IIB. Prose description of site significance: 



Merchants Mill Pond State Park contains six major examples 

 of climax forest types native to Gates County. Several of these 

 have been nearly eliminated from the area. As the remaining 

 wooded areas mature, the quality of these forests will continue 

 to increase. This large natural area will eventually be the only 

 place in the county to see these examples of the primeval forests 

 of the area. There are a diversity of lesser (but valuable) forest 

 and herbaceous community types, too numerous to be surveyed in 

 this study. 



Nine endangered or threatened plant species occur on the 

 park. For two of these, Glyceria pallida and Ranunculus f labellaris , 

 this is the only protected site in the state. For a third, Hottonia 

 inf lata , this is one of the two best sites known for the species. 



The area when completed will be large enough, and contain an 

 adequate diversity of habitats, to support permanent populations 

 of most of the mammals and many of the birds present in the area. 



The mill pond is the most significant waterfowl site in the 

 county, and serves a valuable function in the support of winter 

 ducks and other waterfowl. The provision of this winter feeding 

 and resting area guarantees the return of many of these birds 

 to summer breeding grounds. 



A total of 22 birds listed as endangered, threatened or of 

 special concern occur within the park. The status of many of these 

 on the park is incompletely understood. Whether nesting or not, 

 the site is important in the support of these and the 140 other - 

 species which occur here. 



As wildlife habitat continues to disappear in the face of 

 growing population, and as more land is converted to agriculture 

 and intensive forestry, the value of these few reserved areas, in 

 guaranteeing survival of native plants, animals and forest types, 

 will be inestimable. Many forest researchers indicate that 

 adequate study sites for many forest types can no longer be 

 found. The value of this natural area for scientific study alone 

 would be enough to justify its preservation. 



For the people of the county, the area will be of increasing 

 value as a permanent place to see and experience the beauty and 

 diversity that is part of the natural heritage of the area. 



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