INVENTORY OF THE NATURAL AREAS
AND RARE SPECIES
OF
BRUNSWICK COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA
Richard J. LeBlond
Principal Scientist
June 1995
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
Division of Parks and Recreation
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
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INVENTORY OF THE NATURAL AREAS AND RARE SPECIES
OF BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
SUMMARY
This inventory of the natural areas and rare species of Brunswick
County was funded by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust
Fund, and by a donation from Carolina Power & Light Company.
The purpose of the inventory was to identify the most significant
natural areas, describe their features, and document the rare
species associated with them. Habitat conditions, natural
processes, and threats were also documented. This inventory is
intended to provide guidance for land use decisions by the county
government, conservation and land management organizations, and
interested citizens. Field work was supervised by the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program, and carried out between April
1993 and November 1994. The inventory identifies 62 sites
significant at the national, state, or regional level, as
determined by criteria established by the Natural Heritage Program.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many agencies and individuals contributed to the planning,
progress, and completion of this inventory. We are particularly
indebted to the following: U.S. Consolidated Farm Service Agency,
Bolivia; U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bolivia;
William Adams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington; N.C.
Cooperative Extension Service, Bolivia; Thomas Padgett, N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission, Elizabethtown; N.C. Geological
Survey, Raleigh; N.C. Water Quality Section, Raleigh; G. Wade
Horne, Brunswick County Planning Office, Bolivia; Brunswick County
Tax Office, Bolivia; Camilla Herlevich, North Carolina Coastal Land
Trust; Alan Weakley, The Nature Conservancy Southeast Regional
Office; Linda Gintoli and Heather Patti, North Carolina Chapter of
The Nature Conservancy Southeastern Coastal Plain field office;
Walker Golder, North Carolina Coastal Islands Sanctuary, National
Audubon Society; Kelley Sellers, Bald Head Island Management; Randy
Dye, Georgia-Pacific Corp.; Brenda Brickhouse, Carolina Power &
Light Co.; Ray Flagg, Carolina Biological Supply; Peter Davis,
Wilmington; Bruce A. Sorrie, Bennett.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
METHODS AND PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
GENERAL FEATURES OF BRUNSWICK COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INVENTORY AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
GEOLOGY AND SOILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CLIMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LAND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
NATURAL COMMUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Maritime Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tidal Wetland Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mainland Coastal Edge Forests . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Longleaf Pine Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Pocosin Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Blackwater River and Stream Floodplains and Low
Terraces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Brownwater River Floodplain and Low Terraces . . . 22
Impoundments, Ponds, and Pools . . . . . . . . . . 23
Upland Hardwoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
River Bluff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Special Animal Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Artificially Disturbed Habitats . . . . . . . . . . 25
RARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Definition of Status and Rank Codes in Tables 1
and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SUMMARY OF RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Natural Areas - Priority Clusters of Sites . . . . 43
Stand-Alone Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Rare Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
THREATS TO NATURAL AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Impacts to Forest Communities . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Impacts to Water Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Impacts to Maritime Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
PROTECTION PRIORITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Land Owner Protection Initiatives . . . . . . . . . 60
AREAS FOR ADDITIONAL SURVEY WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
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REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
INVENTORY OF SITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SOUTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTY MEGASITE . . . . . . . . . 69
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex . . . . . . . 71
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point . . . . . . . . 75
Pleasant Oaks Plantation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Big Cypress Bay and Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Boiling Spring Lakes--Limesink Complex . . . . . . 84
Hog Branch Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Pretty Pond Limesink Complex . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Southport Ferry Landing Forest . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sunset Harbor--Ash Swamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
White Spring Ponds Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Bethel Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Goose Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
NC 133 Loosestrife Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
ORTON PLANTATION MACROSITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Orton Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Orton Creek Savanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Blue Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site . . . . . . . . . 114
WACCAMAW RIVER WETLANDS MEGASITE . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Waccamaw River Aquatic Habitat . . . . . . . . . . 116
Juniper Creek Floodplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Waccamaw River Oxbow Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Scippio Swamp Ridge-and-Swale Boggy Openings . . . 125
MIDDLE WACCAMAW RIVER MACROSITE . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Reeves Area Floodplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Regan Ridge-and-Swale Boggy Openings . . . . . . . 134
Waccamaw Island Savanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Waccamaw River Ridge-and-Swale Boggy Openings . . . 140
Waccamaw River Eleocharis Backwater . . . . . . . . 143
BALD HEAD--SMITH ISLAND COMPLEX MACROSITE . . . . . . . 147
Bald Head Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Bluff Island and East Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Zekes Island Estuarine Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . 158
Middle Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Battery Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Green Swamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Myrtle Head Savanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Town Creek Marshes and Swamp . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Battle Royal Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Big Neck Road at Millpond Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Brantley Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Brunswick River/Cape Fear River Marshes . . . . . . 186
Bryant Mill (Greenbank) Bluff . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Camp Branch Savanna Remnant . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Colkins Neck Remnant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Lower Cape Fear River Aquatic Habitat . . . . . . . 195
Lower Cape Fear River Bird Nesting Islands . . . . 197
Spring Creek Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Sunset Beach Wood Stork Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . 202
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Alligator Branch Sandhill and Flatwoods . . . . . . 204
Bird Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Boone Neck Maritime Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Drowned Bay Savanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Fall Swamp--Middle River Limesink Complex . . . . . 211
Henrytown Savanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Lockwoods Folly River Tidal Wetlands . . . . . . . 216
Long Bays Savanna and Carolina Bays . . . . . . . . 219
Sandy Branch Sand Ridge and Bay Complex . . . . . . 222
Secession Maritime Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Shallotte Creek Sandhills . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Sturgeon Creek Tidal Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . 228
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Brunswick County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 2. Brunswick County Watersheds. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Figure 3. Identified Natural Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure 4. Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite. . . . . . . 49
Figure 5. Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite. . . . . . . . . . 51
Figure 6. Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite. . . . . 53
Figure 7. Green Swamp Macrosite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Figure 8. Other Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Federal and State Designated Rare Animal Species
Occurring in Brunswick County, North Carolina . . . 31
Table 2. Federal and State Designated Rare Plant Species
Occurring in Brunswick County, North Carolina . . . 35
Table 3. Natural Areas of National, Statewide, or Regional
Significance in Brunswick County, North Carolina . 41
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INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the Brunswick County natural areas
inventory is to identify areas of outstanding natural significance.
These areas contain the best examples of natural habitats and/or
locations of rare plants and animals. Natural areas are resources
that make North Carolina and its counties attractive to live in and
to visit. These areas are critical for their recreational,
ecological, educational, scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and
environmental health values. Natural areas are reservoirs of
biological diversity, sanctuaries for native plants and animals
whose survival may be in jeopardy, and key resources for
recreational activities. With ongoing population growth and land
development in all parts of North Carolina, it is urgent that areas
of outstanding natural significance be identified, and that efforts
are made to protect these sites through the willing cooperation of
land owners.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
The methods employed in this inventory follow guidelines
established by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP),
an agency in the Division of Parks and Recreation within the
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. NHP
maintains the state's primary database for rare plants and animals,
high quality natural communities (ecosystem components), and
outstanding natural areas.
The focus of the inventory was the identification and description
of outstanding natural areas and high quality natural communities.
Survey work in 1993 and 1994 also included the identification of
rare plant species by the principal investigator, botanist Richard
LeBlond. The scope of this inventory did not permit a systematic
survey of the animals of Brunswick County during 1993 and 1994, and
previous research was consulted for this information. It is
anticipated that a systematic survey of rare animals will be
conducted in Brunswick County in the near future.
The natural area inventory was designed to identify the highest
quality natural areas and natural communities in Brunswick County.
A natural area, while not necessarily undisturbed, substantially
retains the natural character it would have without human
influence. It is also an area of biological interest, usually
because of a clustering of rare species or of exemplary natural
communities, or both. Natural area boundaries are placed to
encompass the ecological features of primary interest, and the
areas that influence them the most. In some cases there are
natural boundaries; in others, an artificial buffer is used. A
natural community is defined as a distinct and reoccurring
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assemblage of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi naturally
associated with each other and their physical environment. A
natural area can contain one to several natural community types and
sites. Although natural areas and natural communities do not need
to contain rare species to be judged of high quality, they usually
do. The natural area and natural community inventory also was
designed to map locations, assess integrity, and make management
recommendations for protection.
According to their size, natural areas are referred to in this
report as "megasites," "macrosites," or "standard sites."
Megasites are large, cohesive areas generally of a size greater
than 100 square miles (64,000 acres). Macrosites are smaller
areas, generally of 5 to 100 square miles (3,200 to 64,000 acres).
Standard sites typically are smaller than 3,200 acres. Standard
sites are usually referred to as "sites" unless greater
clarification is needed. Frequently, sites occur in clusters. The
occurrence of a site in association with other sites increases its
potential long term viability and ecological significance. Such
clusters are designated as macrosites or megasites, with the
standard sites nested within them. These macrosites and megasites
may contain lower quality lands that are not included in a standard
site, but which provide ecologically important buffers and
corridors.
Criteria used to determine significant sites were (1) the quality
and significance of the natural features within an area, and (2)
the overall integrity of the area. All natural communities and
rare species known to occur within a site were documented, with
detailed descriptions made of each exemplary natural community
type. All identified sites were then ranked according to
biological importance, using criteria developed by the NHP and The
Nature Conservancy. Depending upon the global or statewide rarity
of the most critical species and natural features at a site, it was
ranked as having national, statewide, regional, or countywide
significance. This report describes in detail those sites having
national, statewide, or regional significance.
In addition to field surveys of known and potential sites, the
inventory utilized existing rare species and natural area data
maintained by the NHP, topographic quad maps prepared by the U.S.
Geological Survey, soil maps prepared by the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service (formerly U.S. Soil Conservation Service), and
aerial photographs made available by the U.S. Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service and N.C. Cooperative
Extension Service. Knowledgeable individuals and organizations
were also consulted. Report formats developed by the NHP were
utilized for documenting rare species and significant natural
areas.
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GENERAL FEATURES OF BRUNSWICK COUNTY
INVENTORY AREA
The natural areas inventory covered by this report is confined to
Brunswick County, North Carolina (Fig. 1). Brunswick County is
located at the southeastern corner of the state along the state
line with South Carolina. It is bordered by New Hanover County on
the east, Pender County on the north, Columbus County on the
northwest and west, Horry County in South Carolina on the
southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south. At 855 square land
miles, Brunswick County is the sixth largest county in North
Carolina. As of 1990, the population was 50,985, or 60 persons per
square mile (SCD 1991), and approximately 74% of the land surface
was forested (Johnson 1990).
TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
Mainland Brunswick County is situated in the Coastal Plain
Physiographic Province, in the Inner Coastal Plain Region of the
Cape Fear Section. The coastal edge of the county is situated in
the Barrier Island Region of the Cape Fear Section. The Coastal
Plain Province includes all of North Carolina east and southeast of
the fall line, which lies northeastward from Richmond County at the
South Carolina border to Northampton County at the Virginia border.
The fall line marks the boundary between the Coastal Plain and
Piedmont provinces. The Cape Fear Section is that area lying
southwest of the Cape Fear River and southeast of the fall line.
The Inner Coastal Plain Region includes the mainland area of
Brunswick County, all of Columbus and Robeson counties, and
portions of Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, and Scotland
counties.
The elevation gradient in Brunswick County is from sea level to 75
feet. Most of the county is nearly flat, with sharp relief
restricted to intermittent bluffs along the Cape Fear and Waccamaw
rivers (these bluffs approach 40 feet in elevation along the Cape
Fear River). Low slopes are found along stream channels, and
rolling terrain is associated with dry sandhill areas, particularly
in the eastern part of the county near the Cape Fear River.
The land surface of Brunswick County is characterized by broad,
flat terraces of unconsolidated sand, silt, clay, and peat in
varying combinations. A significant physiographic feature of the
county is the elevated ("domed") peatland. These are areas of
extensive pocosin that are among the highest elevations in the
county. Green Swamp is the most prominent of these, reaching 70
feet in elevation and covering about one-fifth of the county land
surface. It is located north of Supply and extends northward into
Columbus County. These peatlands support pocosin communities, and
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often contain small upland areas or "islands" that support longleaf
pine (Pinus palustris) communities.
These elevated peatlands are the primary water sources for most of
the county's streams, and their elevated position is underscored by
the fact that streams outflow in nearly all compass directions.
Green Swamp is headwaters for streams flowing northward and
eastward into the Cape Fear River, westward into the Waccamaw
River, and southward into Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte rivers.
There are three primary watersheds in Brunswick County: the
Waccamaw River, Cape Fear River, and Coastal watersheds. The
approximate boundaries of these watersheds are shown in Figure 2.
Except for the Cape Fear River, which is a brownwater river, all of
the rivers and tributaries in Brunswick County are blackwater
rivers. Because of its unusual and highly significant nature, the
Waccamaw River watershed will be discussed in greater detail.
The Cape Fear River, with headwaters in the Piedmont, forms the
northern and eastern boundary of the county. It drains an area
approximately bounded by Green Swamp on the west and Boiling Spring
Lakes--Wetland Complex along the southwest. The river is tidal for
its entire length along Brunswick County, with tidal influence
extending upstream into Bladen County. The waters are brackish to
saline south of the Campbell Island area, and fresh northward.
Major tributaries of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County are
Hood Creek, which originates in Little Green Swamp; Town Creek,
with headwaters in Green Swamp; and Allen and Orton creeks, which
originate in the Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex. Extensive
areas of freshwater, brackish, and salt marshes occur along the
river south from Cartwheel Branch, with tidal swamplands occurring
northward (upstream).
