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COP, '4; Coastal zone 70j'JE Information center YORK COUNTY AND TOWN OF POQUOSON TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY Special Report No. 53 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Gene M. Silberhorn QH 7 301 V852 no.53 VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF-MARINE SCIENCL. Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 AUGUST 1974 03512 YORK COUNTY AND TOWN OF POQUOSON TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY Special Report No. 53 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413 G. M. Silberhorn Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Dr. William J. Hargis, Jr., Director August 1974 Property of CSC Library Acknowledgements This study was partially funded by the Research Applied to National Needs (RANN) Program of the National Science Foundation. The publication and distribution of this report have been provided by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, Office of Coastal Zone Management. Grant no. o4-5-158-5001. 4 The author wishes to thank Dr. William J. Hargis, Jr., Dr.,Michael E. Bender, Col. George M. Dawes and Thomas Barnard for their constructive criticism and suggestions which have assisted in the development of this publication. This study was facilitated by the cooperation of the National Park Service; Depart- ment of the Interior; U.S. Naval Weapons Station; Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex; NASA/Langley Air Force Base; Town of Poquoson Wetlands Board and the York County Wetlands Board. Thanks also goes to Col. Dawes and Miles Booth for their assistance in the field. Sincerest appreciation is offered to Mr. Jose-ph Gilley, Mr. Russell Bradley for art and map production assistance. Sincere thanks to Mr. Fred Biggs in -publication procedures. Finally I thank Mrs. Beverly Bennett, Mrs. Rhonda Payne and Mrs. Judy Hudgins for typing the manuscript. York County and Poquoson Tidal Marsh Inventory Table of Contents Page Acknowledgements ........................................................... ii Introduction ............................................................... 1 Marsh Plants ............................................................... 9 Reference Map of Wetland Systems ........................................... 11 A. Section I: Skimino Creek - Carter Creek ......................... 13 B. Section II: York River Shoreline (Carter Creek to Queens Creek) ... 15 C. Section III: Queens Creek ......................................... 19 D. Section IV: King Creek - Felgate Creek Area Part 1: Cheatem Annex - King Creek Area ...................... 21 Part 2: Felgate Creek ........................................ 24 R. Section V: Indian Field Creek to Yorktown Creek ................. 27 F. Section VI: Wormley Creek Area ................................... 29 G. Section VII: Goodwin Island - Back Creek Area ..................... 33 H. Section VIII: Poquoson River Area Part 1: Chisman Creek ........................................ 37 Part 2: Poquoson River Proper ................................ 37 Part 3: Bennett Creek Area ................................... 38 I. Section IK: Plum Tree Island Wildlife Refuge Part 1: Pocluoson River Area (Poquoson East Quadrangle) ....... 58 Part 2: Back River Area (Hampton Quadrangle) ................. 61 J. Section X.. Back River (Northwestern Branch) and Brick Kiln Creek. 63 Introduction This -publication is the third in a series of marsh inventory reports compiled by the: Wetlands Research Section, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The first and second reports, Lancaster and Mathews Counties were published in December 1973 and January .1974, respectively. This report follows much the same format as the preceding reports. Under Section 62. 1-13.4 of the Virginia Wetlands Act, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is obligated to inventory the tidal wetlands of the Commonwealth. The inventory program is designed to assist and inform managers and concerned citizens in their quest to conserve the wetlands in their immediate area. A recently -published study, the Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia Marshes (Silber- horn, Dawes and Barnard, 1974) will be helpful in the utilization of this report. Excerpts from the above document are included in the text below, explaining marsh vegetation types and their evaluation. It is our desire that this inventory report and the marsh guidelines study will be useful to those concerned with this valuable resource. Methods Aerial photographs and topographic maps (U.S.G.S.) were consulted in order to obtain wetland locations and patterns of marsh vegetation. Marsh community zones and patterns were substantiated by ground truth methods i.e." via boat and low level flights. Acreages and wetland boundaries were obtained from these sources as well as from field estimates. Marshes .25 of an acre or larger are designated by number. Many marshes smaller than .25 acre (usually narrow fringing marshes) are designated by the same symbol (solid black) as the larger marshes on the section maps. Small marshes (less than one acre) are exaggerated and are not indicated to scale. Information such as individual marsh acreage, plant community percent- age and acreage, marsh type and other observations are recorded in tabular form. Marsh Types and Evaluation For a better understanding of what is meant by marsh types, some background information is required. The personnel of the Wetlands Research Section have classified twelve different common marsh types, based on vegetational comparison. These marsh types have been evaluated-according to certain vlaues and are recorded in the Guidelines report. The following is a brief outline of the wetland types and their evaluation as found in the above publication: "It is recognized that most wetlands areas, with the exception of the relatively monospecific cordgrass marshes of the Eastern Shore, are not homogenously 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 evlauate both complete marshes and subareas within a marsh" (P. 3). Each marsh type may be evaluated in accordance with five general values. These are: 1. Production and detritus availability. Previous VIMS reports have discussed the details. ;-f 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 a major marine food web. The term it-production" refers to the amount of plant material which is produced by the various types of marsh plants. Vegetative production of the major species has been measured and marshes have been rated in accordance with their average levels of productivity. If the production is readily available to the marine food web as detritus, a wetlands system is even more important than one of equal productivity where little detritus results. Availability of detritus is generally a function of marsh elevation and total flushing, with detritus more available to the aquatic environment in the lower, well-flushed marshes. 2. Waterfowl and wildlife utilization. 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 foun"d there. 2 3. Erosion buffer. Erosion is a common coastal problem. Marshes can erode, but I some, -particularly the more saline types, erode much more slowly than do adjacent shores which are unprotected by marsh. The buffering quality is derived from the ability of the vegetation to absorb or dissipate wave energy or to establish a dense root system which stabilizes the soil. Generally, freshwater species are less effective than saltmwater in this regard. 4. Water quality control. The dense growth of some marshes acts as a filter, trapping upland sediment before it reaches waterways and this protecting shellfish beds and navigation channels from siltation. Marshes can also filter out sediments that are already in the water c-olumn. The ability of marshes to filter sediments and maintain water clarity is of particular importance to the maintenance of clam and oyster pro- duction. Excessive sedimentation can reduce the basic food sup-ply of shellfish through reduction of the photic zone where algae grows. It can also kill shellfish by clogging their gills. Additionally marshes can assimilate and degrade pollutants through complex chemical processes, a discussion of which is beyond the scope of this -paper. Research has shown that marshes may act as a natural treatment system that is comparable to artificial tertiary treatment of sewage. 