cladium jamaicense
Eleocharis sp.
Scirpus americanus
JUNCACEAE
Juncus dichotomus
POACEAE
Setaria magna
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum punctatum
Rumex verticillatus
PRIMULACEAE
Samolus parviflorus
TYPEACEAE
Typha glauca

-49-
SCUPPERNONG RIVER SWAMP FOREST
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
1. Natural Area Name
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location - Along both sides of the Scuppernong River from the river's
intersection with the western county boundary north-eastward to
Columbia. See figures 1 and 11.
4. Topographic guadrangle
Creswell South East, 7.5 min.; Columbia East, 7.5 min.; Columbia West,
7.5 min.
5. Size
7,570 acres
6. Elevation
1-4 feet
7. Access
By several Federal, State and County roads. Principally, U.S. 64, N.C.
94, and county roads 1105, 1108, 1110, 1111. Also by boat from Columbia
or Creswell. See figures 12.
8. Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation
5/29-31/80
9/13/80
9A. Prose description of site
The Scuppernong River is a lower coastal plain river with adjacent swamp
forest. It is an excellent example of its kind. The river and drainage basin.are
relatively short but extremely rich in natural values. The river meanders to
and fro within the swamp forested flood plain. Each bend provides a point
with a stand of white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) in its crook. The river
is placid and narrow enough that wildlife and vegetation on either side can be
readily observed from a canoe in the middle. Wildlife seems abundant in the river
as well as within the swamp forest corridor on either side.
The swamp forest canopy (see attached quarter points sheet) is dominated
by gum (Nyssa sylvatica) with a shrub layer chiefly composed of titi
(Cyrilla racemiflora) and Virginia willow (Itea virginica). The herb layer
is dominated by royal fern (Osmunda regalis) and lizzard's tail (Saururus
cernuus).

-50- R '' a
A
h! a
� r
13
3a^oo — — +
o °o ^
Ills Dww.y 1]09 I
u Pi.. \
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S\ �\ BULL BAY Ila it>•
121a
22
1214
(/f uca 7.2
/ 6
—
Ij
-"�--��----�'� 1209 1r—'
2,6
�� Coioeial izQ SRN 1�
1201 1107 ) ONC \,___ n, ti 1227
9 , i.�� •� .� it09
/ Day COLUMBIA
I29G � e x ... \ tOP.402 `5
1117 12es xxs
13w BIG SAVANNAH
1113 3 11t
31112
110
�G`�b
94
32� 117 \1 FAP il] .i 1�5 L—As
r.a 711E 11l0
in T 1L1 �¢• '3?.41 tit
]0�
W—dl.y .7 �tt`s +yG I �� .2 �'. s
O ,
1 7
SCUPPF.RN C• �
}}
F'tt. a Pi.asam V1 t7}3
/- 110E64
1113 Iw ... ° �. J.rry " .® ...
A 11
10
t109 1 II03
Cros3
los \\� lsoe
1163 i` �S
tY' / '1111 1111- � II07
7 , 3 1,21
h0 1307 _.
b \
�p P
94
HOLLOW GROUND
f ti
i
SWAMP
j1119
'�•,; •j a3/ putt
PETTIGREW \ i
STATE }
PARK i
� n•;w Figure 11.
LAKE PHFLPS` ,�::;! s BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
SCUPPERNONG RIVER SWAMP FOREST
35°45
n

-51-
Due to the patchwork ownership pattern, the swamp forest occurs in
a mosaic of ages that disclose successional processes in swamp systems.
All areas seem at least 20 years old.
The floodplain soils are mucky histosols and make for messy walking
during the winter wet season. The soil stays saturated during this time
and frequent, but irregular inundation of the floodplain occurs in
conjunction with winter rains.
The system stretches between the towns of Creswell and Colubmia,
yet the river is small enough and the forest corridor wide enough that
the visitor is rapidly removed from the intrusions of 20th century life.
It is a small yet intimate place, a perfect setting in which to appre-
ciate nature.
I0. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature b. Description of significant feature
High quality wet Nyssa sylvatica/ C rilla racemiflora
land plant commu- Itea virginica/Osmunda regalis-
nity Saururus cernuus
Outstanding aqua- Small lower coastal plain river
tic feature
c. Comparative Assessment
Best example of riverine
swamp forest in county.
Only example in county.
Very scenic due to second
growth swamp forest. Short
length would make ideal canoe
trail.

-52-
Table 8.
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
Sampling Summary
Based on 15 quarter points
Canopy
Total density = 1490 trees/ha
Relative
Relative
Relative
Importance
Species
Frequency
Density
Dominance
Value
N ssa sylvatica
37.50
53.33
63.12
153.95
Fraxinus caroliniana
27.50
20.00
9.76
57.26
Chamaecyparis thyoides
17.50
15.00
15.98
48.48
Pinus taeda
5.00
3.33
3.31
11.64
Taxodium distichum
2.50
1.67
5.91
10.08
Acer rub -rum
5.00
3.33
0.99
9.32
N ssa aquatica
5.00
3.33
0.93
9.26

-53-
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area:
12. Number of owners: 46
Private
100 %
Public
%
Unknown
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) with addresses, phone
numbers.
See Figure 12 and Table 10.
14. Use of natural area:
Low intensity Low intensity
a. Cat. recreation forestry
b. Other (describe) Intrusions: Improved roads, utility corridors,
canals.
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 43 %
b. Agricultural land 55 %
c. Developed land 20,6
16. Management problem description
Control of human overuse and abuse - Impact 3; Effort 2
Control of rates of agricultural land drainage - Impact 3; Effort 3
17. Preservation status
Cat - 6 - 100%
Land is in private ownership by many owners, but probably is used
informally as a recreation and natural area. No overt efforts to
preserve its natural values are known.
18. Regulatory protections in force: Sec. 404(b) of the Clean Water Act.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: Not Known.
20. Threats
A. Cat *SF B. Description of threat
3 X Timbering of portions could occur at any time

-54-
21. Management and preservation recommendation
The aspects of the Scuppernong River System that should be pre-
served are the river itself as an example of a lower coastal plain
river, and the accompanying swamp forest as a representative example of
swamp forest and as good wildlife habitat. Water quality of the Scup-
pernong should be controlled as much as possible by regulating volumes
of water pumped off local fields via canals into the river. Also new
sewage treatment facilities should be discouraged. Careful control
should be exercised over agricultural fertilizer applications in mar-
ginal fields if possible. The swamp forest should be left unmodified
and succession allowed to proceed.
Periodic local timbering may occur until this area is acquired or
registered. There are many owners who may wish to realize short-term
profits from their holdings. Due to the great number of owners, a
voluntary registration program may be the best approach to preserving
the area. Alternately, several of the larger parcels might be bought.
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
X
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: local significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
The Scuppernong River is a small and scenic river with an accom-
panying corridor of swamp forest of varying age stands. The river is
extremely scenic and of a good size and configuration for a canoe trail.
The river is wide enough to be open, yet not so wide as to preclude
vegetative or wildlife observation on either side. It would be an
excellent Sunday afternoon outing for any naturalist.
Currently the ares is significant as a wildlife corridor,_ as the
best example of riverine swamp forest in the county, and as an area of
low intensity recreation. As conversion of flatland swamp forest areas
to farmland continues in Tyrrell County, these latter three values may
become increasingly important.
More knowledge of flooding patterns and water quality intrusions in
the Scuppernong River will have great bearing on the ultimate decision
concerning acquisition or registration. The river and floodplain may be
of local historical significance of which we, as investigators, are
unaware.

