19950274 Ver 1_Complete File_19851205

dJ POTENTIA Ell SITE.,Ui1MA1ZY
Site Name Horseshoe Lake (Suggs Millpond) & Marshy Bay
State North Carolina
County Bladen and Cumberland
USGS Quad Map Reference Roseboro 15'
Approximate Acreqge of Primary Preserve z1050
(a) Statement of Site Significance
The Horsehoe Lake-Marshy Bay site is a large area which ranks as one
of the most significant areas in North Carolina, if not in the entire south-
eastern United States. This area includes a complex of large and small
"carolina bay" formations, geomorphic depressions which are unique in the
world and endemic to the coastal plain of the Carolinas and Georgia. These
carolina bays and the interconnecting upland areas which separate them con-
taip a diverse mosaic of plant communities in a spectrum of aquatic to xeric
habitat conditions. Contained within these systems are a number of endangered
and threatened-plants and animals.
The areal extent of this site, when combined with state-owned carolina.,
bays to the north and south (Bushy Lake and Bladen Lakes State Forest) encompasses
a vast ecosystem of 10,000 plus acres containing the best remaining concentra-
tion of carolina bays in the world. The open-water lake with its aquatic
plant communities, cypress and bay forests, pitcher plant bogs, pocosins,
and xeric sand ridge vegetation are all well represented, with many succes-
aional stages present. State-owned Bushy Lake to the north and-the Bladen
Lakes State Forest to the south are all part of the same contiguous complex
of carolina bay ecosystems.
(b) Reasons for significance
1) Largest expanse of relatively undisturbed "carolina bay" ecosystems
remaining in the world. (Prouty, 1952; Heritage files).
2) Exemplary example of a unique geomorphic landform: carolina bays,
endemic to the Carolinas and Georgia. (Prouty, 1952) -
3) Exemplary examples of various carolina bay types: water-filled bay
(Singletary Lake), partially water-filled bay (Horseshoe Lake), com-
pletely filled in bay (Marshy Bay). (Heritage files).
4) Presence of a large population of Kalmia cuneata (white wicky),
an endangered endemic plant, known on earth only from 6 North Caro-
lina and one South Carolina counties. Population at Horseshoe Lake
may be the largest one known on earth (Heritage files).

5) Presence of a large population of Drosera fil.liformis (threadleaf
sundew), an endangered peripheral plant in North Carolina. (Heritage file
6) Presence of Dionaea muscipula (venus flytrap), a threatened plant
endemic to southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South ed
Carolina, and found nowhere else on-earth. (Heritage files)
7) Presence of Rhyncospora alba (white beakrush), an endangered
peripheral plant in North Carolina. (Heritage files).
8) Population of Rhexia aristosa (awned meadow-beauty), an endangered
peripheral plant in IJorth Carolina. (Ashton, 1979).
9) Presence of Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator), a
federally endangered species. (Heritage files).
10) Presence of Picoides borealis j
(red-cockaded woodpecker), a federally
endangered species. (Heritage files).
11) Presence of major population concentration of Hyla andersoni
(pine barrens treefrog) a threatened species throughout its range
from southeast New Jersey to Florida. (Ashton, 1979).
12) Presence of si able population of Ursus americanus (black bear),
a species of special concern in North Carolina. The coastal
plain population is currently being considered upligted to en-
dangered status. (heritage files).
13r) Probably presence of Felis concolor (cougar), an endangered
species. Ten tracks seen; drawings and photographs; reported
in area by N. C. Forest Service personnel (Ashton, 1979).
14) Nesting population of Buteo lineatus (red-shouldered hawk),
a threatened species in North Carolina. (Ashton, 1979; Lynch,
1980, unpublished notes).
15) Probably nesting'population of Anhinga Anhinga (Anhinga), a
threatened species which is "reportedly" nesting at Horseshoe
Lake (Ashton, 1979).
16) One of the largest knot-in concentrations of Sarracenai flava ;
(yellow pitcher plant) in North Carolina; dense population of
many thousands at Horseshoe Lake . (Ashton, 1979).
17) Exemplary examples of a number of plant community types including:
a) Pinus palustris/Quercus laevis/Aristida stricta
b) Quercus laevis
c) Taxodium ascendens
d) T. ascendens/Nymphaea odorata
e) T. ascendens/SphaCnum sp.
f) evergreen shrub bog
g) bay forest
h) Taxodium ascendens-N_yssa sylvatica var. biflora
i) X ri3 spp.-Rhyncospora spp`,=Dulichium arundinaceum
(c) Site Description
The-Horseshoe Lake-Marshy Bay area is a complex of large carolina
bay formations and interbay uplands situated on the Wicomico terrace of
.the inner coastal plain.
The landscape is dominated by two large carolina bays: Horseshoe
Lake and Marshy Bay. Horseshoe Lakle bay totals about 2130 acres and
Marshy Bay about 1110 acres.
Horseshoe Lake is aptly named for a U-shaped body of open water
which occupies about 367 acres along the southern perimeter of the
bay. The open water is vegetated by dense mats of Nymphaea-odorata
(fragrant waterlily), Brasenia schreberi (watershield), Utricularia
purpurea (purple bladderwort , and Cabomba caroliniana (f'anwort).
