John’s Document Amended with last version from Wicki and renumbered
Turnip Seed Road #1 Unit at Marks Creek
Open Space Management Plan
Effective Period: January 2010-December 2012
Drafted by Wake Nature Preserves Partnership
November 2009
I.
Introduction
In 2002 Wake County and the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) identified Marks Creek
watershed as a priority landscape due to the abundance of rare plant communities, high water
quality and rural character. The Marks Creek watershed was named a “last Chance Landscape”
by Scenic America and is recognized as being ecologically significant by the NC Natural Heritage
Program. Wake County and TLC have partnered together to protect over 1,000 acres within the
watershed. All of the land protected in the Marks Creek watershed is under County ownership
and has been purchased with public bond money.
Turnipseed Preserve has been identified by Wake Nature Preserves Partnership (WNPP) as a
pilot demonstration site for collaborative work to protect natural heritage and open space
values in Wake County. The site is comprised parcels with an assemblage of unique features
and a diversity of habitats encompassed within a fairly compact area. Due to natural resource
characteristics of the site, WNPP has initiated a comprehensive effort to inventory resources
and identify management needs. For management purposes, the initial site is referred to as the
Turnipseed Road #1 Unit.
Discussions among partnership members determined that, given Wake County Parks and
Recreation budgetary planning horizons, creation of an initial management plan should aim for
a three-year timeframe and focus on priority issues that can be addressed by staff and
volunteers. Failure to implement the plan could lead to degradation of some existing habitats
due to spread of invasive species, undesired forest regeneration, or unregulated human access
to sensitive sites.
In addition to Wake County and Partnership staff, volunteers will be engaged whenever
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possible to help implement efforts set forth explicitly in the management prescriptions portion
of the plan.
II.
Property Description
Sources of information in Section II include documentary research and on-site observations.
Inventories were conducted as appropriate to the types of organisms discussed.
A. Natural Features:
Gary- could you add as an appendix a map of soils on this tract?
1. Soils
Unit #1 occurs on terrain transitional between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of North
Carolina. Elevation ranges between the low point of 180 above mean sea level to a high point of
260 ft above mean sea level. On this property most transitions are gradual, with a few notable
exceptions. Bedrock mostly from ancient granite, gneiss, and schist has given rise to subsoils of
firm clay to clay loam composition, yielding deep and generally well drained surface soils. These
soils occur on gently sloping to moderately steep surface terrain. Soils mapped in the unit
include Appling, Colfax, Louisburg, Mantachie, and Wehadkee (Cawthorne 1970). Wehadkee,
Mantachie and Colfax occur proximal to streams, but only Wehadkee is listed as hydric. The
other three series occur in various phases depending on slope of the terrain. A special feature
of Unit #1 is a number of granite outcrops. Of the soils occurring on Unit #1, only Appling soils
are conducive to widely ranging recreational uses
Table 1. Use Limits of Soils Found on Unit #1 (Cawthorne 1970).
Soil Type
Characteristic
Campsites
Picnic Areas
Intensive Play
Symbol
Appling
Course fragments
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Ap
Colfax
High water table
Severe
Severe
Severe
Cn
Louisburg
Depth to rock
Moderate
Slight
Severe
Lo
Mantachie
High water table
Severe
Severe
Severe
Me
Wehadkee
Flooding and High
water table
Severe
Severe
Severe
Wo
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2. Water
Marks Creek from its source (Lake Myra) to the Neuse River was rated as Class C; NSW (nutrient
sensitive waters) on 5 May 1988. A Division of Water Quality monitoring site for Marks Creek
located on SR1714 in Johnston County serves as both macroinvertebrate (B-13) and fish
community (F-7) stations. Fish community status at F7 was most recently rated as Good, and
macroinvertebrate status was rated as Good-Fair in both 2000 and 2005. Tributary to Marks
Creek are Gin Branch and Sandy Branch, both of which would also be classified as C; NSW
waters. Total drainage area above Turnipseed Road has not been calculated, nor has the size of
the Gin Branch catchments been determined.
3. Biodiversity
A variety of habitats occur in Unit #1 as a result of natural terrain features and past land uses.
Inventories of species and observations of resource conditions have provided information upon
which management prescriptions can be based. What follow in section II.A.3 are descriptions of
the varied faunal assemblages and community types of interest in Turnip Seed Road #1 Unit at
Marks Creek.
3.1 Wildlife Diversity Overview
Bird diversity was high with one hundred twenty species recorded during surveys. Surveys were
undertaken as part of a general faunal survey during the period from February 2008 through
June of 2009. Sampling technique included walking trails across the site and recording all birds
seen or heard during the site visit. Species recorded from mid-May through August were
suspected of breeding on the tract. One evening visit was undertaken to survey for nocturnal
species.
Bird species associated with wetlands were particularly evident, with abundant breeding
populations of Wood Duck, Acadian Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Northern Parula Warbler,
Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Common Yellow-throat observed. Key
breeding and/or possibly breeding species include Chuck-Wills-Widow, Whip-poor-Will, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Red-headed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood
Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Thrush, Prairie Warbler and Orchard Oriole.
Reptile and Amphibian diversity and abundance appear to be high (See Appendix). Surveys
were undertaken as part of a general faunal survey during the period from February 2008
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through June of 2009. Sampling techniques included use of cover boards, dip nets, turtle traps,
minnow traps and incidental sightings. In addition, one evening call count was conducted for
frogs and toads on June 30, 2008.
Twenty-three species of reptiles were identified including six species of turtle, six species of
lizard and eleven species of snake. Key species include: Eastern Box Turtle, Eastern Hog-nosed
Snake, and Eastern Ribbon Snake. In addition, Rough Green Snake, and Six-lined Racerunner
were found. Seventeen species of amphibians were identified including eleven species of frog &
toad and six species of salamander. Key species include: Spotted Salamander, Marbled
Salamander, and Northern Slimy Salamander. In addition, Red-spotted Newt and Greater Siren
were recorded.
Butterflies: Records of butterflies were kept, but the sampling was incidental rather than
structured. Still, forty species of butterflies were identified on the tract including: Spicebush
Swallowtail, Juniper Hairstreak, Viceroy, Red Admiral, Question Mark, Creole and Southern
Pearly-eye, Monarch, Silver-spotted Skipper, and Least Skipper.
3.2 Beaver-impounded wetlands (Piedmont/Mountain Semipermanent Impoundment)
Occur as mapped by the NC Natural Heritage Program (NHEO Rep layer) along Gin Branch, a
tributary to Marks Creek, primarily on OSMC-2, OSMC-3 and the lower portion of OSMC-4. This
encompasses the floodplain of the major waterway running through the management area.
Beaver likely re-colonized the Mark's Creek site in the 1970s-1980s, creating a series of dams
and ponds, and flooding much of the bottomland. Most of the snags remaining from that
inundation have now fallen, but there are lodges and cuttings that suggest an active beaver
colony remains on site.