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 fresh- water marshes often have no clearly dominant species of vegetation. These marshes are considered to be highly valuable in environmental terms." (P.4) 3 Marsh Types and Their 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. Yields 1-3 tons per acre per annum. b. Food (seeds) and nesting areaz for birds. c. Effective erosion deterrent. d. Assimilate flood waters. e. Filters sediments and waSte material. Type III Black Needlerush Community a. Provides 3-5 tons per acre per year. 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 Saltbush Community a. About or less than 2 tons per acre per annum. b. Nesting area for small birds and habitat for a variety of wildlife. c. Effective trap for flotsam. Type V Big Cordgrass Community a. Yields 3-6 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus less available than fr QM- Type I c. Habitat for small animals and used for muskrat lodges. d. Effective erosicnbuffer. 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 Arum-Pickerel Weed Communit a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus readily available to marine environment. c. Seeds eaten by wood ducks - d. Fragility necessitates,preservation. Type VIII Reed Grass Community a. 4aw6,tons per acre 'per year.' b. Little value to wildlife except for cover. c. Invades marshes and competes with more desirable species. d. Deters ersoion on disturbed sites. Type IX Yellow Pond Lily Community a. Less than 1 ton per acre per annum. b. Cover and attachment site for aquatic animals and algae. c. Feeding territory for fish. 5 Type X Saltwort Comunity a. Less than .5 tons per acre. b. Little value to aquatic or marsh animals. Type XI Freshwater Mixed Community a. Yields 3-5 tons 'per acre annually. b. High diversity of wildlife. c. High diversity of wildlife foods. d. Often associated with fish spawning and.nurserylgrounds. e. Ranks high as a sediment trap and flood deterrent. Type XII Brackish Water Mixed Community a. Provides 3-4 tons -per acre annually. b. Wide variety of wildlife foods and habitat. c. Deterrent to shoreline erosion. d. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. e. Known spawning and nursery grounds for fish. Evaluation of Wetland Types (From Guidelines for Activities 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 I) Arrow Arum - pickerel weed (Type VII) Freshwater mixed (Type XI) Brackish water mixed (Type XII) 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 values as erosion inhibitors, important to the shellfish industry and valued as natural shoreline stabilizers. 6 Group One marshes should be preserved. Group Two: 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 considered to be justified it would be better to alter Group Two marshes than Group One marshes. Group Three: Yellow Pond lily (Type IX) Black needlerush (Type III) The two marshes in the Group Three category are quite dissimilar in properties. The yellow pona lily marsh is not a significant contributor to the food web but it does have high values to wildlife and waterfowl. Black needlerush has a high productivity factor but a low detritus avail- ability value. Black needlerush has little wildlife value but it ranks high as an erosion and 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) The saltbush community is valued primarily for the diversity and bird nesting area it adds to the marsh ecosystem. To a lesser extent it also acts 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 VIII) Based on present information Group Five 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. For a better understanding of Virginia's Wetlands in general, the Wetlands Act of 1972 plus maxsh types and their evaluation, the following publications are highly recommended. Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report No- 3 Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia's Marshes Gene M. Silberhorn, George M. Dawes Thomas A - Barnard, Jr. , June 1974 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point; Virginia 23062 Local Management of Wetlands Environmental Considerations Special Report No. 35 Kenneth Marcellus, George Dawes and Gene Silberhorn, June 1973 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23o62 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report Marvin Wass and Thomas Wright, December 1969 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23o62 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Re-port No. 2 Kenneth Marcellus , July 1972 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23o62 8 MARSH PLANTS Abbreviations, Common Names and Scientific Names as Found in the Data Tables sa Saltmarsh Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Jr Black Needlerush Juncus roemerianus Scheele. Md Saltgrass Meadow Saltgrass Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene Saltmeadow Hay Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl. Sb Saltbushes Marsh Elder Iva frutescens L. Groundsel Tree Baccaris halimifolia L. Sc Big Cordgrass Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth. a Saltmarsh Bulrush Scirpus robustus Pursh. b Saltmarsh Fleabane Pluchea purpurascens (Swartz) DC. c Saltmarsh Aster Aster tenuifolius L. d Cattail Typha angustifolia L. Typha latifolia L. e Marsh Hibiscus Hibiscus moscheutos L. f Water Hemp Amaranthus cannabins (L.) J.D. Sauer g Switch Grass Panicum virgatum L. h Foxtail Grass Setaria geniculata (Lam.) Beauvois. i Arrow Arum Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth. j Pickerel Weed Pontederia cordata L. k Reed Grass Phragmitis austrailis l Olney Threesquare Scirpus olneyi Gray m Marsh Mallow Kosteletskya virginica (L.) Presl. 9 MARSH PLANTS (Continued) n Saltmarsh Loosestrife Lythrum lineare L. o Smartweed Polygonum spp. p Wild Rice Zizania aquatica L. q Sea Lavender Limonium carolinianum (Walter) Britton. r Marsh Pink Sabatia stellaris Pursh. 10 10 REFERENCE MAP WETLAND SECTIONS ........... . . ....... ...... ..... .. ........ York County and Town of Poq . ............. . .. .............. .. ... ...... 110 ........... .. .... .... .. ..... ... . ... ..... ..... .... . . ... . ...... ..... ..... .. ...... . . ..... ....... ....... ..... ... ...... ... IV-1 v ......... ... .......... . ............. ................... ........ ... ............. .......... v -3 V 11 ..... ... ....... ....... ..... ... ....... ......... . Z,- >-- ... ............... ........ .......... . .......... ........ ...... cj/ SCALE 1 24,000 X@ 0* &/6 1@00 9 1000 2000 FEET C, 1,L.. N C SKIMINO BARLOWS CORNER 1>0 N 1) CAMP PEARY NAVAL RESERVATION 14 W 1:4 L. L A K E SKIMINO 3 0 SECTI I - Skimino Creek - Cart r Creek OAKTREE lp Section I Skimino Creek - Carter Creek Skimino Creek is typical of the large creek marshes along the southwestern shoreline of the York River. The creeks of this area are generally of low elevation and support large stands of saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) particularly along the lower 1/3 of their length. The higher areas in this wetlands system are largely dominated by saltmeadow grass communi- ties. The upper part of the creek, where salinity levels are lover, the dominant plant community is typically mixed freshwater with such species as big cordgrass (a. cynosuroides); cattails (Typha spp.) and arrow arum (Peltandra virginica). There is a large network of mosquito ditches throughout the lower end of the marsh system. Most of these are fringed with saltmarsh cordgrass. Skimino Creek is a valuable nursery ground for white perch and striped bass according to surveys made by the Department of Icthyology at VIMS. Skimino Creek has been stressed very little by human activity,-primarily- because it is partially located in a military reservation@, which limits access and development. Carter Creek has been altered by a dam at the mouth but otherwise it remains a natural system. However, this structure does limit this system as a fish nursery area when the dam gates are closed. Portions of the fringing marsh along the York River between Skimino Creek and Carter Creek have been eroded by wave action. Large peat blocks are commonly found strewn in the water near the fringing marsh. NOTE: The acreage indicated on the data sheet includes only that portion of the creek located within York County. 