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Current Use and Protection Status : 



The area covered by this report consists primarily of four tracts: 



1) the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area which consists of 265 acres. 

 This area was set aside to remain in its natural state; it is admin- 

 istered by the Division of State Parks. 



2) the North Carolina Marine Resources Center tract which lies within 

 the Theodore Roosevelt Natiu'al Area. This tract, which is administered 

 by the Department of Administration, consists of approximately 25 acres. 

 Approximately five acres have been developed for the Resources Center 

 building, parking lots, etc. At this time, there are no plana to develop 

 or alter the other 20 acres. 



3) approximately llU acres between the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area 

 and Pine Knoll Boulevard in Pine Knoll Shores. Most of this area is 

 still undeveloped and in its natural state. The Pine Knoll Shores 

 town hall is at 'the edge of this tract, and there la an electric sub- 

 station, a water tower, and a' power line right-of-way within it. All 

 this tract is zoned for commercial development. As much of the tract 

 is swamp forest, its use as a commercial area would of course require 

 the destruction of the tract as a natural area. Some of this tract 

 that is adjacent to Bogue Sound is marshland and is thus designated as 

 an area of environmental concern. 



I4.) approximately I4.7 acrfts between the Salter Path Road arid the ocean. 

 This tract is largely in its natural state; there are a few footpaths 

 through it and several surveyors' transects. It is zoned commercial/ 

 residential, i.e. motels, condominiums, etc. The seaward strip that 

 is within 75 feet of the mean high water mark is designated as an area 

 of environmental concern. 



Vegetation and Plant Conanunities : 



The presence of a relict beach ridge system with its alternating 

 dime ridges and swales (trovighs) is an important determinant of the 

 vegetation of the area. This topography has resxilted in many levels 

 of moisture and salinity within the area, which has contributed to 

 several habitats and a large nvmiber of plant species. Within the area, 

 plant composition is also related to distance from the ocean, i,ei^ to 

 salt spray intensity. 



The appendixed Natural Areas of (Theodore) Roosevelt Natural Area 

 (prepared in 19714- for the Division of State Parks) discusses the natviral 

 commimities of the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, which is largely 

 representative of the total area covered by this report. However, the 

 area south of the Salter Path Road (and not within the Theodore Roose- 

 velt Natural Area) borders the ocean and includes beach and a narrow 

 dune zone. Also, thB forest south of the highway is "more maritime" 

 than the forest north of the highway- - - i.e. it is more sheared by 

 salt spray and more strongly dominated by live oak f Q\;ercu3 virginiana). 

 red cedar ( J\jnlperus virglniana ) , wild olive (Osmanthus americana), 

 red bay ( Persea borbonia j. Uarolina cherrylaurel j Frunus carollnl'ana ), etc, 