The wetlands within this category could be further broken down by type if someone were to
conduct a plant or wetland survey. There are marshes, sloughs, floodplain pools and areas with
open water. Some areas are dominated by cattail, sedges, cane, and shrubs. Hibiscus (Hibiscus
moscheutos), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and Tag
Alder (Alnus serrulata) are among the shrubs within this area. Royal (Osmunda regalis) and
Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Touch-me-Not
(Impatiens capensis), Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus) and Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) are
among the herbaceous plants within this community.
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There are also invasive species present in the wetlands including Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata),
Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)and Microstegium (Microstegium vimineum).
*Mammals include: Beaver, River Otter and Muskrat. A variety of bats species were observed
but not identified.
*Breeding Birds include: Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern
Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Northern Parula Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana
Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole and Red-winged Blackbird.
Wood Duck produced several broods in 2008 with dozens of fledglings observed. Wood Duck
nest boxes were installed in the spring of 2009.
*Reptile and Amphibian diversity and abundance appear to be high (See Appendix). Surveys
were undertaken as part of a general faunal survey during the period from February 2008
through June of 2009. Sampling techniques included use of cover boards, dip nets, turtle traps,
minnow traps and incidental sightings. In addition, one evening call count was conducted for
frogs and toads on June 30, 2008.
Twenty-three species of reptiles were identified in the beaver-impounded wetlands including
six species of turtle, three species of lizard and eight species of snake. Key species include:
Eastern Box Turtle, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbon Snake, Rough Green Snake, and
Southeastern Five-lined Skink. Sixteen species of amphibians were identified using the beaverimpounded bottomlands including eleven species of frog & toad and five species of salamander.
Key species include: Spotted Salamander, Marbled Salamander, Red-spotted Newt and Greater
Siren.
*Butterflies: Records of butterflies were kept, but the sampling was incidental rather than
structured. Still, nineteen species of butterflies were identified in the beaver-impounded
wetlands including: Spicebush Swallowtail, Viceroy, Red Admiral, Question Mark, Creole and
Southern Pearly-eye, Monarch, Silver-spotted Skipper, and Least Skipper.
3.3 Bottomland Hardwood Forests
Occurs along secondary tributary, Sandy Branch, within OSMC-3 and OSMC-4. This is a much
smaller stream flowing from the east and merging directly into the beaver-impounded wetlands
on Marks Creek. The floodplain itself is perhaps 30-50 meters wide with a mix of switchcane,
sedges, and Lizard’s Tail alternating with areas that have become infested with Microstegium.
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A creek bisects the floodplain. It has a rocky base in some areas and there are a series of small
waterfalls and pools here. Eventually it forms a serpentine ribbon through the headwaters of a
swamp, and evidence of sand deposits suggests heavy sediment loading during flood stages.
The portion of the creek below the waterfalls disappeared during the latter part of the summer
as drought conditions persisted through August. Likely this is due to the sandy deposits which
have filled in much of the lower section of the creek bed. The creek has not been surveyed for
aquatic species.
A series of large boulders forms a terminus to a granite outcrop area which overlooks the
floodpain in OSMC-4. This is the ridge along the floodplain’s southern edge. The ridge drops
precipitously toward the floodplain, providing a dramatic overlook in some areas. This steep,
north-facing slope has lush stands of Christmas (Polystichum acrostichoides) and other ferns
along its lower margin. At its base there is a seep area with switchcane overtopping a patch of
sphagnum moss. There is a scattering of Microstegium trying to gain a toehold here. This
Sphagnum seep should be surveyed for Four-toed Salamander.
Floodplain pools occur within Bottomland Hardwood Forest on OSMC-3 and OSMC-4. Eggs and
larvae of Spotted Salamander as well as frog tadpoles were located in several of these pools.
Most of these pools dried during the summer as drought conditions persisted through August.
One pool, adjacent to the waterfall section along the creek, appears to be an area scoured on
occasion by creek floodwaters. It appears to be an important breeding site for Spotted
Salamanders, however, a good bit of trash (metal cans, car tires, etc) have collected in the pool
and may well be adding pollutants to the pool.
Wildlife species observed in the floodplain include:
Breeding birds: Barred Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Northern Parula Warbler,
Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Scarlet Tanager.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Northern Ringneck and Worm Snakes were found in the bottomland.
Pickerel Frog were found along the creek and a Southern Two-lined Salamander was found
under a cover board here. Spotted Salamander eggs and larvae were found in some of the
floodplain breeding pools.
Butterflies: Creole and Southern Pearly-Eye were common among the cane stands, and
Gemmed Satyr and Appalachian Brown were common among the sedges. Zabulon Skipper was
abundant in late summer.
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3.4 Borrow Pits (Man-made Ponds)
Two borrow pits are present, a larger one on OSMC-2 and a smaller one on OSMC-4. Each was
created by excavating soil and creating a berm to retain water. Water depth in the borrow pits
decreased dramatically during the summer but neither dried completely despite a persistent
drought. It is likely these Borrow Pits were used to store water for irrigation of the agricultural
fields. OSMC-4 was found to have Spotted Salamander egg masses as well as mosquito fish
(Gambusia affinnis). Frogs included Northern Cricket Frog and Green Frog. Water source may
be ground seepage and/or the secondary creek. OSMC-2 also has Gambusia, Northern Cricket
Frog and Green Frog. Eastern Painted Turtle, and E. Mud Turtle were found here, along with an
unidentified water snake. We did not find any salamander larvae in this pond despite sampling
with dip nets. There appears to be no constant water source for this pond. The pond was
excavated during the 1940s to be used as an irrigation source for area farm fields (George
Pleasants, pers. comm.), and essentially collects water seeping from a few wet weather springs,
and the stormwater flowing through the watershed during wet weather.
Wildlife: these borrow pits could function as important amphibian breeding sites but they do
not serve that function at present. Likely the presence and abundance of Gambusia in these
ponds dampens this potential.
3.5 Granitic Flatrocks
Main area occurs on high ground of OSMC-4 as mapped by the NC Natural Heritage Program
(NHEO Rep layer). Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), Eastern Red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Post
Oak Quercus stellata), hickories, and Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) form much of the canopy near
the outcrops. Some of the area has been impacted by the dumping of trash, and nearby
farmsteads, and there remain debris on some outcrops. Herbaceous cover is rich throughout
with a diversity of grasses and forbs including an impressive stand of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria
mariana). Endemic plants of the rock outcrops include Opontia cactus, Talium (Talium
teretifolium), Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana) and other species.
A smaller flatrock is found in the northern section of OSMC-2 down slope from the
northernmost field.