Shallow freshwater marsh zones around the margins of the open
water are dominated by Eleocharis equisetoides, (spike rush), Dulichium
arundinaceum , Rhyncospora alba (white beakrush), Xyris spp.
yellow-eyed grass), and Polygonum spp. (smartweed).
The interior of the bay is dominated by dense stands of mature
Taxodium ascendens (pond cypress) with Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora
swamp tupelo).
An extensive area on the east and northeast sides of the bay is
dominated by Sar•racenia flava (yellow pitcher plant) with a diversity
of other aquatic bog species present. This area was burned by a large
wildfire a few years ago which destroyed much of the woody vegetation.
A large population of Drosera filliformis (threadleaf sundew) is also.-.
present here.
The evergreen shrub bog community forms an impenetrable region
between the open water of the lake and the higher, better drained sand
rim. This community also occurs within the bay interior over peat de-
posits, particularly in burned areas where the canopy has been removed.
Dominant species include: Zenobia pulverulenta (honey cup), Cassandra
calyculata (leatherleaf), Cl.ethra alnifolia (sweet pepperbush), and Smilax
laurifolia (ba?nhnp) (t?,w?.?l-c..I?. ??•?
The bay forest community occurs, in areas within the bay with a slightly
shorter hydroperiod and a shallower water table than the evergreen shrub bay.
This community is characterized by tall shrubs such as Persea borbonia (red-
bay), Ma nolia virginiana (sweetbay), Lyonia lucida (fetter-bush), and Gordonia
lasianthus obT6Ty E)-a-y T.
The pine pocosin community is a drier modification of the evergreen
shrub bog where Pinus ser-otina (pond pine) is the dominant canopy species
over a diversity of shrubs. There are several associations in the north-
west end of the bay.
The sand rim which encompasses the lower two-thirds of the bay is
dominated by a Pinus palustris-Quercus laevis .(longleaf pine-turkey oak)
canopy over a Gaylussacia spp. huckleberry)-Ilex glabra (bitter gallberry)
shrub layer.
The sand rim is characterized by very deep, coarse-grained white sands
which are excessively drained, very xeric, and in places, sparsely vegetated.
Portions of the upland areas adjacent to the southern end of the Horse-
shoe Lake bay are composed of planted loblolly pine plantations and cul-
tivated fields. Many of the fields are planted in sorghum, corn, and soy-
beans to attract wildlife.
A small cabin is located on the southern end of the pond and there are
several boat landings and access canals on the southeast, south, and south-
west sides.
Marshy Bay is located just northeast of Horseshoe Lake-bay and is separated
from it by a narrow, low sand ridge. The bay interior contains extensive
areas of evergreen shrub bogs. A small, inaccessible area of open water is-
located in the so?theaste:rn corner. Patches of bay forest and Chamaecyparis
thyoides (Atlantic white cedar) stands are also present. The perimeter of
the bay is enclosed by a high sand ridge which is dominated by a Pinus
palustris-Ouercus laevis (longleaf' pine-turkey oak) community. All of
these communities are identical to the ones described for the Horseshoe
Lake area..
Marshy Bay is similar vegetatively and
northwestern end of the Horseshoe Lake bay.
by four-wheel drive vehicles circle through
bay and connect with the road system around
impenetrable. nature of Marshy Bay, relatively
tative composition.
hydrologically to the upper
Several dirt roads, passable
the sand ridge perimeter of the
Horseshoe Lake. Because of the
little is known about its vege-
Little Si6gletary Lake, a water-filled bay, is located south of Marshy__. _.
Bay and is separated from it by a high sand ridge. Portions of the lake
margin have been cleared and excessively disturbed by bulldozing operations,
and for this reason the lake is not recommended for preserve acquisition.
Several small carolina bays are situated on the southern and northern
sides of the Horseshoe Lake Bay. These are shallower, less hydric, sandy-
loam bays and are dominated by pine pocosin-bay forest community types.
Marshy Bay and Horseshoe Lake Bay are underlain by mucky, well-decomposed-
organic material. The edges of the bay interior are underlain by Pamlico
muck, 16-40 inches deep and the central portions by Dare Muck, greater than
50 inches deep.
2. Sources of Information
(a) People who have scientific knowledge
1. Patricia and Ray Ashton
N. C. State Museum of Natural History
Raleigh, NC 27611
The Ash tons: prepared an ecological inventory report on the Horseshoe
Lake area in 1979 for the N. C. Natural Heritage Program. Both are experi-
enced biologists familiar with the flora and fauna of the site.
2. Dr'. Albert E. Radford
Department of Botany
UNC-Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Dr. Radford has visited the site on several occasions and is quite
knowledgeable of the flora of the site and of the state in general.
3. Lance Peacock
N. C. Natural Heritage Program
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
P. 0. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
Mr. Peacock has visited the site at least once and is familiar with
many of the fauna species of the area.
4. J. Larry Landers
Southlands Experimental Forest
Bainbridge, GA 31717
Dr. Landers was the leader of a N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
study of black bears in the Bladen Lakes area. He is familiar with the site
and is very knowledgeable of the mammal populations in the area.