-55-
24. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: N ssa sylvatica/Cyrilla racemiflora-Itea
virginica/Osmunda regalis-Saururus cernuus
Community cover type: N ssa sylvatica
General habitat feature: Swamp forest
Average tree height: 40 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 35-45 years
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.): 7,570 acres
Successional stage: Late succession
Sere type: Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover type or community type
(but not dominant): Fraxinus caroliniana, Chamaecyparis thyoides
Common subcanopy-shrub .stratum species in community cover type or
community type (but not dominant): None
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant):
Hydrocotyle verticillata
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General soil map, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS, Rev. 7/72
Soil series: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosoils
pH class: Unknown
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated communtiy cover type or community type:
N ssa sylvatica
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: Scuppernong River
Hydrologic system_: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower perennial
Water chemistry: Fresh

-56-
Water regime: Intermittantly flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Lower flood plain
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Muddy -hummocky
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Scuppernong River
Flood Plain
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Lower flood plain
Geologic formation: Pamlico terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stucky, J.L. and W.G. Steel. 1953. Geology and Mineral
Resources of North Carolina. North Carolina Geological Survey. Educatio:
Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
Name of species: Black bear (Ursus americana) (tracks observed)
Species legal status: Special concern
Number of populations on site: ?
Number of individuals per population: ?
Size or maturity of individuals: ?
General vigor of population: ? Probably moderate to poor
Disturbance or threats to population: Increased clearing activity
Habitat characterists: See above
f. Master species lists. See Table 9.

-57-
Table 9.
Plant Species List
Swamp Forest
ACERACEAE
LILIACEAE
Acer rubrum
Smilax laurifolia
ANACARDIACEAE
MAGNOLIACEAE
Rhus radicans
Magnolia virginiana
APIACEAE
MYRICACEAE
Hydrocotyle verticillata
M rica cerifera
AQUIFOLIACEAE
NYSSACEAE
Ilex lg abra
Nyssa aguatica
Ilex opaca
N ssa sylvatica
ARACEAE
OLEACEAE
Peltandra virginica
Fraxinus caroliniana
BETULACEAE
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Alnus serrulata
Botrychium biternatum
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
OSMUNDACEAE
Viburnum nudum
Osmunda regalis
CLETHRACEAE
PINACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
Pinus taeda
CORNACEAE
POLYGONACEAE
Cornus sp.
Polygonum setaceum
CUPRESSACEAE
RHAMNACEAE
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Berchemia scandens
CYPERACEAE
ROSACEAE
Carex sp.
Rosa palustris
Rubus sp.
Cyrillaceae
SAURURACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
Saururus cernuus
ERICACEAE
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Lyonia lucida
Decumaria barbara
Rhododendron nudiflorum
Itea virginica
Vaccinium sp.
HAMAMELIDACEAE
TAXODIACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
Taxodium distichum
HYPERICACEAE
URTICACEAE
Hypericum sp.
Boehmeria cylindrica
LAURACEAE
VITACEAE
Persea borbonia
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Dewy
W1
Sand Sid.
111213
3 1"9
BULL BAY 214
1216
12 1-2
9 224 12 12
-0 6
f.0 1214
)AA
1209
2.4
T202 IN1227sar S Z�
-1 COLUMBIA eye
64
12
. .........
1117
1203 30
112 1
SAVANNAH
VANNAH
III . 3 -�"f fill 11 1 2 2 26
117 11 , 27
31 .1
Woodl*y '�2
11G 21
"I§L RS 24,Q-
22,
LW 8 14 12 2 J-1y,
91 1 16 13 1 1-,
'tQ
5 -D 17
8 v 311"
4 f
C� 10
3
k'
2
1172
121
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
Figure 12.
OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
SCUPPERNONG RIVER SWAMP FOREST
P4 (Numbers correspond to ownership list.)

-59-
Table 10.
Ownership Information
Scuppernong River Swamp Forest
Tyrrell County, NC
Owner
Parcel(s) owned
1.
Weyerhaeuser, Inc.'
1, 4, 16
Plymouth, NC 27962
2.
Dr. S. C. Chaplin
2
Joseph Rhodes
Columbia, NC 27925
3.
First Colony Farms', Inc.
3, 13, 14, 15
Creswell, NC 27928
4.
Robert L. Spruill
Elizabeth D. Spruill
Route 1, Box 87
Columbia, NC 27925
5.
David D. Green
6
509 Lisford Place
Portsmoth, VA 23704
6.
W. A. Armstrong
7
Route 2, Box 70
Columbia, NC 27925
7.
Coastal Lumber Company, Inc.
8
P.O. Box 829
Weldon, NC 27890
8.
T. W. Dillon
9
Route 2, Box 82
Columbia, NC 27925
9.
Ruth W. Woodley
10
Columbia, NC 27925
10.
Ruby L. Phelps
11
James R. Phelps
Henry M. Bryant
5900 Harland Street
New Carralton, MD 20784
11.
Mae G. Basnight
12
P.O. Box 173
Columbia, NC 27925
12.
D. F. West
17
c/o Virgie May West
Route 5, Box 295
Rocky Mount, NC 27801

Table 10 (Continued)
13.
William L. Beasly Jr.
18
P.O. Box 427
Scotland Neck, NC 27874
14.
Herbert L. Liverman
19
519 Sunnybrook Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27610
15.
H. T. Davenport
20
P.O. Box 345
Columbia, NC 27925
16.
Harry McMullen Jr.
21
c/o Neva S. McMullen
P.O. Box 8
Washington, NC 27889
17.
Wallace I. Hill
22
Route 2, Box 15
Columbia, NC 27925
18.
Butler Land and Timber Company
23
Chase City, VA 23924
19.
Robert E. Parker Jr.
24
F. Perry
P.O. Box 476
Richmond, VA 23204
20.
L. C. Tarkington
25
Mary Tarkington
c/o Raife Tarkington
Creswell, NC 27928
21.
Margaret H. Burke
26
Route 1, Box 163
Columbia, NC 27925
22.
W. M. Norcum
28
Carrie Norcum
c/o Rodney Cooper
Columbia, NC 27925
23.
S. C. Chaplin
27
c/o Wilma Chaplin
Columbia, NC 27925
24.
Robert D. Shore
29
Mary M. Shore
2809 Lazy Lane
Winston-Salem, NC 27106

