[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
STAFFORD COUNTY Coastal Zone TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY),T, Information Center Special Report No. 62 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Kenneth A. Moore 7@ 4 A /V tq . WA QH 3 01 .V852 VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE no. 62 Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 APRIL 1975 STAFFORD COUNTY TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY Special Report No. 62 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Kenneth A. Moore G.M. Silberhorn, Project Leader U.S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413 Property Of coc Library VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Dr. William J. Hargis, Jr.,Director APRIL 1975 Acknowledgments Funds for the publication and distribution of 'this report have been provided by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Coastal Zone Management, Grant No. 04-5-158-500.01, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Gene M. Silberhorn. His invaluable guidance and assistance made this report possible. I wish also to thank Col. George M. Dawes, for his review of this report and his assistance in the field and Dr. William J. Hargis, Dr. Michael E. Bender, Mr. James Mercer, Mr. Thomas Barnard, Miss Christine Plummer and Mr. John Pleasants for their constructive criticism and suggestions. For assistance in the preparation of this report I am indebted to Mr. Joseph Gilley and Mr. Russell Bradley for the cover design and map illustrations. Thanks also to Mr. William Jenkins for photographic assistance and to Mr. Fred Biggs for help with publication procedures. I would like finally to thank Mrs. Rhonda Payne and Miss Christine Plummer for typing the various drafts and final manuscript. Stafford County Tidal Marsh Inventory Table of Contents Page Acknowledgments ........................................ i Introduction ..... i ..................................... 1 Methods.. .... "..... *- 1 Marsh Types and Evaluation ............................. 3 Marsh Types and Their Environmental Contributions ...... 5 Evaluation of Wetland Types ............................ 8 Marsh Plants ........................................... 12 Glossary of Descriptive Terms .......................... 14 Reference Map to Wetland Sections ...................... 17 Section I. Potomac and Accokeek Creeks ................ 18 Part 1. Upper Potomac Creek ................... 19 Part 2. Lower Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek ........................ 21 Section II. Aquia Creek ............................... 24 Part 1. Lower Portion of Creek ................ 25 Part 2. Middle Portion of Creek ............... 27 Part 3. Upper Portion of Creek ................ 31 Section III. Potomac River ............................ 34 Part 1. Lower Section ......................... 36 Part 2. Middle Section ........................ 37 Part 3. Upper Section ......................... 39 Section IV. Chopawamsic Creek ......................... 40 Index to Marsh Locations ............................... 43 ii Introduction This publication is the fifth in a series of marsh inventory reports compiled by the Wetlands Research Section, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The four previous reports that have been published are Lancaster County, Mathews County, York County and Town of Poquoson and Northumberland County. This report is presented in 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. This inventory program is designed to assist wetlands boards and other local, state and federal agencies which have responsibilities in managing wetlands. Its results are also of interest to scientists and other concerned citizens. A recently published study, Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia Wetlands, Silberhorn, Dawes and Barnard, 1974, VIMS SRAMSOE No. 46, will be helpful in the utilization of this report. Excerpts from the above document are included in the following text, explaining marsh vegetation types and their evaluation. The recommendations submitted in the above publication have been adopted and promulgated by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in booklet form. Titled Wetlands Guidelines, it may be obtained from VMRC, 2401 West Avenue, I Newport News, Virginia 2 07. 