22. Threats: 



The natural integrity of Van Swamp is seriously threatened 

 by the activities of the major timber corporations. The finest 

 remaining relatively undisturbed swamp forest timber is being 

 cut at the present time. Clearcutting is converting former 

 hardwood swamp forest to managed loblolly pine plantations. 

 Extensive ditching and draining operations in the wettest areas 

 of the swamp are undoubtedly going to result in better drained 

 conditions, alteration of the natural hydrological patterns, in- 

 creased edge effect and the possibility of fire, and in general 

 alter the natural qualities of the swamp. 



23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: 



Drainage and cutting must be curtailed if any portion of the 

 natural area is to be preserved in its natural state. Construction 

 of lateral ditches presently being dug should cease. Water control 

 devices will' have to be built on the main ditches to control gravity 

 flow of water out of the swamp and to simulate the more natural high 

 water table conditions. The site should be proposed for inclusion in 

 the Society of American Foresters ' Natural Areas program as an excel- 

 lent mature example of Forest type No. 104 — Sweetbay-Swamp Blackgum 

 Red Maple. 



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