Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds
Restoration - Restoration of Atlantic White Cedar Bogs on Pocosin Lakes
National Wildlife Refuge
Category: Wetland
Cost: Information not provided.
Description: Albemarle/Pamlico Coastal Program in North Carolina is working
with the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and North Carolina State University
to restore an 18,000-acre (7,280-hectare) Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecypa risthyoides)/bald
cypress (Taxodium distichum) bog.
Restoration of the Atlantic white cedar ecosystem is a long-term effort. Improvements
to the site's hydrology and vegetative community have already reduced mercury
runoff to levels that are better than the State water quality standard. The
ultimate goal is to have water leaving the site with mercury and nitrogen concentrations
equal to, or less than, rainfall concentrations. Restoring the hydrology has
also encouraged the growth of moss (Spagnum spp) and improved habitat for small
mammals and amphibians. In 3 to 4 more years, the trees should be large enough
to provide nesting sites for many neo-tropical songbirds.
Restoring hydrology and native plant communities in peat bogs can turn an environmental
liability (drained decomposing peat bog polluting downstream coastal estuary)
into a environmental asset (functional wetland with surface water discharges
cleaner than rainwater), while improving wildlife habitat
Outcome: Approximately 2,000 acres (810 ha) have been replanted to primarily
bald cypress and Atlantic white cedar. Plans are underway to restore wetland
hydrology on the remaining acreage by installing a total of 14 water control
structures on canals that drain the area. Planting of Atlantic white cedar and
bald cypress will continue until the area is revegetated. The project is intended
not only to benefit wildlife but also to promote water quality.
Contact: Mike Wicker, Albemarle / Pamlico Coastal Ecosystems Coordinator,
USFWS P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh, NC 27636 - 3726, Phone: (919) 856-4520, FAX:
(919) 856-4556, mike_wicker@fws.gov
Citation: http://nc-es.fws.gov/coastal/awhitecedar.html
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