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QH 301 .V852 no. 293 PRINCE GEORGE AND CITY OF HO Special Report No. 293 in Applied. Marine Science and Oc Gene M. Silberhorn and Sh Gene M. Silberhorn, Project Leader U S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413 VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARI School o The College of William and Mary Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Dr.Frank 0. Perkin, Dean/Director JANUARY 1989 Property of CSC Library Preface This publication is one of a series of county. and city, tidal. marsh inventories prepared by the Wetlands of the Virginia Institute of ';Marine. Science... The previously published reports include: Lancaster County Gloucester County Surry County Northumberland County City of Virginia Beach Spotsylvania and Car Mathews County Vol. 1 and 2 and the City of Fred York County and,the City of Newport News New Kent County Town of Poquoson and Fort Eustis Essex County Stafford County Accomack County Isle of Wight County Middlesex County 'Prince William County Northampton County King George County Westmoreland County' City of Norfolk City of Hampton James City County King William County Fairfax County, and the City of Williamsburg Town of West Point King and Queen Cou Under Section 62-1.13.4 of the Virginia Wetlands Act, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. is obli Ahe -tidal wetlands of the Commonwealth. This inventory program is designed to qo aid the local wetlands board federal regulatory agenency and, regional planning districts in making informed rational decisions on the uses resources.' They are also -intended. for use by the general 'public as a natural history guide:,' and, the scientific co search data source.: 'The reader referred to the Shoreline Situation Report, Prince George County Virginia, D. W. Owen, L. M. Rogers, M. H. Peoples and D. Byrd; enc :Gloucester Po 1976 SRAMSOEN. 114 Virginia Institute of Marine Sci e This report focuses on various, shoreline characteristics; including areas of erosion and accretion, beaches, marshes, artifically stabilized areas,. and: fast land types- and uses., Also of interest may be a booklet Guidelines, available from the Marine Resources Comi News, Virginia,which describes the wetlands types and the types of 'Shoreline activities which affect wetlands' fects are. Acknowledgments First among the individuals that we owe thanks are Kelvin Char, Arthur Harris and Charles Roadley for their invaluable field assistance. We also thank Judy Hudgins for editing the manuscript. We are al so. indebted to Diane Bowers for map illustra- tions and Harold Burrell and William Jenkins for cover design and photographic reproduction. We greatly appreciate the talents of Janet Walker for text processing and table reproduction, and Sylvia Motley for printing. This inventory was partially funded by the Virginia Council on the Environment and the National Oceanic and Atmos- pheric Administration, Grant No. NA87AA-D-CZ092. Table of Contents Preface . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction ....................... .................................. 1 Methods ............................................................ 2 Marsh Types and Evaluation ............................................. 3 Marsh Types andTheir Environmental Contributions ............................... 5 Evaluation of Wetland Types ............................................. 8 Wetland Plants ........... ....................................... 10 Glossary of Descriptive Terms .......................................... 11 Reference Map to Wetland Sections ................. I ...................... 15 Section 1: Upper Chippokes Creek: Part 1 Upper Reach ........................ 16 Section 1: Upper Chippokes Creek: Part 2 Mouth and James R .................... 19 Section H:,Kennon Marsh and Surrounding Area ..................... ; ...... 21 Section 111L.Wards Creek ............................. I ............ 25 Section IV: Flowerdew Hundred Creek ........... ............ .... 31 Section V: Windmill Point to Maycocks Point ....... ...................... 37 Section VI: Powell,-Creek ........ I......... ................. I .... 41 Section'VII: James River-Dredged Material Islands .............................. 47 Section VIII: James River-Jordan Point to City Point (Hopewell) .................. 51 Section IX:. City of Hopewell , Appomattox River @ ................................ 55 Section X: Upper Appomattox River ............................. ..... 59 Grand Total .............................. ........................ 61 Index to Marsh Locations ............................................. 62 iv Introduction Tidal marshes in Prince George County are found along the tributaries, islands and southern shoreline of the james River from Upper Chippokes Creek, which boarders Surry County, to the upper reaches of the tidal portion of the Appomattox River, a major tributary of the James River. Slightly over 1,477 acres of tidal marshes occur in Prince George County. Most of the marshes (97.6 percent) are found in the James River system and its tributaries (Upper Chippokes Creek, Wards Creek, Flowerdew Hundred Creek and Powell Creek), totaling 1,441.8 acres. All of the marshes in the county are classified as tidal freshwater marshes (0.0 to 0.5 ppt salinity). Many of the marshes support such a great diversity of vegetation that they are classified as Type XI Freshwater Mixed Community (see page 7), where no single species dominates. Tidal freshwater marshes characteristically also exhibit a significant seasonal succession, and therefore species composition as estimated by percent cover is strongly dependent on the period of observation. Users of this report should consider this factor when actual observations are made in the field. Many marshes, for example, that are dominated by arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) in May or June are often in competition with rice cutgrass (Leersia orysoides) and beggars ticks (Bidens spp.) in September. These marshes are highly valuable to the estuarine environment. They are known to provide a wide variety of wildlife and waterfowl with cover and food. Wetlands of this type are also associated with the spawning and nursery areas for anadromous fish species such as herring, shad, striped bass and white perch. The largest single marsh in Prince George County is Kennon Marsh (#13) on the James River with a total of 422 acres in area. Kennon Marsh has particular landscape speal because it is associated with large bald cypress trees (tidal freshwater swamp). The entire system appears to be virtually undisturbed by man's activities. There are ten man-made islands in a reach of the James River from Windmill Point to City Point at Hopewell. The is- lands are represented as marshes #55, 80-86 and 89-90 and were created by dredged material in the process of maintaining the main channel depth. Some of the islands are nearly all marsh while others are of higher elevation and are dominated by trees. Marsh island #55, near Windmill Point, was built in the mid-1970's and at one time had more than 14 acres of marsh in the in- terior of its outer dikes. In 1988, however, only a small patch of marsh vegetation remains because the dike has been breached in several locations through erosion over the years. 