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INVENTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S J COASTAL MARSHES 1974 I *~ ~~ w I I I 158~~~~~~~~~~~~Z 1974 gI I ' 5 dt ;ii T tt : .. . :9': 541.5 . glf 3 ji7S- 1974 i ci,~~ ~~~~~~ .- � a>',Y it r'J AN IVtEDORY OF SOUTI-I CAROLJIA'S COASTAL MARSHES I Property of CSC Libr:& ? Ralph W. Tiner, Jr. Project Co-Ordinator Technical Assistants Robert H. Dunlap, Jr. John P. DeVeaux Karen R. Swanson Richard H. Dacwson U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413 S. C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department Marine Resources Division Charleston, South Carolina 1) 'INTRODUCTION In August 1974, the Office of Conservation and Management (S. C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department) completed the first phase of a two-part inven- tory of South Carolina's tidal marshes. Coastal features delineated under that study included: 1) beach, 2) low salt marsh, 3) high salt marsh, 4) brackish- water marsh, 5) fresh-water marsh, 6) impoundments and 7) diked spoil areas. These features were transcribed onto mylar overlays of U.S.G.S. topographic maps to be digitalized for computer use and stored as data for preparation of a coastal zone baseline map. The end product of this initial inventory was a wetland atlas which will be used for coastal resources management purposes. After completing this first inventory, it was apparent that descriptive information about the plant composition of South Carolina's tidal wetlands was lacking. A second study was, therefore, proposed to fill this gap in our know- ledge and also to aid in the establishment of marsh priority classes to be used as guidelines for future zoning activities in coastal wetlands. In defining these priority classes, it was necessary to assess the relative importance of these wetlands to marine resources, as well as their value to wildlife and water- fowl. Quantification of marsh types within each estuarine system was also in- cluded within the scope of this study. METHODS In order to describe the species composition of South Carolina's tidal marshes, it was necessary to divide the coast into seventeen estuarine systems (Table 1). Estuarine boundaries used in this study are indicated on a coastal zone map of South Carolina (Appendix I). These boundaries were not based on hydrographic information, since much of this is unknown, but these lines were rather arbitrarily drawn following prominent features, including highway causeways, and were intended for discussion purposes only. The inventory data was compiled from aerial photography and ground truth surveys. Through aerial-photo interpretation, it was possible to identify and delineate seven coastal features, including four classes of tidal marshes: 1) beach, 2) low salt marsh, 3) high salt marsh, 4) brackish-water marsh, 5) fresh-water marsh, 6) impound- ments and 7) diked spoil areas. Field investigations were conducted from August 1975 - June 1976 in each estuarine system to verify these results and to gather information about plant composition of the various marsh types. ASCS black and white photography provided essential data for updating USGS 7 1/2 minute topographic quadrangles and mapping wetland areas. Low altitude color-infrared photography, when available, proved invaluable in discriminating between various wetland types. Marshlands were initially recorded on USGS topographic maps and later transferred onto mylar overlays to be digitized for computer use and stored as data for the coastal zone baseline map. Acreage statistics were compiled for each coastal county (Horry, Georgetawn, Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper), and each es- tuarine system (Table 1) using a Salmoiraghi planimeter. Individual areas were circumscribed at least two times, in order to provide reliable results. Acreage figures were considered to be accurate within + 5.0%. The primary factor respon- -2- sible for this error was the data-transfer operation where data franom other sourAes (black and white and color-IR photography) was transcribed onto baseline maps used in this study. A review of available published literature about plant composition of coastal marshes and waterfowl impoundments was undertaken to supplement information col- lected during field surveys. A list of papers used in the preparation of this report appears in the bibliography section. In addition to this literature review, a form letter requesting information on plant composition of coastal impoundments was sent to several knowledgeable individuals, including state and federal refuge managers. A copy of this letter is attached (Appendix II). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The tidal marshes of South Carolina may be divided into three major types based upon prednominant vegetation and integrity of the creek systems: 1) salt marshes, 2) brackish-water marshes and 3) fresh-water marshes. Differences be- tween types 1 and 3 are readily apparent, however, type 2 shares several charac- teristics with both types (1 and 3) and thus represents a transitional zone between these distinctive wetlands. After reviewing Tables 2-4 which outline characteristic vegetation of each marsh type, the floral dissimilarity between salt marshes and freshwater marshes becomes evident, yet a relatively subtle difference in plant composition exists between the brackish-water marshes and the other two types. These brackish marshes are influenced by the marine (salt-water) environment, as well as the riverine (fresh-water) environment and the vegetative composition of these wet- lands reflects these varied influences. For example, the more seaward portions of a brackish-water marsh may be dominated by black needlerush (Juncus roemerea- nus) with smoth cordgrass (Spartirn ateriflora) occurring as the primary asso- ciate, while the more landward segments of this brackish zone rmay contain a di- I 3 - verse assemblage of plants, including cattails (Typha spp.), giant cordgrass (Spartina cyrnsuroides), soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus vaZidus), sawgrass (CZad- ium jamaicense), pickerel-weed (Pontedaria cordata), spider-lily (Hymenocallis crassifoZia), arrow-arum (-Peltandra virginica), alligator weed (AZternanthera philoxeroides), water parsnip (Siwm suave), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), and giant (ufgrass (Zizaniopsis miZiacea), which are representative of tidal fresh- water marshes, as well. The integrity of creek systems in the three wetland types varied substan- tially. Creek systems of salt marshes generally remain in their natural condi- tion, while the integrity of the brackish marsh creeks and fresh-water marsh creeks, which were previously altered by man in the 1800's for the cultivation of rice, is largely broken. The typical salt .marsh creek system consists of a rather elaborate network of interconnecting small creeks and channels which pro- duces a somewhat dendritic appearance (Figure 1). On the other hand, the natural creek pattern of the majority of the fresh-water marshes was drastically changed by the construction of dikes and excavation of canals within these wetlands. Figure 2 is an example of two previously altered marshes; one is presently managed for waterfowl hunting, while the other is an abandoned rice-field. Where the dike has not been maintained and the former rice field is no longer managed, the dike has eroded at certain locations allowing tidal waters to enter the former impound- ment. Within these abandoned rice fields, a more natural appearing creek system is beginning to re-establish itself between each of the man-made canals and the adjacent tidal river or creek. The mnre seaward brackish-water marshes usually exhibit a more natural pattern with sinuous creeks and channels (Figure 3), while those where fresh-water influence predominated reveal a previously altered creek system with dikes and canals (Figure 2). I 4 - General Description of Marsh Types Salt Marsh Salt marshes are. generally regarded as those estuarine marshes found nearest to the ocean. The overwhelmig inifluence of the marine environment is apparent and is reflected by the plant ccmposition of these wetlands. Table 2 presents a list of plants observed during field surveys, plus others that appeared in the literature. In general, salt marshes may be divided into two major zones based on tidal elevation and vegetative composition: 1) low marsh and 2) high marsh. The regularly flooded low marsh extends from a point slightly above the mean low water mark to the approximate mean high water level, while the high marsh occurs above this zone in an area which is flooded only at irregular intervals by higher than average tides (i.e., spring and storm tides). This difference in tidal ele- vation and related physical conditions (i.e., submergence and exposure, soil salinity, etc.) is evidenced by an obvious change in plant community composition between these two marsh zones. An extensive monospecific stand of smooth cordgrass (Spartirza alterniflora), typifies the low marsh. Lacking formidable ccnmetitors, this plant dominates the intertidal marsh and frequently attains