(b) People who know the area, its property values, local attitudes,
perhaps the owners.
1. Mr. Gallehugh
District Soil Conservationist
SCS Office
Elizabethtown, NC
2. Elmer Goodin
Route 2
Elizabethtown, NC
Phone: [phone]
3. Claude Hood
Bladen Lakes State Forest
Phone: J919) 588-4964
.11
Mr. Hood is superintendent of the forest and knows the site
• intimately.
4. George Tilley
c/o Canal Industries, Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Mr. Tilley is the general manager of the Horseshoe Lake property
for Canal Industries.
(c) Scientific Literature
1. Prouty, W. F. 1952. Carolina Bays and their Origin. Bull.
Geol. Soc. America 63: 167-224.
2. Richards, H. G. 1950. Geology of the Coastal Plain of North
Carolina. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 40: 1-83.
3. Leab, Roger J. 1977. "Carolina Bays." SCS unpublished report.
Available from SCS office, Elizabethtown, tic.
4. Ashton, Patricia S. and Ray E. Ashton. 1979. Ecolq:j cal inventory
report on Suggs Millpond (Horseshoe Lake). Unpublished report for the N. C.
Natural Heritage Program.
5. Smith, E. LaVerne, Ethel Allen, and Dick Repasky. 1977. Suggs
Millpond-Marshy Bay-Little Singletary Lake: A Reconnaissance of Several
Carolina Bays. Unpublished report for the N. C. Natural Heritage Program.
6. Landers, J. Larry, et al. 1979. Food and Habitat of Black Bears
in Southeastern North Carolina. J. Wildl. Manage. 43: 143-153.
3. Directions to the Site
Take NC Highway 242 north from Elizabethtown for 9.1 miles and turn left
onto county road SR 1325. Continue for 3.8 miles and turn right onto SR 1327
(dirt road). After 0.85 miles look for private dirt road on right with a
light blue colored gate. To reach Horseshoe Lake keep to the right on the
dirt road for about 1.3 miles, and at the fork bear left for another 0.4 miles _
and you will be at the main boat landing.
4. Biological Requirements of Primary Occurrences
Each plant and animal species requires a different set of environmental
parameters to insure its continued existence in the area. The biological
requirements for each of the primary elements are enumerated below:
5. Condition of Occurrences at the Site
The Kalmia c.uneata population is large and thriving. Periodic
burning of the bay margins, particularly the southeast side of Horse-
shoe Lake, has maintained optimum habitat for the species.
Although not seen by this writer a large population of Drosera
filiformis was reported from the Sarracenia bog along the eastern and
north-eastern sides of the millpond during the 1979 summer (Ashton, 1979).
Dionaea muscipula was not seen but has been reported by the Canal
Industries site manager, George Tilley.
Rhyncospora alba was not seen but is reported to occur in the sphagum
borders of the lake.
Rhexia aristosa was seen along a small cleared portion of the lake
margin on the southeast side. About 35 plants seen; appeared to be in
vigorous condition.
Several alligators were reported from the lake near the main boat landing
during the 1980 summer by Canal Industries personnel.
No red-cockaded woodpeckers or fresh sign were seen but an active colony
site was reported by Lance Peacock on Canal Industries property south of
the Horseshoe Lake preserve boundary.
.The pine barrens treefrog population is reported to be one of, if not
the largest population centers in the state. The breeding season had ended
at the time of my visit. The Ashtons reported the species in the spring
of 1979.
A large female black bear with a yearling was seen along the edge
of the lake in May, 1980 by Canal Industries personnel. Several sets of
tracks and fresh scats were seen by the writer on the sand ridge adjacent
to the southwestern side of Horseshoe Lake (July, 1980). An estimated
population of 50 bears was reported from the Horseshoe Lake-Bladen Lakes
State Forest area in 1976 (Landers, 1979).
6. Preserve Boundaries (See Overlay 2)
(a) Primary boundary. This boundary completely encompasses the two large
contiguous bays: Horseshoe Lake and Marshy Bay. The boundary follows the
sand ridge on the southern and eastern sides of Horseshoe Lake, enclosing
the entire bay ecotonal margin. The boundary follows a low sand ridge and
encloses a small bay on the north side of Horseshoe Lake. It then follows
the northeastern rim of Marshy Bay, circles the end of that bay, then
swings over to the rim of the adjacent Little Singletary Lake bay, com-
pletely enclosing the interbay sand ridges and upland habitats within the
Marshy Bay-Little Singletary Lake-Horseshoe Lake triangle.
Little Singletary Lake was not included within the primary preserve
because of the intensive clearing operations and other disturbances along
its margin.
The primary boundary completely encompasses the mosaic of habitats
and plant communities which occur within the bays, the bay margins, and
the adjacent sand ridges. This boundary provides a buffer zone around the
?. bays to
prevent alteration of. the water table by ditching-draining oper-
ations. Because many of the.plant communities plus the Kalmia cuneata
• populations are dependent on the ecotone bay margins, the boundary was
extended radially to completely encircle these habitats.
(b) Secondary boundar?r. The secondary boundary circumscribes additional
buffer zones of upland pine sand ridges around the edges of the bays.