-61-
Table 10 (Continued)
25. Morris G. Pritchett 30
Wanda W. Pritchett
P.O. Box 158
Creswell, NC 27928
26. Ray McClees 31
Jean McClees
Route 2, Box 5
Columbia, NC 27925

-62-
FRYING PAN LAKE ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR FOREST
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
1. Natural Area Name
Frying Pan Lake Atlantic White Cedar Forest
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location: From the jct of NC 94 and State Road 1307 (Frying Pan
Road) proceed S 2.75 mi. turn E on a farm road proceeding 1.5 mi
E., 1.5 mi SE, then another .85 mi E (follow the electric line).
From there proceed another .5 mi. E on an unimproved logging road.
See figures 1 and 13.
4. Topographic quadrangle
Scotia, 7.5 min; Frying Pan, 7.5 min.
5. Size
154 acres
6. Elevation
1 foot - 2 feet
7. Access
By private farm and logging roads from NC Hwy 94. See figure 14.
8. Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation
5/23/80
6/30/80
7/l/80
9A. Prose description of site
This natural area is located in the flat flood plain that surrounds
Frying Pan Lake. The area is only inches above sea level and is thus
very poorly drained. The water table which is never more than a few
inches below the surface is highest during the winter and early spring
and lowest during the late summer and early fall. The soils are totally
organic. When a metal rod was used as a probe it was determined that
the depth of the organic matter exceeds five feet. The organic matter
produces an extremely acid soil and this combined with the anaerobic
conditions from the high water table greatly reduces the microbial
decompostion of leaves and other fallen litter. As a result the surface
zone - consisting of noncompacted leaves, sticks, and roots that
sometimes unexpectedly gives way from the weight of a footstep. Such
hidden depressions, however, are seldom more than a foot or two deep.

-63-
The surrounding vegetation is a typical swamp forest of black gum
(N ssa sylvatica), red maple (Acer rubrum), and occasional bald cypress
(Taxodium distichum). From the general size of the trees it was pro-
bably last logged about 60 to 75 years ago.
The natural area itself encompasses about 154 acres and is nearly
circular ,in outline. The swamp forest within this area is almost total-
ly dominated by Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) with a
density of about 506 trees per acre (1250/ha). The trees are about 60
feet tall with the largest being 14.8 in. (37.7 cm) in diameter and most
trees ranging rom 9 to 12 in. in diameter. The canopy is even -aged and
from increment borings was determined to be about 60 years old. - Al-
though infrequent, other species found in the canopy were loblolly pine
.(Pious taeda), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), and red maple (Acer rubrum)
(See Table 11 for calculated importance values).
The subcanopy forms as distinct a stratum as does the canopy and
its density of 509 trees per acre (1258/ha) is almost identical to the
canopy's density. It is strongly dominated by black gum (See Table it
for calculated importance values).
The shrub layer is not particularly dense and contains such charac-
teristic species as sweet pepper bush (Clethra alnifolia), bitter gall -
berry Ilex labra), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), and sparkleberry
(Vaccinium arboreum). As in most swamp forests the herb layer is rather
sparse with perhaps the most frequently occurring species being Virginia
chain fern (Woodwardia virginica) and royal fern (Osmunda regalis).
From our observations and data it appears that this is a succes-
sional community. There are numerous stumps, the largest being 44 in.
(121 cm) in diameter, so the present stand probably became established
after the area had been logged. Judging from the age of the canopy trees
this was probably 60 to 70 years ago. Like many other conifers the
Atlantic white cedar will only establish in openings that are produced
by fire or logging. They form a dense stand that thins itself with age
and then, as we have observed, a subcanopy of shade tolerant hardwoods
develops. The length of time from initial establishment to ultimate
replacement by hardwoods is probably about 250 years but this represents
a guess because fire or logging usually cuts the sequence short.
10. Significance Summary (catergories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature
High quality wet-
land plant com-
munity.
b. Description of significant feature
Chamaecyparis thyoides/Nyssa sylvatica/
Clethra alnifolia - mixed shrubs
c. Comparative Assessment
Highest density stand of
Atlantic white cedar in
county.
Area with high Chamaecyparis thyoides/Nyssa sylvatica/ Few mature stands of
research interest Clethra alnifolia-mixed shrubs Atlantic white cedar
are available for research

-64-
Sound Si"
1213 1.7
12"
BULL
BAY
� ; .. J214
121
f.0 1
1214
RlvK Ned
1209
SIC 2•4
Colonial 12
1202 1203
1227
COLUMBIA
KM"RF.. 902
1225
Jill 1
tux
117 tx"r T 773 2
Ilia
UU 117
1115
1116 -,? SCUPPERNG
9
Goss
HOLLOW GROUND
SIVAMP
1-d
BIG SAVANNAH
Aaigator
L2
L-6
1225
ti
Coat Neck f
1224
Ian
1209
non landing
1363 (J' rying Pon Landing
%TffG
FRYING PAN
Roy
1310
F*,k 131 .6 2 38
Figure 13.
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEA URES Lul
FRYING PAN LAKE ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR FOREST \-k tits Gr.p."� Londl-9

-65-
Table 11.
Sampling Summary
Frying Pan Lake Atlantic White Cedar Forest
Based on 25 quarter point plots
Canopy
Total density = 1,250 trees/ha
Relative Relative
Species Frequency Density
Chamaecvvaris
. thyoides
60
Pinus taeda
26
Nyssa sylvatica
10
Acer rubrum
5
Total density = 1258 trees/ha
Relative
Species
Frequency
N ssa sylvatica
63
Acer rubrum
16
Persea borbonia
16
Ilex o aca
3
Chamaecyparis
thyoides
3
82
12
4
2
Subcanopy
Relative
Density
83
9
6
1
1
Relative
Dominance
85
12
2
1
Relative
Dominance
85
8
5
1
1
Important .
Value
227
50
16
8
Important
231
33
27
5
5

rt
o
-66-
U
$
B
1 ,
� •
P1edp
Lo dnp�
\ ...
i
m.
- •
'
11a `,a0erar
IS it
I
92121
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. ...
n}
11]4
i
ll
nu
`....._
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t4�
sa dt
on
i
G
eY
i 161
� °
301
}
I
r3}
10.
U0.
�y /
r
r
3t
-
EEgge
_�._..
91
I
r
•..
pnm
utb Outtail
II -.Creek
Fild
YC
y
94
icOl
t: Ca
'
,oa
GitIND.`
`��•..
`7
..
_
CP.. \�j\
\-:..-pDerou�h
e
>�
RYING PAY
f
cx�
Figure 14.
1
ACCESS INFORMATION
FRYING PAN LAKE r
ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR FOREST
,,-3
r.,.
H=
i�
i