13 Section 1. Skimino Creek Carter Creek. Sa Jr Md Sb Se Othe Marsh Place Name Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Observations Type I Skimino Cr. 50 7 15.4 15 33 2 4.4 8' di il 35.2 many mosquito ditches 220 110 10 22 16 d2 i 2 York River .75 8o .6 15 5 fringing marsh, erosion a, d, i 3 Carter Cr. 183 50 91.5 30 55 5 9 15 27.4 dam and gate at mouth TOTAL Section 1 403-75 202.1 15.4 88 13.4 22 62.6 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender ir = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass MeadOW e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= marsh Mallow t = Sea Oxeye Sc = Big Cordgrass 9 = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife u = Fimbristylis a Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcxtail Grass o= Smartweed b Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 14 Section II York River Shoreline Carter Creek to Queen's Creek This section contains nearly 3 miles of discontinuous fring- ing marshes along the York River. The largest of these (# 7) marshes is the extensive fringe between the York River and Bigler Mill Pond. This marsh is typical of the large fringing marshes along this section of the York River. These marshes have developed a distinct zonation pattern of Spartina communities. The inter- tidal area is usually vegetated by a narrow band of saltmarsh cordgrass. The higher elevations are typically dominated by dense stands of big cordgrass. In many cases, the saltmarsh cordgrass fringe has been eroded away, leaving large blocks of peat in the intertidal zone and overhanging margins of peat near the mean high tide line. In these areas, the remaining big cordgrass communities function as the sole natural shoreline defense against erosion. NOTE: Because of limited accessability to marsh No. 9, the vegetation could not be adequately determined. 15 C, 4 6 7 SCALE 1 24,000 10po 1000 2000 FEET I CAMP PEARY NAVAL RESERVATION SECTION 11 - York River S reline - Carter Creek t Queen Creek 16 Section II- York River Shoreline (carter creek to Queen Creek) - Sa ir Md Sb Sc Other marsh Place Name Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type 4 York River 4 8o 3.2 20 .8 fringing marsh, 50@ to 75' wide 5 York River 1.5 20 .3 8o 1.2 fringing marsh V 6 York River .75 8o .6 20 .1 fringing marsh, 30' to 50' wide I Bigler Mill 7 Pond 20 20 4 8o 16 d, fringing marsh, 100' to 500' wide V 8 Air Strip 1.7 90 1.5 10 .17 fringing marsh@ some erosion I 9 Air Strip 3 (see teD t) 1pocket marsh - x1i TOTAL Section 11 31 9.6 18-3 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender ir = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Gress r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus I= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmersh Bulrush h = Foxt-ail Grass 0= Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrar Arum p= Wild Rice 17 SECTION III Quee SCALE 1 24,000 1 @00 0 1000 20 UPPER END QUEEN CR. CAMP PEARY NAVAL RESERVATION 10 PORTA BELLO CH QUEENS LAKE US NAVAL SUPPLY CENTER 18 Section III Queen Creek Queen Creek Marsh is the largest wetland system of this type (marsh creek) in York County. Some parts of the marsh have been disturbed by the digging of mosquito ditches, heavy military vehicles and erosion caused by boat traffic between the Queen's Lake Marina and the mouth of the creek. The system is mainly a grass dominated brackish water marsh with abundant stands of salt- marsh cordgrass throughout the lower half of the marsh system. In the lower saline areas, and at higher elevations farther upstream, big cordgrass and saltbushes (Iva frutescens and Baccharis halimifolia) predominate. At the upper reaches of the creek, near Route 132 bridge, the dominant vegetation is largely arrow arum, indicating freshwater conditions. Further development may be expected along the upper end of the creek on privately owned land. Careful land use -planning however, can minimize disturbance of this productive marsh system. Queen Creek is also regarded as a major fish nursery area and will remain so as long as further disturbance is kept to a minimum. 19 Section III. Queen Creek. Sa Jr IVA Sb So other Marsh Place IqLfae Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Observations Type 10 Near Queen Cr. 2 40 .8 20 .4 40 .8 fringing marsh XII a, d, i 11 Queen Cr. 528 50 264 15 8o 5 26.4 20 105. 10 52.8 c, q I TOTAL Section 111 530 264.8 8o 26.8 105.8 52.8 iF Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed Sea Lavender ir = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Mars@ Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow a = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Herm m= Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Gras a o= Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 20 Section IV King Creek - Felgate Creek Area Part 1: Cheatham Annex - King Creek Area Part 2: Felgate Creek The King Creek Marsh is classified as a brackish water marsh, with no one plant community dominating. However, rather large stands of saltmarsh cordgrass predominate towards the mouth of the creek where more saline conditions exist. A marsh community that is noticeably absent or infrequent in King Creek Marsh and all of the major creeks described thus far is black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). Typically, this saline rush is one of the typical components of a mixed brackish water marsh (Type XII). King Creek remains largely undisturbed thanks to the environmental personnel of the Naval Supply Center, Cheathan Annex, the Naval Weapons Station and the National Park Service. Felgate Creek branches into three prongs approximately 1-3/4 miles from its very narrow mouth. Between the mouth and in the general area where the creek divides, the marsh -vegetation is largely dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass. For the most part, the marshes of the three branches are commonly made up of big cordgrass, cattails and a sedge, saltmarsh bulrush. King and Felgate creeks are considered to be nursery areas for striped bass, white perch and other species. 21 .-CTION IV - King Creek - Felgate Creek Area Part 1 - Cheatham Annex - King Creek Area 12 13 US NAVAL SUPPLY CENTER CHEATHAM ANNEX 0 14 PENNIMAN SPIT LAKI eA( POLEY POINT COLONIAL NATIONAL HISTO RIC AL 15 PAR K COLONI@" P4RKW.4y POND NO. to C@ US NAVAL WEAPONS STATION SCALE 1 24,000 PONID NO. it opo 0 1 O@00 200 1) 0 N 1) N 0, 12 0 FEET 22- Section IV. King Creek Felgate Creek Area. Part 1. Cheatham Annex - King Creek Area. Sa Jr Md Sb Be Other Na-le Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 12 York River .5 95 .5 5 fringing marsh I d I 13 York River .33 80 .2 10 10 fringing marsh 14 King Creek 8 80 6.4 15 1.2 5 .4 d., a, i 15 King Creek 180 4o 72 12 21.6 5 9 20 36 41.4 XII Subtotal Sec. IV Part 1 1 188.8 79-1 22.8 9.4 36 41.4 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel 'deed q = Sea Lavender ir = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow a = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Seltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mal-low Be = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b= Baltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 23 SECTION IV - K4qg CrTek - Felgate Cre Part 2 - Felgafe--ei:(@pk PENNIMAN SPIT POLEY POINT c- COLONIAL 'A A N F I SANDY POIN 16 US NAVAL WEAPONS STATION SHILSONS CORNER SCALE I 1@00 .0 24 Section IV. King Creek - Felgate Creek. Part 2. Felgate Creek. So Jr Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Narae Acres % Acres % Acres Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Observations Type a, d 16 Felgate Cr. 150 50 75 10 15 5 7-5 15 22.5 20 30 Jr, C, 8 Subtotal Sec. IV - Part 2 150 75 15 7.5 22.5 30 TOTAL Section iv 338.8 154-1 37.8 16.@q 58-5 71.4 So = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Gross r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Salt:wort Wat@er Interface (ft.) **Interface/Area Ratio Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh M311ow (feet/scre) Sc = Big Cordgr ass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h = FQxtail Grass o= Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 25 SECTION V Indiar\Field Cre&k to Yorktown Creek INDIAN FIELD CR. SANDY PT. 18 17 19 01-1\ 0 '0@ 20 K, 21 SHILSONS CORNER 22 0 T RO()SFVFL-'I' Y PT. POND STON 10) cl Oe' GLOUCEST 0 23 COLEMAN BRID e,e BALLARD CR. 24 0 0 SCALE I 2A,000 KT0WN CR. 