Wildlife observed within the outcrop area include:
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Breeding Birds: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Screech Owl, Red-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler and Summer
Tanager.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Box Turtle, Black Rat Snake, Black Racer and Carolina Anole, Five-lined
Skink and Ground Skink.
Butterflies include: Juniper Hairstreak, Northern Pearly-eye, Northern Cloudywing and Southern
Cloudywing.
3.6 Granitic Boulders
Occur over two general areas: There are more than one dozen large boulders scattered
throughout OSMC-2, some forming dramatic overlooks along the beaver impoundments while
others seem naturally scattered among the hardwood forest. Some of these boulders are
exposed, while others are covered with debris or vegetation. On some the vegetation is a
natural assemblage including Resurrection Fern (Polypodia sp.) and Saxifrage (Saxifraga
virginiensis); on others it is invasive plants such as Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
and privet.
A second cluster of boulders forms a bluff below the Granitic Flatrocks on OSMC-4. These large
boulders overlook the floodplain of the secondary stream. The boulder face itself is a sheer
vertical cliff which drops more than 5 meters to the floodplain below.
Wildlife near the boulders include:
Mammals: A Groundhog was observed entering its burrow beneath a boulder in OSMC-2. River
Otter use the boulder overlooks along the beaver impoundments as scent-marking stations.
3.7 Powerline Corridor
Progress Energy maintains a powerline right-of-way crossing Turnipseed Road and dividing
Mark’s Creek from Gin Branch. Progress Energy has managed this easement by periodically
mowing the site with a bush hog. The mowing has maintained about 1 hectare as a relict of
early successional habitat which supports an assemblage of sandy meadow plants. Occurs on
OSMC-3. Rhus michauxii EO will be an appendix.
The powerline corridor is a small meadow underlain with sandy soils that has been maintained
by periodic mowing. A number of sand-loving plants are found here including a vibrant stand of
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Lupine (Lupinus perennis), along with Variegated Milkweed Asclepias variegata), beardtongue,
and various asters. Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora), yucca and other shrubby plants also
located here. There is one clump of Michaux’s Sumac (Rhus michauxii) or a Michaux’s Sumac
hybrid, with 20-30 stems found along the wood’s edge of this powerline clearing. The clump
was determined to be male while in flower.
Wildlife species observed in the powerline include:
Mammals: Virginia Opossum, Eastern Mole
Breeding Birds: Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak and Orchard
Oriole.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Black Rat Snake, Northern Ringneck Snake, Worm Snake, Carolina
Anole, Five-lined Skink, Fowler’s Toad
Butterflies: Common Buckeye, Pearl Crescent, Fiery Skipper, Least Skipper, Dun Skipper
3.8 Mixed Pine-Hardwood Stands
The main area is along the trail on OSMC-3 and OSMC-2 after the trail crosses the creek. The
trail runs a ridgeline between two drainages in OSMC-3, then runs mid-slope through OSMC-2.
The canopy is a mix of hardwoods with scattered Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). Much of the area
is dry with scattered rocky knolls, but there are wet swales with cane along the way.
In OSMC-3 Firepink (Silene virginica), Rattlesnake (Goodyera pubescens) and Cranefly (Tipularia
discolor) orhids, along with other herbaceous plants, line the trail. Chinkapin and Dwarf
Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) are here as well. The old roadbed was used to haul construction
materials and there are a few dump sites with concrete remnants at the end of OSMC-3. At this
point the trail crosses the main tributary using a mix of construction material dumped atop a
beaver dam. This is a rather treacherous stretch of trail and became overgrown with
herbaceous vegetation as the summer progressed.
The continuation of the trail through OSMC-2 is a horse trail and follows a line mid-slope
through the mixed forest. Old farm fields lie on the flat terrace above the forested slope. Parts
of these farm fields remain in agriculture. Those sections that have been retired from
agriculture within the last two years are covered by early successional grasses and weeds.
There are boulders along the slope, some large and mostly above ground while others are
nearly buried. The trail traverses both dry and wet sites, until it straddles the Borrow Pit.
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In some areas north of the borrow pit and south of the northernmost field, sandy soil underlay
the young regenerating vegetation and there are interesting plant species along the connecting
path. This would be an area for more intensive botanical survey.
Wildlife: This area has a diverse wildlife component.
Breeding Birds: Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, ChuckWills-Widow, Whip-poor-Will, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Wood Thrush, Redeyed Vireo, Northern Parula Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Ovenbird,
Summer Tanager and Scarlet Tanager.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern Box Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Black Rat Snake, Black Racer,
Ground Skink, American Toad, Grey Tree Frog.
Butterflies: Summer Azure, Red-spotted Purple, Little Wood Nymph, Little Glassywing Skippers
Several unsurveyed areas are likely to fall into this category based on aerial survey.
3.9 Loblolly Pine Regeneration
The main area occurs on OSMC-12 and there is also a patch on OSMC-2 adjacent to the tower
and the borrow pit. These areas are predominantly in Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). The areas at
Marks Creek may be planted or may be from natural regeneration. Those pine stands in OSMC2 appear to be 20-40 years in age, and seem to be older than those in OSMC-12. Stand density
is high and tree growth may be reduced due to crowding. Soils are sandy and productivity for
Loblolly may also be restricted. Quick surveys for the presence of Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
were made but none was found.
Wildlife: Surveys of this habitat were limited in scope. Most of OSMC-12 was not surveyed for
breeding birds.
Breeding Birds: Eastern Wood Pewee, White-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler,
Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Chipping Sparrow.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Black Racer, Six-lined Racerunner, Ground Skink
3.10
Open Fields
Sandy Soils occur in northernmost field of OSMC-2 near Pleasants Road. A string of granitic
outcrops is scattered along a line within this field and they have been repeatedly scraped by
farm equipment so little endemic vegetation is present on the rock itself. Talinum (Talinum
teretifolium) is growing on one rock outcrop, which extends under a thicket of privet and
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Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia). This sandy field, with its outcrops, would be a good
location for a native vegetation restoration research project.
Sandy Soils also occur in four agricultural fields located on OSMC-2 and OSMC-12, but these
fields appear to lack granitic outcrops within their borders. Stands of low cedars along the field
margins indicate areas that were too rocky for agriculture. Most of these fields continue to be
leased for agriculture or supported agricultural crops within the last two years and are slowly
reverting to a weedy mix. The field margins have patches of shrubs including plum, black
cherry, and sumac. These areas should be surveyed carefully for additional stands of Michaux’s
Sumac.
Wildlife: These fields are long and linear. They tend to be in very early stages of field succession
and there are few shrub thickets; consequently wildlife diversity is fairly low at present. Fields
in OSMC-12 were not surveyed for breeding birds, but subsequent habitat surveys identified
suitable habitat for species not yet recorded on our breeding bird surveys.
