22. Threats: 



The natural area is probably protected from most high- 

 intensive operations because it is 1) very low in elevation 

 (0-4 feet msl) , 2) adjacent to navigable waterways and sub- 

 ject to federal permit regulations, 3) subject to storm-tide 

 flooding, and 4) it contains low-value peat reserves (high 

 ash content) . However, intensive timber operations could 

 significantly decrease the swamp's natural significance. 

 Large-scale ditching could lower the water table and com- 

 bined with heavy cutting of the swamp gum, baldcypress, 

 and white cedar, could result in the establishment of a 

 swamp hardwoods community dominated by "weedy" species 

 such as sweetgum and red maple. 



23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: 



The area should be preserved in its natural state with no 

 further road or canal construction. Timber operations should 

 be limited to small (less than 50 acres) clearcuts or light 

 selective cutting to maintain dominance by swamp blackgum and 

 other dominant swamp trees and prevent invasion of early suc- 

 cessional "weedy" species such as sweetgum and red maple. 



Its importance as a floodplain wetland ecosystem should 

 be recognized by county planners and efforts should be made 

 to preserve its natural integrity. 



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