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, including observations on foot, by boat and by low level overflights. 1 Acreages and wetland boundaries were also estimated by these methods. 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 (shaded) 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 percentage and acreage, marsh type and other observations are recorded in tabular form. Plant community percentages are recorded to tfie nearest percent, and acreages to the nearest tenth of an acre. In those instances where an individual plant species is estimated to amount to less than 0.5 percent or 0.05 acre, 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 applicable marsh type is used. For example, a marsh which is judged to contain 60 percent wild rice would be listed as Type XI (Freshwater Mixed). This inventory report is organized into four sections. Each section attempts to describe one creek-marsh drainage system or significant length of shcreline. There is a section of Stafford County shoreline, however, which is not described here. It includes that portion of Stafford County from Muddy Creek to above Fredericksburg which borders the Rappahannock River. This complete section was observed in tfie field but was found to contain no tidal marshes. 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 Wetlands Research Section have classified twelve different common marsh types in Virginia, based on vegetational composition. 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 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 evaluate both complete marshes and subareas within a marsh. "Each marsh type may be evaluated in accordance with five general values. These are: "l. Production and detritus availability. 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 a major marine food web. The term "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. 3 "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 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 stabilizes the substrate. Generally, freshwater species are less effective than saltwater plants 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 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 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 ...... "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. 4 "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 have no clearly dominant species of vegetation. These marshes are considered to be highly valuable in environmental terms." 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. 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. 5 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 Saltbush Community a. 2 tons per acre per annum or less b. Nesting area for small birds and habitat for a variety of wildlife. C. Effective trap for flotsam. 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 Arum-Pickerel Weed Community 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. 6 Type VIII Reed Grass Community a. 4-6 tons per acre per annum. 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 annum. b. Cover and attachment site for aquatic animals and algae. C. Feeding territory for fish. 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. d. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. e. Known spawning and nursery grounds for fish. 7 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 value as erosion inhibitors, are important to the shellfish industry and valued as natural shoreline stabilizers. 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. 