heights of six feet or more along creek margins. Smooth cordgrass is regarded by many scientists as the most valua- ble and productive salt marsh plant along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from an ecological standpoint. In contrast to the monotypic low marsh, plant composition of the high marsh is more varied, with several halophytes (salt tolerant plants) abundantly occurring: glasswort (SaZicornia spp.), salt wort (Batis rmritimn), sea lavender (Limoninm spp.), salt marsh aster (Aster spp.), salt grass (Distichlis spicata), sea oxe-eye (Borrichia frutescens), black needlerush (Juncs roemer-,anus), marsh-hay cordgrass (Spartina patens), coastal dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus), salt-marsh fir- bristylis (FimbristyZis spadicea), marsh elder (Iva frutescens), and a stunted form of smooth cordgrass. Ihe lower elevations of the high marsh are usually characterized by a dominance of stunted smooth cordgrass with common associates, glasswort, aster, sea lavender and salt grass, although other high marsh species such as sea ox-eye and marsh-hay cordgrass, may be present in low numbers. Sand barrens or salt flats occur within the high marsh and glasswort, salt wort, stunt- ed smooth cordgrass, coastal dropseed and salt grass corrmonly predominate in such areas, although stunted forms of sea ox-eye, needlerush, and sea lavender may also be observed. At higher elevations within the high marsh, several other marsh plants enter the community: fimbristylis, seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), needlerush, marsh elder, sea myrtle (Baccharis spp.), marsh orach (AtripZex patuZa), switchgrass (Paniciwnm virgatum). wax myrtle (AMrica cerifera), broomsedge (Andro- pogon sp.) and saltmarsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus). This upper high marsh commu- nity is comnronly dominated by needlerush, while sea ox-eye, marsh elder, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass and fimbristylis are also quite abundant. Species such as threesquare (Scirpus americanus), cattails (Typha spp.), sea purslane (Sesuvium spp.), spike rush (Eleocharis sp. ), giant cordgrass (Spartina cynosu- roides) may be locally abundant. Widgeon-grass (Ruppia maritima), coammonly found in brackish-water impoundments, may be present in salt marsh ponds. Brackish-Water Marsh Located along the estuaries between salt marshes and the tidal freshwater marshes, the brackish marshes represent an apparent transitional zone, sharing vegetative characteristics with each of these diverse wetland types. Table 3 outlines the plant composition of these marshes and includes plants observed during field trips, as well as those that appeared in the published literature. This list contains plant species representative of both salt marshes and fresh- - 6 - water marshes, thus revealing both the marine (salt-water) and riverine (fresh-water) influences upon this region. The more seaward brackish marshes bear striking resemblances to the high salt marshes, with black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), predominating and smooth cordgrass occurring as the primary associate. Other typical high marsh plants also appear, such as salt marsh bulrush, aster, marsh elder, sea myrtle, giant cordgrass, panic grass, fimbristylis, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, sea ox-eye, broomsedge and goldenrod. In certain localities, salt marsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus), may be a co-dominant species or a primary associate. Proceeding upstream in the estuary (toward fresh-water sources), giant cordgrass- (Spartina cynosuroides) replaces needlerush as the dominant plant, while salt marsh bulrush, marsh elder, sea myrtle, aster, goldenrod, broomsedge, three-square, marsh hay cordgrass, smooth cordgrass and panic grass (common to salt marshes) still remain in the community. Typically fresh-water marsh plants, including cattails (Typha spp.), sedges (Carex spp. and Cyperus Spp.), smartweeds (PoZygonum spp.), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miZiacea), soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus vaZidus), pickerel-weed (Pontedaria cordata), arrow-arum (2-Petandra virginica), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), water parsnip (Sium suave), spider lily (HymenocaZZis crassifolZia ), sawgrass (CZadiwum jamaicense), rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), and alligator weed (Alternanthera phiZoxeroides), quickly enter the plant community, giving it a heterogeneous appearance. Olynei's three-square (Scirpus olynei) also