Croatan Land and 

Resource Management Plan

Forest Plan Appendices 

USDA Forest Service 

Southern Region 

December 2002 
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Management Bulletin Number R8-MB-108B December 2002 

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Table of Contents: 

APPENDIX A: Ecological Classification System – Description, Use and Application 

(Management Areas) ............................................................................................................ 5

APPENDIX B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments...................................................... 55

APPENDIX C: Rare Species............................................................................................... 61

APPENDIX D: Land Adjustment...................................................................................... 73

APPENDIX E: Silvicultural Methods............................................................................... 75

APPENDIX F: Scenery Management System.................................................................. 85

APPENDIX G: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum .......................................................... 91

APPENDIX H: Aquatic Classification.............................................................................. 95

APPENDIX I: Timber Land Suitability Classification .................................................... 99

APPENDIX J: Wildland Urban Interface....................................................................... 103

APPENDIX K: Projected Financial Resource Needs ..................................................... 105

APPENDIX L: Monitoring Task Sheets ......................................................................... 107

APPENDIX M: Longleaf Old Growth ............................................................................. 113

APPENDIX N: Glossary.................................................................................................. 115

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APPENDIX A: Ecological Classification System –

Description, Use and Ap lication (Management Areas)

APPENDIX A: Ecological Classification System –

Description, Use and Appplication (Management Areas)

Introduction: Ecologically based land management requires classification of land into ecosystem 

components. The ecological classification described here organizes the landscape into units having 

similar topography, geology, soil, climate, and natural disturbance regimes. The premise is that these 

factors provide the environmental conditions that dictate biological responses, site potentials, and site 

limitations. The linking of biotic and abiotic elements allows for prediction of species suitability and 

productivity, identifies physical limitations of sites and critical habitats for wildlife, and highlights 

unique features of the land that might have important recreation and scientific value. 

The ecological classification, mapping, and inventory system used on the CNF describes and maps 

ecosystems at different scales. This type of multiscale system is tied to the National Hierarchical 

Framework of Ecological Units, “a regionalization, classification, and mapping system for stratifying 

the Earth into progressively smaller areas of increasingly uniform ecological potential” (ECOMAP, 

1993). In short, it provides a framework for implementing ecosystem management across physiographic 

regions, subregions, and local landscapes. Management is possible because individual ecosystem units 

can be compared with adjacent units and their patterns and relationships recognized at the landscape and 

land unit scales. 

At the landscape scale, ecological units are termed Landtype Associations and are identified and mapped 

based on similarities in geomorphic processes, geologic rock types, soil complexes, stream types, lakes, 

wetlands, and plant association patterns. At the land unit scale, ecological units are termed Landtypes 

and Landtype Phases and are identified and mapped based on topographic criteria, hydrologic 

characteristics, soil types, and plant associations and phases. The ecological classification starts by

acquiring data from resource maps on climate, geology, soils, water, and vegetation. The maps are 

combined along with available local knowledge to identify ecological patterns based on the relationships 

between the different resource components. 

Important Ecological Factors on the Croatan: Terrestrial ecosystems on the Croatan are distributed 

along gradients controlled by landform, soil moisture, fire frequency, and fertility. Lightning ignition, 

which once created most fires is no longer a significant factor in the landscape. Historic erosion 

following widespread logging, farming, and other land-clearing during European settlement has been 

comparable to that in the Piedmont region (Phillips 1995). Extensive land clearing has also reduced the 

natural distribution of many native species. As a result of these influences, the Croatan landscape, with 

its complex topography and soils, has lost some of the associated complex vegetation patterns. The 

losses obscure the relationships among landscape, soil, and vegetation that could be used to identify 

ecological types. 

The relationship between vegetation and its environment is crucial in any ecological classification 

system. While physical components such as soils and topography define environmental limits on 

ecosystems, plant communities define the biological potential for plants and animals. Knowing the 

potential of sites to support various mixtures of species is necessary for making sound decisions about 

management and sustainability. 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
The distribution of natural plant communities, or plant associations, has been used to classify land

throughout the United States. Plant associations are one ecological component and used on the CNF as 

a point of reference to define the equilibrium reached between vegetation and its environment. The 

sorting out of species and communities across the landscape over time, without man’s influence, reflects 

the role that natural processes and physical site limitations play in shaping ecosystems and allows us to 

better understand and describe these relationships. On the CNF we used an approximation of 

presettlement vegetation in evaluating these biotic and abiotic interactions. 

Classifying and Mapping Presettlement Vegetation: We use the term “presettlement” to describe 

‘natural’ or ‘original’ vegetation because it is more precise than “pre-Columbian”, which just means 

before 1492. First exposure of the land to European influences came much later in most of the South. In 

east Florida, for instance, presettlement means before 1565; in southeastern Virginia it means before

1607, and in the southern Appalachians it means before 1800. In the Croatan region, the first settlers 

arrived along the Neuse River between 1667 and 1700 (Lonsdale 1967). 

There is some question about what is meant by original vegetation, and, since vegetation is always in a 

state of change in response to disturbances or changes on some climatic scale, some question whether 

“original” means anything at all. This often-debated topic is addressed by Cecil Frost in his publication 

Presettlement Vegetation and Natural Fire Regimes on the Croatan National Forest (1996):

“On a human time scale there is considerable evidence that ‘original’ vegetation is a valid concept. We 

are presently in a warm interglacial period, and for as long as genus Homo has been evolving there have 

been glacial cycles. With each cycle there have been major geographic displacements of species, 

perhaps to form somewhat different community groupings in their new latitudes (Webb 1988). Some

species, like walnuts and hickories with heavy seeds, may take longer to migrate than those with light, 

windborne seeds, and species may be in somewhat continual adjustment at the fringes of their range, in 

response to minor climatic fluctuations. One possible conclusion then is that since vegetation is 

constantly in flux, presettlement vegetation is meaningless, as is any effort to preserve or restore 

examples. This is a close relative of the reasoning that concern over the extinction of species is 

misplaced because it is the natural course of species to arise, flourish, and then die off. This is the 

geological view taken to the extreme. On the time scale of human history, however, somewhat different 

conclusions are likely to be reached. 

Our southeastern plant communities began to sort out at around the same time as the beginning of 

recorded human history. The Wisconsin glacial epoch ended some 10,000 years age, and a climate with 

warm winters similar to those we now experience stabilized around 8,000 years ago. Most modern plant 

assemblages finished responding to these changes and have been in place for the past 6,000 years 

(Webb 1988). Minor Holocene climatic fluctuations like the “little ice age”, a slightly cooler period 

from AD 1450 to 1850, have produced no substantial shifts in the major plant formations. The natural 

communities found by the first explorers, then, had been in place for thousands of years. The species of 

which these communities were composed, themselves probably the products of hundreds of thousands 

of years of evolution, were the survivors of a number of glacial migrations, whereas literate human 

civilization has yet to experience its first glaciations. Given that these natural communities existed for 

all of human recorded history, it seems reasonable that these are the communities that we would want to 

perpetuate in natural areas. Some interglacial periods have lasted a hundred thousand years, and we are 

only 10,000 years in the current cycle, so the idea of abandonment of presettlement natural community

types is probably premature by up to 90 millennia. 

Neither is it appropriate to despair knowing what presettlement vegetation existed on a particular site. 

The goal of presettlement vegetation methods should be to get to some resolution useful at the site 

level.” 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
In the Southeastern U.S., it is possible to reconstruct original vegetation and natural fire regimes, even 

where human land uses have radically transformed upland vegetation. Given modern soil maps as a 

basis for examination of vegetation, and available historical background, a close approximation of the 

original forest can be obtained (Frost 1997). The “Pyrographic Method of Mapping Presettlement 

Vegetation” (Frost 1996), which was used on the CNF, includes steps: 

Assemble soil photomaps and historical data relating to disturbance and vegetation distribution. 

Sample remnant natural vegetation on each of the 51 soil series found on the Croatan.

Characterize fire effects in each kind of vegetation on each soil series. 

Identify fire-frequency indicator species and fire-frequency indicator plant communities. 

Develop a fire-frequency map. 

Use soil series to put boundaries on vegetation types. 

Reevaluate in the field and adjust; the method proceeds in an iterative manner recycling through steps 4-

6. 

Much of the field data for analysis were collected over a period of 12 years prior to this study. 

Approximately 90 days were spent in the field in the Croatan, and several times this amount in 

surrounding counties. 

A second approximation map of presettlement vegetation provided the starting point for ecological 

classification on the Croatan. There were 12 mappable types identified on the Croatan. They included: 

1) Hardwood Forests, 

2) Hardwood Slopes, 

3) Longleaf Pine Forest and Savanna (xeric, dry, and mesic), 

4) Longleaf Pine Wet Savanna, 

5) Salt Marsh, 

6) Brackish Marsh, 

7) Oligohaline Marsh, 

8) Maritime Forest, 

9) Mixed Pine Savanna and Pyrophytic Woodland, 

10) Pond Pine/Pocosin, 

11) Pond Pine Forest and Savanna, and 

12) Swamp Forest and Bottomland Hardwoods. 

These tentative ecological types were termed “soil/vegetation” groups. 

Defining Ecological Mapping Units from Soil Surveys: Each soil series was labeled with its 

corresponding vegetation type in a geographic information system (GIS). Since topography influences 

the spread and intensity of fires and therefore the potential vegetation type, there is not always a one-toone relationship between soil series and vegetation. For example, vegetation on the well-drained 

Autryville loamy sand ranges broadly depending upon landscape position and degree of slope. On 

rolling sands in the northwestern part of the Croatan, pure longleaf pine and mixed pine stands would 

occur. Along the White Oak River, on more steeply sloping sites, partially protected from fire by slope 

and bodies of water, hardwood slope forests would occur with mixed oak, hickories, and distinctly nonpyrophytic species like red buckeye and umbrella magnolia. The GIS was used to calculate acres within 

each soil series/vegetation map unit. These data were combined in a database along with soil series 

name, drainage, surface texture, subsurface texture, soil classification, vegetation type, rare species 

7 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
occurrence, and tree productivity. Data analysis and map displays revealed additional soil and 

vegetation correlations and patterns. Some types were aggregated into Landtypes (all Marshes), and 

most were further separated into Landtype Phases. Soil drainage and texture were the primary criteria 

used for separating types. Some examples include: Mixed Pine - separated into 5 Landtype Phases, 

Longleaf Pine Forest and Savanna - 3 Landtype Phases, and Pond Pine/Pocosin - 3 Landtype Phases. 

A total of 10 Landtype Associations, 13 Landtypes, and 26 Landtype Phases were classified and mapped 

in the Croatan area. 

Landtype Associations (LTAs) were mapped by aggregating Landtypes. Most LTAs were identified 

using a variety of factors. These factors included topography (3 LTAs), stream density (2 LTAs), 

vegetation diversity (2 LTAs), Landtype pattern (2 LTAs), aquatic systems (2 LTAs), geology (1 LTA), 

and landform (1 LTA). Landtype Associations are summarized in Table 1 and described in Section 2.1. 

Landtypes were based on the refinement of soil/vegetation groups using soil drainage and texture as 

primary design criteria. Landtypes are described in Section 2.2. 

Landtype Phases were subdivisions of Landtypes based on soil organic matter, soil drainage and texture, 

and timber productivity. Landtype Phases are described in Section 2.2. 

ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION HIERARCHY

National Hierarchy of Ecological Units: 

DOMAIN 200 - HUMID TEMPERATE 

DIVISION 230 - SUBTROPICAL 

PROVINCE 232 - OUTER COASTAL PLAIN MIXED FOREST 

SECTION 232C - ATLANTIC COASTAL FLATWOODS

SUBSECTION 232Cb - LOWER TERRACES 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb01 - New Bern-Havelock Dissected Lowlands 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb02 - Central Pocosin and Lakes 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb03 - Stella-White Oak Dissected Lowlands 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb04 - Bogue-Newport Paleo Shoreline 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb05 - Newport River Tidal Transition 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb06 - Neuse River System

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb07 - Wet Forest-Pocosin Transition 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb09 - Onslow-Outer Banks 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Cb10 - Simmons Corner Wet Forest Transition 

SUBSECTION 232Ch - TIDAL AREA 

LANDTYPE ASSOCIATION 232Ch08 - Pamlico Terrace 

LLaannddttyyppeeAAssssoocciiaattiioonnss::

232Cb01 - New Bern-Havelock Dissected Lowlands Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 102,000 acres in size and occurs in Craven and 

Jones Counties. It occupies 15,700 acres or 10% of the Croatan National Forest. 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Distinguishing features: Highly dissected landscape, clayey soils of wet places (aquults) and clayey 

soils not saturated > 90 days (udults) are common, high stream density, and a diverse flora with a large 

proportion of mixed hardwood-pine. 

Primary design criteria: Topography - dissected and undissected interstream flats with low relief. 

Stream Density -high density with low gradient but relatively steep drainage side slopes. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Rains-Goldsboro-Lynchburg—nearly level, poorly drained 

to moderately well-drained soils with loamy or clayey subsoil, Lenoir-Craven-Leaf—nearly level and 

gently sloping, moderately well-drained to poorly drained soils with a clayey and loamy subsoil. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - Mixed hardwood-pine, mixed wet pine (pond, loblolly, longleaf), 

mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, mixed mesic hardwoods (beech-oak), swamps forests, and 

pond pine forests. 

232Cb02 - Central Pocosin Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 73,000 acres in size and occurs in Craven, 

Jones, and Carteret Counties. It occupies 63,160 acres or 38% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Landscape is dominated by a very large, raised peatland having parent material 

consisting almost completely of decomposed plant remains and saturated with water for 6 months or 

more of the year (saprists). These soils are very infertile and dominated by pond pine and evergreen 

shrub communities. 

Primary design criteria: Topography/soils - large raised peatland. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Croatan-Dare—nearly level, very poorly drained mucky 

soils on uplands having 16”-51” and > 51” of organic surface material. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - High and low pocosin with occasional Atlantic white cedar forest. 

Evergreen shrub communities are dominated by pond pine, loblolly bay, fetterbush, zenobia, and ti-ti. 

232Cb03 - Stella-White Oak Dissected Lowlands Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 36,000 acres in size and occurs in Jones and 

Carteret Counties. It occupies 15,980 acres or 10% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Dissected landscape with major streams, aquults and udults, and a diverse flora 

with a large proportion of mesic longleaf pine, mixed wet pine (loblolly, pond, longleaf), and swamp 

forests. 

Primary design criteria: Topography - dissected and undissected interstream flats with low relief. 

Stream Density - high. Diversity and complexity - diverse vegetation and complex, varied soils. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Rains-Goldsboro-Lynchburg—nearly level, poorly drained 

to moderately well-drained soils that have a loamy or clayey subsoil; Torhunta-Pantego-Rains—nearly 

level, very poorly drained and poorly drained loamy soils; Baymeade-Onslow-Lynchburg—nearly level 

to gently sloping, well drained to somewhat poorly drained, sandy and loamy soils. 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Vegetation: Potential communities - dry to wet longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, mixed wet 

pine/evergreen shrubs, pond pine-loblolly bay, cypress-gum swamps, and tidal marshes. 

232Cb04 - Bogue-Newport Paleo Shoreline 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 33,000 acres in size and occurs in Carteret 

County. It occupies 16,000 acres or 10% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Highly patterned landscape dominated by ridges and swales that reflect the old 

ocean shoreline since inundated by water. A large proportion of deep sandy, very poorly drained soils 

without an organic surface horizon but with a spodic horizon (aquods) and soils on well sorted sands 

(psamments). These sandy soils are dominated by pond pine/evergreen shrubs and longleaf pine 

savannas. 

Primary design criteria: Landscape pattern - matrix of pocosin on mineral soil with numerous small and 

medium patches of pine savannas and flatwoods; extensive ridge and swale network. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Leon-Murville-Mandarin—nearly level to gently sloping, 

poorly drained, very poorly drained, and somewhat poorly drained, sandy soils that have a subsoil in 

which organic matter has accumulated; Wando-Seabrook-Kureb—nearly level to gently sloping, well 

drained, moderately well drained, and excessively drained sandy soils. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - pond pine pocosin and canebrake, wet longleaf pine savannas and 

flatwoods, dry to xeric longleaf pine savannas, mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, and 

maritime live oak and yaupon. 

232Cb05 - Newport River Tidal Transition Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 22,000 acres in size and occurs in Carteret 

County. It occupies 4,460 acres or 7% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Landscape with a wide but short coastal river that is tidally influenced and 

having estuaries, swamps, and associated uplands. A large portion of aquults, udults, and black or peaty 

wet soils with weathered horizons in acid, sediments (humaquents). 

Primary design criteria: Aquatic system - coastal, tidal river and estuaries. Disturbance - highly 

urbanized landscape. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Baymeade-Onslow-Lynchburg—nearly level to gently 

sloping, well drained to somewhat poorly drained, sandy and loamy soils; Masontown-Dorovan—nearly 

level, very poorly drained, mucky soils that are frequently flooded; Torhunta-Pantego-Rains—nearly 

level, very poorly drained and poorly drained, loamy soils. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, cypress-gum swamps, 

wet longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, tidal marshes, mixed wet pines (pone, loblolly, longleaf), and 

pond pine forests. 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
232Cb06 - Neuse River System Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is 23,000+ acres in size and occurs in Craven and Pamlico 

Counties. It forms a large part of the Croatan National Forests eastern boundary but is entirely outside 

of the proclamation boundary. 

Distinguishing features: Tidally influenced zone of a very large coastal river. 

Primary design criteria: Aquatic system - coastal, tidal river with poorly developed estuary system. 

Associated criteria: There are no uplands in this LTA. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - oligohaline and fresh water marshes along shoreline. 

232Cb07 - Wet Forest-Pocosin Transition Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 82,000 acres in size and occurs in Craven, 

Jones, and Carteret Counties. It occupies 45,160 acres or 28% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: A band of undissected, wet flatlands that form a perimeter around a large 

interior raised peatland and a transition to highly dissected lower lying uplands. A large proportion of 

aquults, aquepts, and saprists. 

Primary design criteria: Hydrology - extensive poorly drained to very poorly drained wetlands and 

wetland transitions. Vegetation - dominance by pond pine forests. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Pantego-Torhunta—nearly level, very poorly drained soils 

that have a loamy subsoil; Rains-Pantego-Torhunta—nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly 

drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; Leaf-Bayboro—nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly 

drained soils that have clayey and loamy subsoil. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - Pond pine-loblolly bay forests, pond pine pocosin, wet longleaf 

pine savannas and flatwoods, and cypress-gum swamps. 

232Cb08 - Pamlico Surface Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 38,300+ acres in size and occurs in Craven and 

Carteret Counties. It occupies 710 acres or less than 1% of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Younger marine terrace with a large portion of aquults and gray and mottled, 

water saturated (aqualfs). This LTA is more properly placed in Subsection 232Ch-Tidal Area but is 

included here because of its very limited extent on the Croatan. 

Primary design criteria: Geology - late Pleistocene to Holocene (other Croatan LTAs are late 

Pleistocene). 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Altavista-Augusta-Tomotley—nearly level, moderately 

well drained to poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil, on stream terraces; Deloss-Tomotley11 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Arapahoe—nearly level, very poorly drained and poorly drained, loamy soils on low marine and stream

terraces. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - Pond pine-loblolly bay forests, mixed mesic hardwoods (beechoaks), pond pine pocosin. 

232Cb09 - Onslow-Outer Banks Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 27,000 acres in size and occurs in Carteret 

County. It is entirely outside of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Active beach, barrier islands and sound. Dominance by psamments. 

Primary design criteria: Landform - barrier island. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Newhan-Corolla-Beaches—nearly level to moderately 

steep excessively drained and moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained, sandy soils and 

beaches, on the Outer Banks; Lafitte-Hobucken-Carteret—nearly level, very poorly drained, mucky and 

sandy soils, in marshes flooded frequently by salt water. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - Maritime Evergreen Forest, Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest 

(Schafale and Weakley 1990), live oak and yaupon, salt and oligohaline marshes. 

232Cb10 - Simmons Corner Wet Forest Transition Landtype Association 

General location/description: This LTA is approximately 16,440+ acres in size and occurs in Craven 

County. It is entirely outside of the Croatan National Forest. 

Distinguishing features: Landscape with relatively small raised peatlands intermixed with very poorly 

drained soils supporting pond pine forests. A high proportion of aquults, aquods, and saprists. 

Primary design criteria: Landscape pattern - matrix of poorly to very poorly drained sandy, loamy, and 

clayey soils with patches of raised peatlands. 

Associated criteria: Soil series associations - Murville-Ponzer-Leon—nearly level and gently sloping, 

very poorly drained and poorly drained, sandy soils and nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soils, 

on stream terraces; Leaf-Bayboro—nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly drained soils that have a 

clayey and loamy subsoil; Dare—nearly level, very poorly drained soils with a > 51” organic surface. 

Vegetation: Potential communities - Pond pine-loblolly bay forests, pond pine pocosin and canebrake, 

wet longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, and cypress-gum swamps. 

LLAANNDDTTYYPPEESSaannddLLaannddttyyppeePPhhaasseess--LLIISSTT

01 - TIDAL STREAMS AND ESTUARIES (landtype) 

0101 - Salt and brackish marshes (landtype phase) 

0102 - Brackish to oligohaline marshes 

0103 - Oligohaline marshes 

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Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
02 - LAKE AND STREAM SWAMPS 

0204 - Deep organic stream and lake cypress-gum swamps 

0205 - Mucky small stream cypress-gum swamps 

03 - STREAM AND RIVER TERRACES 

0306 - Partially protected, dry-mesic hardwoods on well-drained loamy sands 

0307 - Very protected, mesic hardwoods on somewhat poorly drained loams 

04 - DRAINAGE SLOPES 

0408 - Well-drained dry-mesic hardwood slopes 

0409 - Well-drained to mod. well-drained dry-mesic hardwood lower slopes 

05 - DRAINAGE HEADLANDS AND INTERSTREAM FLATS 

0510 - Well-drained dry-mesic mixed hardwood-pine on sands 

0511 - Mod. well-drained mesic mixed hardwood-pine on loams and sands 

0512 - Somewhat poorly drained mixed hardwood-pine on loams 

06 - BROAD INTERSTREAM FLATS 

0613 - Somewhat poorly drained mesic mixed pine on loams 

0614 - Poorly to very poorly drained wet mixed pine on loams and sands 

07 - PEAT-MANTLED FORESTED WETLANDS 

0715 - Poorly drained pond pine forest on fine sandy and silt loams 

0716 - Very poorly drained pond pine forest on fine sandy loams 

08 - RAISED PEATLANDS 

0817 - Low pocosin on broad, very deep peatlands 

0818 - High pocosin and canebrake on broad, moderately deep peatlands 

0819 - Low to high pocosin & canebrake on mucky mineral soils 

09 - WET SAVANNAS AND FLATWOODS 

0920 - Poorly drained longleaf pine ridges and flats on loams 

0921 - Poorly drained longleaf pine ridges and flats on sands 

10 - MESIC SAVANNAS AND FLATWOODS 

1022 - Moderately well-drained longleaf pine flats on sands and loams 

1023 - Somewhat poorly drained longleaf pine flats on sands and loams 

11 - DRY-MESIC SAVANNAS 

1124 - Well-drained longleaf pine ridges and flats on fine and loamy sands 

12 - XERIC SAVANNAS 

1225 - Excessively drained longleaf pine sand ridges 

13 - MARITIME RIDGE AND DUNE FOREST 

1326- Well-drained to moderately well-drained maritime oak-pine sand ridges 

14 - BEACHES & DUNES (not on Forest) 

15 - WATER, 

16 - URBAN AREAS and other HIGHLY DISTURBED AREAS 

LLaannddttyyppeessaannddLLaannddttyyppeePPhhaasseess --DDeessccrriippttiioonnss

Tidal Streams And Estuaries-01 

General Description - Salt, brackish, and brackish-fresh water marshes associated with the coastal 

estuarine systems that are dominated by sedges, grasses, and herbs. Salt marshes occur at the lowest 

elevations within the LT where tidal influence is greatest. At the highest elevations within the LT, salt 

13 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
influence is minimal and species diversity is higher. The LT occupies approximately 1,200 acres within 

the CNF boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Tidal streams are long and narrow in shape while estuaries are irregular 

and broad. 

Disturbance - Flooding is the major disturbance. Tidal waters affect salinity and influence the 

distribution of communities and species along a salt tolerance gradient. These marshes originally 

experienced frequent fires, which started in the fire-exposed and flammable upland communities. Some

marshes that are dominated by only 1 or 2 species, such as black needlerush, show large increases in 

species richness when burned. The marsh-upland transition also shows signs of fire suppression, being 

dominated in places by cedar, loblolly pine, and wax myrtle.

Rare Elements - This LT has suitable habitat for beaked spikerush, a rare plant. 

Wildlife - Marshlands are an important part of the coastal ecosystems and important breeding and 

feeding habitat for the birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals that depend on estuarine habitat. They 

connect to the marsh islands south of the Forest that support wading bird rookeries and gull, tern, and 

skimmer colonies. Marshes on the Croatan support terns, gulls, egrets, herons, osprey, water snakes, 

raccoon, river otter, and marsh rabbit. 

Management Considerations - Management concerns relate to protection of the important functions that 

these coastal estuarine systems provide, especially nutrient cycling, energy production, and habitat. 

Areas with regular daily lunar tides have a regular input of nutrients, which makes them highly 

productive. The marsh plants contribute nutrients to the estuaries benefiting fish and shellfish and 

provide habitat for wetland wildlife. 

Variations - This LT includes 3 landtype phases (LTP) separated on differences in salinity, drainage, 

and vegetation. 

0101 - Salt And Brackish Marshes 

This LTP is strongly influenced by tidal flooding. Water salinity ranges from 5 to 35 parts per thousand. 

It supports dense black needle rush stands, sometimes with patches of salt grass. Sites occur in the 

lower White Oak River and Mill Creek at elevations less than 2 feet above sea level. Soils are 

predominately Hobucken muck. A small amount of Carteret sand occur in the lowest elevations. 

0102 - Brackish To Oligohaline Marshes 

This LTP is mostly confined to small areas near the mouths of streams and small swamp drainages. 

Water salinity ranges from 5 to 30+ parts per thousand. Sites are dominated by black needle rush or 

saltmeadow cordgrass or occasionally by big cordgrass or sawgrass. A majority of the LTP occurs 

along the Neuse River estuary in Cahooque Creek, Little John Creek, Gum Branch, and the White Oak 

River at elevations less than 2 feet above sea level. Soils are Lafitte muck. 

14 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
0103 - Oligohaline Marshes 

This is the largest LTP and is concentrated at the uppermost reaches of marsh along the White Oak 

River at elevations less than 5 feet above sea level. Water salinity varies from .5 to 5 parts per thousand. 

Within the marsh system in the region, over 300 species occur and most of these occur on the Croatan. 

Soils are Hobonny muck. A portion of this type is succeeding to trees and shrubs. 

Lake And Stream Swamps-02 

General Description - Cypress and hardwood swamps associated with small to moderately large 

streams, and nonriverine wetlands on lake margins, and upland depressions. This LT is located 

throughout the Croatan occurring on approximately 7,900 acres within the CNF boundary. These 

wetlands are seasonally to semipermanently flooded. The water table is mostly at or near the soil 

surface. Flow regimes are mostly variable, with floods of short to long duration and periods of very low 

flow. Water is colored by tannins but relatively clear, mostly very acidic, low in mineral sediment, and 

low in nutrients. This LT may also occur in fire-tension zones around the periphery of large peatlands, 

in depression ponds dominated by cypress and in small bottomland sites. The bottomland forest types 

were too small and complex to map. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Swamps appear as meandering linear arms with many small tributary 

branches radiating out from the central raised peatland or as oval patches along lake shores. 

Disturbance - Low intensity, small-scale disturbances are most common although occasional large-scale 

hurricanes are probable. These normally result in major losses to hardwoods. Except during years of 

extreme drought, these sites are protected from fire due to their wetness or position adjacent other 

wetlands. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported a variety of swamp forest types, with mixtures of 

baldcypress, swamp black gum, and ash. Some of the best presettlement examples occur around the 

peripheries of all the Croatan lakes, where the lakes acts as a natural firebreak. Stream swamps included 

sweetbay, swamp redbay, ti-ti, fetterbush, coastal sweet-pepperbush, American holly, ironwood, dwarf 

palmetto, Virginia chainfern, netted chainfern, and sphagnum moss. Near tidal areas, eastern red cedar, 

wax myrtle, and cane dominated patches in the understory. 

Existing Vegetation - In most areas, cypress has been removed through logging before the end of the 19th

century. This led to rapid closure of the canopy by hardwoods, most notably swamp tupelo and water 

tupelo. 

Rare Elements - Rare plants include Long’s bittercress, cypress knee sedge, and mannagrass. Rare 

animals in or near swamps include anhinga, double-breasted cormorant, Neuse river waterdog, and 

American alligator. 

Wildlife - This LT can provide important nesting, foraging and hiding areas for many species including 

black bear, numerous reptiles, red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, Acadian 

flycatcher, red-eyed vireo, northern parula warbler, black-throated green warbler, prothonotary warbler, 

worm-eating warbler, hooded warbler, and Swainson’s warbler. 

15 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Management Considerations - Flooding occurs frequently for long periods and reduces the probability 

of cypress regeneration but also curtails invasion of more shade tolerant species. Stocking levels may be 

low, and tree growth is generally only moderate for sweetgum, oaks, and loblolly pine. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil and flooding regimes. 

0204 - Deep Organic Stream And Lake Cypress-Gum Swamps 

This LTP occurs on approximately 2,100 acres. Soils are Dorovan muck having organic matter 80 

inches thick. Tree growth is poor in this LTP and the risk of subsidence and ground fire is significantly 

increased if the sites are drained. 

0205 - Mucky Small Stream Cypress-Gum Swamps 

This LTP occurs on approximately 5,700 acres. Soils are Masontown mucky fine sandy loam, Muckalee 

loam, and Bayboro mucky loam. The mucky loam surfaces are thick and overlay sands or loams. These 

swamps are moderately productive sites for Cypress, Sweetgum, Carolina ash, wet-site oaks, and 

loblolly. 

Stream And River Terraces-03 

General Description - This LT includes partially fire-protected terraces associated with stream swamps 

and rivers and dominated by mesophytic hardwoods. This LT is located in the eastern and western 

edges of the Croatan occurring on approximately 2,700 acres within the Forest boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - The terraces are mostly low and inconspicuous. The most extensive 

ones are associated with the Suffolk scarp. Here and elsewhere on the Croatan the LT appears as 

irregularly shaped 50-300 acre patches dissected by streams. 

Disturbance - Disturbance regimes include frequent, windthrow gaps of one or a few overstory trees and 

periodic larger-scale disturbances in the form of hurricanes. Under natural fire regimes, fire frequency 

was between 7-12 years. Significant erosion has been reported on Norfolk soils in this LT (Phillips 

1995). 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT was dominated by hardwoods distributed according to a fire-effects 

gradient. Historical accounts mention upland oaks and hickories on fire protected sites only. On sites 

completely protected from fire, beech was dominate although these same soils in other fire exposed 

landscapes would be dominated by longleaf pine. In less fire exposed areas, white oak, southern red, 

pignut hickory and mockernut hickory were common. 

Existing Vegetation - With modern fire suppression, there has been a general increase in the proportion 

of hardwoods to pines, across all soils and landscape positions. Current forest composition in this LT is 

variable and may include sites dominated by American beech, tulip poplar, bitternut hickory, pignut 

hickory and white oak. Understory trees include hop hornbeam, American holly, flowering dogwood, 

blue beech and sourwood while understory herbs include horse sugar, christmas fern, southern lady fern, 

partridgeberry, and indian cucumber-root. 

16 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Rare Elements - No rare plants have been documented in this LT. Rare animals in or near terraces 

include pine barrens treefrog, Carter’s Noctuid moth, and Southeastern cane borer moth. 

Wildlife - This LT can provide habitat for a significant number of wildlife species including southern 

toad, eastern box turtle, black bear, wild turkey, black-throated green warbler, worm-eating warbler, 

barred owl, red-eyed vireo, ovenbird, yellow-billed cuckoo, red-bellied woodpecker, downy 

woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, Acadian flycatcher, blue-gray knatcatcher, 

wood thrush, prothonotary warbler, hooded warbler, summer tanager, and Kentucky warbler. 

Management Considerations - Little to no timber management has occurred in this LT during the last 50 

years because the hardwoods were considered of low commercial value in comparison to pines and had 

a higher value as wildlife habitat. There are opportunities for restoration of the hardwoods within the LT 

on sites that have been converted to loblolly pine. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in drainage and site protection. 

0306 - Partially Protected, Dry Mesophytic Hardwoods On Well-Drained Loamy Sands 

This LTP occurs on partially fire-sheltered sites on well-drained soils with mostly sandy subsoil 

horizons. Soils include: Autryville loamy sand, Norfolk loamy fine sand, State loamy sand, Kenansville 

loamy fine sand, and Conetoe loamy sand. Included here are also small fire-protected islands on 

excessively drained Alpin fine sand where fire is important but limited to light surface types. Some of 

these areas support pyrophytic woodlands and mixed oak-pine types. Productivity of oaks, loblolly 

pine, and longleaf pine is moderate on sites where soils have not been severely eroded.

0307 - Very Protected, Mesophytic Hardwoods On Mod. Well-Drained To Poorly Drained Loams 

This LTP occurs on highly fire-sheltered sites on soils with clayey subsoil horizons. Soils include 

poorly drained Tomotley fine sandy loam, somewhat poorly drained Altavista fine loamy sand, and 

moderately well-drained Augusta fine sandy loam. Productivity of oaks, sweetgum, and loblolly pine is 

high while productivity of longleaf pine and pond pine is moderate. 