1 Methods Aerial photographs and topographic maps (U.S.G.S.) were utilized to determine wetland locations, wetland boundaries and patterns of marsh vegetation. Acreages and wetland boundaries were substantiated by observations on foot, by boat and by low level overflights. Individual plant species percentages are quantitative estimates of coverage based on visual field inspec- tions of every marsh. In some instances, especially in tidal freshwater areas, those percentages are subject to seasonal bias. Most of the field work for Prince George County was done in the summer of 1978. Subsequent. field work and aerial photograph interpretation wa& done in the summer of 1988. Marshes one quarter. of an acre or larger are designated by number. Many marshes smaller than one quarter acre (usually narrow fringing marshes) are designated by the same symbol (color) as the larger marshes on the section maps but as- signed no number. Small marshes (less than one acre) are exaggerated and are not indicated to scale. Information such as in- dividual marsh acreage, plant species percentage and acreage, marsh type, and other observations are recorded in tabular form. Plant species percentages are recorded to the nearest percent, and acreages to the nearest tenth of an acre. In marshes of less than one acre, the areas are recorded to the nearest hundredth of an acre. In those instances where an individual plant species is estimated to amount to less than 0.5 percent, the symbol (-) is used to indicate -a trace amount. In unusual situations where an individual marsh is. estimated to contain 50 percent or more of a species that is not listed as a marsh type, the closest ap- plicable marsh type is used. 2 Marsh Types and Evaluation For a better understanding of what is meant -by marsh. types,:'some background information is required. The personnel of the Wetland.Advisory.Group have classified twelve different, co .mmon marsh types in Virginia, based on vegetational com- position. These marsh types have been evaluated according to certain values and are recorded in the Guidelines report. The following is a brief outline of the wetland types and their evaluation as found in that publication: It is recognized that most wetlands areas, with the exception of the relatively monospecific cordgrass marshes of the Eastern Shore,. are not homogeneously vegetated., Most-marshes are, however, dominated by a major plant. By providing the manager with the primary,values of each community type and the -means of identification, he then has a useful and convenient tool for weighing the relative importance of each marsh parcel. In Virginia, many wetlands management problems involve only a few acres, or a fraction of*an acre. The identification of plant communities permits the manager to evaluate: both complete marshes and.:subareas within- a marsh. Each marsh type may be evaluated in accordance with five general values. These are: 1. Production and detritus availgbility. Previous VIMS reports have discussed the details of marsh production and the role of detritus which results when the plant material is washed into the water column. The term "detritus" refers to plant material which decays in the aquatic system and forms the basis of amaj or marine food web, The term."production" refers to the amount of plant material which is produced by the various type s of marsh plants. Vegetative production of the major species has been medsured,,and marshes have been ratedin accordance-with their average levels of productivity. Ifthe producm tion is readily available to the marine food web as detritusi a wetlands system is even more important than one of equal produc- tivity where little detritus results. Availability of detritus. is, generally a function of marsh elevation and total flushing, with detritus more availableto the aquatic environment in the lower, well-flushed marshes. 3 2. W-aterfowl and MdIdlife utilizWon. Long before marshes were discovered to be detritus producers, they were known as habitats for various mammals and marsh birds and as food sources for migratory waterfowl. Some marsh types, especially mixed freshwater marshes, are more valuable because of diversity of the vegetation found there. 3. Erosion buffer- Erosion is a common coastal problem. Marshes can be eroded, but some, particularly the more saline types, are eroded much more slowly than adjacent shores which are unprotected by marsh. This buffering quality is derived from the ability of the vegetation to absorb or dissipate wave energy by establishing a dense root system which stabi- lizes the substrate. Generally, freshwater species are less effective than saltwater plants in this regard. 4. Water qualily control, The dense growth of some marshes acts as a filter, trapping upland sediment before it reaches waterways, thus protecting shellfish beds and navigation channels from siltation. Marshes can also filter out sediments that are already in the water column. The ability of marshes to filter sediments and maintain water clarity is of particular importance to the maintenance of clam and oyster production. Excessive sedimentation can reduce the basic food supply of shellfish through reduction of the photic zone where algae grow. It can also kill shellfish by clogging their gills. Additionally, marshes can assimi- late and degrade pollutants through complex chemical processes, a discussion which is beyond the scope of this paper. 5. Flood buffer, The peat substratum of some marshes acts as a giant sponge in receiving and releasing water. This characteristic is an effective buffer against coastal flooding, the effectiveness of which is a function of marsh type and size. Research and marsh inventory work accomplished by VIMS personnel indicate that 10 species of marsh vegetation tend to dominate many marshes, the dominant plant depending on water salinity, marsh elevation, soil type, and other factors. The term "dominant" is construed to mean that at least 50% of the vegetated surface of a marsh is covered by a single species. Brackish and freshwater marshes often bave no clearly dominant species of vegetation. These marshes are considered to be highly valuable in environmental terms. 4 Marsh Types and Teir Environmental Contributions (Edited from Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia Wetlands) Type I Saltmarsh Cordgrass Community a. Average yield 4 tons per acre per annum. (Optimum growth up to 10 tons per acre.) b. Optimum availability of detritus to the marine environment. c. Roots and rhizomes eaten by waterfowl and stems used in muskrat lodge construction. Also serves as nesting material for various birds. d. Deterrent to shoreline erosion. e. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. Type II Saltmeadow Community a. 1-3 tons per acre per annum. b. Food (seeds) and nesting areas for birds. c. Effective erosion deterrent. d. Assimilates flood waters. e. Filters sediments and waste material. Type III Black Needlerush Community a. 3-5 tons per acre per annum. b. Highly resistant to erosion. c. Traps suspended sediments but not as effective as Type II. d. Somewhat effective in absorbing flood waters. Type IV Salthush Community a. .2 tons pet acre. per annum or less. b Nesting area for small birds and habitat for: a variety of wildlife. c. Effective trap for flotsam. 