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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 i 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. ii iii 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. iv v 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 vi 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 vii 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 viii 1 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 2 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. 3 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 4 6 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 8 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 9 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 10 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. 12 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 13 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 14 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. 16 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. 64 65 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. 66 67 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. 68 69 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 70 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. 71 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
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Title | Inventory of the natural areas and rare species of Brunswick County, North Carolina |
Creator | LeBlond, Richard J. |
Contributor |
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. |
Date | 1995-06 |
Subjects |
Natural areas--North Carolina--Brunswick County Endangered species--North Carolina--Brunswick County Rare plants--North Carolina--Brunswick County Brunswick County (N.C.) |
Place |
Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States North Carolina, United States |
Description | "Funding provided by: North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund, CP & L Carolina Power and Light Company."--Cover.; "June 1995."; Includes bibliographical references. |
Publisher | North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources; North Carolina Coastal Land Trust |
Agency-Current | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality |
Rights | State Document see http://digital.ncdcr.gov/u?/p249901coll22,63754 |
Physical Characteristics | viii, 229 p. : ill. ; 28 cm. |
Collection | North Carolina State Documents Collection. State Library of North Carolina |
Type | Text |
Language | English |
Format | Documents |
Digital Characteristics-A | 731 KB; 239 p. |
Digital Collection | North Carolina Digital State Documents Collection |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Related Items | Also available via the World Wide Web.; http://worldcat.org/oclc/38011211/viewonline |
Audience | All |
Pres File Name-M | pubs_inventorynaturalareas199506.pdf |
Pres Local File Path-M | \Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_borndigital\images_master\ |
Full Text | 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 i 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. ii iii 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. iv v 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 vi 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 vii 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 viii 1 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 2 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. 3 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 4 6 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 8 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 9 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 10 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. 12 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 13 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 14 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. 16 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. 64 65 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. 66 67 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. 68 69 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 70 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. 71 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 |
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