Drainage Slopes-04 

General Description - This LT includes slopes between drainages and uplands dominated by dry-mesic 

and mesic hardwoods. The LT is small in extent and located in peripheral areas of CNF. It occurs on 

approximately 1,000 acres within the Forest boundary. The most extensive sites are along the White 

Oak River, Holston Creek, and Cahooque Creek. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Although many sites are too small to map, the type is conspicuous on the 

ground. It consists of narrow sinuous bands on rolling slopes along drainages in highly dissected 

topography. 

Disturbance - Disturbance regimes include frequent, windthrow gaps of one or a few overstory trees and 

periodic larger-scale disturbances in the form of hurricanes. Most fires reaching this LT are backing 

fires originating from the uplands. The steep slopes restrict fire flow. The modest degree of fire 

protection offered by the slopes leads to small narrow bands of forests transitional between the betterprotected stream terraces and the fire-exposed uplands. Significant erosion from past land clearing and 

agriculture has been reported in the Norfolk and Craven soils in this LT (Phillips 1985). 

17 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Presettlement Vegetation - In presettlement forests, there were few areas of natural mesophytic upland 

hardwood on the CNF except for ravines like Island Creek, a few uplands isolated by swamps, and 

narrow bands of rolling slopes along streams. Typical species were white oak, mockernut hickory, 

pignut hickory, swamp white oak, cherrybark oak, and beech. 

Existing Vegetation - Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory or Basic Mesic Forests (Schafale and Weakley 1990) 

where white oak, black oak, pignut hickory, and red hickory dominate. Herbs are usually sparse and 

include heartleafs, downy rattlesnake orchid, pipsissewa, woodland tick-trefoil, and rattlesnake 

hawkweed. 

Rare Elements - Rare species include eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Carolina spleenwort. 

Wildlife - This LT can provide habitat for a significant number of wildlife species similar to those found 

in the adjacent stream terraces. These include southern toad, eastern box turtle, black bear, wild turkey, 

red-eyed vireo, ovenbird, yellow-billed cuckoo, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, pileated 

woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, Acadian flycatcher, blue-gray knatcatcher, wood thrush, 

prothonotary warbler, hooded warbler, summer tanager, Kentucky warbler, and barred owl. 

Managements Considerations - Little to no timber management has occurred in this LT during the last 

50 years, the hardwoods being considered of low commercial value in comparison to pines and having a 

higher value as wildlife habitat. The slopes are relatively gentle and would not restrict equipment use. 

Many silvicultural systems for managing hardwoods have proven successful elsewhere and could be 

used to maintain and improve wildlife habitat in this LT. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil drainage. 

0408 - Well-Drained Dry-Mesic Hardwood Slopes 

This LTP occurs on somewhat fire-sheltered sites on well-drained soils with loamy sand, surface 

horizons. They include: Autryville loamy sand, Suffolk loamy sand, and Norfolk loamy fine sand. This 

LTP occurs on all slope positions. Productivity of oaks, loblolly pine, and longleaf pine is moderate. 

0409 - Well-Drained To Mod. Well-Drained Mesic Hardwood Toeslopes 

This LTP is very limited in size, occupying less than 25 acres on the Forest. It occurs on somewhat firesheltered sites on the moderately well-drained Craven silt loams. This LTP is more oriented to lower 

slope positions. 

Drainage Headlands And Interstream Flats-05 

General Description - This LT includes dissected headlands and undissected interstream flats dominated 

by mixed mesic pine-hardwoods. It is located on the periphery of the CNF occupying approximately 

2,300 acres within the Forest boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Irregular shaped patches hundreds of acres in size. They have more 

undulating boundaries at the head of drainages where they are dissected by stream tributaries. Between 

and above drainages they are typically not dissected by stream tributaries and appear broader. 

Disturbance - This LT occurs along the broad middle section of the fire frequency/fire effects 

continuum which ranges from pure longleaf pine, to mixed pine savanna, to somewhat fire-protected 

18 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
woodlands, to very fire-sheltered forests. Fire was the most common disturbance in this LT and its 

frequency was variable, probably ranging from every 5 to 12 years. Most of the better soils (finer 

textured sands and loams) within this LT were converted to agriculture 100 to 200 years ago. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported mixed pine savannas that included hardwoods and the 4 

most common pine species on the Croatan, pond pine, longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and shortleaf pine. 

Existing Vegetation - Only small remnants of mixed pine-hardwood persist today. In the past, many of 

these sites were considered loblolly sites, and fire-suppressed or actually converted to loblolly. 

Rare Elements - Rare plants include Carolina asphodel, sessile yellow stargrass, Venus’s flytrap, scaleleaf gerardia, Carolina triodia, spike triodia, and spring-flowering goldenrod. Rare animals in or near 

this LT include; red-cockaded woodpecker, and Florida Adder’s moth. 

Wildlife - Common species include: red-eyed verio, ovenbird, yellow-billed cuckoo, red-bellied 

woodpecker, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, 

eastern bluebird, pine warbler, common flicker, bobwhite quail, and eastern screech-owl. 

Managements Considerations - Management concerns in this LT relate to past site degradation due to 

farming and subsequent erosion. Significant erosion from past land clearing and agriculture has been 

reported in the Norfolk and Craven soils especially along Pine Cliff Road and at Island Creek (Phillips 

1985). The relatively high potential site productivity in this LT may have been reduced through 

truncation of surface soil horizons. These soils may also compact when wet, causing deep ruts, poor 

surface drainage, and lower productivity. 

Variations - This LT includes 3 landtype phases separated on differences in soil drainage and texture. 

0510 - Well-Drained Dry-Mesic Mixed Pine-Hardwood On Sands 

This LTP occurs on interfluvs and drainage headlands with well-drained soils having a clay loam or 

sandy loam subsoil. They include: Norfolk loamy fine sand, State loamy sand, Autryville loamy sand, 

and Conetoe loamy sand. Minor components of Seabrook loamy sand are also included. Loblolly pine 

and longleaf pine productivity is moderately high; pond pine is low, and oaks and sweetgum

productivity is moderate to high. 

0511 - Moderately Well-Drained Mesic Mixed Pine-Hardwood With Clayey Subsoils 

This LTP occurs on broader interfluvs with moderately well-drained sandy and loamy soils with silty 

clay or sandy clay subsoils. They include: Goldsboro loamy fine sand, Craven silt loam, Exum very fine 

sandy loam, and Altivista fine loamy sand. Productivity of longleaf pine, sweetgum, and oaks is high; 

loblolly productivity is very high. 

0512 - Somewhat Poorly Drained Mixed Hardwood-Pine With Clayey Subsoils 

This LTP occurs on broad interfluvs with somewhat poorly drained loamy soils with clayey subsoils. 

They include Nahunta loam, and Augusta fine sandy loam, and small amounts of Johns fine sandy loam. 

Productivity of loblolly pine and pond pine is high while only moderate for sweetgum and oaks. 

19 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Broad Interstream Flats-06 

General Description - This LT includes wet, undissected uplands dominated by mixed pines. It is 

located throughout the Croatan, occupying approximately 8,000 acres. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Irregular shaped patches from fifty to hundreds of acres in size situated 

between and above drainages; typically not dissected by stream tributaries. Where stream density is 

high, this LT appears long and broad and lies adjacent to more well-drained interstream flats or ridges. 

Disturbance - Fire was the most common disturbance in this LT and its frequency was variable, 

probably ranging from every 5 to 12 years. Historically, these moist mineral flats, too wet to farm, were 

logged, grew up in loblolly pine, and were fire suppressed. Today, hurricanes may cause extensive 

damage in the overstocked older loblolly stands in this LT. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported mixed pine savannas and flatwoods that included pond 

pine, longleaf pine, and loblolly pine. It would have experienced fire at only slightly lower frequency 

than longleaf pine flatwoods, and still would have been a two-layered community, with trees over grass. 

Existing Vegetation - Only small remnants of mixed pine savanna persist today. They are hard to 

distinguish from fire-suppressed former longleaf pine communities that have been logged and invaded 

by other pine species. Most are dominated by loblolly pine and pond pine with a dense tall shrub and 

hardwood layer in the understory. Understory species include inkberry, sweetgum, and water oak. 

Some of the more heavily stocked loblolly pine stands on the CNF occur in this LT. 

Rare Elements - Rare plants include Venus’s flytrap, whorled loosestrife, Carolina asphodel and springflowering goldenrod. Rare animals in or near these broad flats include; red-cockaded woodpecker, 

Bachman’s sparrow, and mimic glass lizard. This LT and the LT-05 have the highest occurrence of 

spring-flowering goldenrod on the CNF, a species adapted to wet and open conditions. 

Wildlife - Common species include: eastern wood-pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, eastern bluebird, 

pine warbler, common flicker, bobwhite quail, and eastern screech-owl.

Managements Considerations - Management concerns in this LT relate to site wetness and operability, 

midstory competition, and hurricane damage. Equipment use may be limited to only the drier months 

since the clayey subsoils on these wet sites are prone to compaction. Site wetness may also limit 

regeneration of longleaf pine. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil drainage. 

0613 - Somewhat Poorly Drained Mesic Mixed Pine On Loams 

This LTP occurs on interfluvs with somewhat poorly drained soils having clayey subsoils. They 

include: Lenoir silt loam and Lynchburg fine sandy loam. Productivity of loblolly pine is very high, 

while only moderate for longleaf pine, pond pine, oaks, and sweetgum. Compaction may be a concern 

in the Lenoir soils. Logging when the soil is wet causes compaction that may lead to reduced 

productivity. 

20 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
0614 - Poorly Drained Wet Mixed Pine On Loams And Sands 

This LTP occurs on broad interfluvs with poorly drained soils with clayey or sandy subsoils. They 

include: Rains fine sandy loam and Leon sand, and small amounts of Arapahoe fine sandy loam. The 

Rains is the wettest loam soil that can support longleaf pine. Productivity of loblolly and pond pine is 

high, while only moderate for longleaf pine, oaks, and sweetgum.

Peat-Mantled Forested Wetlands-07 

General Description - This LT includes broad, peat mantled uplands dominated by pond pine. It is 

located throughout the CNF occupying approximately 31,000 acres, the second largest LT on the Forest. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - This type appears as wide crescents partially encircling the broad, domed 

peatlands. In the upland interstream zones, this LT is more irregular in shape and is confined by stream

courses. 

Disturbance - The larger pond pine in this LT was extensively logged at the turn of the century. Cutover 

sites were quickly reforested since pond pine regenerates by epicormic and basal sprouts as well as by 

seed from serotinous cones. Under presettlement fire regimes, pond pine forests burned nearly as 

frequently as the adjacent and often intergrading longleaf pine forest. These forests are considered fire 

dependent and in the absence of fire may eventually be replaced by hardwoods (Harms 1996). 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported a pond pine complex comprising a distinct group of forest 

and wet savanna communities. Pond pine may have been originally the most abundant pine on the CNF, 

and there were probably a dozen different pond pine-dominated communities (Frost 1996). Stands of 

large trees with open to partially closed canopies would have been typical in this LT. Where frequent 

fires occurred over a long time period, the pond pine forest understory was dominated by giant cane, 

with few shrubs (Schafaly and Weakley 1990). 

Existing Vegetation - Fire suppression has led to dense forest conditions with a thick tree and shrub 

midstory on most sites. Most pond pine forests in this LT have nearly closed pond pine canopies, 

sometimes codominant with loblolly bay. Sweet bay, red maple, loblolly pine, and swamp red bay may 

also be common. The shrub layer is tall (up to 15 feet) and very dense. Shrubs include ti-ti, fetterbush, 

maleberry, gallberry, inkberry, blue huckleberry, and coastal sweet-pepperbush. Blaspheme-vine is 

usually abundant. Herbs are generally of low cover or absent. 

Rare Elements - Rare plants include spoonflower and Fitzgerald’s peatmoss. Rare animals in or near 

these wetlands include: red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator, Carolina gopher frog, and 

Croatan crayfish. 

Wildlife - Black bear, marsh rabbit, cottontail, gray squirrel, white-tailed deer, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, 

and opposum, pine warbler, eastern wood-pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, Carolina chickadee, whiteeyed vireo, prairie warbler, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, prothonotary warbler, common 

yellowthroat, wooded warbler, eastern screech-owl, and worm-eating warbler. 

Managements Considerations - Management concerns in this LT relate to forest community 

identification, site wetness and operability, and midstory competition. These wet mineral soils can 

support numerous vegetation types depending upon slight differences in moisture and degree of 

21 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
protection from fire. Composition may range from pond pine forest, to pond pine savanna, to mixed 

pine savanna, to wet longleaf pine. In addition, a further complication in site identification occurs where 

a humic layer is found on these soils. In many cases, this organic layer is an artifact of fire suppression 

or repeated winter burns. There are seasonally severe equipment limitations due to extreme site 

wetness. In addition, Leaf soils which comprise approximately 14% of this LT may compact when wet, 

causing deep ruts, poor surface drainage, and lower productivity. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil drainage and texture. 

0715 - Poorly Drained Pond Pine Forests On Fine Sandy And Silt Loams 

This LTP occurs on broad flats and depressions in uplands on poorly drained soils having loamy 

subsoils. They include: Leaf silt loam and Grantham silt loam. Productivity of loblolly pine and pond 

pine is high and moderate for oaks and sweetgum. 

0716 - Very Poorly Drained Pond Pine Forests On Fine Sandy Loams 

This LTP occurs on broad flats and depressions in uplands on very poorly drained soils having loamy 

subsoils. They include: Pantego fine sandy loam, Torhunta mucky fine sandy loam, Arapahoe fine 

sandy loam, and Deloss fine sandy loam. Productivity of pond pine is high, moderate for loblolly pine, 

oaks, sweetgum, and low for longleaf pine. 

Raised Peatlands-08 

General Description - This LT includes peatlands, known as pocosins, that have very deep organic soils, 

moderately deep organic soils, or poorly drained mineral soils with a mucky surface. It is located 

throughout the CNF occurring on approximately 74,000 acres and is significantly larger in size than all 

other LTs. Bog expansion caused by the gradual rising of the water table as peat accumulates has 

proceeded for several thousand years in these broad interstream areas in which natural drainage was 

blocked (Daniel 1981, Richardson and others 1981). Today, on the most well developed CNF peatland 

areas, stunted pond pine occurs with dense, short evergreen shrubs on 2 to 4 feet of white cedar peat 

overlain with 4 to 5 feet of pocosin peat. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Most of the larger pocosins of the LT are characterized as broad domeshaped surfaces. 

Disturbance - Historically, vegetation in this LT was burned at regular 2-4 year intervals similar to the 

adjacent uplands. Overlapping fires are common and may occur in successive years since the blackened 

but unburned woody stems form part of the fuel for the next burn. Although the water table is high and 

the soils may frequently be saturated, pocosins occasionally become dry enough to burn and some of the 

organic surface may be lost in combustion. 

Ditching, drainage, and conversion to pine plantations has occurred in some portions of this LT within 

the Croatan, but significantly less than outside the Croatan. Drainage ditches can alter peatland 

hydrology for long periods and affect fire regimes in their immediate vicinity. Recent studies have 

shown that organic soils in the zone adjacent to drainage ditches have a greater probability of igniting 

during wildfire conditions (Otmar, Bucher 1996). The risk of igniting organic soils during prescribed 

burning operations also appears to be greater along the old and extensive drainage system in pocosins 

adjacent the to Catfish Lake Road (Cherry 1997).

22 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Presettlement Vegetation - These communities were dominated by fetterbush, ti-ti, and zenobia with 

scattered pond pine and loblolly bay. Most of the pocosins were kept to low or medium stature by 

frequent fire. There is considerable evidence that some of the low pocosins once burned often enough to 

maintain them in a more open nearly treeless, bog-like condition, with grasses, pitcher plants, and 

orchids in addition to the dwarfed shrubs (Emmons 1860, Ruffin 1861). 

Existing Vegetation - In general, the stature of trees and shrubs in peatlands has increased and obscured 

the natural patterns of vegetation structure and controlled by nutrient gradients in these systems. 

Increases have also occurred in the acreage of bay forest, dominated by swamp red bay, loblolly bay, 

and sweet bay. On the shallower peats, pond pine may form closed canopy woodlands that resemble the 

Pond Pine Forest community type. Blaspheme vine, loblolly bay, and ti-ti grow to dense and 

impenetrable thickets. 

Rare Elements - Within the pocosin and pine sand lens complex, rare plants include branched gerardia, 

Fitzgerald’s peatmoss, shadow-witch, spoonflower, venus fly trap, Carolina asphodel, Carolina 

goldenrod, Chapman’s arrowhead, feather-bristle beakrush, ponspice, rough-leaf loosestrife, small butter 

wort, and stalked milkweed; rare animals include American alligator, eastern cougar, mimic glass lizard, 

argos skipper, Bachman’s sparrow, Berry’s skipper, Croatan crayfish, two-spotted skipper, and redcockaded woodpecker. Although no animal species has been recognized as a true pocosin endemic, this 

system may provide critical habitat for the pine barrens treefrog, spotted turtle, and Dismal Swamp 

southeastern shrew. 

Wildlife - This LT provides valuable habitat for many wildlife species partly because, in some areas, this 

may be the only habitat available. Black bear, marsh rabbit, cottontail, gray squirrel, white-tailed deer, 

bobcat, gray fox, racoon, opposum, river otter, mink, and muskrat can be found. Many bird species in 

the region feed or nest in tall evergreen shrub bogs including bobwhite quail, mourning dove, American 

woodcock, common yellowthroat, rufus-sided towhee, gray catbird, prairie warbler, white-eyed vireo, 

hooded warbler, worm-eating warbler, Carolina wren and northern cardinal. 

Managements Considerations - Most management concerns in this LT relate to wildfire suppression, 

impacts to rare species in ecotones, and prescribed burning. Fire suppression during the last 50 years 

has led to a severe build up of volatile fuels in much of this LT. The ecotones between pocosin and 

uplands constitute the most significant rare plant habitat on the CNF. These are also the parts of the 

landscape most vulnerable to damage from fire plows. Recent fire research work on the CNF has shown 

that the window for safe burning in the pocosins may be greater than previously thought (Otmar 1996) 

Variations - This LT includes 3 landtype phases separated on differences in organic layer depth and 

vegetation stature. 

0817 - Low Pocosins On Broad, Very Deep Peatlands 

This LTP occurs on approximately 16,000 acres on very poorly drained Dare muck. Typically the soil is 

organic matter 60 inches thick. The Dare series are the classic pocosin soils, with vegetation stature 

under the original fire regime mostly limited to dwarf forms by the combination of extreme infertility 

and fire. In the LTP, Atlantic white cedar occurs in a few clumps around the periphery of some of the 

lakes. 

23 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
0818 - High Pocosins And Canebrakes On Broad, Moderately Deep Peatlands 

This LTP occurs on approximately 46,000 acres on very poorly drained Croatan muck thay has a 16-51 

inch organic surface layer. Vegetation is considered high pocosin with a dense shrub layer 5 to 15 feet 

tall, except when recovering from recent fire (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The overstory is scattered 

pond pine and loblolly bay from 20-40+ feet in height. When fire is excluded for long periods of time, 

they may form a temporary dense canopy. Canebrake, once one of the principal and most extensive 

vegetation types of presettlement coastal peatlands and fluvial bottomlands, can still be found in this 

LTP especially on the periphery of the deeper pocosins where nutrients are not as limited; opportunities 

for its restoration are good in this LTP. 

0819 - Low To High Pocosins And Canebrakes On Mucky Mineral Soils 

This LTP occurs on approximately 13,000 acres on very poorly drained Murville mucky sand and 

Bayboro mucky loam. These soils are not organic and therefore there is a low risk of soil ignition, 

however, they are often associated with deeper organic soils. Murville soils form a large matrix in 

management area 4 that is scattered with small to medium-sized sand lenses that support longleaf pine. 

Vegetation in this peatland matrix is typically medium to tall pocosin. The Bayboro occurs as wide 

bands around the periphery of the large peatlands. Vegetation grades into tall pocosin and pond pine 

forest in the slightly more fertile situations where this series is bordered by mineral soils. 

Wet Savannas And Flatwoods-09 

General Description - This LT includes poorly drained savannas and flatwoods dominated by longleaf 

pine. It is located through the CNF occurring on approximately 11,000 acres within the Forest 

boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - This type occurs as narrow, linear patches in ridge and swale 

topography, linear sand lenses within large peatlands, and larger, irregular patches associated with more 

upland sites. 

Disturbance - The major disturbance is frequent low intensity fire at intervals of 2 to 4 years. Under 

natural fire regimes, fires occurred early in the growing season. Other disturbances include lightening, 

wind events from tornadoes, tropical storms, and microbursts; periodic droughts may result in intense 

fire. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported communities defined as savannas and flatwoods. In 

southeastern fire-adapted communities the term savanna applies to any fire-maintained bilayered 

community in which the two layers are a tree layer with up to 50% cover, over a continuous, usually 

grassy herb layer (Frost, Walker and Peat 1986). The term “flatwoods” has been used for just about any 

Coastal Plain pine forest with a well-developed woody understory, and it is also occasionally used for 

communities lacking a woody understory. Savannas are generally more open and have a grassy 

understory while flatwoods have an open to nearly closed canopy with a mixed woody and grassy 

understory. A low shrub layer of varying density is present in flatwoods and consists of inkberry, blue 

huckleberry, dwarf huckleberry, sweet bay, and red bay. The herb layer is dominated by wiregrass and 

bracken fern. Savannas have only scattered inkberry, blue huckleberry, and creeping blueberry. The 

herb layer is generally dense and diverse. Wiregrass, bushy broomsedge, savanna muhly, and toothache 

grass usually dominate. 

24 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Existing Vegetation - Many of these moist communities, which were truly open savannas under the 

natural fire regime, have become shrubby or densely wooded as a result of fire suppression. Species 

diversity in the understory and has been significantly reduced. On many sites, loblolly pine and 

hardwoods now dominate in the absence of fire. With longer fire suppression some pine savannas may 

succeed to pond pine woodland. 

Rare Elements - Pine savannas are notable for their high plant species richness on a small scale (Walker 

and Peet 1983) and their large number of rare species. Rare plants include Carolina goldenrod, yellow 

fringeless orchid, branched gerardia, Carolina asphodel, dwarf bladderwort, Leavenworth’s goldenrod, 

line bulrush, long-beak bald-sedge, pondspice, rough-leaf loosestrife, savanna yellow-eyed grass, 

shortbristled beakrush, small butterwort, southern bogbutton, spring-flowering goldenrod, stalked 

milkweed, Venus flytrap, and West Indies meadowbeauty. Rare animals include red-cockaded 

woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrow, mimic glass lizard, and American alligator. 

Wildlife - Common flicker, eastern wood-pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, eastern bluebird, pine warbler, 

bobwhite quail, eastern screech-owl, and Henslow’s sparrow.

Management Considerations - These are the wettest soils that longleaf pine can occur on. Slightly 

greater wetness and organic matter, that may occur even within this ecological type, will discourage 

longleaf pine and favor pond pine and loblolly pine. Seasonal wetness may also limit equipment use. 

Periodic fire and reduction of plows lines in ecotones is necessary for maintenance of rare plant and 

animal species that occur in this zone. Schneider (1988) found that in general spring and summer fires 

favored grass dominance while fall fires favored shrubs more. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil texture. 

0920 - Poorly Drained Longleaf Pine Ridges And Flats On Loams 

This LTP occurs on approximately 5,000 acres on the poorly drained Rains fine sandy loam and 

Woodington fine sandy loam. Longleaf pine and loblolly pine productivity is moderate while pond pine 

productivity is high. 

0921 - Poorly Drained Longleaf Pine Ridges And Flats On Sands 

This LTP occurs on approximately 6,500 acres on poorly drained Leon sand. Low-lying areas are 

subject to flooding, however, this soil may be droughty during the growing season. Longleaf pine and 

loblolly pine productivity is low to moderate while pond pine productivity is moderate. 

Mesic Savannas And Flatwoods-10 

General Description - This LT includes moderately well-drained to somewhat poorly drained savannas 

and flatwoods dominated by longleaf pine. It is located throughout the CNF, occurring on 

approximately 12,200 acres within the Forest boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Most sites are Irregular in shape and vary in size from tens to thousands 

of acres in size. They are most often in a mosaic consisting of medium-sized patches with other longleaf 

pine dominated LTs and also as small patches in a matrix of pocosin and pond pine forests. 

25 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Disturbance - Much of the former longleaf pine lands had been cut over in the early to mid-1800s. In 

presettlement forests, the major disturbance was frequent low intensity fire at intervals of 2 to 4 years. 

Under natural fire regimes, fires occurred early in the growing season. Other disturbances include 

lightening, wind events from tornadoes, tropical storms, and microbursts, and periodic droughts that 

may result in intense fire (Landers and Boyer in Draft). 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supported communities defined as Pine Savannas and Mesic 

Flatwoods by Schafale and Weakley (1990). On the more mesic loam soils in this LT, frequent burning 

created pure longleaf pine dominated stands with dense wiregrass and high species diversity in the herb 

layer. Understory species in addition to wiregrass included bracken fern, little bluestem, skeleton grass, 

switch cane, green sicklescale, pitchfork crown grass, yellow Indian grass, big bluestem, roundhead 

bushclover, summer farewell, flowering spurge, and sweet goldenrod. On the less fertile Mandarin 

sands within this LT, species diversity was less and dwarf huckleberry and blueberry were frequent 

codominants with wiregrass in the herb layer. 

Existing Vegetation - Nearly all the loam soils that comprise this LT have long been farmed or 

converted to loblolly pine, especially outside the CNF. Fire suppression has also led to changes in 

community structure and composition. Sites in this LT are the most prone to undergo rapid succession 

from longleaf pine to pond pine, loblolly pine and hardwoods with reduction in fire frequency. 

Understory trees may be dense and include Southern red oak, black oak, post oak, blackjack oak, turkey 

oak, sand hickory, mockernut hickory, and sweetgum.

Rare Elements - This LT supports numerous rare species. Rare plants include branched gerardia, 

Carolina goldenrod, feather-bristle beakrush, Georgia nutrush, giant spiral orchid, graceful goldenrod, 

Hooker’s milkwort, scale-leaf gerardia, spring-flowering goldenrod, and venus’s flytrap. Rare animals 

include red-cockaded woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrow, American alligator, Croatan crayfish, and 

Carolina gopher frog. 

Wildlife - Flicker, red-headed woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, pine warbler, 

bobwhite quail, and eastern screech-owl. 

Management Considerations - These are some of the most productive longleaf pine sites on the CNF 

and the most altered from past land use practices. They have some of the greatest potential for 

improvement and greatest number of management options. Frequent fire is necessary to maintain 

savanna structure and control competing shrubs and trees. This LT has the most opportunities for 

restoration of longleaf pine on sites where it was once dominant. 

Variations - This LT includes 2 landtype phases separated on differences in soil drainage. 

1022 - Moderately Well-Drained Longleaf Pine Flats On Sands And Loams 

This LTP occurs on approximately 7,600 acres on moderately well-drained Onslow, Goldsboro, and 

Craven soils. Longleaf pine productivity is higher in this LTP than in all other ecological types. 

Loblolly pine, pond pine, and sweetgum productivity is moderate to high. 

26 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
1023 - Somewhat Poorly Drained Longleaf Pine Flats On Sands And Loams 

This LTP occurs on approximately 4,700 acres on somewhat poorly drained Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 

Mandarin sand, and Stallings loamy fine sand. Productivity of longleaf pine, loblolly pine, pond pine, 

and sweetgum is moderate. 

Dry-Mesic Savannas-11 

General Description - This LT includes dry-mesic savannas associated with well-drained sands and 

dominated by longleaf pine. It is located in the southern and southeastern portion of the CNF occurring 

on approximately 2,100 acres within the Forest boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Sites are irregularly shaped and variable in size, most often occurring as 

narrow to broad bands associated with small to medium-sized streams or as linear patches associated 

with ridge and swale topography. 

Disturbance - The major disturbance is frequent low intensity fire at intervals of 2 to 4 years. Under 

natural fire regimes, fires occurred early in the growing season. Other disturbances include lightening, 

wind events from tornadoes, tropical storms, and microbursts. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supports communities defined as savannas or open flatwoods and 

shares vegetative characteristics with Schafale and Weakley’s (1990) Xeric Sandhill Scrub and Mesic 

Pine Flatwoods. They are intermediate in composition between xeric and mesic longleaf pine savannas. 

Typical sites were dominated by a somewhat open longleaf pine canopy and moderately dense wiregrass 

understory. Bluejack oak, a characteristic species on these sites, commonly occurred only as scattered 

individuals. Other species included dwarf huckleberry, thread-softly, big bluestem, little bluestem, 

sweet goldenrod, stiffleaf aster, and summer farewell. 

Existing Vegetation - Fire suppression has led to changes in community structure and species diversity. 

Although succession is much slower in this LT than on more mesic sites, the midstory can become very 

dense where sites are fire-suppressed for long periods (> 10 years). Under these conditions, a 

multilayered subcanopy can develop that is dominated by southern red oak, loblolly pine, turkey oak, 

and bluejack oak. Such prolonged exclusion of fire may lead to dense pine needle and oak leaf litter 

accumulation up to one foot deep, and completely eliminate the herb layer. 

Rare Elements - This LT has fewer rare species than others that support longleaf pine communities. 

Rare plants include Carolina asphodel and Venus’s flytrap. Rare animals include red-cockaded 

woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrow, and Carolina gopher frog. 

Wildlife - This LT can provide nesting and foraging habitat for the same species that occur in Xeric 

Savannas (LT 12) if fire is frequent. Species include common flicker, red-headed woodpecker, easternwood pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, yellow throated vireo, pine warbler, Chuck-will’s-widow, 

summer tanager, chipping sparrow, bobwhite quail, and Eastern screech-owl. 

Management Considerations - Management emphasis should be on maintaining a regular fire regime of

understory burning. Although sites have rather low fertility, the litter layer is normally continuous and 

fires carry well through the stand. If hardmast production is considered critical under a short interval 

27 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
prescribed burning schedule, then special precautions (wet lines, backburning) may be necessary to

maintain a significant component of turkey oak and bluejack oak. 

Variations - This LT has not been separated into phases but occurs on 3 soils. They include, the 

Baymeade fine sand, Marvyn loamy sand, and State loamy fine sand. This LT has the second lowest 

productivity of all ecological types supporting longleaf pine. Height growth increment in longleaf pine, 

loblolly pine, and pond pine is only moderate. 

Xeric Savannas-12 

General Description - This LT represents xeric savannas on excessively drained sands dominated by 

longleaf pine. This LT is located in the southern portion of the CNF on approximately 1,100 acres 

within the Forest boundary. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - These savannas are irregularly shaped and variable in size. The most 

contiguous block at Patsy Pond occurs on an old beach ridge system. 

Disturbance - Early use of longleaf pine in this LT for turpentine production during the colonial era was 

followed by widespread logging near the turn of the century. Abandoned turpentine orchards in the 

Kureb sands along Highway 24 were logged in 1897. Pinchot and Ashe (1915) noted that “along the 

great sand hills just within the sounds, the longleaf pine occurs in open forests of small trees, now 

largely removed”. 

Natural disturbances include lightening, and wind events from tornadoes and tropical storms. Under 

natural fire regimes, the major disturbance consisted of frequent low intensity fires at intervals of 2 to 4 

years. However, the most xeric and barren sites may have produced too little fuel to sustain extensive 

fires at this frequency. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT supports communities defined as savannas. Typically the open 

canopy of stunted longleaf pine was interspersed with low growing turkey oak and occasional sand post 

oak, persimmon, and sassafras. An infrequent sparse low shrub layer consisting of dwarf huckleberry 

and poison oak was common. The sparse herb layer was dominated by wiregrass and was associated 

with wireplant, Carolina sandwort, sand spikemoss, common prickly pear, and goats-rue. Also common 

were more open and barren conditions without shrub species and only longleaf pine, scattered turkey 

oak, and wiregrass. Turkey oak is more abundant in this LT while bluejack oak is a good indicator 

species of Landtype 11, the Dry-Mesic Savannas. 

Existing Vegetation - The open longleaf savanna or Xeric Sandhill Scrub (Schafale and Weakley 1990) 

communities supported in this LT were originally widespread. Succession is often prolonged on these 

infertile and dry sites. With frequent fire the turkey oak and other mid canopy trees are sparse, with 

only a few growing large enough to withstand burning. Most will occur only as sprouts that are killed 

back by fires. In the absence of fire the oaks become denser and larger, sometimes forming patches with 

a nearly closed subcanopy. The herb layer is reduced in density and diversity. Fire carries poorly in oak 

litter, reducing the effectiveness of surface fires to consume woody competition to grasses and herbs. 

Rare Elements - This LT supports a considerable number of rare species considering the xeric nature of 

the sites and naturally low biological diversity. This may be due in part to more moist micro-habitats 

28 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
that are common throughout the LT and its mosaic arrangement with larger, more mesic sites, or to the 

open nature of the forests the LT supports. Rare plants include Carolina goldenrod, Carolina asphodel, 

long-beak bald-sedge, savanna nutrush, small butterwort, southeastern panic grass, and Venus flytrap. 

Rare animals include red-cockaded woodpecker, Bachman’s sparrow, and Carolina gopher frog. 

Wildlife - Common flicker, red-headed woodpecker, eastern-wood pewee, brown-headed nuthatch, 

yellow-throated vireo, pine warbler, Chuck-will’s-widow, summer tanager, chipping sparrow, bobwhite 

quail, eastern screech-owl. 

