-63- 



The surrounding vegetation is a typical swamp forest of black gum 

 (Nyssa sylvatica ) , red maple (Acer rub rum ) , and occasional bald cypress 

 (Taxodium distichum ) . From the general size of the trees it was pro- 

 bably last logged about 60 to 75 years ago. 



The natural area itself encompasses about 154 acres and is nearly 

 circular in outline. The swamp forest within this area is almost total- 

 ly dominated by Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides ) with a 

 density of about 506 trees per acre (1250/ha). The trees are about 60 

 feet tall with the largest being 14.8 in. (37.7 cm) in diameter and most 

 trees ranging rora 9 to 12 in. in diameter. The canopy is even-aged and 

 from increment borings was determined to be about 60 years old. - Al- 

 though infrequent, other species found in the canopy were loblolly pine 

 (Pinus taeda) , black gum (Nyssa sylvatica ) , and red maple (Acer rub rum ) 

 (See Table 11 for calculated importance values). 



The subcanopy forms as distinct a stratum as does the canopy and 



its density of 509 trees per acre (1258/ha) is almost identical to the 



canopy's density. It is strongly dominated by black gum (See Table 11 



for calculated importance values). 



The shrub layer is not particularly dense and contains such charac- 

 teristic species as sweet pepper bush (Clethra alnifolia ) , bitter gall- 

 berry (Ilex glabra ) , fetterbush (Lyonia lucida ) , and sparkleberry 

 (Vaccinium arboreum) . As in most swamp forests the herb layer is rather 

 sparse with perhaps the most frequently occurring species being Virginia 

 chain fern (Woodwardia virginica ) and royal fern (Osmunda regalis ) . 



From our observations and data it appears that this is a succes- 

 sional community. There are numerous stumps, the largest being 44 in. 

 (121 cm) in diameter, so the present stand probably became established 

 after the area had been logged. Judging from the age of the canopy trees 

 this was probably 60 to 70 years ago. Like many other conifers the 

 Atlantic white cedar will only establish in openings that are produced 

 by fire or logging. They form a dense stand that thins itself with age 

 and then, as we have observed, a subcanopy of shade tolerant hardwoods 

 develops. The length of time from initial establishment to ultimate 

 replacement by hardwoods is probably about 250 years but this represents 

 a guess because fire or logging usually cuts the sequence short. 



10. Significance Summary (catergories represented and descriptions) 



a. Feature b. Description of significant feature c. Comparative Assessment 



High quality wet- 

 land plant com- 

 munity. 



Chamaecyparis thyoides/Nyssa sylvatica / 

 Clethra alnifolia - mixed shrubs 



Highest density stand of 

 Atlantic white cedar in 

 county . 



Area with high 

 research interest 



Chamaecyparis thyoides/Nyssa sylvatica / 

 Clethra alnifolia-mixed shrubs 



Few mature stands of 

 Atlantic white cedar 

 are available for research 



