- 1 i 1 - 



e) Two species, although not listed as rare, are still of 

 special interest. An orchid ( Triphora trianthophora ) is 

 primarily a mountain species — its relative abundance in the 

 maritime forest of this area is very interesting. A fresh- 

 water clam ( Sphaerium sp.) occurs in the swamp forest. There 



is some possibility that this could be an endemic race or species. 



f) The area also has a large number of species that, although 

 not rare, are of interest because they are near their northern 

 limit. It also harbors several species that are generally 

 rare or absent elsewhere on North Carolina's barrier islands. 



4) This area is used regularly for scientific research. Geological, 

 botanical, and zoological research have been done here. At least two 

 theses are based partly on research done in this area. 



5) This are has educational value. Educational groups — especially 

 school groups — use the area, including both beach and forest areas, 

 for field trips and field projects. 



6) There is at least one historically notable point about the area. 

 Toward the west end of the tract, there is an old sound to ocean path 

 that dates back to the 1800 's. This was one of many samll footpaths 

 that once crossed the island. The community of Salter Path was named 

 for such a path . 



Management Recommendations : 



(Note: this area is listed in the Register of National Natural Land- 

 marks and State Registry of Natural Heritage Areas) 



Clearly, this area, with its prominent relict beach ridge system, 

 many different plant communities, excellent examples of maritime 

 forest (especially, the area where forest occurs so close to the ocean), 

 the unique presence of swamp forest, the large number of rare and 

 endangered and other notable species, and scientific and educational 

 value, is deserving of area of environmental concern status. 



Furthermore, we can envision no development in the area that 

 would be consistent with the continuation of the values of this natural 

 area. Between Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and Pine Knoll Boulevard, 

 any development would require the filling in of the swamp forest and 

 thus the destruction of the area as a natural area. Development 

 south of the Salter Path Road might be done tastefully, but the most 

 tasteful development in adjacent maritime forest areas still effectively 

 destroyed the forest, since virtually all the canopy is removed. 



If, of the total land included in this report, only the Theodore 



Roosevelt Natural Area rem.ains in its natural state, then it is very 



likely that at least two or three of the rare and endangered species 

 now in the area will be exterminated from it. 