This boundary includes additional foraging habitat for black bears and
additional wooded buffer to protect the aesthetic qualities of the site.
f -

Kalmia cuneata. This plant occurs in the evergreen shrub bay
ecotone around the margin of the Hai-seshoe Lake bay, particularly in the
southern end between the open waters of the lake and the sand rim. It
is highly susceptible to habitat disturbance and natural succession, and
_occupies`a secondary successional stage which is dependent on fire or
• cutting.. This species occurs in open, sunny low evergreen shrub zones.
Periodic fires help to prevent the vegetation from succeeding to a
taller shrub or bay forest which cause shading. It is usually found on
sandy-peaty soils where the water, table is very near the surface.
Drosera filliformis. This plant species requires an open, sunny
condition of wet sand (water table within several inches of surface)
where there is little competition from woody shrubs or trees. It is
dependent on fire to maintain areas devoid of woody vegetation.
Dionaea muscipula. Thi's plant also requires an open, sunny location
where a sandy, wet soil pre ominates. Thick woody vegetation shades the
plants out. Fire is essential for maintenance of open habitat.
Rhynocospora alba. Requires open, sunny areas along the edge of the
lake where sphagnum is abundant and the water table is several inches above
the surface.
Rhexia aristosa. Crows in open, sunny margins of the lake on wet
sand. Requires fire to maintain open habitat and exclusion of woody
vegetation.
Alligator mi.ssissippiensis. The alligator occurs in the main body
of the lake where there are large masses of emergent and submergent
vegetation. At Horseshoe Lake there is abundant suitable habitat.
Picoides borealis. The red-cockaded woodpecker requires for breeding
sites old-growth, open stands of longleaf pine which are infected by the
red-heart fungus disease. The sand rims around the bay contain very little
suitable habitat. Most of the mature pines have been removed and the seed
source needed for reestablishment exterminated. Dense young stands of lob-
lolly pines in the planted plantations are not suitable habitat. The sand
rim forest are mainly used as foraging sites and transient visits by wood-
peckers which are breeding in the vicinity.
Hyla andersoni. The pine-barrens treefrog requires dense woody vege-
tation over shallow water during the breeding season. Abundant habitat at
the site.
Ursus americanus. Black bears need extensive areas encompassing a
complex of habitat types to fulfill various requirements throughout the
year. Large inaccessible areas are essential for escape and denning.
A variety of habitat types are necessary to meet food needs at different
seasons and provide alternate foods when yields of the major fruit pro-
ducing species are low. Key habitat components such as large bays, sand
ridges, and major swamps must be protected if coastal plain bear populations
are to be maintained.
1

i
Ecological Significance: Suggs Mill Pond- Marshy Bay

This area can only be evaluated as one of the Outstandin
natural the coastal plain. Through our extensive travels and via co mentso areas h
have seen the area, it is im f
those w
possible to come to any other conclusion. Within
the confines of the Canal Industries property there are
plants and animals than in almost an other com more species of lister
truely a focalized cluster area. We are confident that area in the state; it
survey of the area would add even more species; a spring and late wintE
There are several reasons for this amazing diversity. First is th
and size of the coastal a number
plain habitats present. In addition is the open water-
(maintained artificially), which includes canals and non-acid f
Some of the management practices currently used b reshwater ponds
Fire in the northern by the owners are also a help.
part of the area in 1974, combined with the controlled wa-
level in the pond has served to maintain the tremendous population of
plants and other bog species. pitcher
The current and past management practices eliminate the true
natural area, i.e. undisturbed or pristine. However, most of thesecate
ragtic of a
have enhanced habitat diversit p es
y and species number and variety.
. Environmentally, the Su
diversity and large number of listed Mill Pond-Marshy Bay area, with this great
listed species of plants and animals, is one of
the most valuable pieces of privately owned properties in the state. --
Management Recomendationss
- Conduct late winter and s
• Pring biological surveys, particularly of birds, mamm
reptiles and amphibians to verify the presence of several important species.
Immediately develop an agreement with the owners that will insur
will not timber the u e that they
plands, drain or destroy the lake, or in any other way
cause massive changes that may be detrimental to threatened or endangered
species or habitats in the area. Other agreements should include:
1. Develo de:
p a management plan that would include periodic burning of
apppopriate areas.
2. Maintenance of temporary freshwater
attempt:to stock them with fish. ponds (for amphibians) with no
3. Protection of threatened or endangered species from hunting
4. Place a moratorium on all further development of the or trappij
area.
Management Recommendations cont.:
- State and/or private agencies such as the Nature Conservancy should purchase
the Suggs Mill Pond- Marshy Bay complex and surrounding private. properties;
possibly including Big Galberry Bay, White Pond Bay (Jessups Pond).
1. These areas should be managed in a fashion similar to the present practices,
including periodic flooding of fields (provides important amphibian breeding
ponds) to maintain diversity. Without this management *the area would
develop into less diverse habitats. A hands off approach would be a serious
mistake.
