We have identified ten significant natural areas that vary in size 

 from about 200 ac to almost 50,000 ac . These ten candidates are repre- 

 sentative of several edaphic and biotic combinations. They range from 

 xeric to hydric; from acidic to basic; from sea level to more than 70 ft 

 in elevation; from biologically undisturbed to man-dominated. Some of the 

 areas contain several populations of endangered and threatened species. 

 The decision as to which areas to include and which areas to exclude was 

 largely subjective, but did include objective elements. Typical questions 

 that we considered when examining a potential site were 



(1) Does the site have regional, state, or county-wide uniqueness? 



(2) Are there unusual habitat conditions present? 



(3) Are there endangered, threatened, or rare species present? 



(4) Is the site representative of a type of habitat which is 

 rapidly being converted to other land uses? 



(5) Does the site have protective, management, or habitat 

 enhancement status? 



(6) Would loss of the habitat constitute an irretrievable loss 

 of resource to Pender County? 



(7) Is natural area designation congruent with the activities and 

 land use intentions of the landowner (s) ? 



From our own observations of land use activity in the county, and from 

 discussion with officials and landowners, we saw and learned of a few activities 

 which lack provision for biological enhancement. Landowner education on the 

 benefits of a regular controlled-burn program and voluntary implementation 

 would reduce the risks of catastrophic forest fire. Establishment of hedgerows, 

 wildlife food plots, and a crop rotation sequence with food and cover during 

 critical nesting times would greatly benefit wildlife, and should be incor- 

 porated into large agricultural enterprises. Consideration of natural flora 

 and fauna, as well as potential impact on wetland systems should be given 

 prominence in development plans for industry. Piecemeal residential development 

 in which maximum numbers of units are placed on minimum acreage should be 

 evaluated with extreme care. Future land use trends and the consequences 

 of estuarine deterioration -on f inf ish and shellfish in Pender waters should 

 be assessed for long term as well as short term effects. 



Two natural areas in the county are located in proximity to limestone 

 mines, and therefore, are potentially threatened by mining activity. Two 

 natural areas are located along major highway corridors (1-40, under construc- 

 tion and US 421) and may be affected by industrial development. One natural 

 area is subject to beach residential development. 



On the other hand, three natural areas are already afforded protective 

 status, and two others, comprised predominantly of swamp lands are unlikely 

 to be drastically altered. In terms of acreage, the overwhelming percentage of 

 natural area lands in Pender County is now protected under the jurisdiction 

 of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. 



From this brief inventory of the natural features and resources of Pender 

 County, we were very impressed — by their diversity and by their quality. The 

 natural heritage of Pender County is one of which all North Carolinians can 

 be justly proud. 