Breeding Birds include: Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and
Chipping Sparrow.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Black Racer, Six-lined Racerunner
Butterflies: Cloudless Sulphur, Little Yellow, Sleepy Orange, Red-banded Hairstreak
B. Connections:
This section presents boundary descriptions, access points, adjacent landowners and land uses
pertinent to understanding management problems and priorities to be addressed in the plan.
Where similar or nearby preserves exist, they can be identified, especially if conditions at such
sites provide points of comparison or reference for activities at the subject property.
C. Management History:
Wake County will provide: this section should be as detailed as possible to understand options
for current management direction and the practicality of alternative actions. Whatever history
is known from before acquisition is especially valuable to include.
D. Public Use:
The Wake Consolidated Open Space Plan (COSP) establishes four important and interrelated
activities for open space conservation:
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1) Identify key parcels of land and corridors that should be acquired and protected as
open space
2) Recommend new regulatory programs that improve the protection of resources that
safeguard public health, safety and welfare
3) Establishes a new program of land stewardship to manage open space resources
4) Define recurring sources of revenue that support open space conservation.
Preserve Vision: Native plants and animals often rely on different habitat to live, feed and
breed. The more diverse and abundant the habitat the more plants and animals will live there.
With this perspective, the vision of the Turnipseed Preserve is for a variety of native species
and natural habitats that serve as a venue for stewardship demonstrations, environmental
education, and an outdoor learning laboratory that helps meet the overall goals of the Wake
County Consolidated Open Space Plan.
III.
Objectives
Wake County staff defined the following Conservation Targets for which to manage:
Rock Outcrops - Use inventory and condition to prioritize rock outcrops and boulders to be
managed. Efforts should be made to preserve those in pristine condition and improve those
that are threatened. Stewardship should include exotic/invasive plant removal, trash removal,
native plant restoration and protection. Refer to management plan and recipe book for specific
management options.
Sumac – Protect the Sumac and Lupine in power line easement. These plants have benefited
from Progress Energy’s routine mowing (about every 18-24 months). Wake County could
potentially take over mowing and other management responsibilities in the power line
easement from Progress Energy to increase Lupine, Michaux Sumac, and other native plant
populations on site. Other stewardship concerns include removal of exotic invasive plants.
Early Succession Habitats - Convert selected agricultural fields into early successional habitat.
Fields have been in a farming lease since the County purchased the property. Early successional
habitat could include piedmont prairie and/or old fields. Piedmont prairies will require more
planning, funding, and management while old fields will require routine mowing to keep
succession back. Other stewardship concerns include removal of exotic invasive plants.
Late Succession Habitats – Maintain existing mixed pine/hardwood forest in addition to
bottomland hardwood forests.
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Aquatic/Riparian Habitats - There are many different types of aquatic systems in the Marks
Creek area including floodplains, ponds, free flowing streams, borrowed pits, and beaver
impounded wetlands. Healthy aquatic habitat provides important refuge, breeding and feeding
areas for plants and animals. There are no ‘quick fix’ options for improving aquatic habitats.
Focus efforts on exotic invasive plant removal (Microstegium), stream bank restoration,
extending stream buffers where necessary, and trash removal from all waterways. Site could
serve as Tiger Salamander restoration project.
Other Management Target Considerations:
Maintain existing trails for stewardship, research, education, and maintenance purposes only.
Periodic work will be needed to maintain trail in good sustainable condition. Access for the
general public will not be offered in the immediate future but should be considered long term.
Monitor condition of old cemetery and take steps to preserves its integrity.
Ultimately, this preserve and other Marks Creek Open Space could be managed by the staff at
Lake Myra County Park. As the Marks Creek Open Space lands become more connected, these
areas become potentially more impacted by visitation. Protection of the natural resources
should be considered when public access is being planned.
IV.
Management Prescriptions
Enumerated items in section III are expanded with details concerning what and how
specific actions are to be accomplished. Where and when possible, estimates of person days
needed, timing of activities, and technical resources required to accomplish tasks should be
included in discussion of each enumerated item. Such estimates can identify possibilities for
volunteer assistance and skill levels needed to accomplish tasks. Each prescription should also
identify parties who will or could be responsible for accomplishing the prescriptions or parts of
prescriptions.
Mark’s Creek in Wake County, NC
A. Beaver-impounded Wetlands: Beaver likely re-colonized the Mark's Creek area during the
1970s and 1980s, creating a series of dams and ponds, and flooding much of the bottomland
within the Mark’s Creek watershed.
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1. Gin Branch
Many of the bottomland forest canopy trees have long since drowned and many of the snags
remaining from that inundation have now fallen. Tag Alder (Alnus serrulata), Black Willow (Salix
nigra) and River Birch (Betula nigra) have filled in the pond margins, and cattails (Typha
latifolia), sedges and other marsh plants are abundant where water levels have receded. There
are recent cuttings that suggest an active beaver presence remains on site. There appears to be
an active lodge in one pool on the upper reaches of Gin Branch. It sits just above an intact
beaver dam and is easily viewed from a Boulder overlook in OSMC-2. There might well be more
lodges in other parts of the extensive wetlands, as beavers have recently added construction
materials on dams up and down the Gin Branch and Mark’s Creek watersheds.
2. Sandy Branch
Less beaver activity has occurred within the floodplain of Sandy Branch, a smaller tributary
creek (OSMC-4), and the only evidence of beaver dams in this floodplain is at the very lowest
end near Turnipseed Road. Certainly the bottomland forest in this section of the park could be
flooded if beavers were to construct a series of dams across this tributary. Flooding would
completely change the character of this floodplain, and might inundate stands of switchcane,
sphagnum moss beds, and the rocky waterfalls on this creek. Many of the wildlife species using
this floodplain forest might be lost if the forest were to become swamp or marsh, habitats
which are already available along Gin Branch or Mark’s Creek. It is therefore recommended that
this bottomland forest be monitored annually, and that it be protected from inundation by
beavers. (See Bottomland Hardwood Forests).
3. Management Recommendations
Beaver ponds are diverse habitats that provide for a rich wildlife experience. The abundance
and diversity of reptiles and amphibians, fish, river otter, muskrat and birds like herons and
egrets can be directly linked to the presence of beaver.
However, beavers can be nettlesome and management of their activities can be challenging.
Beavers alter landscapes, often by flooding timber. They are selective when choosing woody
foods, and can eliminate important species, habitats or recreational facilities as they build dams
and inundate floodplains. It is wise to anticipate problems before they occur and to develop
strategies to cope before they are needed.