-67-
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area:
5
12. Number of owners:
13. Name of owner:
Private
100 %
Public
%
Unknown
%
1
Prulean Farms Joint Venture (Prudential Insurance owns 80%; First
Colony Farms 20%)
Creswell, NC 27928
14. Use of natural area:
a. Cat. Low intensity recreation
b. Other (describe) Intrusion of frequent low level 'et overflights
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildland 100 %
b. Agricultural land %
c. Developed land %
16. Management problem description:
Excess flood water from
agricultural drainage operations - Impact 3; Effort 1
17. Preservation status
Cat - 6 - 100%
18. Regulatory protections in force: Section 404(b) of the Clear Water Act
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: Unknown
20. Threats
a. Category 3 *SF X
b. Description of threat. Atlantic white cedar is valuable
timber. High density stands are easy to cut. Approximately
2900 acres of similar forest have been harvested in the vicin-
ity of Frying Pan Lake in the last few years.
21. Management and preservation recommendation.
Prevent logging! An agricultural drainage canal that runs
directly through the middle of the natural area should be blocked
with the water diverted in such a way that sheet flow through the

MIX
surrounding swamp forest is achieved. Natural area registration by
the landmanager, First Colony Farms, should be encouraged.
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
1.
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: regional (medium) significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance.
The Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is found in
the Northeastern Tidewater, Sandhill, and Southeastern Coastal
Plain regions of North Carolina. It is a beautiful tree that grows
perfectly straight. Its bark is reddish -brown and somewhat flaky
while the foliage is a deep bluish -green and has the characteristic
cedar fragrance. The tree is found in swamp forests and pocosins
where it may occur as a minor component of the community or in some
instances may form pure stands that contain only Atlantic white
cedar. It is these pure stands that constitute the community type
known as the Atlantic white cedar forest. Such forests are in
extreme jeopardy in North Carolina. The lesser threat to their
existence is the occurrence of fire. Like many conifers the
Atlantic white cedar will not sprout from the root crown or bole.
When a fire moves through a young dense stand the foliage provides
fuel and the stand is completely destroyed. The much greater
threat to the Atlantic white cedar forest is logging. The light
colored fragrant wood is very durable and therefore valuable for a
number of uses. Dense stands that contain only the single species
are economical to harvest so stands are usually cut long before the
trees ever reach full maturity. Approximately 2900 acres of
Atlantic white cedar forest have been cut in the vicinity of Frying
Pan Lake in the last few years making the one small area described
in this report the only relatively mature high density stand that
remains in Tyrrell County. Some such stands should be saved. Our
understanding of the factors that control the location of these
forests and the successional dynamics of developing stands is
relatively poor. Only with the preservation of some stands will we
ever have the opportunity to answer these questions.
24. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Camaecyparis thyoides/ Nyssa sylvatica/
Clethra alnifolia-mixed shrubs
Community cover type: Chamaecyparis thyoides
General habitat feature: Atlantic white cedar swamp forest
Average tree height: 60 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 60 years

-69-
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.):
154 acres
Successional stage: Subclimax
Sere type: Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): Pinus taeda
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover
type or community type (but not dominant): Subcanopy: Acer
rubrum, Persea borbonia; Shrub: Lyonia lucida, Ilex lg abra
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant): Peltandra virginica, Osmunda regalis, Sphagnum
sp., Woodwardia virginica
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County, NC;
USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosol
pH class: Strongly acid
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type: Chamaecyparis
thyoides
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal-Semipermanently flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Floodplain
Shelter: Open

=a
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type 'of natural area: Atlantic White
Cedar Swamp Forest
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: as above
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stuckey, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953.
Geology and Mineral Resources of North Carolina Geologic
Survey Educational Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened species: N/A
f. Master Species List
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Illex glabra
ARACEAE
Peltandra virginica
BIGNONIACEAE
Campsis radicans
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CUPRESSACEAE
Chamaecyparis thyoides
ERICACEAE
L onia lucida
Vaccinium arboreum
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax laurifolia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa sylvatica
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
ROSACEAE
Sorbus arbutifolia
VITACEAE
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vitis rotundifolia

-71-
HARVESTER ROAD TALL POCOSIN
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
1. Natural Area Name
Harvester Road Tall Pocosin
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location: Southwest corner of Tyrrell County. The route to this
area is by farm roads and too complicated for description.
See Figures 1 and 16.
4. Topographic quadrangle:
New Lake - 7.5 min.
New Lake NW - 7.5 min.
Creswell SE - 7.5 min.
5. Size: 7989 acres
6. Elevation: 10 feet - 17 feet
7. Access: By various canal and farm roads. See Figure 17.
8. Names of investigators:
Charles B. McDonald - East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash - East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation
2/2/80
5/16/80
9A. Prose description of site:
This area is a large tract of tall pocosin. The dominant is
pond pine (Pinus serotina) but its density is usually not great
enough to close the canopy. The shrub layer is extremely dense
consisting of such species as dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa),
bitter gallberry (Ilex lg abra), Zenobia (Zenobia pulverulenta), and
greenbriar (Smilax laurifolia). Most of the vegetation does not
seem particularly old. The sweet bays (Magnolia virginiana) and
loblolly bays (Gordonia lasianthus) still have their youthful
growth form, many of the pond pines have not developed crowns, and
the shrubs are mostly only knee to waist high. The age is about 30
years which makes sense because this is part of the large pocosin
south of Lake Phelps that was first cleared for agriculture in the
early 1950's.

WASH INGTON-HYDE-TYRRELL POCOSIN SYSTEM

-73-
The pocosins south of Lake Phelps in Washington and Hyde
counties and those in Tyrrell County are. all part of the same
system. The elevation of the Washington -Hyde portion is 15 to 20
feet while most of the pocosin in Tyrrell County is 5 feet or less.
The area described here is in the zone of elevational transition
and at 10 to 17 feet should really be included in the Washington -
Hyde part of the system. See Figure 15.
The land is flat and the soils are apparently extremely deep
peat. The ditches that have been cut are about ten feet deep and
even at this depth only the organic portion of the profile is
visible. As you travel west leaving Tyrrell County and entering
Washington County, the pocosin becomes progressively more modified.
First there are sections with low shrubs and small pond pines, then
sections with only low shrubs, and finally sections dominated by
broomsedge. This series of one-half or one square mile blocks
produces an excellent sequence of pocosin successional stages.
10. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature b. Description of
significant feature
High quality ter- Pinus serotina/mixed Erica-
restrial plant ceous shrubs
community
Outstanding geo- Peatlands
logic feature
Area with high Developing tall pocosin
research value
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area: Private
Public
Unknown
12. Number of owners: 2
C. Comparative
Assessment
Developing tall pocosin
with limited modifi-
cation. Part of one
of the largest pocosin
systems in the state.
Part of one of the
major peat deposits
in the state
Pocosin areas in adjacent
Washington County were
cleared at different
times producing an
excellent system in which
to study the succession
of pocosin lands.
100
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) with addresses, phone
numbers:
I. First Colony Farms
Creswell, NC 27928