The Coastal watershed drains most of the southern portion of the
county west of Boiling Spring Lakes and south of Green Swamp. The
Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte rivers are the major drainages in the
Coastal watershed. The Lockwoods Folly River originates in Green
Swamp, but is also fed by tributaries with headwaters in the
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex. Tidal flow in the Lockwoods
Folly River extends upstream from its mouth at Sunset Harbor to
near Supply. The tidal waters are brackish to saline south from
near the confluence with Sandy Branch, and fresh northward. The
Shallotte River originates in peatlands north and south of
Grissettown, but is also fed by tributaries with headwaters in
Green Swamp. Tidal flow extends upstream to just above the town of
Shallotte. Tidal waters are brackish to saline south from near the
confluence with Sharron Creek, and fresh northwestward. Both
rivers support extensive areas of tidal marshes.
There are several much smaller drainages originating near the coast
and flowing southward into the Atlantic Ocean that are not
tributaries of the Lockwoods Folly or Shallotte rivers. Most
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prominent among these are Beaverdam Creek west of Southport, with
headwaters in Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex; and Calabash
River near Calabash, which flows westward into Little River in
South Carolina from its headwaters in the Drowned Bay peatlands.
The Waccamaw River watershed drains the western and southwestern
portions of the county. It is approximately bounded by Green Swamp
on the east, and by Cawcaw Swamp and its tributaries along the
southwest. Major tributaries of the Waccamaw River in Brunswick
County include Juniper Creek, Wet Ash Swamp, and Cawcaw Swamp.
Juniper Creek and Wet Ash Swamp originate in Green Swamp, and
Cawcaw Swamp originates in the Cawcaw Bay peatlands. The Waccamaw
River has its source in Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County, from
where it flows southward into South Carolina. South from the
confluence with Juniper Creek, the river forms the boundary between
Brunswick and Columbus counties.
The Waccamaw River floodplain contains several landform features
not found elsewhere in the county, and which are unusual for
blackwater rivers. The floodplain is very large for a blackwater
river, possessing features typically associated with a well-developed
brownwater river floodplain (Schafale, et al. 1986).
These features include channel bars, point bars and ridges, levees,
oxbows, active and relict sloughs, and active and relict ridges and
swales. It is believed that the Waccamaw River originated as a
brownwater river flowing out of the Piedmont. About 75,000 years
ago, an uplift along the Cape Fear Fault resulted in the beheading
of the river, and the diversion of Piedmont waters into the Cape
Fear River (Zullo and Harris 1979). This theory conforms with the
present-day smallness of the Waccamaw River and its extensive
floodplain, which is as much as two or more miles wide in areas
with features more typical of brownwater rivers.
The physiography of the Waccamaw River and its floodplain varies
considerably as it courses downstream from Lake Waccamaw. From the
headwaters dam at Lake Waccamaw to near the confluence with White
Marsh creek (a distance of about 10 river miles), the river courses
through a large swamp complex with little topographic relief. The
river bank is low along this stretch, and floodwaters quickly
overflow and spread out in the floodplain swamp.
Downstream from the confluence with White Marsh creek, the bank of
the Waccamaw River becomes more prominent and the river begins a
complex series of meanders that continues into South Carolina.
River width, depth, and flow rate become more variable, and
flooding of adjacent habitat requires higher flood levels than in
the swampy area upstream of White Marsh creek. The floodplain is
characterized by terraces formed of ridge-and-swale systems
associated with large meanders apparently made by a larger Waccamaw
River during its life as a brownwater river. These older ridge-and-
swale systems extend as much as a mile or more away from the
river on either side. The present, smaller river continues to
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create new meanders and smaller ridge-and-swale systems, with these
superimposed on the older system. The result is a complex mix of
new and old landforms supporting a great variety of natural
community types.
There are other topographic features of Brunswick County that in
their totality occupy a significant portion of the landscape, and
frequently support critical biological communities. These include
Carolina bays, relict dune ridges and swales, sandhills, limesink
ponds, and features associated with coastal barrier islands.
Carolina bays are elliptical depressions usually oriented along a
northwest/southeast axis, and surrounded by a low sand ridge called
a bay rim. The size of Carolina bays is quite variable, ranging
from a few to thousands of acres. The cause of their formation is
still debated, but most appear to be over 100,000 years old.
Several bay rims have been altered for agriculture or silviculture,
and many bay basins have been ditched and drained. Bays that have
not been drained usually support pocosin vegetation. Unaltered bay
rims usually support longleaf pine communities. Carolina bays
occur in many places in the county, and are very numerous in the
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex.
Relict dune ridge-and-swale systems formed by an ancient ocean
shoreline occur on the mainland in the southern portion of the
county. The most prominent example occurs in the Boiling Spring
Lakes--Wetland Complex south of Boiling Spring Lakes. In this
area, Carolina bays are superimposed on the ridges and swales,
indicating that the bays are younger. The ridges and swales form
a parallel series of more-or-less straight topographic features
running approximately along a northeast/southwest axis. Although
the elevational gradient between the ridges and swales is slight
(usually 5 feet or less), they are easily distinguished by the
different natural communities they support. Relict ridges are
usually dominated by longleaf pine communities, and swales are
dominated by pocosin or stream swamp.
Sandhills occur on the mainland in areas where relict dunes have
been reshaped by wind and erosion, and occasionally by collapse of
subterranean limestone deposits (see discussion of ponds below).
They are characterized by gently rolling terrain and very dry
(xeric) sandy soil, and support longleaf pine communities that are
naturally low in species diversity. Depressions in sandhill areas
frequently support wetland communities. The largest area of
sandhills in the county occurs in the vicinity of highway NC 133
west of the Cape Fear River.
Limesink ponds occur where subterranean deposits of limestone have
been dissolved by water, resulting in a collapse of overlying sand
deposits. Wherever the surface collapse zone intercepts the water
table, a pond forms. Limesink basins that only intersect the water
table at its highest levels form vernal pools. These ponds support
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a very diverse plant and animal community. They frequently occur
in sandhill areas, but also occur on other landforms. Brunswick
County contains one of the largest concentrations of Coastal Plain
ponds between Massachusetts and Florida. The majority of ponds are
located in the southeastern portion of the county within a 6-mile
radius of Boiling Spring Lakes, where both the namesake spring and
the ponds are evidence of unusually active ground water action in
limestone.
One of the most complex and ecologically sensitive features of
Brunswick County is the series of barrier islands located along the
Atlantic shore. These islands are formed by shoreline transport
and deposition of river sediments, and are by nature dynamic and
constantly changing landforms. The islands often are separated by
inlets associated with the mouths of rivers. Extensive marshes
form in the protected tidal areas behind the islands, which is
where the Intracoastal Waterway is located. The islands themselves
contain a number of topographic features, including accreting
spits, beaches, a usually continuous foredune, dune ridge-and-swale
systems, irregular interior dune systems, sand flats, and interdune
ponds. The barrier islands provide critical protection for
mainland areas from erosion and storm damage. Because of their
spectacular setting, these islands have been heavily developed
residentially, which has impaired their natural protective
functions.
Other important but smaller topographic features of Brunswick
County include islands in the Cape Fear River, stream impoundments,
and steep bluffs along the Cape Fear River. The Cape Fear River
islands, several of which were created by dredge spoil deposition,
provide nesting habitat for several coastal bird species.
Prominent among these is Battery Island near the mouth of the
river. Stream impoundments have created lake-size water bodies
that provide important habitat for rare birds, reptiles, and
mollusks. The largest of these impoundments are Orton Pond and
Boiling Spring Lake. Steep, cliff-like bluffs occur along the Cape
Fear River east of the Columbus County line. These bluffs contain
limestone outcrops, and small areas are kept constantly moist by
groundwater seepage. One of these bluffs supports the only county
occurrence of the Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff natural
community, the best example of this community type on the Coastal
Plain.
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The geology of Brunswick County is characterized by unconsolidated
sand overlying layers of clayey sand and weakly consolidated marine
shell deposits (coquina limestone known locally as "marl"). These
sediments were deposited and reshaped during several cycles of
coastal emergence and submergence from the Cretaceous period to the
present. Wind and water have worked these deposits into the
11
current landforms. The Brunswick County landscape is dominated by
broad, mostly flat interstream terraces. Other prominent
geological features include numerous Carolina bays, rolling
sandhills, relict dune ridges and swales, barrier islands, and
landforms associated with the Waccamaw River floodplain.
Soil characteristics are among the most critical factors in
determining natural community distribution and composition.
Natural communities are directly influenced by soil chemistry,
moisture, and texture. Many of the county's rarer natural
community types are restricted primarily because of their
association with uncommon soil types. Soils in Brunswick County
range from nearly pure sand on dry ridges, bay rims, and sandhills,
to organic mucks in pocosin and floodplain swamps. Soils on upland
terraces typically are a mixture of sand and peat, and range from
sandy to loamy textures. The only exposed rock in the county is
coquina limestone ("marl"), which occurs on bluffs along the Cape
Fear River. However, limestone is near the surface in some areas,
where it influences biotic communities by reducing the acidity
typical of most Brunswick County soils. These limestone-influenced
soils support one of the rarest and most significant natural
communities in North Carolina, the Pine Savanna Very Wet Clay
Variant.
The moisture content of soil is particularly critical in
determining the distribution of natural communities. Soil moisture
is influenced by topography, substrate composition and texture, and
elevation above groundwater. In concert with other factors such as
fire, soil moisture influences natural community structure and
composition. The majority of remaining natural community sites in
Brunswick County occur on wet soils. This is primarily due to the
conversion of drier sites to pine plantations and cropland.
CLIMATE
Brunswick County experiences hot and humid subtropical summers and
cool, temperate winters with subfreezing periods. Snowfall is
rare, averaging less than 1 inch per year. According to data
recorded from 1951 to 1979 at Southport, the annual average
temperature is 63.1°. Average temperature is highest in July
(79.5°), and lowest in January (45.2°). The average daily maximum
temperature in summer is 86°. The annual average precipitation in
Southport is 54.81 inches, with 52% (29.03 inches) falling from May
to September (Barnhill 1986).
The mild winters may be the primary influence resulting in the
affinity of the plants and animals of Brunswick County with the
southern Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastal plains. Many species are
at their northern limit in southeastern North Carolina.
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LAND USE
Approximately 74% of the land surface in Brunswick County is
forested, and divided about equally between small woodlots and
large tracts owned by paper companies. About 98% is privately
owned. Of the forested land, about 57% is dominated by pine (Pinus
spp.). Swamps contain about 24% of the forested land, with oaks
(Quercus spp.), gums (Nyssa spp.), and cypresses (Taxodium spp.)
dominating. The remaining forested land is mostly dominated by oak
and pine or oak and hickory (Carya spp.) (SDC 1991; Johnson 1990).
Although figures are not available, much of the forested land is
managed for timber production. About 10% of the county is
cropland, with corn, tobacco, and soybeans the main crops. The
remainder of the land surface is beaches, marsh, and urban and
industrial areas (Barnhill 1986).
NATURAL COMMUNITIES
A natural community is defined as a distinct and reoccurring
assemblage of populations of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi
naturally associated with each other and their physical
environment. A natural community thus combines biological and
habitat elements. Only land in an approximately natural state is
classified as a natural community. For example, the many loblolly
and slash pine plantations in Brunswick County are not regarded as
natural communities, as they are quite different from the
communities that would have occurred under natural conditions.
Natural community names and classification as used here are from
Schafale (1994) and Schafale and Weakley (1990).
Natural communities are closely associated with specific soil
types, which in turn are associated with physiography. For
descriptive purposes, the natural communities are here grouped by
the prominent physiographic features with which they most
frequently occur in Brunswick County. The exceptions to this are
the longleaf pine communities, which occur over a spectrum of wet-to-
dry soil types, and are grouped together because of their strong
biological and ecological relationships. The natural communities
occurring in Brunswick County are, in order of discussion:
Maritime Communities
Dune Grass
Interdune Pond
Maritime Evergreen Forest
Maritime Shrub
Maritime Wet Grassland
Upper Beach
Tidal Wetland Communities
Brackish Marsh
Salt Flat
Salt Marsh
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Tidal Cypress--Gum Swamp
Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Mainland Coastal Edge Forests
Calcareous Coastal Fringe Forest
Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest
Longleaf Pine Communities
Coastal Fringe Sandhill
Mesic Pine Flatwoods
Pine Savanna
Pine/Scrub Oak Sandhill
Wet Pine Flatwoods
Xeric Sandhill Scrub
Pocosin Communities
Bay Forest
High Pocosin
Low Pocosin
Pond Pine Woodland
Small Depression Pocosin
Blackwater River and Stream Floodplains and Low Terraces
Aquatic Community (Blackwater Subtype)
Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods (Blackwater Subtype)
Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype)
Cypress--Gum Swamp (Blackwater Subtype)
Cypress Savanna
Oxbow Lake
Sand and Mud Bar
Brownwater River Floodplain and Low Terraces
Coastal Plain Levee Forest (Brownwater Subtype)
Impoundments, Ponds, and Pools
Coastal Plain Semipermanent Impoundment
Small Depression Pond
Vernal Pool
Upland Hardwoods
Dry-Mesic Oak--Hickory Forest
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype)
River Bluff
Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff
Special Animal Habitats
Gull*Tern*Skimmer Colony
Osprey Nesting Area
Wading Bird and Shorebird Foraging Area
Wading Bird Rookery
Artificially Disturbed Habitats
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roadside and powerline savannas
Maritime Communities
Maritime communities occur where there is a direct oceanic
influence, such as salt spray and storm overwash (tidally
influenced areas are treated separately as tidal wetland
communities below). They occur on barrier islands and small areas
of the mainland edge primarily near river mouths. These
communities have adapted to a very dynamic area and endure
considerable natural stress. Naturally limited, these communities
have been further reduced by commercial and residential
development.
