fluence on vegetation will be in large measure a function of its 

 frequency. The function of fire frequency in controlling the 

 structure and composition of longleaf pine communities is fairly 

 well known to ecologists and foresters, but the similar effect of 

 fire frequency in pocosins has gone unnoted by most observers. 

 Although wildfires continue to occur, particularly in pocosins, 

 fire frequency is being reduced over much of the county, pur- 

 posely through fire control efforts and incidentally through 

 creation of cleared areas and ditches which act as firebreaks. 



Long term land-use commitments such as agricultural develop- 

 ment obviously require an effectively permanent alteration of the 

 ecosystem, including both biotic and abiotic components. Recent, 

 ongoing and proposed land conversion in Pamlico County totals 

 many thousands of acres. Peat mining is the ultimate consumptive 

 use proposed thus far for the county, in which the soil itself is 

 removed from the site and used to produce energy. Light Grounds 

 Pocosin contains the most suitable peats for energy production. 