Management Considerations - Longleaf pine savannas within this LT provide important habitat 

conditions for the red-cockaded woodpecker. Other species such as wild turkey and fox squirrel benefit 

from the significant production of acorns by turkey oak within this LT. Balancing the needs of these 

species may require a change in traditional burning methods that emphasize ‘blackening’ every available 

acre within a burn unit. A more mosaic type burn that uses the irregular pattern of fuels distribution 

typical on these xeric sites would retain scattered mast-producing species to develop into larger 

subcanopy trees. 

Variations - This LT has not been separated into phases and occurs on only one soil type. The Kureb 

sand is excessively drained and has sand horizons 80 inches or more thick. These soils are less 

productive than other soils within their respective drainage classes partly due to subsoil accumulations 

of organic matter and aluminum. These spodic horizons can severely affect nutrient availability and 

therefore productivity is low for all species that occur in this LT. 

Maritime Ridge And Dune Forests-13

General Description - This LT includes uplands fringing salt or brackish waters that are dominated by 

live oak communities. This is the smallest LT on the CNF and has been mapped in only 4 locations on 

the periphery of the Forest. The type is common outside the Forest but occurs on just 45 acres within 

the Forest boundary. The most extensive site is at Cedar Point. 

Landscape/Landform Pattern - Maritime forests are small and irregular in shape and associated with 

upland pine sites and marshes near large water bodies. 

Disturbance - Under natural fire regimes, most mainland maritime zones experienced frequent fires that 

spread from interior fire communities. They are susceptible to wind and flooding caused by hurricanes 

because of their location in low areas near the coast. Furthermore, aerosol salt may be a continuous 

stress factor and significant source of mineral nutrients. 

Presettlement Vegetation - This LT would support vegetation communities ranging from Maritime 

Evergreen Forest to Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The Maritime 

Evergreen Forest has a low to moderately high tree canopy, often stunted and pruned by salt spray. It is 

dominated by Live Oak, Darlington oak, and loblolly pine. Understory trees include red bay, ironwood, 

American holly, dogwood, and Virginia red cedar. With these occur shrubs such as yaupon, wax myrtle, 

and dwarf palmetto. The herb layer is sparse and low in diversity, with species such as partridgeberry, 

ebony spleenwort, and hairy bedstraw. The Coastal Fringe Evergreen Forest has a similar composition 

but is more diverse and less affected by salt spray. 

29 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Existing Vegetation - Few good examples remain of natural communities within this LT. Sites within 

the maritime zone have experienced nearly three centuries of human exploitation and disturbance. All 

the live oak in the region was sought out and removed for ship timber during the 18th and 19th century 

(Wood 1981). Furthermore, most of the sites, which still have some of the second growth live oak, have 

been used for houses and farmsteads since the early 1700s. On the Cedar Island peninsula and near the 

campground, remnants of natural maritime forests remain. There, longleaf pine occurs with small live 

oaks and clumps of yaupon and a poorly developed to well-developed savanna herb layer. 

Rare Elements - Rare species include the liverwort, Lajeunea dimorphophylla. 

Wildlife - Summer tanager, painted bunting, gray squirrel, Eastern spade-foot toad, Eastern narrowmouthed toad, ground skink, eastern glass lizard, and Southeastern five-lined skink. 

Managements Considerations - Since few intact maritime forests remain in this LT, management should 

be focused on plant community restoration. Live oak seems to tolerate fires, and may require fire for 

regeneration in stands away from the immediate coastal fringe. Planting of live oak and control of 

competing vegetation may be necessary in most areas. Although the high, receding shorelines along the 

Neuse estuary are within the maritime zone, wave action and bank erosion may be too rapid to permit 

formation of maritime forest. 

Variations - This LT is too small to separate into LTPs but occurs on 3 soil types. They include, in 

order of importance, the well-drained and moderately well-drained Wando and Seabrook fine sand, and 

the well-drained Conetoe loamy fine sand. 

UUsseeOOffTThheeEEccoollooggiiccaallCCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonnSSyysstteemm((EECCSS))

Like all maps, those produced by the Ecological Classification System (ECS) are imperfect 

representations of the land, and accuracy depends upon the application and the scale being used. 

Landtype Associations accurately describe landscape patterns at the broadest scale on the Croatan and 

have been used to define management areas based on dominate ecological factors such as topography 

and landform/vegetation diversity. Since the ECS was derived from soil maps, the major factor 

controlling map unit reliability at the finer scales is the accuracy of the three county soil surveys. It is 

important to note that the objective of soil and ecosystem mapping is not to outline pure types but rather 

to separate the landscape into areas that have similar use and management requirements. As a result, 

“on site investigation is needed to plan for intensive uses in small areas” (USDA 1987). 

Ecological Interpretations 

Landtype Associations: LTAs were used by the interdisciplinary Croatan planning team to help define 

Management Areas. The LTAs clearly defined broad categories of land having distinct management 

opportunities and limitation such as the large central pocosin and highly dissected landscapes on the 

Forest’s periphery. Some LTAs were split (LTA 1) to reflect differences in human use patterns and 

some were aggregated (LTA 7) to combine areas having similar limitations due to high water tables. 

Adjustments are apparent by comparing the LTA map (at the end of ECS section) with the Management 

Area map. 

30 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Landtypes: Landtypes were used to address many issues on the Croatan. They were useful for 

delineating Management Prescription boundaries since many of these emphasized management of 

ecosystems, e.g. Cypress-Hardwoods Wetlands and Hardwood Restoration. The LTs were also used to 

map different RCW capabilities (density objectives), as a tool in setting population objectives, and in 

designing the RCW Habitat Management Area. They were used in the Scenic Management System to 

aid in mapping ‘inherent scenic quality’ and formed the basis for mapping fuel types. They were also 

used to analyze natural areas representation, and to locate old growth restoration and conservation areas. 

Landtype Phases: Landtype Phases were used to set forestwide objectives in silvicultural prescriptions, 

restoration opportunities, recreation site location, harvest scheduling, thinning guidelines, and in 

locating suitable sites for pine straw raking. They are currently being used to identify probability of rare 

species occurrence and restoration potentials within natural areas. 

Reliability of Mapping: Although soils occur in an orderly pattern that is related to geology, landform, 

relief, climate, and plant associations, soil scientists must determine the boundaries based on an 

understanding of the soil-landscape relationships. Furthermore, the ECS incorporates this boundary 

along with an understanding of the complex relationships between landscape, vegetation, and fire 

regimes to determine the boundary of ecological units. 

Most ECS map units are dominated by one major soil type having the same potential vegetation and fire 

regime. Inclusions of other soil-vegetation types mostly have properties and behavior similar to those of

the dominant type. However, these differences may be important at the project level and field review 

and county soil surveys should be consulted to determine how extensive these differences might be. 

Additional factors may affect mapping accuracy. Soil surveys in the Croatan area are considered to

have an 80% mapping reliability (level 2) and the minimum map unit size is 10 acres. The surveys were 

completed over a 10-year period and there are some minor inconsistencies in soil mapping across county 

lines. In addition, landscapes with complex patterns, such as along river bluffs or other highly dissected 

topography, have more inclusions and finer-scale mosaics than have been identified. Soil maps and 

consequently the ECS, do not therefore identify small swampy floodplains, limestone outcrops, small 

areas of limestone-influenced soil, or small drainage slopes. Some of these micro-sites may limit 

management opportunities. Some may contain rare and unique species and could provide opportunities 

to add to the overall biological diversity of the CNF. 

Reliability of Interpretation: Interpretations of ECS map units were derived from county soil surveys, 

from Frost’s “Presettlement Vegetation and Natural Fire Regimes of the Croatan National Forest” 

(1996), and from overlaying other resource maps (rare species, cultural resources, and CISC) with the 

ECS. These interpretations are generally rather broad but still applicable for project level planning 

(Tables A-2, A-3, A-4). For example, soil scientists can state with a fairly high degree of probability 

that a given soil will have a high water table within a certain depth in most years, but they cannot assure 

that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soils on a specific date (USDA 1987). In 

addition, the relative occurrence of rare species and cultural resources found within ecological units can 

be used to identify sites where there is a low or high probability of occurrence of these features. They 

cannot, however, be used to predict with 100 percent accuracy the presence or absence of rare species or 

cultural sites.

31 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Site index, derived from both CISC data and soil surveys, was used to judge the relative productivity of 

ecological units at the Landtype Phase level. The major tree species or species groups within an 

ecological type were placed into four classes, low (L), medium (M), high (H), and unsuitable (U). It 

was not possible to make a more exact prediction of growth and yield without more intensive field 

measurements. Still, these relative classes should be useful in determining appropriate stocking levels 

for different sites and in evaluating species suitability options. 

Potential natural vegetation (PNV) types are broad classes of vegetation derived from the presettlement 

vegetation maps. As with soil types, landscape variability and minimum map unit size will affect the 

reliability of PNV prediction. Furthermore, where past land use has altered site capability especially 

through erosion, these potentials may no longer exist. The greatest variability in PNV occurs in 

Drainage Headlands and Interstream Flats and Broad Interstream Flats (Landtypes 5 and 6). These LTs 

can support mixed pine-hardwood and mixed pine communities but their exact composition and 

placement on the landscape is problematic. This is partly because only small remnants persist of these 

mixed pine communities to help predict their natural pattern and the fact that they are readily confused 

with fire-suppressed former longleaf pine communities that have been logged and invaded by other pine 

species. Their interpretation as distinct ecological units is therefore less precise than other types. 

Project Level Planning and Analysis: The ECS can be an important tool at the project level for project 

planning, design, and analysis of the effects of proposed actions. Landtype Phase map units represent 

the greatest amount of detail on site and biological factors. Because these map units are derived from

soil surveys but combine fire disturbance regimes and vegetation potentials, they can be used to interpret 

each component separately or together as a unit. The ECS is therefore not just an inventory and 

evaluation of the soils on the Croatan, but also the biological components and potentials of ecosystems. 

As with a soil survey, “it can be used to adjust land uses to the limitations and potentials of natural 

resources and the environment” (USDA Soil Conservation Service, 1981, 1987, 1989). 

Information in Tables A-2 through A-4 includes soil factors that affect management such as texture, 

drainage, and water table depth. These factors are interpreted to identify equipment limitations and 

seedling mortality within map units. The tables also include predictions of potential vegetation type, 

probability of rare species occurrence, timber productivity, and probability of cultural resources for each 

of the 25 Landtype Phases. This information can be used to evaluate the feasibility and probable effects 

of a proposed action in all or part of the Croatan. Combined with the ecological maps and descriptions 

(ECS Chapter 2), opportunities and limitations are apparent for a variety of proposed actions including 

wildlife habitat manipulation, timber stand improvement, timber harvest, recreational development, and 

road or trail location. 

Although the ECS identifies and describes distinct land units and their biological potentials, it does not 

describe the current vegetation condition. This information is provided in the compartment and stand 

maps of Continuous Inventory of Stand Condition (CISC). By combining the ECS and CISC, one can 

map areas of the landscape where current condition differs from potential condition and begin to locate 

opportunities for change and evaluate the range of options available for individual sites. Although the 

ECS can be used to identify species best adapted to sites and their performance, it is not a prescription 

for desired future condition. Land use decisions will be improved by use of the ECS, but they should 

not be dictated by it. These decisions are based on public input, Plan direction, and the balance of uses 

appropriate for the Croatan. 

32 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
An example may help to explain this distinction. Pine savannas and flatwoods occur along a wide soil 

drainage-fertility gradient. They have been described in 6 Landtype Phases and can support a large 

variety of trees, shrubs, herbs, and their related fauna. Production and longevity of trees adapted to 

these types is also highly variable. Fewer species are adapted to the harsh conditions at the xeric and 

less fertile end of the gradient, where well-drained and excessively-drained sands are dominant (LTP 

1225). Nearly 90% of these sites are currently dominated by longleaf pine (CISC data). On sites 

dominated by loblolly pine, pond pine, or hardwoods tree growth is poor, regeneration is sparse, and the 

long-term sustainability of these species is questionable. At the other extreme, poorly drained sands and 

loams support savannas and flatwoods dominated by longleaf, pond, or loblolly pine, or a combination 

of these species (LTP 920-921). Growth is moderate to poor, tree form is good, and natural regeneration 

is moderate. In the middle of the gradient, mesic sites support loblolly, longleaf, and hardwoods (LTP 

1022-1124). Growth is good, tree form is good, and natural regeneration of all species is rapid. The 

natural vegetation type in all these LTPs is longleaf pine, but it is evident that many species are capable 

of regenerating, although growth rates differ. 

There are many management options in LTPs 1022-1124 since these types will support a variety of 

species and have few limitations (not poorly drained, not too droughty). The choice of species for 

management is dependent upon the desired condition. If RCW nest sites are the primary emphasis, then 

longleaf pine would be the preferred species; if short-rotation fiber production is the emphasis, then 

loblolly pine might be preferred; if turkey and deer are the primary emphasis, then a mixed oak-hickorypine composition may be preferable. Fewer options are available at the extremes of the gradient, xeric 

and wet. However, the same logic applies - the ECS does not determine desired condition but it can 

determine where a desired condition might best be achieved. 

33 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-1. Ecological characteristic

LTA 1 LTA 2 LTA 3 LTA 4 LTA 5 LTA 6 LTA 7 LTA 8 LTA 9 LTA 10 

Proclamation acres 101,800 73,000 35,540 32,650 22,000 {23,000} 82,000 38,300 {27,060} {16,440}

USFS acres 15,670 63,160 15,980 16,000 4,460 0 45,160 700 0 0

{acres} = not in proclamation boundary

 HYDROLOGY----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

StrStream density

mi./sq.mi 

1.8 .13 2.0 1.3 2.4 - .6 .4 .05 .6

Stream length (miles) 284 15 122 64 83 - 77 25 2 15 

Canal density mi./sq.mi. .1 1.1 1.2 .1 .5 - .7 1.1 0 0 

Canal length (miles) 10 122 65 3 19 - 85 68 0 0 

 AQUATIC AND DRAINAGE TYPES (acres)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

lakes, ponds, sounds - 6,600 - - - - 2 - 22,700 28 

streams & rivers 4,120 - 220 180 130 23,000 - 6,440 - - 

tidal estuaries 850 - 2,090 390 2,190 - - 2,270 200 445 

floodplains 8,88 0 1,680 4,160 1,800 3,790 - 2,180 2,180 - 510

very poorly drained 

mineral

1,090 1,240 2,060 10,040 2,120 - 49,930 10,930 - 6,060

very poorly drained 

pocosin 

300 62,840 19 325 40 - 6,430 2,890 - 1,715

somewhat poorly

drained 

31,400 330 13,010 10,730 7,370 - 20,790 11,110 - 6,100

mod. well to well

drained 

43,950 90 13,580 7,550 6,400 - 2,610 2,490 - 1,130

somewhat

excess.drained 

5,200 - 400 1,270 - - - - 4,260 360

urban complexes 6,000 - - 360 - - 7 - - 90 

 SOIL SUBORDER (acres)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

aquults 31,040 1,270 12,350 690 6,270 - 50,350 21,110 - 6,100

udults 43,650 90 12,935 2,715 6,360 - 2,610 2,380 - 490

saprists 1,880 64,520 1,600 850 340 - 7,060 2,890 - 2,160

aquods 900 260 2,150 18,130 2,150 - 2,420 940 - 5,220

humods - - - 1,900 190 - - - - -

aquepts 5,760 130 1,390 1,330 4,360 - 19,270 2,180 - 1,340

aqualfs 60 - 130 40 - - 100 18,820 - -

aquents 2,410 - 3,640 390 2,190 - 120 2,270 200 240

psamments 5,970 - 1,110 6,105 40 - - 110 4,160 1,010

 POTENTIAL NATURAL PLANT COMMUNITIES (acres)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

tidal marshes 870 - 2,060 450 2,200 - - 2,270 1,270 460 

swamp forests 7,970 1,680 4,200 1,270 3,460 - 3,800 - - 970

mixed mesic hardwoods 14,870 - 1,480 60 375 - 680 9,090 - 650 

mixed hardwood-pine 20,370 - 2,770 1,260 1,450 - 780 2,540 - 670

mixed pines 18,415 - 5,550 110 2,530 - 2,290 10 - 620

pond pine forests 4,745 960 2,725 700 2,150 - 53,680 12,650 - 5,950

pocosin and canebrake 540 63,240 350 10,290 520 - 14,210 3,300 - 5,540 

wet longleaf pine 2,600 320 4,320 8,530 3,035 - 4,135 550 - 1,460

mesic longleaf pine 14,870 115 8,230 2,460 5,430 - 2,640 300 - 65

dry longleaf pine 4,645 - 3,245 1,610 1,010 - - 120 - 350 

xeric longleaf pine 100 - 285 4,215 280 - - - - 40 

maritime live

oak&beach 

130 - 260 4,471 10 - - 720 5,300 230

 

34 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-2. Soil characteristics in ecological types. Landtypes (LT) 1-13, Landtypes Phases (LTP) 0101-1326)

SOIL TYPES 1 SURFACE 1 SUBSURFACE 

LT LTP (mapunit) ACRES TEXTURE TEXTURE 2 DRAINAGE 

1 101-

103 

HB,CH,LF, Ho 1,200 organic or loamy organic or sandy very poorly

2 204 DO 2,100 organic Organic > 51” very poorly

205 MA,MM,Mk,Ba,Me,Sx 5,800 loamy sandy-loamy poorly to very poorly

3 306 AuB,NoA-B,StA,KeA,AnB 1,700 sandy loamy mostly well

307 Tm, AaA, Ag, Jo 980 loamy sandy-loamy poorly to mod. well

4 408-

409 

SuD, AuB, CrC, NoA, Crb 1,020 sandy Loamy-sandy mostly well

5 510 NoB, NoA, StA, AuB, CnB 750 sandy loamy well

511 GoA, CrB, ExA, AaA, CrC 1,450 sandy or loamy loamy or clayey-loamy moderately well

512 Na, Ag, Jo 180 loamy loamy somewhat poorly 

6 613 Le, Ly 1,600 loamy clayey-loamy or loamy somewhat poorly

614 Ra, Ln, Ap 6,400 mostly loamy mostly loamy mostly poorly

7 715 La, Gr, Ra 4,400 loamy mostly clayey-loamy poorly

716 Pa, To, Ap, De 27,000 loamy mostly clayey or sandyloamy very poorly 

8 817 DA 16,600 organic organic > 51” very poorly

818 CT 46,500 organic organic 16-51” very poorly

819 Mu, Ba 16,500 sandy or loamy sandy-loamy or loamyclayey very poorly 

9 920 Ra, Wo 4,980 loamy loamy poorly

921 Ln 6,450 sandy sandy poorly

10 1022 On, GoA, CrB 7,580 mostly sandy mostly loamy moderately well

1023 Ly, Mn, St 4,670 loamy or saney loamy loamy-saney somewhat poorly 

11 1124 ByB, MaC, StA 2,140 mostly loamy sandy well

12 1225 KuB 1,225 sandy mostly sandy eccessively 

13 1326 WaB, Se, CnB 50 sandy mostly sandy well to mod. well 1

 clayey > 35% clay, loamy < 35% clay, sandy = high percentage sand and texture of sandy or loamy sand. 2

 from SCS drainage classes indicating frequency and duration of periodic saturation during soil formation.

35 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-3.Vegetation and other features in ecological units Landtypes (LT) 1-13, Landtypes Phases (LTP) 0101-1326) 1

Current 2 Potential 3 Rare 4 Timber 5 Natural 6Cultural 

LT LTP Vegetation Vegetation Species Productivity Areas Resource

1 101-103 marsh – 68 marsh 5/5 U – U – U – U 1/ 175

2 204 62 – 68 – PP Cypress swamp 5/5 U – U – M – M 2/ 800

205 62 – 68 – 46 Cypress swamp 10/11 M – U – M – M 4/ 100

3 306 LOB – 46 - 62 dry-mesic hardwood 5/5 M – H – U – M 0 

307 LOB – 62 mesic hardwood 7/9 H – M – M – H 0 

4 408-409 LOB – 62 dry-mesic hardwood 0 M – M – U – H 1/ 103

5 510 LOB – 62 dry-mesic hardwood-pine 1/1 M – M – L – M 0 

511 LOB – 62 mesic hardwood-pine 10/12 H – H – M – H 0 

512 LOB wet hardwood-pine 0 H – U – H – M 0 

6 613 LOB – LL mesic mixed pines 3/5 H – M – M – M 0 

614 LOB-PP-LL wet mixed pines 5/18 H – M – H – M 0 

7 715 LOB-46-PP pond pine forest 5/9 H – M – H – M 2/ 292

716 PP-LOB-68-46 pond pine forest 12/20 M – M – H – M 4/ 3,700

8 817 PP low pocosin 0 L – U – L – L 1/ 10,000 

818 PP high pocosin 9/12 L – U – M – L 3/ 20,700 

819 PP-68-LOB low-high pocosin 18 40 L – L – M – L 6/ 2,600

9 920 LOB-LL-PP wet LL sav. & flatwoods 6/11 M – M – H – M 3/ 500

921 LL-LOB-PP wet LL sav. & flatwoods 22/58 L – L – M – L 7/ 1,700

10 1022 LOB-LL-62 mesic LL

sav.&flatwoods 

15/24 H – H – M – M 4/ 450

1023 LOB-LL-PP mesic LL

sav.&flatwoods 

19/27 M – H – M – M 7/ 630

11 1124 LL-LOB-62 dry-mesic LL savanna 6/7 M – M – M – M 2/ 230

12 1225 LL xeric LL savanna 10/15 L – L – L – L 4/ 480

13 1326 not classified maritime forest 0 L – L – L – L 0 1

 dominant Forest Type, from CISC. Numbers are hardwood types; LL = longleaf pine, PP = pond pine, LOB = loblolly pine 2

 from Frost (1996). 3

 number of T&E, sensitive, and locally rare species / number of occurrences of these rare species 4

 relative productivity, H = high, M = medium, L = low, U = unsuitable (HW = hardwoods) 5

 number of natural areas within the type / area of natural areas within the type 6

 number of documented cultural resource sites within the type

36 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-4. Management limitations in ecological units Landtypes (LT) 1-13, Landtypes Phases (LTP) 0101-1326) 1

 WATER 2 EQUIPMENT 3 SEEDLING OTHER 

LT LTP SLOPE TABLE LIMITATION MORTALITY DISTINGUISHING

(FT) FEATURES

1 101-103 level +3.0-0.0 severe severe flooding for brief to long periods 

2 204 level +1.0-0.5 severe severe flooding for long periods 

205 level +1.0-1.0 severe severe flooding for brief to long periods 

3 306 0-6 % 4.0 > 6.0 slight to mod. slight to mod. mostly fire sheltered 

307 0-2 % 0.0-3.0 mod. to severe slight to severe very fire sheltered 

4 408-409 0-30 % 2.0 > 6.0 slight to mod. slight to mod. possible eroded soils

5 510 0-6 % 2.0 > 6.0 slight to mod. slight to mod. complex topography

511 0-8 % 1.5-3.0 moderate slight possible eroded soils

512 level 1.0-3.0 moderate slight to mod. problematic classification 

6 613 level 1.0-2.0 moderate slight soil compaction potential

614 level 0.0-1.0 mod. to severe mod. to severe wettest longleaf pine site

7 715 level 0.0-1.5 severe severe may resemble high pocosin

716 level 0.0-1.0 severe severe hardwood invasion

8 817 level +0.5-1.0 severe severe severe ground fire risk 

818 level +0.5-1.0 severe severe high ground fire risk 

819 level +1.0-1.0 severe severe mosaic with deep peats 

9 920 level 0.0-1.0 severe severe highest density of rare species

921 level 0.0-1.0 severe severe growing season drought

10 1022 0-4 % 1.6-3.0 slight to mod. slight none 

1023 level 1.0-3.5 moderate slight none

11 1124 0-16 % 4.0 > 6.0 mod. to slight mod. to slight droughty

12 1225 0-6 % > 6.0 severe severe patchy surface fuels

13 1326 0-6 % 2.0 > 6.0 moderate moderate past disturbance 1

seasonal high water table (December-April); the highest level of a saturated zone below the soil surface in most years. 2

 limitations due to site wetness, compaction, or drought; slight < 2 month limitation, moderate 2-6 months, severe > 6 

months.

3

 slight < 35%, moderate 25-50%, severe > 50% and may be necessary to use larger seedling or bedding 

37 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Figure A-1. Map of Landtype Associations 

AApppplliiccaattiioonnooffEECCSS--MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaass

The units identified in the Ecological Classification System can be used as a basis for identifying large 

areas, with common characteristics, for management. The landtype associations are the basis of the 

Management Areas (Figure A-2) because they are aggregations of landtypes that have similar responses 

to management. These Management Areas on the CNF provide clear aggregations of management 

prescriptions and how they may be managed collectively. The Management Areas provide another view 

of how ecological processes are important over a larger landscape, and how human interactions are 

occurring. 

The best management of a piece of land depends on more than its physical and biological characteristics. 

Appropriate management also depends on a parcel’s place in the landscape, which helps determine how 

people will want to use the land. Each of the seven MAs is a contiguous block of land with sufficiently 

38 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
uniform physical, biological, and human-use characteristics to permit consistent applications of 

prescriptions. 

Figure A-2 shows Management Areas on the CNF. 

A general description is provided for each MA, including the general setting of the MA, its location on 

the CNF, its approximate size, and the proportion of private land within its boundaries. Next, a physical 

and biological profile describes the landforms, soils, and landscape pattern of the MA. The profile also 

includes the dominant vegetative types, the fuel conditions, the rare species that may be present, and the 

common wildlife and aquatic habitats. 

A table provides details about landscape composition and configuration. In the ecological classification 

of the CNF, 15 landtypes (LT) were recognized. Examples of LTs are tidal streams and pine savannas. 

The areas, frequencies, and average sizes of patches are expressions of landscape structure. The table 

lists the miles of private land boundaries, the miles of landtype edge, and the miles of such edge per 

square mile. The mileage of private land boundaries is an indicator of difficulty in applying treatments 

and confining them to the public land. The amount of habitat edge has considerable significance in 

wildlife management. Such a table for the CNF as a whole is given below. 

39 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-5. Landscape Composition and Configuration on CNF. 

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 1304 7864 2677 1023 2366 8053 31823 74007 11511 1236 2147 1136 50 5100 98 161474

Frequency 28 126 30 32 80 145 185 155 387 339 67 50 5 32 11 1672

Ave. Patch 47 62 89 32 30 55 172 477 30 36 32 23 10 159 9 97

Private land boundary=392 miles Total landype edge=1753 miles Total edge per square mile=7 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land

Management areas vary considerably in their mosaics of LT units. Individual LT units are referred to as 

‘habitat patches’. From a timber management perspective, a patch roughly corresponds with a forest 

stand, but a stand may not function as a patch from a particular organism’s perspective. LTs are used to 

define patches on the CNF because LTs are ecological land units identified and mapped based on 

similarities in soils, potential natural vegetation, and landforms. These habitat patches may or may not 

be readily apparent in areas with an extended history of agricultural land use, patches often reflect 

results of land use rather than the current pattern of vegetation composition and structure. Therefore, 

from an ecological perspective, patches represent relatively discrete potential habitats. Patch boundaries 

are distinguished by differences in environmental character. 

The type, area, and average patch size of LTs comprising a MA are perhaps the most important and 

useful pieces of information contained in the landscape. Together, they define the composition, variety, 

and relative abundance of LTs in an MA. By comparing values in an MA with other MAs and the CNF 

as a whole, readers can determine where a particular ecosystem type occurs and if it is dispersed or 

concentrated, can then begin to develop options and strategies for ecosystem management. In general, 

management options and complexity are greater in MAs with more LTs and higher frequencies of 

habitat patches (MA 3, 4, 6). 

The variety of habitat patch types in an MA affects the diversity of plant and animal communities that 

may occur. Because many organisms are associated with a single patch type, patch diversity, or richness 

often correlates well with species richness. For example, tidal streams and estuaries (LT 1) are 

dominated by needle rush, salt grass, and cordgrass marshlands that support terns, gulls, egrets, herons, 

osprey, water snakes, raccoons, and river otters. No other LT supports these species, and 85 percent of 

this LT occurs in MA 3. Similarly, raised peatlands (LT 8) are dominated by unique plant communities 

that provide habitat conditions for black bears. This LT covers nearly one-half of the CNF but occupies 

90 percent of MA 2. 

Landscape structure in MAs also influences timber and recreation opportunities. For example, 

interstream flats (LTs 5 and 6) provide the best opportunities for mixed-pine forests; these types are 

extensive in MAs 3 and 6. Similarly, lake and stream swamps (LT 2) may provide opportunities for 

canoe navigation, they occur in every MA, but the most extensive contiguous patch occurs in MA 2. The 

type and abundance of LTs are therefore important factors to consider when evaluating management 

options within a MA. 

The frequency or number of habitat patches and the pattern of these patches on the landscape also 

strongly influence ecological characteristics and species populations. In the past, most forest 

management activities have focused on the individual habitat patch or stand. However, habitat variation 

40 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
and its effects on ecological processes and plant and animal populations occur at many spatial scales. 

The size of a landscape differs depending on what constitutes a mosaic of habitat patches meaningful to 

that particular organism. For example, a salamander and a red-cockaded woodpecker view their 

environment on different scales. Although each organism defines habitat patches differently and at 

different scales, MAs generally occupy some spatial scale intermediate between an organism’s normal 

home range and its distribution on the CNF. 

The frequency of LT patches may determine the number of subpopulations in a spatially dispersed 

population. For example, red-cockaded woodpeckers are associated primarily with longleaf pine 

savannas (LTs 9,10,11,12). Over two-thirds of the total patches comprising these LTs on the CNF are 

found in MAs 3 and 4. Clearly, the number of subpopulations of red-cockaded woodpeckers in these 

MAs could influence the dynamics and persistence of the species across the CNF. 

The frequency of LT patches and average patch size may also affect the propagation of disturbances 

across a landscape. A highly subdivided patch type may be more resistant to the spread of fire and insect 

infestations and thus more likely to persist in a landscape than a patch type that is contiguous. For 

example, contiguous pine forests that occur in the large patches common in peat mantled forested 

wetlands (LT 7) in MAs 3 and 5, may be more susceptible to extensive wildfires or bark beetle 

outbreaks than pine forests in subdivided patches types such as pine savannas in MA 3. Conversely, 

habitat fragments such as narrow pine savannas in a large matrix of pocosin, common in MA 2, may 

suffer higher rates of disturbance and mortality than the more contiguous pine savannas in MA 3. 

The amount of edge may affect the quality of habitat available in a patch. The forest “edge effect” 

results primarily from differences in wind and light intensity and quality reaching a forest patch (Ranny 

and others 1981). A large but narrow patch, for example, could be entirely edge habitat. Some species, 

such as rough-leaf loosestrife, have an affinity for edges, some are unaffected, and others such as the 

black-throated green warbler, may be adversely affected (McGarigal and others 1995). Changes in 

wind, light intensity and quality extend farther into a patch along an edge with high structural contrast. 

Contrast is high along the edge between wet pine savannas (LT 9) and raised peatlands (LT 8). It is low 

between mesic pine savannas (LT 10) and peat mantled forested wetlands (LT 7). High-contrast edges 

may prohibit or inhibit some organisms from using surrounding patches. Conversely, some species, 

such as hawks, seem to prefer the juxtaposition of patch types with high contrast (Dunning and others 

1992). 

The private land boundary and total landtype edge is partially a function of scale. Larger MAs generally 

have longer boundaries with private land and greater landtype edge than smaller MAs, therefore, total 

edge per square mile provides a more accurate comparison of linear edge among MAs. For example, 

MA 2 is the largest on the CNF but has the least density of habitat edge. Likewise, MA 5 is similar in 

size to three other MAs but has significantly less habitat edge per square mile. In general, there is less 

habitat edge per unit area in MAs with fewer patches and larger patch sizes (MA 2 and MA 5). 

Furthermore, MAs having a greater component of peat-mantled forested wetlands (LT 7) and raised 

peatlands (LT 8) have less habitat edge because these LTs commonly occur in large patches. 

Overall, the Landscape Composition and Configuration tables offer the reader some idea of the pattern 

of habitat fragmentation and how it varies between MAs. Fragmentation may be natural, or it may result 

from past logging, agricultural practices, and urban development. The extent of fragmentation has 

41 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
implications for a variety of management considerations, including linking animal habitats, the ability to 

efficiently and safely prescribe burn, the granting of special uses, and the planning of future activities. 

Cultural and economic profiles describe the kinds and relative amounts of human uses of the MAs. 

Recreation opportunities on land and water are summarized for each MA. 

Current land uses and the ratio of public to private land are expressions of a landscapes character. A 

management area with a high proportion of private land in urban and agricultural uses will be quite 

different from one that is mostly publicly owned and forested. A high ratio of private to public 

ownership signals special attention: in allocating uses of public land, the planning process must consider 

the rights and concerns of adjacent private property owners. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors provide the background for the objectives to be achieved in each 

MA. Opportunities for change from the present condition to the desired condition are identified, as are 

limitations that may affect the difficulty and rate of change that may occur. 

MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa11

General Description: This large MA forms the northern boundary of the CNF. It is crescent-shaped and 

represents the transition between the CNF’s very large and mostly inaccessible central pocosin and 

urban land to the north. National forest land makes up only 22 percent of the MA. It is located in one 

small isolated tract and three peninsulas that protrude into the predominately rural landscape. The 

boundary between the CNF and private land is approximately 40 miles. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is generally level except where stream tributaries 

dissect the landscape. The landform pattern is complex and on the CNF land includes 11 landtypes 

represented in 124 separate patches. Soils are generally very poorly drained to moderately well drained 

and have a loamy or claylike texture. Most productive and well-drained sites in the area are privately 

owned. 