The beaver ponds along Gin Branch and Mark’s Creek appear to be stable and currently provide
adequate forage to support beaver for the foreseeable future. In general, there is no need to
undertake beaver pond management on a year to year basis. As yet beavers have not extended
14
their foraging beyond the immediate edge of the floodplain. When beaver forage farther into
the forest, for example farther than 25 meters from the water’s edge, that may be a sign that
food resources are becoming limited for the population of beaver occupying the site. It is useful
to monitor beaver activity annually to gauge population changes and their impacts on the
environment. Beaver cutting of forest trees is most pronounced during fall and winter, so that
is the best time to assess whether control measures need to be undertaken. Beaver prefer
cutting sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), river birch,
(Betula nigra), black willow (Salix nigra), oaks and hickories but will also cut many other species
of trees and shrubs. They seldom select red maple (Acer rubrum), so floodplain forests with
beaver often become dominated by standing red maple.
Proactive steps can be taken to manage tree diversity or to protect certain specimen trees or
shrubs from foraging beaver by using a prophylactic wrap of chicken wire (on large trees or
clump of shrub stems) or a plastic sleave (on a sapling stem). For example: there is a clump of
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) that is festooned with bright red berries in winter that sits below
a boulder overlook in OSMC-2. It provides a dramatic display from the overlook during the
winter months, and provides food for wildlife. Determining which specimen trees/shrubs to
protect should be done at different seasons over the course of a year. Decisions might be made
with regard to aesthetic and wildlife values of the trees/shrubs. In addition, part of the
decision-making is determining which valued trees are vulnerable to selection by beaver. This
should be considered an ongoing process.
Water levels in beaver ponds can be managed by manually removing parts of the dams, or by
installing drainage pipes through the dams. In some cases beaver populations might need to be
controlled by reducing the number of beavers on the site. Information about beavers and
guidelines for beaver damage management have been published by the NC Cooperative
Extension Service (1991, AG-434; 1994, AG-472) and by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission
(1987, W-57, Study C7-3).
To monitor for beaver colony expansion, and especially to respond if expansion begins to
encroach on the floodplain of Sandy Branch, a staff member needs to walk along the tributary
and note where beavers are harvesting trees or constructing dams in the floodplains. This can
be accomplished in a matter of hours on a winter’s day. If beavers have constructed a dam and
are inundating the bottomland forest in the watershed, it would be important to breach the
dam, and to implement steps to remove beavers from this watershed, as soon as possible.
Most vegetation can survive several months of flooding during the winter months, but will
succumb much more quickly when actively growing in spring or summer.
15
B. Bottomland Hardwood Forests
C. Borrow Pits
Two borrow pits are present, a larger one on OSMC-2 and a smaller one on OSMC-4. These
sites have been mapped. (See Appendix ___). Each was created by excavating soil and creating
a berm to retain water. It is likely these Borrow Pits were used to store water for irrigation of
the nearby agricultural fields.
1. OSMC-2
The larger borrow pit is fed by a wet weather stream and serves essentially as a storm-water
collection basin. George Pleasants has described establishing this site as a farm pond. It was
excavated by a Mule Scoop around 1945. It was used for irrigation, and also was stocked with
fish including sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. At one time the pond retained
perhaps one half hectare of water to a depth of 2-3 meter, but a slow leak has developed in the
drain of the dam and only the deeper parts of it now retain water. It is, perhaps, 1 meter deep
during wet weather and less than that during the summer. The margins gradually slope toward
the wet-weather pool at the pit’s center. It now resembles and functions as a borrow pit.
Most of this borrow pit is open and exposed to the sun for much of the day. Water depth in the
borrow pit decreased dramatically during the summer of 2008 but even then, it did not dry
completely despite a persistent drought. At least half of this borrow pit remains dry all the time
and it is being colonized by herbs and seedling trees.
Much of the forest immediately adjacent to this borrow pit is Loblolly Pine regeneration. Downslope, the borrow pit drains through 100 meter of bottomland forest before entering the
beaver wetlands. In addition there are extensive agricultural fields within 100 meters in two
directions.
2. OSMC-4
The second borrow pit is situated at the base of a slope as it enters the floodplain and is directly
adjacent to a secondary stream. The berm which separates the borrow pit from the stream is
more than a 3 meters high and it is unlikely that the stream regularly spills into the borrow pit.
The sides of the pit are steeply sloped. It is possible that when the creek reaches flood stage
some water may churn behind the berm and spill into the borrow pit, but there is no clear
evidence for this. The borrow pit is about one quarter hectare in size, with depth estimated at a
meter or less. The source of water has not been determined, though it may simply be from
groundwater seepage; nor is there a drain pipe leading from the pit to the creek. This borrow
16
pit is shaded by large canopy of forest trees and changes in water level within the pit were
minimal, even during the 2008 drought.
2. Management RecommendationsMosquito fish or Gambusia (Gambusia affinis) are present, and extraordinarily abundant, in
each of the borrow pits. Sun fish were found in OSMC-2 but were severely stunted, and they
may exist in OSMC-4, however, their impact through predation on gambusia has been limited.
The presence of gambusia controls mosquitoes but also limits the potential for these borrow
pits to provide breeding habitat for amphibians and other organisms. (It should be noted that
mosquitoes are normally controlled by predators other than gambusia in pools that maintain
water levels over extended periods of time.) Spotted Salamander eggs were seen in the borrow
pit in OSMC-4 but it is doubtful whether any larvae could avoid fish predation.
Removal of mosquito fish from these borrow pits has the potential to dramatically improve
aquatic bio-diversity at this site. If gambusia were removed:
OSMC-2 would become a sunny, permanent/semi-permanent pool with emergent vegetation
and could support sizable populations of breeding amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. It has
the site characteristics and potential to support re-introduction of Tiger Salamander to eastern
Wake County. There is no known source for spontaneous re-introduction of gambusia once
they are removed from this borrow pit.
It is a recommended that the OSMC-2 borrow pit be drained to allow for increased diversity of
amphibians and aquatic invertebrates on the site.
OSMC-4 is a shaded pool and would respond differently if the gambusia were removed.
Vegetation growth within the water is limited, and the pool is deep and has steep sloping sides.
Spotted Salamander might use the site in numbers, but since it appears to be a permanent pool
of water, it is not clear whether it will serve that function. Certainly other amphibians and
invertebrates would colonize it. There is the possibility that gambusia or other fish would reenter this pool from the adjacent tributary, especially during episodes of flooding.
Options for removal of Gambusia include the three methods discussed below, but use of
Rotenone is not recommended at these borrow pits:

Pumps: Draining the pools using a sump pump and gasoline generator. Fish and other
vertebrates (amphibian larvae) could be seined/transported as the pool dries.
Expectations: 8-12 hours to drain each pool by pump when water levels are low. Late
summer or early fall would present the best conditions for draining the pools, assuming
17
absence of a tropical system dumping heavy rain. Gambusia can survive for extended
periods in shallow pools, and even temporarily in saturated mud. It is essential that all
gambusia be removed from the system during draining since they are extremely prolific
breeders. Further, monitoring for re-infestation should be undertaken annually.