5 Type V Big Cordgrass Community a. 3-6 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus less available than from Type I. c. Habitat for small animals and used for muskrat lodges. d. Effective erosion buffer. e. Flood water assimilation. Type VI Cattail Community a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Habitat for birds and utilized by muskrats. c. Traps upland sediments. Type VII Arrow Arnm-Pickeral Weed Communily a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus readily available to marine environment. c. Seeds eaten by wood ducks. d. Susceptible to erosion from wave action and boat wakes, particularly in winter months. Type VIII Reed Grass Community a. 4-6 tons per acre per annurn. b. Little value to wildlife except for cover. c. Invades marshes and competes with more desirable species. d. Deters erosion on disturbed sites. Type IX Yellow Pond Lily Community a. Less than 1 ton per acre per annurn. b. Cover and attachment site for aquatic animals and algae. c. Feeding territory for fish. 6 Type X Saltwort Community a. Less than 0.5 tons per acre per annum. b. Little value to aquatic or marsh animals. Type XI Freshwater Mixed Community a. 3-5 tons per acre per annum. b. High diversity of wildlife. c. High diversity of wildlife foods. d. Often associated with fish spawning and nursery grounds. e. Ranks high as a sediment trap and nursery grounds. Type XII Brackish- Water Mixed Community a. 3-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Wide variety of wildlife foods and habitat. c. Deterrent to shoreline erosion. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. e. Known spawning and nursery grounds for fish. 7, Evaluation of Wetland Types (From GuidelinesforActivities Affecting Virginia Wetlands) For management purposes, the twelve types of wetlands identified above are grouped into five classifications based on the estimated total environmental value of an acre of each type. Group One: Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Type 1) Arrow Arum-Pickerel Weed (Type VII) Freshwater Mixed (Type XI) Brackish Water Mixed (Type XH) Group One marshes have the highest values in productivity and wildfowl and wildlife utility and are closely associated with fish spawning and nursery areas. They also have high value as erosion inhibitors, are important to the shellfish industry, anda.re valued as natural shoreline stabilizers. Group One marshes should be preserved. Group IWo: Big Cordgrass (Type V) Saltmeadow (Type II) Cattail (Type VI) Group Two marshes are of only slightly lesser value than Group One marshes. The major difference is that detritus produced in these marshes is less readily available to the marine environment due to higher elevations and consequently less tidal action to flush the detritus into adjacent waterways. Group Two marshes have very high values in protecting water quality and acting as buffers against coastal flooding. These marshes should also be preserved; but. if development in wetlands is con- sidered to be justified, it would be better to alter Group Two marshes than Group One marshes. 8 Group Three: Yellow Pond Lily.(Type IX) Black Ne'edlerush (rype 111) The two marshes in the Group Three category are.quite dissimilar in properties. The yellow pond lilymarsh is not a sig- nificant contributor to. the food web, but it does have high values to wildlife and waterfowl. Black needlerush has little wildlife value, but it ranks high as an erosion flood buffer.. Group Three marshes are important, though their total values are less than. Group One and,Two marshes. If development in wetlands is considered necessary, it would be better to alter Group Three marshes than Groups One or Two. Group'Four: Saltbush (Type IV) Thesaltbush community is valued primarily forthe diversity and bird nesting area it adds to the marsh ecosystem. To a lesser extent it acts as an erosion buffer. Group. Four marshes should not be unnecessarily disturbed, but it would be better to concentrate necessary development in these marshes rather than disturb any of the marshes in the preceding groups. Group Five: Saltwort (Type X) Reedgrass (Type VHI) Based- on present information, GroupFive marshes have few values of any significance. While Group Five marshes should not be unreasonably disturbed, it is preferable to develop in these marshes than in any,-other types.,: 9 Wetland Plants Common and Scientific-Names as Found in the Tables Arrow Arum* Peltandra virginica (L) Kunth. Partridge Pea Cassiafasciculate Arrow Head* Sagittatia latifiblia Willd. Pickerelweed* Pontederia corda Beggar's Ticks* Bidens spp. Plume Grass Dianthus gigan Big Cordgrass* Spanina cynosutiodes (L) Roth Rice Cutgrass* Leersia orysoides Bonset Eupatotiumper foliatum L Smartweed* Polygonum pun Buttonbush* Cephalanthus occidentalis L Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incamc, Cattails* Typha latifiblia L Swamp Rose Rosa palustris M Typha angustifiblia L. Switchgrass* Panicum virgatu Common Threesquare* Scirpus ameticanus Pers. Tearthumbs* Polygonum arifo Gerardia Agaliniy purpurea (L) Pennell. Polygonum sagitti Giant Bulrush* Scirpus validus Vahl Walter's Millet Echinochloa wa lronweed Vernonia novaboracensis (L) Michaux. Water Hernp* Amaranthus can Jewelweed Impatiens capensis Meerrb. Water Willow Decodon venic Marsh Hibiscus* Hibiscus moscheutos L. Wild Rice* Zzania aquatica Marsh Mallow Kosteletskya virginica Prest Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus Species included in the Wetlands Act of 1972 Glossary of Descri tive Terms P Cove Marsh A marsh contained within a concavity, or xecessedarea on a shoreline @.* The marsh vegetation is usually found surrounding a central, open-water pond, and tidal flush- ing is permitted through an inlet. Creek or Embayed Marsh A m airsh occupying a drowned creek valley. In-many large creek marshes the salinity decrease's headward; this type of marsh may be divided for, "inventory pur- poses into sections if significant changes in; the plant community occur along its length. Delta Marsh A marsh ing on sediment deposited at the mouth' growl of, a tidal creek. Tidal, exchange through the creek mouth is usually restricted to naffow'.chann'els by the, mars h- Extensive Marsh A large marsh where the length and depth or width are roughly comparable. Most extensive marshes are drained by many tidal channels and creeks which have little freshwater input. Fringe Marsh A marsh which borders a section of shoreline and generally has a much greater length than width or depth. Hi,gh Marsh The marsh surface is at an elevation of mean high water or above; it is usually inundated less than twice daily by tidal action. Low Marsh The marsh surface is at an elevation below mean high water; it is usually inundated twice daily by tidal action. 12 Marsh Island An isolated marsh surrounded on all sides by open water. Interior portions of the marsh may contain trees, scattered at highest elevations. Pocket Marsh A marsh contained within a small, essentially semi-cir- cular area on a shoreline. Point or Spit Marsh A marsh which extends from the uplands in the form of a point or spit. Its development is usually influenced by tidal currents that form a sand berm behind which the marsh forms. 