Table A-6. Landscape composition & configuration (MA-1)

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 0 615 55 116 769 1029 2388 1980 403 1511 127 0 0 24 0 9018

Frequency 0 13 4 3 16 14 21 9 16 23 3 0 0 2 0 124

Ave. Patch 0 47 14 39 48 74 114 220 25 66 43 0 0 12 0 73

Private land boundary = 40 miles Total landtype edge = 140 miles Total edge per square mile = 10 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

Habitat edge and patch size are very similar to adjoining MA 7 but very different from the adjacent MA 

2, which contains large pocosin patches. Dominant landtypes include peat mantled forested wetlands, 

raised peatlands, mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, broad undissected interstream flats, and 

dissected interstream flats. Both mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, and dissected interstream

flats occur in more extensive patches than found in other MAs on the CNF. 

42 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Loblolly pine is the most common species and occupies many acres more suitable for longleaf pine. 

Many of the productive sites in the area were logged and farmed in the past and regenerated to loblolly 

pine. Pond pine is common on poorly drained forest and pocosin sites. Most of the pond pine forests are 

in the wildland urban interface. Hardwood and cypress swamps form linear stands along major 

waterways, and are especially well developed along Brice Creek. Marl outcrops, uncommon on the 

CNF, occur in small patches in the northern portion; they support unique plant communities. 

Fuel types in this MA include hardwood/pine leaf litter fuels, highly volatile high-pocosin fuels, 

southern rough fuels, and grass fuels. Wildland Urban Interface is identified in this MA, including a 

small portion of the Catfish Lake Wilderness. 

Portions of this MA are included in the RCW habitat management area. More than half of the suitable 

RCW nest and forage areas are currently occupied by breeding birds, and the annual rate of fledgling 

production is 2nd highest among CNF populations. 

This MA provides a diversity of wildlife habitats and wildlife recreation experiences. 

Except for Brice Creek, most streams in MA 1 are not on the CNF. The middle and upper reaches of 

Brice Creek are relatively undisturbed and serve as reference conditions for ecological types in the 

Neuse and White Oak River Basins. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: There is relatively little national forest land in the MA, but it is close 

to the high population area of New Bern and to major highways. About 25 percent of the land is used for 

farming, pasture, or development. The remaining 75 percent of MA 1 land use is split between pine 

forest and hardwood swamps. Recreationists have easy access to CNF land and water; and activities are 

primarily water based along Brice Creek, and hiking of the trail at Island Creek. 

The wide diversity of wildlife and bird species, scenic marshes, and meandering blackwater stretches 

and side creeks are unique because of their proximity to population centers and major travelways. 

Recreation activities are mostly low impact and dispersed. The boat-launching area and fishing pier are 

the only developments. 

Island Creek is the only isolated national forest tract in the MA. A developed trail traverses through a 

natural area registered with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. It highlights the hardwooddominated stream and river terraces and unique marl outcrops. The trailhead is along a well-developed 

highly used road, but is in a fairly rustic setting. About 40 people can park and use the trail at one time. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: Opportunities exist to expand the RCW population by five 

clusters in suitable and potential suitable habitat. There is potential for longleaf restoration on wet 

savannas and flatwoods (LT 09) as well as mesic savannas and flatwoods (LT 10). Opportunities exist 

for expanding wildlife and fisheries recreation opportunities. 

Since Brice Creek is eligible for wild and scenic river status, opportunities exist to manage those 

portions on NF land for their outstandingly remarkable values. Limiting factors in this MA include high 

water tables, dense vegetation in the WUI, rare species sensitive to disturbance, and ownership patterns. 

43 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa22

General Description: This centrally located MA is the largest on the CNF and national forest land

accounts for 87 percent of its acreage. It consists of a very large rectangular pocosin that is higher than 

the surrounding landscape and extends nearly the full length of the CNF. Access is poor, with only one 

east-west road crossing the upper portion of the area. This MA has the most contiguous Forest Service 

ownership. The wilderness and the black bear habitat management prescription comprise a majority of 

the MA. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is dominated by a broad, domed peatland that is 

bounded on all sides by lower, better-drained landscapes. Five medium- to large-sized blackwater lakes, 

small linear sand ridges, and drainages form distinct patches in the matrix of extensive pocosin. Soils in 

these raised peatlands are very poorly drained and have organic layers 3 to over 6 feet deep. They are 

infertile and most nutrients come from rainwater. Soils are more fertile along the edge of the MA and 

vegetation is more diverse and productive in this transition zone. This is the largest contiguous block of 

pocosin wetlands on the Croatan and one of the oldest pocosins in the State. 

Table A-7. Landscape Composition and Configuration (MA-2)

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 0 673 0 0 0 0 908 56276 267 131 0 0 0 4891 0 63146

Frequency 0 1 0 0 0 0 9 8 14 8 0 0 0 3 0 43

Ave. patch 0 673 0 0 0 0 101 7036 19 16 0 0 0 1630 0 1469

Private land boundary=25 miles Total landtype edge=121 miles Total edge per square mile=1.2 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

This is the smallest edge and patch density found on the CNF. Like other extensive pocosin ecosystems 

in the Southeast, pocosins in the Croatan area have been altered and fragmented by drainage ditches and 

agricultural practices. 

The most contiguous and extensive raised peatlands and lakes, and one of the largest lake and stream

swamp patches on the CNF occur in this MA. Two of these landtypes—raised pocosins and lakes—

dominate the landscape. Other landtypes such as wet longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, mesic 

longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, and peat-mantled forested wetlands account for only 2 percent of 

the landscape area but nearly 75 percent of the total number of habitat patches. These small pinedominated patches are dwarfed by the pond pine and evergreen shrub pocosins but do provide habitat 

and scenic diversity in the MA. 

Small stands of longleaf pine and medium-sized stands of pond pine forest support trees much taller than 

those found in the pocosin. An extensive swamp and hardwood forest exceeding 100 years in age forms 

a prominent stand on the southern shore of Great Lake; portions of this stand have never been harvested. 

Because the forests in this MA are isolated, remote, or on relatively poor sites, most were passed over 

during early logging. As a result, virgin longleaf pine stands still exist. 

44 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Fuel types in this MA include highly volatile high pocosin fuels, volatile low pocosin fuels, 

hardwood/pine leaf litter fuels, southern rough fuel, and grass fuel. 

Two Wildland Urban Interface zones are identified in this MA, occurring in Catfish Lake Wilderness, 

Pocosin Wilderness, and Sheep Ridge Wilderness. 

There are currently no active RCW clusters in the MA. The large pocosin represents the highest quality 

habitat for black bear. Disturbances associated with public use and land management are low in most of 

the MA. The lakes in this MA empty into streams that feed the White Oak, Trent, Neuse, and Newport 

Rivers. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: Only 1 percent of this MA is used for agriculture. Catfish Lake Road 

is a heavily traveled Forest Service road that crosses through the MAs center and connects population 

areas on either side of the forest. Access in this MA can cause impacts to the wilderness experience, to 

North Carolina Natural Heritage areas, and to black bear habitat from the proximity and number of open 

roads. The need for fire suppression access is a potential conflict with the roadless character of the area. 

Semi-primitive non-motorized setting dominates the MA with four large blocks of roadless area. Most 

wilderness and roadless areas on the CNF are in this MA. They offer solitude, challenge, and a sense of 

remoteness for the visitor. The pocosins that dominate the area are very difficult to penetrate on foot, 

and there are no designated trails in these areas. The designated Black Swamp OHV area contains

approximately 8-10 miles of OHV routes, which are outside the wilderness. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: High water tables, highly flammable vegetation, ignitable soils, 

poor access, and low fertility complicate management opportunities. A high percentage of the MA could 

present extreme fire management concerns. The tremendous size of habitat patches, relatively small 

habitat edge, and ownership fragmentation of the Croatan pocosins greatly affect management 

opportunities and limitations on the CNF. Extensive pocosins, although regionally rare, locally support 

only moderate levels of biological and scenic diversity. Diversity will remain low if fire disturbance is 

excluded for more than a decade. 

There is potential for longleaf restoration on wet savannas and flatwoods (LT 09), currently occupied by 

loblolly pine and pond pine types. There is also potential for longleaf pine restoration on mesic 

savannas and flatwoods (LT 10). These sites are currently occupied by loblolly pine, pond pine, and 

hardwoods. 

Opportunities exist for further reducing human associated disturbances in the black bear habitat 

management prescription by implementing year-round or seasonal road closures. Closing of 

unauthorized access routes, some existing degraded OHV trails, and several dead-end spur roads would 

reduce open-road density. Also, opportunities exist to improve bear habitat through prescribed burning 

of pocosins and establishing roadside softmast buffers on the closed roads. 

Since Brice Creek, including portions of West and East Prong Creeks, is eligible for wild and scenic 

river status, opportunities exist to manage those portions on NF land for their outstandingly remarkable 

values. 

45 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa33

General Description: Management Area 3 is the third largest, 55 percent of which is national forest. It 

forms almost the entire western boundary of the forest and includes a transition zone between the large 

central pocosin and rural land along the White Oak River. The CNF occupies about half of the MA and 

is fragmented by ownerships in the western part. Boundaries between the CNF and private land are over 

90 miles long, the most extensive of all management areas. Two management prescriptions dominate the 

MA: Red-Cockaded Woodpecker HMA, and hardwood-cypress wetlands. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is generally level except along the four major streams 

that dissect the area. This MA has the highest diversity of ecological types on the CNF, including all 14 

landtypes identified on the forest. These landtypes are represented in 427 separate patches; only MA 4 

has more patches. Soils are generally poorly to very poorly drained, but many acres are better drained 

sites. In general, soil texture is loamy or claylike, and sites are productive. 

Table A-8 - Landscape Composition and Configuration for MA 3.

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 1094 2393 318 320 478 2796 9172 2227 3505 4757 1105 93 9 135 0 28402

Frequency 12 36 7 7 20 29 53 29 93 90 37 4 1 9 0 427

Ave. patch 91 66 45 46 24 96 173 77 38 53 30 23 9 15 0 67

Private land boundary=91 miles Total landtype edge=473 mile Total edge per square mile=11 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

Habitat edge and patch size are significantly different from the adjacent MAs 2 and 4. Dominant 

landtypes include: peat-mantled forested wetlands, mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, wet 

longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, broad undissected interstream flats, lake and stream swamps, 

raised peatlands, and dry-mesic longleaf pine savannas. 

Four landtypes are more common in this MA than elsewhere on the CNF: Tidal streams and estuaries 

(85 percent of CNF total), Dry-mesic longleaf pine savannas (50 percent of CNF total), mesic longleaf 

pine savannas and flatwoods (39 percent of CNF total), and lake and stream swamps (30 percent of CNF 

total). Three landtypes occur in more extensive patches than in other MAs: tidal streams and estuaries 

(91 acre average patch), broad undissected interstream flats (96 acre average patch), and drainage slopes 

(46 acre average patch).

Loblolly pine is the most common species and occupies many acres more suitable for longleaf pine. 

Longleaf occupies about one-third of the potentially-suited longleaf acres. The most extensive swamp 

forests on the CNF occur in this MA, and extensive hardwood forests occur near drainages. Nearly half 

of the cypress- and hardwood-dominated forests exceed 70 years in age and many of the more remote 

swamps have much older patches of trees. Pond pine forests, including some approaching old-growth 

condition, dominate in the transition to the central pocosin and large marshlands along the western 

boundary. 

46 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Due in part to an aggressive prescribed burning program in this MA, almost half has hardwood/pine leaf 

litter fuels. No low pocosin is located here, and only a small percentage of the MA is in a high pocosin 

fuel condition. There are no designated wildland urban interface areas in MA 3. 

Currently, this MA has both active RCW clusters with eight breeding pairs. Their annual rate of 

fledgling production is the highest for the Croatan population. 

MA 3 provides a wide range of wildlife habitats. Wildlife openings and agricultural fields provide highquality habitat for upland game species and nongame bird species that depend on early successional oldfield habitat. The pine and pine hardwood forests provide good habitat for turkeys and deer, and the 

network of hardwood cypress wetlands provides travel corridors, denning sites, and hardmast for a 

variety of game and nongame species. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: The junction of Highway 58 and Highway 24 is an area of high-traffic 

use and a concentrated population center. Roads also have high impact on ecotones and Special Interest 

Areas (natural areas). 

The landscape changes from the remote land of MA 2 to roaded natural appearing landscapes of MA 3. 

The forests on private and public land appear cultivated due to the symmetric rows of loblolly pine

plantations. Land-based recreation opportunities feature motorized use in a forest setting. Most 

recreation use is water-based, focusing on the White Oak River corridor and adjacent streams. Cedar 

Point campground is nestled in a mixed pine-hardwood forest with an open understory. The recreation 

area also serves as take-off points for hikers and canoeists who want to experience the estuary. 

Recreation development will be concentrated near water, primarily along the White Oak River. 

Hardwood-cypress wetlands will be key travel corridors for wildlife, linking the remote pocosin habitats 

with the White Oak River. These wetlands will provide much of the undisturbed habitat for neotropical 

migratory birds. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: Poor drainage and high water tables limit equipment use in much 

of the area. Rapid growth of hardwoods and shrubs on these productive sites adds to the difficulty of 

midstory control in RCW management. However, RCW augmentation is greater here than in all other 

MAs; a small percentage of the suitable RCW nest and forage areas are occupied. 

This MA presents the most complex management situation on the CNF, due to its high habitat diversity, 

extent of landtypes, habitat fragmentation, and length of the boundaries with private land. Only MA 6 

has experienced more fragmentation of habitats. A potential exists to restore longleaf pine on wet 

savannas and flatwoods (LT 09) occupied by loblolly and pond pine types. There is also potential for 

longleaf restoration on mesic savannas and flatwoods (LT 10) and dry-mesic savannas (LT 11). 

Opportunities exist to use short-interval, low-intensity fires in longleaf pine savannas to increase the 

grass fuel type. 

The high percentage of heavily used public roads limits the feasibility for road management to improve 

wildlife habitat conditions. However, seasonal or year-round closure of several roads would reduce 

47 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
wildlife disturbance, improve opportunities for still hunting and walk-in spring turkey hunting, and 

expand the availability of linear grass-forb wildlife openings. 

Since the White Oak River corridor is eligible for wild and scenic river status, opportunities exist to 

manage those portions on NF land for their outstandingly remarkable values. 

Management Area 4

General Description: This MA forms much of the southern boundary of the forest. It contains one of 

the more distinctive landscapes on the Croatan. Although nearly half of the MA is in private land, this 

MA has a very large contiguous block of national forest land. Portions of the eastern edge are 

fragmented by urban areas and highways. The boundary between CNF and private land is approximately 

66 miles long. Pine savanna and flatwoods and small to medium pocosin patches dominate the public 

land. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is dominated by ridges and swales that reflect an old 

ocean shoreline. This landform pattern is highly variable and supports 13 of the 14 landtypes described 

on the CNF. Soils range from very poorly drained to excessively drained sands. Productivity is 

typically poor due to low fertility or excessive drainage. 

Table A-9. Landscape Composition and Configuration for MA-4. 

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6

Management Area 4

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 11 1386 0 2 92 105 709 8026 4643 2334 665 1025 34 27 53 19112

Frequency 2 16 0 1 9 5 23 62 195 117 22 43 3 6 5 509

Ave. patch 6 87 0 2 10 21 31 129 24 20 30 24 11 5 11 38

Private land boundary=66 miles Total landtype edge=437 Total edge per square mile=15 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

Within this MA, total habitat edge is 437 miles in length or 15 miles of edge per square mile. Only MA 

6 has greater habitat edge density but much of its edge is due to private land boundaries. The edge in 

MA 4 is due more to ecological diversity. Patch size is significantly different from adjacent MAs 2 and 

3. Dominant landtypes include raised peatlands (mostly with mineral soils), wet longleaf pine savannas 

and flatwoods, mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, lake and stream swamps, and xeric longleaf 

pine savannas. Wet longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, xeric longleaf pine savannas, and maritime

ridge and dune forests are more extensive here than elsewhere on the CNF. 

Longleaf pine and pond pine are the predominate species, with longleaf pine occupying a greater share 

of the average here than in any other MA. The Newport River forms an extensive network of swamp to 

the north and east. Nearly one-third of all sites supporting longleaf pine occur in this MA. Density of 

RCW clusters is also highest in this MA, with over half of the active clusters occurring here. 

The extensive patches of longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods are represented by a grass fuel model in 

about a quarter of the area. Pond pine is interspersed among these longleaf patches. Fuel types found in 

48 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
this MA include high pocosin fuels, pocosin fuels, southern rough fuels, and hardwood and pine leaf 

litter. 

The MA supports more longleaf pine and more RCW clusters than all other MAs, but their annual rate 

of fledgling production is the second lowest among the Croatan population. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: About 12 percent of the MA is in urban or rural agricultural land. 

Highway 24, a primary highway, traverses the entire southern boundary. 

The open stands, sandy soil, unique ecosystems, and plant communities attract hikers and naturalists. 

Most of the recreational use and demands are for dispersed activities like nature hikes, horse and 

mountain bike trails, and hunting. 

The RCW HMA dominates the MA and provides the landscape matrix. Its boundary was designed to 

maintain the character of longleaf pine ridges and flatwoods in connected blocks. The greatest number 

and diversity of Special Interest Areas (natural area) occurs in this MA and reflects the variety, 

distribution, and concentration of high-quality ecological conditions found in the southern portion of the 

CNF. 

More than all other MAs, the desired condition in this MA emphasizes maintaining the unique character 

of existing natural-appearing landscapes. The continued emphasis on prescribed burning as the primary 

management tool in the MA will further improve habitat for RCW and stimulate moderate increases in 

their population. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: There are few limitations to equipment use or prescribed burning 

in this MA. However, a large amount of wildland-urban interface and pocosin fuels are common. The 

concern with organic soil ignition is not critical because pocosins occur on mineral soils with only a thin 

peat layer. 

This MA presents one of the most complex management situations on the CNF, due to small, average 

patch size and habitat diversity. Most of the extensive habitat edge in the MA is between longleaf pine 

savannas and high pocosins. This ecotone supports many rare species, which affects fire behavior 

because of the abrupt change in fuel types. 

MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa55

General Description: This management area represents an important physical and biological link to 

fragmented habitats to the north and south. The boundaries between the CNF and private land are 

approximately 42 miles long. Access through most of the MA is limited. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is level and dissected by only shallow streams. 

Landform pattern is not complex and includes 11 landtypes represented in 141 patches. However, the 

MA is dominated by just two landtypes. Soils are mostly very poorly to poorly drained and have coarse 

to fine loamy textures or deep organic horizons. 

49 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Table A-10. Landscape Composition and Configuration MA-5. 

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 79 823 243 0 6 908 11456 4808 537 390 249 18 0 5 8 19539

Frequency 2 12 2 0 1 20 19 20 35 19 5 3 0 2 1 141

Ave. patch 39 69 122 0 16 45 603 240 15 21 50 6 0 3 8 139

Private land boundary=42miles Total landtype edge=159 miles Total edge per square mile=5 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

 This MA has the second largest average patch size on the CNF. Edge and patch size are significantly 

larger than in adjacent MA 6. Dominant Landtypes include peat-mantled forested wetlands and raised 

peatlands. Peat-mantled forested wetlands occur in larger patch sizes and are more common in this MA 

than elsewhere on the CNF (36 percent of CNF total). On the other hand, wet longleaf pine savannas 

and flatwoods have the smallest patch size in this MA. 

Pond pine is the most common species and typically forms extensive old stands with nearly closed 

canopies. It also occurs in two moderate-sized pocosins with dense evergreen shrubs. Four creeks form

swamplands dominated by hardwoods. Mixed stands of loblolly, longleaf, and pond pine also occur. 

Pond pine and pocosin communities dominate the vegetation in this MA. The most extensive old stands 

of pond pine occur in this MA. Some of these forests are in or near the wildland-urban interface and 

therefore old-growth restoration opportunities may be limited in these areas. Longleaf pine occurs in 

small stands on the fringes of pond pine forests, and occupies nearly all suitable longleaf sites. 

Fuel types found in this MA include grass fuel, high pocosin fuel, low pocosin fuel, southern rough fuel, 

and hardwood/pine leaf litter fuel. This management area has designated wildland urban interfaces. 

Much of this area is suitable bear habitat and links the interior of the CNF with riverine habitats to the 

northeast. Therefore, this area serves as a travel corridor for bears. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: There are no agricultural or urban uses of this land, but adjacent to this 

MA is the town of Havelock and Highway 70, which creates a wildland-urban interface along the 

northwest boundary. The number of people living near this MA is growing and placing an increased 

demand on national forest land to help provide community facilities. 

A major road corridor, highway 70, separates large roadless tracts with high traffic levels. This road 

corridor in a rural setting creates a band that splits the MA and provides views of natural appearing pond 

pine stands that contrast with the extensive development on private land in the road corridor. Most 

recreation use is dispersed and centers on the 22-mile Neusiok Trail. Hunting occurs primarily in the 

pocosin roadless areas. Developed use is low and occurs at the water-based Oyster Point primitive camp

area. 

The pattern of management prescriptions reflects the natural composition and configuration of large 

contiguous habitat patches found in the MA. The black bear prescription is designed to maintain the 

integrity of forested wetlands and raised peatlands. The most extensive wildland-urban interface 

prescription occurs in this MA. 

50 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Prescribed burning will be the primary tool used to create a mosaic of vegetation structures within large 

pocosin patches. MA 5 is less remote than MA 2 and major highways and residential roads afford 

greater visibility of landscapes. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: Limiting factors in this MA include high water tables, dense 

pocosin in the WUI, and high fuels. Management concerns due to landscape composition and 

configuration are similar to MA 2. Large wetland patches with little interior edge but significant private 

land boundary present a fairly homogenous landscape having relatively low biological diversity and 

scenic value. Fire suppression in ecosystems such as these, where volatile pocosin fuels occur in such 

large patch sizes, significantly increase the probability of uncontrolled wildfire and risk to human health. 

Conditions dictate the need for an extensive fuel break in the wildland-urban interface zone that can be 

used to slow the rate and spread of wildfire. 

MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa66

General Description: This large MA forms the eastern boundary of the CNF. It is irregular in shape and 

contains uplands along the Neuse River and its tributaries. Forest Service ownership is highly 

fragmented and consists of numerous isolated tracts. Only 23 percent of the MA is managed by the 

CNF. The boundaries between the CNF and private land are nearly 90 miles in length. This MA and MA 

3 have the longest private land boundaries on the CNF. 

Other land is essentially a mixture of urban tracts, a military base, a major highway, and scattered rural 

farmland. The largest block of contiguous Forest Service ownership is bounded by the Neuse River to 

the north and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS)-Cherry Point to the west.

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is generally level but highly dissected by two large 

creeks and their extensive tributaries. These areas have some of the steepest slopes on the CNF. 

Landform pattern is very complex and only two ecological types identified on the CNF are absent from

the area (dry-mesic longleaf pine and xeric longleaf pine savannas). The 13 landtypes occurring in the 

MA are represented in 268 separate units or patches. Soils are highly variable but mostly very 

productive. Most of the better drained sites are in private ownership. 

Table A-11. Landscape Composition and Configuration for MA-6. 

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 120 835 1973 564 983 2836 1389 102 845 2142 0 0 7 17 37 11850

Frequency 12 31 14 19 30 55 32 7 6 46 0 0 1 10 5 268

Ave. patch 10 27 141 30 33 52 43 15 141 47 0 0 7 2 7 44

Private land boundary=84 miles Total landtype edge=256 Total edge per square mile=14 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry Mesic Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

Edge density is highest here and in MA 4. Much of the edge here is due to fragmentation of landtypes. 

Total habitat edge and density are significantly different from the adjacent MAs 5 and 7. Dominant 

landtypes include broad undissected interstream flats, mesic longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, 

stream and river terraces, dissected interstream flats, and lake and stream swamps. 

51 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
Four landtypes are more common in this MA than elsewhere on the CNF: stream and river terraces (75 

percent of CNF total), drainage slopes (55 percent of CNF total), dissected interstream flats (42 percent 

of CNF total), and broad undissected interstream flats (35 percent of CNF total). Two landtypes occur 

in more extensive patches than in other MAs: stream and river terraces and wet longleaf pine savannas 

and flatwoods. Raised peatlands and lake and stream swamps have the smallest average patch size 

found on the CNF. 

Loblolly pine and longleaf pine are the most common species and may occur with pond pine in mixed 

stands. This MA has the most extensive young loblolly plantations on the forest and most of these are 

on sites with poor drainage. Most National Forest land is dominated by loblolly pine or scattered mesic 

longleaf pine. This MA has the smallest percentage of stands exceeding 80 years in age and the most 

extensive young loblolly plantations. However, the largest block of contiguous upland hardwood forests 

and potential hardwood sites on the Croatan occurs in this MA. Also of significance are the longleaf 

stands that could link the forest’s northern and southern RCW populations. 

Fuel types on this MA include grass fuel, high pocosin, southern rough fuel, and hardwood and pine leaf 

litter fuel. A small portion of the pocosin wildland urban interface is in this MA, and none of the MA is 

in wilderness. 

This MA contains low numbers of RCWs. Loblolly pine is the most common species on upland sites 

and occupies many acres suitable for longleaf pine. This MA consists of two moderately large patches 

of mixed-pine wet flatwoods, hardwood forests, and longleaf pine savannas highly dissected by two 

large creeks and their extensive tributaries. This area is highly fragmented by developments on private 

land. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: About 21 percent of this land is used for agricultural or urban 

purposes. This MA has the highest road mileage. Population centers include Havelock, the Highway 70 

corridor, and MCAS-Cherry Point. 

Recreation use and demand are high, particularly along the Neuse River. The developed recreation 

capacity range from rustic at Siddie Fields to high amenities at Flanners Beach. Activities include 

fishing, boating, camping, swimming, and hunting. 

This MA contains an important corridor for RCW between the northern and eastern portions of the CNF. 

Although this linkage would consist of a narrow corridor of small habitat patches, it could provide a 

passageway for RCW and a scenic forest landscape along Highway 70. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: High water tables limit equipment use and forest management 

activities. The wildland-urban interface zone is extensive and isolated stands are difficult to manage. A 

very small percentage of the potentially suitable RCW habitat is occupied, but more than half is suitable 

for the species. Many stands dominated by loblolly pine are on suitable hardwood or hardwood-pine 

sites. 

CNF ownership in this MA is significantly fragmented into small isolated tracts or those having long 

and irregular boundaries. This fragmentation severely affects the physical and biological linkages 

52 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
between adjacent MAs. Potential black bear travel corridors are limited, and RCW populations in the 

northern part of the CNF may potentially become isolated from those in the south. There are few 

management options available that can reduce this fragmentation and reestablish biological linkages. 

The extensive boundary also reduces management options such as the use of prescribed burning because 

of the risk of fire escape and potential excessive smoke. 

MMaannaaggeemmeennttAArreeaa77

General Description: This MA is the smallest on the CNF. It is linear in shape and represents the 

transition in drainage and land use between the highly fragmented MA 6 to the east and the contiguous 

central pocosin in MA 2. Over half of the land in the MA is privately owned; 45 percent is national 

forest land. The boundary between the CNF and private land is nearly 44 miles long. The RCW HMA, 

river corridors eligible for wild and scenic river status, and short-rotation pine production will dominate 

the MA. 

Physical and Biological Profile: The topography is level, and only shallow streams dissect the 

landscape. Landform is highly patterned, but not complex. Only nine landtypes occur, and forested 

wetlands dominate over half of the MA. All landtypes are represented in 158 separate units or patches, 

about the same number as found in adjacent MA 6. Soils are mostly poorly drained to very poorly 

drained and have a claylike or loamy texture. Most sites are productive. 

Table A-12. Landscape composition and configuration for MA 7.

Landtype 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Total

Acres 0 1130 88 21 38 376 5800 588 1311 1051 0 0 0 0 0 10403

Frequency 0 17 3 2 4 21 27 20 28 36 0 0 0 0 0 158

Ave. patch 0 66 29 10 10 18 215 29 47 29 0 0 0 0 0 66

Private land boundary=44 miles Total landtype edge=167 Total edge per square mile=10 miles 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries 6. Broad Undissected Interstream Flats 11. Dry-Mesic-Pine Savanna 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps 7. Peat-Mantled Forest Wetlands 12. Xeric-Pine Savanna 

3. Stream and River Terraces 8. Raised Peatlands 13. Maritime-Ridge/Dune Forests 

4. Drainage Slopes 9. Wet-Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 14. Water 

5. Dissected Interstream Flats 10. Mesic-Pine Savanna/Flatwoods 15. Altered Land 

Average patch size is significantly greater than in adjacent MA 2 and patch density is significantly less 

than in adjacent MA 6. Dominant landtypes include peat-mantled forested wetlands, wet-longleaf-pine 

savannas and flatwoods, lake and stream swamps, and mesic-longleaf-pine savannas. Two landtypes 

have the smallest average patch size found on the CNF: Broad undissected intersteam flats (18-acre 

average patch size) and dissected interstream flats (10 acre average patch size). 

Loblolly pine, pond pine, and hardwoods dominate the MA and occur on some sites more suitable for 

longleaf pine. Longleaf pine dominates the sand ridges. Many stands are comprised of mixed pine 

species, including pond pine and longleaf pine. This MA has a matrix of mixed-pine-mesic flatwoods, 

and bottomland hardwood sites and a moderate-sized pocosin dissected by an extensive series of sand 

ridges. These sand ridges are dominated by longleaf-pine savannas. 

Fuel types found in this MA include grass fuel, high pocosin fuel, southern rough fuel, and 

hardwood/pine leaf litter fuel. 

53 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
This MA contains numerous RCW clusters that are currently active, including breeding pairs. The 

annual rate of fledgling production is highest among the Croatan population. 

Cultural and Economic Profile: Less than 1 percent of the land is used for agriculture or urban 

purposes. This MA is adjacent to wilderness, roadless areas, and black bear habitat, but road use in the 

area influences the character of these resources. Highway 70 runs through the MA and there is 

concentrated commercial and residential development nearby. Catfish Lake Road, a heavily traveled 

rural corridor, divides the MA. 

Recreation use is moderate, and demands are growing for horse and mountain bike trails. This dispersed 

use currently occurs on open and closed roads. There is also high hunting use. The portions of Brice 

Creek and East Prong Creek that are eligible for wild and scenic river status flow through the MA. 

Opportunities exist to add minimum development access points to these creeks. 

The large amount of ownership fragmentation will affect the range of recreation opportunities in this 

MA. This area, along with the naturally appearing scenery in the river corridor eligible for wild and 

scenic river status, will improve the scenic quality of the landscape. Dispersed recreation trail use may 

increase, and the experience of the trail users will be enhanced by the quality of the scenery. 

Ownership fragmentation in the eastern and southern portion of this MA result in isolated habitat and 

prescription patches. A primary desired condition is to link MA 1 to MA 5 through the RCW HMA 

management prescription within MA 7. This linkage would serve a critical biological need of the 

expanding RCW population. It would also provide a protective buffer from wildfires that begin in the 

central pocosin (MA 2) and spread toward urban areas in MA 6. 

Opportunities and Limiting Factors: Poor drainage and high water tables severely limit equipment use 

and forest management practices in most of the MA. Although RCW cluster density is high, less than 

half of the suitable RCW nest and forage areas are occupied. Many rare species occur along the linear 

sand ridge and ecotones in this MA. 

Except for one isolated CNF tract, the southern part of the MA is entirely within private land. As with 

the adjacent MA 6, habitat fragmentation has severely affected the biological linkages for black bear and 

RCW. Few management options, except land acquisition, are available that would reestablish these 

important biological linkages.

54 

Appendix A: Ecological Classification System 
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX BB:: FFuueellMMooddeellss aannddFFiirree CCoommppaarrttmmeennttss

Fuel Model Description 

Several variables were incorporated in the development of a fuels analysis on the Croatan National 

Forest. The primary variables included forest type and fire history (1979-1996). Complete prescribed 

fire records only dated back to 1979. District personnel were interviewed to outline large wildfires from

1979 to 1996. “Fire occurrence” is used to describe both prescribed fire and wildfire activity in this 

analysis. Other variables used in the analysis included potential natural vegetation (PNV), soil map 

units, site index, and thinning treatments. 

Fuel models (Anderson, 1982) were selected to best describe these conditions. A fuel model is a list of 

numbers that describe the fuel bed in such terms as fuel bed depth, load and heat content. It provides a 

means of organizing fuels data for input into the fire behavior model. The fire behavior model is used to 

help predict characteristics that a fire might display under specified conditions. The following fuel 

models (FM), based on Anderson’s AIDS TO DETERMINING FUEL MODELS FOR ESTIMATING FIRE 

BEHAVIOR (1982), were determined to be of interest . 

Fuel Model 2 A grass fuel model (FM2) occurring in longleaf pine stands that have been in a “3-

year or less” burning rotation for several years. In FM 2, fire is spread primarily 

through the fine herbaceous fuels, either curing or dead. These are surface fires 

where the herbaceous material, besides litter and dead-down stemwood from the 

open shrub or timber overstory, contribute to the fire intensity (8,200 acres 

current). 