Say
LIM
yT LIL
117
1112
117
Waodley
y S,
NO
SCUPPE
64
llli
C.
10
ILA
C. L."din
Ills]
PETT*REW
STATE
PARK
LAKE PHELP;
Figure 16.
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
HARVESTER ROAD TALL POCOSIN
71� COLUMBIA
POV902
.2
A
Ptcafanf
Vibw
D .Terry
1305
1107
1106
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
lruatyir
BIG SAVANNAH
it
Lweb
1361
ma
t. K;lk—y
1
322
1,3
1309
11.0
131 -P 7 A;
0-" Ridge Landes 0,
Ri

14
--------------
/ ',
^•
oodles
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f
�-leoeanr
4
t
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rq
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r
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w
6c
v;c
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f
y
_(ft
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jo
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ell
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e
5
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-
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77
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,y'
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,.
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�
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�1{ r" yt
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��rrA
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il- � �
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r.
•
to =?..
`
1
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J
1
a
1 e
_
i,
t5i1
vo
/'r,>!�
ai,.'
-off;
'7
:._
_" 1
_
s -.
__ �
•.:,
_
.'(\.
fit} �1 �
\ t :��-
,
t
•��'-
��
,o..
4
c'dQe
��>?�",,,,..
�.,o
e*
J
tom..
i
r
s,
2 r .
i
y
ALLJCAhJLAKE _ _J.
1
_•
S•nit
Snare
i
1
qy�• $j
]
_
a....-
Figure 17.
ACCESS INFORMATION
-'
i
S
HARVESTER ROAD TALL POCOSIN

-76-
2. Lakeside Farmers of Tyrrell County, Inc.
c/o Edsel Baines
Creswell, NC 27928
See Figure 18.
14. Use of natural area:
a. Category - low intensity recreation; peat mining possible
but not yet accomplished.
b. Other (describe) - Intrusion of drainage canals cut at
k mile intervals.
15. Use of surround land:
a. Wildland 70%
b. Agricultural 30%
C. Developed 6%
16. Management problem description
Prevention of peat mining - Impact 3; Effort 1
Prevention of logging - Impact 3; Effort 1
Removal or blockage of most roads - Impact 3; Effort 1
Prevention of clearing and agricultural development - Impact 3; Effort 1
17. Preservation status
Category - 6 - 100%
Description of preservation status - We believe that this is part
of the area that First Colony Farms has designated for peat mining.
18. Regulatory protections in force - Unknown
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?)
Unknown.
20. Threats
a. Category - 2; kSF - X
b. Description of threat - Peat mining
a. Category - 1; *SF - X
b. Description of threat - Expansion of agriculture in the
northern part.
21. Management and preservation recommendation.
At 10 to 17 feet this area is ,high enough that peat could be
mined without any elaborate pumping or drainage. If First Colony
Farms is ever given permission to mine peat on a large scale this

-77-
area will eventually be completely destroyed. Preventing this or
reducing its impact can probably only be accomplished through
negotiation between the land owners and government.
Just maintaining the integrity of this area is dependent on
the prevention of peat mining and the prevention of further agri-
cultural expansion from the north. If this is accomplished, the
blockage of only a few roads would prevent human access producing
an excellent wilderness sanctuary. Landowners should be contacted
and encouraged to register the portions of this area that they know
will not be developed.
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
X
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: regional (medium) significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
The Washington -Hyde -Tyrrell pocosin system covers about 125
square miles with about 66 square miles in Washington and Hyde
counties and the remaining 59 square miles in Tyrrell County. Most
of the land in Washington and Hyde counties was converted to agri-
culture in the early 1950's but this project failed and the land is
now slowly returning to its original composition. The area des-
cribed in this report is part of that original conversion attempt.
This section was either abandoned first or has had the least subse-
quent disturbance because the vegetation in this area is much
better developed than most of the pocosin further west. Con-
sidering the amount of modification in this huge pocosin system it
seems advisable to place a relatively high preservation priority on
any natural or semi -natural portions that are left.
Pocosins are difficult or imposssible to walk through, they
have generally been regarded as economically worthless, and even
their ecological significance has been questioned. For these
reasons, research on pocosins has long been neglected. This -par-
ticular area presents the opportunity to develop a much better
understanding of one aspect of pocosins, that being, successional
change. Due to the pattern of abandonment from agriculture dif-
ferent stages of succession are all present in the same general
area making this an excellent place to gather this needed data.
This area in its present condition would make a good wildlife
sanctuary. It is remote from any state roads and by blocking only
a few canal roads it could be completely cut off from human inter-
vention.

I . 0
U
1309
1202 1227
bay 00. COLUMBIA
73 POP."2
if
35*5S, 12
MT Travis Al ilia
fill
124 117 1105
fit" y
1.3 LUC 1 .2 U 10 94
Woodls,y t4G
111 f SCUPPERSO LA z ao 1 03
6-4 1104 1701 1
k4 Jerry
10 1305
toy
C. L.L.V Li
7*
121 11.22
Ills.
35*50' .3 1121
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
PETTIGREW
STATE
PARK
LAKE
BIG SAVANNAH
1.3
1704
Fork
Ual
C-- N.,k
(Numbers correspond to ownership list.)

-79-
24. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Pinus serotina/mixed Ericaceous shrubs
Community cover type: Pinus serotina
General habitat feature: Tall pocosin
Average tree height: 35 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 30 years
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres,
etc.): 7,989 acres
Successional stage: Subclimax (fire maintained)
Sere type: Psammosere
Commonly canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): Gordonia lasianthus, Magnolia
virginiania
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover
type or community type (but not dominant): Zenobia
pulverulenta, Gaylussacia frondosa, Vaccinium spp,
Ilex lg abra, Smilax laurifolia
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant):
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosol
pH class: Strongly acidic?
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type: Pinus
serotina
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: North Fork of Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Palustrine

ff:%L
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal-seasonally flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Peat Flat
Shelter: Open
Aspect: NIA
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: NIA
Surface patterns: Hammocky
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Tall pocosin
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: as above
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stucky, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and Mineral Resources of North Carolina. North Carolina
Geologic Survey Educational Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened species: NIA
f. Master species lists
Site specific list not compiled for this area.
See list for Upper Alligator River Pocosin.
That area appears to have similar species composition.

