IIB. Prose description of site significance: 



Much old-growth forest remains in patches or as scattered 

 individuals of cypress and black gum. One Taxodium measured 

 98 ft (30 m) high and 5 ft (151 cm) in diameter. These large 

 individuals are several hundred years old and therefore 

 represent remnants of the original forest. 



The endemic small mammals discussed earlier may represent a 

 unique example of species isolation on the Coastal Plain, and 

 deserve further study. A detailed survey of the fauna of this 

 tract has not been conducted. Further work, especially with 

 warblers and other birds, will undoubtedly show that the area 

 supports additional rare or threatened species. 



Any remaining large tract of wildland is of significance 

 simply because of its size, in view of the rapid conversion of 

 land from natural communities to agriculture and intensive 

 forestry during the past twenty years. Such areas offer the only 

 hope for permanent survival of many native wildlife species, 

 especially those such as black bear, bobcat, panther and wild 

 turkey which require roadless areas ar large tracts in which to 

 range. 



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