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET YORK 26 Section V Indian Field Creek to Yorktown Creek This section of the York River shoreline is character- ized by a series of small creeks and fringing marshes. The fringing marshes in Indian Field Creek are domin- ated by saltmarsh cordgrass. This marsh system is also regarded a,s a nursery area for fish. Yorktown Creek is classified as a Type XII marsh (irdxed brackish water). Nearly all of the upper part of the marsh is dominated by cattails. This type of vegetation is typical of low freshwater marshy areas in which stagnant water has accumulated from upland seepage. Other workers have reported that dense stands of cattails may indicate high loads of nutrients. Cattail marshes are often found adjacent to tilled cropland. In this case, the possibility exists that the York- town Sewage Disposal Plant., which is located at the upper reaches of Yorktown Creel@,may influence the character of the marsh vegetation. 27 Section V.. Indian Field Creek to Yorktown Creek. a Jr Md Bb Be Other Marsh Place Na.ae Acres Acres Acres j Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type a,d 17 Indian Field Cr. @2-8 85 10.9 5 .6 5 .6 5 .6 1 18 Sandy Point 1.4 50 .7 10 .1 20 .3 20 .3 send spit, d I r19 Near Sandy Point . .51 80@ .4 1 10 10 fringing marsh in front of riprap I 2@ Naval Weapons 40 .2 6o .3 fringing marsh V pier .51 1 Naval Weapons d j 1 23 Pier .5 10 20 .1 30 ..15 40 .2 fringing marsh X11 Naval Weapons d 22 Pier -1.2 50 .6 1.0 .12 20 .24 20 .24 fringing marsh 23 Ballard Creek 1 -5 95 .95 freshwater pockety. marsh VI d 24 Yorktown Cr. 34.7 25 8.7 25 8.7 5 1.7 5 1.7 1 40 13.9 creek marsh XII TOTAL Section V 5R.6 21.5 .7 9.7 2.1 2.4 16 Be =Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md =Saltgrass Meadow a = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort *Water,Interface (ft-) Interface/Area Ratio Bb r- Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow (feet/acie) Be =Big Cordgrass 9 = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a =Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcxtail Grass o= Smartweed b =Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 28 Section VI Wormley Creek Area Unlike the other large creeks along the York River, Wormley Creek contains less than 14 acres of pocket and fringing marshes. The steep banks of the creek allow very few areas for marshes to develop except near the ends of branches and in small coves. Narrow fringing marshes of saltmarsh cordgrass, varying from 3 to 20 feet wide, are found throughout the creek. The largest of these is No. 25 which extends continuously for more than a mile along the northern shoreline of the west branch. All of the marshes in Wormley Creek, however small, are nevertheless Type I marshes, which are highly valued as detritus contributors to the marine food web and deterrents to shoreline erosion. 29 SECTION VI Wormley Creek Area POINT OF ROCKS IV ER S NAV L US COAST GUARD 39 RESERVE TRAINING CENTER UPPLY CENTERt> WORMLEY 38 27 37 26 RA' 30 29 36 GOODWIN NECK 2. 28 MARLBANK 4 33 BATTLE PARK HORNSBYVILLE HARRIS GROVE SCALE 1 24,000 1@00 1000 2000 FEET 30 Section VI. Wormley Creek Area 88 ir Md Sb Be Other Marsh Place Name Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 25 Wormley Cr. 1.3 go 1 1.1 5 5 narrow fringing marsh I 26 Wormley Cr. .25 70 .2 30 1 27 Wormley Cr. 2 go 1.8 10 .2 pocket marsh I a, d 28 Wormley Cr. 3 50 1.5 50 1.5 pocket marsh I d 29 Wormley Cr. .33 8o .26 20 pocket marsh I 30 Wormley Cr. -33 90 .3 10 fringing marsh I 31 Wromley Cr. .6 ioo .6 fringing marsh, d I d 32 Wormley Cr. .25 8o .2 20 pocket marsh I 9 33 Wormley Cr. 2 90 1.8 5 .1 5 .1 pocket marsh I 34 Wormley Cr. 1.5. 100 1.5 cove marsh I 35 Wormley Cr. .751 100 .75 cove marsh I 36 Wormley Cr. -5 100 .5 cove marsh I 37 Wormley Cr. .5 100 .5 pocket marsh I 38 Wormley Cr. -5 100 .5 1 Be = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c =Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d =Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Nater Interface (ft.) **Interface/Area Ratio Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow (feet/acre) Be = Big Cordgrass g =Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h =Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i =Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 31 Section VI. Worml-Ey Creek Area. Sa Jr Md Sb SC Other Marsh Place Na ie Acres % Acres Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Observations Type 39 Refinery Fier 2 6o 1.2 20 .4 2o -4 fringing marsh I 39a Refinery Pier 1 go .9 10 .1 fringing marsh I TOTAL Section VI 16.8 13.6 .6 .2 1.6 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster J = Pickerel Weed Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare S = Saltwort kWater Interface (ft.) "Interface/Area Ratio Sb @7 Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow (feet/acre) SC = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Factail Grass o = Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p- Wild Rice 32 Section VII Goodwin Island - Back Creek Area The Goodwin Islands Marshes and the Claxton Creek Marsh are the largest marsh systems in this section. The low.archipeligo of marsh islands in the Goodwin Group is also referred to as the Toe Marshes. Much of Goodwin Island proper is fastland vegetated with pine and other upland vegetation. The intertidal areas of Goodwin Island and the associated marsh islands are vegetated mainly with tall form saltmarsh cordgrass. The marshes of this system are very valuable to the estuarine environment and an effort should be made to -preserve them. The waters surrounding these islands are well known clamming areas. Several different species of waterfowl and marsh birds were observed here in large numbers. Claxton Creek is best described as a small, shallow bay with a ragged marshy shoreline. Characteristically,, the shoreline margins are vegetated with saltmarsh cordgrass. The higher areas of the marsh are dominated by black need-lerush with associated patches of saltgrass meadow. The marsh is in a largely untouched natural state. The numerous crab pots that were observed in the creek would indicate that the area is a productive blue crab habitat. The marshes of Back Creek are mainly small cove and fringing marshes except for the 10 acre pocket marsh at the head of the creek. This marsh (# 50) is mostly vegetated by the highly productive saltmarsh cordgrass, a highly valued marsh type. 33 SECTION V11 Goodwin Island Back Creek Area TUE GOODWIN ISLANDS It A 40 C 41 55 GOODWIN NECK 42 @0 DANDY 1- 3 47---7 GOODWIN NECK GREEN POINT ESTATES 43 (@ ZI eA(@ 49 4 48 46 45 5 52 53 54 SCALE CRAB NECK 1000 0 UPPER PART OF SEAFORD B CK CREEK 50 SEAFORD SHORES BAYTREE P 34 Section VII. Goodwin Island.- Back Creek Area. Sa ir Md Sb Se Other Marsh % Acres Acres Acres Observations I.Place Name Acres Acres % Acres. Type 40 Send Box 1.4 6Q .84 10 .:.4 -3o. A2 fringing marsh I 41 Thorofare 1.2 90 1 10 .12 1 9 spoil on marsh 42. Thorofare 1.3 85 5 5 5 fringing marsh and island I 43 Back Creek .5 90 .45 10 send spit I 44 Back Creek 1.2 60 .72 35 .42 5 fringing marsh, cove I 45 Back Creek 1 60 .6 40 1 .4 1 fring ing marsh, cove I 46 Back Creek 1 50 -5 4o .4 110 .1 fringing marsh I 47 Back Creek 3 50 1.5 50 1.5 fringing marsh 48 Back Creek .25 8o .2 2Q fringing marsh 45 Back Creek 1.3 100 1.3 long narrow fringing marsh Head of 50 Back Creek 10 80 8 15 1.5 5 .5 Jr, pocket.marsh 51 Back. Creek 1 90 .9 1 1 10 .1 long narrow fringing marsh I 52 Back Creek 1.7 85 1.4 5 .1 5 .1 5 .1 fringing marsh, d I 53 1- Back Creek .4 loo .4 fringing marsh -T 7-T Sa = Saltmersh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltvort Nater Interface (ft.) **Interface/Area Ratio Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow (feet/acre) Se = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a=-Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane -i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 35' Section VII. Goodwin island - Back Creek Area. - I Sa Jr md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Naie Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acr.es % Acres Observations Type Claxton Creek 220 45 99 40 88 15 33 54 Marsh heavy crabbing activity, Sb XII Goodwin Islands see text 55 Marsh 293 70 205 15 44 10 29.3 5 14.6 TOTAL Section VII 538 323 135 64 16 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattall k= Reed Gress r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus I= Olney Threesquare s = Saltwort Nater interface (ft.) **Interface/Area Ratio