2. The area should be developed as a research and education center for the
coastal plain. Such a center, similarItut r-.):re public education oriented
than Highlands Biological Station, or Tall Timbers (Fla. could be founded
through a consortium of state universities, state agencies, and private
organizations. Eighty per cent of the land could be used as protected study
areas (managed) while 20J'could be developed into a much needed regional
environmentaj education center. Laboratory, living quarters, and education
center could be developed in the existing lodge area.
3. Opening the area to a general recreational use as a state park or taking
the hands off approach of a natural area, without appropriate artificial
management would prove detrimental to many species.

dame of area: Suggs -J1Ipond, also known as Horseshoe Lake
t
County: 21aden
Location description: Suggs Xillpond is at the head of Ellis Creek, 2 riles
north of where ;:llis Creek crosses county road 1325.
To drive there tole State road 242 north from E1i2abeth-
town for 9.1 miles and turn left on to state road 1325.
Continue for 3.8 piles and turn right on to 1327. !after
0.86 miles look for a dirt road off to the right with a
Carolina blue colored gate. ' key is require to enter.
To reach the millpond keep to the right on tree dirt road
• for about 1.29 miles, at the. for' , hear left for another
0.43 mile and you will be at the main hoat landing of
Sugcs Millpond.

., Topographic Quad ".ap reference: Roseboro
4
O1v.
ership Information: (anal Industries, Inc.
304 Southern National %n„ 2uilding
Lumberton, lNorth Carolina 28358

W contact: °"r. Jim Priagen, phone: [phone]
= "r. 1.eorge Tilley, pl-one: 862-4147
(for owners of the many small tracts surrounding the
t primary Suggs 'Iil l pond area sec attach ed map)
t
^eport prepared hy: Patricia S. Ashton Ray E. .shton
002 Cranbrook toad NCS" of i!atural "istory
Raleigh, N.C. 27609 Raleigh, N.C. 2,1611
with assistance from: Patricia ?IcCutchen
D,. ' Lee *, - A ',. 8raswel l , J. Cooper, mr.S'•'.
David Stepan, N.C. State

d Other persons knotvledgeable about the site: Elmer Goodin
r ^t.
Elizabethtown
N
C
.
.
,
home phone: [phone]
office phone: [phone]

':en ^avis
d c/o Canal Industries, Inc.

?- Claude Hoorl
rla;en Lakes State Forest
phone: [phone]
?- Current Ilse and Protection Status: The Suggs "illpond area has for sometime peen
s _ manipulated to Provida tle hest habitat for attracting wildlife for hunting.
The open ..rater is maintained in the pond by a man-made darn.. toads for access to
s various duck blinds and !:oat landings are maintained by a series of ditches.
'•anv horror pits also.remain as evidence of roar.': building. Throughout the tract
are a numhPr of cultivated fields providing an additional attractant for wild-
life. Inspite of this manipulation for hunting use, large areas .are untouched
within the Canal Industries property, in particular the land to the north-,vest
as you head toward '".arshy say.
Current Use and Protection Status continued:

".uch of t!:e land bordering t!-.e Canal industries property also appears
to be maintained for hunting, cultivated in corn or similar crops, or planted
pine for timbering. This entire area enjoys a seclusion created `:y the lack of
easily passable roads; a four wheel drive vehicle is required ir most places.
Access that does not require a special vehicle is blocked by heavy gates and
deep ditches.
A, threat to the. integrity of the natural populations of t!,e area is the
presence of a landing strip along the south-viest edge of the pone. Evidence
of non-native species in the fields bordering the landing strip has heen found.
Another threat to.the flora and fauna of the pond itself is the contaminating of
the pond with no_n-native species either intentionally or accidentally. '=o
evidence of this has as yet been found, but anytime an area's main function is
use by sportsmen such contamination is highly possible.
Vegetation and Plant Communities: The Suggs „illpond tract includes a nur"ber
of distinct plant communities; Turkey Oak-Longleaf Pine-wire grass, Sand"ills,
Evergreen shruh bog ( pocosin; low shrub zone), Cay forest (pocosin; tall shru
! zone ), Sarracenia bog, open water-cypress-floating peat mats, Pine pocosin,
Swamp forest, Turkey oak- "ixed oak, Planted pine, cultivated fields, ditches
and borro:•r pits, and disturbed fields and roadsides. For the post part these
plant communities meet the text hook descriptions for this area.(Radford 19761)
Tur!;ey Oak-Longleaf Pine-Fire grass: This plant association is found primarily
between the tall shrub zone or the low herbaceous zone which horder the pond/
pocosin at various points around t..".e perimeter of the r_arolina bay and the
higher, more xeric sand ridge communities. Dominant species:
CANOPY : Pinus palustris, uercus laevis
SHPUP-S : Gaylussacia dumosa, Gaylussacia frondosa, Ilex lg ahra
HMSS . ?.ristida stricta, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Pteridium aquilinu*
Sandhills: another type of Turkey Oak-Pine-Herb community found on high=er
sand ridges in very xeric situations. Variations of this type of community
surround the edge of the carolina bay in .-4hich the `:orseshoe shaped Suggs
"illpord is located. Large areas of this desert-like habitat stretch to the ea
and to the %•:est and northwest of the millpond. They are surrounded by the
loner pine communities which, grade into the pocosins and bays. The roads throu
these sandhill areas are nearly impassable except by four wheel drive vehicles
Typical species include:
CANOPY uercus laevis, Pinus palustris
SHRUPIS. Gaylussacia dumosa, G. frordosa
HERBS SelaginelIa arenicola, O untia compressa, Polygonella op 1yc?an
'`Stipulicida setacea, Tradescantia rosea var. oraminea, Clador
spp., Pteridium aquilinum, Aristida stricta, Arenaria carolir
iana, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Petalostemum pinnatum
Vegetation and Plant Communities continued:
vergreen shrub bcg: also known as the low shrub zone of a pocosin. This
community forms the impenetrable region ?et%-!een the open grater of the
!'illpond and the Bay forest found at the edge of the most hydric regions.
