Turnipseed Road #1 Unit at Marks Creek Open Space Management Plan Effective Period: January 2010-December 2012 Drafted by WakeNature Preserves Partnership March 5, 2010

4.1.2 Management Recommendations for Granite Flatrocks/ Outcrops

Sites with less valuable 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.

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  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) in OSMC-2, as well as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and stilt grass (Microstegium virmineum) in both OSMC-2 and OSMC-4, 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.
  

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  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.
  
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  Restoration Potential: Most of the rock outcrops on this site have been impacted by human use to some extent but it is not readily apparent which, if any, native endemics have been lost through the years. A thorough study and comparison of this site’s native flora with other sites in eastern Wake County might reveal deficiencies of native plants which could be replenished with (seed) sources from local outcrops like Temple Flat Rocks or the Rolesville Rock Outcrop. Still, the general condition of the outcrops is good and the habitat appears to be stable. There are relatively few invasive plants on the site other than a pocket or two of privet or Japanese honeysuckle.
  

Soils within this field 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. Granite within 1-2 inches of the surface could be mapped and flagged. This granite could then be cleared of soil with a shovel and brush, thereby exposing the rocky surface and providing an interesting mosaic of granite outcrop within the open meadow. This would also allow for restoration of a more natural granite outcrop environment.

Re-establishment of these outcrops would take 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.

4.1.3 Management Recommendations for Boulders:

At least two dozen large boulders exist across the site. Most of these occur below a ridgeline and on east-facing slopes overlooking Gin Branch (OSMC-2). Groundhogs (Marmota monax) have excavated burrows around the base of some boulders. Many boulders have been mapped (Appendix ___). A few boulders rise above the waters in the beaver ponds of Gin Branch and form rock islands. Many boulders stand well above the soil line, but others are more deeply embedded in soils or covered with leaves or humus. The boulders provide a unique look to the area, and offer interesting potential for geologic interpretation. A few have unique flora and those adjacent to the water provide dramatic overlooks to the marshes of Gin Branch.

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  Boulders with Native Plant Communities- boulders with populations of Resurrection Fern, Rock Cap Fern (Polypodium virginiana) and Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis) appear to be limited in number (three were found in OSMC-2 and one in OSMC-4), and are situated along the edge of wetlands and/or under a forest canopy. These should be managed as sensitive habitats with restricted visitor access since theses species have minimal root anchorage 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.
  
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  Boulders with Invasive Plants- these should be cleared of Chinese Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Multi-flora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and other invasives 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 or invasive plants, its root system and much of the organic soil that has accumulated on the boulder. This may allow regeneration of the pioneer plant community to develop on the rock surface. Photo documentation should be taken of before and after, and studies could be implemented to monitor colonization by native plants.
  

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  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.
  
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  Boulders forming Overlooks and/or Cliffs- There are at least three boulder areas which form flat-rock overlooks for Gin Branch in OSMC-2. These are attractive vantage points overlooking the beaver ponds and marshes. Wildlife including river otter, raccoon, muskrat, turtles and snakes regularly use these boulders. The boulders can be designed as points of interest off a trail system and have potential for placing park benches and/or fishing access. However, until regular park maintenance is available these sites might become targets for littering and swimming. Each of the sites provides ready access to the water but there are dangers inherent with slippery wet rocks at the water’s edge. One site, in particular, has a steep drop-off from the boulder top to the water. Diving into the water from this site might be hazardous.
  
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  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 including Rock Cap Fern, but some is thickly covered with Microstegium and Japanese Honeysuckle. These invasives should be removed before they spread along the entire cliff-face. 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. The honeysuckle is a perennial vine. It can be pulled from the rock face rather easily but will need to be grubbed where it is rooted in soil. This could be completed in 2 hours. There is some risk associated from working on this vertical surface, so at least two staff should be assigned to this task.
  

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  Adjacent Woodlands- Much of the woodland leading to this cliff in OSMC-4 has thin soil and supports an open woods with Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), Winged Elm (Ulmus alata), Post Oak (Quercus stellata) and Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra). Understory shrubs are diverse and consist of Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua), Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), hawthorne and other species. 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.
  

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.