-81-
ALBEMARLE SOUND LOW SHORELINE
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet:
I. Natural Area Name
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location: From Columbia, proceed north on County Road 1209 until
it junctions with County Road 1120. Turn left and follow 1220 to
the Albemarle Sound. The area starts here and extends eastward and
southward along the shore to the mouth of Alligator Creek. It can
be approached at its eastern end on County Road 1223. See Figures
1 and 19.
4. Topographic quadrangle:
Fort Landing - 7.5 min.
Columbia East - 7.5 min.
S. Size: 1,633 acres
6. Elevation: 1-3 feet
7. Access: Along County Roads 1209, 1220, 1225, 1223 and a few,
unnumbered dirt roads. See Figure 20.
8. Names of Investigators:
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Date(s) of investigation: 5/7-8/80
9A. Prose description of site
The Albemarle Sound low shoreline is an example of estuarine
low shoreline. This length of shoreline and its accompanying sand
spit make it extremely interesting geologically. The sand spit is
temporarily stabilized by a fresh water marsh dominated by Typha
spp. This marsh is one of the two large marshes in Tyrrell County.
As such it may be of some regional significance. The soils on
which it is found are histosols covering sand and silt. This marsh
is probably flooded most of the time and may represent a climax for
the site.
The forest behind the shoreline is dominated by loblolly pine
(Pinus taeda) and sweetgum (Li uidambar styraciflua) growing on
histosols underlain by sand see attached quarter point sheet).
These areas are wet in winter and dry to wet in summer. Although
this forest is robust with the pines doing well, it is probably not
representative of the original vegetation. On certain sites, many
of the pines appear to be planted. Although not terribly inter-
esting in terms of natural heritage, this forest does offer a good
buffer from human activities to the south.

-82-
olr
LLU
Soand Sid.
1213
1.7
A
All
1216
1.2
1214
122ao
L2L7
ry
1"9
-1 COLUMBIA 64
J.,
".902
q
BIG
SAVANNAH
1300
Lei
1105 94
j,
VL ,&e
UU
pi.mar,1 YsM 1325
J.'ry
ios
107
IIQ6
1304
1103
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
Figure 19.
BOUNDARIES AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
ALBEMARLE SOUND LOW SHORELINE
1.3 !t, \
1223
Goat N.&
1224 SWA
part L—ding
s-dy
poild
3 55,
JI
64
43 PAP
c"ek
1307
/THE(JJJJJJ'
FRYING PAN\\

-83-
The shoreline offers a wonderful view of the Albemarle Sound
and would - provide many opportunities for recreation as well as
being a possible site for geological investigations.
Sampling Summary
Albemarle Sound Low Shoreline
Based on 15 quarter points.
Canopy
Total density- 661 trees/ha
Relative Relative Relative Importance
Species Frequency Density Dominance Value
Pinus taeda
43
62
67
172
Liquidambar styraciflua
31
23
23
77
uercus lauriflolia
9
5
3
17
Acer rubrum
6
3
3
12
Salix nigra
6
3
2
11
N ssa sylvatica
6
3
2
11
Subcanopy
Total density - 1575 trees/ha
Relative Relative Relative Importance
Species Frequency Density Dominance Value
Acer rubrum
33
38
31
102
N ssa sylvatica
28
28
31
87
Liquidambar styraciflua
15
13
18
46
Magnolia virginica
8
7
5
20
Persea borbonia
8
5
6
19
uercus laurifolia
5
3
6
14
N ssa aquatica
2
3
2
8
M rica cerifera
2
2
1
5
10. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature
High quality ter-
restrial plant
community
High quality wet-
land plant com-
munity
b. Description of
significant feature
Pinus taeda-Liquidambar
styraciflua/Acer rubrum-
N ssa sylvatica/?
Typha sp.
C. Comparative
assessment
A representative stretch
of lowland pine -swamp
hardwood vegetation.
One of two large acerages
of freshwater marsh in
county.
Oustanding geo- Estuarine Low Shoreline Best unmodified example
logic feature in county

.6
Sound Sid.
txn
1209
COLUMBIA
1 ",902
-84-
1.4
N—f.,ndland
BIG SAVANNAH
L2
L-44
tID6
306
Ae
HOLLOW GROUND
SWAMP
Figure 20.
OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
ALBEMARLE SOUND LOW SHORELINE
(Numbers correspond to ownership list.)
Goat Nodc r
1224
S WA P
1209
Fort Landing
San
N44dy
35 55'
THE
FRYING PAN
PAP
S ... d r—kire
-
rr
cl�4—
CrKk
it
cl- V
ti
Paint

-85-
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area:
12. Number of owners: 2
Private
100 %
Public
%
Unknown
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or costodian(s) with addresses, phone
numbers.
Area 1: Butler Timber Company, Inc.,
Chase City, VA 23924
Area 2: P. K. Gravely
c/o Peoples Bank and Trust Company, Inc.
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
See Figure 20.
14. Use of natural area:
a. Category - Instrusions: (1) improved road, a few cottages
and duck blinds on stilts in the water offshore.
b. Other - (describe) -
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildlife 95%
b. Agricultural land 5%
C. Developed land 0%
16. Management problem description
Control of human use - Impact 3; Effort 2
Control of erosion - Impact 3; Effort 3
17. Preservation status
Category - 6 - 100%
18. Regulatory protections in force: Section 404(b) of the Clean
Water Act.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation. Not known
20. Threats
a. Category - 3; `SF - X
b. Description of threat - Logging could take place at any time,
erosion of low shoreline could occur at any time.

21. Management and preservation recommendation:
Low shoreline is one of several characteristic shoreline types
along the Albemarle Sound (Vincent Bellis, ECU, personal communica-
tion). This area should be managed for the preservation of natural
vegetation behind the shoreline. The actual shoreline boundary
itself will be hard to stabilize as low estuarine shorelines are
very susceptable to erosion by storm and rising sea level. I would
suggest letting nature take its course as there is probably little
we could do to stabilize the shoreline anyway. Preservation of the
vegetation to landward will provide a buffer zone that will make
the area more pleasant for recreation. The marsh at the east end
of the area would need little management except 'for control of
human visitation.
The attitude of the owners toward preservation is not known.
Logging could occur at any time. The shoreline could be saved if
the companies agreed to stop cutting within 1/4 mile of the shore
or marsh. It is possible the land might be bought and remotely
possible the owners would agree to voluntary registration.
22. Rating (County perspective):
1)
2)
3)
P
high priority
medium priority
low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: local significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
The Ablemarle Sound low shoreline is an excellent example of
its kind. It receives relatively little visitation and thus would
make an excellent recreational area. The fresh water marsh domi-
nated by Typha sp. (cattails) at its eastern end is one of two
large examples of such systems in the county. The forest behind
the shoreline is dominated by pine (Pinus taeda) and sweet gum
(Liquidambar styraciflua). This forest is probably not represen-
tative of the primordial vegetation, but does provide a buffer
against agricultural activities to the south.
The area could furnish excellent recreation in the way of
canoeing and fishing as well as furnishing an example of low shore-
line physiography. It could very easily be used as a site for
study of sand movement along estuarine shores as the point at the
eastern end of the area seems to be an actively forming spit with
numerous off -shore bars.
24A. Natural Characteristics Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Pinus taeda-Liquidambar styraciflua/Acer
rubrum-Nyssa sylvatica/Woodwardia areolata-Woodwardia
virginica