The shrubs stand densely packed-on a 10-14 inch layer of sphagnum, with the
water table generally 1 or 2 inches below the surface of the sphagnurx. The
shrubs are covered with Smilax laurifolia, Smilax auriculata, and in some
places other Smilax species. !1 higher rise of peat here and there will support
the growth of small trees; Pinus serotina, Magnolia virginiana. Taxodium
ascendens is scattered throughout. Periodic fires help to open the dense
vegetation to form spots of open water around which Sarracenia flava forms
dense stands. Looking out over the northwest end of the Suggs "illpond tract
acres of yellovi pitcher plants can be distinguished from the surrounding
vegetation. L'tricularia and rrosera may be found growing out the of sphagnum
where ever there is sufficient light. Dominant species include:
CA„OPY . Taxodium ascendens
SHRUBS . Zenobia pulverulenta, Cassandra?calyculata, Clethra alnifolia.
Smilax laurifolia
HERDIS . Sphagnum spp.
Bay Forest: also {mown as the tall shrub zone of a pocosin in places where
it forms the border of an evergreen shrub hog. At Suggs !'illpond this plant
association can be found at the edge of the pocosin and in one or two spots
along Ellis creel-,and where the .eater table is very low. Characterized by the
presence of Persea `;orbonia, 1'agnolia virginiana, and Lyonia lucida, this
association grades from the very wet to t!,e e?Jge of the very dry sand ridges
in some places. In other places it may grade into the Tur!;ey Oak-Longleaf pine-
I-lire grass community. This plant association may be dominant in small, lo?•r, wet
areas where it forms a dense mass of vegetation I:=an also as a "bay". These
areas need not be directly associated with an evergreen shruti bog community.
In many places thQ lotlolly bay, Gordonia lasianthus may also be present in
large numbers. Dominant species include:
CANOPY . !!agnolis virginiana, Persea borbonia, Gordonia lasianthus,
Itea virginica, Pinus serotina, Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora,
Acer rubrum, Taxodium ascendens
SHRUBS Cyrilla racemiflora, Clethra alnifolia, Zenobia pulverulenta,
LJyonia lucida, Ilex spp., '-!• ry ica spp., and occasionally
Chamaecyparis thyoides, Kalmia angustifolia and Kalmia cuneat
It form dense stands with Gaylussacia spp. at the outer
ecotones.
vegetation and Plant Communities continued:
S%aamp forest: an association doniviated by Taxodium ascend^ns and "•yssa
sylvatica var. hiflora. Peat build up between the closely spaced trees
is great and sphagnum and red maple seedlings as well as other herbaceous
species begin to colonize it. Lowering of.the water table could allow these
areas to be succeeded by Bay forest. ;!ost of the swamp forest associations
at Suggs Millpond are found beVaeen the arms of the lake, as isolated islands
in shallow open water areas, or along Ellis creel:. Dominant species include:
CANOPY : Taxodium ascendens, Nyssa sylvatica var. 5iflora
SHRUBS : Decodon verticillatus, young Acer rubrum, young r'agnolia virgi
HERBS Sphagnum spp., Utricularia spp.
Turkey Oak-,N xed Oak: a variety of oat; species are round in this association.
This plant community is not as common at Suggs !:illpond as it is around
Tatum "illpond. The area has an old field appearance :iith large oper areas
between small stand's of caks and persidnon. Pines are fet•: and evidence of
t pas. logging remains. Typical species include:
CANOPY uercus laevis, Q. austrina, Q. margaretta, Q. laurifolia,
Q. marilandica, Q. incana, Diospyros virginiana.
S!'RI,2'S : Sassafras albidum, Cornus florida, Ilex opaca, Vyrica cerifer
Gaylussacia frondosa, Rhus copallina, Smilax spp.
!Jr.ngS Pteridium aquil inum, ? I-us radicans, P. toxicodendron, .",ster s
Solidago spp., Desmodium spp., Panicum spp.
Planted pine: Typically planted in parallel roans this community easily stands
out. !lost of the planted pine areas at Suggs '{illpond exist to the southeast
and southwest of the la4e area. There is little if any shrub or subcanopy.
Perhaceous species grow from the thick pine needle layer .?.hich carpets the
ground. Along the ecotones the nur.'er of shrub species increases, often formin
impassable walls of ,!.yrica cerifera, Ilex spp. or Saylussacia spp.