In another area (OSMC-2) there is a cluster of boulders that forms an overlook along Gin Branch. This lies along a ridgeline with thin dry soils and an open canopy. This area supports a diverse herbaceous community including Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), Firepink (Silene virginica), and other wildflowers. Trail alignment through this area to the overlook should take this into account.

4.2 Michaux’s sumac and Powerline Easement

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 (tall stature) that seem different from normal Michaux’s Sumac. However, this clump will need to be managed carefully to keep it thriving. Of particular importance is the periodic removal of competing woody vegetation, as well as the pruning of any overhanging tree branches which deprive the clump of full sunlight. In addition Sericea Lespedeza is spreading rapidly near the sumac and should be eradicated. The presence of Michaux’s Sumac may be due to the frequent mowing of Progress Energy (approximately every 18-24 months); the agency that currently manages the area. The entire site should be carefully surveyed for additional stands of Michaux’s Sumac.

A short swatch of sandy meadow has also been maintained by Progress Energy (PE) through the years immediately adjacent to Turnipseed Road within the powerline easement in (OSMC-2). Meadow habitats like this, with native vegetation growing atop 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 here. This area has been maintained though periodic mowing. (Note: It is important to restrict use of herbicides in this easement (PE should not broadcast herbicide to manage vegetation) in order to maintain the diverse vegetation.)

The native wildflower mix within this easement is also 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.

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.

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  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 to reduce chance of reptile and amphibian mortality during mowing.
  
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  The lupine stand in the powerline appears to be vigorous. These plants are perennials. 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.
  

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  Michaux’s sumac is growing along the edge of the powerline opening, but prefers full sunlight. Management for this species will require periodic 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.
  

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  Additional woody shrubs that should be encouraged in and near the easement include: Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora), Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Tag Alder (Alnus serrulata), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) and Beargrass (Yucca filamentosa), etc. add diversity to the site. Saplings of hickories, maple, boxelder, birch, oak, etc. should be cut but the desirable shrubs should be allowed to grow along the margins of the ponds, along the entrance road, and under the large standing trees.
  

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  Collecting seeds from native plants in the powerline for sowing in the agricultural fields can be undertaken as well, but timing and strategies for collection, storage and sowing schedules will be species-specific. Late May-mid-June and mid-October to early November will generally provide satisfactory results for most desirable species, but specifics can be found in Harry Phillips’ book, Growing and Propagating Wildflowers.
  

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  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 out-compete 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). At a minimum, before the sericea lespedeza has been eliminated from the site, all stems should be cut in August before they set seed.
  

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 (7.5 acre) ‘fallow’ farm field above the Pleasant’s Road borrow pit (OSMC-2) that has been abandoned for at least 3 years. This field should be considered for near-term habitat management. Others open fields on the Preserve were producing crops in 2008, but left fallow in 2009.

The fallow field (OSMC-2) has potential for immediate 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 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, hypericum, asters, desmodium, Opuntia cactus, yucca, etc., all exist on site and provide the basis for a restoration project. In addition, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission can provide technical assistance for planning use of a native mix of warm season grasses and wildflowers that would be appropriate for this site to enhance wildlife habitat. This has potential to be a desirable project for a Landscape Horticulture or Wildlife student, or a long-term project for a volunteer group.

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. This field also has a granite ridge which bisects the field from east to west. The granite reaches the surface in at least 3 places, but has been covered and scraped through the years by farm plows.

There are a number of agricultural fields that have recently been under cultivation or recently removed from cultivation in OSMC-2, OSMC-4 and OSMC-12. These clearings total over 18 hectares (46 acres) in area. These fields have little natural vegetation and offer little to the ecological diversity of the site, but have great potential. They should be considered as preferred locations for support facilities such as parking, picnic shelters, nature centers, and maintenance buildings. It is preferable for the protection of natural resources, and particularly for those species sensitive to habitat fragmentation, to site the infrastructure facilities near the edge of the property rather than within the preserve’s core. It is helpful (for long-term planning) to identify which of the fields will serve this infra-structure function so that long-term natural resource management may proceed on the other fields.

