species by firing the marsh during natural dry periods at the rate 

 of every two or three years. Actual fire frequency necessary to 

 maintain or expand the marsh should be readily discernable after 

 a few years. 



The specific nature of the original grassy vegetation is not 

 clear. Washington describes it as a large meadow, which would 

 suggest grasses of medium height, such as those now investing the 

 site. Byrd called the "Green Sea" a tract of tall reeds, a term he 

 usually applied to Arundinaria gigantea . Decisions on management 

 practices that may lead to a specific type of marsh vegetation will 

 have to be made by refuge botanists once conditions approximating 

 those of the undisturbed marsh community have been reestablished. 



The hydrologic studies and preliminary burning experiments 

 begun by Gammon and Garrett should provide valuable scientific 

 background for future evaluation. Hydrologic and vegetation changes 

 should be studied quantitatively and significant results published 

 for the benefit of those attempting to manage similar areas else- 

 where. 



Further historical investigation should be pursued. The 

 journals of Washington and others may have additional information. 

 The records of the Register of Deeds for Gates County are complete 

 to the earliest times, never having been destroyed by fire. A 

 thorough title search of the adjacent upland properties (Washington 

 mentioned the names of four landowners whose properties included 

 portions of the marsh in 1763) might reveal clues as to the nature 

 and management of this area over the past 200 years. 



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