The Dune Grass natural community occurs on the line of foredunes
just behind the ocean beach, and on unstable sand dunes farther
inland on barrier islands. The loose, shifting sand with its low
water holding capacity and low nutrient reserves makes these
environments habitable by only a handful of specialized plant
species. Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) usually dominates.
The Interdune Pond is a freshwater pond community occurring on
barrier islands. These ponds are geologically young and
potentially subject to sand dune movement or salt water flooding,
as well as salt spray. In Brunswick County, this community is
characterized by areas of open water within emergent tall marsh
vegetation dominated by such species as black needlerush (Juncus
roemerianus), southern cattail (Typha domingensis), salt-marsh
bulrush (Schoenoplectus robustus), and salt grass (Distichlis
spicata). Common reed (Phragmites australis), an invasive and
aggressive large grass, has also become a dominant in this habitat.
Maritime Evergreen Forest is found in sheltered, sandy upland areas
of barrier islands, and is characterized by a well-developed canopy
typically dominated by live oak (Quercus virginiana), sand laurel
oak (Q. hemisphaerica), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Cabbage
palm (Sabal palmetto), rare in North Carolina, is a distinctive
component of maritime forests in the Cape Fear area. Canopy height
and community composition are restricted by such maritime
influences as wind-born salt spray, and hurricanes can be
particularly destructive. However, these are natural disturbances
to which the community has adapted over time.
Maritime Shrub is characterized by distinctive scrubby, woody
growth found on stabilized sand dunes, in drier dune swales, and on
sand flats. The species composition is similar to that of the
Maritime Evergreen Forest, but the stature of the Maritime Shrub
community is lower, the stunted canopy trees typically not
exceeding 15 feet in height. Live oak and coastal red cedar
(Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola) are frequent dominants, with
an understory formed by wax-myrtle (Myrica cerifera var. cerifera)
and yaupon (Ilex vomitoria). Wax-myrtle sometimes forms pure
15
stands. This community occurs in areas that are more exposed than
areas in which Maritime Evergreen Forest is found.
Maritime Wet Grassland occurs on low sand flats or in dune swales
where the freshwater table is at or close to the surface for at
least part of the year. Some areas may be flooded for substantial
periods, and seawater overwash can occur. This community is
densely vegetated by herbs, and has a high species diversity.
Prominent species include fimbries (Fimbristylis spp.), duneslack
muhly (Muhlenbergia filipes), small whitetop sedge (Rhynchospora
colorata), and three-square (Schoenoplectus pungens). This
community occurs in small, scattered areas on barrier islands and
the mainland coastal edge. It is extremely limited in Brunswick
County, and has not been found in any of the identified standard
sites described in this report.
Upper Beach occurs above the mean high tide line along the
intertidal beach. This area is inundated only during spring tides
and storm tides, but is moistened by salt spray between periods of
inundation. The environment is very harsh for plants, with almost
constant salt spray and with periodic flooding and reworking of
sand during storms. A few, mostly annual, salt-tolerant herbs
occur as sparse patches and scattered individuals on the sand, but
they are instrumental in the formation of new dunes. Prominent
species are sea rocket (Cakile edentula), seabeach sandmat
(Chamaesyce polygonifolia), Carolina beach-thistle (Salsola
caroliniana), and seabeach orach (Atriplex arenaria). The Upper
Beach is a very dynamic community dependent on natural disturbance,
and quickly succeeds to the Dune Grass community if protected from
tidal and storm influences.
Tidal Wetland Communities
These communities occur in areas that are protected from oceanic
wave action. They are found in areas regularly flooded during the
normal tide cycle, and in areas that are intermittently flooded by
wind-driven and spring tides. They are most abundant on low flats
between the mainland and barrier islands, and along the shores and
marsh islands of rivers with tidal flow: the Cape Fear, Lockwoods
Folly, and Shallotte rivers. River tidal flow is extensive, with
tidal influence extending up the Cape Fear River into Bladen
County. Town Creek, a Cape Fear River tributary, experiences tidal
flow for 20 or more creek miles. Tidal wetland communities are
directly influenced by water salt content. Salt decreases
upstream, and there are extensive stretches of river and creek
tidal flow where the water is fresh, permitting the growth of
tidally influenced forests and freshwater marshes. The relative
position of these communities, moving from saltier to fresher
waters, is: Salt Flat Salt Marsh Brackish Marsh Tidal Freshwater
Marsh Tidal Cypress--Gum Swamp. Because of gradual rising sea
level these communities may be imperceptibly migrating upstream.
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Brackish Marsh occurs in areas where tidal waters are partly
diluted by fresh water, and are most abundant along the lower
reaches of the rivers. Because of the salt influence, they are low
in plant diversity, with black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus)
typically dominating large areas. Salt meadow cordgrass (Spartina
patens), giant cordgrass (S. cynosuroides), and sawgrass (Cladium
jamaicense) often form large colonies, and a variety of smaller
plants may occur in openings.
Salt Flat occurs in fairly small areas of slight depressions at the
upper edge of salt or brackish marshes. Salt water floods these
areas only occasionally. Once flooded, the water is trapped in the
depression and evaporates, leaving salt concentrated in the soil.
Vegetation is usually a sparse collection of extremely salt-tolerant
plants such as salt grass (Distichlis spicata) and
glassworts (Salicornia spp.). The centers of the depressions may
be completely barren.
Salt Marsh occurs where tides regularly flood an area with
undiluted sea water. This environment of repeated flooding and
exposure and high salt levels is habitable by only a few plant
species, but is very fertile and among the most biologically
productive habitats in nature. Saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora) is always the dominant plant in this community, with
few other plant species present.
Tidal Cypress--Gum Swamp occurs in freshwater tidal areas of rivers
and large creeks. The community is dominated by swamp black gum
(Nyssa biflora), water tupelo (N. aquatica), baldcypress (Taxodium
distichum), and pondcypress (T. ascendens). Water ash (Fraxinus
caroliniana) and Carolina red maple (Acer rubrum var. trilobum) are
the dominant understory trees, and shrub and herb layers are
usually sparse and low in diversity, but can be dense in canopy
openings. This community is susceptible to canopy die-off from
episodes of storm-driven saltwater intrusion.
Tidal Freshwater Marsh occurs in tidal areas with minute or no salt
influence. It is most abundant in upstream tidal areas of the Cape
Fear River, Town Creek, and Lockwoods Folly River. The vegetation
is generally strongly zoned, with larger grasses and grass-like
plants dominating patches. Two variants of this community are
recognized: the Oligohaline Variant and the Freshwater Variant.
The Oligohaline Variant, as its name indicates, has a very small
amount of salt present in the water (much less than in the Brackish
Marsh). Typical patch dominants are sawgrass, cattail (Typha
spp.), and giant cordgrass. The Freshwater Variant has no salt
present during the normal tide cycle. Dominant species include
lanceleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia), georgia spider-lily
(Hymenocallis crassifolia), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), and
green arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica). Tidal Freshwater Marsh has
the highest species diversity of the tidal wetland communities, and
some zones, particularly in the Freshwater Variant, are dominated
by large, showy wildflowers. In some areas of the Lockwoods Folly
17
River and a few tributaries of the Cape Fear River, this community
occurs with an impoverished cypress--gum canopy, which may indicate
the gradual replacement of Tidal Cypress--Gum Swamp by Tidal
Freshwater Marsh.
Mainland Coastal Edge Forests
Mainland coastal edge forest communities occur on flats and low
hills near the coastal edge. They are similar to the Maritime
Evergreen Forest found on barrier islands, but generally have a
higher species diversity because their locations are more protected
from the effects of salt spray. These forests, naturally uncommon,
have been greatly reduced by coastal commercial and residential
development.
Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest occurs on moist sandy soil and is
characterized by a canopy dominated by sand laurel oak, live oak,
and loblolly pine. Common understory species include wild olive
(Osmanthus americana), swamp red bay (Persea palustris), American
holly (Ilex opaca), and yaupon. The shrub layer is often dense,
and woody vines frequently are abundant. Herbs generally are
sparse and low in diversity. This community is rare, and may be
one of the most imperiled community types in the state.
Calcareous Coastal Fringe Forest occurs on mesic to dry-mesic sandy
soil with a high shell content, which provides a calcareous
influence. The forest canopy is diverse, with sand laurel oak,
tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Carolina basswood (Tilia
americana var. caroliniana), and native southern magnolia (Magnolia
grandiflora) prominent. This community type is extremely rare and
known from only two sites. The Brunswick County site has been
decimated by recreational and residential development.
Longleaf Pine Communities
Longleaf pine communities occur on wet-to-dry sandy or sandy-loam
soils. They once were the dominant natural forest types in the
county. All of these communities are adapted to and maintained by
frequent low intensity fire. Two of the dominant plants--longleaf
pine (Pinus palustris) and wiregrass (Aristida stricta)--are
dependent on fire for reproduction. Sustained periods without fire
lead to development of a dense shrub understory, suppression of the
herb layer, and buildup of the fuel load. The wetter communities
(Pine Savanna, Wet Pine Flatwoods) have a much high herb diversity
than the drier communities (Coastal Fringe Sandhill, Xeric Sandhill
Scrub).
Coastal Fringe Sandhill occurs in dry sandy areas, primarily on
rolling sandhill terrain and relict beach ridges. It is usually
found within a few miles of the coast. The community is
distinguished by a scrub oak subcanopy beneath the longleaf pine
18
canopy. Sand live oak (Quercus geminata) is the most frequent
dominant, and turkey oak (Q. laevis) and sand laurel oak are often
prominent. The shrub and herb layers are usually open to sparse,
although the shrub layer can become dense without fire.
Mesic Pine Flatwoods occurs on moderately well-drained sandy soil.
The most prominent remnants in Brunswick County are on upland rises
in Green Swamp, where the community grades downslope to Pine
Savanna and pocosin communities. Mesic Pine Flatwoods is
characterized by an open canopy of mixed-age longleaf pine over a
low shrub and moderately diverse herb layer. Wiregrass dominates
the herb layer, and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) often forms
patches. Legumes (Fabaceae) and composites (Asteraceae) are often
an important component of the herb layer. Because of the
suitability of mesic soils for cropland, the Mesic Pine Flatwoods
community has become very rare in North Carolina. The occurrences
of this community in Brunswick County belong to the Coastal Plain
Variant.
Pine Savanna occurs in flat areas that are saturated or even
slightly flooded during the wetter parts of the year. Although
longleaf pine usually dominates the canopy, pond pine (Pinus
serotina) is often prominent and can be locally dominant. The herb
layer is dominated by grasses and sedges, most typically wiregrass
and Carolina dropseed (Sporobolus sp. 1). The herb layer usually
contains many showy composites, orchids, and insectivorous plants.
Southeastern North Carolina Pine Savannas have among the highest
species diversity values at fine scales in temperate North America.
More rare species are associated with Pine Savannas than any other
community type in the state. Three Pine Savanna variants occur in
Brunswick County: Wet Spodosol, Wet Ultisol, and Very Wet Clay.
The Wet Spodosol Variant occurs on sandy soils and often exhibits
a pocosin influence in its flora. The Wet Ultisol Variant occurs
on loamy or clayey soils, and its flora indicates a broader
moisture range than that for the Wet Spodosol Variant. The Very
Wet Clay Variant occurs on clayey soils usually or always underlain
by limestone ("marl"), and pondcypress can be prominent in the
canopy. The herb layer is dominated by wireleaf dropseed
(Sporobolus teretifolius) and Carolina dropseed. The Pine Savanna
Very Wet Clay variant is extremely rare, known only from two small
areas located along the Brunswick/Columbus and Onslow/Pender county
lines.
Pine/Scrub Oak Sandhill occurs on well-drained sandy soil, and is
characterized by an open longleaf pine canopy over a moderate to
sparse mixed oak subcanopy. In the Brunswick County example,
bluejack oak (Quercus incana) is the subcanopy dominant, and turkey
oak is prominent. Sand laurel oak and sand post oak (Q.
margarettae) are also present. The ground layer is moderately
dense, with deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) a prominent shrub, and
wiregrass the herb dominant. This community type is known from a
single occurrence in Brunswick County, which belongs to the Mixed
Oak Variant.
19
Wet Pine Flatwoods resemble Pine Savannas in general structure,
with an open pine canopy over a grassy ground cover with low shrubs
when frequently burned. It typically occurs on flat areas that are
not as wet or fertile as those that support the Pine Savanna.
Longleaf pine is usually the dominant canopy tree, although
loblolly pine can be prominent to dominant. Wiregrass is always
the dominant herb, but herb diversity is lower than that found in
Pine Savannas. Shrubs become dense if fire is excluded. Two
variants of the Wet Pine Flatwoods community occur in Brunswick
County: the Wet Spodosol Variant occurs on sandy soils, and the
Wet Ultisol Variant occurs on loamy or clayey soils.
Xeric Sandhill Scrub occurs on the deepest and driest infertile
sands of sandhills and ridges. It is distinguished by an open
longleaf pine canopy over a scrub oak subcanopy dominated by turkey
oak, with other scrub oaks few in number or absent. The shrub
layer is usually sparse, and the herb layer is sparse to dense.
Wiregrass and lichens often are the ground layer dominants. Most
occurrences of this community in Brunswick County belong to the
Coastal Fringe Variant, which frequently occurs with the Coastal
Fringe Sandhill natural community, and is transitional to it.
Pocosin Communities
Pocosin communities are found on nearly flat, poorly drained areas
and in large, shallow depressions such as Carolina bays. Peat
deposits develop where the soil is saturated for long enough
periods that organic matter cannot completely decompose. Once peat
has developed, it acts as a sponge, raising water levels in the
soil. Without decomposition, plant nutrients are tied up in
organic matter and the soil is extremely infertile and acidic. The
natural community types are determined by variation in wetness,
depth of peat, and fire dynamics.
Bay Forest is found on saturated to seasonally flooded organic
soils along the upper reaches of creeks draining large peatlands.