This meadow should be surveyed more completely to determine the extent of native vegetation currently present. A permanent trail alignment through the meadow should be determined providing access to key attributes. A list of desirable plants for restoration should be generated and seed sources identified. Consultation with the NC Wildlife Resources Biologist should be undertaken to consider an appropriate native seed mix for the site to encourage wildlife. Seeds of native plants to be used in restoration should be gathered and put in cold storage as described by Phillips, or purchased from reliable vendors.

Once the botanical survey is complete, that part of the meadow that is to be managed as permanent meadow should be mowed or burned in late winter or early spring of the following year. A simple mowing or burning should provide sufficient soil disturbance and exposure to allow hand-sowing of native seeds. Volunteers should hand-plant seeds of native vegetation, taking care to plant some clumps of native plants in close proximity to the trail for easy viewing. An alternative would be to germinate plants in a greenhouse and plant seedlings. It is estimated that 24 hours of volunteer effort will be needed for the initial planting.

Lupine is the key plant element envisioned for this meadow. It should be planted in patches with efforts to develop dramatic sweeps of blue color in April and May. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) should also do well here and will provide a brilliant orange contrast to the lupine. It is recommended that key areas where ‘clumps’ of Lupine and Butterfly Weed seeds or seedlings are sown should be monitored for 2-3 years to measure success or need for a second planting. Additional plants could supplement the primary planting and might involve little more than broadcasting seed to see what takes. The mix might also include bird’s foot violet, milkweed, hypericum, butterfly pea, passion flower, sundrops, sabatia, penstemon, gerardia, liatris, goldenrod, coreopsis, bidens and other asters, among others. Choice of species should be made in consultation with the NC Botanical Garden to insure species chosen are native to the habitat and thrive in the sandy soils.

Once established, 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. Mowing is best undertaken in late morning or early afternoon to reduce chance mortality of basking or foraging reptiles and amphibians. 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).

The granite ridge extending across this meadow could be re-conditioned by digging and sweeping sand and soil to expose the granite. This would be an interesting focal point for visitors on a trail through this meadow. Opontia cactus and Yucca plants or seed could be added in soils near the rock. The exposed granite would allow the opportunity for colonization by pioneer plants. Some granite areas could be sown with seeds from endemic outcrop plants like Talinum, while others could be left bare to compare colonization rates.

To improve habitat diversity, the northern-most third of this meadow should be allowed 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. Adding this shrub-thicket will encourage species not yet known to breed at the site including: Yellow-breasted Chat and Field Sparrow.

In addition 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 open, sunny locations (habitat) to maintain the robust population of the Six-line Racerunners at this site.

An island of Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) 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, which extends below the meadow into a granite outcrop. The privet needs to be removed from this site, which will be a labor-intensive task. It is estimated to require 40 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.

Those fields that are not used for facilities can be used to enhance the habitat diversity across the Turnipseed property. In particular, these openings should be considered as having potential for a mix of open sandy meadows with the lupine restoration as described above, and/or for introduction of Piedmont Prairie habitat with the assistance of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. A consultant biologist will provide recommendations and sources for planting a mix of native warm season grasses and wildflowers. The site might qualify for financial assistance from wildlife restoration grants, particularly for early succession habitat and Longleaf Pine restoration.

The Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) restoration project could include adding a series of small (1-3 hectare, 2-7 acre) planting sites across the park. The trees should be planted as 2-year old seedlings in a 10-foot x 10-foot spacing. Volunteers and students may be able to provide much of the labor for this restoration project.

Longleaf Pine will remain in the grass and bottlebrush stages for up to 10 years during which time it develops a deep tap root. At that point prescribed burning should be introduced to suppress competing vegetation and promote vigor of the stand. Assistance with procuring seedlings and conducting prescribed burns can be provided by the NC Division of Forestry. Roadways along the perimeter of these agricultural fields should be maintained as a good system of fire breaks for use with prescribed burns.

These sites will provide early-mid succession habitat required by many wildlife species including: Bobwhite Quail, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Field Sparrow among others.

The area and location of agricultural fields at Turnipseed is large enough to support a vibrant mix of these early succession and Longleaf habitats, providing an interesting demonstration of current restoration techniques. This is a long-term project that will require careful planning. However, it will be easier to initiate (and install) management prescriptions in the near term (within 5 years), before the abandoned fields begin to progress through natural succession. Therefore it is advisable to begin to delineate allocations for each habitat type as soon as practicable.