8 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 pond lily marsh is not a significant 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) The saltbush community is valued primarily for the 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 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. 9 For a better understanding of Virginia's Wetlands in general, the Wetlands Act of 1972 and marsh types and their evaluation, the following publications are recommended: Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report No. 3 Guidelines for Activities Affectincj_Virginia's Wetlands Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 46 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 Cons]-derations Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 35 Kenneth Marcellus, George M. Dawes, Gene Silberhorn, June 1973 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report No. 2 Special Report in -A-p-pT1--e-c7-Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 27 Kenneth Marcellus, July 1972 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 10 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 10 Marvin Wass and Thomas Wright, December 1969 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Laws of Virginia Relating to Wetlands and Subaqueous Waters Virginia Marine Resources Commission 2401 West Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607 Wetlands Guidelines Virginia Marine Resources Commission 2401 West Avenue Newport News, Virginia 23607 Marsh Plants Common Names and Scientific Names as found in the Data Tables American Lotus* Nelumbo lutea (Willd.) Arrow Arum Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth Arrowhead Sagittaria falcata Pursh. Beggar Ticks Bidens spp. Big Cordgrass Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth. Button Bush Cephalanthus occidentalis L. Cardinal Flower* Lobelia cardinalis L. Cattails common Typha latifolia L. narrow-leaved Typha angustifolia L. Common Threesquare Scirpus americanus Pensoon Ironweed* Vernonia noveboracensis (L.) Michaux Jewel-Weed* Impatiens capensis Meerb. Marsh Hibiscus Hibiscus moscheutos L. Pickerel Weed Pontederia cordata L. Reed Grass Phragmites australis Rice Cutgrass Leersia oryzoides (L.) Swartz Marsh species not included in the Virginia Wetlands Act of 1972 12 Saltbushes Marsh Elder Iva frutescens L. Groundsel Tree Baccharis halimifolia L. Smartweed Polygonum spp. Soft Rush, Giant Bulrush, or Softstem Bulrush Scirpus validus Vahl. Spike-Rush Eleocharis spp. Swamp Milkweed* Asclepias incarnata L. Sweetflag Acorus calamus L. Switch Grass Panicum. virgatum L. Tearthumb* Polygonum. arifolium L. Water Dock Rumex verticillatus L. Water Hemlock* Cicuta maculata L. Water Hemp Amaranthus cannabina (L.) J.D. Sauer Water Willow* Decodon venticillatus (L.) Ell. Wild Rice zizania aguatica L. Wool Grass* Scirpus cyperinus (L.) Kunth. Yellow Pond Lily Nuphar luteum (L.) Sibthrop & Smith 13 Glossary of Descriptive Terms a marsh contained within a concavity cove marsh or recessed area on a shoreline; the marsh vegetation is usually found surrounding a central, open-water pond, and tidal flushing is permit- ted through an inlet. creek or a marsh occupying a drowned creek embayed marsh valley; in many large creek marshes the salinity decreases headward; this type of marsh may be divided for inventory purposes into sections if significant changes in the plant community occur along its length. a marsh found growing on sediment delta marsh deposited at the mouth of a tidal creek; tidal exchange through the creek mouth is usually restricted to narrow channels by the marsh. 14 Glossary of Descriptive Terms extensive marsh a large marsh where the length and depth or width are roughly T- comparable; most extensive marshes are drained by many tidal channels and creeks which have little freshwater input. fringe marsh a marsh which borders along a section of shoreline and generally has a much greater length than width or depth. high 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. 15 Glossary of Descriptive Terms 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-circular 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. 