It is characterized by a canopy dominated by loblolly bay (Gordonia
lasianthus), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), swamp red bay,
Carolina red maple, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides),
pond pine, and swamp tupelo. The dense shrub layer includes
fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), maleberry
(Lyonia ligustrina), and gallberry (Ilex coriacea).
High Pocosin occurs on saturated to seasonally flooded peats up to
1.5 meters deep in the interior portions of domed peatlands, and in
larger peat-filled Carolina bays. It is distinguished by a dense
shrub layer typically from 1.5 to 3 meters tall. Dominant shrubs
include titi, fetterbush, and inkberry (Ilex glabra). Blaspheme-vine
(Smilax laurifolia) is abundant, and honeycups (Zenobia
pulverulenta) is often prominent following fire. Trees are also
present, but are too scattered to form a canopy. The most common
20
trees are pond pine, swamp red bay, sweetbay, and loblolly bay.
Herbs are sparse to absent.
Low Pocosin occurs on the deepest saturated to seasonally flooded
peats in the interior of large domed peatlands and the largest
peat-filled Carolina bays. Low Pocosin is distinguished by a dense
shrub layer usually less than 1.5 meters tall. Dominant shrubs
include honeycups, fetterbush, and titi. Blaspheme-vine is often
abundant, and scattered, stunted trees are also present. Also
occurring within the Low Pocosin habitat are pools and channels of
open water that support such plants as leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne
calyculata), Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), and yellow
pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava). Herbs are otherwise sparse.
Pond Pine Woodland occurs on shallow organic deposits on the edge
of peatlands and in shallow swales and Carolina bays, where tree
roots can grow through the organic layer to reach mineral soil
below. Pond pines are tall and often fairly dense, and the shrub
layer is tall and thick, except where frequently burned. Loblolly
bay frequently is prominent to codominant in the canopy. The dense
shrub layer is dominated by gallberry, wax-myrtle, inkberry, and
fetterbush. Blaspheme-vine is often abundant.
Small Depression Pocosin is found in small, isolated depressions
typically less than 10 acres in size, and that are filled with
saturated organic deposits or peaty sands. It is distinguished by
a dense shrub layer dominated by such species as fetterbush, titi,
inkberry, and gallberry. A sparse to dense canopy of such trees as
pond pine, red maple, and swamp red bay may also be present.
Blackwater River and Stream Floodplains and Low Terraces
Blackwater rivers and streams have their headwaters in the Coastal
Plain, and are so called because of the blackish appearance of the
water, and contrasted with brownwater rivers that flow out of the
Piedmont. All of the rivers and streams in Brunswick County are
blackwater except for the Cape Fear River, which is a brownwater
river. Because of the low relief, they are slow-moving waters with
a very low sediment load, and thus the water is essentially clear.
The darkness comes from tannic acid, a byproduct of organic
decomposition in the swamps that feed the rivers and streams. (In
small concentrations, the water is tea-colored, not black.) Over
time, their floodwaters have worked and reworked the sediments of
the channel and floodplain into a variety of landforms supporting
distinctive natural community types. In Brunswick County, some of
these communities are restricted to or are most extensive on the
Waccamaw River.
The Aquatic Community consists of the permanently flooded portion
of the stream or river channel. In most places it is characterized
by slow-flowing water and a sandy or silty bottom. The permanently
flooded portion of the channel is usually devoid of vegetation,
21
though beds of rooted or floating aquatic plants sometime occur
along quiet edges and in backwaters. In the Waccamaw River, this
community is the habitat for all of the rare fish globally
restricted to the Waccamaw River system.
Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods occurs on higher ground in the
floodplain that is flooded for short durations with low flow
velocity. Bottomland Hardwoods in Brunswick County are
characterized by a mix of hardwood and conifer trees. Most
prominent are laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), red maple, loblolly
pine, Atlantic white cedar, and overcup oak (Q. lyrata). Prominent
understory species include American holly, swamp red bay, mayberry
(Vaccinium elliottii), and titi. Cane (Arundinaria tecta)
sometimes forms dense patches. The Waccamaw River floodplain is
the only area in the state where Atlantic white cedar is an
important component of Bottomland Hardwoods.
Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp occurs on intermittently flooded
alluvial mineral soils of small streams without well-developed
alluvial landforms. The community is characterized by a mixed
canopy of swamp tupelo, baldcypress, Carolina red maple, laurel
oak, swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxii), and loblolly pine.
Prominent understory species include Carolina ash, ironwood
(Carpinus caroliniana), swamp red bay, and American holly.
Cypress--Gum Swamp is found in broad swamps of the Waccamaw River
floodplain known as backswamps, and in active and relict sloughs.
Backswamps are frequently flooded broad areas extending away from
the river behind the levee. Sloughs are former segments of the
river channel that have been cut off by sediment deposition at the
upstream end of the slough. Sloughs associated with the current
river channel are frequently flooded and are known as active
sloughs. The downstream end of active sloughs are often
permanently flooded by river water, forming lobes in the channel
called backwaters. Relict sloughs are older landforms now more
isolated from the active channel. These sloughs flood less
frequently than active sloughs, but some flood enough to support
the Cypress--Gum Swamp community. The Cypress--Gum Swamp canopy is
dominated by various mixtures of cypress (Taxodium spp.) and tupelo
(Nyssa spp.), with scattered red maple. Carolina ash and water-elm
(Planera aquatica) frequently are prominent in the understory.
An unusual community of uncertain classification, and tentatively
assigned to the Cypress Savanna natural community, occurs in swales
associated with ridge-and-swale systems in low terraces along the
Waccamaw River. The geographically small and topographically low-profiled
nature of these ridge-and-swale systems indicates that
they were created by the deposition of alluvium by tributary
streams rather than by the Waccamaw River itself. Cypress Savanna
occurs on saturated to shallowly inundated minerals soils in the
swales. It is characterized by an open to sparse pondcypress
canopy over a moderate to dense herb layer. Titi forms a sparse to
moderate subcanopy, and wax-myrtle is the dominant shrub. Longleaf
22
three-awn (Aristida palustris), redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana),
and foxtail clubmoss (Lycopodiella alopecuroides) are prominent in
the dense herb layer.
The Oxbow Lake community, uncommon in North Carolina, occurs in
recently abandoned river channel meanders where sediment deposits
have closed off the former channel meander at both ends, leaving a
crescent-shaped or horseshoe-shaped water body. Although oxbow
lake waters are still, they are periodically flushed by
floodwaters. Still waters of oxbow lakes may support rooted and
floating aquatic plants, and emergent cypress and gum trees. Over
time, the oxbow lake will fill in and succeed to Cypress--Gum
Swamp, but this process is slow because of the low sediment load of
blackwater rivers.
Sediments deposited by the Waccamaw River along the sides of the
channel form the Sand and Mud Bar natural community. These
deposits occur within the normal river channel, and are exposed
only during periods of below-average water levels. The bars
typically are small, low, and flat. During periods of low water
levels (drawdowns) in the river, the exposed bars are quickly
vegetated by fast-growing and often very small flowering plants
(quickness and smallness are adaptations to the brief periods of
exposure). Because of the long periods of inundation, woody plants
are unable to persist at these sites. A few large perennial
herbaceous plants have been able to adapt to the bars because of
well-developed underground storage systems. Red top panic grass
(Panicum rigidulum var. rigidulum) is frequently the dominant large
herb on bars. Water smartweed (Polygonum punctatum), another large
herb, can also form large patches.
Brownwater River Floodplain and Low Terraces
The only brownwater river in Brunswick County is the Cape Fear
River, which originates in the Piedmont. In contrast to blackwater
rivers, brownwater rivers carry heavy loads of mineral sediment,
particularly clay and silt. The water is generally near neutral in
pH and high in nutrients. The deposition of sediment in the
floodplain provides a periodic nutrient input that keeps the soils
rich. Depositional topographic features such as natural levees are
well-developed, with their size reflecting the size of the river.
Only the Coastal Plain Levee Forest community is described here.
The several tidal communities occurring along the river and its
tributaries are described in the "Tidal wetland communities"
section above.
Coastal Plain Levee Forest occurs on wet sandy soil along the edge
of the Cape Fear River on low rises formed by floodwater sediment
deposition. It is restricted to areas upstream of the tidal marsh
areas. The levees in this area likely formed when sea level was
lower and the river was free-flowing rather than tidal. The levee
forest canopy is dominated by loblolly pine, tuliptree
23
(Liriodendron tulipifera), and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua).
Ironwood is the most prominent subcanopy tree, with river birch
(Betula nigra) occurring on banks. Sedges (Carex spp.) are
prominent in the moderate herb layer.
Impoundments, Ponds, and Pools
This category groups communities that occur in and around the edges
of non-flowing water bodies. Permanently flooded ponds and
temporarily flooded pools are primarily found in limesink
depressions. Impoundments occur in beaver ponds, blocked
embayments, and dammed streams.
In Brunswick County, the Coastal Plain Semipermanent Impoundment
natural community occurs where streams have been dammed. All are
characterized by relatively large, permanently flooded areas of
open water supporting aquatic vegetation, and with emergent
vegetation in shallower water near-shore. Marsh vegetation
dominates the emergent zone, and pondcypress forms an emergent
canopy in some impoundments. Aquatic vegetation includes water
lily (Nymphaea odorata), watermilfoils (Myriophyllum spp.),
pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), and bladderworts (Utricularia spp.).
Dominant emergent herbs include Torrey's nutrush (Scleria
muhlenbergii), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), Virginia horned
beaksedge (Rhynchospora macrostachya), and sawgrass. American
cupscale (Sacciolepis striata), large-flowered bur marigold (Bidens
laevis), and swamp smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides) are
prominent in some areas.
The Small Depression Pond community occurs in limesink depressions.
These depressions are believed to have been created by subterranean
collapse of limestone deposits, resulting in the slumping of
overlying sand deposits. If the depression intersects groundwater,
a pond forms. Because the pond surface is an exposed expression of
the water table, pond levels rise and fall with groundwater
fluctuations, typically rising in winter and spring, and falling in
summer and fall. Some ponds may dry out during drought years.
When water levels drop during the growing season, the exposed pond
margins support a diverse herb layer with several rare plant
species. Characteristic shoreline species include spadeleaf
(Centella erecta), Wright's witch grass (Dichanthelium
wrightianum), pinebarren rush (Juncus abortivus), southern bog
clubmoss (Lycopodiella appressa), Mohr's boneset (Eupatorium
mohrii), combleaf mermaidweed (Proserpinaca pectinata), and warty
panic grass (Panicum verrucosum). Brunswick County contains the
largest concentration of Small Depression Pond community
occurrences between Massachusetts and Florida.
Slightly higher depressions flooded during winter and spring but
without standing water during the growing season support the Vernal
Pool natural community. These temporary pools are particularly
24
critical as amphibian breeding sites. Characteristic species
include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), broomsedges
(Andropogon spp.), switchcane (Panicum virgatum), and pinebarren
rush.
Upland Hardwoods
Dry-Mesic Oak--Hickory Forest occurs on dry to mesic sandy soils on
interstream terraces. The canopy is dominated by white oak
(Quercus alba), red oak (Q. rubra), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica),
and mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa). Flowering dogwood (Cornus
florida) and American holly are prominent in the subcanopy. Shrubs
include hillside blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum) and American
strawberry-bush (Euonymus americanus). There is only one
documented occurrence of this community type in Brunswick County.
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest occurs on the mesic loamy sands of
ravine slopes where blackwater creeks have eroded upland terraces.
The forest canopy is dominated by American beech (Fagus
grandifolia), southern sugar maple (Acer barbatum), white oak, and
swamp chestnut oak. The subcanopy is dominated by flowering
dogwood, sand hickory (Carya pallida), and American holly.
Prominent shrubs include witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), wild
azalea (Rhododendron nudiflorum), and bigleaf snowbell (Styrax
grandifolia). The open to sparse herb layer includes Christmas
fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), woodrush (Luzula sp.), and
bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).
River Bluff
The Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff natural community occurs on
bluffs along the Cape Fear River near the Brunswick/Columbus county
line. The bluff face is very steep to vertical and portions are
kept moist by groundwater seepage. The Acidic Cliff community at
this site is highly unusual, as it is influenced by limestone
outcrops. The vertical faces are bare in some places, and
dominated by herbs, mosses, and liverworts in others. Large-leaved
grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia grandifolia) is a patch dominant on
the vertical faces. Non-vertical but steep faces support woody and
herbaceous vegetation. Trees adapted to the steep slopes include
loblolly pine, southern sugar maple, and American beech. Shrubs
include sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), wild hydrangea
(Hydrangea arborescens), and wax-myrtle.
25
Special Animal Habitats
Special animal habitats in Brunswick County support critical
nesting, rookery, and foraging areas for birds primarily associated
with coastal waters. Some of these birds are rare, and others have
suffered losses in availability of suitable habitat. Designation
of special habitats contributes to keeping these species from
becoming rare, or rarer. Special animal habitats occurring in
Brunswick County are: Gull*Tern*Skimmer Colony, Osprey Nesting
Area, Wading Bird and Shorebird Foraging Area, and Wading Bird
Rookery.
Artificially Disturbed Habitats
Rare plant species occasionally occur along roadsides and in
powerline corridors. Typically, two or more rare species are
present at these artificially maintained sites. The plant
association most frequently found at these sites in Brunswick
County is that of the Pine Savanna. There is evidence that the
savanna plant association and rare species are present because of
conditions that pre-date road and powerline construction. The soil
types at these sites are those that support the rare species'
natural community, and often fragments of the natural community
persist nearby. Because of the degree of artificial disturbance,
these sites are not classified as natural communities, but they
nonetheless provide critical habitat for rare species, and can
serve as important seed sources if adjacent habitat is managed for
natural community restoration. The most significant roadside and
powerline rare species occurrences are treated as standard sites.
RARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Although lacking substantial topographic relief, Brunswick County
nonetheless contains a significant amount of habitat diversity.
Barrier islands, inland tidal reaches, nontidal freshwater
wetlands, and terrestrial habitats support a variety of natural
community types and a very diverse flora and fauna. All of these
factors contribute to the largest number of rare animal and plant
species of any county in North Carolina. A total of 59 rare
animals have been recorded from the county (Table 1), comprising 5
mammals, 14 birds, 7 reptiles, 1 amphibian, 2 freshwater fishes, 5
marine and estuarine fishes, and 25 invertebrates (5 mollusks, 3
moths, 16 butterflies, and 1 annelid). A total of 112 rare plants
are known from the county (Table 2), comprising 105 vascular seed
plants and 7 nonvascular plants (3 mosses, 3 liverworts, and 1
lichen). Among these rare species are 22 federally designated
animals and 22 federally designated plants.
Significant among these rare species are a few globally restricted
to Brunswick County and adjacent areas. Rarest among these are the
Greenfield ramshorn snail (Helisoma eucosmium) and the magnificent
26
rams-horn snail (Planorbella magnifica). The Greenfield ramshorn
snail is currently known from a single world site, and the
magnificent rams-horn snail is known from two sites. All three
sites are in Brunswick County, in tributaries of the Cape Fear
River. Another snail, the Cape Fear threetooth (Triodopsis
soelneri), is known only from southeastern North Carolina: in
Brunswick, New Hanover, Bladen, and Columbus counties. The
Carolina pygmy sunfish (Elassoma boehlkei), a rare fish of the
Waccamaw River drainage, is restricted to Brunswick and Columbus
counties, and two adjacent counties in South Carolina.
Among rare plants, the current distribution of savanna indigo-bush
(Amorpha georgiana var. confusa) is globally restricted to
Brunswick and Columbus counties. Carolina atamasco lily
(Zephyranthes sp. 1) is known only from Brunswick County and two
adjacent counties in South Carolina. Savanna onion (Allium sp. 1)
is globally restricted to one site in Brunswick County and four
sites along the Pender/Onslow county line.
The rare plants and animals found in Brunswick County occur in a
variety of habitats and natural communities, although individual
species tend to be restricted to specific habitats. Coastal areas,
including beaches and tidal rivers and marshes, are particularly
critical for several rare bird, turtle, and fish species. However,
it is an inland area of Brunswick County--Green Swamp--that stands
out as one of the most remarkable areas for rare species and
species diversity in the eastern U.S. A total of 42 rare species
have been documented there, including 16 rare animals (3 mammals,
3 birds, 3 reptiles, 1 amphibian, and 6 invertebrates). Among the
26 rare plants are 3 orchids and the carnivorous Venus flytrap
(Dionaea muscipula). The great majority of these rare species are
associated with the Pine Savanna natural community. Pine savannas
in Green Swamp have among the highest per acre species richness of
any area in temperate North America.
Definition of Status and Rank Codes in Tables 1 and 2
Table 1 (rare animals) and Table 2 (rare plants) list all of the
federal and state designated rare species documented in Brunswick
County. The federal and state rarity status codes and global and
state abundance ranks are given for each species in the tables.
These status and rank codes are defined below (only those codes
applying to rare species in Brunswick County are given). The code
definitions and application to individual species are from LeGrand
(1993) and Weakley (1993).
Status Codes (designated rarity)
Federal Status. As designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS).
27
E = Endangered. A species that is threatened with
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range.
T = Threatened. A species that is likely to become
endangered in the foreseeable future.
C2 = Candidate. A species for which there is some evidence
of vulnerability, but for which there are not enough
data to support listing as Endangered or Threatened at
this time. Listing is "warranted but precluded by
other pending proposals of higher priority." The USFWS
is "directed to make prompt use of the emergency
listing provisions if the well being of any such
species is at significant risk."
State Status - Animals.
E = Endangered. Any native or once-native species of wild
animal whose continued existence as a viable component
of the state's fauna is determined by the Wildlife
Resources Commission to be in jeopardy, or any species
of wild animal determined to be an Endangered species
pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
T = Threatened. Any native or once-native species of wild
animal which is likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range in North Carolina, or
one that is designated as a Threatened species pursuant
to the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
SC = Special Concern. Any species of wild animal native or
once-native to North Carolina which is determined by
the Wildlife Resources Commission to require monitoring
but which may be taken under regulations adopted under
the provisions of Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the
General Statutes.
SR = Significantly Rare. Any other species which has not
been determined as an Endangered, Threatened, or
Special Concern species, but which exists in North
Carolina in small numbers and has been determined to
need monitoring. This is a N.C. Natural Heritage
Program designation.
SR* = Species is a game animal, and therefore by law cannot
be listed for state protection as E, T, or SC.
State Status - Plants.
E = Endangered. Any species whose continued existence as
a viable component of the state's flora is in jeopardy.
Endangered species may not be removed from the wild
except when a permit is obtained for research,
propagation, or rescue which will enhance the survival
of the species. Sale or distribution of wild-collected
Endangered species is not permitted.
T = Threatened. Any species likely to become an endangered
species within the foreseeable future. Regulations are
the same as for Endangered species.
28
SC = Special Concern. Any species which requires population
monitoring, but which may be collected and sold under
specific regulations. Special Concern species which
are not also listed as Endangered or Threatened may be
collected from the wild and sold under specific
regulations. Propagated material only of Special
Concern species which are also listed as Endangered or
Threatened may be traded or sold under specific
regulations.
C = Candidate. Any species which, because of small numbers
of populations, rare habitat, or distribution, may
become threatened in the future; or a species suspected
of being endangered or threatened, but for which
sufficient information is not currently available to
support such a status classification. This is a N.C.
Natural Heritage Program designation.
SR = Significantly Rare. Any other species which has been
determined to be rare in North Carolina and in need of
conservation and monitoring. This is a N.C. Natural
Heritage Program designation.
Rank Codes (rangewide abundance)
Global Rank. This is based on a species' abundance rangewide, and
is the best available scientific assessment of a species' rarity
throughout its range.
G1 = Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity
or because of other factors making it especially
vulnerable to extinction.
G2 = Imperiled globally because of rarity or because of
other factors making it very vulnerable to extinction.
G3 = Either very rare and local throughout its range or
found locally (even abundantly at some of its
locations) in a restricted range (e.g., a single
physiographic region) or because of other factors
making it vulnerable to extinction.
G4 = Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare
in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
G5 = Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite
rare in parts of its range, especially at the
periphery.
GU = Possibly in peril rangewide, but status uncertain; need
more information.
G? = Unranked, or rank uncertain.
G_Q = A "Q" following a "G" rank indicates questionable
taxonomic status.
G_T_ = A "T" rank following a "G" rank indicates a subspecies
or variety. For example, "G4T1" would apply to a
subspecies or variety of a species with an overall rank
of G4, but with the subspecies or variety warranting a
rank of G1.
G_G_ = A ranking involving two "G" numbers indicates a greater
uncertainty or range of ranking. For instance, a
29
"G2G3" rank indicates that the species may be a G2 or
a G3, but that existing data do not allow that
determination to be made.
State Rank. This is based on a species' abundance throughout North
Carolina, independently of the global rank (however, a state rank
can never show a greater abundance than the global rank).
S1 = Critically imperiled in North Carolina because of
extreme rarity or because of other factors making it
especially vulnerable to extirpation from North
Carolina.
S2 = Imperiled in North Carolina because of rarity or
because of other factors making it very vulnerable to
extirpation in North Carolina.
S3 = Rare or uncommon in North Carolina.
S4 = Apparently secure in North Carolina, with many
occurrences.
S5 = Demonstrably secure in North Carolina and essentially
ineradicable under present conditions.
SU = Possibly in peril in North Carolina, but status
uncertain; need more information.
S_B = Rank of the breeding population in the state. Used for
migratory animals only.
S_N = Rank of the non-breeding population in the state. Used
for migratory animals only.
SH = Of historical occurrence in North Carolina, perhaps not
having been verified in the past 20 years, and
suspected to be still extant.
S? = Unranked, or rank uncertain.
S_S_ = Same as "G_G_".
30
31
Table 1. Federal and State Designated Rare Animal Species
Occurring in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Status codes followed by "*" are footnoted at the end of the
particular animal group (e.g., mammals).
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Mammals
Condylura cristata parva SC*1 G5 S4
star-nosed mole
Felis concolor concolor E E G4 SH
eastern cougar
Neotoma floridana floridana T G5T? S1
eastern woodrat
Trichechus manatus E E G2? S1N
manatee
Ursus americanus SR*2 G5 S3
black bear
*1 The star-nosed mole occurs in two distinct areas in North
Carolina, one in the mountains, and the other in the Coastal
Plain. It is of Special Concern in the Coastal Plain.
*2 The black bear is a game animal, and by law cannot be listed
for State protection as Endangered, Threatened, or Special
Concern.
Birds
Aimophila aestivalis C2 SC G3 S3B,S2N
Bachman's sparrow
Ammodramus henslowii C2 SR G4 S2B,S1N
Henslow's sparrow
Anhinga anhinga SR G5 S2B,SZN
anhinga
Charadrius melodus T T G3 S2B,S2N
piping plover
Columbina passerina SR G5 S1B,S1N
common ground-dove
Falco peregrinus E E G3 S1B,S2N
peregrine falcon
Haliaeetus leucocephalus E E G3 S1B,S2N
bald eagle
Himantopus mexicanus SR G5 S2B
black-necked stilt
Lanius ludovicianus C2 SC G4 S2B,S3N
loggerhead shrike
32
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Mycteria americana E E* G5 S1N
wood stork
Pelecanus occidentalis SC G5 S3B,S4N
brown pelican
Picoides borealis E E G2 S2
red-cockaded woodpecker
Plegadis falcinellus SC G5 S2B,S1N
glossy ibis
Porphyrula martinica SR G5 S1B
purple gallinule
* The wood stork is very rare in the U.S., but more common in
the tropics.
Reptiles
Alligator mississippiensis T T G5 S3
American alligator
Caretta caretta T T G3 S2B,S2N
loggerhead turtle
Chelonia mydas T T G3 S1B,SZN
green turtle
Crotalus adamanteus SR G5 S1
eastern diamondback rattlesnake
Lepidochelys kempii E E G1 SAB,SZN
Atlantic Ridley turtle
Micrurus fulvius SR G5 S1
eastern coral snake
Ophisaurus mimicus SC G3 S2
mimic glass lizard
Amphibians
Rana capito capito C2 SC G4T? S2
Carolina gopher frog
Freshwater fishes
Elassoma boehlkei C2 T G1G2 S1S2
Carolina pygmy sunfish
Noturus sp. 2 SC G2 S2
broadtail madtom
33
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Marine and estuarine fishes
Acipenser brevirostrum E E G3 S1
shortnose sturgeon
Eleotris pisonis SR G5 S2
spinycheek sleeper
Gobionellus stigmaticus SR G? S2
marked goby
Hypsoblennius ionthas SR GU S2
freckled blenny
Microphis brachyurus SR G5 S1
opossum pipefish
Mollusks -- freshwater gastropods
Helisoma eucosmium * * G1 S1
Greenfield ramshorn snail
Planorbella magnifica C2 E G1 S1
magnificent rams-horn
* The Greenfield ramshorn snail was believed to be extinct until
rediscovered in Brunswick County in 1994.
Mollusks -- terrestrial gastropods
Triodopsis soelneri C2 T G2 S2
Cape Fear threetooth
Mollusks -- marine bivalves
Busycon canaliculatus SR G? S?
channeled whelk
Busycon carica SR G? S?
knobbed whelk
Insects -- moths
Agrotis buchholzi C2 SR G2G3 S1S3
Buchholz's dart moth
Euagrotis lubricans SR G5 SU
slippery dart
Metarranthis lateritiaria SR G3G4 S1S3
a geometrid moth
STATUS RANK
34
SPECIES US NC G S
Insects -- butterflies
Amblyscirtes alternata SR G3G4 S2?
least Florida skipper
Amblyscirtes reversa SR G4 S3?
reversed roadside skipper
Atrytone arogos arogos C2 SR G4T3 S1
arogos skipper
Atrytonopsis loammi SR GUQ S1
loammi skipper
Calephelis virginiensis SR G4 S3?
little metalmark
Erynnis martialis SR G4 S3?
mottled dusky wing
Euphyes bimacula SR G4 S2?
two-spotted skipper
Euphyes dukesi SR G3G4 S1?
Duke's skipper
Fixsenia favonius SR G4Q S1
southern hairstreak
Hesperia attalus slossonae SR G4T3 S1S3
dotted skipper
Megathymus yuccae SR G4 S3?
yucca skipper
Mitoura hesseli SR G3G4 S2?
Hessel's hairstreak
Papilio cresphontes SR G5 S2
giant swallowtail
Phyciodes phaon SR G5 S2?
phaon crescent
Problema bulenta C2 SR G2G3 S1?
rare skipper
Satyrium kingi SR G3G4 S3?
