studies. These processes are poorly understood. One such study 

 was carried out at a site in Hertford County several miles 

 upstream (Allen 1958) . This present site has a considerably 

 different moisture regime and the successional processes are 

 unstudied. As more land is converted to other uses, it is 

 increasingly important to set aside examples of each of the several 

 hundred plant community types in the state to serve as scientific 

 reference, as a basis for management decisions elsewhere, and to 

 guarantee the right of North Carolinians to see unspoiled examples 

 of their natural heritage. Logging in Chowan Swamp would 

 diminish this important social and scientific resource. 



23. Management and preservation recommendations: 



Because of the hydrologic stability of the site little 

 management is needed. Fire offers no hazard and there is little 

 accessible dry land that might be abused by overuse by the public. 



1. All mineral rights should be acquired for the several tracts 

 in public ownership to prevent possible future destruction 

 through mining of peat, phosphate or other minerals. 



2. A cooperative agreement should be worked out between the 

 Wildlife Resources Commission, the Division of State Parks, 

 and the Forestry Foundation that would: 



A. Protect from logging so that the area can return to mature 

 forest for study and as examples of the original climax 

 forest types. 



B. Protect from trapping, and designate the area as a study 

 site and sanctuary for wetland mammals. 



C. Retain the use of Hermit Island and Landing Ridge for 

 camping. 



D. Allow hunting on the rest of the property under rules 

 and regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. 



184 