occurs in these situations. Cattails, soft- stem bulrush, wild rice, common three-square, pickerel-weed, salt marsh bulrush, sawgrass and Olynei's three-square may be locally abundant in these brackish marshes. Freshwater Marsh Fresh-water marshes border coastal rivers where water salinity is relatively 1'I�~~~~~ 7 -7 low or negligible and a comparatively small change in tidal amplitudes exists. Although the more downstream (seaward) marshes may contain noticeable traces of salinity, the predominant force governing plant succession appears to be the river which periodically floods vast marsh acreages with fresh-water during the spring freshets and after severe storms. Plant composition of this wetland type is more varied than that of either the salt or brackish marshes (Table 4), yet the boundary between the fresh-water marsh and brackish-water marsh is not distinct, as they both exhibit common species. In general, many of the plants observed in the brackish marsh become more prominent in the fresh-water marsh, especially saw grass (CZadium jamaicense), giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), water parsnip (Siwn suave), alligator weed (Alterzanthera philoxeroides), begger ticks (Bidens sp.), and cattails (Typha spp.). Although giant cutgrass appears to dominate many of these fresh-water areas, the general composition of these marshes is heterogeneous with other species, such as saw grass, giant cordgrass, soft- stem bulrush, arrowhead, pickerel-weed, common threesquare, wild rice and cattails, being equally important. New species, particularly members of the floating aquatic group, enter the community and include: american frogbit (Linrnobiwn spongia), yellow pond-lily (Nuphar Zutewn), white water-lily (Nymphaea odorata), parrots- feather (MyriophyZZwnum sp.), pondweed (Potamogeton spp. ), bladder wort (UtriclZaria spp. ), mosquito fern (AzoZZa caroliniana), pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.), duck weeds (Lemna spp.), EZodea spp., golden club (Orontium aquaticum), loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria ), sedges (Carex spp.), sedges (Cyperus spp.), jewel-weed (Impatien capensis ), rushes (Juncus spp.), water primrose (Ludwigia spp.), royal fern (Osmunda regalis ), smartweeds (PoZygonun spp. ), mock bishopweed (PtiZi- mnium capiZacenum), SaccioZepis. striata, lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), bulrush (Scirpus cyperinus), dock (Rumex verticilZZatus),butterweed (Senecio sp.)and burreeds (Sparganium spp.). Woody plants characteristic of riverine swamps, such as bald cypress (Taxodium distichuw)O gums (Nyssa sylvatica and N. aquatica), ironwood (Carpinus caroZiniana), button-bush (CephaZanthus occidentaZis), water locust (Gleditsia aquatica),Viburnnum dentatwnum , elderberry (Sambucus eanadensis) and tag elder (AZnus serralata), plus others that were present at higher eleva- tions within salt marshes and brackish marshes (wax myrtle and sea myrtle) also comprise part of the fresh-water marsh community. Conspiciously absent from this community is smooth cordgrass, the dominant salt marsh plant and codominant brackish marsh plant, which apparently is eliminated through competition by freshwater marsh species. Also, needlerush is not normally present, except in the Cooper River where relict populations steadily endure after water conditions (salinity and average water level) were changed by the Santee-Cooper Diversion Project. Coastal Impoundments The majority of coastal impoundments represent former rice fields that are currently managed to attract waterfowl for hunting. Other uses of these impound- ments have also been identified, including cattle pasturage, water reserves, snipe hunting, planted cypress, wildlife sanctuary, aesthetics and beautification and mariculture. These types of impoundments are chiefly found in the fresh- water zones of coastal rivers, although they also occur in brackish-water situa- tions. Impoundments have also been constructed in salt marshes where tidal sloughs have been cut off frnom adjacent waters by dikes. Like other coastal impoundments, the main objective of these impoundments is to attract waterfowl for hunting, yet some may be utilized for mariculture or other purposes. Waterfowl impoundments may be managed in several ways to encourage growth of desired duck food plants by manipulation of water levels and marsh burning. Depending on their location within the estuarine system, impoundments may be flooded with eithner brackish-water or fresh-water, resulting in an obvious diffe- rence in plant composition. - 9 - Brackish