King's hairstreak
Annelids
Chaetopterus variopedatus SR G? S?
parchment tube worm
35
Table 2. Federal and State Designated Rare Plant Species Occurring
in Brunswick County, North Carolina
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Vascular plants - trees, shrubs, and herbs
Agalinis aphylla C G3G4 S2
scale-leaf gerardia
Agalinis linifolia SR G3G4 S2
flaxleaf gerardia
Agalinis virgata C G3G4 S1
branched gerardia
Allium sp. 1 C G1 S1
savanna onion
Amaranthus pumilus T T G2 S2
seabeach amaranth
Amorpha georgiana var. confusa C2 T G3T2 S2
savanna indigo-bush
Andropogon mohrii C G3? S1
bog bluestem
Arnoglossum ovatum SR G4G5 S1
savanna indian-plantain
Asclepias pedicellata C G3G4 S2
savanna milkweed
Baccharis glomeruliflora C G4 S1
silverling
Balduina atropurpurea C2 C G2G3 S1
honeycomb head
Bulbostylis warei C G3G4 SH
Ware's hairsedge
Carex decomposita SR G3G4 S1
cypress knee sedge
Carex verrucosa SR G3G4 S1
warty sedge
Cyperus dentatus C G4 S1?
toothed flatsedge
Cyperus lecontei SR G4? S1
Leconte's flatsedge
Cyperus tetragonus SR G4? S2
four-angled flatsedge
Dichanthelium erectifolium SR G4 S2
erectleaf witch grass
Dichanthelium oligosanthes
var. scribnerianum SR G5T5 S1
Scribner's witch grass
Dichanthelium sp. 5 =neuranthum SR G5 S1
nerved witch grass
Dionaea muscipula C2 C-SC G3 S3
Venus flytrap
36
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Drosera filiformis SR G5 S1
threadleaf sundew
Echinodorus parvulus C2 C G2 S1
dwarf burhead
Eleocharis elongata C G5? S1
Florida spikerush
Eleocharis robbinsii C G4G5 S2
Robbins's spikerush
Eleocharis rostellata SR G5 S2
beaked spikerush
Epidendrum conopseum SR G3G4 S2
green fly orchid
Eriocaulon aquaticum SR G5 S2
seven-angled pipewort
Erythrina herbacea SR G5 S1
coralbean
Eupatorium leptophyllum C G4G5 S1
limesink dog-fennel
Fimbristylis perpusilla C2 T G2 S1
Harper's fimbry
Galactia mollis C G4G5 S1
soft milk-pea
Gelsemium rankii SR G5 S2
swamp jessamine
Helenium brevifolium C G4 S1
littleleaf sneezeweed
Helenium pinnatifidum SR G4 S2
dissected sneezeweed
Helenium vernale SR G3G4 S1
spring sneezeweed
Helianthemum corymbosum SR G4G5 S1
pinebarren sunrose
Helianthemum georgianum C G4 S1
Georgia sunrose
Ilex amelanchier SR G3G4 S3
sarvis holly
Ipomoea imperati SR G5 S1
beach morning-glory
Lachnocaulon beyrichianum C G2G3 S1
southern bogbutton
Lechea torreyi C G4G5 S1
Torrey's pinweed
Leptochloa fascicularis var. maritima SR G5T3 S1
long-awned spangletop
Lilaeopsis carolinensis T G3 S3
Carolina grasswort
Linum floridanum var. chrysocarpum SR G5T3? S1
yellow-fruited flax
37
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Litsea aestivalis C2 C G4G5 S2
pondspice
Lophiola aurea E G4 S1
golden crest
Ludwigia alata SR G3G4 S2
winged seedbox
Ludwigia lanceolata C G3 S1
lanceleaf seedbox
Ludwigia linifolia SR G4 S1
flaxleaf seedbox
Ludwigia suffruticosa SR G5 S2
shrubby seedbox
Lysimachia asperulifolia E E G3 S3
rough-leaf loosestrife
Macbridea caroliniana C2 C G2G3 S1
Carolina bogmint
Malaxis spicata SR G3G4 S1
Florida adder's mouth orchid
Muhlenbergia torreyana E G3 S1
pinebarren smokegrass
Myriophyllum laxum C2 T G2G3 S1
loose watermilfoil
Oldenlandia boscii SR G5 S1
Bosc's bluet
Panicum tenerum SR G4 S2
southeastern panic grass
Parnassia caroliniana C2 E G2 S2
Carolina grass-of-parnassus
Parnassia grandifolia C G2G3 S1
large-leaved grass-of-parnassus
Peltandra sagittifolia SR G3G4 S2
spoonflower
Pityopsis graminifolia
var. graminifolia SR G5T5 S1?
silkgrass
Plantago sparsiflora C2 E G2 S1
pineland plantain
Platanthera integra T G5 S1
yellow fringeless orchid
Platanthera nivea T G5 S1
snowy orchid
Polygala hookeri C G3 S2
Hooker's milkwort
Polygonum glaucum C G3 S1
seabeach knotweed
Polygonum hirsutum SR G4G5 S1
hairy smartweed
STATUS RANK
38
SPECIES US NC G S
Ponthieva racemosa SR G4G5 S2
shadow-witch orchid
Ptilimnium sp. 1 C G2 S1
Carolina bishopweed
Rhexia aristosa C2 T G3 S3
awned meadow-beauty
Rhexia cubensis SR G5 S1
West Indies meadow-beauty
Rhynchospora alba C G5 S2
northern white beaksedge
Rhynchospora breviseta C G3G4 S1
shortbristled beaksedge
Rhynchospora decurrens C2 C GH S1
swamp forest beaksedge
Rhynchospora divergens SR G4 S1
whiteseeded beaksedge
Rhynchospora globularis
var. pinetorum SR G5T3? S1
Small's beaksedge
Rhynchospora odorata SR G4 S1
fragrant beaksedge
Rhynchospora oligantha C G4 S2
feather-bristle beaksedge
Rhynchospora pleiantha C G3 S1
coastal beaksedge
Rhynchospora scirpoides SR G4 S2
long-beak baldsedge
Rhynchospora thornei C2 C G1 S1
Thorne's beaksedge
Rhynchospora tracyi SR G4 S2
Tracy's beaksedge
Sabal palmetto SR G5 S1
cabbage palm
Sabatia kennedyana T-SC G3 S1
Plymouth gentian
Sagittaria isoetiformis SR G3G4 S2
quillwort arrowhead
Sarracenia minor SR G4G5 S2
hooded pitcher plant
Schoenoplectus etuberculatus SR G3G4 S3
Canby's bulrush
Scirpus lineatus C G4 S2
drooping bulrush
Scleria baldwinii C G3G4 S1
Baldwin's nutrush
Scleria georgiana SR G4 S2
Georgia nutrush
39
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Scleria verticillata C G5 S1
savanna nutrush
Seymeria pectinata C G4G5 SH
sticky afzelia
Sideroxylon tenax C G3? S1
tough bumelia
Solidago gracillima SR G4? S1S2
graceful goldenrod
Solidago pulchra C2 E G3 S3
Carolina goldenrod
Solidago verna C2 E G3 S3
spring-flowering goldenrod
Spiranthes laciniata C G4G5 S1
lace-lip ladies'-tresses orchid
Spiranthes longilabris C G3 S1
giant spiral orchid
Sporobolus teretifolius C2 T G2? S1
wireleaf dropseed
Stylisma aquatica SR G3G4 S1
water dawnflower
Thalictrum cooleyi E E G1 S1
Cooley's Meadowrue
Tofieldia glabra C2 C G3 S3
Carolina asphodel
Trichostema sp. 1 C2 C G2 S2
dune bluecurls
Tridens carolinianus C G2G3 S2
Carolina triodia
Utricularia olivacea T G4 S2
dwarf bladderwort
Vaccinium macrocarpon C G4 S2
cranberry
Xyris brevifolia SR G4G5 S1
short-leaf yellow-eyed-grass
Xyris elliottii SR G4 S1
Elliott's yellow-eyed-grass
Xyris flabelliformis C G4 S1
savanna yellow-eyed-grass
Yucca gloriosa SR G3 S2?
moundlily yucca
Zepheranthes sp. 1 SR G2? S2?
Carolina atamasco lily
Nonvascular plants - mosses, liverworts, and lichens
Campylopus carolinae C2 C G1 S1
savanna campylopus moss
40
STATUS RANK
SPECIES US NC G S
Cheilolejeunea rigidula SR G5 S2
a liverwort
Lejeunea bermudiana SR G3G4 SH
a liverwort
Plagiochila ludoviciana SR G5 S1
a liverwort
Sphagnum fitzgeraldii SR G2G3 S2S3
Fitzgerald's peatmoss
Syrrhopodon incompletus C G5 S1
Cuban schliessmund moss
Teloschistes flavicans SR G3G4 S1
sunrise lichen
41
Table 3. Natural Areas of National, Statewide, or Regional
Significance in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Natural areas include megasites, macrosites, and standard sites.
Standard sites can be included within macrosites or megasites, or
they can stand alone.
RANK
A = national significance
B = statewide significance
C = regional significance
RANK
SOUTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTY MEGASITE A
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex A
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point A
Pleasant Oaks Plantation A
Big Cypress Bay and Ponds B
Boiling Spring Lakes--Limesink Complex B
Hog Branch Ponds B
Pretty Pond Limesink Complex B
Southport Ferry Landing Forest B
Sunset Harbor--Ash Swamp B
White Spring Ponds Complex B
Bethel Sandhills C
Goose Landing C
NC 133 Loosestrife Site C
Orton Plantation Macrosite A
Orton Pond A
Orton Creek Savanna B
Blue Pond C
Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site C
WACCAMAW RIVER WETLANDS MEGASITE A
Waccamaw River Aquatic Habitat A
Juniper Creek Floodplain B
Waccamaw River Oxbow Site B
Scippio Swamp Ridge-and-Swale Boggy
Openings C
Middle Waccamaw River Macrosite A
Reeves Area Floodplain B
Regan Ridge-and-Swale Boggy Openings B
Waccamaw Island Savanna B
Waccamaw River Ridge-and-Swale Boggy
Openings B
Waccamaw River Eleocharis Backwater C
42
RANK
Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite A
Bald Head Island A
Bluff Island and East Beach B
Zekes Island Estuarine Sanctuary B
Middle Island C
Stand-alone Sites
Battery Island A
Green Swamp A
Myrtle Head Savanna A
Town Creek Marshes and Swamp A
Battle Royal Bay B
Big Neck Road at Millpond Bay B
Brantley Island B
Brunswick River/Cape Fear River Marshes B
Bryant Mill (Greenbank) Bluff B
Camp Branch Savanna Remnant B
Colkins Neck Remnant B
Lower Cape Fear River Aquatic Habitat B
Lower Cape Fear River Bird Nesting Islands B
Spring Creek Ponds B
Sunset Beach Wood Stork Ponds B
Alligator Branch Sandhill and Flatwoods C
Bird Island C
Boone Neck Maritime Forest C
Drowned Bay Savanna C
Fall Swamp--Middle River Limesink Complex C
Henrytown Savanna C
Lockwoods Folly River Tidal Wetlands C
Long Bays Savanna and Carolina Bays C
Sandy Branch Sand Ridge and Bay Complex C
Secession Maritime Forest C
Shallotte Creek Sandhills C
Sturgeon Creek Tidal Wetlands C
43
DISCUSSION
Brunswick County contains not only some of the most biologically
significant areas in North Carolina, but along the entire U.S.
Atlantic Coast. It supports more Federally Endangered or
Threatened plant and animal species--15--than any other county in
the state. It has the greatest diversity of natural communities in
the state with 36 community types and subtypes. Brunswick County
has the second highest number of rare species occurrences among
North Carolina counties, and the second highest number of natural
areas (sites). The county is a center of species diversity along
the Atlantic Coast, with several species globally restricted to
Brunswick County or adjacent areas. Some of the county's pine
savannas have among the highest species richness of any similar-sized
area in temperate North America. The concentration of
Coastal Plain ponds is the largest along the Atlantic Coast between
Massachusetts and Florida.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Natural Areas - Priority Clusters of Sites
According to their size, natural areas are referred to in this
report as "megasites," "macrosites," or "standard sites."
Megasites are large, cohesive areas generally of a size greater
than 100 square miles (64,000 acres). Macrosites are smaller
areas, generally of 5 to 100 square miles (3,200 to 64,000 acres).
Standard sites typically are smaller than 3,200 acres. Standard
sites are usually referred to as "sites" unless greater
clarification is needed. Frequently, sites occur in clusters. The
occurrence of a site in association with other sites increases its
potential long term viability and ecological significance. Such
clusters are designated as macrosites or megasites, with standard
sites nested within them. These macrosites and megasites may
contain lower quality lands that are not included in a standard
site, but which provide ecologically important buffers and
corridors.
(Special note must be made of two sites treated here as standard
sites, but which technically are stand-alone macrosites. These are
Green Swamp and Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex, and are
macrosites because of their size. They have not been subdivided
into smaller, standard sites because of the contiguousness of good
quality habitat throughout. They are therefore equivalent to very
large standard sites, and are treated as such here to insure a full
description. Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex occurs within
the Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite. Green Swamp does not
occur within a megasite.)
A list of identified natural areas of national, statewide, or
regional significance is contained in Table 3. These rankings are
44
based on the degree of rarity of rare species, number of rare
species, quality and rarity of natural community types, and general
condition. A total of two megasites, three macrosites, and 57
standard sites (Fig. 3) are described in the "Inventory of Sites"
section of this report. Three site clusters are of particular
significance: Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite, Waccamaw
River Wetlands Megasite, and Bald Head--Smith Island Complex
Macrosite (not included within a megasite). These three clusters
contain 30 of the county's 57 identified standard sites, plus the
three macrosites and two megasites.
Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite
The Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite (Fig. 4) consists of
most of the southeastern quarter of the county. A variety of
geomorphic formations contribute to the diversity of natural
communities and species in this nationally significant megasite.
Carolina bay rims, relict dunes, low interstream terraces, and
sandhills support several types of longleaf pine communities. Also
of great significance are the numerous limesink ponds occurring in
the megasite, primarily in the area of Boiling Spring Lakes and
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point. Among the natural communities
are two extremely rare community variants: the Pine Savanna Pleea
Flats Variant, and the Wet Pine Flatwoods Leiophyllum Variant. The
majority of the known global distribution of these two community
variants occurs within the megasite. The concentration of limesink
ponds in the megasite is the largest along the Atlantic Coastal
Plain north of Florida. The longleaf pine and limesink pond
communities support many rare species.