13 REFERENCE MAP WETLAND SECTIONS Prince George County Vill Vil ....... ........ . ....... :::::::Hope ell ............ . ....... ....... ....... .......... ..... . .................. ............... .......... . . ............ ... . ...... .... ....... ............ . ........ . .......... ... ....... ........... . ............ ............. .............. ........ .............. ................. INDEX MAP I ............... .............. ................... ... . .............. . ........... .............. ............. .............. ....... ............ ............ .............. .......... .............. ............. ............ .......... .................. 15 Section I: Upper Chippokes Creek Part 1: Upper Reach Part 2: Mouth and James River Shoreline Upper Chippokes Creek marks the boundary between Prince George and Surry County. Only those marshes in Prince George County are recorded in this report. Information regarding the other marshes in this creek system is found in the Surry County Tidal Marsh Inventory. 'Ibis marsh creek system contains eleven individual marshes and has the largest acerage (423.6 acres) of all the James River tributaries in the county. Upper Chippokes Creek is a nearly pristine waterway with very little evidence of man-made dis- turbance. The tidal marshes of this creek are often associated with tidal swamps dominated by bald cypress (Taxodium dis- tichum). The marshes of Upper Chippokes Creedc are very diverse. Although the dominant plant species reported in most of the marshes is beggars ticks, this species does not mature until September, reflecting the seasonal succession of vegetation in a tidal freshwater marsh. During June, July and August, other plant species are more prevalent such as arrow arum, pickerel- weed, cattails, yellow pond lily and others. This creek system, in addition to being a valuable wildlife and waterfowl habitat, is also a confirmed nursery and spawn- ing area for anadromous fish species such as herring, shad, striped bass, and white perch. 16 7 "co- SECTION 1. UPPER CHIPPOKES CREEK -of c4k@, of PART 1. UPPER REACH. q@q 1'dti A g go, TAYLoFis coRNER 7 m"N SCALE 1000, 0 610 6 @Av`,j 6 5 tM 4 glll'--@ Low 2 POINT ....... ... 'aN 17 Section 1: Upper Chippokes Creek. Part 1: Upper reach. U) W U) Y W W < 0 W 2 a (L U) cc EL Z: W (0 fn cc k-- D LLI 2 < < W z W cc 0 U) Cc < W W Cc Y) W W D W C-) L) F- U) (1) (5 W Z C; (D F- D 0 < D Wir 3: D (L W (1) D W iz T- cc W z W 0 < F- 1A W 2 3: R U) @ -Y W F- W CC CC CC z '0 < 2 Cr U) < W W W fr R cc cc W cc Ln 0 9 (5 < -:@: -i @ Co 8 0 D 0 W 0 Cc U) < OBSERVATIONS ,0 Fa 0 W X W ca W cc ra FL < I � Upper 40 10 10 30 10 Embayed marsh, 1 Chippokel 14.9 % I I dominated by beggar's X1 Creek acres 5.96 1.49 1.49 4.47 1.49 ticks and jewelweed Upper % 40 10 10 30 10 2 Chippoke,@ .4 Small embayed marsh X1 Creek acres .16 .04 .04 .12 04 Upper % 10 2 5 70 5 2 5 a,- h,- 3 Chippoke@ 22.3 -- I . -- e,- 0 Large point marsh X1 Creek acres 2.23 .45 1.12 15.61 1.12 .45 1.121 i,.22 Upper 10 5 2 66 10 -- 2 5 4 IChippoke, 52.7 Extensive marsh X1 Creek 5@27 2.64 1. 05 34.78 &27 1.05 2.64 Upper % 40 31 9 3 6 a,- xtensive marsh, 5 h,- E X1 Chippoke,c 86.7 dominated by wild rice Creek acres 9.54 34.68 26.86 7.80 2.60 5.20 6 Upper % 5 20 5 40 1 5 15 5 5 Large embayed and X1 Chippokw 39.6 15.841 1.981 15.94 1.98 fringing marsh Creek acres 1.98. 7.92 1.98 1.98 Upper % 7 10 45 35 3 h,- Large point marsh 7 ChIppokw 30.7 1,- dominated by beggar's X1 Creek acres 2.15 3.07 i3-812 110.75 .92 T- I L Iticks a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e=SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i--ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW 18 SECTION 1. UPPER CHIPPOKES CREEK: PART 2. MOUTH AND JAMES RIVER �HORELINE. 653 SCALE 1:24000 1000, 0 1000, 2000' BRANDON CHIPPOKES POINT 10 lo@ 611 CLARE 19 Section 1: Upper Chippokes Creek. Part 2: Mouth and James River Shoreline. U) @2 6 < U) w U) w w w U) w 0. a: a. X Q co Cr P < z Cr w w P w cc 0 D uj U) w 0 w w 0 Cn 0 w Z 0 rc 0 0C Cr w < cc 3: w :r P Cr D Z: (L W w w @- R U) Q z w U) 0 w ti W a: cc 00 w Er w 3: Ir ix: Ir w Y < C r L') z U) 0 3: 0 0 < 2 CC cc Ir 0 0 -0 L13 X < 0 0 0 w F w w 8 a. it a- < cf) 7: C/) U) OBSERVATIONS -j F- ca 0 0 E m I I ca I Upper % -- 3 3 50 40 2 .2 a,- h,- C.- Large creek marsh 8 Chippokel 43.3 1 X1 Creek acres 1.30 1.30 21.65 17.32 .87 .87 scattered bald cypress I I and black gum Upper % 5 -- 5 60 20 10 e,- 9 ChippokeE 39.0 h,- Large point, scattered xi Creek acres 1.95 1.95 23.40 7.80 3.90 bald cypress Upper % 10 20 40 30 Large creek marsh, 10 Chippoke42.0 dominated by marsh xi Creek acres 4.20 8.40 16.80 12.60 hibiscus Up % 5 25 40 10 10 7 a,- h,- per 3 11 Chippokes 52.0 e,- Large creek marsh, bald cypress scattered X1 Creek acres 2.60 13.00120.80 5.20 5.20 3.64 1.56 throughout Total % This 423.6- Section acres 21.83 52.81 1.12 174.91 83.48 1.321 i 26.6111.35 i 29.111 1. 56.1.22 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e-SWAMP ROSE g-WOOLGRASS I-ARROWHEAD c.-MARSH MALLOW 20 Section II: Kennon Marsh and Surrounding.Area This section contains only three individual marshes. Marshes 12 and 14 are small: marshes found along the James River Shoreline. Marsh # 13, Kennon Marsh, is the largest marsh in Prince George County with 422 acres. 'nis wetland is ac- tually a system of tidal creeks, open marsh and tidal swamp dominated by ancient bald cypress trees and associated red maples (4cer rubrum), ash -(Fradnus spp.), and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). Big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuriodes) is the dominant plant species in the marsh area with large patches of beggars'ticks, (Bidens spp.) becoming; obvious in@ the autumn. Big Cordgrass is a very important waterfowl habitat and food plant. Kennon Marsh is one of the largest, undisturbed, wetland areas in the upper reaches of the James River estuary. ........... 13 M,@ c 14 4@n 8,n UPPER BRANDON 12 SCALE 1:24000 lopo. 0 1000, 2000, 653 BRANDON POINT SECTION 11. KENNON MARSH AND SURROUNDING AREA. 22 Section 11: Kennon Marsh and Surro unding Area. CO W < W U) U) WW 2 0. 0- CC a. LU cc P < LU w w U) D z W Y) LU w 0 W Z 0 Co cc Ir (10 LU C/) Ir CC Z) X D 1: a- W Ru) 2 W z LU < (1) X < CC X C-) w U) C/) 0 tE 1C 3: W 0 N :-5. cc :1 C, W w _j cc cc W _j jr Ln cc ir 0 < (3 Y, w P 0 0 -2 0 D Lu cr 3. u) 0 U) 2 Ca OBSERVATIONS 90 Wn 3: Ca < 1: 8 a. James 12 River % 30 30 3o 9 Shore- 1.0 Pocket marsh X1 line acres .30 .30 .30 .09 f, .01 Extensive marsh, Kennon % 50 10 25 4 2 6 1 1 1 d,- dominated by big . 13 Marsh 422.C I L V cordgrass. Bald cypress acres 21 I.C 42.2C 105.5 16.88 8.44 25,32 4.22 4.22 4.221 throughout the marsh James - 14, River % 10 10. 1 20 10 f'50 Small discontinuous fringe X1 Shore- .3 marsh dominated by line acres .03 .03 .06 .03 f,. 15 water willow Total T q % his Section acresi 21 11.