16 ...... ..... . REFERENCE N IV WETLANDS SEC 111-3 Stafford Cou 111-2 IA TA :77 1 -2 ....... .. . 1-2 . .... .. 17 Section I Potomac and Accokeek Creeks The marshes of Potomac and Accokeek creeks (Parts 1 and 2) consist of 705 acres of the 1337 acres of the tidal wetlands found in Stafford County. Most of the marshes along these two creeks are of the highly productive, freshwater mixed community (Type XI). As are all the other tidal creeks of Stafford County which flow into the Potomac River, these two marsh-creek systems are highly valuable as both spawning and nursery grounds for fishes such as: striped bass, alewife, blueback herring, white perch, hickory shad, yellow perch. The great abundance of marsh plant species such as wild rice, pickerel weed and arrow arum indicates that these marshes are also highly valuable as food sources for many species of waterfowl. The vegetational zonation within each individual marsh varies with very slight changes in the elevation above mean low water. The lowest areas extend out to mean low water and below and are vegetated with pure stands of yellow pond lily. These plants serve as an important habitat and cover for both fish and waterfowl. At adjacent higher elevations, pickerel weed and arrow arum grow in either pure stands or mixed with wild rice. At highest elevations, a very diverse flora is found including such species as the striking marsh hibiscus, and the sprawling and climbing species of smartweed, jewel weed and beggar ticks. These last three produce seeds which are important-as food for birds. Growing on small hummocks througout these high marsh areas and near the borders of fastlands are shrubs such as button bush, alder and small willow saplings. Cattails are also found throughout this zone, as well as along the upland-marsh interfaces where ground water seepages occur. The wetlands in the upper reaches of both Potomac and Accokeek Creek progress from high marsh to woody swamp and as such provide both a buffer for flooding conditions and an excellent refuge for wildlife. Since the woody swamps include black gum, Nyssa sylvatica,which is listed in the Virginia Wetland's Act, those areas of swamp which are contiguous to the tidal marshes and meet the elevational requirements of the Act are to be considered "wetlands". To determine these areas, however, an accurate survey would be required. Therefore, only those areas with marsh-type vegetation are included in this inventory. 19 SECTION 1. POTOMAC CREEK - ACCOKEEK CREEK Part 1. Upper Potomac Creek Ile STONE POINT OLD LAND SPILLMANS LANDING BELLE PLAINS SCALE 1 24,000 X. lopo 0 1000 2000 FEET 2 --- LMw==wx=:l 20 Section I. Potomac Creek - Accokeek Creek Part 1, Upper Potomac Creek 0 Q Z 0 0 M 0 H d 0 Z 0 0 'j 1 0 0 U 0 P U o@: lpd t 13 M Observations ;PE: 0 Marsh Location E, .14 '1 Stafford Co. section only; % 30 5 40 10 5 10 pickerel weed at lower xi Black Swamp 4 - - - elevations; cattails along acres 1.2 0.2 1.6 0.4 0.2 0.4 landward border. Large pocket marsh; car- tails located behind zone xi 2 Beaverdam 18 _@'_ 30 40 5 20 5 of pickerel weed and arrow arum. Run acresl 5.4 7.21 0.9 1 3.6 0. 91 Large spit marsh dominated 16 3 14 291 28 3 1 3 1 4 1 by pickerel weed-wild rice xi other species 3 Big Marsh 90 3.6 along upland border. @cresJ14.4 2.7 12.6 26.1 25.2 2.7 2.7 Large creek marsh; lower i0l 40 5 30 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 portion dominated by pond XI 4 Upper Potomac 68 % lily; large stands of Creek acres 16.8 67.2 8.4 50.4 8.4 1.7 t.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 wild rice. Point marsh; interior 5 Upper Potomac 8 10 55 20 2 1 10 2 dominated by cattails-, VI fringed by pickerel weed. Creek 0.8 4.4 1.6 0.2 0.1 0.8 0,2 Cove marsh; interior 10 50 10 5 5 10 c, 5 dominated by cattails*, VI 6 Boylkins 6 1 fringed by pickerel weed. Island acres 0.6 3.0 0.6 0.31 0.3 0.3 10.6 1 0.3 Total % 13 24 13 26 14 2 - 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Section 1. 