We strongly recommend that this method be used if gambusia are to be removed from
either borrow pit.

Rotenone: Rotenone is a naturally occurring compound derived from plants. Humans
have been using it for centuries to harvest fish and manipulate fish communities. State
regulations require a permit from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to use this
chemical for removing fish from ponds, and permits are closely regulated. Rotenone
interferes with the uptake of oxygen in gill-breathing animals such as fish, amphibians
and insects. It can be used in low-moderate doses, which will bring targeted species to
the surface of the water where they can be captured and removed from the water
system, or at higher doses to induce mortality. At normal application rates, mammals,
birds and reptiles are not affected. Some mortality of target species can be expected
even at low level concentrations, but most individuals will recover when placed in
rotenone-free water.
To determine quantity of rotenone needed, the volume of the pond has to be
calculated. Multiply the number of surface acres by the average depth of the pond.
Average depth can be estimated by multiplying the maximum depth by 0.4. Volume is
expressed as acre-feet of water. One acre-foot of water will cover one surface acre with
one foot of water. For example, a 2-acre pond with an average depth of 4 feet has a
volume of 8 acre-feet. Liquid rotenone application rate is one gallon per acre-foot of
water.
Rotenone is often added to a pond using an outboard motor to mix the rotenone in the
water column. Best results are achieved in late summer when water temperature is at
its highest and water level is normally at its lowest.

Electro-shocking: Many species of fish will become temporarily immobilized and float to
the surface by running a mild electric current through the water. This, however, is not
the case for gambusia which are too small to use electro-shocking as a removal
technique.
18
D. Granite Flatrocks/Outcrops
Sections of extensive granite domes underly parts of the Turnipseed Property and in a few
areas the granite is exposed at the surface, forming rock outcrops. At least five of these
outcrops occur near Turnipseed Road, ranging in size from a few meters in length to almost 20
meters in length. These sites are part of a long, dry ridge overlooking the floodplain of Sandy
Branch, a tributary to Mark’s Creek. There is another small outcrop on an inholding of property
across the tributary. And there are at least 2 outcrops running through and adjacent to the
abandoned farm field on the Pleasants’ Road side of the property. All of these outcrops have
been mapped (See Appendix __). Each outcrop has unique characteristics and should be
evaluated separately for protection, management or recreation potential.
1. Exposed Granite Outcrops
Areas of granite with little canopy cover experience extreme variations in micro-climate and
play host to a number of endemic species of plants. These sites often resemble natural rock
gardens. This is an extremely fragile community and care should be given to protect these
areas. Once damaged, outcrop communities may take decades to recover. Since each outcrop is
distinct, the communities and abundance of plants which inhabit it will also be unique. Fissures,
depressions, and contours within the rock, and aspect or orientation of the rock with respect to
the sun, all contribute to the unique habitat and species occurrence of each outcrop.
2. Endemic Plants on the Outcrop
Quillwort (Talium terretifolium) and Sandwort (Arenaria glabra) are special concern species in
North Carolina. Quillwort, in particular, is a perennial succulent that grows in small pockets of
soil on the exposed rock and is especially vulnerable to disturbance. Sandwort flourishes in
pockets or depressions filled with sandy soil within the exposed rock and will thrive so long as
the soil does not erode due to heavy disturbance. Lichens and mosses are abundant on the
outcrops, and many species are vulnerable to trampling. In addition, Prickly Pear Cactus
(Opuntia compressa), Carolina Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana) and Butterfly Pea (Clitoria mariana)
are uncommon-rare plants found in the sandy soils among the granite outcrops. The cactus is
vulnerable if crushed underfoot.
3. Management Recommendations
It is preferable to set aside some sites for permanent protection and study, while opening a few
for controlled public access. High-quality sites with stable populations of endemics should be
chosen for protection. Photo documentation and mapping of high quality site endemic
populations should be made to monitor populations over time. Sites with less valuable
19
populations of endemics should be analyzed for ability to route trails across the outcrop in
ways that will minimize impacts while allowing access. Use of natural constraints or barriers
such as tree branches and rock formations to restrict visitors to a trail across the outcrop is
preferred. Rocks can be used to delineate the trail route across the outcrop. Seed from
endemics on protected areas can be used to augment populations impacted at access outcrops.
Photo documentation and measurements of pre-existing conditions, including extent of
endemic colonization, can be used to document impact of visitors.

Invasives: Invasive exotic plants have the potential to outcompete native plants on the
rock outcrops. Some outcrops have infestations of invasive plants, especially Chinese
privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and stilt grass
(Microstegium virmineum), and although it has not been found at the outcrops, Sericea
Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) can be particularly aggressive on these dry sites. These
infestations have been mapped and in most instances removal would take no more than
a few hours at each site. Monitoring for infestation should take place annually,
preferably in late spring when growth will be obvious.
It is often possible to pull or grub invasive plants from the outcrops and this is the
preferred way to eliminate them from these environments. It is labor intensive.
Herbicides are generally a poor choice on or near the rock outcrops as the potential for
aerial drift, or pooling and transport of herbicide across the rock face during rain, poses
sizable risk. On occasion, especially with woody stems, it may be necessary to cut stems
and apply an herbicide. The goal should be complete elimination of all invasive plants.
(See USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for control methods). It is useful to document progress
with photos. It is estimated that removal of invasives from the outcrops would initially
require 80 hours of labor.

Refuse Removal: Outcrops have in the past been used for refuse disposal. Refuse should
be documented and removed, noting that some refuse may have some archeological
significance or interpretive appeal. In some instances important native plants may have
grown among the refuse, and in those circumstances it may be best to leave the refuse
in place rather than remove it. Removal of refuse from the outcrop is estimated to
require 16 hours of labor and a flat bed truck.

Restoration Potential: Within the abandoned agricultural field in OSMC-2 near Pleasants
Road there is a line of granite outcrop surfacing above the cultivated soil. This granite
ridge may connect with a mapped outcrop situated in the woods border on the lower
edge of the field. (See Appendix __) At least 3 clumps of granite are currently exposed,
but a raised ridge suggests the granite runs clear across the field. Soils within this field
20
are sandy and erode quickly, and it is obvious that farm equipment has dragged soil over
the granite through the years in a vain attempt to grow crops atop the rock. This granite
could be cleared of soil with a shovel and brush, thereby exposing the rocky surface.
This would allow for restoration of a more natural granite outcrop environment.
Re-establishment of these outcrops would take 6-8 hours for removing soil; restoration of the
granite outcrop community could be an ongoing process depending on desired level of
intervention chosen--whether to seed the site with endemic plants or simply monitor natural
succession as it progresses.
