of fire. In the absence of fire, shrubs and dead grass material will shade 

 out many of the low-growing herbs. Shrub invasion is most critical in the 

 savannah-pocosin ecotone, an excellent habitat for many significant herbaceous 

 species. Aerial photographs taken in 1937 show more extensive open savannahs 

 than at present. Roads and drainage canals coupled with wildfire suppression 

 have, in general, reduced fire frequency and subsequently reduced the area of 

 open savannah. Through a systematic program of prescribe burning, NCNC will 

 be able to maintain its savannah lands and associated species and check 

 encroachment by shrubs. , . .; 



The second threat is the destruction of sensitive savannah communities 

 through excessive trampling by visitors. The wetter portions are dense with 

 species diversity, and one cannot help but step on a venus flytrap and other 

 significant plants when walking through. Major destruction occurs when several 

 persons successively travel the same path. With the limited area of these wet 

 habitats along the savannah edges, a significant portion may be destroyed 

 without careful guidance and monitoring of visitor use. 



A severe threat is the theft of plants, either the venus flytrap and 

 other commercially valuable species, or timber for firewood. Many persons 

 have been seen collecting plants along Rt. 211, and timber trespass has been 

 reported at a couple of localities. Dealing with plant collectors will ~ 

 involve the regular patroling of sites most vulnerable to collection, primarily 

 the savannahs along Rt . 211. Additional assistance in discovering and 

 identifying collectors may be available from paper company employees. Forest 

 Service personnel, hunters, and frequent visitors. Any persons found digging 

 plants will be told to leave the property, after it is explained to them the 

 damage they are causing. NCNC may wish to prosecute second offenders for 

 trespassing. Dealing with the problem posed by large-scale plant collectors 

 involves a degree of understanding for their situation. Many have minimal 

 alternative income. Collectors may prove stubborn, and prosecution could evoke 

 a violent reprisal such as arson. Such occurrences have been known to take 

 place; thus, care and tactfulness is necessary on the part of the patroller. 

 Protection of the venus flytrap under North Carolina law expired July 1, 1980. 

 Presently, an alternative, more effective law is under consideration by the 

 Plant Protection Section of the N.C. Department of Agriculture. 



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