294 - Part 1. Is cres 39.2 70,1 37.2 77.4 39.8 5.8 0.4 1.9 4.7 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.0 1.7 3.6 1.7 1.4 0.2 11 10.31 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, c- S,..-ect Flag, f- Spike Rush [5 21 I `,-@ I SECTION 1. POTOMAC CREEK - ACCOKEEK C Part 2. Lower Potomac Creek and Accok 6 D21 3 SCALE 1 24,000 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET CROWS NEST M@ POINT INDIAN POINT BOYKINS ISLAND 3 OLD LANDING POINT PRATTS POINT B E L L EPLAINS WHIPSAWASONS OINT 22 Section I, Potomac Creek - Accokeek Creek Part 2. Lower Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek 0 0 0 r t 0 0 @a 0 0 Marsh Location F. @4 U 3: x E@ U El ra 1. < Observations Small pocket marsh; 7 Lower Potomac 1 40 20 51 25 5 5 @pickerel weed fringe; xi Creek other species at higher acres 0.4 0.2 - 0.2 - - elevations landward. Large pocket marsh; 8 Crows Nest 19 % 5 80 5 10 pickerel weed fringe; cat- VI Point tail dominated border. Lcres 1.0 1 15.0 1.0 2.01 1 . Pickerel weed fringe; 9 Lower Accokeek 18 10 70 5 10 5 b, interior of marsh dominated VI Creek - by cattails. acres 1. 8 12.6 0.9 1.8 0.9 % 75 5 5 5 5 5 Pocket marsh dominated by 10 Lower Accokeek 4 pickerel weed and arrow VII Creek arrum; other species along r res 3.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 landward edge. Lower Accokeek % 10 40 ic 10 5 10 10 5 Large creek marsh; cat- 11 65 tails are in clumped X1 Creek distribution throughout I acres 6,5 26,0 6.5 6.5 3.2 6.5 6.5 3.2 the marsh. 12 Upper Accokeek 76 15 15 50 10 10 Large creek marsh; pond lilys along the channels; xi Creek large stands of cattails rres, 11.4 11.4 38.0 7.6 7.61 1 in the interior. Upper Accokeek 20 20 20 40 ignificant increase in 13 221 - rld rice over lower Creek sections of the creek, X1 icres 44.2 44.2 ".2 88.4 5 40 5 20 5 5 fringe with higher marsh xi 20 Spit marsh; pickerel weed 14 Marlboro Point 7 species behind. res 1.4 0.4 2.6 0.4 1 0.41 1 0.4 1 1 a- Wool Gra .ss, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, e- Sweet Flag, f- Spike Rush 23 Section I. Potomac Creek - Accokeek Creek Part.2. Lower Potomac Creek ar@d Accokeek Creek 16 0 c, W M x :3: 7, 'U 4 0 W 0 p bD .1 co m 0 0 Marsh Location N @i U11 5. 42 :1 U U F4 W Observations Total % 17 14 33 25 2 1 - 2 - 4 1 b,- Section 1. 411 Part 2. acres 69. 7 55.6 136.6 103.6 9.5 3.8 1.0 9.9 0.4 17.0 3.6 b,- b,- Total % 15 18 25 26 7 1 - 2 1 - - - - - 3 1 C, Section 1. 705 b,- k res 108.91 125. 1173.8 181.0 49.3 9.6 1.4 11.8 4.7 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.0 1.7 3.6 0.4 1.7 18.4 3.8 c, 0.3 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, c- S,eet Flag, f- Spike Rush 24 Section II Aquia Creek Aquia Creek (Parts 1, 2 & 3) is the second largest wetlands system in Stafford County and contains approximately 420 acres of the County's 1337 acres of tidal marsh. The creek is valuable as both a spawning and nursery area for many species of anadromous fish. The upper section of the creek, however, is currently being subject to intense development pressures and much of this area has been altered by the dredging or filling of both woody swamp and marsh. This upper section also appears to be receiving sediment from the surrounding uplands as a result of large-scale construction combined with inadequate sediment control and destruction of the natural upland vegetation. Several of the natural creek channels had light colored sediment, indicative of an upland source, throughout the water column and covering the bottom. Also, several sections of man-made channels were found to be almost completely filled with this type of sediment. The effects of this runoff on both the spawning success in Aquia Creek and shoaling in the lower sections of the creek remain to be determined. The vegetation of the unaltered marshes in Aquia Creek is largely similar to that found in Potomac Creek, with pond lily and pickerel weed fringing the lowest sections and cattails and shrubs bordering the uplands (Type XI, Freshwater Mixed Communities). One exception