Fuel Model 4 High pocosin conditions (FM4) occur in areas of very poorly drained soils 

including Croatan, Murville and Bayboro, which support pond pine and loblolly 

pine forest types, and have a Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) of Pocosin, but 

have had no fire occurrence in at least 17 years (since 1979). Fire intensity and 

fast-spreading fires in this fuel type involve the foliage and live and dead fine 

woody material in the crowns of a nearly continuous secondary overstory. In 

addition to flammable foliage, dead woody material contributes significantly to 

fire intensity. The height of stands qualifying for this model depends on local 

conditions. There may also be a deep litter layer or organic soil that confounds 

suppression efforts. (42,400 acres current) 

Fuel Model 6 Low pocosin (FM 6) represents areas of deep organic soils (organic > 51”) such as 

Dare, which support pond pine forest types and have a PNV of Pocosin. Fire 

carries through the shrub layer where the foliage is generally flammable, but 

requires moderate winds (8mi/h at midflame height). Fire will drop to the ground 

at low windspeeds or openings in the stand. The shrubs are older, but not as tall as 

shrub types of FM 4, nor do they contain as much fuel as FM 4. However, once 

the deep organic soil ignites, fires become very difficult to extinguish, and causes 

severe smoke management problems (26,100 acres current). 

55 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
Fuel Model 7 A southern rough fuel condition (FM 7) exists in pine forest types, which have had 

infrequent fire occurrences. Also included in FM 7 are pine stands that are fairly 

productive or have had thinning treatments. These stands are assumed to have 

somewhat open canopies which allow for substantial shrub layer development. 

Fires burn through the surface and shrub strata with equal ease and can occur at 

higher dead fuel moisture contents because of the flammable nature or live foliage 

and other live material. Stands of shrubs are generally between 2 and 6 ft. high. 

(36,500 acres current) 

Fuel Model 9 A hardwood/pine leaf litter fuel model (FM 9) is found in hardwood drainages and 

swamps, and mixed hardwood/pine types. This fuel model also captures other 

pine forest types with relatively closed canopies, as well as those that have had 

regular prescribed fire treatments. In general, these stands do not have the welldeveloped shrub understories found in those depicted by FM 7. Fires run through 

the surface litter at moderate rates of spread, but high winds will actually cause 

higher rates of spread than predicted by the fire behavior model. This is due to 

spotting caused by rolling and blowing leaves. Concentrations of dead-down 

woody material will contribute to possible torching out of trees, spotting, and 

crowning. (39,300 acres current) 

56 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
Deriving Fuel Models 

The CNF database contains ArcInfo coverage of fuel models called “FM”. Parameters were selected to 

query the Croatan database. Overlap occurs within fuel models, but the queries were developed to 

prohibit overlap among fuel models. The following criteria were used to derive CNF fuel models. The 

spatial arrangement of fuel models is shown in Figure B-2. 

Fuel Model 2: Longleaf pine forest types that have been prescribed burned in the last 3 years (1993-

1996). 

Fuel Model 4: Pond pine or loblolly pine forest types; PNV equal to Pocosin; soils of Croatan, Murville, 

or Bayboro; and no fire occurrence in the last 17 years (1979-1996). 

Fuel Model 6: All Dare soils. Also includes pond pine or loblolly pine forest types with PNV equal to 

Pocosin and soil Map Units which are either Croatan, Murville, or Bayboro that burned during the 1994 

Fish Day Fire. These areas are expected to succeed back to FM4 by the end of the current 10-year 

planning period. 

Fuel Model 7: Loblolly pine forest types with no fire occurrence in the last 17 years (1979-1996); or: 

57 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
• Loblolly pine plantations planted prior to 1983 (15+ years old) that have been thinned, have one 

fire occurrence in 5 years or greater (prior to 1991). 

• Pond pine forest types with Site Index greater than or equal to 50, that have no fire occurrence in 

the last 17 years (since 1979) and soil Map Units not equal to Croatan. 

• Longleaf pine forest types with Site Index greater than or equal to 70 and that have had one fire 

occurrence in the last 17 years (1979-1996). 

• Longleaf pine forest types with no fire occurrence in the last 17 years (1979-1996). 

• Pond pine or loblolly pine forest types with PNV of Pond Pine, Longleaf Savanna, or Mixed 

Pine. 

• Loblolly pine forest types with no fire occurrence in the last 3 years (1993-1996), and only one 

fire occurrence prior to 1993. 

• Loblolly/hardwood, slash pine, and shortleaf forest types with no fire occurrence 1979-1995, or 

one fire occurrence in 1996. 

• Pond pine forest types with fire occurrence in the last 3 years (1993-1996), but no fire 

occurrences prior to 1993. 

• Pond pine forest types with no fire occurrence since 1994. 

Fuel Model 9: 

• Longleaf pine forest types with Site Index less than 70, no fire occurrence in the last 3 years 

(1993-1996), but one fire occurrence from 1979-1993. 

• Loblolly pine plantations planted prior to 1983 (15+ years old) that have been thinned and have 

had at least one fire occurrence in the last 5 years (since 1990). 

• Loblolly pine plantations planted prior to 1983 (15+ years old) that have not been thinned, but 

have had fire occurrence in the last 17 years (since 1979). 

• Loblolly pine forest types with more than one fire occurrence, the last occurrence being since 

1991. 

• Loblolly pine forest types with fire occurrence in the last 3 years (1993-1996). 

• Pond pine forest types with more than one fire occurrence, the last occurrence being in the last 3 

years (1993-1996). 

• Hardwood forest types. 

This analysis represents the current fuel conditions on the Croatan. With additional fire treatments, fuels 

can be expected to transition towards those fuel models that produce less intense fire behavior 

characteristics. As fire is excluded from the landscape, fuels will transition towards those models which 

produce more intense fire behavior characteristics in many areas. 

Fire Behavior Analysis 

These fuel models were then analyzed and rated relative to risk using BEHAVE, a Fire Behavior 

Prediction System. Fire behavior models require certain inputs including weather, fuel model, 

topography, and fuel moisture. Outputs are quantitative and include Rate of Spread (ROS), fire size, 

flame length, and fireline intensity. BEHAVE uses Rothermel’s Fire Spread Model (Rothermel, 1972) 

to calculate fire behavior. There are several assumptions associated with the Fire Spread Model: 

• Fire spread is predicted at the flaming front. It does not predict behavior for pile burning, or 

burnout after the fire front has passed. 

58 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
• Fire spread is predicted for surface fire that is burning in a single layer near the ground. When 

the spread model is combined with other models within the BEHAVE program, it can help 

predict torching, spotting, or crowning fire behavior characteristics. 

• The fire is free burning. It is no longer affected by the source of ignition or suppression action. 

• Fire behavior is heavily weighted toward fine fuels. Fuels larger than 1 inch in diameter have 

little effect on ROS, and fuels larger than 3 inches in diameter have no effect. 

• Only the foliage and fine stems of living plants are considered fuels. When moisture content is 

high, such plants can dampen fire spread. When moisture content drops below a critical level, 

however, living plants can increase the rate of fire spread. 

• Fuels are continuous and uniform. While there are very few situations that will meet this 

assumption, the more uniform the fuel, the better the model predict the fire behavior. 

• Fire spread is predicted for uniform weather and topography. 

• The fire-spread model is designed for peak fire season usage. (NWCG, 1993). 

Several runs were made using a range weather inputs for low, moderate, and high fire danger days as 

they might occur on the CNF. As expected, Fuel Models 2, 6, and 7 exhibited relatively rapid rates of 

spread and high flame lengths on high fire danger days, suggesting that fire suppression would best be 

accomplished using indirect attack methods. BEHAVE runs using these same fuel models on moderate 

and low fire danger days produced manageable rates of spread and flame lengths, making direct attack a 

viable suppression option. 

BEHAVE runs for Fuel Model 9 predicted relatively manageable rates of spread and flame lengths, 

suggesting that direct attack would be an effective suppression method, even during high fire danger 

days. However, it is generally agreed that high winds can actually cause higher rates of spread in 

hardwoods due to blowing leaves, particularly during the fall. Concentrations of dead-down woody 

materials increases the possibility of torching, spotting, and crowing in fires occurring in Fuel Model 9. 

Fuel Model 4 exhibited the most extreme fire behavior throughout the range of fire danger days. 

Predicted flame lengths greater than 8 ft. and rates of spread greater than 20 ch/hr., even on low fire 

danger days, make direct attack impossible in this fuel type. On high fire danger days, the model also 

predicted spotting distances up to 1⁄2 mile, increasing the risks associated with wildfire occurrences in 

Fuel Model 4. 

59 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
60 

Appendix B: Fuel Models and Fire Compartments 
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX CC:: RRaarree SSppeecciieess

Table C.1: Occurrence and status of rare (threatened, endangered, sensitive, and locally rare) species on the CNF. (Species 

with a documented occurrence on the CNF are highlighted).

STATUS RANK DOMINANT LIFESCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME F.S. U.S. N.C. GLOBAL N.C. HABITAT FORM

Acipenser oxyrhinchus Altantic sturgeon S SC G3 S3 water fish 

Aeschynomene virginica Sensitive jointvetch T T E G2 S1 marshes plant 

Agalinis aphylla scale-leaf gerardia LR SR-P G3G4 S3 savanna plant 

Agalinis virgata branched gerardia LR SR-P G3G4Q S2 savanna plant 

Aimophila aestivalis Bachman’s sparrow S FSC SC G3 S2S3 savanna bird 

Alasmidonta undulata triangle floater LR T G4 S2 rivers mollusk 

Alligator mississippensis American alligator T/SA T/SA T G5 S3 water reptile 

Ammodramus henslowii Henslow’s sparrow LR SR G4 S2S1 pocosin Bird 

Andropogon mohrii bog bluestem LR SR-P G4? S1 savanna Plant 

Anhinga anhinga anhinga LR SR G5 S2SZ water Bird 

Asclepias pedicellata stalked milkweed LR SR-P G4 S2 savanna Plant 

Asplenium heteroresiliens Carolina spleenwort S FSC E G2Q S1 marl plant 

Atrytone arogos arogos arogos skipper S FSC SR G4T1T2 S1 savanna insect 

Baetisca laurentina a mayfly LR SR G5 SU rivers insect 

Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern LR SR G4 S1B,S3N marsh bird

Calopogon multiflorus Many-flower grass pink S FSC E G2G3 S1 savanna plant 

Campylopus carolinae savanna campylopus S FSC SR-T G1G2 S1 savanna moss 

Canus rufus Red wolf E-XN E-XN SR G1 S1 swamps mammal

Cardamine longii Long’s bittercress S SR-T G3 S1 marsh plant 

CarexWildenowii megarrhyncha Southern Willdenow’s Sedge LR SR-T G5T3? S1 marl plant 

Circus cyaneus Northern harrier LR SR G5 S1B,S4N marsh bird

Cladium mariscoides Twig-rush LR SR-O G5 S2 bogs plant 

Cleistes bifaria Small spreading pogonia S W7 G3G4 S2? savanna plant 

Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque’s big-eared bat S FSC (PT) G3G4 S3 variable mammal 

Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow rail LR SR G4 S2N marsh bird

Crotalus adamanteus E. diamondback rattlesnake LR (PE) G4 S1 savanna reptile 

Cylindrocolea rhizantha a liverwort S SR-P G3? SH marl liverwort 

Cystopteris tennesseensis Tennessee bladder-fern LR E-SC G5 S1 marl plant 

Dichanthelium hirstii Hirst’s panic grass S C E G1 S1 savanna plant 

Dionaea muscipula Venus flytrap S FSC SR-L G3 S3 savanna plant 

Eleocharis robbinsii Robbins’s spikerush LR SR-P G4G5 S2 ponds plant 

Eleotris pisonis Spinycheek sleeper LR SR G5 S2 water fish 

Euphyes berryi Berry’s skipper LR SR G3G4 S1? ponds insect 

Euphyes bimacula two-spotted skipper LR SR G4 S2 marsh insect 

Euphyes dukesi dukesi Duke’s skipper S SR G3T3 S1S2 marsh insect 

Evorthodus lyricus lyre goby LR SR G5 S2 water fish 

Ferrissia hendersoni blackwater ancylid LR SC G? S1 Lake margin gastropod 

Fissidens hallii Hall’s pocket moss S SR-T G2 S1 swamp moss 

Frullania donnellii A liverwort S SR-T G3? SH marsh liverwort 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

61 
Table C.1: continued 

STATUS RANK 

dominant LIFESCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME F.S. U.S N.C. GLOBAL N.C. HABITAT FORM 

Fusconaia masoni Atlantic pigtoe S FSC (PE) G2 S1 water mollusk 

Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle T T (PT) G4 S3B,S3N near water bird 

Hemipachnobia subporphyrea Venus flytrap cutworm moth S FSC SR G1 S1? savanna insect 

Helinium pinnatifidum dissected sneezeweed LR SR-P G4 S2 savanna plant 

Hesperia attalus slossonae dotted skipper S SR G3G4T3 S2S3 savanna insect 

Heterodon simus Southern hognose snake LR FSC (PSC) G2 S2 sandhills reptile 

Himantopus mexicanus black-necked stilt LR SR G5 S2B pond bird

Hypsoblennius ionthas freckled blenny LR SR G5 S2 water fish 

Ictinia mississippiensis Mississippi kite LR SR G5 S2B bottomland bird

Isoetes microvela quillwort S SR-L G1 S1 riverbanks plant 

Kalmia cuneata white wicky S FSC SR-L G3 S3 pocosin plant 

Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Southern bogbutton S W1 G2G3 S3 sandhills plant 

Lampetra aepytera least brook lamphrey S (PT) G5 S2 water fish 

Lampsilis radiata radiata Eastern lampmussel LR (PT) G5 S1S2 water mollusk 

Lampsilis species 2 a bivalve LR SR G1 S1 water mollusk 

Lanius ludovicia migrans migrant loggerhead shrike S SC G5T3Q S3B,S3N fields bird

Lasmigona subviridus green floater S FSC E G3 S1 water mollusk 

Lejeunea bermudiana a liverwort LR SR-P G3G4 SH swamp liverwort 

Lejeunea dimorphophylla a liverwort S SR-L G2G3 S1 maritime liverwort 

Lithacodia sp. a bird-dropping moth LR W3 G4 S1S3 pocosin insect 

Lithophane lemmeri Lemmer’s pinion LR SR G3G4 S1S3 wetlands insect 

Litsea aestivalis pondspice S FSC SR-T G3 S2 pond plant 

Lobelia boykinii Boykin’s lobelia S FSC SR-T G2G3 S1 savanna plant 

Ludwigia linifolia flaxleaf seedbox LR SR-P G4 S2 pond plant 

Ludwigia ravenii Raven’s seedbox LR SR-T G2? S2? savanna plant 

Lynceus gracilicornis graceful clam shrimp LR SR G? S2? temp.water crustacean 

Lysimachia asperulifolia rough-leaf loosestrife E E E G3 S3 ecotones plant 

Lythrurus matutinus pinewoods shiner LR FSC SR G3 S3 water fish 

Macbridea caroliniana Birds-in-a-nest S FSC PT G2G3 S2 swamp plant 

Malaxis spicata Florida adder’s mouth LR SR-P G4? S1 swamp plant 

Melanoplus attenuatus slender-bodied melanoplus S SR G2G3 S1S3 wet swales insect 

Melanoplus nubilus a short-winged melanoplus S SR G3? S2S3 savanna insect 

Meropleon diversicolor sullivani an owlet moth LR SR G4T1T3 S1S3 marsh insect 

Metzgeria uncigera a liverwort S W7 G3 S1 maritime liverwort 

Minuartia godfreyi Godfrey’s sandwort S FSC E G1 S1 marsh plant 

Myriophyllum laxum loose watermilfoil S FSC T G3 S1 pond plant 

Necturus lewisi Neuse river waterdog LR SC G3 S3 water amphibian 

Neotoma floridana pop. 1 Eastern woodrat-coastal pop. LR T G5T5 S1 forests mammal 

Nerodia sipedon williamengelsi Carolina salt marsh snake S SC G5T3 S3 marsh reptile 

Notropis bifrenatus bridle shiner LR SC G5 S1 water fish 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

62 
Table C.1: continued. 

STATUS RANK 

dominant LIFESCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME F.S. U.S. N.C. GLOBAL N.C. HABITAT FORM 

Nopturus furiosus Carolina madtom S SC G3T2Q S2 water fish 

Nuphar saggitifolia narrowleaf cowlilly S W1 G5T2 S2 water plant 

Ophisarus mimicus mimic glass lizard S FSC SC G3 S2 savanna reptile 

Orconectes carolinensis N.C spiny crayfish LR (PSC) G3 S4 water crustacean 

Oxpolis ternata Piedmont cowbane S FSC W1 G3 S3 savanna plant 

Panicum tenerum Southeastern panic grass LR SR-P G3 S3 savanna plant 

Panopea bitruncata Atlantic geoduck LR W3 G3? S? water mollusk 

Parietaria praetermissa large-seed pellitory S SR-P G3G4 S1 maritime plant 

Parnassia caroliniana Carolina grass of parnassus S FSC E G3 S2 savanna plant 

Peltandra sagittifolia spoonflower LR SR-P G3G4 S2S3 pocosin plant 

Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant LR SR G5 S1B,S5N lake bird 

Phragmitiphila interrogans an owlet moth LR SR G3G4 S2? canebrake insect 

Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker E E E G3 S2 savanna bird 

Pinguicula pumila small butterwort LR SR-P G4 S2 savanna plant 

Plagiochila miradorensis mirador. A liverwort LR SR-P G4?T4 SH maritime liverwort 

Plantago sparsiflora pineland plantain S FSC E G3 S1 savanna plant 

Platanthera integra yellow fringeless orchid LR T G3G4 S1 savanna plant 

Platanthera nivea snowy orchid LR T G5 S1 savanna plant 

Polygala hookeri Hooker’s milkwort S SR-T G3 S2 savanna plant 

Polygonum hirsutum hairy smartweed LR SR-P G4G5 S1 ponds plant 

Ponthieva racemosa shadow-witch LR SR-P G4G5 S2 swamp plant 

Procambarus medialis Tar River crayfish S FSC W3 G2 S2 water crustacean 

Procambarus plumimanus Croatan crayfish LR FSC W3 G3 S2S3 water crustacean 

Ptichodis bistrigata southern ptichodis S SR G3 S2S3 savanna insect 

Puma concolor couguar Eastern cougar E E E G5TH SH remote area mammal 

Pyreferra ceromatica annointed swallow moth LR FSC SR GU S1S2 near stream insect 

Rana capito capito Carolina gopher frog S FSC (PT) G3T3 S2 savanna amphibian 

Rhexia aristosa awned meadow-beauty S FSC T G3 S3 pond plant 

Rhexia cubensis West Indies meadow beauty LR SR-P G4G5 S1 pond plant 

Rhynchospora Harperi Harper’s beakrush LR SR-P G4? S1 pond plant 

Rhynchospora oligantha feather-bristle beakrush LR SR-P G4 S2S3 savanna plant 

Rhynchospora pleiantha coastal beaksedge S SR-T G2 S1 pond plant 

Rhynchospora scirpoides long-beak bald-sedge LR SR-O G4 S2 pond plant 

Rhynchospora thornei Thorne’s beaksedge S FSC E G1G2 S1 savanna plant 

Sagittaria graminea Chapmanii Chapman’s arrowhead S SR-P G5T3? S1 pond plant 

Sagittaria graminea weatherbiana Chapman’s arrowhead S SR-T G5T2 S2 marsh plant 

Scirpus lineatus drooping bulrush LR SR-P G4 S2 marl plant 

Scleria baldwinii Baldwin’s nutrush LR SR-P G4 S1 savanna plant 

Scleria Georgiana Georgia nutrush LR SR-P G4 S2 savanna plant 

Seminatrix pygaea black swampsnake LR SR G5 S2 ponds reptile 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

63 
Table C.1: continued. 

STATUS RANK 

dominant LIFESCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME F.S. U.S. N.C. GLOBAL N.C. HABITAT FORM 

sandhills chub S SC G3 water fish 

Solidago gracillima graceful goldenrod LR W1 S3 savanna plant 

Solidago Leavenworthii LR SR-P G3G4 S1 plant 

Solidago pulchra Carolina goldenrod S FSC E G3 S3 savanna plant 

Solidago verna S FSC G3 S3 plant 

Solidago villosacarpa S SR-L G1 S1 plant 

Spariniphaga carterae Carter’s spariniphaga S FSC SR G2G3 S2S3 savanna 

Semotilus lumbee S3 

G4? 

Leavenworth’s goldenrod savanna 

spring-flowering goldenrod SR-L pinelands 

Coastal goldenrod maritime

insect 

Sphagnum fitzgeraldii Fitzgerald’s peatmoss S SR-T G2G3 S2S3 pocosin plant 

Spiranthes longilabris giant spiral orchid S SR-T G3 S1 savanna plant 

Strophitus undulatus squawfoot LR T G5G4 S2S3 water mollusk 

Synoptomys cooperi helaletes LR SR G5T3 S2 pocosin mammal 

Teloschistes flavicans sunrise lichen S SR-P G3G4 S1 maritime lichen 

Thalictrum macrostylum Piedmont meadowrue S W7 G3G4 S2? bog plant 

Tofieldia glabra Carolina asphodel S FSC W1 G3 S3 savanna plant 

Toxolasma pullus Savannah lilliput S FSC (PE) G2 S1 water mollusk 

Utricularia olivacea dwarf bladderwort LR T G4 S2 pond plant 

Xyris flabelliformis savanna yellow-eyed grass LR W1 G4 S3 savanna plant 

Xyris stricta a yellow-eyed-grass LR SR-P G3G4 S1 savanna plant 

Dismal Swamp S. bog lemming

Appendix C: Rare Species 

64 
Rare Species Habitat Groups 

Maritime Forests 

Lejeunea dimorphophylla - liverwort - on bark in maritime forests 

Metzgeria uncigera – liverwort - bark of trees in maritime forests 

Parietaria praetermissa - vascular plant - shell middens, maritime forests 

Plagiochila miradorensis var. miradorensis - liverwort - on bark in maritime forests and swamps 

Teloschistes flavicans – lichen - twigs in maritime forests 

Marl associated 

Asplenium heteroresiliens - vascular plant - coquina limestone (marl) outcorps 

Carex willdenowii var. megarrhyncha - vascular plant - moist forests over marl 

Cylindrocolea rhizantha - liverwort - on marl outcorps 

Cystopteris tennesseensis - vascular plant - calcareous rock outcrops 

Lejeunea bermudiana - a liverwort - marl outcrops, decaying logs in swamps 

Minuartia godfreyi - vascular plant - marl outcorps? 

Scirpus lineatus - vascular plant - low rich woods over marl 

Marshes 

Aeschynomene virginica - vascular plant - tidal marshes and wet ditches 

Botaurus lentiginosus – bird - fresh or brackish marshes 

Cardamine longii - vascular plant - tidal marshes and tidal cypress-gum forests 

Circus cyaneus – bird - extensive brackish marshes 

Cladium mariscoides - vascular plant - bogs- fens- brackish marshes- sandhill seepage bogs 

Coturnicops noveboracensis – bird - fresh or brackish marshes, wet fields 

Euphyes bimacula - butterfly - marshes- sedgy areas near wet woods; host plants—sedges (Carex) 

Evorthodus lyricus – fish - Shallow tidal water 

Frullania donnellii - a liverwort - on bark of Ilex in marshes 

Hypsoblennius ionthas – fish - Shallow bays, estuaries, tidal creeks 

Meropleon diversicolor sullivani – insect - coastal marshes 

Minuartia godfreyi - vascular plant - tidal marshes 

Nerodia sipedon williamengelsi - reptile - salt or brackish marshes 

Sagittaria graminea var. weatherbiana - vascular plant - brackish marshes, swamps 

Solidago villosacarpa (Solidago sp. 1) - vascular plant - edge of Coastal Plain evergreen forest

Pine Savannas and Sandhills 

Agalinis aphylla - vascular plant - wet savannas, pocosin ecotones 

Agalinis virgata - vascular plant - savannas 

Aimophila aestivalis - bird - open Longleaf pine forests- old fields (breeding season only) 

Andropogon mohrii - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Asclepias pedicellata - vascular plant - dry savannas 

Atrytone arogos arogos - butterfly - savannas- open pinewoods- and other relatively undisturbed 

grasslands; host plants grasses- mainly broomsedge 

Calopogon multiflorus – vascular plant - savannas 

Campylopus carolinae - moss - savannas 

Cleistes bifaria – vascular plant - savannas 

Crotalus adamanteus - reptile - pine flatwoods- savannas- pine-oak sandhills 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

65 
Dionaea muscipula - vascular plant - savannas- seepage bogs- pocosin edges 

Hemipachnobia subporphyrea – insect -savannas 

Hesperia attalus slossonae – insect - pine-oak sandhills, flatwoods 

Heterodon simus - reptile - sandy woods- particularly pine-oak sandhills 

Lobelia boykinii - vascular plant - clay-based Carolina bays- wet pine savannas 

Ludwigia ravenii - vascular plant - savannas, swamps 

Lysimachia asperulaefolia – vascular plant – savanna-pocosin ecotone 

Melanoplus attenuatus – insect - wet swales in pinewoods 

Melanoplus nubilus – insect - flatwoods, savannas, sandhills 

Ophisaurus mimicus - reptile - pine flatwoods- savannas- pine/oak sandhills 

Oxypolis ternata - vascular plant - pine savannas, seeps 

Panicum tenerum - vascular plant - wet savannas- sandhil seeps 

Parnassia caroliniana - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Picoides borealis - bird - mature open pine forests- mainly in longleaf pine 

Pinguicula pumila - vascular plant - savannas 

Plantago sparsiflora - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Platanthera integra - vascular plant - savannas 

Platanthera nivea - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Polygala hookeri - vascular plant - savannas 

Ptichodis bistrigata – insect -xeric sandhills 

Pyreferra ceromatica – insect - flatwoods and pocosins with Fothergilla 

Rana capito capito - amphibian - breeds in temporary fish-free pools: forages in sandy woodsespecially pine-oak sandhills 

Rhynchospora oligantha - vascular plant - savannas- seepage bogs 

Rhynchospora scirpoides - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Rhynchospora thornei - vascular plant -wet savannas 

Scleria baldwinii - vascular plant - wet savannas 

Scleria georgiana - vascular plant - savannas 

Solidago gracillima -vascular plant - savannas, boggy sites 

Solidago leavenworthii -vascular plant - savannas, pocosin borders, bays 

Solidago pulchra - vascular plant - savannas 

Solidago verna - vascular plant - dry pinelands 

Spariniphaga carterae - moth - wet savannas; host plant—Calamovilfa- perhaps other grasses 

Sphagnum fitzgeraldii - moss - pocosins and savannas 

Spiranthes longilabris - vascular plant - savannas 

Tofieldia glabra - vascular plant - savannas- sandhill seeps-moist sandhill, pocosin ecotones 

Xyris flabelliformis - vascular plant - savannas 

Xyris stricta - vascular plant - savannas 

Pocosins 

Ammodramus henslowii - bird - clearcut pocosins and other damp weedy fields (breeding season only) 

Kalmia cuneata - vascular plant - pocosins 

Lithacodia sp. – insect - pocosins, wetlands 

Peltandra sagittifolia - vascular plant - pocosins- other wet- peaty sites 

Synaptomys cooperi helaletes – mammal - early successional wet places, low pocosins 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

66 
Swamps 

Canis rufus – mammal - swamps, pocosins, extensive forests 

Euphyes dukesi - butterfly - swamps (often near tupelo)- marshes; host plants—sedges 

Fissidens hallii - moss - on bark in cypress-gum swamps 

Macbridea caroliniana - vascular plant - blackwater swamps- savanna/pocosin ecotones 

Malaxis spicata - vascular plant - swamp forests- calcareous but mucky outer coastal plains swamps 

Ponthieva racemosa - vascular plant - blackwater forests and swamps- especially over marl 

Ponds 

Eleocharis robbinsii - vascular plant - limesink ponds- clay-based Carolina bays- peat-burn lakes 

Eleotris pisonis – fish - fresh to brackish ponds, river mouths 

Euphyes berryi - butterfly - wet areas near ponds- canals- or marshes; host plant not known; adults feed 

on pickerelweed (Pontederia) 

Himantopus mexicanus – bird - fresh or brackish ponds 

Ludwigia linifolia - vascular plant - limesink ponds 

Myriophyllum laxum - vascular plant - limesink ponds- waters of natural lakes 

Polygonum hirsutum -vascular plant - limesink ponds, bays, riverbanks 

Rhexia aristosa - vascular plant - clay-based Carolina bays and limesink ponds 

Rhexia cubensis - vascular plant - limesink ponds 

Rhynchospora harperi - vascular plant - limesink ponds and cypress savannas 

Rhynchospora pleiantha -vascular plant - limesink ponds 

Sagittaria graminea var. chapmanii - vascular plant - limesink ponds 

Utricularia olivacea - vascular plant - limesink ponds, beaver ponds 

Other Water Bodies (in or near) 

Acipenser oxyrhinchus oxyrhinchus - fish-coastal waters, large rivers 

Alasmidonta undulata – mollusk - most river systems in Coastal Plain 

Alligator mississippiensis - reptile - fresh to slightly brackish lakes- ponds- rivers- and marshes 

Anhinga anhinga - bird - wooded lakes or ponds- or open swamps (for nesting) 

Baetisca laurentina - insect (aquatic) -Trent River 

Ferrissia hendersoni – mollusk - margins of Carolina Bay lakes 

Fusconaia masoni - freshwater bivalve - upper Coastal Plain drainages 

Haliaeetus leucocephalus - bird - mature forests near large water bodies (for nesting); lakes and sounds 

Isoetes microvela – vascular plant - emergent riverbanks 

Lampetra aepytera - freshwater fish - Tar and Neuse drainages 

Lampsilis radiata – mollusk - number of river sytems

Lampsilis species 2 – mollusk - Neuse and Tar River drainages 

Lasmigona subviridus - freshwater bivalve - Tar- Neuse- and Cape Fear systems downstate 

Lynceus gracilicornis - crustacean - temporary ponds- pools- and ditches 

Lythurus matutinus – fish - Tar and Neuse River drainages 

Necturus lewisi - amphibian - rivers and large streams in Neuse and Tar drainages (endemic) 

Notropis bifrenatus – fish - streams near lower Neuse River 

Noturus furiosus - freshwater fish - Tar and Neuse drainages (endemic) 

Nuphar saggitifolia - vascular plant - blackwater streams, rivers 

Orconectes carolinensis – crustacean - Neuse River drainages 

Panopea bitruncata – mollusk - marine 

Phalacrocorax auritus – bird - lakes with scattered trees 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

67 
Procambarus medialis - crustacean - sluggish streams and ditches in Tar and Neuse drainges (endemic) 

Procambarus plumimanus - crustacean - rivers- ponds- ditches- and borrow pits in eastern Coastal Plain 

(endemic) 

Seminatrix pygaea – reptile - lush vegetation of ponds, ditches or streams 

Semotilus lumbee - freshwater fish - streams in the sandhills 

Strophitus undulatus - freshwater bivalve - Tar- Neuse- Cape Fear- and Pee Dee systems 

Toxolasma pullus – mollusk – a number of Atlantic drainages 

Other Habitats 

Corynorhinus rafinesquii – mammal - hollow trees, under bridges 

Dichanthelium hirstii - vascular plant - cypress savannas 

Ictinia mississippiensis – bird - mature bottomland forests 

Lanius ludovicia migrans - bird - fields and pastures 

Lithophane lemmeri – insect - cedar glades, Atlantic white cedar forests 

Neotoma floridana pop. 1 – mammal - forests in moist areas 

Phragmitiphila interrogans – insect - canebrakes

Puma concolor couguar – mammal – extensive forests, remote areas 

Thalictrum macrostylum (=T.subrotundum) - vascular plant - bogs and wet woods 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

68 
Attachment A. Status and Rank of Sensitive and locally rare species on the CNF. 

Forest Service Status (F.S.) is designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Sensitive and locally rare species are protected under 

provisions of the National Forest Management Act and direction set forth in FS manual 2670. 

Status 

Code 

Status Definition 

S Sensitive Species at risk of extinction in a portion of their range as evidenced by downward trends 

in population numbers or density, or downward trends in habitat capability.

LR Locally Rare Species not at risk of extinction, even in a portion of their range, and not showing a 

downward population trend over their range as a whole but uncommon on the CNF and

within NC.

United States Status (U.S.) is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federally listed Endangered and Threatened 

species are protected under the provisions of the endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. 

Status 

Code 

Status Definition 

C Candidate

“Taxa for which the [Fish and Wildlife] Service has on file enough substantial information 

on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list them as endangered or 

threatened.” (Federal Register, February 28, 1996). Taxa formerly considered as ‘Category 

1’ are now considered as ‘Candidate’.

FSC 

(Federal) 

Species of 

Concern 

“Such species are the pool from which future candidates for listing will be drawn.” (Federal 

Register, February 28, 1996).

Appendix C: Rare Species 

69 
North Carolina Status is designated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Endangered, Threatened, and Special 

Concern species have legally protected status in North Carolina through the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program.

Status 

Code 

Status Definition 

E Endangered

“Any native or once-native species of wild animal whose continued existence as a

viable component of the State’s fauna is determined by the Wildlife Resources 

Commission to be in jeopardy or any species determined to be an ‘endangered

species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.” (Article 25 of Chapter 113 of

the General Statues; 1987). “Any species or higher taxon of plant whose 

continued existence as a viable component of the State’s flora is determine to be

in jeopardy” (GS 19B 106: 202.12). 

T Threatened

“Any native or once-native species of wild animal which is likely to become an

endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant

portion of its range, or one that is designated as a threatened species pursuant to 

the Endangered Species Act.”(Article 25 of Chater 113 of the General

Statutes;1987). “Any resident species of plant which is likely to become an

endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant

portion of its range” (GS 19B 106:202.12).

