lib. Prose Description of Site Significance 



Bull's Neck Swamp does not contain any highly significant 

 or unique old-growth timber stands nor does it contain any out- 

 standing wildlife populations or endangered species. Its chief 

 value is the areal extent of the wetland forests; the largest 

 continuous tract of swamp forest vegetation in a relatively 

 natural state in the county. Only two major canal/roads tra- 

 verse the peninsula and much of the swamp forests are virtually 

 inaccessible. The area functions as a wildlife refugium, and 

 its importance in this regard will surely increase as areas to 

 the south continue to be drained and cleared for agriculture 

 and silviculture. 



The swamp also has the largest acreage of pure Atlantic 

 white cedar stands in the county (about 350 acres) . 



It contains habitat supporting populations of at least 

 two species considered rare or threatened in North Carolina, 

 black bear and red-shouldered hawk, respectively. 



125 



