22 . Threats : 



Logging is a continuing threat to old-growth pond pine 

 stands in the natural area, and will eventually eliminate 

 the red-cockaded woodpecker through destruction of its 

 feeding, roosting and nesting habitat. Disturbance of 

 the natural area by logging will be severely compounded 

 if pine plantations are developed in the pocosin, as has 

 happened on its fringes and extensively in other pocosins 

 of Pamlico County. Very recently, apparent reconnaissance 

 of mineral deposits has been conducted in the center of 

 the high pocosin, with accompanying bombardier trails and 

 exploratory pits. These disturbances, while minor, may 

 presage a broad-scale operation in the area, possibly to 

 produce phosphates. Agriculture is presumably a potential 

 source of disturbance. Intensive uses such as mining, 

 agriculture and tree farming will destroy the pocosin 

 as a natural system. The peat resource of the Northwest 

 Pocosin is not highly rated by Otte and Ingram (1980) . 



23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: 



The central portion of Northwest Pocosin is one of the 

 state's most natural expanses of shrub pocosin vegetation in 

 private ownership. It is less disturbed than many parts of 

 the Croatan National Forest pocosins and Holly Shelter Game 

 Lands, although smaller than these publicly-owned pocosins. 

 Northwest Pocosin natural area is similar in extent and con- 

 dition to the Green Swamp Nature Preserve in Brunswick County 

 (especially when adjacent Minnesott Sand Ridge habitats are 

 considered) . 



The protection of Northwest Pocosin will also benefit 

 Pamlico County in multiple ways. In addition to maintenance 

 of habitat diversity, the pocosin can act as a black bear 

 refuge, hunting area for other game species, and is valuable 

 as wetlands. It is the last partially undisturbed pocosin in 

 Pamlico, a county which has seen two of its three large poco- 

 sins drained and undergoing development. 



Protection of the area is perhaps best pursued in terms 

 of wetlands and game values. An appropriate ultimate holder 

 is the North Carolina Coastal Federation or a like 

 group empowered to hold title to wetlands. The state's Wild- 

 life Resources Commission is an alternative managing agency. 



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