SC Special 

Concern 

“Any species of wild animal native or once-native to North Carolina which is 

determined by the Wildlife Resources Commission to require monitoring but

which may be taken under regulations adopted under the provisions of this 

Article.” (Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes; 1987). “ Any species 

of plant in North Carolina which requires monitoring but which may be collected

and sold under regulations adopted under the provisions of [the Plant Protection 

and Conservation Act]” (GS 19B 106:202.12). 

P_ Proposed

Species has been proposed by a Scientific Council as a status (Endangered, 

Threatened, Special Concern, Watch List, or for Delisting) that is different from 

the current status, but the status has not yet been adopted by the General

Assembly as law. In this document, these proposed statuses are listed in 

parentheses. 

SR Significantly

Rare 

Any animal species which has been listed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources 

Commission as an Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern species, but 

which exists in the state in small numbers and has been determined by the N.C. 

Natural Heritage Program to need monitoring – OR - Plant species which are very 

rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20 populations in the state, generally 

substantially reduced in numbers by habitat destruction (and sometimes also by

direct exploitation or disease).

-L Limited The range of the species is limited to North Carolina and adjacent states (endemic

or near endemic). 

-T Throughout These species are rare throughout their ranges. 

-D Disjunct The species is disjunct to North Carolina from a main range in a different part of

the country or world

-P Peripheral 

The species is at the periphery of its range in North Carolina. These species are 

generally more common somewhere else in their ranges, occurring in North

Carolina peripherally to their main ranges, mostly in habitats which are unusual in

North Carolina 

-O Other 

The range of the species is sporadic or cannot be described by the other 

Significantly Rare categories 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

70 
North Carolina Status continued

Status 

Code 

Status Definition 

W Watch 

List 

Any other species believed to be rare and of conservation concern in the state but not 

warranting active monitoring at this time

W1 Rare, but relatively secure: includes rare species whose status in North Carolina is relatively

well known and which appear to be relatively secure at this time. 

W3 

Rare, but uncertain documentation: includes species which have been reported from North

Carolina without adequate documentation. This category includes sight records, old and vague

reports for which no documentation has appeared, and, in a few cases, more recent literature

reports for which the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has not yet received

documentation. 

W7 

Rare and poorly known: includs species with inadequate information about their distribution

and rarity in North Carolina. These are generally species which have not been previously listed

as rare in North Carolina, but which appear to be so, based on herbarium records and field 

experience of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program staff, contractees, and cooperating 

scientists. 

Global Rank. A measure of rarity and threat that apply to the status of a species throughout its range, and are based on data

on the species’ status rangewide. 

Rank Number of Extant 

Populations 

Description 

G1 1-5 Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) 

making it especially vulnerable to extinction.

G2 6-20 Imperiled globally because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very 

vulnerable to extinction throughout its range.

G3 21-100 Either very rare and local throughout its range or found locally (even abundantly at some

of its locations) in a restricted range (e.g., a single physiographic region) or because of

other factors making it vulnerable to extinction throughout its range.

G4 100-1000 Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at

the periphery.

G5 1000+ Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quire rare in parts of its range, 

especially at the periphery. 

GU -- Possibly in peril range-wide, but status uncertain; need more information 

G_Q -- Questionable taxonomic assignment

T_ -- The rank of a subspecies or variety.

Appendix C: Rare Species 

71 
North Carolina Rank. A measure of rarity and threat that apply to the status of a species within the State. 

Rank Number of Extant 

Populations 

Description 

S1 1-5 Critically imperiled in NC because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) making it

especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state.

S2 6-20 Imperiled in NC because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very vulnerable to

extirpation from the state.

S3 21-100 Rare or uncommon in NC.

S4 100-1000 Apparently secure in North Carolina, with many occurrences 

SH 0? Of historical occurrence in NC, perhaps not having been verified in the past 20 years, and 

suspected to be still extant. _B 1-? Rank of the breeding population in the state. Used for migratory species only. 

_N 1-? Rank of the non-breeding population in the state. Used for migratory species only. 

SZN --- Population in the non-breeding seasons (generally in migration or in winter) is transitory, 

without any regular locales of occurrence whereby the species can be protected. 

Appendix C: Rare Species 

72 
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX DD:: LLaanndd AAddjjuussttmmeenntt

The strategy for a land adjustment plan is dependent on the conditions desired for natural resources, and 

the needs of the local communities. The Croatan National Forest’s land adjustment plan consists of a 

map (Figure D-1) that projects where land adjustments are likely to occur and which objectives the land 

adjustment would fulfill. The Plan is a guide and can be changed by the Forest Supervisor without an 

amendment to the Land and Resource Management Plan. If parcels are identified that are outside of the 

areas currently depicted on the map, but through acquisition would satisfy one or more of the objectives, 

these parcels may be pursued. Lands that are acquired during land adjustment will be from willing 

sellers. 

Land adjustment on the Croatan National Forest will focus on meeting the following three objectives: 

• Natural Resource Management Objective: lands that would protect or promote the management 

of natural resources. Examples include the protection of riparian areas, wetlands, critical habitats 

for TES species, unique historical or cultural resources, Congressionally designated areas, and 

vegetative management. 

• Recreation Management Objective: lands that would enhance or promote the effective 

management of recreation resources. This includes areas that are visually sensitive, trail 

systems, and public recreation areas. 

• Consolidation Objective: lands that would reduce the expenses of both the Forest Service and the 

public in administration and utilization. This includes lands that would reduce maintenance 

expenses and the consolidation of isolated tracts. 

Areas available for exchange are small parcels intermingled with private land, parcels isolated from 

other national forest lands, and parcels with thin, narrow strips of land. 

Changes to the land adjustment plan (adding or deleting areas) do not require an amendment to the 

Forest Plan. The Forest Supervisor can approve changes to the plan as long as Forest Plan goals, 

objectives, standards, and guidelines are met. 

Appendix D: Land Adjustment

73 
Figure D-1. Land Adjustment Map

Appendix D: Land Adjustment

74 
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX EE:: SSiillvviiccuullttuurraallMMeetthhooddss

This section describes the restoration and forest regeneration methods for various site conditions on the 

Croatan. These silvicultural methods are not intended to be the only regeneration solution for a given 

species and site condition. Instead, they are offered as proven silvicultural tools to help meet specific 

goals and objectives, which considers all resources that are unique to the coastal plain of North Carolina. 

The methods described below are considered most appropriate for different landtypes (refer to Appendix 

A for landtype descriptions). However, more than one method may be appropriate for a particular 

species and landtype. 

The following is a description of even and uneven-aged silvicultural methods deemed most useful for 

meeting the goals and objectives in the Croatan Plan. However, based on the existing ages of longleaf 

pine stands and the rotation age established, it is highly unlikely that longleaf regeneration techniques 

will be used in the next 10 years. These methods may be used alone or in combination to meet the needs 

of specific sites to restore longleaf pine and hardwoods. Some methods will be adapted for each site, 

based on experience and changing circumstances. Some methods are included in this section to provide 

a variety of tools, but may not be used when site-specific decisions are made. 

LLoonngglleeaaffPPiinneeMMaannaaggeemmeenntt

Artificial Regeneration for Longleaf Restoration 

Wet Savannas and Flatwoods Landtype (09) 

This method provides for longleaf pine restoration through mechanical site preparation and planting of 

longleaf seedlings on poorly drained sites. 

After the current stand is harvested by clearcutting, apply a broadcast prescribed burn to facilitate site 

preparation and to reduce fuel loading for burns after seedling establishment. After the broadcast burn, 

shear the remaining stems using a 14-foot-wide V blade, prepare beds with bedding plow, and apply 

fertilizer. The beds should be about 7 feet wide, and 200 pounds per acre of 0-46-0 fertilizer should be 

applied to the beds. 

The bedding operation will elevate seedlings above ground water, reduce competition, and incorporate 

organic material and fertilizer to the planting bed. Beds will be spaced 14 feet apart and longleaf 

seedlings will be planted on 6- foot spacing along the beds. The planting density will be 500 seedlings 

per acre. Bare-root seedlings can be planted by machine or containerized seedlings can be hand planted. 

Survival rates with machine-planted bare-root stock have historically averaged about 70 percent. 

Survival rates for hand planted containerized seedlings should equal or exceed those for machineplanted bare-root stock. 

Prescribed fire will be the predominant tool for controlling competition and maintaining growth and 

development of the planted seedlings. Prescribed fire should be used on a 2- to 4- year cycle, preferably 

during the growing season. Fire should not be used in the newly planted stands until root collar 

diameter is greater than 0.5 inches. Fire should also be avoided during early height growth development 

75 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
until seedlings are at least 4 feet. Other approved methods may be used to control competition and 

maintain growth and development of planted seedlings. 

This method establishes longleaf on sites where there is no adequate seed source for natural 

regeneration. It ensures survival of planted seedlings on wet sites by temporarily elevating the seedling 

bed above the water table long enough for the root systems to become established. Planting on sites 

without the bedding treatment where the water table is near the surface often results in poor survival and 

development of the planted seedlings. This method also facilitates machine planting which results in 

good seedling survival rates when using bare root seedlings and is less expensive than hand planting 

containerized seedlings.

This method requires more mechanical site preparation than other methods, will have the largest amount 

of site disturbance, and will be the most costly. Results from this method have proven very successful in 

seedling survival, growth, and development of the new stand. The site tends to recover from the 

disturbance over time, however, beds are still noticeable 15 years after the activity. 

Mesic Savannas and Flatwoods (10), Dry Mesic Savannas (11), and Xeric Savannas (12) Landtypes 

This method provides for longleaf pine restoration through mechanical site preparation and planting 

longleaf seedlings on moderately well drained and well drained sites. After the current stand is 

harvested by clearcutting, apply a broadcast prescribed burn to facilitate site preparation and to reduce 

fuel loading for burns after seedling establishment. After the broadcast burn shear the remaining stems 

with a 14-foot-wide V blade. Since these landtypes are moderately well drained to well drained, 

elevated planting beds are not needed. Machine plant bare-root longleaf seedlings or hand planted 

containerized seedlings at a rate of 500 to 550 seedlings per acre. 

Prescribed fire will be the predominant tool for controlling competition and maintaining growth and 

development of the planted seedlings. Burn on a 2- to 4- year cycle, preferably during the growing

season. Fire should not be used in the newly planted stands until root collar diameter is greater than 0.5 

inches. Fire should also be avoided during early height growth development or until seedlings are at 

least 4 feet in height. Other approved methods may be used to control competition and maintain growth 

and development of planted seedlings. 

This method also provides for the establishment of longleaf pine on sites where there is an inadequate 

seed source for natural regeneration. The level of disturbance is less with this method because bedding 

is not used. It is successful where sites are better drained and seedling root systems are not in danger of 

coming in contact with ground water. Seedlings can either be machine planted, using bare root stock, 

or hand planted using containerized material. 

 

Although mechanical site preparation is used, bedding is not required and there is less overall site 

disturbance and cost than in the previous method. 

76 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
Natural Regeneration of Longleaf 

Wet Savannas and Flatwoods (09), Mesic Savannas and Flatwoods (10), Dry Mesic Savannas (11), 

and Xeric Savannas (12) Landtypes 

Uneven-aged management 

This prescription provides for natural regeneration of longleaf pine using uneven-aged cutting methods 

to achieve a stand structure where there are 3 or more age classes. 

Longleaf pine seedlings become established when mineral soil is exposed by site preparation treatments 

such as prescribed fire or other mechanical methods. Seedlings can survive for years under an overstory 

of parent pines but growth is very slow (Boyer 1990). Seedlings respond promptly with an increased 

rate of growth when competition is reduced and exposure to sunlight is increased. For this reason, 

successful regeneration is expected to occur in the small openings created where multiple tree groups are 

harvested. Opening size will likely range from 1⁄4 acre up to 1 acre. 

Use a cutting cycle of 10 to 20 years. Since currently most stands have an even-aged structure it may 

take several entries before an uneven-aged structure becomes apparent. 

Periodic prescribed burning will continue after the harvest to ensure control of loblolly and hardwood 

seedlings. If prescribed burning has been accomplished on a regular schedule, a burn within 1 year of 

predicted seed fall will be sufficient for seed bed preparation. If burning is not possible, mechanical 

disturbance to expose mineral soil for seed bed preparation may be considered. 

This method of regeneration can be accomplished with minimal site disturbance. However, timing of 

seed crops and seedbed preparation is critical. With this method, seedlings will become established, 

grow, and develop in small openings distributed throughout the stand. Natural regeneration of longleaf 

pine is dependent on good seed crops, which may occur at irregular intervals. Timing of seed 

production with seed bed preparation is critical. After seedlings become established, longleaf requires 

full sunlight to grow and develop. Without full sunlight seedlings may take many years to establish 

height growth. 

Even-aged and 2-aged management 

The shelterwood method seems to resemble examples of successful regeneration in nature. It appears to 

be the most appropriate for longleaf pine (Croker 1956). The shelterwood method and the shelterwood 

with reserves method, which achieve a two-aged structure, are effective where longleaf seed sources are 

adequate. The following silvicultural prescription for natural regeneration of longleaf pine for the 

Croatan National Forest was adapted from NATURAL REGENERATION OF LONGLEAF PINE by William D. 

Boyer and John B. White. 

The two approaches to shelterwood regeneration for longleaf pine are the three-cut method and the twocut method. They are the same except that the three-cut method has a preparatory cut to reduce basal 

area and develop crowns for seed production. The preparatory cut will be used in stands that have not 

been thinned or prescribed burned through the life of the stand and may have basal areas of 80 square 

77 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
feet or more. Stands with less than 80 square feet of basal area can eliminate the preparatory cut and 

begin with the seed cut. The discussion of this prescription will include the preparatory cut. 

1.) Preparatory Cut - The preparatory cut should take place about 10 years prior to the final cut and 5 

years prior to the seed cut in stands with 80 or more square feet of basal area. 

Basal area should be reduced to a maximum of 70 square feet of dominant and codominant longleaf 

pine. The overall average basal area may be less if gaps occur in the stand. If loblolly pine or 

hardwoods too large to control with fire exist in the stand, these should be removed during the 

preparatory cut. The reduction of basal area will allow for development of the crowns of residual 

longleaf pine, thus increasing cone production. Prescribed burning schedules should continue after the 

preparatory cut is completed to control hardwoods and loblolly pine seedlings. 

2.) Seed Cut - The seed cut should take place about 5 years prior to the final cut. Basal area of residual 

dominant and codominant longleaf pines should not exceed 30 square feet, and these trees should be

evenly distributed across the regeneration area. Residual trees should have well developed crowns and 

evidence of past cone production. The resulting shelterwood condition will have adequate needle 

production to continue prescribed burning to control hardwoods and loblolly seedlings. Mortality 

among overstory pines remains about the same per acre after the seed cut as it was before. Long-term

observations indicate an average annual mortality of one tree per 2.5 acres, although half of observed 

stands average less than one tree per 5 acres (Boyer 1974). Mortality in shelterwood stands can be 

salvaged in the final removal cut. 

3.) Monitor Cone Crops - After the seed cut, cone production should be monitored to take advantage of 

the first good seed crops. Cone crops are best assessed in the spring, by counting flower and conelets on 

50 sample trees in the shelterwood. The flowers will become the crop for next year. The conelets will 

become the seed crop for the coming fall. Conelet counts are much more reliable than flower counts 

(Boyer 1975). When binocular counts indicate a cone crop of 750 or more cones per acre, seedbed 

preparation by prescribed burning can be scheduled. An average cone production per acre can be 

estimated by doubling the average conelet count per tree and multiplying by the number of trees per acre 

(Croker and Boyer 1975). 

4.) Seedbed Preparation - If prescribed burns have been scheduled regularly for control of woody 

vegetation, a burn within 1 year of seed fall should be sufficient for seedbed preparation. If prescribed 

fire cannot be used for seedbed preparation, the area can be disked or roller chopped to expose mineral 

soil. 

5.) Regeneration Survey - A regeneration survey is necessary prior to the removal cut to determine if 

adequate seedlings exist to assure establishment of a new age class of longleaf pine. Regeneration 

surveys are easiest in the dormant season when seedlings are most visible. Boyer recommends 6,000 

seedlings per acre, 1 year prior to removal of the overstory to provide for expected seedling mortality 

during logging. The goal after overstory removal is from 500 to 750 seedlings per acre. The 

recommended 6,000 seedlings per acre can be adjusted downward with good sale administration during 

logging and if the overstory is due for removal and less than adequate seed crops are predicted. 

78 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
Boyer recommends a detailed regeneration survey with 100 samples of nested, circular plots at 1⁄4 

milacre (1.9 foot radius), 1-milacre (3.7 foot radius), and 2-milacre (5.3 foot radius). The 1⁄4 milacre plot 

is used to determine seedlings per acre. The 1 milacre and 2 milacre plots are used to determine quality 

and size of seedlings. 

As a minimum, survey one plot per acre. Circular milacre (3.7 foot radius) plots could be used on a 3-

chain grid. Seedlings per acre would be estimated by multiplying the average number of seedlings per 

plot by 1000. 

6.) Removal Cut - Once it is determined that adequate seedlings are present, the overstory can be 

removed. Removal can be within 5 years of the seed cut if the operation goes according to schedule. 

However, if the overstory removal needs to be delayed due to low seedling numbers, poor timber 

markets, or other reasons, the established seedlings can survive under the parent trees for 7 years or 

more. Growth and development of longleaf seedlings will be slow under the shelterwood canopy. For 

the two-aged structure, 10 square feet of basal area will be maintained either in clumps or distributed 

across the stand. 

Prescribed burning may need to be delayed to protect small seedlings (root collar less than 0.4 inches in 

diameter). Burning should be done shortly after the needles drop from the overstory trees. 

The best time to remove the parent overstory, in terms of minimizing seedling mortality, is at seedling 

age 1 or 2. Mortality at this time has averaged 35 to 40 percent (Boyer 1974). By ages 3 to 5, mortality 

from overstory removal has increased to 50 to 55 percent. Logging related seedling mortality also 

increases with increasing density of the parent overstory (Maple 1977). Where the overstory is greater 

than 40 square feet of basal area per acres, it is recommended that the overstory be removed in two cuts. 

According to Boyer (1974b), this reduces the load of logging slash on the ground at any one time, and 

can also result in additional seedling establishment between cuts. Logging damage becomes more 

serious once seedling height growth begins. 

7.) Post-Harvest Treatments - Longleaf pine seedlings are subject to competition from loblolly pine 

seedlings, hardwood sprouts, and woody shrubs. Prescribed fire is the most common method of release 

for the longleaf pine seedlings. Other approved methods may be used to control competition and 

maintain growth and development of planted seedlings. 

Boyer recommends that regeneration areas not be burned until at least 2 years after the removal cut 

because of the large fuel load and the vulnerability of small, suppressed seedlings to fire. Two years are 

enough time for both logging slash and accumulated pine needle litter to decay and the seedlings to 

respond to release. 

This method of natural regeneration requires the least amount of site disturbance and is cost efficient. It 

does require adequate seed trees be in place, frequent monitoring for seed production, and timing seed 

bed preparations with seed crops. This method removes trees in two to three stages and up to 10 square 

feet of basal area will be left on the site after the final harvest. Longleaf pine is very intolerant of shade 

conditions and will grow and develop at a very slow pace without full sunlight. 

Establishing longleaf pine using natural methods takes longer than artificial methods due to infrequent 

seed crops. In Eastern North Carolina good seed crop years may be up to 7 years apart. It is critical to 

79 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
evaluate and monitor cone production to predict these good seed years and time the site preparation burn 

to coincide with seed fall. Growth and development of individual seedlings may be slower with natural 

seedlings rather than planted seedlings because the planted seedlings are much larger. Rate of growth 

also will be slower with increased number of residual trees, especially where seedlings are close to 

residuals. 

Natural and Artificial Regeneration for Longleaf Restoration in Mixed Pine Stands 

Mesic Savannas and Flatwoods (10), Dry Mesic Savannas (11), and Xeric Savannas (12) Landtypes 

The shelterwood with reserve trees method (two-aged), described in the previous section, can be 

modified and used to restore longleaf pine on sites that are composed of mixed pine species, which do 

not have an adequate number of mature longleaf pine to leave as seed trees. Retaining reserve trees 

during the restoration process is necessary to maintain structure in the canopy for species dependent on 

mature pine trees for nest and/or forage (i.e. RCW), as well as to provide a source of seed. 

Modifications to the standard shelterwood techniques include leaving a lower basal area of seed trees to 

avoid leaving species other than longleaf pine as seed sources, underplanting with longleaf seedlings 

where gaps of regeneration occur, more frequent prescribed burning, and using adaptive management 

depending on each site and the conditions that exist. 

The previous section described a standardized approach to regenerating pine. The approach described in 

this section requires more adaptive management and site-specific decisions. In an attempt to describe 

some of the techniques without prescribing specific steps, the following list highlights some of the 

differences between the technique described in this section and the standard shelterwood with reserve 

trees technique described previously. 

1) Preparatory Cut – Same as previous section 

2) Seed Cut – The seed cut would focus on retaining all longleaf pine in the stand, including those 

without ideal form. However, diseased longleaf trees would be removed. If necessary other pine 

species would be retained to conserve canopy structure within the stand for potential RCW 

nesting or foraging. The basal area could be lower than 30 square feet depending on the number 

and distribution of existing longleaf pines (or as prescribed in the most current RCW Recovery 

Plan and RCW Management Standards and Guidelines). Prescribed burning could take place 

after the seed cut to control woody competition and any loblolly pine seedlings from getting 

established prior to a good longleaf cone crop. However, if burning reduces the fuels too much 

so that it limits the intensity of a prescribed burn for seedbed preparation, fire should not be used 

at this time in the process. 

3) Monitor Cone Crops – Same as previous section 

4) Seedbed Preparation – Same as previous section, with the exception that prescribed fire should 

be used after the seed cut as frequently as fuels can support it, to control “volunteer” loblolly 

seedlings and woody competition. 

5) Regeneration Survey – Monitoring the species composition of regeneration growth in the stand is 

vital to the success of this technique. Monitoring will provide the necessary information to 

schedule prescribed burning and to decide if planting portions of the stand with longleaf 

seedlings may be necessary. The desired condition of the stand 5 years after the seed cut is 150-

200 seedlings per acre, free of competition, and evenly distributed across the area. Frequent 

monitoring of the site may be necessary to accomplish this desired condition since planting 

80 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
seedlings and applying prescribed fire may be needed to reach the condition described. The 

techniques for regeneration surveys described in the previous section may be used, with the 

exception of frequency. 

6) Removal Cut – Depending on the basal area of the longleaf seed trees, some seed trees may be 

removed once the stand is certified to have adequate seedlings. The basal area of mature 

longleaf pine (i.e. seed trees) in the stand should be no lower than 10 square feet and no higher 

than 30 square feet (or as prescribed in the most current RCW Recovery Plan and RCW 

Management Standards and Guidelines). 

7) Post Harvest Treatments – Same as previous section, with added emphasis on controlling 

competition from loblolly seedlings, hardwoods and woody shrubs using fire or other approved 

methods. 

The method of restoring longleaf pine using shelterwood with reserve trees requires the least amount of 

disturbance, but will require more time and attention than the standard shelterwood method. This makes 

it less cost efficient than other standard techniques. Since longleaf pine is highly intolerant of shade 

conditions, leaving reserve trees in the overstory will affect the growth rate and survival of seedlings. 

Ensuring adequate seedling survival is important to the ecosystem and species dependent on the longleaf 

pine, specifically the RCW. If adequate seedling survival does not occur, supplemental planting 

becomes very important. The rate of growth, however, is not as important a consideration due to the 

longevity of the longleaf pine species. 

MMiixxeeddPPiinnee,,MMiixxeeddPPiinnee//HHaarrddwwoooodd,,aannddPPoonnddPPiinneeMMaannaaggeemmeenntt

Natural Regeneration 

Drainage Headlands and Interstream Flats (05), Broad Interstream Flats (06), and Peat-Mantled 

Forested Wetlands (07) Landtypes 

This method provides for natural regeneration of mixed pine and hardwood in landtype 05 and mixed 

pine in landtype 06. The hardwood component in Landtype 05 can be up to 31% of the total stocking. 

Species common to Landtype 05 are cherrybark oak, post oak, blackjack oak, water oak, white oak, 

swamp white oak, southern red oak, laurel oak, mockernut hickory, bitternut hickory, sand hickory, and 

pignut hickory. In both landtypes, loblolly, pond, and longleaf pines may occur singly or in 

combinations on the same site. 

Regeneration methods best suited to these landtypes are the seedtree or the shelterwood method. 

Prioritize leave trees for seedtree or shelterwood regeneration as follows: 

• Existing longleaf pines. 

• 8 to 14 loblolly or pond pine seedtrees depending on diameters; as diameter increases, the 

number of seedtrees required declines. 

• Up to 30 percent of the basal area in mast producing hardwoods. 

Site preparation treatments should include prescribed burning, roller chopping, or both. Fuels from the 

logging operation can result in intense heat buildup with prescribed fire and cause damage to the 

residual seed trees. In some cases, heavy concentrations of fuel may have to be moved away from the 

seedtrees. 

81 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
Loblolly pine is a prolific and consistent seeder in the eastern coastal plain. As a result, natural 

regeneration efforts often lead to overstocked stands, especially on poor sites. On better sites loblolly 

pine will readily express dominance, even in heavily stocked stands. At age 5, the number of seedlings 

should be between 500 and 600 per acre to allow crown classes to develop and individuals to express 

dominance. 

In severely overstocked stands, precommercial thinning may be necessary to reduce seedling numbers to 

500 to 600 seedlings per acre by age 5. This can be accomplished by roller chopping rows in the 

regeneration area. Prescribed fire can also be used, but the risk of excessive mortality is high if burning 

takes place while regeneration is less than 4 inches in diameter. After the average diameter reaches 4 

inches, the risk of mortality from burning is greatly reduced. 

This method of natural regeneration requires approximately the same level of site preparation as the 

prescription for longleaf natural regeneration above. Where prescribed fire is not possible due to 

proximity of developed areas or poor burning conditions, roller chopping may be used to reduce 

competition and facilitate a seed bed Adequate seed crops are much more frequent for loblolly pine and 

pond pine than longleaf and these seedlings become established soon after the harvest. When the 

seedtree regeneration method is used for mixed pines, some residual trees are left until seedlings become

established. The seedtrees could be removed when adequate stocking of seedlings is reached. If it is not 

feasible or desirable to remove the seedtrees little or no negative impacts to the new stand will occur. 

When using the shelterwood method, any residual hardwood trees would be left in place indefinitely. In 

some instances this will reduce the growth and development of the pine seedlings where they occur 

close to the residuals. 

HHaarrddwwooooddMMaannaaggeemmeenntt

Natural Regeneration for Hardwood Restoration 

Stream and River Terraces (03) and Drainage Slopes (04) Landtypes 

This method provides for restoration of hardwoods on sites now occupied by loblolly pine. On many of 

these sites, there is a component of hardwood, including regeneration in the form of small seedlings and 

saplings. These sites are protected from fire because of topography or wet conditions and may burn on a 

frequency of 5-12 years, enough time to allow hardwood establishment. Hardwood species found on 

these landtypes are water oak, cherrybark oak, white oak, swamp chestnut oak, hickory, yellow-poplar 

and American beech. 

Hardwood restoration on these sites will be accomplished by favoring existing hardwoods, including 

regeneration, when thinning loblolly pine. In cases where loblolly or pond pine is competing with 

hardwood regeneration, release should be considered using herbicide applications, mechanical 

treatments, or prescribed fire. 

82 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
Supplemental planting of hardwood species, especially oaks, may be considered where oak seed sources 

are not available. However, the best results for hardwood restoration will come from natural 

regeneration by seedlings or coppice regeneration from roots or small stumps. 

Loblolly pine should be removed in increments by thinning at 5- to 10-year intervals, leaving a 

minimum basal area of 50 to 60 square feet of both pine and hardwood. 

If these landtypes are included in the prescribed fire program, burning intervals should be lengthened to 

provide for the establishment and development of the hardwood component. 

This method relies on partial cutting to remove merchantable pine that is competing with existing 

hardwood seedlings and saplings. Disturbance to the site is limited to periodic removal of pine and 

releasing hardwood by hand/mechanical methods, herbicides, or prescribed fire. Restoring hardwood to 

these sites will be gradual shift as the pine is removed with minimal disturbance.

83 

Appendix E: Silvicultural Methods 
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84 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX FF:: SScceenneerryyMMaannaaggeemmeenntt SSyysstteemm

For inventory and analysis of the aesthetic values of national forest lands, the Forest Service uses a 

system called the Scenery Management System (SMS), Agriculture Handbook 701, Landscape 

Aesthetics: A Handbook for Scenery Management. This system, released in 1996, evolved from and 

replaces the Visual Management System, Agriculture Handbook 462, National Forest Landscape 

Management, Volume 2, Chapter 1, which was used for the existing Croatan and Uwharrie Land and 

Resource Management Plan, 1986. The SMS differs from the VMS in that it borrows from and is 

integrated with the basic concepts and terminology of ecosystem management. SMS integrates 

aesthetics with biological, physical and other social/cultural resources in the planning process. 

SMS Components 

The Scenery Management System process involves identifying scenery components as they relate to 

people, mapping these components, and developing a value unit for aesthetics from the data gathered. 

This value unit provides information for planning and leads to rational decisions relative to scenery as a 

part of ecosystems. These components include: 

Existing Landscape Character 

Landscape character is the visual and cultural image of a geographic area and consists of the 

combination of distinct physical, biological and cultural attributes that make each landscape identifiable 

or unique. Landscape character descriptions use base information from ecological unit descriptions 

supplemented with existing land use patterns or themes. These existing landscape character descriptions 

are used to: 

• establish the current overall visual impression of a landscape, the physical appearance that 

contributes to an identity and “sense of place”. 

• provide a reference from which to compare existing landscape character to desired landscape 

character. 

• provide a reference for changes in landscape character as the landscape progresses toward the 

character goal. 

• establish a baseline from which to measure scenic quality. 

CNF is part of the Atlantic Coastal Flatlands Section in one of the largest subdivisions called the Lower 

Terraces Subsection. This subsection is a flat, weakly dissected alluvial plain with marine sediments. 

The vegetation is predominantly needle-leaved evergreen and evergreen broadleaf forest and shrubland. 

Wildfire and hurricanes have caused large scale disturbances, leaving areas of blow down and trees 

growing at an angle. Although centuries of human settlement have altered most of the land and plant 

communities, a large portion of the CNF has shrubland and forest comparable to presettlement 

conditions. 

Pocosin vegetation is the most extensive on the CNF. The overstory is pond pine and loblolly with 

mixed evergreen deciduous shrubs in a peat base understory. They are characterized as dense and 

impenetrable. Therefore, open park-like stands of longleaf pine on sand ridges are highly valued as a 

positive scenic feature. Unique habitats and inhabitants include pocosin, Carolina bays, long leaf pine 

savannas, insectivorous plants, alligators and red-cockaded woodpeckers. 

85 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
Natural-appearing areas of the forest with a noted “sense of place” include Cedar Point tidal marshes, 

Island Creek hardwood forest, White Oak River, Brice Creek and Cahooque Creek with their black 

water cypress swamps, and Great Lake and Catfish Lake that feed the pocosins. 

The following landtypes and landtype phases were documented in Croatan National Forest Ecological 

Classification, Mapping, and Inventory, May, 1997. They are the basis for the landscape character 

description for the Croatan. 

1. Tidal Streams and Estuaries - Salt, brackish, and brackish-fresh water marshes associated 

with the coastal estuarine system, dominated by sedges, grasses, and herbs. 

2. Lake and Stream Swamps - swamps associated with small to moderately large streams, and 

nonriverine wetlands on lake margins, and upland depressions. 

3. Stream and River Terraces - partially fire-protected terraces associated with stream swamps 

and rivers and dominated by mesophytic hardwoods. 

4. Drainage Slopes - slopes between drainages and uplands dominated by dry-mesic and mesic 

hardwoods. 

5. Drainage Headlands and Interstream Flats - dissected headlands and undissected interstream

flats dominated by mixed mesic pine-hardwoods. 

6. Broad Interstream Flats - wet, undissected uplands dominated by mixed pines. 

7. Peat-mantled Forested Wetlands - broad, peat mantled uplands dominated by pond pine. 

8. Raised Peatlands - peatlands, known as pocosins, that have very deep organic soils, 

moderately deep organic soils, or poorly drained mineral soils with a mucky surface. 

9. Wet Savannas and Flatwoods - includes poorly drained savannas and flatwood dominated by 

longleaf pine. 

10. Mesic savannas and Flatwoods - moderately well-drained to somewhat poorly drained 

savannas and flatwoods dominated by longleaf pine. 

11. Dry-Mesic Savannas - dry-mesic savannas associated with well-drained sands and dominated 

by longleaf pine. 

12. Xeric Savannas - xeric savannas on excessively drained sands dominated by longleaf pine. 

13. Maritime Ridge and Dune Forests - uplands fringing salt or brackish waters that are 

dominated by live oak communities. 

Scenic Attractiveness 

Scenic attractiveness classes are developed to determine the relative scenic value of the lands within a 

particular landscape character. They are the primary indicator of the intrinsic beauty of the landscape 

and the positive responses it evokes in people. The three classes are Class A, Distinctive; Class B, 

Typical; Class C, Indistinctive. The landscape elements of landform, vegetation, rocks, water features 

and positive cultural features, are described for each of these classes. Class A landscapes are areas 

where these features combine to provide unusual, unique or outstanding scenic quality. Class B 

landscapes are areas where these features combine to provide ordinary or common scenic quality. They 

have generally positive, yet common, attributes. Class C landscapes are areas where natural and cultural 

features have low scenic quality. These landscapes have weak or missing attributes. 