Of special note: there is one area, along the road bordering the north-side of a field in OSMC-4 that has a ditch which holds water through much of the summer. This puddle has developed into an important upland pool for breeding amphibians, especially Gray Tree Frogs. This site, and any others that provide catchment for storm water above the floodplains, should be mapped and protected as they are a limited resource at the Turnipseed site.

4.4 Late Succession Habitats

4.4.1 Mixed Pine-Hardwoods

There are stands of mixed pine-hardwoods across all sectors of the Turnipseed Tract but the primary stands are in OSMC-2, OSMC-3 and a bottomland (mixed) hardwood forest in OSMC-4. This forest exists as a strip of ridge-line running between the floodplains of Gin and Sandy Branches as well as on the slopes along the northside of Gin Branch. The forest is composed of trees greater than 40 years old and the forest appears to be fully if not under-stocked and stable. In some areas the understory appears to be lacking and there is some concern that past farming practices, or perhaps browsing by deer, has limited regeneration of an understory. Soils are thin with many boulders scattered about so the lower density of trees and understory may simply be a function of low fertility and/or shallow soils.

Students from North Carolina State University developed detailed inventories of the various stands of trees, and offered recommendations for managing the stands for their commercial and ecological values.

4.4.2 Loblolly Regeneration

Broad expanses of the property once were farmed but have since reverted to loblolly pine forests. These forest stands are a mixed group with some in the 50-year old age class (OSMC-2), while others are less than 20 years old (OSMC-4, OSMC-12). The latter stands are heavily overstocked with pine, resulting in many impenetrable shady thickets of stunted trees.

The 2.5 hectare stand (7 acre) in OSMC-2 near the Borrow Pit has trees with a base age of 50 years. These trees are of greater size, with heights ranging from 18-90 feet, and DBH ranging from 4-28 inches. The area has scattered boulders and pockets of thin soils all of which affects the size of the trees. The students described an unusually large Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua), which is suggestive of potential archeological interest.

The primary pine stand in OSMC-12 is approximately 6 hectares (15 acres) in size with a naturally regenerated stand of 20-year old Loblolly pine. The stand is very dense and there is little understory growth other than occasional Black Cherry, Sweetgum, Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and Holly (Ilex opaca). The students described this stand as having extremely high density of small stems (3000 trees per acre with stems less than 5 inches DBH), with an average height of 42 feet. This stocking density results in high competition for light, water and nutrients which contributes to slow growth of trees, a poorly developed understory and an increased risk for wild fire.

Along its eastern edge there is a small grove of Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) which towers over the pine stand. This grove shelters a small 19^th century cemetery with 20 marked graves.

4.4.3 Management Recommendations for Mixed Pine-Hardwoods

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  A mixed-Pine-Hardwood forest is a typical climax forest in the lower Piedmont of NC. As such, little needs to be done to manage this forest type other than monitoring for changes. Beaver may begin to remove certain tree species and alter forest composition.
  

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  Deer population growth can severely impact a forest. Deer browse understory saplings and tree seedlings and if the population becomes too high, they which will change the structure of the forest and limit its long-term stability. Often heavy browsing will create a visual cue- a “browse line”- that can be seen as one looks through the forest. It is helpful to take a few photos through the forest from defined points to use as a comparative reference in future years. There is a likelihood that deer hunting pressure will continue into the future in the rural lands surrounding Turnipseed. This reduces the concern that the forest will suffer from browsing but it’s not out of the question. It is helpful to have a response plan in place if deer management becomes necessary. The boulders across this forest-type have been treated separately.
  

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  A horse trail rambles through much of the forest in OSMC-2 and there has been significant compaction and erosion of soils with some damage to vegetation along some parts of this trail. In some areas the trail dips into the floodplain and the soils become muddy; in other areas tree roots have become exposed where the trails slope. Equestrian trails are not necessarily incompatible with the Turnipseed site but its location should be carefully considered with regards to contours and soils, and should be developed as a separate system from hiking trails.
  

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.) The stocking is dense and little light reaches the forest floor. As a consequence, little understory or herbaceous diversity occurs in these stands.