E.Boulders
At least two dozen large boulders exist on the site. Most of these occur below the ridgeline and
on slopes overlooking Gin Branch. Some of the boulders have been mapped, but some have
not. A few boulders rise above the waters in the beaver ponds within Gin Branch. Many
boulders stand well above the soil line, but others are more deeply embedded in soils and are
covered with leaves or humus. (Need to add geologic history notes here:)
Management Recommendations: The boulders can be grouped into those with similar
attributes related to the vegetation they support, their location, and their depth in the soil.
Management will depend on the type of boulder and decisions related to recreation and
habitat restoration.
 Boulders with Native Plant Communities- boulders covered with resurrection
fern appear to be limited in number (three were found), and are found along the
edge of beaver ponds and/or under a forest canopy. These should be managed
as sensitive habitats with restricted visitor access since the resurrection fern has
minimal rooted anchor to the rock surface and can easily be dislodged. Access
could be limited to one representative boulder while leaving others
untrammeled and off limits. Trails should be routed away from fern-covered
boulders except those accessed for interpretive purposes. Populations of ferns
should be photo-documented with % coverage monitored for long-term change.
Invasive plants should be removed before they become a problem.
 Privet-covered Boulders- these should be cleared of Chinese Privet (Ligustrum
vulgare), by cutting and grubbing, or by cutting with herbicide application (See
USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for control methods). The goal should be to expose
much of the rock surface by removing the privet, its root system and much of
the organic soil that has accumulated on the boulder due to the privet. This may
allow regeneration of the pioneer plant community to develop on the rock
21
surface. Photo documentation should be taken of before and after, and studies
could be implemented to monitor colonization by native plants.
In some cases, native vegetation could be added to use as a comparison with
sites where no additions are made. Some of these boulders could be made
available for climbing or use as scenic overlooks. These would not be expected to
support re-colonization of native vegetation. Climbing boulders and overlooks
should be located with easy access from the trail system. Boulders to be used for
climbing and overlooks, particularly along the water, may also need to be cleared
of poison ivy and catbrier.

Sunken Boulders- Boulders covered by soil, leaves and native vegetation- there
are a number of boulders which are gradually being covered by leaves, soil and
vegetation. Some are difficult to see and are detected as a “hump” of leaves in
the woods, but close inspection reveals the underlying rock. Much of this may be
a natural process but past human use of the landscape may have accelerated or
slowed the process that is covering the boulders. Each should be evaluated and a
long-term management strategy developed to maintain some percentage of
exposed boulders. Those covered with native shrubs or saplings should not be
disturbed.

Boulders forming Cliffs- There is a cluster of boulders forming a ridge-line cliff
overlooking the Sandy Branch floodplain in OSMC-4. This line of boulders
extends for at least 50 meters. One section provides a dramatic overlook
dropping more than 5 meters to the floodplain below. The cliff-face itself
harbors a mix of native rock outcrop plants and ferns, but some is thickly
covered with Microstegium.
The Microstegium should be removed before it spreads along the entire cliffface. Microstegium is an invasive annual grass, so removing the plant will
eliminate the seed source. Removal of Microstegium from this cliff face could be
done by hand weeding and would require 2-3 hours labor. It should be done
before seed is set in September, and the site should be checked for 2 years to
make sure no residual seed has sprouted. There is some risk associated from
working on this vertical surface, so at least two staff should be assigned to this
task.
 Adjacent Woodlands- Much of the woodland leading to this cliff has thin soil and
supports an open woods with Short-leaf Pine (Pinus echinata), Winged Elm
22
(Ulmus alata), Post Oak (Quercus stellata) and Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra).
This area has high floral diversity consisting of mints, asters, and other woodland
wildflowers, most of which bloom in mid-late summer. Installation of trails
should be situated to take advantage of, but not negatively impact, this floral
diversity.
At the base of the cliff is a thick stand of Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta),
which is a rare plant. The plants seem to be stunted, probably resulting from
being heavilygrazed by deer. Although there were blooms, none were found that
produced fruit. There is no obvious method to protect the Corylus from grazing
deer, but an experimental exclosure could be installed around a few plants and
then monitored for results.
The overlook and cliff-face are unique and have potential for outdoor adventure
recreation, and/or as a scenic overlook. On the other hand these are fragile
environments, so care should be taken to protect some of these attributes when
situating any recreational amenities.
F. Powerline
1. Intact Meadows
A short swatch of sandy meadow has been maintained by Progress Energy (PE) through the
years. Meadow habitats with a sandy substrate are no longer common in Wake County and a
number of rare plants and animals may be found here. Blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a
representative species for this community and a healthy, though small, stand of lupine exists in
the power line easement along Turnipseed Road. This area has been maintained though
periodic mowing by Progress Energy. It is important to restrict use of herbicides in this
easement (utility should not broadcast herbicide to manage vegetation) in order to maintain
the diverse vegetation.
Seed Source- The native wildflower mix within this easement is diverse and includes:
milkweed, bearded tongue, Desmodium sp., goldenrods, ironweed and various asters. It
should be considered a remnant assemblage with potential for use as a seed source for
restoration projects in the abandoned agricultural fields.
B. Michaux’s Sumac- A clump of the federally listed endangered species, Michaux’s
Sumac (Rhus michauxii) (male clone), has been found in the sandy meadow under the
powerline near Turnipseed Road. Some have speculated that the specimen is a hybrid,
since it has some characteristics that seem different. This clump will need to be
23
managed carefully to keep it thriving. Of importance is the periodic removal of
competing woody vegetation and overhanging branches in order to thrive. The
entire site should be carefully surveyed for additional stands of Michaux’s Sumac.
2. Management Recommendations
The powerline easement supports an assemblage of plants that may constitute the closest
representation of this seral stage available for these soil types. Progress Energy has maintained
this meadow through periodic mowing, and does not now appear to use herbicides to control
the vegetation. It is preferable that the site manager take responsibility for managing this site
to insure protection goals are met.
The powerline should be managed to maintain the current assemblage of native vegetation,
and particularly the population of lupine and the clone of Michaux’ Sumac. The open meadow
areas of the site have a tendency to develop thickets of Winged Sumac (Rhus alata) and
Blackberry (Rubus sp.). These will suppress the preferred herbaceous vegetation. To maintain
the herbaceous vegetation the site should be mowed once per year, preferably in late fall or
very early spring.
The lupine stand in the powerline appears to be vigorous. A count of all lupine shoots should be
made during the flowering period in April to develop a baseline for future comparisons. Only
the largest clumps produce blooms, but all plants should be counted. This lupine stand should
be considered as a seed source in restoration efforts across selected fallow (agricultural) fields
at Marks Creek.
Lupine seeds mature quickly and the pods erupt violently to disperse seeds. This dispersal
occurs as the pods begin to dry. In 2008 many of the pods began dispersing seeds during the 2nd
week in May, and seeds were available for collection through the end of that month. An
effective method for seed collection is to cover the plants with thin netting before they burst.