-87-
Community cover type: Pinus taeda-Liquidambar styraciflua
General habitat feature: Low shoreline and forest
Average tree height: 40 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 40 years
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.): 1473 acres
Successional stage: Late seral (tran3ient)
Sere type: Psammosere?
Commonly canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): None
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover
type or community type (but not dominant): Liquidambar
styraciflua
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant): None
b. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County,
USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosols
pH class: Unknown
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type: Pinus
taeda-Liquidambar styraciflua
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: Albemarle Sound
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Wet
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Seasonally saturated
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics

Land form: Low estuarine shoreline
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Hammocky
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Mixed pine -hardwood
lowland and beach berm.
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Mixed pine -hardwood lowland and beach berm
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stucky, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and mineral resources of North Carolina.
North Carolina Geological Survey. Educational
Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and threatened species - N/A
24B. Natural Characteristic Summary
a. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Typha spp.
Community cover type: Iffha spp.
General habitat feature: Freshwater marsh
Average rush height: 8-10 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: N/A
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.): 160 acres
Successional stage: Climax?
Sere type: Psammosere-Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover type or community
type (but not dominant): None
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not
dominant): None

b. Soil Summary
Source of information:
USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72.
General Soil Survey, Tyrrell County,
Shelter: Open
Soil association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil order: Histosols
pH class:
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type: Typha sp.
C. Hydrology Summary'
Drainage basin: Albemarle Sound - Alligator River
Hydrologic System: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower Perrenial
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Semipermanently flooded
d. Summary -Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
.Land form: Estuarine point and sand spit
Aspect: N/A
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Sandy -silty
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Long shoal point
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Freshwater cattail marsh
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation: Quaternary

-90-
References: Stucky, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and mineral resources of North Carolina. North Carolina
Geological Survey. Educational Series No. 3.
e. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species - N/A

-91-
f. Plant Species List
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex glabra
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
BETULACEAE
Carpinus caroliniena
BIGNONIACEAE
Campsis radicans
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
Woodwardia virginica
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera japonica
Viburnum nudum
ERICACEAE
L onia lucida
Vaccinium spp.
FAGACEAE
uercus laurifolia
Quercus nigra
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
JUNCACEAE
Juncus effusus
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax bona-nox
Smilax laurifolia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginica
MYRICACEAE
M rica cerifera
NYSSACEAE
N ssa aquatica
N ssa sylvatica
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamonea
Osmunda regalis
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia 'scandens
ROSACEAE
Sorbus arbutifolia
SALICACEAE
Po ulus heterophylla
Salix nigra
SAURURACEAE
Saururus cernuus
SYMPLOCACEAE
Symplocos tinctoria
ULMACEAE
Ulmus americana
VITACEAE
Parthenocissus quinguefolia
Vitis rotundifolia

-92-
ALLIGATOR CREEK - SECOND CREEK SWAMP FOREST
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name
Alligator Creek - Second Creek Swamp Forest
2. County
Tyrrell
3. Location: Both N and S of US 64 from the junction of US 64 and
State Road 1229 to the Alligator River. To reach the southern part
of the area, drive E on State Road 1301 until it ends then proceed
E and SE on a network of private logging roads. See Figures 1 and
21.
4. Topographic quadrangle
Fort Landing, 7.5 min; Frying Pan, 7.5 min.; Columbia East, 7.5
min.
5. Size
16,044 acres
6. Elevation
1 foot - 3ffet
7. Access: By car through locked gates at end of State Road 1301. By
foot N and S of US 64. By boat from Alligator River, Alligator
Creek, and Second Creek. See Figure 22.
8. Names of investigators
Charles B. McDonald, East Carolina University
Andrew N. Ash, East Carolina University
9. Dates of investigation
5/8/80
6/12/80
9A. Prose description of site
This large area is entirely swamp forest but does contain
three different swamp forest community types. The first is a
loblolly pine -black gum (Pinus taeda - N ssa sylvatica) associa-
tion in which loblolly pine is the canopy dominant while black gum
is the canopy subdominant as well as subcanopy dominant. This type
of swamp forest occupies the highest and driest sites. The second
community is a black gum -bald cypress (N ssa sylvatica-Taxodium
distichum) association. Black gum is by far the dominant component
and may occur almost to th •exclusion of bald cypress in the most
recently logged areas. This association occupies the wettest
sites. The third community is an Atlantic white cedar - red
maple - black gum (Chamaecyparis thyoides - Acer rubrum-Nyssa

-93-
sylvatica) association. This community is relatively restricted,
occurring
in
several patches in the area between US 64 and Second Creek.
Large parts of the area between US 64 and Second Creek show
evidence of logging within the last 20-30 years. Some sections
have an open canopy of black gum and red maple above a dense shrub
thicket of fetterbush (L onia lucida), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera),
and greenbrier (Smilax spp.) while other sections contain dense
stockings of small (3-5 in. DBH) black gum over greenbrier thickets.
All of the swamp forests in the county serve as wildlife
corridors for such species as black bear (Ursus americanus). The
area described here lies at the junction of two such corridors.
One corridor runs north and south parallel to the Alligator River
while the other runs west to connect with the Scuppernong River.
10. Significance Summary (catergories represented and descriptions)
a. Feature b. Description of significant feature c. Comparative Assessment
Nature preserve/ Nyssa sylvatica - Pinus taeda Only area in county
limited access area with controlled human
access.
Special habitat Black bear Only area in county
with controlled human
access.
11. Legal Status and Use
Ownership type by percent area: Private 100%
Public 0%
Unknown 0%
12. Number of owners: 11
13. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) with addresses with phone
numbers.
Wilbert Bailey, Rural Route, Columbia, NC 27925, is the local
custodian for the locked area owned by GMS Timber Co. He can
usually be located by asking around Columbia. Try the hardware
store or the NAPA auto parts store. Don't confuse him with his
brother Willard. See Map 23 and Table 13.
14. Use of natural area:
a. Category - Low intensity recreation
b. Other (describe) - N/A
15. Use of surrounding land:
a. Wildlife 70%
b. Agricultural land 30%
C. Developed land 0%

1227
�9
COLUMBIA
1 "."2
Sound Side
BIG SAVANNAH
2
L*"k
.!Ud.
-94
1.3
Goat P40&
1274 SWAMP
q..l PL
Fott Landing
Sandy
35,55,
64
PAP
q
132 A
1305
5-..d Gawk. I,'
pw
1306
It"
4,p
1307
94
I,'. ykv Pon L.Wi,
THE
FR YZNG PA N\
1310 tfish Pow
Figure 21.
BOUNDARY AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
ALLIGATOR CREEK -SECOND CREEK SWAMP FOREST
35'A5'
Jx
Oil,
PEVINE
BAY