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  Thinning: The health of this forest would be improved through thinning the pines- removing 1/3 to 1/2 the existing trees on each of the stands. The stand on OSMC-2 could provide an opportunity for a commercial thinning (generate income), while thinning on OSMC-12 would likely be a pre-commercial cut. Thinning the stands would improve the health and growth of existing trees, increase development of understory vegetation and habitat for wildlife, and reduce the risk from wild fire racing through the stands. Note: It might be worthwhile to refrain from thinning one acre of the stand on OSMC-12 in order to provide a comparison of residual tree growth between forests that are thinned and those that aren’t.
  

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  Prescribed Burn: These stands would be helped by introducing a prescribed burn regime following the initial thinning- to be conducted on a 3-5 year burning cycle. This burning cycle could coincide, or be during alternate years, with prescribed burns for the Long Leaf Pine restoration sites established on the agricultural lands. It is important to clear fire lanes around the forest stand border when using prescribed burning in order to reduce chance of the losing control of the burn.
  

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.

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. These wetlands consist of over 9 hectares (24 acres) of prime habitat along 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, Hibiscus (Hibiscus mosheutos), Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus), Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) and other marsh plants are abundant where water levels have receded. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Touch-me-Not (Impatiens capensis), Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) and Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) are also common.

Wetland birds include robust populations of Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Prothonotary Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Louisiana Waterthrush. Other wildlife include an abundance of reptiles and amphibians, and mammals such as River Otter and Muskrat. 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.

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. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Northern Parula Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush, as well as many other wildlife and plant species, depend on this forested floodplain. It is therefore recommended that this bottomland forest be monitored annually, and that it be protected from inundation by beavers. (See Bottomland Hardwood Forests in Sect. 4.5.3).

4.5.2 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. 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.

The larger borrow pit (OSMC-2), perhaps .5 hectare (approx. 1 acre) in area, 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. Down-slope, the borrow pit drains through 100 meter (390+ feet) of bottomland forest before entering the beaver wetlands. In addition there are extensive agricultural fields within 100 meters (390+ feet) in two directions.

The second borrow pit (OSMC-4), is about .25 hectare (.5 acre) in area, and 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 (~10 feet) 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 pit is shaded by large canopy of forest trees and changes in water level within the pit were minimal, even during the 2008 drought.

Bottomland forest occurs both along Gin Branch (OSMC-2) and Sandy Branch (OSMC-4). Much of the bottomland along Gin Branch has been inundated through the years by a series of beaver dams and has been replaced by a series of marshes and ponds. There remains a fringe of bottomland forest within the floodplain which consists of a mix of hardwoods including: River Birch, Boxelder (Acer negundo), Red Maple, as well as oaks, elm and ash. Black Willow, elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), Winterberry and Tag Alder (Alnus serrulata) grow in the wetland fringe and pond margins. Across the bottomland there are occasional dense stands of switch cane, but much of the bottomland forest along Gin Branch suffers from an infestation of Microstegium.

A creek bisects the Sandy Branch floodplain (OSMC-4). It has a rocky base in the upper sections which has formed a series of small waterfalls and pools as the creek descends into the floodplain. Eventually the floodplain widens and the creek forms a serpentine ribbon through the headwaters of a swamp before entering a beaver pond. Extensive deposits of sand suggest heavy sediment loading during flood stages. A lengthy section of the creek below the waterfalls disappeared during the latter part of the summer in 2008 as drought conditions persisted through August. Likely this is due to the sediments which have filled much of the lower creek bed. The creek has not been surveyed for aquatic species.

The bottomland forest along Sandy Branch remains intact and students from North Carolina State University conducted an inventory of the site in 2009. They identified a mixed forest dominated by Loblolly Pine, Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Water Oak (Quercus nigra) and River Birch. These trees averaged 45-56 years in age. Of note on the northernmost sector of the stand was a large Black Walnut Tree (Juglans nigra), 80 feet tall with a DBH of 30 inches. The students refrained from coring the tree but speculated that it was likely a boundary marker with an age of 150-200 years.

Beavers have not inundated the site and Sandy Branch itself ribbons through the floodplain. These bottomland forests, approximately 3.5 hectares (9 acres) in area, provide important habitat for wildlife species, some of which would disappear if the forests were completely inundated by beaver activity.