@ 42-21 1 [105-8116.91 8.44 25.38 .30 4.52 4.31 .03 4.221-16 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i=ARROWHEAD c_-MARSH MALLOW Q 23 Section III: Wards Creek Wards- Creek is a largely undisturbed tidal marsh creek with a significant amount of associated tidal swamp 'and bottom- land hardwood forest. There are 23 individual marshes in the system, nearly all of them associated with.swamp species such bald cypress, ash, red maple and black gum. The largest marsh along Wards Creek is marsh # 17 with 90.5 acres and is classified as a Freshwater Mixed Commmunity (Type XI) because of its diverse plant community structure. This marshis of high ecologi- cal value as a habitat for wildlife and waterfowl. Wild rice (Zizania aquatica), big cordgrass, smartweed (Polygonum spp.), waterhernp (Amaranthus cannabinus), and Walter's millet. (Echinochloa walteii) produce seeds that are prime duck food. A wetlands system,of this diversity has the potential to support a large waterfowl Population. 25 JAMES RIVER '15 16 36,,lfl@ 3 "j, 33 34 20 20':", SCALE 1:24000 21 653 lopo, 0 1000, 2000, 31 22 23 JOHNSONS 29 LANDING 28 2T,-, W,@,RDS 611 25 26 SECTION 111. WARDS CREEK. t Section III: Wards Creek. 0 U) 0) W co w W LU 0 0 W2 a a. z Cr WW W Z) W W Ir Z) w (L cc V) W w Cn W Z C) 0 cc D < fr 3: 0 0 jr W w Cf) t7u z LU 0 @? ac- U) cc 3: cc :r ::) :C a. w (D W @ 3: w W C) W _j W (/) C/) R W 0 a cc < 3: =1 W Y d Ir 2 Ir z 01 '0 w 2 W S-) Fh L 3: 8 @E cc FO 8 rc 2 (n 0 ;t U) 2 :C:3) OBSERVATIONS C13 a. Wards % 40 40 10 10 15- Creek 1.5 Small embayed marsh X1 acres .60 .60 .15 15 @within a tidal swamp Wards % 20 5 35 10 20 5 5 16, Creek 3.0 Embayed and fringe marsh yj unit within a tidal swamp acres 60 .15 1.05 .30 ..60 .15 15 17 Wards % 20 10 10 so 10 5 10 5 h,- Extensive marsh with X1 Creek 90.5 bald cypress scattered acres 18.1 9.05.1. 9.05 27.15 9.05 4.53 9.05 4.53. throughout Wards % 5 55 10 -10 10 5 5 h'- 18 Creek 20.1 Large marsh island X1 1.01 11.06 2.01 2.01 2.01 1.01 1.61 acres g'- 19 Wards % 10 15 40 10 10 1 10 5 h.- XI Creek 4.4 Fringe/point marsh .44 .66. .44 .44 .44 22 Wards 20, 10 40 10 5 10 5 9'@ X1 20 Creek 26.6 h.- Large. marsh associated acres 5.32 2.66 with a tidal swamp. 10.641 2.661 1.33 2.66 11.33 10 Wards 40 X1 21 Small, embayed marsh Creek 1.2 r With, baldcypress es 4 .12- 06 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS-- f=WATER WILLOW H=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i--,ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 27 Section III: Wards Creek. U) U) U) w LU w W w 2 a. Ir LIJ ir @q < w fr w F- w 2 U) z w w Q) w w Er 5 W D 0 a: 0 Y) (1) (5 w U) q: w W 0 F- co ir < -j 5 a: 0 w z w C) EE 3: w cc 0 0 2 U) C/) -i 0 0 w w cc w U) w cc w X U) 0 Cr w 0 w , 0 F-; -i< 'r U) 1@ w F- F- Er 3' - C) ( CC -J < 0 q o 0 w w cc X < 0 Fn 0 C/) cT (@n: U) 3 8,c z i2 OBSERVATIONS cc M FL < co Wards % 10 10 30 20 20 10 22 Creek 3.6 - I I I I I I Small embayed marsh Xi acres .36 .36 1.08 .72 .72 .36 Wards % 10 -- 10 5 10 5 60 23 Creek 5.2 [-- Embayed marsh xi acre; .52 .52 .26 .52 .26 3.12 Wards % 20 20 10 10 10 30 h,- 24 Creek 3.7 Fringe marsh xi acres .74 .74 .37 .37 .37 1.11 Wards % 25 5 5 5 60 Fringe marsh, bald 25 Creek 2.9 1 cypress scattered xi acres .73 .15 .15 .15 1.74 throughout 26 Wards % 40 25 10 25 a,- rsh xi Creek 1.0 Small ernbayed ma acres .40 .25 .10 .25 Wards % 10 10 20 10 50 27 Creek 1.0 I I Small embayed marsh xi acres .10 .10 .20 .10 .50 Wards Creek % 30 lo 10 10 lo 10 10 10 Embayed marsh, xi 28 3.0 F- -- I -T-. _j - 30 diverse vegetation .90 .30 .30 -30 F--30 .30 -30 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS !--ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 28 Section 11U.' Wards: Creek !V J (1) .0 W 2 0 3: W cc D W W 133 11c z cc W F W W : Ir V) W < D 0- W 0) 0 ru Z P- cc JX: CC M: () M cc Cr @: :.,W V) W W LU (1) Ic 12 cc D 92 M W z cc D :2 @ To 0 0' Q LU W W T U.: 3: OBSERVATIONS.,:4 CD Cl) a. OR Ec a. < 9? cc :j 20 .10 20 10 20. Wards % 10 10 Embayed marsh ''diverse 29 1 1- . I I , I : . i X1 Creek 2.1 - yegetation acres .42 .21 .42. .21 .21- .42 .21., 0 % 35 2@ 10 5 g,5 Large, fringe marsh th Wards 30 5.8 X1 Greek black gunfand ash trees, 2 g,.@29, .29 2.03 1.45 .29 .58 :58: Wards 10 30 i1o 10 10 20 10 d,- a Fringe m rsh,'diVerse X1 31 Creek 3.1 i vegetation acres .02 .31. .31 .93 .3.1. h. Wards 10 15 a % j1: 55 :Small fririgeparth 32 Creek .5 j;.. X1 dominated by beggars' acres 28 .05 08 .05 .05 ticks 1. -p j 20 @0 1 b.- Wards 0/6 5 _20 10 10 4 Creek mats inlx@@ X1 33 Creek 9.7. j :1 .. - freshwater vegetation .49 1.94 1 . -,97 .97 .39 q 94 2.91 .10 Wards .20 10 5 3_ 2 10 30 20 X1 34 Creek 5. 31 1.06 1.06 .53 .27 53' :1_59 M :3 . 1-@ . .- m aypd, 20 55 E b marsh 10. X1 20.1% nated by beggar's ac+res:, Z01 14.02 .1:01 :,1..01 @40 .60: 4 J: h'BULRUSH a=GERARDIA d--PWME GRASS f= ER WILLOW b=IRONWEED. e=SWAMP ROSE =WOOLGRASS i--ARROWHFAD:' C=MARSH MALLOW @ Wards 34 C,8 ] 35 @29* a., . . Section III: Wards Creek. U) U) < @q y w W W U) () W2 a EL 0 o_ X: w cc LU 2 < w U) w (r w w U) w w (r 0 D (L z w 1= D U) 0 0 p 9) <b: U) w z Co cr 0 D Cr w D w i@- p X a: (L 9 w z LU X: -j cc 0 LLJ Ir U) U) < C) w w Ir LU (f) LU W < 0 0 -j (n (1) CC LU y CC z ir 0 -=! 0 cc< 2 w 'r � � Z: =@ 8 Ir (r 40 < U) M OBSERVATIONS PH Q 2cc LCUD < U) U) in Wards % 5 30 30 30 5 36 Creek .5 acres .03 .15 .15 .15 .03 Small cove marsh X1 Wards % 50 5 40 5 37 Creek 2.0 . I I I - Small fringe marsh X1 acres 1.00 .10 1 .80 .10 Total % This 216.E * .1 Section acres 18.1 1.02 22.54 25.54 3.11 72.10 21.92 11.97 9.05 2.35 3.20 9.17 1.41 :..::1 a=GERARDIA d=PWME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH .b=IRONWEED e-SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i=ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 30 141 Section IV: Flowerdew Hundred Creek., Flowerdew Hundred Creek is a relatively undisturbed tidal creek bordered by tidal marshes and swamps. There are.17 individual marshes (#38-54) totalling 116. acres. A number of these marshes are associated with tidal. swamps which are com-- monly vegetated by typical wetland trees such as baldcypress, red maple,. black gum and American ash. 'Me largest marsh in the system@ marsh #46, occurs mi the extreme upper reach of the creek and totals,70.7 acres. When the original field survey w Ias conducted in September, 1978, the dominant plant species recorded for most of the marshes was beggar's ticks (Bidens spp.). Because of the variability of seasonal vegetational succession, -it is Pot unusual to find Bidens as a common or domiant plant in marshes, in that it matures and blooms late in the season. Other marsh species such as arrow arum and pickerelweed reach their peak in June/July and were less evident when the first field survey was made. Later observations of this,system and others in the county were made in July, 1988 and at that time beggar's ticks was not prevalent, but water, hemp ( .4maranthus cannabinuus) was. The later species,i$ a very important waterfowl food, a prolific producer of nutritious seeds.which are relished,by ducks and geese. The data tables in this report reflect th Ie vegetation cover that was reported in 1978. As stated in the introduction, because of vegetational seasonal variablity, it is difficult to predict what plants an observer may find in a tidal freshwater marsh. 