Sb Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow (feet/acre) Se Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcxtail Grass o= Smartweed b Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 3@ Section VIII Poquoson River Area This large section is divided into 3 Parts: Part 1: Chisman Creek Part 2: Poquoson River Proper Part 3: Bennett Creek Area Part 1. Chisman Creek. The largest marsh in this section is Bay Tree Creek Marsh 57) with 100 acres of mostly black needlerush. The substratum here is mainly sand which is the typical soil type associated with black needlerush communities. There is a small residential area at the upper end of the creek with dredged channels and spoil deposits on the surface of a marshy peninsula. Adjacent to Bay Tree Creek is Cabin Creek#59) with 33 acres of marsh also dominated by black needlerush. As is the case in the Bay Tree system, saltmarsh cordgrass usually occupies the intertidal marsh edge habitat. The marshes of Chisman Creek proper are mainly small cove, pocket and fringing marshes dominated by saltmaxsh cordgrass. Several of the small coves at the upper end of the creek have been dredged and spoil piled on marsh. Housing developments may be a continuing activity in this area. Many bulkheads were observed. Part 2. Poguoson River Proper. As in Chisman Creek, most of the marshes (70%) in the Poquoson River are small marshes of one acre or less in size. However, nearly 37 93 percent of total wetlands in this part rank high in value., being dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I). The largest marsh on the Poquoson River lies at the upper end of the main branch., just below the Harwood Mill Dam and U. S. Route 17. This is a mixed brackish water marsh ccumunity (Type XII). There are three creeks in this area, Hodges Cove, Moores Creek and Lambs Creek,, that are stressed by development. This is evidenced by axtificia.1 canals and deposits of spoil on the marsh surface. There also appears to be numerous homesite bulkheads not only in the creeks mentioned above but throughout the Poquoson River. Part 3. Bennett Creek Area. Recent development has destroyed a considerable nlxnber of small marshes in this area, particularly in Roberts Creek and Whitehouse Creek. Efforts should be made to conserve the remaining marshes in these creeks. Severe shoreline erosion is ccmmonly seen at the upper end of Whitehouse and Bennett creeks. Heavy boat traffic is probably a chief factor for this problem. The fact that fringing maxshes diminish wave action is even more reason for their preservation. A laxge brackish water marsh(#252) is located at the upper reaches of Bennett Creek. A wide variety of marsh wildlife was ob- served here. 38 66 41-1 ,P SEAFORD SHORES 67 CRAB NECK 65 __-64 EVERGREEN 57 Gl.. 63 S 0 59 H RES 71 62 70 6 72 69 68, 94 6 11 93 C, 74 88 91 -77 73 A 95 100 101 12 1 60 76 92 86 103 P 7 5 87 90 -99 % 102 - 89 96 9 0to "Ouse 82 83 85 97 113 78 7 84 104 114 105 112 SHIP POINT 81 106- 108109 110 115 YO 80 107 6 Vc DARE 09 co 6 6 0 FISH NECK SCAL 1000 S CTI Poson River Area rt I - c reer\ 1:n0 0 POQUOSON 0 SHORES 39 Section V.LII. Pocluoson River Area - Part 1. Chisman Creek. Sa Jr Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Typ Place Name Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres % Acres Observations e 56 Bay Tree Point 1-5 85 1.27 10 -15 5 F fringing marsh I 57 Bay Tree Cr. 100 15 15 75 75 5 5 5 5 channelss dredge spoil on marsh III 58 York Point Area 11.5 40 4.6 1 50 1 5.7 10 fringing marsh, erosion III 59 Cabin Creek 33 10 3.3 80 26.4 5 1.6 5 1.6 broad fringing marsh III 60 Near Cabin Cr. 4 20 .8 30 1.2 25 1 1 25 1 fringing marsh XII 61 Evergreen Shores 1.5 go 1.35 10 .15 fringing marsh and pocket marsh I 62 Goose Creek .35 60 .21 4o .14 cove marsh, a I 63 Goose Creek 1 70 -7 30 .3 pocket marshes I 64 Goose Creek .25 60 .15 30 10 pocket marshes I F 65 Goose Creek 1 6o .6 30 .3 10 .1 fringing marsh I 66 Goose Creek .25 70 -17 30 1 -pit I 67 Goose Creek 1 .25 80 .2 20 pocket marshes I 68 Chimnan Creek .25 1800 .25 pocket marshes I 69 Chisman Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marshes I Sa =Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md =Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare s = Saltwort *Wat@er Interface (ft.) **Interface/Area Ratio Sb =Saltbrushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow (feet/acre) Sc =Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a=Saltmarsh BLO-rush h = Foxtail Grass o = Smartweed b=Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p = Wild Rice 66 40 Section VIII. Poquoson River Area. Part 1. Chisman Creek. Sa Jr Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Nze-ie Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 70 Chisman Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh I 71 Chisman Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh 72 Chisman Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh 73 Chisman Creek .25 70 .17 30 cove marsh 74 Chisman Creek 1-5 80 1.2 20 .3 pocket marsh Upper part 75 Chisman Creek .25 20 50 .12 30 fringing marsh Upper part k 76 Chisman Creek .75 50 .37 35 .26 15 Sa 77 Head Cnisman Cr. 12 20 2.4 80 9.6 headwater marsh, spoil 78 Upper part 1 8o .8 10 .1 10 .1 pocket marsh Chisman Creek Upper 79 Chisman Creek .75 90 .67 10 pocket marsh Upper Sa 80 Chisman Creek 7 20 1.4 TO 4.9 lo .7 dredged channels, spoil on marsh Upper 81 Chisman Creek 5 ------ d edged,and spoil on rsh ---------- 82 Upper .25 70 10 ove marsh Chisman Creek .17 10 10 Chisman Creek .33 90 .3 10 fringing marsh 8-3 Upper Sa Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Lopsestrife a Saltmarsh huli-ush h = Foxtail Grass 0= Smartweed b Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum. p= Wild Rice @2 0 510 41 Section VIII. Poquoson River Area. Part 1. Chisman Creek. Sa Jr c Md Sb ther arsh cle. Pl a c e Nz, ae % Acres Acres % Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type 84 Ch"sman Creek ..25 80 .2 10 10 pocket marsh I 85 Chisman Creek .5 100 .5 pocket marsh I 86 Chisman Creek .25 80 .2 20 fringing marsh I 87 Chisman Creek .5 65 .32 15 10 10 fringing marsh I 88 Chisman Creek .5- 60 .3 30 .15 1 10 fringing marsh I 89 Chisman Creek .5 100 .-5 pocket marsh I d 90 Chisman Creek .25 6o 1 .15 20 1 20 pocket marshes I 1 91 Chisman Creek -5 8o .4 20 .1 fringing marsh I d 20 10 10 ket and fringing marsh 1 92 Chisman Creek -33 50 .16 10 1 Poe Chisman Creek .25 80 .2 15 5 cove marsh i r193 60 .42 30 .21 10 4 Chisman Creek -7 fringing marsh I 95 Chi6nan Creek .5 6o .3 4o .2 pocket marsh I 96 Chisman Creek 1 90 .9 10 .1 pocket marsh I 97 Chisman Creek 1 10Q pocket marsh I Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender ir = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus I= Olney Threesquare s = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Gross n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum. p= Wild Rice @ .7 5 1 42 Section VIII. Poquoson River Area. Part 1. Chisman Creek. Sa Jr Md Sb SC Other Marsh Place IiEvie Acres Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type. 98 Chisman Creek .33 50 .16 50 .16 fringing marsh 99. Chirman Creek 1 60 .6 20 .2 10 .1 10 .1 Cove marsh .100 Chisman Creek 1 60 .6 30 -.3 10 .1 cove marsh 101 Chisman Creek i.4 60 .84 30 .42 10 .14 fringing marsh 102 Boathouse Creek .8 20 .16 70, .56 10 fringing marsh. 103 Boathouse Creek .33 50 .16 50 a6 fringing marsh 104 Boathouse Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh 105 Boathouse Creek .8 90 .72 10 pocket marsh 106 Boathouse C-reek .8 loo -8 pocket marsh d Boathouse Creek 8o 1.2 10 .15 10 .15 107 1.5 1pocket marsh 108 Boathouse Creek .25 100 .25 T 1pocket marsh 109, Boathouse Creek .25 6o , .15 4o .1 pocket me6rsh 1 120 Boathouse Creek .6 60 .36 30 .18 10 pocket marsh 111 Boathouse Creek .25 30 30 1 fringing marsh Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass C = saltmarsh Aster j =Pickerel Weed q Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k =Reed Gress r Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow a = Marsh Hibiscus 1 =Olney Threesquare s Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m Marsh Mallow Se = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcvtail Grass o Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum P Wild Rice 4,3 Section VIII. Poquoson River Area. Part 1. Chisman Creek. Sa Jr Yd Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Nar,,.e Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Observations Type Boathz)use Creek .25 6c) .15 40 .1 fringing marsh I Mouth 113 Boathouse Creek -75 50 .37 20 .15 20 .15 10 fringing marsh I Near 114 Ship Point 2 70 1.4 5 .1 15 .3 10 .2 1 115 Ship Point .8 70 .56 30 .24 fringing marsh I Subtotal Sec. VIII Pt-I 200 50 125 14 lo.8 .15 Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c= Sal=rsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d= Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e= Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f= Water He= m= Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g= Switch Gr@ss n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h= Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane i= Arrow Arum p- Wild Rice 44 120 -11 7s ECTION V111 oquoson R ver 121 122 117 118 Part 2 oquoson River Proper HO DG FS COVE 143 \ 116 14 141 FISH NECK 123 140 124 139 144 138 1/ 137134 133 125 - 126 136 129 127 135 1@ 147 128 POGUOSON 14 R. 130 SHORES 13 0 149 151 1,0(1 0 198 PINEY POINT ESTATES 185 152 159 153 196 155 186 54 LAKESIDE HOMES 1 8 183 184 187 19, ft@4. 