to this is marsh #29 which contains a large stand of American lotus, a beautiful marsh plant found only in several place s in Virginia. The wetlands of the middle and lower parts of Aquia Creek consist of creek, pocket, or fringing freshwater marshes. The shoreline is also bordered by many small patches of marsh generally consisting of pickerel weed. Several small marshes have formed on old spoil banks that were left on the sides of a dredged channel. Although greatly eroded today, the spoil if very evident in aerial photographs taken in 1937. Shoreline erosion within the lower sections of Aquia Creek does not Appear to be significant, except along a berm which forms the eastern border of the Youbedamn Landing marsh. The marsh itself does not appear to be in danger of severe erosion at this time, however, the beach along its eastern side has been subject to recent erosion at a rate of over two feet per year. 25 SECTION 11. AQUIA CREEK Part 1. Lower Portion of Creek GOURDS PT. SHACKLEY PT. 658 666 WATSONS PT. COLE TRIP CAMP 16 SIMMS PT, THORNEY PT. 619 -,'@FORT McLEAN YOUBED LANDIN SCALE 1 24,000 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET 608 FRITTERS CORNER 26 Section II. Aquia Creek Part 1. Lower Portion of Creek 4 4 0 M 0 9 0 0 M r 0. 7i 11 la - 'i U W Q @z 10 E M 0 Z D X 0 0 U W 0 WW 0 W 10 Marsh Location E2 a, -z4 >' U U 0 Ubservations z Large spit marsh; severe % 20 20 5 20, 10 15 10 erosion of beach on 15 Youbedamin 63 I eastern shore. xi Landing 12.6 3.2 12.6 6.3 9.6 6.3 Spit marsh; large stands 30 50 5 15 of cattails with pickerel 16 Thorney Point 9 weed at lower elevations. VI 4.5 0.4 1.4 Total 21 24 4 18 9 15 9 section 11 72 1 1 . Part 1. acres 15.3 17.1 3.2 13.0 6.3 ILI .0 6.3 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, e- Sweet Flag, f- Spike Rush 27 COAL LANDING 25- ARKENDALE 23 24 eA 22 WILLOW LANDING SEEGARS PT. 10 SCALE 1 667 689 10po 21 18 19 -20 0 BENNETTS PT. SECTION 11. AQUIA CREEK 666 Part 2. Middle Portion of Creek 8 Section 11. Aquia Creek Part 2. Middle Portion of Creek -0 r a -0 0 F 13 0 U Q 0 't 4 c@ 0 _Ido -0 Marsh Location 0 11 m a: 0 0 UOservations Pickerel weed and arrow 40 1 40 15 21 3 1. along channel; cat- 17 Widewater 20- tails along landward edge. XI Beach acres 8.0 8.0 3,0 0.41 0.6 Pickerel weed and pond 20 j 5 50 5 1 5 1ily in lower portion; 18 Boars Creek interior dominated by xi 18 Fcres 3.6 2.7 0.9 9.0 0.9 0.9 wild rice, cattails in I I I I I I upper part. 5 5 Dickerel weed fringe along 19 @Lower,Aquia '0 8' @hannel; interior of marsh xi at higher elevation and Cr ek kcres 0. 1 - 0.8 lominated by hibiscus. f. 20 75 2 2 1 sh of low elevation; 20 Lower Aquia. inated by pickerel weed Creek 15 d pond lily. Ix acres 3.,0 11.21 0.3 0.3 0.2 Fringe marsh; pickerel 21 Seeger's 30 20 1 30 10 5 2 3 weed and pond lily along xi @hannel; other species Point Fres 2.1 1.4 2.1 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.2 along landward edge. 20 25 30 5 5 4 1 10 Iarsh island fringed with aond lily and pickerel 22 Middle Aquia 8 -weed. xi Creek 1.6 2.0 2.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.8 Spit marsh fringed with 9 35 50 5 1 pond lily and pickerel 23@ Middle,Aquia 14 weed. VI Cre k k..r e 1.3 4.9 7.0 0.7 0.11 Low marsh islands formed 30 3 20 5 10 5 _,by.spoil from earlier 24 Middle Aquia 5 dr dging operations. xi Creek acre 1.5 1.5 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.3 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, e- Seet Flag, f- Spike Rush 29 Section II. Aquia Creek Part 2. Middle Portion of Creek '3 0 E 0 7, 0 Ij 1 0 'a b4 0 0 7F Marsh Location E. U 2: U 19 'j v Observations z C eek marsh dominated by Icr 0 61 21 64 1 4 1- I attails; p nd lily and vi 25 Middle Aquia pickerel weed along channel Creek 13.1 39.1 0.5 2.6 0.4 edge. Creek marsh; pond lily 20 4 10 5 1 and pickerel weed along 26 Middle Aquia 49 channe 1 edge. xi Creek 9.8 2.0 4.9 2.5 0.5 Total 18 28 36 5 5 - 5 1 Section 11 198 Part 2. acres 36.3 56.3 70.6 9.0 9.6 0.4 0.6 10.3 0.3 0.1 0.4 2.8 1.3 