31 SECTION IV. FLOWERDEW HUNDRED. SCALE 1:24000 1000, 0 1000, 2000' 4 [A 4 48 50 P", 51 54 4 3/ 45 41 4 4 FORTs, POWHATAN 38 3 "k 46 DE 32 Section IV: Flowerdew Hundred Creek. co 0) Y a 0 LU LU 0 LU a. 1= a- x !Q < w w w C0 Y) 3-.:3 z LU w cc Y) WW Lu D 0 U) < 0 W z E 0 o 13C U CC U) u x cc cr W D a: 0- Lu a ri) z LU x U) 8 Cr :r (L) () R - LU 0 3: 12 Lu cc 0 w _j C0 w I-- LU Cl) 0 CC LU Y -3 cc L L 2 cc ir z F 0 0 C) cr < =J- Ln 3: 0 LU w 2 3: 2 C0 X: co ai 0 13 � ED 8- < U) 8 0. OBSERVATIONS Flowerdew % 10 40 10 10 - 30 38 Hundred .5 Small creek marsh, xi Creek acres .05 .20 .05 .05 .15 bordering a tidal swamp Flowerdew 65 115 10 10 39 Hundred .5 Small creek marsh X1 Creek acres ..33 .08 .05 .05 Flowerdew % 23 - 23 5 42 5 2 Narrow fringe m 40 Hundred .25 arsh, X1 Creek acres dominated by smartweed .06 .06 .01 .11 .01 .00 Flowerdew % 20 30 20 20 10 41 Hundred Narrow fringe marsh, X1 bordering a tidal swamp Creek 1.0 [acres; .20 .30 .20 .20 .10 Flowerdew % 20 40 2o 10 10 arsh X1 42 Hundred .5 Small cove m Creek acres .10 .20-1 .10, .05 .05 Flowerdew % 50 20 10- 10 5 5 43 Hundred 1.8 Embayed marsh X1 Creek acres .90 .36 .16 .09 .09 dom nated by.tearthumb 44 Flowerdew % -10 10 '10 30 tO 25 Fringe marsh xi Hundred 1.5 08 diverse vegeiation Creek acres .15 .15 J5 .45 .15 .38 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS 6ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW 33 Section IV: Flowerdew Hundred Creek. Y. w w LU a. LL LU w F- w 2 a_ z CC 2 LU D 0 w w w w cc w D 0 F- 0 Y) LU U) 0 z a 0 w r P < ir 3: D X 0- W (/) z w w @- 0 C-) M -:@: E3 U) 3: cc w x z cc 0 cr 0 'r SQ I= F- U) F<- 0 0 -1 w < =j 0 0 0 w LU S) Cc Lu 3. - � M @: (U Ic 0 Ir a. < OBSERVATIONS Co (0 (L Flowerde% % 20 10 60 5 5 Embayed marsh, 45 Hundred 3.7 1 dominated by beggar's X1 Creek acres .74 .37 2.22 .19 19 ticks Flowerdw % 5 10 5 60 10 5 5 46 Hundred 70.7 - I Large creek marsh X1 Creek. acres 3.54 7.07 3.54 42.42 7.07 3.54 3.54 47 FlowerdeA % 10 5 70 10 5 Small creek marsh X1 Hundred .75 Creek acres .08 .04 .53 .08 .04 Flowerdew % 15 10 50 10 5 5 5 48 Hundred .75 1 1 Small fringe marsh X1 Creek acres .11 .08 .38 .08 .04 .04 .04 Flowerde% % 10 10 50 10 10 10 49 Hundred 1.8 Broad fringe marsh X1 Creek acres As .18 .90 .18 .18 .18 Flowerdew % 35 20 5 20 10 10 50 Hundred 7.3 1 1 Embayed creek marsh X1 Creek acres 2.56 1.46 .37 1.46 .73 .73 Flowerdew % 40 15 5 10 10 20 51 Hundred 4.2 Embayed marsh X1 Creek acres .63 .42 .84 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=lRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g--WOOLGRASS !--ARROWHEAD c-MARSH MALLOW 34 Section IV: Flowerdew Hundred Creek. 2 "n 6 w CO w C/) 0 w 2 0 EL a. w M :z::) 2 (1) w z cc ww w W w Er D w a. 0 w CO w z 0 R I (1) :3 X w Cc D CL W w Er w Er. X C.) U) 0 z w co ITJ W Fr U) w w w , @2 (1) w Er < cr w W Q) O 3. (.9 0 cc �q 2 w IL) w 0 7: co ( cc M a. L) 0 M F- C.) CID OBSERVATIONS nowerdevk % 20 30 5 20 .5 10 5 5 52 Hundred 2.1 Creek acres Embayed marsh xi .42 .63 .11 42 .11 .21 Flowerdevy % 20 20 20 5 5 20 5 5 53 Hundred 8.6 - I I I I Embayed creek marsh xi Creek acres 1.72 1.72 1.72 .43 .43 1.72 .43 .43 Flowerdew % 15 40 30 10 5 54 Hundred creek marsh xi Embayed .0 [acres 1.50 4.00 3.00 1.00 .50 10 Creek Total % 116.C This Section cres 13.93 12.52 4.84 2.14 54.1 13.21 01 3.73 .56 1.05 .58 5 T 3.63@ J a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f-WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS 6ARROWHEAD c--MARSFt MALLOW 35 Section V.- WindmiII Point to Maycock.s Point The only marsh in this section is marsh #55. It is a man-made marsh island. constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of En- gineers in 1975 from dredged material obtained from maintenance dredging of the nearby main channel of the James River. A retangular-shaped dike was constructed to protect an intertidal interior Which eventuallybecame vegetated mainly with pick- erelweed (Pontedefia cordata),, arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), and arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia). In 1976, the intertidal marsh area within the dike was vegetated by approidmately 14 acres-of marsh plants dominated the above mentioned species. When the initial field work was done for the Prince George County marsh inventory i.n:.1978, the marsh had A total of 12 acres and was dominated by pickerelweed, arrow arum and arrowhead. The dike has been breached in several areas since 1978 because of erosioN-. and no' W* (1988) the vegetated.wetland area has been reduced to only.25 acre of arrow arum and pickerelweed. Only the downriver part of the island remains relatively stable and supports a few trees and shrubs. The map indicates the relative geomorphological change of this marsh in the last decade. 37 SECTION V. WINDMILL POINT TO MAYCOCKS POINT crry co 10 SCALE 1:24000 001 Pl;twcEZ7 po. 9 10200, 20 io';@ - 3AWS BLAIRS FLOWERDEWHUND 639 640 D-P 38 Section V: Windmill Point to Maycocks Point.. U) w I (n w < w U) U) < LUU, 0- (L w cc w < U) LIJ z cc w LU D X C) uj a. w Ir 0 w LLI :3 U) 0 C) 0 (0 Z rry C) to Ir < bc x n a w < D X: w z T 8 w Cr 0 LU U) X: EC S Ir uj m: a- w _j Lu C) C) < W w w (1) (n 2 R LU w (j) Cr (.) @<- (5 cc w d cc !] -i - cc < @ 2 0, 0, 1 0 ow 2y (r < < FM =-j 8 ir cc z 0 Cr Ca 0 < 3: U) 0- OBSERVATIONS In a_ < James 100 0 55 River .@s island created from X1 *dredged material @acres .25 Total This 2 Section 5 @acres U t -[--.-[.25 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS 6ARROWHEAD C--MARSH MALLOW 39 Section VI: Powell Creek This section includes all the tidal marshes (#58-79) of Powell Creek. This creek system has been moderately disturbed in the past by gravel pit operations including channel dredging and gravel transport via barges. Relics of this operation, such as abandoned barges, a derelict dredge, piers and other equipment are still evident. A number of the rotting wooden barges have become vegetated by wetland'plants, becoming, inadvertently, man-made marshes. Most of the marshes have not been disturbed by this operation but actually have expanded.because of the placement of abandoned barges immediately adjacent to the marsh shoreline. Over time the barges have deteriorated and accumulated sedi- ment, providing conditions for marsh vegetation succession. A number of the marshes are embayed marshes, often occurring within a tidal swamp community. The species composition in this wetland system is very similar to that of the tidal creek tributaries along this reach of the James River, with the exception of partridge pea (Cassiafasciculata) which is more abundant in Powell Creek than any of :the others. As the other marsh creek systems, Powell Creek has high ecological value as a-wildlife, waterfowl and fisheries habitat. 41. SECTION VI. POWELL CREEK 56 COGGINS, POINT SCALE 1:24000 lopo. 0 1000, 2000' 57 EELBANK POINT 78 58 77-."", 76 i", 59 rn p @741 7 No- 60 ","MMEZ RM", T 74 0 M 61 'A 72 V cb 641 7 1 70 639 69 62 67 68 63 66 64 10 65 Section Vl: Powell Creek. < W (1) w w < ED Q) CC (L UJ m w LL F- D w < < LU z CC 0 LU (1) w LU Cr Y) w W (r U) (L CC 0 p 9) (f) 0 W z 0 co cc < 0 ir w < (r X a- W (1) C) w z LU U) Er Er M LU 0 W 3: w @- jr CC C) Ir w U) w M: LU LU (1) (90 < w Ir< < F- cr Y CC Z Cr .0 t5 W 2 cc w (D L) 8 0 -0, M , a, 3:2 L) w 02 OBSERVATIONS 56 Powell .25 % f, 100 Fringe marsh containing X1 Creek acres f,.25 1001/6 water willow Powell % 5 60 30 5 57 Creek 1.0 . I - Fringe marsh dominated X1 acres .05 .60 .30 .05 by beggar's ticks 58 Powell % 5 70 5 5 10 5 Creek 1.5 1 1 1 Cove marsh dominated .acres .08 1.05 .08 .08 1-15 .08 by beggar .s ticks xi Powell % 5 10 50 1 20 5 5 5 59 Creek .25 1 1 Fringe marsh XI, acres 01 .03 .13 .05 .01 .01 .01 Powell % 25 10 5 15 5 15 25 Large embayed marsh with 60 Creek 55.2 ash trees scattered X1 acres 13.801 5.52. 