86 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
Table F-1. Scenic attractiveness classifications for the Croatan.

Class Acres Percent Description 

A 33,080 21 Rivers, lakes, and sounds; marshes and tidal influence areas; swamp forests; low 

pocosin; longleaf pine savannas with wire grass understory; hardwood slopes. 

Ap 12,500 8 Potential restoration area for longleaf pine savannas. 

B 113,565 71 High pocosin; pond pine forest; mixed pine forest; mixed pine and hardwood forest. 

C 393 <1 Areas where vegetation and/or landform has been significantly altered by human

activity. 

Existing Scenic Integrity 

Scenic integrity is a measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be intact or 

whole. It indicates the current status of a landscape; and indicates the existing degrees of alteration from

the attributes - form, line, color, and texture - of the landscape character. The highest scenic integrity 

ratings are given to those landscapes which have little or no deviation from the existing character valued 

by people for its aesthetic appeal. Scenic integrity is used in forest planning to describe an existing 

situation, standard for management or desired future conditions. The six scenic integrity levels are: 

Very High (VH), unaltered; High (H), appears unaltered; Moderate (M), slightly altered; Low (L),

moderately altered; Very Low (VL), heavily altered; Unacceptably Low (UL), appears extremely 

altered. 

Existing scenic integrity levels for the Croatan are determined as viewed from the air, which is more 

revealing than typical on-the-ground observer positions. The inventory was derived using stand data 

and aerial photographs. 

 Table F-2. Existing scenic integrity levels for the Croatan. 

Level Acres Percent Includes Common Deviations 

VH 80,073 50 Wilderness, low pocosin; other 

undisturbed areas 

None; or very few old fire plowlines 

may be discernible on aerial 

photographs. 

H 39,375 24 Stands > 60 years old May be some evidence of prescribed

burning, old skid roads or fire plow

lines. 

M 16,863 11 Stands 41-60 years old; some drainage

ditches 

May be some evidence of prescribed

burning including crown scorch and bark

char. Rows generally not apparent in

timber plantations. 

L 8,644 5 Wildlife openings; stands 21-40 years 

old; recreation sites; summer home 

sites; administrative sites 

Wildlife openings tend to be geometric 

in shape. Rows evident in timber 

plantations. Structures evident. 

VL 15,438 10 Stands 1-20 years old; roads,

transmission lines; multiple drainage

ditches or fire plow lines 

Rows very evident in timber plantations. 

Roads appear mostly straight with

drainage ditches. Transmission lines

straight but have vegetation understory. 

UL 108 >1 Borrow pits; railroads; landfill; urban

development

Landform/vegetation highly modified;

straight lines; geometric forms 

87 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
Landscape Visibility

Landscape visibility is composed of two parts: human values as they relate to the relative importance to 

the public of various scenes and the relative sensitivity of scenes based on distance from the observer. 

Human Values - Constituent Analysis serves as a guide to perceptions of attractiveness, helps identify 

special places, and helps to define the meaning people give to a landscape. It discusses visitor values, 

desires, and expectations for what they’ll encounter in terms of landscape character and scenic integrity 

in the Forest. These are defined by sites, travelways, and special places and use a rating of high, 

medium or low. 

Constituent use of the Croatan Forest - The Forest is becoming an important tourist draw along the midsection of North Carolina coast because of its year-round recreation opportunities. The developed 

campgrounds are staging areas for visitors’ pursuits and the dispersed areas are valued for their quiet, 

low-key activities. 

Constituents scenic preferences - People living near the forest seem to have little interest in the impact 

large scale activities like timber harvest have on scenic quality. In the past, and probably still, the local 

public has opposed wide-spread use of surface water management. Visitors to the Forest have

preconceived images of what they expect to see and are sometimes initially disappointed with the CNF’s 

dense, impenetrable, jungle-like environment. Therefore, the open, park-like stands created by thinning 

and repeated prescribed burning are highly valued as a positive scenic feature. 

Landscapes are viewed to varying degrees from different locations and subsequently differ in scenic 

importance to the public. The level of interest in scenery that people are likely to have in the 

surrounding landscape is expressed as a Concern Level. Travelways, use areas, special places and the 

general forest are assigned a Concern Level of 1, 2 or 3 to reflect the relative High, Medium or Low 

interest in scenery. 

Concern levels on the Croatan are based on long-term observations of use patterns by district personnel 

and input from public meetings during the scoping process. Highly used roads usually on the perimeter 

of the forest are concern level 1. Other areas with high concern are roads accessing recreation sites,

campgrounds and trails, and roads with high residential development along or as a destination from the 

road. Level 2 areas are roads that have less traffic with less residential access. Level 3 areas are seldom

used roads or seldom seen areas of the forest. 

Seen Areas and Distance Zones - These are mapped from the areas determined by constituent analysis as

having a level of concern. Mapping indicates the relative sensitivity of scenes based on their distance 

from an observer, and the zones are Foreground (up to 1⁄2 mile from the viewer), Middleground (up to 4 

miles from the foreground), and Background (4 miles from the viewer to the horizon). The Croatan has 

only foreground and middleground viewing distances. 

Table F-3. Landscape visibility for the Croatan - acres by distance zones and concern levels 

Distance Zone Acres by Concern Levels Totals Percent 

1 2 3 

Foreground 25,266 27,426 44,362 97,054 78

Middleground 0 6,807 20,864 27,671 22

Totals 25,266 34,233 65,226 124,725

Percent 20 28 52

88 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
Scenic Classes 

All national forest landscapes have value as scenery - some more than others. Scenic classes measure 

the relative importance, or value, of discrete landscape areas. These classes are used during forest

planning to compare the value of scenery with the value of other resources. The higher the scenic class, 

the more important it is to maintain the highest scenic value.

Scenic classes are determined by combining the three classes of scenic attractiveness with distance 

zones and concern levels. A numerical Scenic Class rating (1 - 7) is assigned to all lands. Generally 

Scenic Classes 1-2 have high public value (table F-4), Classes 3-5 have moderate value, and Classes 6-7 

have low value. This does not include Wildernesses since they are managed to allow natural processes 

to occur. 

Table F-4. Acres of scenic classes 

Class Acres % of Forest 

1 25,266 16

2 47,109 29

3 13,201 8

4 1,174 1

5 29,265 18

6 8,710 6

7 0 0

Scenic Integrity Objectives 

The components described above are the inventory phase of the Scenery Management System. 

Development of Scenic Integrity Objectives moves into the implementation phase that integrates SMS 

into the forest plan revision process. As stated earlier, the concept of scenic integrity can be used to 

describe varying degrees of wholeness or completeness and level of scenic condition from very high to 

unacceptably low. Scenic Integrity Objectives describe the long-term level of integrity achievable or the 

desired condition. 

For the Croatan Plan Revision, Scenic Integrity Objectives were assigned to Scenic Classes by 

Prescription. This was determined to be the most logical approach because prescriptions are actual 

boundaries on the ground and have desired conditions described for each. This way the management 

concern for scenery is linked closely to assigned desired condition and prescriptions. Table F-5 

illustrates the assigned Scenic Integrity Objectives. 

89 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
Table F-5. Scenic integrity objectives within management prescriptions. 

There is no systematic approach to establish a value for attractiveness for different landscapes and 

recreation opportunities within a single ROS class. There are, though, some combinations of scenic 

integrity objectives and ROS classes that are more compatible than others. Page F-3 of the SMS 

handbook contains a chart that links ROS class and scenic integrity objectives. 

Scenic Integrity Objective2

(numbers refer to scenic classes)

Management Prescription

Landscape 

Character Low Theme1 Very High High Moderate 

Pocosin lakes NA 1-2 3-5 6-7 

Wilderness NE 1-7

Wild & Scenic Rivers 

NE 

NA 

NA 

1-7 

1-7 

1-2 3-7 

Hardwood Cypress Wetlands NA 1-3 4-5 6-7 

RCW HMA NA 

NA 

NA 

1-2 3-4 

1 

1-2 

5-7 

2-7 

3-7 

Wildland Urban Interface NA 1-3 4-7 

Upland Hardwoods NA 1-3 4-5 6-7 

Black Bear Habitat NA 1 2 3-7 

Developed Areas 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

1

1 

1-2 

1-2 

2-5 

1-7 

1-2 

2-5 

3-5 

3-4 

6-7 

3-7 

6-7 

6-7 

5-7 

Special Interest Areas 

NA 

H/C 

 

1-2 

1-7 

3-7 

Old Growth NA 1-3 4-7 

OHV System NA 1-3 4-7 

• Wild 

• Scenic 

• Recreational 

• Mixed pine 

• Pocosin patches 

NA 

• Offices/Work Centers 

• Electronic/Other Administrative 

Sites 

• Roaded natural

• Motorized 

• Rural, and roaded natural & 

semi-primitive 

• Natural Areas 

• Heritage Resources 

1

Landscape Character Themes: C—Cultural; NE – naturally evolving; NA – natural appearing; H/C – historic/cultural 2

Scenic Integrity Objectives: 

• Very High – (33,000 acres) Generally provides for ecological change only.

• High – (70,000 acres) Human activities are not visually evident. In high SI areas, activities may only repeat

attributes of form, line, color, and texture found in the existing landscape character. 

• Moderate – (14,000 acres) Human activities must remain visually subordinate to the attributes of the existing

landscape character. Activities may repeat form, line, color, or texture common to these landscape characters, 

but changes in quality of size, number, intensity, direction, pattern, and so on, must remain visually subordinate 

to these landscape characters. 

• Low – (44,000 acres) Human activities may dominate the existing landscape character. Activities must repeat

form, line, color, or texture common to these landscape characters. 

• Very Low - Human activities of vegetative and landform alterations may dominate the original, natural 

landscape character, but should appear as natural occurrences when viewed at background distances. 

ROS and SMS Compatibility 

90 

Appendix F: Scenery Management System
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXXGG:: RReeccrreeaattiioonnOOppppoorrttuunniittyy SSppeeccttrruumm

A recreation opportunity is the availability of a choice for a user to participate in a preferred activity 

within a preferred environmental and social setting in order to realize desired experiences. By managing 

the natural resource setting, and the activities which occur within it, the Forest Service manager is 

providing the opportunities for recreation experiences to take place. 

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a way to classify the types of outdoor recreation 

opportunities and experiences the public may desire and to identify the capabilities of the Forests to 

provide these opportunities. The ROS describes and groups compatible recreational, environmental and 

social settings, activities and experiences. It also provides the basis for coordinating recreation 

opportunities with other resource needs and objectives. 

Recreation Settings And Experiences 

Landscapes are available for people to use in recreation pursuits. Landscapes are characterized by 

settings, which provide the physical and social environment needed to produce experiences. ROS 

provides setting descriptors that integrate physical and social characteristics to classify the landscape. 

There are seven classes of ROS settings in the system. Five are represented on the Croatan National 

Forest, with the most developed end of the spectrum, urban, not present. Those represented include: 

primitive (P), semi-primitive non-motorized (SPNM), semi-primitive motorized (SPM), roaded natural 

(RN), and rural. The characteristics of these classes are described below: 

Primitive (P) areas generally exceed 5000 contiguous acres and are 3 miles away from roads. These 

areas are characterized by an essentially unmodified natural environment. Evidence of humans is 

unnoticed by someone wandering through the area. Examples of this setting are the designated 

Wildernesses. They do not always meet the acre minimum and distance from roads requirement but are 

managed to enhance the primitive characteristics because of their wilderness designation. 

Semi-primitive non-motorized (SPNM) areas generally exceed 2500 contiguous acres and are 1⁄2 mile 

or more from roads, railroads, trails and waterbodies used by motorized vehicles and watercraft. These 

areas are characterized by a high degree of remoteness and a naturally evolving landscape where human 

influence is minimal. Contact between people within the area is generally low. 

Examples of this setting include the larger expanses of Wildernesses and unroaded areas in MA2 and 5. 

These are primarily pocosin areas with very little development. 

Semi-primitive motorized (SPM) areas generally exceed 2500 contiguous acres and are within 1⁄2 mile 

of primitive roads, trails or waterbodies used by motorized vehicles and watercraft; but not closer than 1⁄2 

mile from better than primitive roads. Some of the area may be accessible by low-standard roads. 

These areas are characterized by a high degree of remoteness or potential for it, and a predominantly 

natural-appearing landscape where human influence is minimal. Contact between people within the area 

is generally low to moderate. 

91 

Appendix G: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 
Examples of this setting include the area around Great Lake and south into the pocosins, the White Oak 

and Brice Creek river corridors, and the more rustic developments along waterbodies including Catfish 

Lake and Great Lake Boat Ramps, Long Point, Oyster Point, and Siddie Fields. Although these rustic 

developments don’t meet the size requirement on their own, they do when combined with the adjacent 

waterbodies. 

Roaded natural (RN) areas are predominantly natural appearing forested landscapes around roads with 

conventional motorized use. Resource modification and utilization practices may be evident, but usually 

occur in clusters. There is about equal probability for experiencing contact with or isolation from other 

people. RN areas occur within 1⁄2 mile of roads, railroads, trails or waterbodies used by motorized 

vehicles and watercraft. No size criteria are imposed. 

Examples of this setting include land areas adjacent lower standard development roads like the 

Impoundment, the longleaf pine savannas in MA4, OHV areas, and Black Swamp Road. Developed 

sites include Brice Creek and Cahooque Creek Boat Ramps, Fishers Landing, Haywood Landing, Island 

Creek, and Pine Cliff Day Use area. 

Rural areas are characterized by a culturally influenced landscape with forest cover. Structures may be 

present but usually occur in clusters. Contact with other people is normal. No size criteria is imposed. 

This class includes corridors for roads with high traffic volume or emerging development patterns. 

These corridors are 1⁄4 mile wide on each side of a road. 

Examples of this setting include in part, the 1⁄4 mile corridor along major roads like NC Hwy 70, 24, 58 

and 17, and Catfish Lake Road. Developed sites have many amenities and include Cedar Point and 

Neuse River recreation areas. 

The following table summarizes and displays the acres on the Croatan that currently meet the setting 

conditions for each ROS class. The spatial arrangement of settings is shown in table G-1, and 

documented in the CNF database as “Settings”. 

Table G-1. ROS class, ROS acres, and percent of total acres. 

 ROS % of

Class Acres Total

 P* 31,912 19 

 SPNM 17,966 11 

SPM 6,642 4 

 RN 92123 57

R 15,195 9

 Total 162,362 100 

* Though the setting approaches a Primitive ROS Class, technically it meets the criteria for the Semi-Primitive non-motorized ROS Class because there are 

few parts of the area three miles or more from roads or motorized trails. Croatan Wildernesses will be managed to provide as primitive an experience and 

setting as possible. 

92 

Appendix G: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 
Recreation Activities 

Recreationists choose a setting and activity to create a desired experience. Facilities are supplied to 

assist uses of settings and to support recreation activities. Two types of facilities are used by 

recreationists: corridors and places. Corridors provide for transporting people through the setting. 

They include roads, trails, lakes and streams. Places are where people spend some period of time 

engaged in a recreation activity. Examples of places are campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, favorite 

spots along rivers and hunting grounds. 

There are limits to the use of settings. When use is too intensive for recreationists to achieve desired 

experiences, the carrying capacity has been exceeded. Providing additional support facilities may 

increase the capacity of settings. 

Some places are also Special Places or Hot Spots. Special Places are those sites whose specific 

locations, attractions or features are identified and valued as unique, different, distinctive and 

extraordinary to people. These places range in size from a small area, such as a pool on a stream, to a 

large area, such as an entire stream basin. This physical area or the perception of the place has special 

meaning to people and they form an attachment to the land. People frequently share a communal 

interpretation of these places or a “sense of place”. Hot Spots are places where capacities are reached or 

exceeded during peak weekends. People are drawn to these places more than others because the 

resource attributes or facilities accommodate their needs and desires for specialized settings, activities or 

experiences. 

Special places on the CNF include many water-based areas like Brice Creek, Cahooque Creek, White 

Oak River, and Catfish Lake Sand Ridges. Hot Spots are some of the less developed and more rustic 

areas like Long Point and Siddie Fields. 

Recreation Use Patterns 

On the CNF, many sites from rural ROS to SPM have use almost to capacity on weekends and holidays. 

These include Cedar Point Campground, Pine Cliff Day Use area, and Siddie Fields dispersed camping 

area. 

Hunting use is heavy, and every road that isn’t gated is impacted. The largest percentage of hunters are 

road hunters, with a small but growing number of still hunters. Many of the hunters desiring still 

hunting opportunities are from other areas like the piedmont. During the season, there is also a large 

influx of bear hunters from western NC. Waterfowl hunting is popular at the Catfish Lake 

Impoundment with about 80 percent capacity during peak season. Catfish Lake, Great Lake and the 

larger rivers and creeks are also used for waterfowl hunting. 

Hiking is popular at the Impoundment, Island Creek and the Tidelands Trail at Cedar Point. People are 

interested in high quality scenery, interesting vegetation, and wildlife. Most of the popular trails are 

water oriented. Demand for mountain biking, horseback riding, and canoeing areas is growing. 

93 

Appendix G: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 
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94 

Appendix H: Aquatic Classification 
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXXHH:: AAqquuaattiicc CCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn

With the recent emphasis on ecosystem management in the Forest Service and many other agencies, 

there has been a heightened interest in the classification or characterization of terrestrial and aquatic 

ecosystems. The Forest Service began development of an aquatic ecosystem in 1995 (Maxwell and 

others 1995). The system employs a hierarchical approach which builds on the concept that smallerscale systems develop within constraints set by the larger-scale systems of which they are part. 

For example, in North Carolina, physiographic conditions in the Coastal Plain produce aquatic habitats 

that support a very different assemblage of fish than would be found within streams in the Piedmont 

plateau. Piedmont fish communities in turn would differ significantly from assemblages in trout streams 

of the mountainous Blue Ridge province. Among all the streams and lakes on the Croatan National 

Forest, and indeed anywhere in the Coastal Plain physiographic province, one can further distinguish 

like and unlike systems (i.e., streams or sections of streams and individual lakes and ponds) based on 

degree of tidal influence, whether the systems originate from pocosin or upland areas, and size of the 

stream. 

The aquatic classification uses the zoogeography of fresh water fishes as a basis for categorizing aquatic 

systems from the highest levels of the hierarchy (world zones such as North America, South and Central 

America, Africa, the Orient, Eurasia north of the Orient, and Australia) through successively smaller 

geographical areas called subzones, regions, and subregions down to individual river basins. For 

example, the Neuse River Basin is part of the “Pamlico-Albemarle Sound Subregion”, which is nested in 

the Atlantic Region, which in turn is part of the Arctic-Atlantic Subzone, which is one of three subzones 

(Pacific, Arctic-Atlantic, and Mexican Transition) in the North American or Nearctic world zone. 

This approach allows individual systems and their attributes (such as number of fish species, species of 

freshwater mussels or other benthic macroinvertebrates, species of aquatic plants, or any other biological 

information that may have been attributed to a given system) to be viewed at a number of different 

scales. This can be especially beneficial for broad regional planning purposes. At finer scales such as 

within the boundaries of the Croatan National Forest, the upper levels of the hierarchy become less 

pertinent and aquatic classification is more useful in displaying the range of ecological types across a 

landscape and in using biological and habitat inventory information developed at reference sites to 

extrapolate to similarly classified but uninventoried sites at other locations. 

Aquatic Ecological Types on the Croatan National Forest 

The aquatic classification is part of the CNF database. The “streams” coverage includes 6 attributes for 

classifying aquatic ecological types. These types are described below. 

1. Salt Water Sound. Examples include Bogue, Pamlico, and Albemarle Sounds. All are estuarine 

biologically productive mixing zone of fresh and salt waters. 

2. Large Tidal Rivers. The lower White Oak and Neuse Rivers, and the Newport and Trent Rivers 

are examples of this ecological type. These rivers are influenced by wind tides and salt-water intrusion. 

Chloride concentrations are often several thousand parts per million and the fish assemblage is usually 

95 

Appendix H: Aquatic Classification 
dominated by marine species in the lowermost reaches. Some freshwater fish species co-occur with the 

marine species except in the most saline reaches of these rivers. 

3. Tidally Influenced Sections of Large Creeks. This category of waters includes the lower 

reaches of large creeks such as Brice and Hunter Creeks. Directional streamflow, depth, and salinity are 

influenced by wind tides of their receiving rivers. These stream reaches usually contain some saltwater 

fish species in addition to freshwater species such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and bluegill. The 

saltwater fish species usually include striped mullet, American eels, and summer flounder. 

4. Non-tidal mid reaches of Large Streams. Two examples of this aquatic ecological type are 

Brice Creek in the vicinity of the public boating access, and the White Oak River near Belgrade. These 

ecological types are important in that they contain the most diverse assemblages of freshwater fish on 

the Croatan National Forest. These stream reaches contain a more diverse and abundant array of 

habitats than smaller stream reaches and consequently meet the habitat requirements of more species. 

The size of these stream reaches also allows more recreational opportunities such as canoe or boat 

fishing as opposed to wading or bank fishing only. 

5. Acidic, Upper Reaches of Large Streams. Brice Creek from its origin at Catfish Lake 

downstream to a point where pH is 5.5 or less typifies this ecological type. The fish community is 

dominated by a relatively small number of acid-tolerant species, such as redfin pickerel and brown 

bullhead. Fishing opportunities, therefore, are more restricted than in less acid, larger stream habitats. 

6. Non-acidic Upper Reaches of Large Streams. At present our data are not adequate to identify 

stream segments that are characteristic of this ecological type. It can be anticipated that this ecological 

type will not be well represented on the Croatan. Where it does occur, fish species diversity should be 

considerably greater than in similar, but more acid streams. 

7. Large Acidic Natural Lakes. In North Carolina this ecological type is unique to the coastal 

plain and is represented by Great and Catfish Lakes. 

8. Acidic Ponds. A pond may be defined as a natural or man-made body of water typically less 

than 5 acres in size. Ponds in this ecological category have a pH less than 5.5. 

9. Non-acidic Ponds. Ponds with a pH equal to or greater than 5.5. An example is Cedar Swamp 

Pond. Although rare on the Croatan, this type pond has the capacity to be intensively managed for

several species of sport fish. 

10. Estuarine Branches. These are short drainages into saline, lower reaches of rivers such as the 

White Oak, Newport, Neuse, and Trent, or into estuarine portions of ocean sounds. 

11. Estuarine Creeks. These are small streams that are largely within salt marsh ecosystems. 

Salinity is typically high and the biota are dominated by marine species. These habitats are often 

important nursery areas for many species of saltwater fish and shellfish. 

96 

Appendix H: Aquatic Classification 
Table H-1. Aquatic classification summary. 

AQUATIC ECOLOGICAL TYPES MILES 

QUANTITY 

ACRES 

1. Salt Water Sound 40 

2. Large Tidal Rivers 

3. Tidally Influenced Reaches of Large Creeks 16 

4. Non-tidal Mid Reaches of Large Streams 16 

5. Acidic, Upper Reaches of Large Streams 32.5 

35.5 

7. Large Pocosin Lakes 2,800 

8. Acidic Ponds 4.0 

9. Non-Acidic Ponds 10.0 

10. Estuarine Branches 17.2 

11. Estuarine Creeks 1.8 

12. Acidic First or Second Order Tributaries of 

 Sounds and Rivers 

32.4 

13. Non-acidic First or Second Order Tributaries 

 of sounds and Rivers

30.2 

14. Tributaries to Large, Saline Creeks 5.7 

HABITAT 

35 

6. Non-acidic Upper Reaches of Large Streams 

97 

Appendix H: Aquatic Classification 
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98 

Appendix I: Timber Land Suitability Classification
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX II:: TTiimmbbeerrLLaanndd SSuuiittaabbiilliittyy CCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn

Table I-1. Timber Land Suitability Classifications. 

Stage I Classification from NFMA Regulations at 36 CFR 219.14(a) Acres 

5,914 

2. Forest Land. 155,228 

3. Forest land withdrawn from timber production (includes lands designated as 

 wilderness, historic areas, scenic areas, and natural areas).

31,221

4. Forest lands not capable of producing crops of industrial wood. 0

5. Forest Land physically unsuitable 

 without irreversible resource damage to soil productivity or watershed

 conditions. 

0 

0 

0 

6. Forest lands with inadequate information to manage for timber production 0 

7. Forest lands tenatively suitable for timber production 124,007 

Stage II Classification from NFMA Regulations at 36 CFR 219.14(b) 

Lands with positive present net value 118,724

Stage III Classification from NFMA Regulations at 36 CFR 219.14© 

8. Forest Land not appropriate for timber production.

Based upon consideration of multiple-use objectives, lands proposed for resource uses that preclude 

timber production (36 CFR 219.14©(1), and includes the following management prescriptions: River

Corridors eligible for WS River Status, Hardwood Cypress Wetlands, Wildland Urban Interface, Black 

Bear Habitat, Developed Areas, OHV Areas, Special Interest Areas, and Old Growth. 

98,284

9. Unsuitable forest land (lands 3,4,5,6, and 8) 129,505 

 prescriptions: RCW Habitat Management Area 

161,142 

1. Non-forest land (includes water, developed sites and administrative sites). 

a. Technology is not available to ensure timber production from the land

b. Lands that cannot be adequately restocked 

c. Lands withdrawn due to inadequate access 

10. Total suitable forest land (item 2 minus item 9), and includes the following 25,723

11. Total national forest land (items 1 and 2)

99 

Appendix I: Timber Land Suitability Classification
Table I-2. Land Classification

Classification Acres 

1. Non-forest land (includes water) 5,914 

2. Forest Land. 155,228 

3. Forest land withdrawn from timber production 31,221

4. Forest lands not capable of producing crops of industrial wood. 0

5. Forest Land physically unsuitable:

 irreversible damage likely to occur 

0 

 not restockable within 5 years 

6. Forest land—inadequate information* 

7. Tenatively suitable forest land 124,007 

8. Forest Land not appropriate for timber production 98,284

9. Unsuitable forest land

 (items 3,4,5,6, and 8)

129,505 

10. Total suitable forest land 

 (item 2 minus item 9) 

25,723

11. Total national forest land 

 (items 1 and 2) 

161,142 

0 

* Lands for which current information is inadequate to project responses to timber management. Usually applies to low site lands.

Table I-3. Present and Future Forest Conditions. 

Unit of Measure Suitable Land

Present Forest: 

Growing Stock MMCF 63,187

Live Cull MMCF Not Available 

Annual Mortality MMCF 380

Future Forest: 

MMCF Not Available 

Annual Net Growth MMCF 2,173 

Rotation Age

Loblolly and Pond Pine 80 years 

Longleaf Pine 120 years 

Growing Stock

100 

Appendix I: Timber Land Suitability Classification
Table I-4. Allowable Sale Quantity and Timber Sale Program Quantity. 

Harvest Method Allowable Sale Quantity 

Sawtimber Other Products

(M CF) (M CF) 

Clearcut 2683 69

Shelterwood and Seed Tree -- -- 

Shelterwood with reserve trees (twoaged system) 3293 74

Commercial Thinning 1892 747 

Totals 7857 901

Additional Sales

Sawtimber Other Products

(M CF) (M CF) 

Total for all harvest methods -- -- 

Allowable Sale Quantity: 8758 MCF 

 

Allowable sale quantity includes chargeable volumes from suitable lands. 

Additional sales only includes nonchargeable volumes from suitable and/or unsuitable lands.

Table I-5. Timber Productivity Classification.

Productivity Class Potential Growth 

(cubic feet/acre/year) 

Suitable Lands 

(acres) 

Unsuitable Lands 

(acres) 

less than 20 6413

6 20-49 93421

5 50-84 6906 32590

4 85-119 12782 1474

120-164 470

2 165-224

1727

3 4308

1 225+ 

Total 25723

Table I-6. Vegetation Management Practices. Annual Average in First Decade for Suitable Lands.

Practice Acres

Clearcut 100

Shelterwood and seed tree 0

150

Commercial Thinning 320

570 

Shelterwood with reserve trees (two-aged system) 

Total*

*Pine straw production is not included in this total. 

. 

101 

Appendix I: Timber Land Suitability Classification
Table I-7. Long-Term Sustained Yield Capacity and Allowable Sale Quantity

Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E

Acres suitable for 

timber production 24,985 10,890 26,774 21,546 25,723

1st 497 1st 260 1st 2,093 1st 1,484 1st 876

2nd 1,625 2nd 319 2nd 1,355 2nd 1,486 2nd 1,427

rd 1,625 3rd 319 3rd 1,355 3rd 1,489 rd 1,427

4th 1,625 4th 353 4th 1,355 4th 1,489 4th 1,427

Allowable Sale Quantity 

by planning period

(MCF/Year)

5th 1,625 5th 363 5th 1,355 5th 1,489 5th 1,427

Long-Term Sustained 

Yield Capacity 

(MCF/Year) 

1,625 442 1,247 1,573 1,303 

Maximum PresentNet Value (MM $)** $23.2 $4.4 $29.3 $26.2 $20.9 

3 3

102 

Appendix I: Timber Land Suitability Classification
AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX JJ:: WWiillddllaanndd UUrrbbaann IInntteerrffaaccee

Catfish Lake WUI 

The total Catfish Lake WUI area is approximately 2535 acres in size and occurs in portions of MAs 1, 2, 

and 7; about 350 acres are in Catfish Lake Wilderness. High pocosin vegetation dominates the area and 

the soils are primarily organic (Croatan). While there is some recent history of fire on both the west and 

northeast sections of the area, the largest portion has not been burned. The unroaded portion of this 

pocosin was threatened during Fish Day Fire, but did not burn. A prescribed fire program adjacent to 

such a large, continuous block of pocosin is not currently feasible without prior fuel treatments. 

Most of the private land adjacent to Forest Service is owned by Weyerhaeuser. There are several farm

fields, primarily on the west and northeast sections of the Catfish Lake WUI area. An analysis by 

Weyerhaeuser shows several young plantations along the landownership line here that would be at risk 

from wildfire. There are several roads throughout the privately owned lands, but very few on Forest 

Service. In the event of a wildfire, the Weyerhaeuser plantations between the roads and Forest Service 

land would more than likely be lost or severely damaged. 

Pocosin WUI 

The total Pocosin WUI area is approximately 1960 acres in size and occurs in portions of MAs 2, 4, 5, 

and 6; about 800 acres are in Pocosin Wilderness and 100 acres in Sheep Ridge Wilderness. The 

western portion of the area is dominated by high pocosin vegetation with a small hardwood segment on 

the eastern rim of Great Lake. The eastern portion of the area is primarily southern rough vegetation 

with numerous hardwood drains interspersed throughout. The Sheep Ridge Wilderness area burned 

during the 1994 Fish Day Fire, and the southern boundary of the area also has some history of fire. Parts 

of the eastern boundary are regularly prescribed burned, but any additional prescribed burning adjacent 

to these large, continuous unburned blocks of pocosin would not currently be feasible without prior fuel 

treatments. 

Ownership varies along the Pocosin WUI area boundary. Camp Bryan, a developed camp retreat, lies 

along the southeastern shore of Ellis Lake. Weyerhaeuser has delineated several young plantations that 

would be at risk in the event of a wildfire along the eastern and southeastern portions of the area. There 

are also several farmfields in the eastern portion. A small private inholding has homes along the 

landownership line on Lake Road. The Marine railroad track intersects with the western boundary of 

the area, and with the exception of Weyerhaeuser plantation roads and Lake Road, the area is virtually 

unroaded. In the event of a wildfire, the Weyerhaeuser plantations and some homes in the small 

inholding would be lost or severely damaged. Camp Bryan would also be at risk. 

Havelock WUI 

The total Havelock WUI area is approximately 920 acres in size and occurs in MAs 5 and 6. No 

Wilderness is included in this area. While there are about 100 acres of high pocosin and organic soils, 

southern rough vegetation dominates the area. Because there is no recent fire history, 30+ year fuel 

accumulations in this pond pine woodland are considered to be relatively heavy. 

103 

Appendix J: Wildland Urban Interface 
This area probably has the most severe Wildland Urban Interface problem on the Croatan. On the 

western boundary, there is a very large Mini-Storage operation (greater than 500 units), with only a 5-

foot canal and Forest Service road separating the business from forested land. 

Developments in the area include Cameron Village (approximately 50 homes), Laurel Hill Apartments, 

and Pine Ridge Apartments. Cameron Village has a paved road system with wide turnarounds and 

numbered houses, but few road signs. There are above ground powerlines, but only one fire hydrant in 

the area. While structural engines could enter and maneuver through the area, it is very doubtful that 

many (if any) structures could be saved with wildfire in the immediate vicinity. 

Weyerhaeuser also has several plantations that would be at risk in the event of a wildfire on the 

northeast boundary of the area. There are no roads near Forest Service land on the southern portion. 

There is little development adjacent to Forest Service ownership on the southern boundary, but a 

powerline parallels this portion of the area. 

104 

Appendix J: Wildland Urban Interface 
 

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXXKK:: PPrroojjeecctteeddFFiinnaanncciiaall RReessoouurrccee NNeeeeddss

Budget: 

The budget for the Croatan National Forest has averaged approximately $1,250,000 since FY 1996. Full 

implementation of the Plan would require a budget of $1,466,200 or an increase of 17.7 percent (Table 

K-1). 

Outputs: 

Also shown in Table K-1 are the projected outputs associated with each budget line item under the 

current alternative and proposed plan. 

Table K-1. Average Budget (FY 1996 – FY 1999), Plan Budget, and Full Implementation Budget (in 1997 Dollars). Outputs

Associated with each Functional Activity. 

