The cattail marsh is widest near the IWW-Alligator River 

 confluence where it reaches a width of about 2000 feet. The 

 marshes are also quite extensive on the Tyrrell County side 

 of the river where they extend downstream to the NC 94 bridge. 



The Roper Island marshes are characterized by an abundance 

 of standing dead baldcypress ( Taxodium distichum ) . These "skele- 

 ton" stands of dead timber occur throughout the brackish marsh 

 community, from along the riverbank inland to the forested edge 

 of the marsh community. The dead cypress vary in size class. 

 Most are rather small, about 6-8 inches dbh and about 20-30 

 feet tall. There are scattered stands of much larger dead 

 cypress, up to 70 feet tall and 18 inches dbh (diameter at 

 breast height) . 



The cause of the massive cypress kill is believed to be 

 saltwater intrusion associated with storm tides in the late 

 1950' s and early 1960's (Otto Florschutz , pers. com. 1982). 

 "Skeleton" cypress stands are a common feature along the upper 

 reaches of tidal creeks and estuarine rivers in the lower North 

 Carolina coastal plain. 



The cypress die-off has resulted in more extensive marshes 

 on Roper Island although there are signs that woody vegetation 

 is invading rapidly and may eventually replace the marsh system. 

 As mentioned earlier, red maples and loblolly pine are vigorously 

 invading the marsh, particularly in the downstream sections more 

 distant from the IWW. These shrub-sized (5-15 feet) trees are 

 also spreading from the forested interior towards the riverbank. 

 It is noteworthy that the most extensive, best developed portions 

 of the marsh are near the IWW. This implies that the saline in- 

 fluence of the waterway may be controlling the establishment of 

 woody vegetation in this section. 



The cattail marsh community also extends up the several 

 major and the numerous minor streams draining the west side 

 of Roper Island. Along the shallow margins of these streams 

 beds of pickerelweed ( Pontederia cordata ) are common. Other 

 species noted include water pimpernel ( Samolus parviflorus ) , 

 various bladderworts ( Utricularia spp.), and fragrant water- 

 lily ( Nymphaea odorata ) . The blackwater streams range from 

 several hundred feet in length (many) to h-h mile long (three) . 



American alligators have been reported from Roper Island 

 by local fishermen and Wildlife Resources Commission personnel 

 (N.C. Natural Heritage Program files) . Although we saw no sign 

 of the species , there appeared to be excellent habitat available 

 along these blackwater tributary streams. Other wildlife noted 

 included abundant raccoon tracks and many nesting birds. One 

 active Osprey nest was seen in a dead cypress tree and nesting 

 red-winged blackbirds, eastern kingbirds, prothonotary warblers, 

 common yellowthroats, and great crested flycatchers were very 

 common. Secretive marsh nesting birds are probably present 



71 



