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DELAWARE 



General description: Along the Coastal Plain, which covers most of the state, 

 fresh-water marshes and shrub and wooded swamps are reported (USDI 1953). 

 Inland fresh-water wetlands total approximately 38,000 acres. In the wooded 

 swamps, such as the Cypress Swamp, which is the northern portion of the Great 

 Pocomoke Swamp of Maryland, cypress reaches its northern limit. 



Status of the wetlands: Major threats include cutting, draining, and develop- 

 ment. In 1955, 76% of the state's wetlands were considered safe, but by 1959 

 only 23% were in this category (USDI 1959). There is considerable urgency, 

 therefore, for landmark designation. 



Sources of data: The limited data available were obtained from the State Game 

 and Fish Commission. 



Recommendations: The Cypress Swamp was the only area for which data were 

 obtained. However, this 8000-acre wetland represents a sizeable portion of the 

 state's fresh-water wetland resources. Although most of cypress and southern 

 white cedar have been cut, a few stands still persist. Given protection from 

 further encroachment one can expect the development of a mosaic of mature 

 wetland types. Every effort should be made to designate this section of the 

 Pocomoke as a Natural Landmark. With further field investigation, additional 

 significant wetlands may be located. 



a 



Literature cited 



U.S. Department of the Interior. 1953. Wetlands of Delaware. Fish and 



Wildlife Service. Office of River Basin Studies, Region V, Boston. 

 U.S. Department of the Interior. 1959. Wetlands of Delaware. A 



supplementary report. 



Wetlands reported for Delaware 



DE 1. Cypress Swamp 



Habitat type 



F-7-Sw 