CANOPY : Pinus echinata, P. palustris. , P.- elliottii
HE?rS : Centrosema virginiana, relsemium sempervirens, ?hus radicans,
Cultivated fields: A number of areas scattered throughout the Suggs Millpond t
particularly along the south and southeast edge of the lake have been plowed
and planted in corn, wheat, soybeans, and other similar crops to attract
tirildlife: Cris,corn field near the main boat landing is convieniently placed
to allow for seasonal flooding.
Ditches and bor'rora pits: The ditches are almost exclusively filled with
sphagnum. Utricularia spp. and nrosera intermedia grow along the edges and
out of the sphagnum. Pulichium arundinaceum forms large patches. Red maple
seedlings often take root on the sphagnum surface. The borrow pits may be
seasonally flooded and sho-a evidence of seasonal invasion of sphagnun, insecti
orous plants, and similar semi-aquatic species. These freshvaater pits iAere
the pH is not as acid as in the cypress pond itself, are important breeding
places for various amphibian species.
:'e,etation and Plant Co ,-,: uni ties conti ntw :
Sarracenia bog: an association of various aquatic and semi -aquatic species
' located in areas of high, but fluCeating moisture. Has an open, grasslani
like appearance. Sarracenia flava being the tallest species wit!; the exception
of an occasional Taxodium ascendens. Located along the pond margin, primarily
on the east and northeastern sides of the millpond, where the pond edge has
been cleared of other vegetation either by fire or mechanically. Sphagnum spp.
forms the ground cover in many places. There was one such area dominated
entirely by Prosera filiformis in greater numbers t:ian I have ever seen before.
Dominant species include:
HERBS Sarracenia flava, Drosera intermedia, C. filiformis, Nymphaea
odorata, Ltricularia hiflora, U tricularia purpurea, U. subulata
Panicum hemitomon, Pulichium arundinaceum, Phynchospora spp.,
Fuirena squarrosa, Lachnocaulon spp., X,yris spp., Eriocaulon sp
Lycopodium spp.
SHRUBS Decodon verticillatus- occasional along ecotone
Open water-Cypress-Floating peat mats: The open water of Suggs "illpond is
dotted :iith Ny:iphaea odorata, Prasenia schreberi, and large floating rats of
L'tricularia purpurea. Under the surface can be seen masses of Catoml?a carolinia
In the shallower places emergent Eleocharis equisetoides, Xyris spp., Culichium
arundinaceum, Rhynchospora spp., and Polygonum spp. can be found. Young Taxodiui
ascendens cover large areas, cutting off the view from one open area of water
to another. Large mats of peat have risen to the Surface and are covered with
Xyris spp., Juncus spp., Phynchospora spp., Ater ruhrum seedlings, Pecodon
verticillatus, Calopogon pulchellus, Crosera intermedia, Rhexia spp., and
Utricularia spp.. A small amount of Lycopodium v!as also found on one mat.
In some places Taxodium ascendens and Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora are growing
so close together that sphagnum has built up permanent layers hetween them
and seedlings of red maple and a variety of shrubs have taken hold, forming
a swamp forest. Some of these areas are completely surrounded by open water.
Dominant species include:
CANOPY . Taxodium ascendens '
HERBS Nymphaea odorata, Rrasenia schreberi, El,eocharis equisetoides,
Cabomba caroliniana, Utricularia spp., Drosera spp., Xyris spp.
Rhexia spp.;. Polygonum spp., Hypericum virginicu:1
Pine pocosin: This association is a drier modification of the Evergreen shrub
bog where-the -dominant canopy species has become Pinus serotina or P. elliotii
rather than Taxodium. There are several such associations located at Suggs
millpond towards-the northwest end of the horseshoe. Dominant species include:
CANOPY : Bi.nus serotina, P. elliotii
SHOMS : Cassandra calyculata, Clethra alnifolia, Zenobia pulverulenta,
Cyrilla racemiflora, L onia spp.
Vegetation and Plant communities continued:
Cisturhed fields and roadsides: Such areas at Suggs "illpond provide an
important diversity and often form borders between dissimilar habitats.
Roadsides are often flooded to a depth of an inch or two. These fill with
spahgnum, sedges, grasses, insectivorous plants, and many weedy wildflower
species. They are certainly the most colorful of the habitats. Along one
such area to the southeast of the main boat dock %..as a large patch of
Iris. Various blueberry species often form a harrier between the roadside
communities and the bordering habitats. Deer tracks were often found in the
roadside ditches and one set of 10 tracks which may have belonged to Felis
COL) concolor was also found. The largest disturbed field areas existed around
the main boat-landing, "club house", and by the air strip. These were apparen
maintained in a grassy-weed stage having a savannah like appearance.
For further details on the plant species'found'in these various plant communit
:luring the months of June-August see the attached plant lists. No surveys were
made during the other seasons of the year and it is highl; probable that
certain orchid species as well as certain early blooming wildflowers could
be found at the right time of year.
Physical features: Suggs !".illpond is -:hat is commonly called a "Carolina Bay".