Sandy Branch flows from the east and merges directly into the beaver-impounded wetlands at the confluence of Gin Branch with Mark’s Creek. The floodplain is perhaps 30-50 meters (~100-175 feet) wide with a mix of switchcane (Arundinaria tecta), sedges, and Lizard’s Tail alternating with areas that have become infested with Microstegium. The switchcane stands are thick in some sections providing a sense of canebreak, reminiscent of a coastal plain environs. In other areas there is an inexplicable void of switchcane or understory vegetation. Much of this area has been colonized by Microstegium. Perhaps both sediment deposits and flooding have drowned stands of native vegetation allowing this invasive to secure a foothold.

Tree species are similar to those found along Gin Branch and include Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii). There many small sloughs and wet seeps throughout the bottomland with ferns, canebreaks, wetland plants and pockets of sphagnum moss growing throughout. Microstegium, however, is spreading across those sections of the floodplain that have been scoured by floods or have fresh deposits of sediment. A quick sampling of the sloughs filled with standing water has determined that many are used as breeding sites for Marbled and Spotted Salamanders, and Eastern Red-spotted Newts, but a detailed determination of their location and relative importance has not been done. This type of baseline study would be helpful for long-term management.

A few of the pools used by breeding salamanders appear to have trash and/or pollution concerns. One, described in the Bottomland Forest descriptor, has a history of trash dumping which includes glass, metal, cans and other debris. The site is used by both Marbled and Spotted Salamanders but the pool seems stagnant with a sheen developing over the water as the season progresses. Another series of pools is found at the base of a hill, along the extreme southeastern edge of the property in OSMC-4. This site is immediately adjacent to a private tract that was logged in the summer of 2009. These pools were found to have Spotted Salamander eggs in 2009, but none of the egg masses appeared to be viable. It is not clear what was affecting them.

Switchcane is an important and increasingly rare component of river floodplain forests, particularly in the Piedmont, and protection and enhancement of these stands is desirable. Aging of stems, deposition of sediments during floods and competition with Microstegium are likely negatively affecting the Switchcane in this bottomland forest.

4.5.4 Management Recommendations for Beaver Impounded Wetlands

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. For the most part little needs to be done to manage the beaver ponds themselves; beavers control the water levels according to their needs.

Wildlife that has benefitted from the beaver ponds is abundant along Mark’s Creek and Gin Branch. Snags have created opportunities for cavity-nesting birds, and downed snags provide basking sites for reptiles. Many of the original snags, however, have now rotted and fallen into the beaver ponds. This has reduced the number of natural nesting cavities, as well as the potential for future cavities, that are available for birds and other wildlife. The recent installation of Wood Duck boxes provides suitable nest sites for waterfowl, and also for Screech Owl, Great Crested Flycatcher and Flying Squirrel.

It is recommended that a minimum of 10 bird boxes be added across these beaver ponds to provide stable breeding cavities for Prothonotary Warbler, Tree Swallow, as well as other songbirds. Standard bluebird boxes are suitable for each of these species. These can be wired to existing trees within the marsh or over water, or be attached to posts. In addition, the installation of 4 boxes for Northern Flicker is recommended in order to attract that species to nest on site. The addition of a Purple Martin apartment in a meadow in OSMC-4 would provide nesting habitat that is currently lacking for this species. These nest boxes could be designed, constructed and installed by a volunteer group such as the Wake Audubon Society, or by a local scout troop as a service project.

The installation of nesting platform(s) for Osprey and/or Great Blue Heron is a bit more complicated, but the site might very well support these species as local nesters, particularly if the nest structures were situated on “island sites” within the flooded marshlands. These platforms should be installed on metal or treated wood poles, at least 15 feet above the ground, and protected with a predator guard.

Evidence of foraging by River Otter and Raccoon has been found at numerous locations along the beaver ponds. Muskrat have been observed swimming in the water and Mink are likely to be found as well. A variety of bats were also observed foraging above the ponds. These species can be expected to thrive as long as the beaver ponds remain ecologically intact. Some species of bat choose snags, abandoned buildings, and bridge structures for their roosts. Once again these roost sites are limited and declining in number at the site. Bat Houses could be added within or along the marshes at Gin Branch to supplement natural snags.