Seeds can be planted immediately following collection, or they can be stored in cool, moist
sand through the winter. Any planting of seeds should be undertaken in an organized
systematic way so that success can be tracked. Germination begins in very early spring and it
takes at least 2 years for the plants to begin to flower.
Michaux’s sumac is growing along the edge of the powerline opening, but prefers full sunlight.
Management for this species will require period removal of any overhanging branches from
nearby trees. In addition, the clone found within the powerline is entirely male. It would be
worthwhile to introduce a female clone within the powerline and monitor for viable fruit.
24
Invasives- Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is an aggressive invasive perennial that is
spreading across the powerline easement. It has not yet consumed the area occupied by lupine,
but is now competing with natives in 1/3 of the easement. If uncontrolled, it will likely outcompete the native vegetation within the entire easement. It will take a concerted effort to
eliminate it from the site but control measures should be implemented as soon as possible.
(See USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for control methods)
G. Mixed Pine-Hardwoods
H. Loblolly Regeneration
Broad expanses of the property once were farmed but have since reverted to loblolly pine
forests. These forest stands are generally 20-40 years old and heavily overstocked with pine,
resulting in many impenetrable shady thickets of stunted trees. The stand in OSMC-2 has areas
with boulders and possible homesteads with potential archeological interest, as well as trees of
greater size.
Another stand in OSMC-12 has a small 19th century cemetery with 20 marked graves. The
cemetery was discovered beneath a small grove of large pines which towered over the loblolly
regeneration.
Most of these loblolly stands have limited aesthetic or wildlife value. (Exception: the abundance
of Six-lined Racerunner and Black Racer along the edge of these stands. (See Appendix: ) The
stocking is too dense so little light reaches the forest floor. As a consequence, little understory
or herbaceous diversity occurs in these stands. An NCSU Forestry class has developed a report
on these tree stands (See Appendix: ).
I. Open Fields
Sandy Meadow Communities: series of agricultural fields that remain leased for crops or have
recently been taken out of production. One field is a 3- hectare fallow farm field above the
Pleasant’s Road borrow pit that has been abandoned for at least 3 years. This field should be
considered for near-term habitat management. The others were producing crops in 2008, but
were left fallow in 2009.
1. Fallow Field
This field has potential for habitat restoration as lower-Piedmont sandy meadow
community. It has been out of cultivation for at least 3 years and is progressing slowly
through natural succession. Mostly it is a mix of native and introduced grasses and
forbs. This site provides an opportunity to recreate a natural sandy meadow community
25
of wildflowers and grasses and to develop a trail system to showcase its unique
attributes of wildflowers, shrubs and granite outcrops. Since much of the native stock of
wildflower seed has been exhausted through years of cultivation, it is likely that the site
will have to be enhanced with the sowing of native seed. Much of the seed can be
gathered from existing local sources: lupine, bearded tongue, variegated milkweed,
asters, desmodium, Opuntia cactus, etc., all exist on site and provide the basis for a
restoration project.
Lupine, in particular, is a showcase species and encouraging its spread would provide a
spectacular seasonal display. It blooms profusely in the powerline easement along
Turnipseed Road throughout April and early May.
In addition, there is a ridge of granite extending across this meadow, bisecting the field
east to west (described previously). The granite reaches the surface in at least 3 places,
but has been covered and scraped through the years by farm plows. These areas could
be re-conditioned by sweeping sand to expose the granite and allow for colonization by
pioneer plants , or simply to reconstitute bare surfaces within the meadow. Some
granite areas could be sown with seeds from endemic outcrop plants like Talinum, while
others could be left bare to compare colonization rates.
2. Management Recommendations
The meadow should be burned or mowed periodically (once every 2 years) to suppress
woody vegetation. Trails through the meadow will need to be mowed more frequently,
likely once per month during the growing season. It is preferable to undertake the
general mowing after the plants have set seed in late fall, or before new growth begins
in early spring. In addition, efforts should be made to eliminate/manage invasive weeds,
especially sericea lespedeza. This may require cutting followed by an application of an
herbicide (See USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for control methods).
To enhance wildlife diversity, it is recommended that shrub encroachment be
encouraged along sections of the edge of the meadow, and that shrub patches or
islands be managed within parts of the meadow. Some areas along the meadow edge
should be kept clear of vegetation to provide habitat for the Six-line Racerunners, which
are abundant in this part of the site.
An island of Chickasaw Plum exists within this meadow, immediately adjacent to the
exposed granite with Talium. The plum is a native fruit-producing shrub which should be
encouraged, but it is competing with a robust stand of privet. The privet needs to be
removed from this site, which will be a labor-intensive task. It is estimated to require 40
26
hours of stem removal to eliminate the privet. (See USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for
control methods).
Additional fruit-producing species to be encouraged include: serviceberry, cherry,
hawthorn, viburnum, plum, sassafras, pawpaw and sumac. One wildlife- enhancement
strategy would be to allow the northern-most quarter of this meadow to naturally
advance to the shrub-sapling stage, and then be managed to maintain that seral stage.
This would necessitate periodic cutting of trees which grow in the shrub thickets.
Sandy Farm Fields: Those (once abandoned) farm fields that have sandy soils could be
considered for re-introduction of native meadow species, or for longleaf pine forest
restoration.
V.
Annual Work Plan
The annual work plan is a list of tasks to be accomplished in a calendar year, cutting
across all objectives enumerated in section III and explained in section IV. Each item should
begin with an action verb and be limited to one clause.
VI.
Management Tools
1. Monitoring Schedule: states the interval and scope of monitoring activity required, as
appropriate to the level of activity identified in the plan objectives and prescriptions. Each plan
potentially requires a unique schedule, so the temptation to adopt uniform interval for all
properties should be avoided. Likewise, the scope of monitoring required depends upon the
complexity of issues and the diversity of attributes prompting attention in the plan.
2. Other: a variety of sections could be added in this portion of the plan; for example,
Stewardship Work Days, Volunteer Projects, Photo-monitoring points, Inventory
responsibilities.
VII.
Funding or In-Kind Resource Needs
It could be assumed that a working budget can be projected based on the annual levels
of effort identified in section V. Probably the management plan should include a budget for the
next immediate year of implementation. Then the budget question can be revisited each
succeeding period in conjunction with monitoring activity as determined in VI.1.
The extent to which publicly employed staff and unpaid volunteers share in the activities
encompassed in the prescriptions may be unpredictable. However, all labor and incidental costs
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should be recorded after the fact and the ledgers maintained for the purposes of determining
actual budgeted and in-kind contributions to the plan’s accomplishment.
VIII.
Appendices
Content of appendices is governed by features and attributes of the property and plan.
Legal Description, Property Plat, Deed, etc.
Maps
Natural Heritage Reports (SNHA, EO, etc.)
Inventories of species
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