2.76 8.28 2.76 8.28 13.80 throughout Powell % 5 20 5 40 10 10 10 a,- 61 Creek 32.0 1 1 Creek marsh and island -XI acres 1.60 6.4 1.60 12.80 3.20 3.20 3.20 marsh 62 CPOreweekll % 10 70 10 10 a,- 2.0 [;- 1.40 .20 Point marsh xi cres @0 .20 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i=ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW 43 Section Vl: Powell Creek. @d w 0 w Cn (1) < W CL Cr- n- M w w (n M cc @ =) w ? o < U) a. z cc LU w (r Y) LU W D W D U) C.) Lu 0 1-- M Cr 0 < D w <cc M 0 z w M P D cc W -W C0 z W i cc Ir 2 x Cn < U < w w U) U) w w Cl) Ir Lu Lu (5 @4 cr CC 00 2 0 C) LZ FD cc cc w Fr W jL- < Q. Co -0, p < 0 Fn 0 M 8 OBSERVATIONS 63 Powell % 5 65 10 5 10 5 a, Spit.marsh dominated by xi Creek 1.0 acres .05 .65 -10 .05 .10 .05 beggar's ticks Powell % 1 5 5 40 5 5 40 64 Creek 2.9 Point marsh X1 acres .15 1 '15@ 11.16 .15 15 1.16 65 Powell .5 % 20 20 1_5 30 5 - 20 small embayed marsh X1 Creek acres, .10 .10 .03 .15 1.03 .10 66 Powell 3.2 % 20 1 10 - 5 30 10 5 20 bayed marsh X1 Creek Em acres .64 .32 1 .16 .96 .32 1.16 .64 Powell 5 50 5 '40 67 Creek .5 Small embayed marsh X1 tacres .03 ...25 .03 .20' Powell % 10 2 20 5 5 3 55 Spit marsh with trees 68 Creek 1.4 1 1" 1 1 1 .. scattered throughout, X1 acres .14 .03 .28 .07 .07. ..04 .77 black gum and ash 69 Powell % 10 30 5 1 5 5 40 Embayed point marsh with X1 Creek 1.5 trees scattered throughout acrs .15 .45 t08 08 black gum and ash a=GERARDIA d-PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH .51 07 5 .08 b=IRONWEED e=SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i--ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 44 Section VI: Powell Creek. 6 LU 0 w CC (L w w cc < w w I-- Z: D LU Z) w a. z Ir w _5 Cr V) w W (1) 0 LU 0 D g w p Y) z 0 LU to cc CC w < CC 3: (L W (J) z < CC X w X iE cc a: X W CC U) 3: w w W w Cc 0 W 12. -wi C gn t: Cc U1 y Ir 0 0 < a @ =j < 0 0 -9 w ir- @ in m 8 cr Er z OBSERVAT Ca 0 12 -Wj co M U) X Cn a. ca co IONS Powell % 20 30 5 5 5 30 5 Fringe marsh and small 70 3.2 - - I- - I I island with black gum and X1 Creek acres .64 .96 16 .16 .96 .16 ash trees scattered .16 throughout Powell 10 20 5 5 35 20 71 1 X1 Creek 5.7 Small creek marsh acres .57 1.14 .29 .29 2.00 .29 1.14 Powell 5 5 40 5 40 h,5 72 Creek 3.9 1 Cove marsh X1 .20 .20 1.56 .20 1.56 h,.20 Powell % 10 5 5 30 5 5 40 73 Creek 13.8 Fringing creek marsh X1 acres 1.38 .69 .69 4.14 .69 .69 5.52 Powell % 10 5 70 5 5 5 74 Creek .5 @ I I -- - Small embayed marsh X1 acres .05 .03 .35 .03 .03 Powell % 5 5 20 50 5 5 10 h,- Extensive embayed 75 Creek 64.5 X1 marsh acres 3.23- 3.23 12.90 32.21 3.23 @3.23 6.45 Powell 0/1 35 1 5 35 1 5 10 10 h,- 76 Creek 3.0, Marsh islandwith X1 e3o 0 scattered trees a resl 1 11.051-15 1 .1-051 .15 .3 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS; !--ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW @ac 45 Section VI: Powell Creek. (1) U) !2 y a U) W < 0 W W U) W 2 0 fL Ir IL W LL F- D W < W z Cc, W X j W W W D W (r 9) W W W Z co cc 0 0 W D X EL W 0) 0 z LLI @ < x EE . <@: 'WC Cc U) U) W < W W CC (-) 6 2 W X X: Er (9 y 0 'I -j (r U) f- z d cc W 0 cc < - p 0 Er O w q 0 0 < C', 3: W cc co < 0 W W cc 3' 2 U) 0 T (O 8 Ca co OBSERVATIONS Powell % 30 5 30 5 -- -- -- 30 h,- 77 Creek 1.0 Fringe marsh xi acres .30 .05 .30 .05 .30 Powell % 10 10 -- 55 10 5 10 xi 78 Creek .6 Fringe marsh acres 06 -06 .33 .06 .03 .06 Powell % 1 0 20 5 35 10 10 10 79 Creek 2.8 [- Fringe marsh xi acres .28 .56 .14 -98 .28 .28 .28 Total. % This 202.2 - - I I I Section acres 1.60 13.03 115.32 6.93 13.40 -7 .6 15.27 2.92 111.941 3.51315.1018.43 1 09 1 1 04 1 36.51 .21 .45 a=GERARDIA d=PWME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS- i=ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW 46 Section VII: James River Dredged Material Islands The marshes recorded in this section are all found on man-made islands in a reach of the James River from Coggins Point to Jordan Point. The islands were formed artifiCally via overboard, disposal of dredged material in the process of main- tenance dredging of the main channel of the Jame's River over the years. There are seven islands in the archipelago, four of which are dominated by marsh vegeation (#80, 81, 85, & 86). Three 82-84) are predominantly vegetated by trees, chiefly red maple and cottonwood. The largest marsh island 80), is 21.5 acres in area and is dominated by wild rice (Zizanta a'quatica), a valuable water- fowl food. The entire island complex is a confirmed waterfowl habitat. Other marsh plants occurring in this system noted for their food and cover value are smartweeds (Polygonum spp.);, Walter's millet (Echinochold waltefi), arrow arurn and pickerel- weed. Two creeks located in this section, Chappelland Jenny. creeks, were found to be limited by tidal influence, and although supported swamp and bottomland hardwood forests,,@ no tidal marshes were observed. 47 11-1 -SECTION VII. JAMES RIVER - DREDGED MATERIAL ISLANDS. SCALE 1:24000 lopo. 0. 1000, JORDAN POINT 8 5%C Po 0 @@v 8%6@@ 84 INDIAN 83 POINT .82 81 BEECHWOOD MANOR TAR BAY 10 RIVER VIEW Section VII: James River Dredged Material Islands. (f) U) 6 C/) y W (1) W 40 < 0 2 @5 0 W cc (L W (j) LL < W (r W F- Z) W W Q. z < LU W C) :3 D 0 -L) cc D 0 F- U) o: W LU W W Z 0 C) F- C13 (r F W C, ==! r Q) C D W F- x :3 :r a. W 05 W z W C) LL, 0 tj W Ir Cr M 4L) W cc U) U) t@ W W W 0 3: cc: 0' cc 0 W C) 0 F- y (1) _j w 0 or X. Fn (r ir z G W W ir w F 0 D -0, cc U) C) 'j) 0 OBSERVATIONS # I @ 1 8 80 1 James 10 50 20 10 10 River 21.5 Marsh island X1 acres 2.15 10.75 4.30 2.15 81 James 10 5 1 10 10 10 1 45 1 10 Island xi River 8.0. @acres .80 .80 .80 3.60 .80 -.40 .80 James % 10 5 5 5 70 5 82 River .8 Island and narrow X1 acres 08 .04 .04 .04 .56 .04 fringe marsh James % 30 f,70 Island and narrow xi River 1.0 acresl 1 .30 f,.70 fringe marsh 84 James % 5 5 5 80 5 Island with fringe marsh X1 River 2.0 acresi 10 1 .10 .10 1.601 .10 River Man-made mar James % 10 20 20 10 40 85 6.8 sh island X1 acres .68 1.36 1.36 .68 2.721 James % 40 5 20 5 25 5 86 River 13.3-- 1. . I Dredged, material xi marsh island acres 2.661 67 3.33 67 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS t=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i=ARROWHEAD c=MARSH MALLOW 1 20 1 5 67 49 Section Vil: James River Dredged Material Islands. (n @2 6 < U) w (n w w U) 0 w 2 0 ir (L M w F= w < (f) w z cc 5 Lw1j Lu 3; , w a. , cc w w cc 0 D :3 LD cc =) 0 (0 (.9 Z 0 Q U) < X 5 bc w < fr x :r a. w U) W Z cc w M 0 3: 0 LU -j < X w (r w U) C) F- LU jr (1) r w LLI (.9 w w Lb L- y w U) @4 rc CC 0 Ir w cc cc z (30 C) (5 Ln rc 0 Cr w w L) X Fn 0 = 0 < F- M (L 0 F- CL OBSERVATIONS Total This 53.4 Section 4acres .97 9.26 14.30 14.261.77 .80 .04 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e=SWAMP ROSE 9=WOOLGRASS i=ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 50 Section VIII: James River - Jordan Point to City Point (HopeweU) Only four' marshes are contained:'mi this. section. Two of the marshes 89 & 90) are on islands in the James River which were, likely created by overboard dis p' O*sal *of dredged material. These marshes are dominated by smartweeds, a valuable waterfowl food. The other marshes 87 & 88): are small fringe marshes located. at the mouth of Baileys Creek. Baileys Creek itself is a highly.polluted waterway' and although it supports swamp and bottomland forest wetlands, no tidal marshes of any significance (less than .25 acre) were -observed at the time of the initial field work in 1978, as well as in 1988. 