14 156 188 194 182 193 189 160 157 HARWOODS MILL 1 161 190 164 - 181 180 192 162 179 166 165 17 169 / 167 170 177 MILL FARMS 168 171 MOOR I S CR. I SCALE 1 24,000 172 TABB 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET 173 MOORES 174 175 45 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Proper Sa ir Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type U6 Hodges Cove .51 70 .35 15 15 fringing marsh I 117 Hodges Cave .8 60 .48 20 .16 15 .12 5 fringing marsh I 118 Hodges Cove .3. 100 .3 pocket marsh 119 Hodges Cave 1 100 1 pocket marsh 12C Hodges Cove 1 85 .85 15 .15 pocket marsh I @25 pocket marsh 121 Hodges Cave .25 100 Upper End d much spoil and dredged channel 122 Hodges Cove .25 70 .17 20 in this area 123 Mouth ove -7 90 .63 5 5 fringing marsh Hodges C 124 Poquoson Ri-ver 1.2 8o 1 5 .2 narrow fringing marsh 125 Poquoson River 1 100 1 pocket marsh I 126 Poquoson River -40 .1 20 20 20 sand,spit XIL 127 Poq@oson River .6 50 .3 25 -15 25 .15 fringing parsh I 128 Poquoson River -5 50 .25 30 .15 20 .1 sand spit I d 1291 iocluoson, River -5 50 .25 1 25 .12 10 15 pocket marsh I Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q= Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r= Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare a= Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgress g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Faxtail Grass o= Smartweed b= Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum. p= Wild Rice 46 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Proper. Se Jr Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Name Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type Near 130 Patricks Creek .25 60 .15 40 .1 fringing marsh I Near 131 Patricks Creek .25 50 .12 50 .12 fringing marsh I Near 132 Patricks Creek .25 100 .25 pocket mardi I Near 133 Patricks Creek 1 100 1 pocket marsh Near d 134 Patricks Creek 2 95 1.9 5 .1 pocket marsh Near 135 Patricks Creek .5 4o .2 60 .3 pocket marsh XII 136 Patricks Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh I 137 Patricks Creek 1 100 1 3 pocket marshes I 138 Patricks Creek 1-5 100 1-5 pocket marsh I 139 Patricks Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh I 140 Patricks Creek .25 100 .25 pocket marsh I 141 Patricks Creek 1.5 10C 1.5 1 Pocket marsh I 142 Patricks Creek 1.5 100 1-5 pocket marsh 143 Patricks Creek 5.5 95 5.2 5 .3 extensive pocket marsh Sa = Saltmarsh Ccrdgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow a = Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare a = SaltvTort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Salt-marsh Bulrush h = Fcxtail Grass o = Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum. p = Wild Rice 4T Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Proper. Sa Jr Md Sb SC Other Marsh@ Place Nzpie Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Observatiioni3 Type Patricks Creek 2.5 95 2.4 5 pocket marsh I d 145 Patricks Creek .25 80 .2 1 20 pocket marsl. I 146 Patricks Creek 2.5 100 2-5 pocket marsh I a 147 Patricks Creek 1 90 .9 10 .1 pocket marsh I 148.1 Patricks Creek .25 8o .2 5 15 pocket marsh I 149 Patricks Creek i go ..9 5 c5l pocket marsh I 150 Patricks Creek .25 60 .15 20 20 fringing marsh I 151 Poquoson River 1.2 40 .5 4o .5 20 .2 fringing marsh XII 152 Poquoson River 1 70 .7 20 .2 10 .1 spit I 153 Poquoson River .25 60 .15 40 .1 fringing marsh I 15 4 Poquoson River .25 70 .17 20 10 pocket marsh I 155 Poquoson River .75 20 .15 80 .6 spit III 156 Poquoson River 1.2 60 .7 4o .5 narrow fringing marsh I r March Creek 45 .3-4 .26 10 spit Mouth Quarte 157 -75 35 5 xii Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed See Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Gress r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare s = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h = FcDctail Gress o = Smartweed b = Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p = Wild Rice 48 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Proper. Sa ir Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Name Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type Quarter March 158 Creek 2-5 80 2.0 20 .5 fringing marsh I Quarter March 159 Creek 8.2 70 5.7 5 .4 15- 1.2 10 .82 large pocket marsh I Quarter March 16o Creek .5 go .45 10 fringing marsh, cove marsh I 161 Quarter March .25 60 .15 40 .1 fringing marsh I Creek 162 Upper 5 60 .3 35 .2 Pocluoson River 5 fringing marsh I Upper 163 IPoquoson River 85 1.3 5 10 .2 pocket marsh 164 Upper 2.3 75 1.7 25 .6 extensiv e fringing marsh Poquoson River I Harwood Mill 165. 1 Marsh 56 10 5.6 5 2.8 40 22.4 35 19.6 10 5.6 k, extensive pocket marsh XII Upper 166 IPoquoson River .33 100 .33 fringing marsh Upper d,e 167 IPoquoson River 2.6 75 2 io -3 15 .3 pocket marsh Upper d,e 168 1 Pocluoson River 2 90 1.8 10 .2 pocket marsh I Upper 169 IPoquoson River .75 90 .7 5 5 pocket marsh 170 Moores Creek .33 70 .23 25 .1 5 spit 171 Moores Creek -5 95 .5 5 pocket marsh I Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c =Saltmarsh Aster Pickerel Weed Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d =Cattail k =Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Saltgrass, Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 =Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g =Switch Grass n =Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h =Fcxtail Grass o =Smartweed 1 b = Sa tmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p = Wild Rice 49 Section VIII. Pocluoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Proper. Sa ir Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Name Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type 172 Moores Creek 1.5 100 1.5 ey pocket marsh I d 173 Moores Creek 1.5 go 1.35 10 .15 pocket marsh I 174 Moores Creek .5 100 .5 1 pocket marsh I 175 Moores Creek 4 90 3.6 10 .4 pocket marsh 176 Moores Creek 3 80 1 2.4 15 .45 5 -15 177 Moores Creek .25 80 .2 10 10 fringing marsh 178 Moores Creek 5 90 4.5 5 .25 5 - 25 pocket marsh 17gr Moores Creek .75 80 .6 20 .15 pocket marsh 180 Moores Creek- .5 10 30 .15 50 .25 10 spoil on marsh 181 Moores Creek .5 .95 .47 5 spoil and dredged channels I Jr,,fill behind marsh 182 calthrop Neck 1 95 .95 5 narrow fringing marsh I mainly fringing marsh 183 Calthrop Neck 3-5 85 3 10 .3 5 .2 erosion where Sa has been mowed I 184 Calthrop Neck .33 100 .33 cove marsh, fringe I 185, Calthrop Neck 1 1-3 1 90 1 1.2 5 5 fringing marsh Sa =Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j Pickerel- Weed q= Sea Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = Cattail k Reed Grass r= Marsh Pink Md =Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 Olney Threesquare a= Saltwort Sb =Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m Marsh Mallow Se = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n Saltmarsh Loosestrife a =Saltmarsh Bul-rush. h = Foxtail Grass o Smartweld b =Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p Wild Rice 50 Section VIII. Poquosop River. Part 2. Poquoson River Pro-per. Sa Jr Md Sb Other Marsh Sc Place N&-ie Acres % Acres Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations -Typp- 186 Lambs Creek .6 75 45 20 .12 5 fringing marsh I 187 Lambs Creek .25 75 .2 20 5 I 188 Lambs Creek .5 95 .47 5 2 small pocket marshes I 189 Lambs Creek -5, 85 .42 15 5 fringing marsh I k 190 Lambs Creek .25 85 .2 5 5 I 