22. Threats: 



The major threat to Roper Island is continued logging 

 operations. Much merchantable loblolly and pond pine, 

 baldcypress, swamp blackgum, and some Atlantic white cedar 

 are present on the island. Much of this timber is located 

 in the relatively inaccessible interior. Logging of course 

 results in locally severe disturbance; however, the island 

 may have some degree of protection from modern timbering 

 practices (i.e. , construction of access roads and associ- 

 ated drainage canals) because of the requirements for 

 federal dredge and fill permits (Section 404 of Clean Water 

 Act) . This permit regulation has already halted one attempt 

 to construct an access canal on the island. 



Peat mining is a potential threat; Otte and Ingram 

 (1980) found energy grade peat (less than 25% ash at 0% 

 moisture) under much of the island. 



However, the lack of vehicular access to the natural 

 area and the low elevation of the site will probably pro- 

 hibit any mining in the foreseeable future. 



Agricultural development is another potential threat. 

 The southeastern portion of the island is shallow peat or 

 peaty sand and could be successfully farmed if drained. 

 Again, the problem of access and the federal permit re- 

 quirements pose a severe constraint for any development 

 plans. 



23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: 



The section of the Alligator River from the southwest 

 confluence with the IWW downstream to the Northwest Fork 

 confluence should be nominated for designation as a wild 

 and scenic river. 



If Roper Island is offered to The Nature Conservancy 

 as a bargain sale or as a gift, TNC should accept and trans- 

 fer the lands eventually to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- 

 vice as a part of the national wildlife refuge system. Other 

 more significant natural areas in the Alligator River corridor 

 of Hyde and Dare Counties should receive a higher priority for 

 protection and this should be taken into account if and when 

 negotiations for the acquisition of Roper Island occur. 