In view of the great amount of literature written on carolina bays I will not
endeavor to describe them further here. Suggs !'.illpond does possess sand ridge
as is typical, though they seem to he less apparent on :naps of the area tha
in actuallity. Of special significance is the presence of a great diversity
of topographical features and plant communities within the ownership of one
company. The riechanical manipulation by man of the area has for the most part
furthered its attractiveness to wildlife. Overall the changes to the area
are relatively minor, and should not be considered a deterent to preservation
of the area.
Fare Plants and Animals of the area:
Plants
Dionaea muscipula ( reported by George Tilley ) threatened endemic
Grosera filiformis- present in large numbers, endangered peripheral species .
Rhexia aristosa - only two plants found in flower, endangered peripheral speci
Kalmia cuneata - present in large numbers around edge of bay, restricted rangE
an endangered endemic. Habitat management is required to
maintain healthy populations.
There are a'number.of other species which quite possibly are in tre area but
neither time nor money allowed as extensive a survey as might he necessary to
locate some of the less noticeable species. See Cooper 1977
,r
Pare Plants and ^,nimals continued:
Animals
"Uirds: anhinga - threatener: , reportedly nesting here
great blue heron- special concern
little blue heron- special concern
black duck- special concern
black vulture- threatened
turkey vulture- threatened
red-tailed hawk- special concern
red-shouldered hawk- threatened
kestrel- threatened
red cockaded woodpecker- endangered '
red headed woodpecker- special concern
purple martin- special concern
eastern bluebird- special concern
loggerhead shrike- special concern
prothonotary warbler- special concern
Mammals: beaver- extirpated and reintroduced
black hear- special concern
** mountain lion- endangered ( 10 tracks; have drawing and photographs )
also reported in area by Claude Food, Ken Davis.
Amphibians** four-toed salamander- rare but undertermined status
pine harrPns treefrog- threatened, large :reeding population present
** gopher frog- special concern
Reptiles: alligator- endangered
** eastern :diamondback rattlesnake- endangered ( reported by Ken Davis, no
** eastern coral snake- special concern- known specimens ever ta!:en )
to occur within a 15 mile radius, no specimens taken
at Suggs 'Ii l l pond
** indicates suspected, but not confirmed as being present at this localit
Other references concerning Suggs !!illpond:
unpublished "Suggs ".illpond-Marshy Day-Little Singletary Lake: A
Reconnaissance of Several Carolina Bays" by.
E. La.Verne Smith, Ethel :'Alen, and Dick Repasky, July 197
I would like to make special note of our agreement with statements made
in. this article and have attached a copy. ,
State Lakes Master Plan, M.C. Dept. of N and CD, December 1977
p. 31- map which includes Suggs t1illpond and ";arshy "ay
lame of Area : ' arshy Bay
County: "laden and Cumherland
Location description: located northwest of Suggs t-'illpond and separated from
the t-:illpond tract by an incomplete sand ridge. It is
2.5 miles from the main boat landing at Suggs. A dirt
road runs around; the edge of Suggs Millpond and?up
around 11arshy bay but it is impassable except by four
wheel drive vehicle. It is about 3.5 miles north of the
t,h-e inteYsection' of 132&M 3327, or 6 miles northeast
of the town of White Oak.
Topographic Quad ?'ap Reference: Roseboro
Ownership Information: C.J. Faircloth
White Oak, N.C.
spoke to Earl Faircloth of 'rlhite Oak who said that t:?e
land belonged to his grandfather who was no,..., deceased
and that the land was in the procesis of being disposed
as part of the estate.
Report prepared by: Patricia S. Ashton
902 Cranbrook load
Raleigh, N.C. 27609
!?ay E. Ashton
'ICS'! . of Natural History
Raleigh, N.C. 27611
Other persons knowledgeable about the site:
Elmer Goodin
Rt. 2
Elizabethtown, N.C.
home phone: [phone]
office phone: [phone]
Earl Faircloth
llhite Oak, N.C.
Current Use and Protection Status: t-1arshy "Day, according to Earl Faircloth, was
never very usable due to its extreme overgrown nature and to its
inaccessibility. The land is too moist to drain, and t.e only open water
is deep within the low pocosin type vegetation so he said you couldn't
even fish or trap there. There was some evidence that vehicles had been
traveling the road to the hay and hunting of deer, quail, and bear around
the perifery is probable, though use ..,ould be limited to those who had
a key to get through t„e gate to Suggs Millpond or through the gate on
Earl Faircloth's property which borders the southi•rest side of I!arshy Cay.
In general the Varshy Say area' can be considered an extension of the Suggs
1pond complex. From the air the vegetation of t'arshy Bay seems to follov
the pattern of that in the northwestern end of Suggs.
Vegetation and Plant Communities: ?Iarshy Bay vias inaccessi!le during the time
of our sgrvey .due to recent rains. .:e flew over the area and noted one
area of open water in the southeastern corner surrounded by what appeared
to be evergreen shrub bog. Patches of ray forest were evident. The
perimeter of `the bay was enclosed in most places by a hig!? sand ridge. Ile
did walk in towards the hay from the road on Earl Faircloth's property.
,le crossed a sand ridge with typical Sandhills type vegetation. This
dropped down into Atlantic rihite cedar stands which graded into typical
Bay forest vegetation. These cor;munities were identical to those described
for the Suggs "illpond Area.
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