1911 Lambs Creek .25 100 .25 I 192 Lambs Creek 2.5 95 2.4 5 I 193 Lambs Creek .75 100 -75 2 small pocket marshes I 194 Lambs Creek .6 50 -3 1@ .1 30 .2 5 fringing marsh I 195 Lambs Creek .25 85 .2 10 5 fringing marsh, spoil I 196 Lambs Creek .75 go 6( 5 5 fringing marsh 197 Lambs Creek 2 loo 2 pocket marsh 198 Poquoson Shores 1 6o .6 30 3 10 .1 fringing marsh 199 Poquoson Shores I 1 85 .85 10 1 5 fringing marsh Sa =Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = See Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md =Saltgrass Meadow e Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare s= Saltwort Sb =Saltbushes f Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc "Big Cordgrass g Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a =Saltmarsh Bulrush h Foxtail Grass o= Smartweed b =Saltmarsh Fleabane i Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice 51 0 HUNTS POINT 200 201 219 220 GRIFFINS BEACH /POQUOSON 1z0 -221 222 218 SHORES 05 217 AY 2 6 POINT 5 1, C? 04 is 223 2 203206 -214 235 213 -,3 224 @@2 225 21 229 2 2 2 208 2 230 23 236 209 -HAVEN 0 210 232 gOYORK 4@@ ANCHORAGE 237 0 244- 2 25 0 2 0 6 4 250 POQUOSON 241 8 1- 43 7 2 24 9 @@ Q@ 252 POWHATAN PLACE MOORES S N Vill - Poqu son Ri% SCALE 1 :.24,000 Part 3 - Bennett reek A IROO 0 1000 2000 FEET 52 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 3. Bennett Creek Area Sa jr Md Sb Se Other Marsh P3.ace No= Acres Acres Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 200 Hunts Point 2 20 .4 40 .8 40 .8 fringing marsh x1i 201 Roberts Creek .75 20 .15 75 .56 5 fringing marsh II 202 Roberts Creek 1 90 .9 10 .1 Jr pocket marsh I 203 Roberts Creek .75 ao -6 15 .1 5 causeway pocket marsh I 2o4 Roberts Creek @25 70 .17 25 5 3poil, fringing marsh I 205 Roberts Creek .33 30 .1 10 60 .2 filling for development II 206 Roberts Creek .75 40 .3 6o .45 fringing marsn a 207 Roberts Creek .25 70 .17 30 1pocket marsh 208 Roberts Creek .25 85 .2 10 5 pocket marsh 209 Roberts Creek -75 50 .37 4o .3 10 pocket marsh 216 Roberts Creek .25 M-@y Sa Spoil on marsh 211 Roberts Creek .25 go 1 .22 5 5 pocket marsh 212 Roberts Creek .75 70 .5 25 .2 5 3 small pocket marshes I 1 2131 Roberts Creek 1.25 10 .12 701 .9 1 10 1 12 ' 10 .12 fringing marsh So =Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed q= Sea Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Grass r= Marsh Pink Md =Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare a= Saltwort Sb =Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Sc =Big Cordgrass 9 = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a =Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Grass o = Smartweed b =Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arun P = Wild Rice 53 Section VIII. Poquosen River. Part 3. Bennett Creek Area. Sa ir Md Sb Be Other Marsh Place NIUae Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 214 Roberts Creek .25 70 1.17 25 5 pocket marsh 215 Roberts Cree k .75 70 -5 25 ..2 5 pocket marsh closed off by causeway 216 Roberts Creek 2.5 20 .5 50 1.25 20 .5 10 .25 point marsh III 217 Roberts Creek 1.25 50 .62 30 .4 20 .25 point marsh 218. Roberts Creek 2 4o .8 50 1. 5 .1, 5 .1 cove marsh Mouth 219 Roberts Creek 2 40 .8 25 .5 20 .4 15 .3 q, a XII 220 Griffins'Beach 2.5 8o 2.0 10 .25 10 .25 fringing marsh I 221, Griffins Beach 2.3 55 1.3 4o 1.0 5 1 222 Bay Point 3 20 .6 30 .9 35 1. 15 -45 point marsh XII 223 Lyons Creek 1.3 30 .4 30 .4 20 .26 20 .26 fringing marsh XII 224 Lyons Creek .25 100 .25 1 po@ket marsh XII 225 Lyons Creek .5 30 -15 30 -15 20 .1 20 .1 fringing marsh I 226 Lyons Creek .25 50 .12 40 .1 10 fringing marsh XII 2271 Lyons Cre ek .75 60 .45 10 cove marsh Sa=Saltmarsh C.ordgr a a 8 c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender ir=Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md=Saltgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus 1= Olney Threesquare s = saltwort Sb=Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow se=Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n= Saltmarsh Loosestrife a=Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Foxtail Grass 0= Smartweed b=Saltmersh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum p= Wild Rice .54 Section VIII. Poquosan River. Part 3. Bennett Creek Are@a- Sa ir Md Sb Sc Orther Marsh Place Name Acres area Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Observations Type 228 Lyons Creek .25 60 .15 .4o fringing marsh I .229 Lyons C .reek .25 ')0 .22 10 cove marsh I 230 Lyons Creek .25 45 .1 4o 1 5 10 fringing marsh XII Uppe:r 231 Lyons Creek 1;5 8o 1.2 10 .15 10 -15 pocket marsh I Upper 232 Lyons Creek .4 6.5 .26 15 10 10 fringing marsh I 233 Lyons Creek .5 70 .35 30 .1.5 point marsh I Mouth 10 .6 234 Lyons Cr(@ek 6 75 4.5 10 .6 5 .3 point and cove marsh I Mouth 235 Lyons Creek -7 100 .7 island I 236 Bennett Creek .25 60 .15 20 10 5 point marsh I White House 237 Creek .6 30 .18 30 -18 25 .15 15 spoil behind fringing marsh XII White House 238 Creek .5 70 25 .12 5 narrow fringing marsh I White House P-39 Creek 4.5 10 .45 4o 1.8 50 2.2 Ci-I a, u IV 24o White House -5 85 15 pocket marsh I Creek White House 241 Cr e ek 1.3 85 1. 1 1 1 5 .13 pocket marsh and fringe I Sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d = Cattail k = Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = SaItgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus I = Olney Threesquare 8 = Saltwort Sb = Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h = FcDctail Grass o = Smartweed b = Saltmarsh F2eabane I = Arrow Arim p = Wi2d Rice 55 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 3. Bennett-Creek Area. Sa ir Md Sb Sc Other Marsh c Place Na,,ie Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Acres Acres % Acres observations Type White House 242 Creek 2.4 50 1.2 40 1. 10 .2 pocket marsh with fringe I White House 243 Creek 2 6o 1.2 35 -7 5 .1 pocket marsh with fringe I 244 Bennett Creek .25 go -22 10 fringing cove marsh I 245 Floyds Bay -75 30 .22 25 .2 35 .26 5 fringing marsh XII 246 Floyds Bay 1.5 25 -37 30 .45 30 .45 5 pocket marsh XII 247 Floyds Bay .25 Bo .2 10 10 pocket marsh I 248 Floyds Bdy 1 85 -85 5 5 5 pocket marsh I 249. Floyds Bay -75 80 .6 10 10 Jr,, cove marsh and fringe I 250 Floyds Bay 1 50 -5 30 .3 15 -15 5 point marsh I 251 Floyds Bay -5 30 .15 60 .3 10 island, fringing marsh I Upper 252 Bennett Creek 52 40 20.8 4o 20.8 15 7.8 5 2.6 Sb and k on old spoil banks XII Subtotal Part 3 log 49.5 31 17.6 8-7 Total. Section VIII 46o 184.5 165.2 56-5 42.5 5.6 .15 S6=Saltmarsh Cordgrass c = Saltmarsh Aster j= Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr=Black Needlerush d = Cattail k= Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink M4=Saitgrass Meadow e = Marsh Hibiscus I= Olney Threesquare s = Saltwort Sb=Seltbushes f = Water Hemp m= Marsh Mallow Sc=Big Cordgrass g - Switch Grass n= Saltmersh Loosestrife a=Saltmarsh Bulruah h = Fcxtail Grass o= Smartweed b=Saltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arun p= Wild Rice 56 Section VIII. Poquoson River. Part 2. Poquoson River Pieper. So ir Md Sb So Other Marsh Place None Acres Acres Acres % Acres Acres Acres % Acres Observations Type Subtotal See. VIII Pt-2 151 85 9.2 25 23 5.6 .85 Sea Lavend Sa= Saltmarsh Cordgrass c= Saltmarsh Aster j = Pickerel Weed q = er Jr= Black Needlerush d= Cattail k = Reed Gross r = Marsh Pink Md= Saltgrass Meadow e= Marsh Hibiscus 1 = Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort, Sb= Saltbushes f= Water Hemp m =-Marsh Mallow So= Big Cordgrdss g- Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a= Saltmarsh Bulrush h= Faxtaij Grass o = Smartweed ban b= Saltmarsh Flea e, i= Arrow Arun p - Wild Rice 57 Section DC Plum Tree Island Wildlife Refuge Plum Tree Island Marsh is the largest saline marsh in lower Chesapeake Bay. The marsh acreage (4103 acres) was estimated from a large composite aerial photograph provided by the Department of the Interior and topographic maps. The different marsh communities are defined from the aerial photograph and substantiated by ground truth methods. The acreage determined here does not include upland vegetation, sand beaches, mud flats, sanitary landfill sites, spoil disposal areas or roads. The entire marsh system was judged to be a Mixed Brackish- water Marsh (Type XII). Saltmarsh cordgrass dominates the broad intertidal zone that surrounds the more elevated interior portions of the marsh. This part of the marsh is drained and