-95—
M
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E
U
g
g
N
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fix)
��,a,•
��
1'1�s
=—
' �=
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:
-� b—,
L' �
.'>_i
�'` ,
�,
t jP9
:
e
81ue a1
i!
r
n
ding
na
ivC
IPT
0.
BIA
1O1'9
%
Itx9
�
1,
_
r)
It
art •�.��,
�u
,.
Ikb ,SAS
'�
li.
• �.
,'
91
�i
}}
4
F�
I
fleosmt y
tits
,�i
.:/\
I'
,�•
_
1194
00
AOL,n
-4
,
r
_
Cam'
�
FA
nm
a
--if
/
:
t
0
G to
outh0 tfali
110
n
,yj
h
`1
1.1,!
0e �%
Ge 116e
`_-=
: Re,
7 �•
,�`�
`
1 i
w
ler
,1
° qe gtAP 1: L LCoP<
k. y
'
RY/NC P
N
I
Figure 22.
`' E
ACCESS INFORMATION
ALLIGATOR CREEK -SECOND CREEK
SWAMP FOREST

17. Preservation status
Category - 6 - 100%
18. Regulatory protections in force: See 404(b) of the Clean Water
Act.
19. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation: Unknown
20. Threats
a. Category 4 *SF
b. Description of threat: N/A
21. Management and preservation recommendation.
This section of swamp forest, particularly that south of US 64, has
limited access because canals act as barriers and the few gates
into the area remain locked. This limited access should be maintained.
Logging must be prevented. No further mangement is needed to
maintain this area as a wildlife sanctuary.
22. Rating: (County perspective):
1) high priority
2) X medium priority
3) low priority
State Natural Heritage rating: local significance.
23. Prose statement of site significance
This area is not considered significant for any aspects of its
natural vegetation. We saw no particularly exemplary stands of
swamp forest and in fact much of the area appears to have been cut
within the past 20-30 years. The area does, however, serve as an
excellent wildlife sanctuary. By having locked gates which are
undoubtedly intended to restrict deer hunting, the GMS timber
Company has created a refuge for all of the wildlife. No other
portion of the county has this type of restrictec access. This
wildlife sanctuary does have black bear and would be suitable
habitat for other animals such as beaver, otter, and alligator.
The area is also strategically located. If it were destroyed
through timbering or other land use it would bisect the swamp
forest corridor along the Alligator River and also cut swamp forest
access to the western part of the county.
24. Natural Characteristics Summary
A. Vegetation -Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Nyssa sylvatica-Pinus taeda
Community cover type: N ssa sylvatica-Pinus,.ta� eda
General habitat feature: Swamp forest
Average tree height: 55 feet
Estimated age of canopy trees: 20-80 years depending on
location

- Pi g larding �•
._ I2tt9 12154�� 1
So-d W. 16 .g —/ 1.3 ii \
.6
. SttAMP
i ids - �� •�\
� i � ��i i
.... 1.2 I ��. 1. •._. 1
1111 /�qJ+
1214
in,
i
1
�CULUMBIA
\ \ 4 t} PDP.902 /� 1229_ titi
o
J 61G SAVANNAH r ! s
w
�Do2
/
1,0] (}h
94 � Lsrak 6 3 4
�' • ��
is u}¢ts '-�, a
/ if
~"
0 z
}}� '+
fJlrry
i
PbasaM Yl+w
nIRA
S...d C,-k q'
\ ♦
/ •`� i
1106 Point 1,i
/
coed
i,• __...
�\,
' r 1 \ � •x /J f
i
p�l
�^ �iJI
\
1
\
t
HOLLOW GROUND as a� x Yaca j
F i
Uoe 'C��Yying Pon Landing
SWAMP' -. +
•7
THE �`• !
I.
!i `
r (FRYING
�� 4i
) C¢tfish Point
•
Figure 23. • \ .,^
OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
e'
ALLIGATOR CREEK -SECOND CREEK SWAMP FOREST '1
(Numbers correspond to ownership list.)
l /
a Iii
Jt
�
/ 'well
GRAPEVINE
`jJBAY j;

-98-
Estimated size of association (sq. meters, acres, etc.):
16,044 acres
Successional stage: Subclimax
Sere type: Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover type of
community type (but not dominant): Taxodium distichum,
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Common subcanopy-shrub stratum species in community cover
type or community type. (but not dominant): Lyonia lucida,
M rica cerifera, L onia ligustrina, Smilax spp.
Common herb stratum species in community type (but not dominant):
Sphagnum spp., Osmunda regalis, Saururus cernuus
B. Soil Summary
Source of information: General Soil Map, Tyrrell County, North
Carolina; USDA-SCS; Revised 7/72
Soil Association: Belhaven-Dare-Dorovan
Soil Order: Histosol
pH class: Acidic?
Moisture class: Hydric
Associated community cover type or community type: Nyssa
sylvatica-Pinus taeda
C. Hydrology Summary
Drainage basin: Alligator River
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Nontidal-Semipermanently flooded
D. Summary - Topography and Physiography
Topographic site type characteristics
Land form: Floodplain
Shelter: Open
Aspect: N/A

-99-
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: N/A
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: N/A
Physiographic site type of natural area: Alligator Creek -
Second Creek Swamp forest
Physiographic site type of community cover type or community
type: Swamp forest
Geologic formation: Pamlico Terrace
Geologic formation age: Quaternary
References: Stuckey, J. L. and W. G. Steel. 1953. Geology
and mineral resources of North Carolina. North Carolina
Geologic Survey Educational Series No. 3.
E. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species
Name of species: Ursus americanus (Black bear)
Species legal status: Special concern
Number of populations on site: N/A
Number of individuals per population: Unknown
Size or maturity of individuals: Unknown
General vigor of population: Unknown
Disturbance or threats to population: Land development,
hunting
Habitat characteristics (See above)
F. Master species lists
Site specific list not compiled. See lists for Albemarle
Sound Shoreline, Scuppernong River Swamp Forest and Frying Pan
Lake
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp forest as these areas appear to
have similar species composition.

-100-
Table 13.
Ownership Information
Allgator_Creek - Second Creek Swamp Forest
Tyrrell County, North Carolina
Owner
1. GMS Timber Co.
c/o Clayton Services
1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10086
2. Butler Land and Timber
Chase City, VA 23924
3. S. Norris Broadhead
Paul E. Broadhead
100 Bldg., 22nd Ave. South
Meridian, MS 39901
4. R. B. Jordan, Jr.
C. W. Pritchett
P. 0. Box 98
Mt. Gilead, NC 27306
5. Albert Brick
Irving Brick
Robert L. Sikes
1025 Vermont Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20005
6. Mary Lebo
c/o Gilbert Petrino
130 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
7. James E. Howell
c/o Ike Howell (estate)
110 Riverview Road
Savannah, GA 31410
8. Weyerhaeuser, Inc.
Plymouth, NC 27962
9. Sam E. Broadhead
100 Bldg., 22 Ave. South
Meridian, MS 39301
Parcel(s) Owned
1
2
3
4
5,8,11
6
7
9
10

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
A. 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.

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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
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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.