Presence of state "champion" & co-champion longleaf pines. 

 Largest 95 ft tall, 39.9 in dbh (diameter breast height) and 

 an estimated 350-400 years old (NC list of state champion 

 trees 1980). 



Presence of at least three active breeding colonies of red- 



cockaded woodpeckers ( Picoides borealis ) , an endangered 



species; northernmost colonies in North Carolina (Lynch ' 



1980). j 



High diversity of breeding birds, including many associated 

 with extensive tracts of mixed pine-hardwoods systems; 62 j 



species have been recorded, including 7 species of wood- I 



peckers, 3 species of owls and 11 species of wood warblers ' 



(Lynch 1980). 



10. Presence of black bear ( Ursus americanus ) , nominated for 

 state endangered status (Coastal Plain population) . Area 

 is an important adjunct to bear habitat in Chowan Swamp 

 where they forage throughout the wetland and especially 

 on the numerous mesic islands (Frost 1981). 



11. Presence of a population of longleaf pine that may be 

 varietally distinct. Mature individuals here and in Virginia 

 appear to have smaller cones and shorter needles than in the 

 rest of the range further south. Only about 25 mature 

 individuals remain in the state of Virginia, and perhaps an 

 equal number here. If this observation is correct, this 

 genotype is in danger of extinction. 



12. Most extensive stand of large turkey oaks ( Quercus laevis ) 

 known (Radford 1981). 



13. A few virgin loblolly pine (trees to 250 yrs old) in moist Jj 

 depressions, perhaps their optimum habitat in the original >| 

 forest. 



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