Nationally significant sites within the Southeastern Brunswick
County Megasite are: Orton Plantation Macrosite, Orton Pond,
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex Macrosite, Military Ocean
Terminal Sunny Point, and Pleasant Oaks Plantation.
Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite
The nationally significant Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite
(Fig. 5) consists of the entirety of the Waccamaw River floodplain
from Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County to the South Carolina border.
The Brunswick County portion of the megasite includes the
floodplain features along the east side of the river from Juniper
Creek Swamp southward. The river and its floodplain possess
several significant features. The waters and adjacent wetlands of
the river support many rare animal and plant species, including
several fish, mussels, and snails globally restricted to the
Waccamaw River system (most of these rare animals are restricted to
the Columbus County portion of the megasite). Also of great
significance are the rare plants and natural communities associated
with landforms created by active river meanders, such as oxbow
45
lakes, sloughs, and point bars; and landforms created by the older
river and its tributaries, particularly the unusual ridge-and-swale
systems.
Nationally significant sites with the Waccamaw River Wetlands
Megasite are: Waccamaw River Aquatic Habitat and Middle Waccamaw
River Macrosite.
Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite
The Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite (Fig. 6) comprises a
system of estuarine islands, barrier beaches and spits, tidal
marshes and creeks, and open estuarine waters. This nationally
significant macrosite is located along the east side of the mouth
of the Cape Fear River, and is bounded by Federal Point along the
north, and by the Atlantic Ocean along the east and south. The
macrosite contains several maritime natural community types, some
of which are rare and among the best examples known. Among the
most significant features in the macrosite are the maritime forest
communities found on the sand ridges. The area also provides
habitat for many rare plants and animals, including five Federally
Endangered or Threatened species.
The Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite contains one
nationally significant standard site: Bald Head Island.
Stand-Alone Natural Areas
Green Swamp
Green Swamp (Fig. 7) comprises one of the most significant natural
landscapes in North Carolina, containing extensive areas of high
quality savanna, flatwoods, and pocosin habitat. This nationally
significant stand-alone macrosite is located in the north-central
portion of the county, and occupies a very large, broad, and flat
terrace dominated by pocosin vegetation. The Pine Savanna natural
community at Green Swamp has one of the highest per acre plant
species richness of any area in temperate North America. Green
Swamp supports populations of 26 rare plants and 16 rare animals.
Stand-Alone Standard Sites
There are 26 stand-alone standard sites scattered throughout the
county (Fig. 8). These are sites that are too isolated to be
grouped into macrosites or megasites. Collectively, they include
a variety of habitats, natural community types, and rare plant and
animals species. Among them are three nationally significant
Figure 3. Identified Natural Areas
----- boundary of megasites, and macrosites outside of megasites
..... boundary of macrosites inside of megasites
1. Southeastern Brunswick
County Megasite
2. Boiling Spring Lakes--
Wetland Complex
Megasite
3. Military Ocean Terminal
Ocean Point
4. Pleasant Oaks
Plantation
5. Big Cypress Bay and
Ponds
6. Boiling Spring Lakes--
Limesink Complex
7. Hog Branch Ponds
8. Pretty Pond Limesink
Complex
9. Southport Ferry Landing
Forest
10. Sunset Harbor--Ash
Swamp
11. White Spring Ponds
Complex
12. Bethel Sandhills
13. Goose Landing
14. NC 133 Loosestrife Site
15. Orton Plantation
Macrosite
16. Orton Pond
17. Orton Creek Savanna
18. Blue Pond
19. Orton Powerline
Loosestrife Site
20. Waccamaw River Wetlands
Megasite
21. Waccamaw River Aquatic
Habitat
22. Juniper Creek
Floodplain
23. Waccamaw River Oxbow
Site
24. Scippio Swamp Ridge-and-
Swale Boggy
Openings
25. Middle Waccamaw River
Macrosite
26. Reeves Area Floodplain
27. Regan Ridge-and-Swale
Openings
28. Waccamaw Island Savanna
29. Waccamaw River Ridge-and-
Swale Boggy
Openings
30. Waccamaw River
Eleocharis Backwater
31. Bald Head Island--Smith
Island Complex
Macrosite
32. Bald Head Island
33. Bluff Island and East
Beach
34. Zekes Island Estuarine
Sanctuary
35. Middle Island
36. Battery Island
37. Green Swamp Macrosite
38. Myrtle Head Savanna
39. Town Creek Marshes and
Swamp
40. Battle Royal Bay
41. Big Neck Road at
Millpond Bay
42. Brantley Island
43. Brunswick River/Cape
Fear River Marshes
44. Bryant Mill (Greenbank)
Bluff
45. Camp Branch Savanna
Remnant
46. Colkins Neck Remnant
47. Lower Cape Fear River
Aquatic Habitat
48. Spring Creek Ponds
50. Sunset Beach Wood Stork
Ponds
51. Alligator Branch
Sandhill and Flatwoods
52. Bird Island
53. Boone Neck Maritime
Forest
54. Drowned Bay Savanna
55. Fall Swamp--Middle
River Limesink Complex
56. Henrytown Savanna
57. Lockwoods Folly River
Tidal Wetlands
58. Long Bays Savanna and
Carolina Bays
59. Sandy Branch Sand Ridge
and Bay Complex
60. Secession Maritime
Forest
61. Shallotte Creek
Sandhills
62. Sturgeon Creek Tidal
Wetlands
48
Figure 4. Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite.
----- boundary of megasite
..... boundary of macrosites inside of megasite
1. Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite
2. Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex Macrosite
3. Military Ocean Terminal Ocean Point
4. Pleasant Oaks Plantation
5. Big Cypress Bay and Ponds
6. Boiling Spring Lakes--Limesink Complex
7. Hog Branch Ponds
8. Pretty Pond Limesink Complex
9. Southport Ferry Landing Forest
10. Sunset Harbor--Ash Swamp
11. White Spring Ponds Complex
12. Bethel Sandhills
13. Goose Landing
14. NC 133 Loosestrife Site
15. Orton Plantation Macrosite
16. Orton Pond
17. Orton Creek Savanna
18. Blue Pond
19. Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site
50
52
54
56
Figure 8. Other Natural Areas
36. Battery Island
38. Myrtle Head Savanna
39. Town Creek Marshes and Swamp
40. Battle Royal Bay
41. Big Neck Road at Millpond Bay
42. Brantley Island
43. Brunswick River/Cape Fear River Marshes
44. Bryant Mill (Greenbank) Bluff
45. Camp Branch Savanna Remnant
46. Colkins Neck Remnant
47. Lower Cape Fear River Aquatic Habitat
48. Lower Cape Fear River Bird Nesting Islands
49. Spring Creek Ponds
50. Sunset Beach Wood Stork Ponds
51. Alligator Branch Sandhill and Flatwoods
52. Bird Island
53. Boone Neck Maritime Forest
54. Drowned Bay Savanna
55. Fall Swamp--Middle River Limesink Complex
56. Henrytown Savanna
57. Lockwoods Folly River Tidal Wetlands
58. Long Bays Savanna and Carolina Bays
59. Sandy Branch Sand Ridge and Bay Complex
60. Secession Maritime Forest
61. Shallotte Creek Sandhills
62. Sturgeon Creek Tidal Wetlands
58
sites: Battery Island, Myrtle Head Savanna, and Town Creek Marshes
and Swamp.
Sites Added From 1993/1994 Inventory Surveys
Fourteen nationally, statewide, or regionally significant standard
sites first identified as such during the 1993/1994 inventory are
included in the totals and descriptions. They are: Hog Branch
Ponds, White Spring Ponds Complex, Bethel Sandhills, Goose Landing,
Scippio Swamp Ridge-and-Swale Boggy Openings, Regan Ridge-and-Swale
Boggy Openings, Town Creek Marshes and Swamp, Big Neck Road at
Millpond Bay, Alligator Branch Sandhill and Flatwoods, Fall Swamp--
Middle River Limesink Complex, Lockwoods Folly River Tidal
Wetlands, Sandy Branch Sand Ridge and Bay Complex, Shallotte Creek
Sandhills, and Sturgeon Creek Tidal Wetlands.
Rare Species
A total of 59 rare animal species and 112 rare plant species are
known from Brunswick County (Tables 1 and 2). Of these, 11 rare
plant species were first discovered in the county during the
1993/1994 inventory, including one species variety new to North
Carolina, Scribner's witch grass (Dichanthelium oligosanthes var.
scribnerianum). Greenfield ramshorn snail (Helisoma eucosmium),
officially listed as extinct, was rediscovered--and first
discovered from Brunswick County--in 1994 by a biologist from the
University of North Carolina-Wilmington. A plant known only
historically throughout its range, swamp forest beaksedge
(Rhynchospora decurrens), was rediscovered during the 1993/1994
inventory. A plant known only historically in North Carolina,
cypress knee sedge (Carex decomposita), was also rediscovered
during the inventory.
THREATS TO NATURAL AREAS
Impacts to Forest Communities
Clearcuts and conversion of native forests to pine or hardwood
plantations severely impact or eliminate natural communities.
However, the impact varies with intent. Clearing forests for
cropland or land development obviously eliminates natural
communities. Clearcuts of native forests that are allowed to
regenerate may eventually succeed to the original natural community
type, depending on such factors as degree of ground surface
disturbance and invasion by opportunistic species. Clearcuts
followed by site preparation for plantations can have severe
impacts on the ability of natural communities to eventually
recover. Plantation bedding is particularly disruptive, as soils
and hydrology are heavily disturbed for long periods. In
59
pinelands, plantations and controlled regeneration usually result
in a closed canopy, which shades out the herbaceous ground cover
typical of naturally open longleaf pine communities. In hardwood
forests, a dense canopy is natural, but clear-cutting usually leads
to a shift in dominant species, with loblolly pine particularly
opportunistic. Soil disturbances associated with logging can be
very destructive to native forests. Heavy equipment on wet soils
causes long-lasting ruts. Impacts from roller chopping and disking
vary with intensity and natural community type. The importance of
the herb layer and restricted reproductive requirements of
wiregrass (Aristida stricta) make longleaf pine communities
particularly susceptible to these practices.
Ditching and draining of low-lying forests "can change the
hydrology of an area and significantly increase the rate and flow
of stormwater runoff" (NCWQS 1994). By channeling surface runoff
and groundwater away from an area, ditches greatly reduce the
floodwater storage function of low-lying forests. The filtering
function of these forests is also aborted, and sediment, nutrients,
and toxins are directly channeled into lakes, streams, and rivers.
Fire suppression has a significant impact on longleaf pine
communities (e.g., Pine Savannas, Wet Pine Flatwoods). These
forests are naturally fire-adapted, and many species are dependent
on fire for regeneration, particularly the dominant grasses. Lack
of fire leads to the development of unnaturally dense shrub layers,
and hardwood competition in the canopy. Plow lines in the ecotone
between longleaf pine communities and adjacent wetlands alter soils
and hydrology, and lead to changes in community structure and
composition.
Impacts to Water Bodies
"Sediment is the most widespread cause of impairment to stream
water quality and biological integrity" for blackwater rivers and
streams in southeastern North Carolina (ibid.). Sediment can
gradually fill lakes, ponds, and rivers, causing changes in
shoreline configuration and impacting water flow in channels and
adjacent floodplains. Sediment directly impacts aquatic
populations, such as by clogging fish gills and altering the
habitat of food sources. Sediment can also lead to increased
drinking water treatment costs. "Sediment also serves as a carrier
for other pollutants including nutrients (especially phosphorus),
toxic metals and pesticides" (ibid.). The leading cause of
sedimentation is runoff from agricultural land, ditched forest
land, and urban areas. Many small ponds have been impacted by
shoreline residential development.
60
Impacts to Maritime Areas
Barrier island landforms have been severely impacted, and their
natural communities greatly reduced in size, by residential and
commercial development. The protective functions these barrier
features provide to the mainland during storms have also been
impaired.
PROTECTION PRIORITIES
A variety of options exist for protecting natural areas and
endangered species, ranging from private landowner initiatives to
acquisition by private or public conservation agencies. In all
cases, conservation works best when citizens are well-informed
about the value of natural habitat and take an active role in its
protection. In this spirit, governmental acquisition of natural
areas by right of eminent domain is not a recommended option.
Because land use problems usually cross property and political
boundaries, planning, zoning, and land-use regulations can play an
important protection role if supported by local citizens.
Conservation efforts should focus on the most significant areas.
The highest priority areas in Brunswick County are the Southeastern
Brunswick County Megasite, the Waccamaw River Wetlands Megasite,
the Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite, and Green Swamp, a
stand-alone macrosite. Portions of some significant natural areas
in Brunswick County are already protected for their natural values.
A large, high quality area of Green Swamp is owned by The Nature
Conservancy, along with Myrtle Head Savanna. A voluntary
management agreement between landowners and the N.C. Natural
Heritage Program protects portions of Military Ocean Terminal Sunny
Point, Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site, and the NC 133 Loosestrife
Site. Three areas in the Bald Head--Smith Island Complex Macrosite
are owned and managed by the State for protection of natural
resources: Bald Head Island Coastal Reserve, Bald Head Island
State Natural Area, and Zekes Island Estuarine Sanctuary.
Land Owner Protection Initiatives
The great majority of Brunswick County's natural areas are
privately owned and are likely to remain so. Protection of these
sites will require not only the good will but the active
participation of landowners. Although in many cases the sites have
remained in a natural state because of landowner actions to protect
their values, owners may not be aware of the many options than can
make conservation management more effective and less financially
burdensome. This includes the continued management of forests for
timber value.