51 CITY POINT SECTION Vill. JAMES RIVER - JORDAN POINT TO CITY POINT (HOPEWELL) SCALE 1:24000 0 1000, 0 1000, 2000, ck @co "ZIC, 90 C, @ql 89 '4M8S RIVER Aeo. 04 io 156 880 r 10 156 D 0 52 Section Vill: James River-Jordan Point.to City, Point (Hopewell). N@ LU (n Lu W U) 0 W U). LU U) Ir F- Lu < W W , D U) U) 37 W z CE < 2 W W 0 -1 W W cc b D D U) 0 M ::) 0 EC W < CC _j M (1) (!) W z a 0 F- M I cc < C) a: D Ir 9 W F-@ = D X aw W U5 9 W. z W u) 0 F- 0 < tj W CC cc Q W cc U) W 0 LU ui M jr Ir _j w (1) W cr < 0 Cr 2 CO < Fo- 0 ui W cc � , Fn Cr z 0 ro OBSERVATION M James % 20 0 60 5 5 87 River .25 Fringe marsh xi acres .05 .03 ..15 01 .01 88 James % 60 10 .30 Fringe marsh dominated . River 1.7 X1 acres 1.02 .17 .51 by wild ride James % 5 80 10 5 89 River .3 Island fringe marsh X1 acres .02 24 .03 .02 James % 10 5 15 70 90 River 4.0 Maisfi'isiand X1 acres .40 .20 .60 2.801 Total % This 6.25 Section acres .40 .63 3.36 .01 @.55 .02 1 A09 a=GERARDIA d=PWME GRASS t=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e=SWAMP ROSE g-WOOLORASS !@ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 53 Section IX: City of Hopewell (Appomattok River) The Appomatt-ox,River, a major tributary.of the James, is a tidal waterway to the fall line, at the City.of Petersburg, ap- proximately 10.5 river miles from its mouth.,. Ilere are six tidal marshes 91-96) in this section, totalling slightly over 19 acres. All, of these marshes are found within the city limits of Hopewell, except marsh #96, which is partially in Hopewell and Prince George County. This marsh is the largest marsh in this section, with 8.5 acres. Slightly over 12 acres of the total. acres in this section, are dominated by smartweeds. and tearthumbs (Polygonum spp.). Seeds from these species are a valuable waterfowl food source. Several of the smaller embayed marshes in this section are associated: 'with timbered wetlands such as tidal swamps and/orbottomland hardwood forests. 55 SECTION IX. CITY OF HOPEWELL (APPOMATTOX RIVER). SCALE 1:24000 lopo. 0. 1000, 2006' RIVERMON T 904 IV, 96 92 95 93 94 '7 u 645 HOPEWELL 36 56 Section IX: City of. Hopewell (Appomattox River). U) U) . (1) Y 0 (1) LU W W U) < W 2 0- U) Cc Q. M: W ca LU cc D W Z- < < W U) W z cr 2 ui LIJ Cr Y)W W cc 0 D D U) (L cc D 3j: 0 W (5 W Z M Cr < 0 Cr w <cr D X W W z W 0 1: < a- @:W a: X a. (0 9 -1 0 () W Cr U) !@ 0 1-1 0 W U) W W W LU (9 uj 0ncc W U) U) 0 < Cc W Y 'r< cc < 0 cc 0 3: D 0 0 --JJ < 3: CC C: 0 W 3: LU ir 3: 0 -01 0 U) R < 003 OBSERVATIONS (L ra Appomat- % 30 10 10 50 Fringe marsh dominated. tox I -- -- X1 River 1.04 by smartweed acresi .31 -10 .10 .52 jAppomat- 15 5 10 60 10 Spit marsh with scattered 92 tox 3.0 .% I , - I - trees X1 River acres 45 .15 .30 1.8 .30 jAppomat- - . % 80 5 5 5 5 93 tox 1.0 Small creek marsh X1 River acres 80 .05 .05 05 .05, Cabin % 30 20 -- 20 55 jo 10 a,- 94 Creek 3.0 1 1 Large creek marsh X1 acres .90 .60 .60 .15 .15 .30 .30 Appomat- % ..20 10 5 60 5 95 tox 2.6, Small creek marsh X1 River acres .52 .26 .13 1.56 .13 Appornat- % 45 10 10 105 10 10 96 tox 8.5 1.t Large fringe marsh X1 River acres 3.83 .85 .85 .85 .43 85 .85- Total 19.14 % This Section acres '16.05 1.451 .501 2.22[ 1.58, .6815.081 .3011.281 1 1 a=GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS i--ARROWHEAD c--MARSH MALLOW 261 57 per Appomattox River Section Xi- UP Thissectionincludesthreemars@esfoundalongtheuppertidalreachoftheAppomattoxRiver.Twoofthemarshesare embayed'wetlands, surrounded by bottomland hardwood forests.. The dominant vegetation in these two marshes are tear- thumbs (Polygonum arifolium and P. sagittatum). These two species form dense vine-like growth that become a nearly im- penetrable thicket late in the growing- season, offering cover for wildlife and seeds for waterfowl food. Two marshes were observed farther upriver, between' Harrison Creek -and just below the 1-95 bridge in 1978 where this branch of the river terminates into a dredged canal. These marshes were not found during field observations in 1988. It is as- sumed that they were filled in or were impacted by hydrological changes. 59 ? - T 1-1 Q 1) /' / . C@? SECTION X. UPPER APPOMATTOX RIVER U U lop- SCALE 1:24000 tp4 10 0. 0 0 1000, 2000, U. S. 645 97 98 99 c=2 <=Z3 u (Zoe I? 95 60 Section X: Upper Appomattox River. U) (D y w (1) w Ca Cr U) 2 n @2 < w w Q w LL z cc w w 3: D Lu 2 Cr D w a. w _5 Ir Y) Lu Lu W LuZ C3 Co 0 C/) 0 D Cr Lu < Cr D Lu Ir 3:w M: a. Q w z w W Cc () C) @ 3: CC 0 w w w U) w M CC 0 cc w @4 0 t] -j cc w w Co @<- 00 < 3. (D 0 Cc < cc z Ir 0 0, w L) w 0 0 Cc H: cc 3: 2 0 d Y: U) M M < � Co 8 OBSERVATIONS Appomat- % 55 20 5 5 10 5 97 tOx .5 Embayed marsh X1 River acres .28 .10 .03 .03 .05 .03 Appomat- 60 '10 5 10 5 5 98 tox 4.1 1 1 1 1 1 River acres 2.46 .41 .21 .21 .41 .21 .21 Embayed marsh X1 Appomat-, % 5 85' 1 5 2 2 99 tox .25 River acres Fringe marsh XI .01 .21 .00 .01 .01 .01 Total This 4.85 Section acres 2.75 .72 .03 .03 .22 .26 .42 .24 .22 Grand 0 yo Total ui acres 32.6 86.2 77-811109.0 19.77 489.91162.71 29.6473.06r34.90 38.67 143.82 .12 .22 13.26 149.301 1 13.1 fI82 a--GERARDIA d=PLUME GRASS f=WATER WILLOW h=BULRUSH b=IRONWEED e--SWAMP ROSE g=WOOLGRASS.. i--ARROWHEAD o=MARSH MALLOW 61 Location Index Appomattox River .............. 1,15,55-57,59-61 Hopewell, City of ............. 1,15,51,52,55,56 Baileys Creek ....................... 52 James River .......... 1,1.5,21-23,39,47-50,51-53 Brandon ........................... 19 James River Islands .................. 47-50 Brandon Point ....................... 22 Jenny Creek ...................... 47,48 Cabin Creek ...................... 56,57 Johnsons Landing ..................... 26 Chappell Creek .................... 47,48 Jordan Point .................... 48,51,52 Chippokes Point ...................... 19 Harrison Creek ...................... 59 City Point ....................... 1,51,52 Kennon Marsh ................... 1,21-23 Coggins Point .................. 42,48,51,52 Low Point ......................... 17 Eelbank Point ....................... 42 Maycocks Point ...................... 37 Flowerdew Hundred ................... 39 Powell Creek ..................... 41-46 Flowerdew Hundred Creek ............. 31-35 Tar Bay ........................... 48 Fort Lee Military Reservation ............ Upper Brandon ....................... 22 Fort Powhatan ....................... 32 Upper Chippokes Creek ....... ... 1,16-20 Indian Point ........................ 48 Wards Creek ..................... 25-30 Harrison Creek ...................... 59 Windmill Point ..................... 1,37 62 DATE DUE GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S.A, 3 6668 14107 6804