histosoils to the clayey, sandy, and loamy soils typical of 

 other parts of the outer coastal plain. Thus, natural 

 communities, once mining is complete, almost certainly could 

 never be re-established or reclaimed on mined-out land. 

 Preservation of the best natural areas, and appropriate 

 hydrological management, is necessary prior to and during 

 active peat mining. 



The Natural Heritage Program is most pleased to have had 

 this opportunity to conduct this project for the Office of 

 Coastal Management. The inventory has revealed a number of 

 extraordinary natural areas that possess natural elements of 

 statewide or national priority and may be critical to the 

 survival of North Carolina's natural diversity. Most of the 

 identified sites were previously unknown and undocumented by 

 the state' e scientific community. We are particularly 

 impressed by the natural heritage values contained in the 

 series of wetlands in the Alligator River corridor, the 

 Scranton hardwood forest and the Gull Rock Game Land wetlands. 

 The Natural Heritage Program hopes that these areas will be 

 protected for the benefits of present and future generations 

 of North Carolinians and for the preservation of the state's 

 truly exceptional natural heritage. 



Charles E. Roe, Coordinator 

 N.C. Natural Heritage Program 

 November 16, 1982 



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