Beavers, however beneficial, can also 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 their foraging beyond the immediate edge of the floodplain. When beaver forage deeper into the forest, for example farther than 25 meters (80 feet) from the water’s edge, it may be a sign that food resources are becoming limited for the beaver population 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 sleeve (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, and/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 (read section on Bottomland Hardwood Forest), a staff member needs to walk along the tributary and note where beavers are harvesting trees or constructing dams in the floodplains. This should be performed annually and 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 immediately, 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.

Preventing inundation of the bottomland hardwood forest along Sandy Branch (OSMC-4) is the most important strategy so annual monitoring of beaver colonization is essential. Sandy Branch appears to be transporting large amounts of sediment and depositing them in the floodplain. The source of these sediments has not been determined. Thick sediments can impair the natural functions of a stream and alter the stream’s fauna. It would be useful to inventory the current fauna, both vertebrate and invertebrate, to develop a baseline for future comparisons. The Water Quality office of DENR should be invited to perform this function.

As the stream fills with sediments some of its rocky features, including the small waterfall area, may be lost. It is recommended that the source of the sediment be identified and that steps be taken to try to remedy erosion within the watershed.

Wetland pools in the bottomland forest which support breeding amphibians should be identified. It would be helpful to establish a hierarchy of importance for these pools based on numbers of amphibian larvae sampled at these sites over a few seasons. In addition water quality measurements should be taken to establish a baseline for these habitats. Those pools (described above) which are suspected of having pollution issues should be addressed as soon as possible (remove trash), and monitored for water quality and breeding success.

Enhancing the productivity and spread of switchcane stands is desirable. Controlled burns have been shown to rejuvenate switchcane in coastal plain communities and could used here, as well as removal of competing vegetation, including Microstegium. Switchcane stands are more robust when they receive greater amounts of sunlight, so selective removal of overstory could be considered. Planting of switchcane in selected areas where it no longer exists but soils have stabilized could also be considered. Sphagnum moss is another component species that appears to be struggling across the floodplain. It succumbs quickly when buried by sediments. Protecting pockets of sphagnum and encouraging it to spread will be a challenge.

Microstegium has infested those parts of the floodplain that have been scoured by flood waters or filled with sediments. This invasive plant will continue to spread across the bottomland without measures to control it. Privet is also found within the floodplain but is not yet abundant. It should be controlled before it spreads. (See USFS Gen Tech Rep SRS-62 for control methods).

Mosquito 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. It is also recommended that those sections of the borrow pit that are no longer under water should be maintained as early successional habitat rather than allowing it to revert to forest. This will help keep the borrow pit open to sunlight and decrease the likelihood that water within the borrow pit will be lost through evapo-tanspiration as the forest canopy develops. Woody vegetation growing within the borrow pit should be cut to ground level on a three year rotation. It is estimated this would take 8 hours of labor every third year.

OSMC-4 is a shaded pool and the source of its water remains uncertain. This borrow pit would respond differently if the gambusia were removed. Vegetation growth within the water is limited, and the pool is deep with 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 re-enter this pool from the adjacent tributary, especially during episodes of flooding, but that is not certain. It is well worth consideration to drain this borrow pit as well, with the intention to determine the source of water and monitor colonization by various species.

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: 12-16 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 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.
  

• 
  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.
  

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.

V. Appendix

Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a fungus and a photosynthesizing symbiont, with the latter being a green alga and/or a cyanobacterium. Because of the nature of this symbiosis, lichens function as part of the vegetation as primary producers in the ecosystem. Lichens can also serve as indicators of environmental health via their sensitivity to air pollution, since they receive all their nutrients from the atmosphere. Environmental assessment using lichens can be made from an inventory of their diversity and species composition, in particular the presence/absence of pollution-sensitive vs. pollution-tolerant species.

In June 2009 an intensive lichen inventory was initiated, sampling in preselected sites that represent the terrestrial natural communities at Turnipseed. In this survey, forested and rocky areas (i.e. granitic flatrocks and outcrops) are treated separately. At the time of this report, habitats in OSMC-3, OSMC-4, and OSMC-12 were surveyed; those in the larger OSMC-2 parcel will be surveyed in 2010. At each site all species encountered were documented with vouchers collected and deposited in the UNC Herbarium (NCU), North Carolina Botanical Garden, in Chapel Hill, NC. Collected specimens are currently being identified using laboratory techniques, with some set aside for determination by experts at outside institutions. A full report is expected by the time of the next three-year management plan in 2012.