flushed extensively by tides via small creeks and guts, thus providing the Chesapeake Bay, Poquoson and Back Rivers with large amounts of marsh detritus. Much of the shoreline, other than the mouths of the various creeks, is dominated by sand beach. In certain areas however., eroded marsh edges are quite evident. A series of aerialphotogra-phs from 1937, 1953, 1959, 1963 and 1971 yield evidence that the marsh and beach interface is in a constant state of flux. These areas warrant further study and it is hopeful that research will be implemented by VI14S in the near future. Much of the interior portions of the marsh are dominated by meadows (Saltmeadow Hay- Saltgrass) and by Black Needlerush. Several relic beach ridges form elongated pine hummocks, typically fringed with salt- bushes. The most extensive of these ridges is Blackwalnut Ridge which is a misnomer because the present wooded areas are dominatedby Loblolly Pine. Some of the ridges and high portions of the marsh have been farmed and grazed as far back as the colonial period. Small fields and dwellings were evident in the 1937 aerial photographs. A large portion of the Plum Tree Island was used as a military practice bombing range. Many bomb craters and some unexploded ordnance were noted during field investigation. A large variety of waterfowl were observed during the six days of field investigation. Gulls, terns, herons, rails and egrets were the most abundant variety noted. Old spoil banks along dredged canals now supp, ort extensive stands of salt bushes (Iva- Baccharis). These bushes appeared to be ideal nesting habitats for marsh birds. Raccoon scat was also noted along the banks of these canals. Some dredged spoil baxlks,, especially those on Cow Island supported almost 'pure stands of Big Cordgrass. This large grass did not appear in 58 any of the undisturbed areas of the marsh. Plum Tree Island is indeed a unique marsh system which should be protected from encroaching development. It has great potential as a natural history center for a growing nearby urban area. In this light, a system of open pile catwalks could acccmmodated visitors without the usual difficulties of marsh excursions. Here many types of habitats could be explored; sand beaches, shallow bays, marsh creeks, southern pine forests and of course the marsh itself. 59 SCALE 1 24,000 SECTION iX - Plum Tree Island Wildlife I op 0 10.00 2000 FEET - Poquoson River Area Part 1 MARSH PT. COW ISLAND V BLACK SNAKE I S'@\ DRUM PT. MARSH IS. SHEEP iS. c7 1:) 253 Ile \k I WHALEBONE IS. Z &4, WARE STICK PT. N, JP, 6o 1*04, PLUM TREE ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE POQUOSON 31A BELL 0 -1 FLAT (;1,1 GI T (0 k 1: 2 5 4 ESSICK PT. Nk Go 0 TIN SHELL PT. 0 0@- G\ SECTION I Plum Tree Island Wildlife-PW e Part 2 IV rea 1000 61 Section D1. Plun Tree Island Wildlife Refuge Part 1: Poquoson River Area (Poquoson East Quadrangle) Be ir Md Sb Sc Other Marsh Place Name Acrel % Acres % Acres f Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Observations Type 253 Plum Tree Is. 2944 31.2 920.5 16.6 489.4 39.8 1174 11.4 336 .8 24 see text 253 contimed in 19.rt 2 Section DC Plum Trje Island Willilife Refuge Part 2: Baa River Arka (Bampton Q-tadrar Igle) see text 253 Plum Tree Is. 699 .34.5 241-5 53.4 373.6 9.8 68.8 2.11 15-0 Total for 253 3643 31.8 1162 23.6 863 34.1 1242.8 9.61 351 .6 24 b, C, g; h) k; q@ s, sea oxeye XII Poquoson 254 Messick Marsh 46o 4o.6 187 32.4 149-5 11.5 53 12.5 57-5 2.8g' 13,1 b, c. h, kp q, s, sea cxeye XII Total - Section DC 4103 1349 1012 -5 1-295.8 4o8.5 24 13.1 Se =Seltmersh Cordgress C = Saltmarsh Aster j =Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr =Black Needlerush d = Celt-tail k =Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink M4 =Saltgress Meadow -e = Marsh Hibiscus 1 =Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort Sb =Saltbushes f = Water Hemp m =Marsh Mallow Sc =Big Cordgrass g . Switch Grass n =Saltmarsh Loosestrife a =Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcvtail Grass 0 =Smartweed b =Saltmersh Fleabane i =Arrow Arun p = Wild Ri ce 62 Section X Back River (Northwestern Branch) and Brick Kiln Creek The rather extensive marshes in this section are characterized mainly as Meadow or Brackishwater Mixed Community types. Many areas within the marshes have been subjected to fill, solid waste disposal, channelization and dredge spoil disposal areas. As the population in this area increases, further pressures of this sort can be expected. Topping Creek for example, has undergone massive disruption because of dredging. Several marshes in the Brick Kiln Creek system have suffered from trash disposal. A large part of the marshes in the Cedar Creek system have been recently (Spring, 1974) burned. Despite these incidents of disruption the marshes remain productive as wildlife habitats, sediment traps and nursery and spawning grounds for fish. The upper end of Brick Kiln Creek was very active with carp when the site was observed. The marsh vegetation at the very end of Brick Kiln Creek 270) is highly diverse, however its species composition is not typical of a tidal freshwater marsh. In the intertidal areas where one would expect to find broad-leaved species such as Arrow Arm and Pickerel Weed., instead are found spike rush (Eleochaxis obtusa) and Mock Bishop-weed (Ptilimnium capillaceum). Also very prevalent are Marsh Mallow-FLosteletskya virginica) and Marsh Hibiscus (Hibuscus moscheutos.) along the upland border. An estimated percentage of vegetation for this marsh is as follows: 20% marsh Hibiscus/marsh Mallow 20% Spike rush 20% Mock Bishop-weed 10% Water Rock (Rumex verticillatus) 10% Narrowleaved Cattail (Typha augustifolia) 10% Saltbushes (Iva and Baccharis 5% Blackneedle rush 5% Big Cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) 63 Because of the unique vegetation found in this marsh, more research is planned O for this site. i I I j i I I I I I 64 i 269 270 POQUOSON 258 Pf-) 259 260 UPPER END BR1CK KILN CREEK 1@2 257 256 0 2 '2 OAK ISLAND 0 265 264 263 6lel 266 267 268 SECTION X Back River Northwest Br and Brick Kiln Creek SCALE 1 24,000 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET 65 Section X Back River (Northwestern Branch) and Brick Kiln Creek Be ir Md Sb So Other Marsh Place Name Acres Acres Acres % Acres % Acres Acres Observations Type Tin Shell Pt. to 255 Back Landing 79 4o.21 31.8 45-5 36 9.3 7.4 4.3 3.6 xii 256 Watts Cr. Area L@5 41.3 18.6 25 11.2 30.6 13--8 3.1 1.4 9 xii 257. Oak Island 50.2 51-8 26 18.3 9. 24.7 12.4 5.2 2.6 1 258 Topping Creek 20 80 16 15 3 5 1 9 1 Cedar Landing 259 Cedar Creek 37-5.. 4o 15 26.6 10 26.61 in 6.61 2.5 1 xii 26o N. Side Cedar Cr. 45.5 21.5 9.8 57.1 26 P1.3 9.7 11 ide 261 8;dar Cr. 83.6_ 9.8 8.2 30-1 25.2 50.2 42 9.8 8.2 11 262 Brick Kiln,Cr. 10 30 3 70 7 ss, II 263 Brick Kiln Cr. 32 10-3 3.3 35 11.2 35 .11.2 19.6 6-3 1 xii 264 Brick Kiln Cr. 14 40 5.6 4o 5.6 lo 1.4 lo 1.4 -a xii 265 12 20 2.4 60 7.2 10 1.2 10 1.2 266 34 5 1-7 25 30 10.2 20 6.8 20 6.8 landfill xii 267 18.4 4C) 7.36 4o 7.36 lo 1.84 lo 1-84 xii 268 14 6o 8.4 20 2.8 20 2.8 sa = Saltmarsh Cordgrass c =Saltmarsh Aster j =Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr = Black Needlerush d =cattail k =Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md = Salt9rass Meadow e =Marsh Hibiscus 1 =Olney Threesquare a = Saltwort. Sb = Saltbushes T = Water Hemp m =Marsh Mallow Sc = Big Cordgrass g = Switch Grass n =Saltmarsh Loosestrife a = Saltmarsh Bulrush h = Fcxtai.1 Grass o =Smartweed BaA es b = Seltmarsh Fleabane i = Arrow Arum pI= Wild Rice 40 @23 .8 1 18 6 26 16 66 I Section X (cont'd. Back River (Northwestern Branch) and Brick Kiln Creek Sa Jr Md Sb SC Other Marsh Place Name Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres AcLes % Acres Observations Type cr 0 269 Brick Kiln Creek 12 10 1 1.2 30 3.6 20 2.4 20 2.4 20 2.4 m XII 270 10 (See text) Total Sect. 165.5 16.4 x 517.2 134 139-5 52 Grand Total 6991.1 2656.2 1468-3 1797.3 579 217.6 Sa "altmarsh Cordgrasa c =Saltmarsh Aster Pickerel Weed q = Sea Lavender Jr Black Needlerush d =Cattail k = Reed Grass r = Marsh Pink Md SaItgrass Meadow e =Marsh Hibiscus I = Olney Threesquare a @ Saltwort Sb Saltbushes f =Water Hemp m = Marsh Mallow Se Big Cordgrass g =Switch Grass n = Saltmarsh Loosestrife a Saltmarsh Bulrush h =Faxtail Grass o = Smartweed b Saltmarsh Fleabane i =Arrow Arum p = Wild Rice 67 COASTAL ZONE 'NFORMAWON CENTER C4 -1 3 6668 14107 7059