20. Preservation Status: 



Cat 



* % 



*Description of preservation status 



2 



85 



Public land, informally recognized as a natural area 



6 



15 



Private land, not protected by owner or lessee 



21. Regulatory protections in force: 



The Army Corps of Engineers "404" permit process applies to this 

 area; the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects the American 

 alligator and its habitat. These two sources of regulation are limited 

 in scope and effect. 



22. Threats: 



The natural area contains a relatively small body of energy-grade 

 peats (Otte and Ingram, 1980). Barnes (pers. coram., 1982) states 

 that peats of the Ponzer soil series , which are prevalent on the site , 

 are considered generally well suited to peat energy production, within 

 certain mineral (ash) content limits which must be tested on a per- 

 site basis. Exploitation of peat for energy must be considered a 

 potential activity at the site, although it is highly unlikely that 

 the Wildlife Resources Commission will find such use compatible with 

 present wildlife management policies. 



Timber management on the game lands, particularly in the pond 

 pine stands, is an ongoing use. Blocks of timber have been clearcut 

 within the past ten years and additional areas are slated to be cut. 

 The associated road and ditch construction has a negative impact on 

 some wildlife species, notably black bear, by increasing access and 

 likelihood of illegal hunting. 



The hardwood stands , although not timbered in recent years , 

 may be subject to cutting in the future. 



Waterfowl impoundments have been established adjacent to the 

 natural area in areas formerly dominated by high marsh and pond 

 pine pocosin. There are no additional impoundments planned for 

 the near future within the natural area. 



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