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgra@@, e- Siveet Flag, f- Spike Rush 31 SECTION 11. AQUIA CRE Part 3. Upper Porti 95 610 we C6Y, SCALE 1 24,000 A&W lopo 0 1000 2000 FEET 3 4 @v ot 0" M 635 @33 GOVERN m 28 ... .. . . COAL LA ING ---30 "U. 02 32 Section Il. Aquia Creek Part 3. Upper Portion of Creek 0 0 0 0 E M 0 0 m U 0 M Q r Q 0 1 10 -a Marsh Location 0 k Ij &-, < >1 U E. < M Observations % 15 85 Long fringing marsh; pond lily extending out to IX 27 Coal Landing 2 channel, pickerel weed icres 0.3 1.7 closer to shore. Small pocket marsh some- % 40 40 20 what disturbed by spoil X1 Government piles between marsh and 28 1 2 creek eed grass growing on piier sland cres 0.8 0.8 0.4 Low marsh dominated by 40 30 5 5 20 submerged species; large 29 Government 12 stand of American lotus, XI Island icresl 4.8 3.6 0.6 0.6 2.4 uncommon to Virginia. Low fringing marsh 15 85 dominated by submerged 30 Coal Landing 6 species IX cres 0.9 5.1 Low fringing marsh 30 70 dominated by submerged 31 Upper Aquia 9 species. IX Creek cres 2.7 6.3 Large creek marsh of low 32 Upper Aquia 55 1 45 40 5 7 2 elevation. XI Creek 22.0 2.8 3.9 0.5 1.0 Creek marsh isolated by % 10 20 30 5 20 5 5 5 dredged channel; disturbed 33 Upper Aquia 5 - - I - areas overgrown with less XI Creek acres 0.5 1.0 1.5 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.2 1 10.2 productive grasses. Relatively undisturbed 10 20 10 40 5 5 10 cree marsh. XI 34 Upper Aquia 15 Creek c, q,, 1.5 3.0 1.5 6.0 0.8 0.8 1.5 @01' a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, e- Sweet Flag, f- Spike Rush 33 Section II. Aquia Greek Part 3. Upper Portion of Creek 0 0 r O 0 I 0 3 W U 0 0 0 'O 0 C4 @a 0 10 Im M 0 1 Marsh Locati n .4 Ix O Ubservations X: 0 W Id 5 50 45 Creek marsh largely 35 Upper Aquia 14 spoiled with dredged Creek erial and overgrown VI acres 0.7 7.0 6.3 th cattails and soft rush. 15 20 3 30 1 30 1 ddy, light-colored 36 Upper Aquia 30 @@`cdiment found in water; xi Creek Iindicates runoff from jacresi 4.5 6.0 10.9 1 9.0_ 0.3 9.0 0.3 rp lands. Total 150 % 28 33 7 13 1 3 8 2 6 Section II Part 3. acres 41.5 49.5 9.8 19.3 5.0 11.4 0.5 1.0 0.5 2.4 8.8 0.2 Total % 22 25 23 8 7 - 2 8 - - - - - 1 3 2 Section 11. 420 1 acres193.1[105.E 97.5 31.5 27.6 0.4 6.9 32. 7 0.8 0.1 11.0 0.5 0.8 2.4 11.6 1.5 6.3 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- water Dock, d- Rico Cutgras@3, e- S.eet Flag, f- Spike Rush 34 Section III Potomac River The segment of shoreline between Aquia Creek and Chopawamsic Creek (Parts 1, 2, 3) is the most dynamic section in Stafford County and consequently, except in Brent Marsh, the marshes of this section are few and scattered in distribution. Most of the shoreline is subject to severe erosion which has resulted in high bluffs of unconsolidated materials. Brent Marsh (Part 2) consists of a very diverse high marsh flora and appears to support a large population of blue herons. In contrast to the dramatic erosion of the more southern and northern sections of shoreline this marsh appears to be quite stable and, in fact, aerial surveys dating back to 1937 show an outline very similar to that found today. 35 SECTION 111. POTOMAC Part 1. Lower Sect 17 WIDEWATER BEACH BENNETTS PT. SHACKLEY PT. WATSONS PT. BRENT PT. SCALE SIMMS PT. lopo 0 37 z 0@D ON FpF DER CC SB WA AP N > )TOAlAC7 VIRGINIA MARYLAND 00 o Vo m C) 0 N) 0 0 0 (D K C/) > cD n 0 0 m 0 0 Section III Potomac River Part 2. Middle Section 0 0 0 0 a D 0 0 7E Marsh Location U U 'C Q 0 0 < 0 Observations % 5 25 25 lo 51 10 10 10 Very diverse high marsh; 37 Brent Marsh 117 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 shrubs and bushes form - a perimeter; cattails and xi 29.2 29.2 11.7 5.8 11.7 11.7 11.7 hibisqus dominate the interior. Total 5 25 25 10 5 10 10 10 Section 111 117 1 cresJ5.9 29.2 29.2 11.7 5.8 11.7 11.7 11.7 a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- Rice Cutgrass, e- S,eet Flag, f- Spike Rush 39 QUANTICO MARINE CORPS SCHOOLS SECTION 111. POTOMAC F Part 3. Upper Sect 0 0 z T'l Lo 4 Z 0 CLIFTON PT. mOUNTJOY