13» Sit* Significance Summary: 



(1) Rush-featherling ( Pleea tenuifolia ) is widely scattered and 

 infrequent in its occurrence within the southeast; it is not 

 known to dominate areas in a savannah-like condition else- 

 where (fide A. E. Radford), The site is, therefore, very sig- 

 nificant both from a community type and population perspective. 



(2) The complex contains excellent examples of "savannah" communities 

 over mairine (Pleistocene) ridge and swale topography. 



(3) The complex represents possibly the largest expanse of neeir 

 coast, relatively undisturbed (undrained) Carolina bays within 

 the state; further, these bays are excellent examples of "pocosin 

 type" bays. 



(4) The population of sand myrtle ( Leiophyllum buxifolium ) here, 

 when considered in its entirety, is probably the largest popu- 

 lation of the species in North Carolina. Sand myrtle is not 

 known in extensive populations on the state's coast north of 

 Brunswick County. 



(5) The complex area contains four known cavity trees of the Red- 

 cockaded Woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) , which is on the federal 

 list of endangered species. 



(6) The Smithville bay complex represents significant wildlife habi- 

 tate, both in terms of its sheer size (it is one of the largest 

 intact pocosin areas in the county) and diversity of available 

 habitats. 



14, N, C, Natural Heritage Program Priority Rating: 

 High priority. 



