preservation or special management. In come cases, 

 AECs may encompass other areas — such as marsh zone 

 wetlands — which are not extensively treated in this 

 inventory. 



Peat mining has particular implications for these 

 natural areas, some of which overlay exploitable peat 

 deposits. Mining will remove natural vegetation, 

 permanently alter the hydrology of the region, lower 

 surface soil types from high organic histosoils to the 

 clayey, sandy, and loamy soils typical of other parts 

 of the outer coastal plain. Thus, natural communities, 

 once mining is complete, almost certainly could never 

 be re-established or reclaimed on mined-out land. 

 Preservation of the best natural areas, and appropriate 

 hydrological management, is necessary prior to and 

 during active peat mining. 



The Natural Heritage Program is most pleased to have 

 had this opportunity to conduct this project for the 

 Office of Coastal Management. The inventory has revealed 

 a number of high quality natural areas that possess 

 natural elements of national and statewide priority and 

 are important parts of North Carolina's natural diversity, 

 Some of the identified sites were previously unknown and 

 undocumented by the state's scientific community. The 

 Natural Heritage Program hopes that these areas will be 

 protected for the benefits of present and future genera- 

 tions of North Carolinians and for the preservation of 

 the state's truly exceptional natural heritage. 



Charles E. Roe, Coordinator 

 N.C. Natural Heritage Program 

 November 18, 1982 



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