Current Fully Implemented Plan

Functional Activity Budget Outputs Budget Outputs

No. $ No.

465,000 

 Prescribed Burning (Acres) 15,000 25,000 

Recreation, Trails, and Wilderness 119,000 128,340 

 Developed Recreation (PAOTS) 1,675 2,240 

 Trail Use (Miles) 

 OHV 36 8-10 

0 20–40 

 Horseback 0 10–20 

 Hiking 31 31 

 Fishing 0 5 

 Canoe 0 16 

 Wildlife Viewing 0 4

 Wilderness Management (Acres) 31,221 31,942

 Wild and Scenic Rivers 

 Designation (Miles/10 Years) 0 67.4 

Timber Sales (Appr. And Salv.) 136,000 182,000 

 Allowable Sale Quantity 

 First Decade (MCF) 1,100 876 

 Long-Term Sustained 

 Yield Capacity (MCF/Year) 1,625 1,303 

99,000 99,000

108,000 124,400 

222 

 Roads Closed (Miles) 14 30 

 Seasonal Access (Miles) 9 17 

Threatened and Endangered Species 38,500 64,560

 Growing Season Burn in HMA

200 2,000 

 Size of HMA (Acres) 37,845 69,000 

 $ 

Forest Fire Protection 490,000 

 Mountain Bike 

General Administration 

Road Construction and Maintenance 

 Forest Service Roads (Miles) 222 

 (Acres/Year) 

105 

Appendix K: Projected Financial Resource Needs 
 

 New Recruitment Stands in 10 years 15–20 20-26 

 RCW Clusters in 10 Years (Number) 68–75 83–89 

 Long-Term Population Objective 

 (Number) 126–139 137–169 

121,000 121,000

27,500 55,000

50,000 148,000

 Regeneration Methods (Acres) 

 Clearcut 0 100 

 Seed-Tree/Shelterwood 60 0 

 Two Age 0 150 

Landlines and Acquisition 20,000 20,000

 Acquisitions/Year (Acres) 300 900

Wildlife Habitat Management 8,000 8,000 

 Wildlife Openings

 Constructed 0 25 

 Maintained 255 280 

Fisheries Habitat Management 11,100 14,000

 Stocking (Acres) 8 158 

 Fertilization (Acres/Year) 0 20

 Liming (Acres/Year) 0 20 

 Habitat Improvement (Miles) 0 5

Law Enforcement 16,500 16,500

Planning, Inventory and Monitoring 14,800 5,000 

Cooperative Work – Other 5,500 5,500 

Soil, Water, and Air Operations 2,500 3,800 

Minerals Management 1,100 1,100 

 Leases Administered (Number) 1.5 1.5 

Cultural Resources 2,200 7,500 

 Sites Interpreted (Number) 5 17 

Budget Totals 1,245,700 1,493,700 

SCSEP

Cooperative Work – KV

Reforestation

106 

Appendix K: Projected Financial Resource Needs 
 

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX LL:: MMoonniittoorriinnggTTaasskk SShheeeettss

1. Resource Being Monitored: Monitoring Populations 

2. Monitoring Question: 1a) What are the population trends of the management indicator species? How do

they compare with planned goals? 1b) Of the goals and objectives that likely 

contribute toward or affect the population trends, what are the rates of 

implementation? 

3. Driver (s): Endangered Species Act; National Forest Management Act; Forest Plan goals and

objectives (Table L-1) 

4. Priority: High 

5. Cooperators: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; USDI Fish and Wildlife Service; 

US Department of Defense, Marine Corps; USDA Forest Service Research; 

6. Monitoring Item: 

Longleaf/wiregrass – Longleaf data will be generated through CISC updates during field 

inventories, wiregrass was measured from a random sampling of plots; future plots will be 

established on a yearly basis, including areas of pine straw harvest. Remeasurement will occur

on a portion of the total number of plots established. District and forest personnel collect the 

data. The CISC database needs updating to ensure reliability of data. Precision and reliability – 

Level A and B 

Black bear - harvest data, mortality data, supplemented with nuisance complaints done on a 

yearly basis. Nusiance complaints are not considered useful indicators of bear population 

trends but are collected to gauge “cultural carrying capacity.” The data is predominantly 

collected by NCWRC, and supplemented by USFS and other cooperators. Precision and 

reliability – Level A 

Annually

9. Information Management RCW – District Biologist maintains data - hard copy and GIS layers. 

Longleaf and wiregrass – Forest and District Silvculturists maintain CISC database. 

Forest Ecologist maintains wiregrass plot data. 

Wild turkey and Black bear - NCWRC controls raw data; USFS receives summary

reports which are given to the Forest Wildlife Biologist and distributed. 

10. Responsibility District and Forest Silviculturists, Forest Ecologist, District and Forest Wildlife 

Biologists 

11. Cost RCW – Contract and force account 

Longleaf/Wiregrass – force account 

Black bear and wild turkey – force account 

12. Evaluation Process 

13. How Will Information be Used? To amend the Forest Plan and modify management practices based on population

trends and habitat conditions. 

To answer the question, data on the overall trend in numbers of individuals and 

reproductive success is needed for RCW, wild turkey and black bear. For longleaf 

pine and wiregrass an assessment of occurrence across suitable habitat is needed. 

7. Metadata of Data Collection: 

• Unit of Measure 

• QA/QC 

• Frequency of Measurement 

1a) RCW – color-banding, nest checks, adult/fledge checks for number and sex of all active 

clusters on a yearly basis. Assessment of habitat and location of future cavity trees is done on 

an annual basis. District and forest personnel do the data collection. Precision and reliability –

Level A 

Wild turkey – harvest data, summer brood counts and observational data done on a yearly

basis. The data is predominantly collected and synthesized by the NCWRC. District personnel 

contribute information. Precision and reliability – Level A 

1b) refer to table 5.3.1 for these measures and reporting systems. Precision and reliability is 

level B and C.

• Scale 

• Methods 

• Precision & Reliability

• Who collects? When?

8. Reporting Period 

107 

Appendix L: Monitoring Task Sheets 
 

1. Resources Being 

Monitored:

Monitoring Habitats 

2a) On landtypes where planned management actions are relatively infrequent and low impact, what are 

the habitat conditions? Are plan objectives being met? 2b) Of goals and objectives likely to contribute 

toward affecting these habitat conditions, what are the rates of implementation?

3. Driver (s): Forest Plan goals and objectives (Table L-1) 

4. Priority: Moderate to low priority 

5. Cooperators: Aquatic habitats – North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, North Carolina Wildlife 

Resources Commission, NC State University

Terrestrial habitats – US Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina Wildlife Resources 

Commission (non-game), North Carolina Natural Heritage Program

6. Monitoring Item: To answer the monitoring question, an assessment of change in water quality measurements 

will provide an assessment of aquatic habitats; within terrestrial habitats, old growth

conditions in hardwood cypress wetlands need to be inventoried and mapped, sampling needs 

to take place in maritime ridge and dune forests (especially in areas to be restored), breeding 

bird surveys need to continue, and element occurrences need to be checked for condition and

presence/absence. 

7. Metadata of Data 

Collection:

Scale 

Unit of Measure 

Methods 

QA/QC 

Precision & Reliability 

Frequency of Measurement

Who collects? When?

2a) Aquatic habitats – Collected annually by District, Forest and State agency personnel

during late summer; data collected includes water quality parameters (e.g. salinity, pH, 

dissolved oxygen, conductivity); fish data on species collected; analysis of the utilization of

Forest waters by anadromous species. Precision and reliability – Level A 

Terrestrial habitats – Old growth will be mapped using GIS, aerial photography, and field

verification within the first 3 years of Plan implementation; old growth stand conditions will 

be measured by random sampling each year 10% of the areas mapped; data collected will be 

tree species, age, DBH, crown cover, height, % snags, % woody debris, % cover of

understory, evidence of human disturbance. District and Forest personnel will collect the 

data. 

Vegetation sampling data will be collected in the Maritime forest landtype by Forest and 

District personnel, at 5 year intervals beginning immediately prior to restoration activity. 

Breeding bird surveys record the occurrence of birds by sound along two driving routes on

the CNF and are conducted annually by a variety of personnel and skilled volunteers in May 

and June. 

10% of all recorded EOs will be assessed each year through site visits at appropriate times for 

occurrence and condition of plants and habitat by either contract or Forest/District personnel 

Precision and reliability – Level B and C 

2b) Refer to table 5.3.1 for these measures and reporting systems. Precision and reliability 

is level B and C. 

8. Reporting Period Aquatic data is reported annually. 

Old Growth Condition and Inventory will be evaluated and assessed every 3 years 

Maritime Forest vegetation sampling results will be evaluated at 5 year intervals 

Results from breeding bird surveys are reported and synthesized every 2-years. 

Results of Element Occurrence assessments completed in each year will be evaluated

annually. 

9. Information 

Management

GIS layers of aquatic ecoclasses, fish survey points, bird survey routes, old growth stands,

maritime forest vegetation plots, and Element Occurrences; Raw data for old growth and EO 

conditions and maritime forest vegetation plots will be linked to the layers, and stored hard

copy in unit files. 

10. Responsibility Forest and District Wildlife/T&E Biologist, Forest Fisheries Biologist, Forest Ecologist 

11. Cost 

12. Evaluation Process 

13. How Will Information

be Used?

The information generated will be used to gauge the overall health of the habitat on the 

Croatan, how it fits into the larger regional habitat required for these species, and the level of

human disturbance that may impact the habitats. 

2. Monitoring Question:

108 

Appendix L: Monitoring Task Sheets 
 

1. Resource Being 

Monitored:

Monitoring Public Use and Customer Satisfaction 

2. Monitoring Question: 3a) What amount and kinds of public use activities are occurring on the CNF and how 

satisfied are people with their experiences? 3b) Of goals and objectives that would 

contribute toward the trends of public use and satisfaction, what is the rate of

implementation? 

3. Driver (s): Forest Plan Goals and objectives (Table L-1); Validation of assumptions made

for recreation planning; Validation of the NVUM data collected specific for CNF 

4. Priority: Moderate to High

5. Cooperators: Southern Research Station 

6. Monitoring Items: To answer the monitoring question, information needs to be collected that is

specific to recreational opportunities offered on the CNF and user’s specific 

desires for recreational activities. Assessing the satisfaction of users is also

needed. 

7. Metadata of Data 

Collection:

3a) Using the NVUM project protocol, questions specific to the Croatan NF will 

be developed. Sampling on the Croatan will take place between 2002 and 2006. 

Sampling will be done force account using the same methods established for the 

national project. 

The specific questions will attempt to capture user input on desired facilities, and 

satisfaction of what is provided, especially the OHV system, biking and

horseback trails and rustic, water-based and developed facilities. 

Precision and reliability – Level A 

3b) Refer to table 5.3.1 for these measures and reporting systems. Precision and 

reliability is level B and C. 

8. Reporting Period The data collected will be evaluated and interpreted within 2 years of collection.

9. Information Management Data collected is analyzed by the Southern Research Station and archived 

nationally. The Forest has access to the data, but does not manage or store it.

10. Responsibility Forest and District personnel 

11. Cost $40,000.00

12. Evaluation Process 

13. How Will Information be 

Used?

The information generated will be used to adapt forest Plan objectives to specific 

needs and desires of the public. The information will also be used to validate the 

assumptions made during the planning process of what the public wanted for 

recreational opportunities, and to measure the accuracy of the sources used for 

these assumptions. 

• Scale 

• Unit of Measure 

• Methods 

• QA/QC 

• Precision & 

Reliability 

• Frequency of 

Measurement 

• Who collects?

When?

109 

Appendix L: Monitoring Task Sheets 
 

1. Resource Being 

Monitored: Monitoring Local Community Needs and Community Actions 

2. Monitoring Question: 4a) Are local communities attaching special significance to the natural and 

cultural attributes of the CNF as contributing to their well-being, and if so, how 

is this attachment exhibited through community actions? 4b) Of goals and 

objectives that would contribute toward creating a sense of place for local 

communities, what are the rates of implementation?

3. Driver (s): Forest Plan Goals and objectives (Table L-1) 

4. Priority: Moderate to High

5. Cooperators: Local Governments of Carteret, Craven, and Jones Counties, other state and

federal agencies, local businesses 

6. Monitoring Items: Collaborative efforts measured in terms of special events co-sponsored by

various cooperators. The change in special uses, land adjustments, and WUIs 

treated would also be reported. 

7. Metadata of Data 

Collection:

Scale is the 3-county area. Number of special events would be reported by the

District Ranger. Precision and reliability is Level C. Data collected Annually. 

8. Reporting Period The data collected will be evaluated and interpreted within 1 year of collection.

9. Information Management Documented in the Annual Monitoring Report

10. Responsibility Forest and District personnel 

11. Cost $1,000.00 

12. Evaluation Process 

13. How Will Information be 

Used?

Collaborative efforts to develop a sense of place in the 3-county area should

result in more protection of CNFs special attributes. For example, fewer 

incidents of illegal trash disposal should occur because people would want to

keep the forest in a natural condition. 

• Scale 

• Unit of Measure 

• Methods 

• QA/QC 

• Precision & 

Reliability 

• Frequency of 

Measurement 

• Who collects?

When?

110 

Appendix L: Monitoring Task Sheets 
 

1. Resource Being Monitored: Implementation Monitoring 

2. Monitoring Question: 5a) Are projects being designed to achieve desired conditions of the management 

prescriptions? 5b) Are projects being implemented according to decisions made

through the NEPA process, including plan standards? 

3. Driver (s): Forest Plan Goals and Objectives (Tables 5.14 and L-1) 

4. Priority: High

5. Cooperators: US Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC 

Natural Heritage Program, NC Division of Forest Resources, North Carolina 

Division of Marine Fisheries, NC Parks and Recreation, variety of user groups 

6. Monitoring Item: To answer the monitoring question, data needs to be collected for how and

what is accomplished each year, using existing tracking systems. 

7. Metadata of Data Collection:

Scale 

Unit of Measure 

Methods 

QA/QC 

Precision & Reliability 

Frequency of Measurement

Who collects? When?

Forestwide scale. Check on NEPA process and project implementation. 

Forest Assistance Visits. Level B. Every two years. Planning staff 

8. Reporting Period Annually, and possibly more or less frequently as projects are accomplished 

9. Information Management Report of Findings 

10. Responsibility Planning Staff 

11. Cost Approximately $8,000 per ID team visit

12. Evaluation Process 

13. How Will Information be 

Used?

The information will be used to modify expectations of accomplishment in the 

Forest Plan, and amend the Plan, if necessary, to better regulate 

implementation.

111 

Appendix L: Monitoring Task Sheets 
 

This page intentionally left blank. 

112 

Appendix M: Longleaf Old Growth
 

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXXMM:: LLoonngglleeaaffOOllddGGrroowwtthh

Allocate longleaf old growth in the following areas: 

Management Area 1: 

• 78 acres in Comp. 4 within stands 20 and 44 centered at RCW cluster 21. 

• 21 acres in RCW nest areas of clusters 22, 28, and 908. 

Management Area 2: 

• 18 acres in Comp. 49, within stands 22 and 23 and Comp. 48 within stand 10. 

Center at RCW cluster 905. 

Management Area 3: 

• 140 acres in Comp. 55 within stands 8, 18, 19, 20, 21 centered at RCW cluster 112. 

• 95 acres in Comp. 34 within stands 3, 4, 13 and Comp. 56 within stand 21. 

Center at RCW clusters 67 and 70. 

• 5 acres in Comp. 31 within stands 9, 13, 23, and Comp. 34 within stand 26. 

Center at RCW clusters 27 and 152. 

Center at RCW cluster 115. 

Center at RCW clusters 12, 33. 

Center at RCW clusters 4 and 18. 

• 55 acres in Comp. 43 within stands 20, 21, and Comp. 47 within stand 7. 

• 49 acres in Comp. 42 within stand 29 centered at RCW cluster 43. 

• 36 acres in Comp. 34 within stands 18 and 38 centered at RCW cluster 13. 

• 33 acres in nest areas of RCW clusters 62, 68, 69, 904, 906.

Management Area 4: 

• 155 acres in Comp. 25 within stands 20 ,21, 22 and Comp. 57 within stands 8, 9, 31. Center at 

RCW clusters 10, 11, 50. 

• 130 acres in Comp. 26 within stands 12, 13, 26, 28, 29, 35. 

• 110 acres in Comp. 22 within stands 8, 10, 27, 29 and Comp. 23 within stand 1. 

• 70 acres in Comp. 24 within stands 8,9,10 centered at RCW cluster 16. 

• 70 acres in Comp. 24 within stands 22, 23, 39, 41. 

Center at RCW clusters 51, 60. 

• 50 acres in Comp. 29 within stand 5 centered at RCW cluster 52. 

• 30 acres in Comp. 30 within stand 4 centered at RCW cluster 73. 

• 30 acres in Comp. 28 within stands 20, 32 centered at RCW cluster 19. 

• 30 acres in Comp. 57 within stand 3 centered at RCW cluster 25. 

• 20 acres in Comp. 26 within stand 19 centered at RCW cluster 71. 

• 180 acres in 19 small areas within nesting areas of RCW clusters 4, 11, 17, 18, 25, 46, 48, 52, 53, 

55, 56, 57, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 903, 909. 

Additional opportunities for old-growth restoration outside the allocated old growth network exist in 

Comp. 22, stand 12; Comp. 26, stands 19, 22, 51; and Comp. 30, stand 19. 

Management Area 5: 

• 35 acres in 4 small areas within nest areas of RCW clusters 3, 8, 24, 31. 

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Appendix M: Longleaf Old Growth
 

Management Area 6: 

• 44 acres in Comp. 18 within stands 22, 35, 43 and Comp. 60 within stand 24. 

Center at RCW cluster 130. 

Management Area 7: 

• 120 acres in Comp. 6 within stand 22; Comp. 50 within stands 4, 7, 10. 

Center at RCW clusters 35 and 38. 

• 100 acres in Comp. 5 within stands 7, 8; Comp. 50 within stand 26. 

Center at RCW clusters 1, 47, 177. 

• 40 acres in Comp. 6 within stands 5 and 6 centered at RCW cluster 105. 

• 100 acres in 6 small areas within nesting areas of RCW clusters 2, 29, 36, 58, 907.

114 

Appendix M: Longleaf Old Growth
 

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX NN:: GGlloossssaarryy

Age Class (Cohort) - A distinct aggregation of trees originating from a single natural event or 

regeneration activity, or a grouping of trees, e.g., 10-year age class, as used in inventory or management. 

Anchor point - and advantageous location, usually varies to fire spread, from which to start 

constructing a fireline. The anchor point is used to minimize the change of being flanked by the fire 

while the line is being constructed. 

Artificial Regeneration (Reproduction) - An age class created by direct seeding or by planting 

seedlings or cuttings. 

Available fuel - that portion of the total fuel that would actually burn under various environmental 

conditions. 

Bedding - Preparing a wet site for artificial regeneration using a bedding plow to till and mound soil 

above the water table. This allows planted seedlings to establish root systems in poorly drained soils. 

Burning - prescribed - The application of fire, usually under existing stands and under specified 

conditions of weather and fuel moisture, in order to attain silvicultural or other management objectives. 

Burning rotation - the planned number of years between prescribed fires on a specified areas. 

Clearcutting - A method of regenerating an even-aged stand in which a new age class develops in a 

fully-exposed microclimate after removal, in a single cutting, of all trees in the previous stand. 

Regeneration is from natural seeding, direct seeding, planted seedlings, and/or advance reproduction. 

Harvesting may be done in groups or patches (Group or Patch Clearcutting), or in strips (Strip 

Clearcutting). In the Clearcutting System, the management unit or stand in which regeneration, growth, 

and yield are regulated consists of the individual clearcut stand (see Group Selection). 

Clearcutting with Reserves - A clearcutting method in which varying numbers of reserve trees are not 

harvested to attain goals other than regeneration. 

Codominant - Trees with crowns forming the general level of the main canopy in even-aged groups of 

trees, receiving full light from above and comparatively little from the sides. 

Composition, Stand - The proportion of each tree species in a stand expressed as a percentage of either 

the total number, basal area, or volume of all tree species in the stand. 

Continuous fuels - fuels that are arranged close enough in proximity to sustain a fire. 

Control line - an inclusive term for all constructed or natural fire barriers and treated fire edges used to 

control a fire. 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Convection column - the rising column of gases, smoke, fly ash, particulates, and other debris produced 

by a fire. The column has a strong vertical component indicating that buoyant forces override the 

ambient surface wind. 

Coppice - A method of regenerating a stand in which all trees in the previous stand are harvested and 

the majority of regeneration is from sprouts or root suckers. 

Coppice Methods - Methods of regenerating a stand in which the majority of regeneration is from 

stump sprouts or root suckers. 

Coppice with Reserves - A coppice method in which reserve trees are retained to attain goals other than 

regeneration. The method normally creates a two-aged stand. 

Crop Tree - Any tree that is selected to become a component of a future final harvest. 

Crown - The part of a tree or woody plant bearing live branches and foliage. 

Crown Class - A class of tree based on crown position relative to the crowns of adjacent trees. 

Crown Cover - The ground area covered by the crowns of trees or woody vegetation as delimited by the 

vertical projection of crown perimeters and commonly expressed as a percent of total ground area (syn. 

Canopy Cover). 

Crown closure - the spacing between tree crowns; usually expressed as the percent of area covered by 

tree crowns in the forest canopy region as viewed from above. 

Crown Density - The amount, compactness, or depth of foliage of the crowns of trees and/or shrubs. 

Cutting Cycle - The planned interval between partial harvests in an uneven-aged stand (see Thinning 

Interval). 

Direct attack - a method of suppression that treats the fire as a whole, or all its burning edge, by 

wetting, cooling, smothering, or by chemically quenching it or mechanically separating it from unburned 

fuel. 

Dominant - Trees with crowns extending above the general level of the main canopy of even-aged 

groups of trees, and receiving full light from above and partly from the sides. 

Even-Aged Methods - Methods designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with a single age class. 

Even-Aged Stand - A stand of trees containing a single age class in which the range of tree ages is 

usually less than 20 percent of rotation. 

Even-Aged Silvicultural System - A planned sequence of treatments designed to maintain and 

regenerate a stand with one age class. The range of tree ages is usually less than 20 percent of the 

rotation. (see Clearcutting, Coppice, Seed-Tree, Shelterwood,). 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Extreme fire behavior - implies a level of fire behavior characteristics that ordinarily precludes 

methods of direct control action. One or more of the following is usually involved: high rates of spread; 

prolific crowning and /or spotting; presence of firewhirls; a strong convection column. Predictability is 

difficult because such fires often exercise some degree of influence on their environment, behaving 

erratically and sometimes dangerously. 

Fire behavior prediction model - a set of mathematical equations that can be used to predict certain 

aspects of fire behavior when provided with an assessment of fuel and environmental conditions. 

Fire danger - a term used to express an assessment of fixed and variable factors such as fire risk, fuels, 

weather, and topography, which influence whether fires will start, spread, and do damage; also the 

degree of control difficulty to be expected. 

Fire intensity - the rate of heat release for an entire fire at a specific point in time. 

Flame length - the distance between the flame tip and the midpoint of the flame depth at the base of the 

flame (generally the ground surface). It is measured on a slant when the flames are tilted due to effects 

of wind and slope and is used as an indicator of fire intensity. 

Fuel loading - the amount of fuel present expressed quantitatively in terms of weight of fuel per unit 

area. This may be available fuel (consumable fuel) or total fuel and is usually dry weight. 

Fuel moisture content - the quantity of moisture in fuel expressed as a percentage of the weight when 

thoroughly dried at 212 degrees F. In dead fuels, fuel moisture contents of smaller fuels change more 

readily with changes in atmospheric moisture than larger fuels. Dead fuels respond to day-to-day and 

hourly changes in the microclimate surrounding the fuel particle. Live fuel moistures exhibit slower 

changes, generally based on seasonal changes, precipitation events, the temperature trend, and the 

species. 

Group Selection - A method of regenerating uneven-aged stands in which trees are removed, and new 

age classes are established, in small groups. The maximum width of groups is approximately twice the 

height of the mature trees, with small opening providing micro-environments suitable for tolerant 

regeneration and the larger openings providing conditions suitable for more intolerant regeneration. In 

the Group Selection system, the management unit or stand in which regeneration, growth, and yield are 

regulated consists of a landscape containing an aggregation of groups (see Clearcutting). 

Harvesting Method - A cutting method by which a stand is harvested. Emphasis is on meeting logging 

requirements rather than silvicultural objectives. (see Regeneration Methods). 

Improvement Cutting - A cutting made in a stand past the sapling stage primarily to improve 

composition and quality by removing less desirable trees of any species. 

Ingrowth - Trees that during a specified period have grown past an arbitrary lower limit of (usually) 

diameter or height. Ingrowth is usually measured as basal area or volume per unit area. 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Intermediate - Trees with crowns extending into the lower portion of the main canopy of even-aged 

groups of trees, but shorter in height than the codominants. They receive little direct light from above 

and none from the sides. 

Intermediate Treatments (Tending) - A collective term for any treatment designed to enhance growth, 

quality, vigor, and composition of the stand after establishment of regeneration and prior to final harvest 

(see Tending, Stand Improvement). 

Liberation - A release treatment made in a stand not past the sapling stage in order to free the favored 

trees from competition of older, overtoppping trees. 

Midflame windspeed - the speed of the wind measured at the midpoint of the flames, considered to be 

most representative of the speed of the wind that is affecting fire behavior. It is usually less than the 

standard 20 foot windspeed, i.e. windspeeds measured at 20 feet above the average top of the vegetation. 

Natural Regeneration - An age class created from natural seeding, sprouting, suckering, or layering. 

Nurse Tree (Nurse Crop) - A tree, group of crop of trees, shrubs, or other plants, either naturally 

occurring or introduced, used to nurture or improve the form of a more important tree or crop during 

youth by protecting it from frost, insolation, or wind. 

Overstory Removal - The cutting of trees comprising an upper canopy layer in order to release trees or 

other vegetation in an understory. 

Overtopped (Suppressed) - Trees of varying levels of vigor that have their crowns completely covered 

by the crowns of one or more neighboring trees. 

Plantation - An artificially reforested area, established by planting or direct seeding. 

Precommercial Thinning (PCT) - A thinning that does not yield trees of commercial value, usually 

designed to improve crop spacing. 

Rate of spread - the relative activity of a fire in extending its horizontal dimensions. It is expressed as 

rate of increase of the total perimeter of the fire, as rate of forward spread of the fire front, or as rate of 

increase in area, depending on the intended use of the information. Usually it is expressed in chains or 

acres per hour for a specific period in the fire’s history. 

Regeneration (Reproduction) Method - A cutting method by which a new age class is created. The 

major methods are Clearcutting, Seed-Tree, Shelterwood, Selection, and Coppice (see Harvesting 

Method). 

Regeneration (Reproduction) Period - The time between the initial regeneration cutting and the 

successful re-establishment of a new age class by natural means, planting, or direct seeding. 

Regular Uneven-Aged (Balanced) Stand - A stand in which three or more distinct age classes occupy 

approximately equal areas and provide a balanced distribution of diameter classes. 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Release (Release Operation) - A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually 

overtopping, competing vegetation. Treatments include, liberation, and weeding (see Stand 

Improvement). 

Reserve Trees - Trees, pole-sized or larger, retained after the regeneration period under the 

Clearcutting, Seed-Tree, Shelterwood, or Coppice Methods. syn. Standards. 

Relative humidity - the ratio of the amount of moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture 

that air would contain if it were saturated. The ratio of the actual vapor pressure to the saturated vapor 

pressure. 

Salvage Cutting - The removal of dead trees or trees being damaged or killed by injurious agents other 

than competition, to recover value that would otherwise be lost. 

Sanitation Cutting - The removal of trees to improve stand health and to reduce actual or anticipated 

spread of insects and disease (see Stand Improvement). 

Sapling - A tree, usually young, that is larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole. Size varies by 

region. 

Seed-Tree - An even-aged regeneration method in which a new age class develops from seedlings that 

germinate in fully-exposed micro-environments after removal of all the previous stand except a small 

number of trees left to provide seed. Seed trees are removed after regeneration is established. 

Seed-Tree with Reserves - A seed-tree method in which some or all of the seed trees are retained after 

regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration. 

Shearing- A method of preparing a site for artificial regeneration by shearing stumps and residual trees 

at ground line using a serrated, V shaped blade mounted to a large bulldozer. 

Shelterwood - A method of regenerating an even-aged stand in which a new ageclass develops beneath 

the partially shaped micro-environment provided by the residual trees. The sequence of treatments can 

include three distinct types of cuttings: 1) an optional preparatory harvest to enhance conditions for seed 

production; 2) an establishment harvest to prepare the seed bed and to create a new age class; and 3) a 

removal harvest to release established regeneration from competition with the overwood. Harvesting 

may be done uniformly throughout the stand (Uniform Shelterwood), in groups or patches (Group 

Shelterwood), or in strips (Strip Shelterwood). 

Shelterwood with Reserves - A variant of the Shelterwood Method in which some or all of the shelter 

trees are retained, well beyond the normal period of retention, to attain goals other than regeneration. 

The resulting stand may be two-aged or tend towards an uneven-aged condition as a consequence of 

both an extended period of regeneration establishment and the retention of reserve trees that may 

represent one or more age classes. 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Single-Tree Selection - A method of creating new age classes in uneven-aged stands in which 

individual trees of all size classes are removed more-or-less uniformly throughout the stand to achieve 

desired stand structural characteristics. 

Silviculture - The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and 

quality of forests and woodlands. Silviculture entails the manipulation of forest and woodland 

vegetation in stands and on landscapes to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society 

on a sustainable basis. 

Silvicultural System - A planned process whereby a stand is tended, harvested, and re-established. The 

system name is based on the number of age classes (see Even-Aged, Two-Aged, Uneven-Aged), and/or 

the regeneration method used (see Clearcutting, Seed-Tree, Shelterwood, Selection, Coppice, 

Shelterwood with Reserves). 

Site Class - A classification of site quality, usually expressed in terms of ranges of dominant tree height 

at a given age or potential mean annual increment at culmination. 

Site Quality (Productivity) - The productive capacity of a site, usually expressed as volume production 

of a given species. 

Size Classes - Tree sizes recognized by distinct ranges, usually of diameter or height. 

Spotting - behavior of a fire producing sparks or embers that are carried by convection columns and/or 

wind and which start new fires beyond the zone of direct ignition by the main fire. 

Stand - A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in age class distribution, composition, and 

structure, and growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality, to be a distinguishable unit (see Mixed, 

Pure, Even-Aged, and Uneven-Aged Stands). 

Stand Density - A quantitative, absolute measure of tree occupancy per unit of land area in such terms 

as numbers of trees, basal area, or volume. 

Stand Improvement - A term comprising all intermediate cuttings made to improve the composition, 

structure, condition, health, and growth of even-aged, two-aged, or uneven-aged stands. 

Stocking - An indication of growing-space occupancy relative to a pre-established standard. Common 

indices of stocking are based on percent occupancy, basal area, relative density, and crown competition 

factor. 

Stratum (Canopy Layer) - A distinct layer of vegetation within a forest community. 

Surface fire - a fire that burns surface litter, debris, and small vegetation. 

Suppress a fire - the most aggressive wildfire suppression strategy leading to the total extinguishment 

of a wildfire. 

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Appendix N: Glossary 
 

Two-Aged Methods - Methods designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with two age classes. (See 

Shelterwood with Reserves and Coppice with Reserves). 

Thinning - A cutting made to reduce stand density of trees primarily to improve growth, enhance forest 

health, or to recover potential mortality. 

• Crown Thinning (Thinning From Above, High Thinning) - The removal of trees from the 

dominant and codominant crown classes in even-aged stands, or in even-aged groups within 

uneven-aged stands, in order to favor the best trees of those same crown classes. 

• Free Thinning - The removal of trees in even-aged, two-aged, or uneven-aged stands to control 

stand spacing and favor desired trees using a combination of thinning criteria without regard to 

crown position. 

• Low Thinning - The removal of trees from the lower crown classes to favor those in the upper 

crown classes. 

• Mechanical Thinning (Geometric Thinning) - The thinning of trees in either even-aged or 

two-aged stands, or in even-aged groups within uneven-aged stands, in the dominant crown class 

in order to favor the lower crown classes. 

Thinning Interval - The period of time between successive thinning entries, usually used in connection 

with even-aged stands (see Cutting Cycle). 

Two-Aged Stand - A stand composed of two distinct age classes that are separated in age by more than 

20 percent of rotation. 

Two-Aged Silvicultural System - A planned sequence of treatments designed to maintain and 

regenerate a stand with two age classes (see Shelterwood with Reserves, Coppice with Reserves). 

Uneven-Aged (Selection) Methods - Methods of regenerating a forest stand, and maintaining an 

uneven-aged structure, by removing some trees in all size classes either singly, in small groups, or in 

strips. 

Pure Stand - A stand composed of essentially a single tree species. 

Mixed Stand - A stand in which there is a mixture of tree species. 

Stratified Mixture - A stand in which different tree species occupy different strata of the total crown 

canopy. 

Uneven-Aged Stand - A stand of trees of three or more distinct age classes, either intimately mixed or 

in small groups. 

Uneven-Aged Silvicultural System - A planned sequence of treatments designed to maintain and 

regenerate a stand with three or more age classes (see Single-Tree Selection, Group Selection). 

Weeding - A release treatment in stands not past the sapling stage that eliminates or suppresses 

undesirable vegetation regardless of crown position. 

121 

Appendix N: Glossary