Preliminary results include a total of about 195 potential species with 84 so far determined. This diversity is high due to the distinct lichen communities on shaded rocks, trees, downed logs and exposed flatrocks. In forested areas, lichens were found from the floor up into the canopy, with the latter represented by litterfall and downed trees. Crustose species such as Common Script Lichen (Graphis scripta), Surprise Lichen (Bacidia schweinitzii) and Speckled Blister Lichen (Trypethelium virens) dominated the shaded understory, whereas larger foliose species like ruffle lichens (Parmotrema spp.) were more characteristic of exposed habitats in the canopy and forest edges. Lichen diversity, broken down by growth form and habitat, is presented in Table 2; a full checklist is presented as an appendix.

Table 2. Lichen diversity of habitats in Turnipseed Road #1 Unit, categorized by growth form.

			Lichen spp.
Habitat	Site(s)	Parcel(s)	Crustose	Foliose	Fruticose
Beaver-impounded Wetlands	Not sampled	___	___	___	___
Bottomland Hardwood Forests	F-2	OSMC-4	32 (62%)	17 (33%)	3 (6%)
Borrow Pits	Not sampled	___	___	___	___
Granitic Flatrocks	RO-16, RO-17	OSC-4	22 (37%)	15 (26%)	22 (37%)
Granitic Boulders	R-11, R-12, RO-3, RO-7, RO-8, RO-9	OSMC-3, OSMC-4	13 (39%)	17 (52%)	4 (12%)
Powerline Corridor (forest edge)	P-1	OSMC-3	20 (54%)	14 (38%)	3 (8%)
Mixed Pine-Hardwood Stands	F-1, R-12, RO-3, RO-7, F-3	OSMC-3, OSMC-4	46 (58%)	24 (30%)	9 (11%)
Loblolly Pine Regeneration	F-4	OSMC-12	15 (63%)	8 (33%)	1 (4%)
Open Fields	Not sampled	___	___	___	___

Most species recorded were either pollution-neutral or of unknown sensitivity. The highest diversity of pollution-tolerant species, including the highly tolerant Candleflame Lichen (Candelaria concolor) and Mealy Rosette Lichen (Physcia millegrana) was found in the Powerline Corridor near Turnipseed Rd, yet overall they were not common. Moderately tolerant macrolichens (Flavoparmelia caperata, Punctelia rudecta) were more abundant than the highly tolerant species, and were found more throughout the areas surveyed. Pollution-sensitive cyanolichens (Collema, Leptogium, Nephroma) were found most abundantly beyond the ridge, away from the road. Pollution-tolerant : pollution-sensitive macrolichen species ratios are listed in Table 3.

Table 3. Site locations and approximated lichen sensitivity ratios.

Site	Latitude	Longitude	Pollution-tolerant : pollution-sensitive lichen species ratio
P-1	35° 44' 21" N	78° 25' 24" W	5:2
F-1	35° 44' 28" N	78° 25' 18" W	3:2
RO-3	35° 44' 19" N	78° 25' 14" W	1:4
F-2	35° 44' 22" N	78° 25' 13" W	3:3
F-3	35° 44' 24" N	78° 25' 04" W	0:3
F-4	35° 44' 29" N	78° 25' 01" W	2:1
Total			7:5

Two other important findings from this survey concern the unique and distinct communities on granitic flatrocks and the potential of new records and species. Lichens on flatrocks are unlike those in other habitats due to the relatively extreme exposures and patchiness of flatrock communities throughout the eastern Piedmont. Flatrocks and other habitats in the Piedmont have not been thoroughly inventoried of their lichen diversity, leaving the potential for new discoveries from new county records to new species to science. Several specimens from this survey are to be determined by outside experts, some of which may yield new discoveries.

Note: many lichen specimens from this survey have not yet been thoroughly examined, so some identifications are only preliminary and are subject to change. Likewise, the reported numbers are also preliminary.

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