lib. Prose Description of Site Significance: 



The Roper Island natural area is situated within an extensive 

 corridor of nearly contiguous natural wetlands associated with the 

 Alligator River. The New Lake Fork Pocosin natural area (9300 

 acres) lies about 5 miles west of the island. The Alligator 

 River-Swan Lake natural area (16,300 acres) lies directly ad- 

 jacent to the east side of the natural area. When combined 

 these three tracts encompass about 35,100 acres containing 

 almost the entire spectrum of wetland habitats associated with 

 the deep peat landscape of the lower coastal plain. These wet- 

 lands have superlative wildlife values, particularly for nesting 

 birds and for many species of furbearers including bobcat and 

 black bear, which require substantial amounts of land to main- 

 tain viable populations. 



Roper Island does not contain the best examples of forested 

 wetland types known in the coastal plain. Less disturbed, older- 

 growth stands are present in other sections of the Alligator River 

 corridor. Its wetland vegetation, the majority of which is not 

 in a pristine condition, nonetheless represents a significant 

 acreage which has never been drained or clearcut, and which still 

 retains a relatively natural hydrological system. The construction 

 of the Intracoastal Waterway, which may have had a negative impact 

 on the natural drainage systems of the region, also has had a 

 positive effect on the Roper Island natural area, isolating it 

 from the mainland and, in effect, creating a de facto wilderness. 



Another significant aspect of the natural area is the pristine 

 esthetic quality of the Alligator River, particularly the meandering 

 section along the west side of Roper Island. The clear, unpolluted, 

 tea-colored water, the scenic marshes, and the vast, undeveloped 

 landscape combine to give this section a high mark as an estheti- 

 cally pleasing landscape. 



Wildlife values of Roper Island are considered high. The 

 American alligator, a federally endangered species, is reported 

 to occur in the small streams along the island's west side. Other 

 rare species, such as black bear and red-shouldered hawk are also 

 present. There is a good possibility, though there is no definite 

 proof at present, that the island supports a small but significant 

 population of red-cockaded woodpeckers , a federally endangered 

 species. 



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