61
Forest Stewardship Program
One state program that offers assistance in achieving forest
management goals is the Forest Stewardship Program sponsored by a
number of different state and federal agencies. This program is
available to non-industrial private forest landowners holding a
minimum of ten acres of forested land, and offers assistance in
achieving three or more of the six following stewardship goals:
(1) maintenance of forest health and productivity, (2) improvement
of fish and wildlife habitat, (3) protection of water quality, (4)
enhancement of soil productivity and minimalization of erosion, (5)
maintenance and enhancement of aesthetic values, and (6) support
for recreational activities. Examples of the management plans this
program encourages include controlled burning, re-forestation in
natural vegetation, and maintenance of vegetative buffer strips
along watercourses.
Each Forest Stewardship Program management plan is tailored to the
individual desires of the landowner. Enrollment is entirely
voluntary and consists of a pledge by the landowner to abide by the
plan. The landowner is also recognized and honored for
participation in the program, and may receive property tax benefits
if current use is reduced to the base level. Although certain
tracts of forest may be left in a completely natural state under a
Forest Stewardship Program plan, enrollment in the program assumes
that at least part of the property will continue to be used for
timber production, hunting leases, recreation, or some other use.
For more information, write to: Forest Stewardship Coordinator,
Division of Forest Resources, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611-
7687.
Registry of Natural Areas Program
For owners who wish to preserve their entire tract in a natural
state, another option is to register the site under the North
Carolina Registry of Natural Areas Program administered by the N.C.
Natural Heritage Program (NHP). There is no minimum acreage
required for this program, and the land can be forested or open.
However, the land must possess rare species, significant natural
communities, or other exceptional natural values. Registry is open
to all landowners, including timber companies, governments, civic
groups, schools, and other institutions.
The registry program relies solely on voluntary agreements by
landowners to preserve the registered area in a natural state. The
landowner is recognized and honored for protection of significant
elements of the state's natural heritage. Management advice may
also be provided by the staff of the NHP. Registered sites
additionally receive some degree of statutory protection from
pipelines and transmission lines. Although there are currently no
62
tax benefits available for registration alone, the registry program
has proven quite successful, and there are now several hundred
registered natural areas throughout the state.
For more information, write to: N.C. Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC
27611-7687.
Conservation Easement
The preceding options depend on voluntary, and thus changeable
agreements with the landowner. Another flexible but more permanent
option--one that can be transferred along with the property deed--
is the conservation easement. In this increasingly popular
conservation option, the owner retains the title to the property
and continues to exercise certain property rights, including
control of access to the public. Other rights, such the right to
develop, log, or mine the site, are deeded over to a recognized
conservation organization established to preserve such tracts in a
natural state. Provisions of the conservation easement are
enforceable in civil court, and legally specify certain rights and
responsibilities of both the landowner and the recipient of the
easement. Each easement is tailored to suit the unique
characteristics of individual properties and the needs and desires
of the landowner.
Although more restrictive than the Forest Stewardship Program and
the Registry of Natural Areas Program, there are several reasons
why this option may be preferred. It represents a greater degree
of partnership between the landowner and a conservation group. Any
costs involved in formulating and implementing management plans for
the natural area can be shared, or even made the prime
responsibility of the conservation organization. The easement is
permanently attached to the property title, and passed along from
one owner to another, from generation to generation. This may be
the greatest benefit to an owner who desires to preserve a tract in
its natural state in perpetuity. There may also be tax benefits.
Limits on development and other uses of the tract may result in a
reduction of estate, inheritance, and property taxes. Conservation
easements are either sold or donated, depending on the
circumstances of the landowner, the tract, and the receiving
organization. If the easement is donated, it can also constitute
a charitable contribution, allowing a deduction to be made on state
and federal income taxes.
For more information, write to: North Carolina Coastal Land Trust,
313 N. Front St., Suite A, Wilmington, NC 28401. The Coastal Land
Trust is a private non-profit organization.
63
Transfer of Ownership
When an owner of a high quality natural area does not wish to
maintain an active involvement in its management and is willing to
part with the tract, transfer of ownership through sale or donation
to a conservation organization or agency is the simplest way of
assuring permanent protection. As with the conservation easement,
there may be several state and federal tax benefits associated with
the transfer of property. The benefits vary depending on whether
the transfer takes the form of a donation, bargain sale, or sale at
fair market value. Title restrictions can be added, allow the
transferring owner to contribute to the permanent management plans
for the tract.
Two private conservation organizations that acquire natural areas
either by donation or purchase are the North Carolina Coastal Land
Trust (see "Conservation Easement" above for address) and the North
Carolina Nature Conservancy, Carr Mill, Suite D12, Carrboro, NC
27510.
AREAS FOR ADDITIONAL SURVEY WORK
This report provides as complete a picture as possible of the
significant natural areas of Brunswick County. It combines past
knowledge of the county with information gathered during the 1993
and 1994 surveys. Additional survey work is needed for rare animal
populations, to monitor the condition through time of known
significant sites, and to locate potential new sites. The scope of
the current inventory did not permit a complete survey of areas
with limited or difficult access. Areas that should be
investigated in future surveys include:
-- floodplain forests along the Cape Fear River upstream
from Lake Sutton (in New Hanover County);
-- tidal wetlands along Hood Creek;
-- Waccamaw River floodplain and low terraces (a large area
that has been only partially surveyed);
-- sandhills west of highway NC 133 and north of McKinzie
Pond;
-- uplands along Town Creek east of Winnabow, in the
vicinity of the railroad crossing and Mallory Creek;
-- mineral soil forests near the headwaters of Mulberry
Branch and South Prong Wet Ash Swamp, north of Shallotte;
-- Horse Pen Swamp and Clayton Bay area north of Freeland;
-- sandhills southeast of the confluence of the Shallotte
River and Sharron Creek;
-- remnant maritime forest along the mainland coastal edge;
and
-- mineral soil forests east of Turkey Branch and west of
Little Green Swamp.
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REFERENCES
Barnhill, W.L. 1986. Soil survey of Brunswick County, North
Carolina. U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Department of
Agriculture.
Johnson, T.C. 1990. Forest statistics for the southern Coastal
Plain of North Carolina, 1990. U.S. Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, Southeastern For. Exp. Station
Resource Bulletin SE-111.
LeGrand, H.E. Jr. 1993. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare
animal species of North Carolina. N.C. Natural Heritage
Program, DPR, DEHNR, Raleigh, NC.
NCWQS. 1994. Lumber River basinwide water quality management
plan. N.C Water Quality Section, DEM, DEHNR, Raleigh, NC.
Schafale, M.S., H.E. LeGrand Jr., and R.S. Marty. 1986. Waccamaw
River natural areas inventory and preserve design. Report to
the N.C. Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC, and the North
Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Carrboro, NC.
Schafale, M.S., and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the
natural communities of North Carolina (third approximation).
N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, NC.
SDC. 1991. Statistical abstract of North Carolina counties. State
Data Center, Office of State Budget and Management, Raleigh,
NC.
Weakley, A.S. 1993. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare
plant species of North Carolina. N.C. Natural Heritage
Program, DPR, DEHNR, Raleigh, NC.
Zullo, V.A., and W.B. Harris. 1979. Plio-Pleistocene crustal
warping in the outer Coastal Plain of North Carolina, pp. 31-
40. In G.R. Baum, W.B. Harris, and V.A. Zullo (Eds.).
Structural and stratigraphic frame work for the Coastal Plain
of North Carolina. Carolina Geological Society, 1979 Field
Trip Guidebook.
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INVENTORY OF SITES
This section contains a description of all megasites, macrosites,
and standard sites identified during the inventory. By their
nature, megasites and macrosites are described in general terms.
The descriptions of standard sites are more detailed, and include
the following:
SITE NAME: name assigned to the site by the N.C. Natural Heritage
Program.
SITE SIGNIFICANCE: whether the site is of national, statewide, or
regional geographic significance. Sites of countywide or lesser
significance are not described.
SIZE: in acres when known, usually estimated.
QUADRANGLE: the U.S.G.S. topographic quadrangle map(s) on which
the site occurs.
LOCATION: placement of the site in relation to a known landform,
such as a road, town, river, etc.
SIGNIFICANT FEATURES: biological and geophysical features that
give the site its significance.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: a description of the biological and
topographical features of the site, focusing on the natural
communities.
OWNERSHIP: name of owner given only when publicly owned, or
privately owned by a conservation organization.
PROTECTION STATUS: type of protection provided, if any.
MANAGEMENT/PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS: brief discussion of threats
and impacts, and recommendations for maintenance or restoration of
natural conditions.
REFERENCES: literature and reports specific to the site.
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SOUTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTY MEGASITE
The Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite consists of most of the
southeastern quarter of the county. It is approximately bounded by
Town Creek and Buck Road (SR 1518) on the north, Midway Road (SR
1500) and Sunset Harbor on the west, the Intracoastal Waterway on
the south, and the Cape Fear River on the east. The megasite is
characterized by broad upland terraces with low relief, and large
pocosins. Small streams and their tributaries form channels in the
terraces, and a few of the streams have been dammed, forming large
impoundments.
A variety of geomorphic formations contribute to the diversity of
natural communities and species in this nationally significant
megasite. Small to large Carolina bays are scattered throughout.
These features are elliptical basins surrounded by arcuate sand
ridges called bay rims. The basins typically support pocosin
communities, and the rims support communities dominated by longleaf
pine (Pinus palustris). A relict dune ridge-and-swale system
formed by an ancient ocean shoreline is found south of the Boiling
Spring Lakes area. Like the Carolina bays, the dune ridges support
longleaf pine communities, and the swales support pocosin, with
streams forming in the larger swales. The megasite contains
extensive areas of dry upland sandhills, especially in the eastern
half. These sandhills also support longleaf pine communities, and
contain a remarkable collection of limesink ponds. Communities
shaped by maritime influences are found on the edge of the megasite
along the Cape Fear River.
Several types of longleaf pine communities occur on the Carolina
bay rims, relict dunes, low interstream terraces, and sandhills.
Sites with wetter mineral soils support Pine Savanna (two variants)
and Wet Pine Flatwoods (two variants). The Pine Savanna has among
the highest species richness of any temperate North American
natural community, and supports more rare species than any other
community type in North Carolina. The drier sandhills support the
Coastal Fringe Sandhill and Xeric Sandhill Scrub communities. The
megasite contains the global majority of two longleaf pine
community variants: the Pine Savanna Pleea Flats Variant, and the
Wet Pine Flatwoods Leiophyllum Variant. Half or more of the known
distribution of Coastal Fringe Sandhill in North Carolina occurs at
the megasite.
Also of great significance are the numerous limesink ponds
occurring in the megasite, primarily in the area of Boiling Spring
Lakes and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point. These ponds support
the Small Depression Pond natural community. This is the largest
concentration of limesink ponds along the Atlantic Coastal Plain
north of Florida, and the largest concentration of the Small
Depression Pond community between Florida and Cape Cod. In spite
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of their small size, the seasonally exposed margins of these ponds
are very diverse, and support many rare species.
Nested within the Southeastern Brunswick County Megasite are 16
standard sites and two macrosites. The megasite, itself ranked of
national significance, contains three nationally ranked standard
sites:
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point,
Pleasant Oaks Plantation, and
Orton Pond.
Another eight standard sites are ranked of statewide significance:
Big Cypress Bay and Ponds,
Boiling Spring Lakes--Limesink Complex,
Hog Branch Ponds,
Pretty Pond Limesink Complex,
Southport Ferry Landing Forest,
Sunset Harbor--Ash Swamp,
White Spring Ponds Complex, and
Orton Creek Savanna.
Five standard sites are ranked of regional significance:
Bethel Sandhills,
Goose Landing,
NC 133 Loosestrife Site,
Blue Pond, and
Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site.
Both of the macrosites contained within the megasite--Orton
Plantation and Boiling Spring Lakes Wetland Complex--are ranked of
national significance. The Orton Plantation Macrosite contains
four of the preceding standard sites: Orton Pond, Orton Creek
Savanna, Blue Pond, and Orton Powerline Loosestrife Site. The
Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex Macrosite has not been
divided into standard sites.
Areas within the megasite not included within a standard site or
macrosite have been determined to be of lesser significance, but
important to the overall integrity of the area, such as by
providing corridors for animal populations and insuring the
integrity of standard sites and macrosites. Each of the standard
sites and macrosites within the megasite is described in the
following pages.
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SITE DESCRIPTION: Brunswick County Inventory Report, 1995
SITE NAME: Boiling Spring Lakes--Wetland Complex
SITE SIGNIFICANCE: National SIZE: 14,800 acres
COUNTY: Brunswick
QUADRANGLE: Funston / Southport / Lockwoods Folly / Bolivia
LOCATION: West of the town of Boiling Spring Lakes, approximately
bounded by highway NC 87 along the east, Wildwood Road along the
north, and St. James Plantation and Ash Swamp along the south. The
site is bisected west-to-east by highway NC 211. North of NC 211,
the western boundary primarily occurs along the edge of plantations
and developed land east of Midway Road (SR 1500). South of NC 211,
the western boundary primarily occurs along the edge of plantations
east of Sunset Harbor Road (SR 1112).
SIGNIFICANT FEATURES:
1. This stand-alone macrosite contains an outstanding assemblage
of natural community types, including the global
distributional majority of two community variants: the Wet
Pine Flatwoods Leiophyllum Variant, and the Pine Savanna Pleea
Flats Variant. Other community types and variants present are
High Pocosin, Pond Pine Woodland, Pine Savanna Wet Spodosol
Variant, Wet Pine Flatwoods Wet Spodosol Variant, Coastal
Fringe Sandhill, and Xeric Sandhill Scrub Coastal Fringe
Variant. The combination of all of these community types in
fair to excellent condition over a large, contiguous area is
remarkable, and not repeated elsewhere at this scale.
2. The site suppo