STORE WIDEWATER ele SCALE 1 24,000 633 1 opo 0 1 O@00 2 37 40 Section IV Chopawamsic Creek Chopawamsic Creek marks the northern boundary of Stafford County and only those marshes found within the County line are described here. The creek is dominated by several species of low marsh, broad-leaved plants including pickerel weed and yellow pond lily. A stand of American lotus covering approximately seven acres is also found here. As with the other tidal creeks entering the Potomac River from Stafford County, this marsh- creek complex'is an important spawning and nursery area for adadromous fish as well as an excellent habitat for ducks and other waterfowl. The upper reaches of Chopawamsic Creek progress from tidal marsh to woody swamp. As discussed previously for Potomac and Accokeek creeks, the most downstream parts of this swamp might be considered "wetlands", but only those areas upon which marsh-type vegetation is growing are included in this inventory. 41 CHAMBERLAIN VILLAGE SECTION IV. CHOPAWAIVISIC CREEK QUANTICO MARINE CORPS SCHOOLS N, Q z- TO 0 ROAD CHOPAWA V, PO 42 r ,g 4 2 3-9' %P, @,38 SCALE I 1000 0 42 Section IV. Chopawamsic, Creek 0 0 -1. -0 0 U E@ M 0@ 0 U 0 .0 to 0 0 M 'a 7S Marsh Location U U M E-- M M M 0 Observations z Cove marsh of low 38 Chopawainsic 11 5 10 5 elevation; higher marsh I species along landward Creek 0.6 1.1 0.6 border. Spit marsh including 39 Chopawamsic 50 10 40 large stand of wild Creek 8 acre 4.0 0.8 --- 3.2 rice. Vil Higher marsh species 40 Chopawamsic 33 30 551 1 1 1 1 2 located on elevated portion of marsh, land- VI Creek 9.9 18.2 0.6 0.3 0.6 ward of pickerel weed and pond lily. Large stand of American 20 50 5 5 20 lotus, uncommon to 41 Chopawamsic 35 Virginia. Ix Creek acre@ 7.0 17.5 1.8 1.8 7.0 Pickerel weed dominated 42 Chopawamsic 8 % 60 20 20 marsh; hibiscus and switchgrass along uplands. VII Creek acres 4.8 1.6 1.6 Total 29 39 22 3 5 1 1 7 2 Section IV 95 a rj 27.S 28.2 20.6 3.2 5.1 0.9 0.6 7.0 1.6 b,- Total 18 19 24 16 8 7 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 C, Stafford 1337 County cr b,- es 235.8 25M321.1 215. 111.2 10.0 8.3 57.1 11.3 1.9 2.7 2.2 13.4 2.0 14.8 13.0 0.4 13.3 30.1 6.9 6.3 C'O. a- Wool Grass, b- Water Hemlock, c- Water Dock, d- RiCL CUt c- Swe@t Flag, f- Spike Rush 43 Index to Marsh Locations Page Accokeek Creek ......................................... 18 Lower .............................................. 21, 22 Upper .............................................. 21, 22 Aquia Creek ............................................ 24 Lower .............................................. 27, 28 Middle ............................................. 27, 28, 30, 31 Upper .............................................. 31, 32, 33 Beaverdam. Run .......................................... 19, 20 Big Marsh .............................................. 19, 20 Black Swamp ............................................ 19, 20 Boars Creek ............................................ 27, 28 Boykins Island ......................................... 19, 20 Brent Marsh ............................................ 37, 38, 39 Coal Landing ........................................... 31, 32 Chopawamsic Creek ...................................... 40, 41, 42 Crows Nest Point ....................................... 21, 22 Government Island ...................................... 31, 32 Marlboro Point ......................................... 21, 22 Potomac Creek .......................................... 18 Lower ............................................... 21, 22 Upper ............................................... 19, 20 Potomac River .......................................... 34, 36, 39 Seegar's Point ......................................... 27, 28 Thorney Point .......................................... 25, 26 Widewater Beach ........................................ 27, 28 Youbedamn Landing ...................................... 25, 26 44 DATE DUE GAYLORDINo. 2333 PRINTED IN U.S.A. I I io -3 6668.14107 7075-