impoundments are principally managed for widgeon-grass (Ruppia maritima), salt marsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus) and dwarf spike-rush (Eleo- charis parvuZa) which are excellent duck food species. Other duck food plants like sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus vaZidus), muskgrass (Chara hornemannii) and duckweeds (Lerar, and Spirodela) may also be present. Less desirable plants from a waterfowl management standpoint may per- sist in these diked wetlands, including smooth cordgrass, needlerush, glassworts, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, marsh elder, giant cordgrass, sawgrass, cattails, panic grass, marsh fleabane, sedges and green algae (Cladophora). Under freshwater conditions, a host of other marsh plants, which are desirable duck foodsare encouraged to grow within waterfowl impoundments: smartweeds (PoZygonwn spp. ), panic grasses (Panicwn spp.), wild millet (Echinochloa spp.), red root (Lachnanthes caroliniana), water shield (Brasenia schreberi), spike rushes (Eleocharis spp.), pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), arrow arum (PeZtandra virginica), white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), southern naid (Najas quadaZupensis), asiatic dayflower (AneiZema keisak), soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus validus), wild rice (Zizania aquatica) and water grass (HydrochZoa caroZinensis). Cultivated crops such as corn (Zea mays), brown tip millet (Panicwn ramoswn), Japanese millet (EchinochZoa crusgaZli), wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeumwn sp.), rye (SecaZe cereaZe), Italian rye grass (Loliwnm sp), clover (TrifoZium sp.), soybeans (Glycine max) and grain sorghum (Sorghum sp.) are planted in conjunction with Summer drawdown in some freshwater impoundments. Undesirable marsh plants found within fresh-water impoundments include alligator weed, cattails, giant cordgrass, giant cutgrass, pickerel-weed, soft rush, sea myrtle, marsh fleabane, american frogbit, bladderwort, pennywort, coontail (CeratophyZZllw spp.), waterweed, green algae (Cladophora spp.) and fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana). -10- Statistical Analysis of Inventory .' State-wide Totals A total of 502,838 acres of coastal marshes, including 68,844 acres of impoundments, was delineated in our inventory. Over seventy-seven percent (334,501 acres) of the state's tidal marshlands was classified as salt marsh, with about eighty-two percent of this marsh designated as low salt marsh. Only eight percent (34,962 acres) of S. C. tidal marshes was considered brackish marshes, whereas fresh-water marshes comprised nearly twice this amount (15% or 64,531 acres). County Totals Statistical results of our inventory on a county-basis are presented in Tables 5 (acreage figures) and 6 (percentage ratios). Each inventory category is defined for the eight coastal counties. Both Charleston and Beaufort Counties possess over one hundred thousand acres of tidal marshes, with Charleston ranking first in abundance. In addition, Charleston has more beach acreage (5,272) and-more impoundments (22,999 acres) than any other county, although Colleton County ranks a close second in impound- ment acreage (20,596). Georgetown County has the highest acreage of tidal freshwater marsh in the state with 23,764 acres, while Berkeley County closely follows with 17,511 acres. Charleston, Colleton and Georgetown Counties contain almost equal amounts of brackish-water marsh (10,843 a., 10,170 a., and 8,262 a., respectively). The acreages of diked spoil areas also is fairly equally divided among three counties - Berkeley, Jasper and Charleston. Discussion of Estuarine Marshes In this Section, discussion will be limited to marsh acreages and dominant vegetation of each estuarine systems. General descriptions of the major marsh types were presented earlier in this report. Statistical results of our inventory were broken down for each of the state's seventeen estuarine systems. Table 7 outlines the acreage of seven inventory categories associated with each es- tuary, while Table 8 shows comparative percentage ratios between marsh types, impoundments and spoil areas on an estuary-basis. System 1. Little River The marshes of the Little River system encompassed slightly more than 2,000 acres, with the majority (1527 acres) of this acreage classified as low salt marsh. Smooth cordgrass dominates this low marsh, while several plants thrive in the 217 acres of high marsh identified in this system, including needlerush, sea lavender, sea ox-eye, glasswort, marsh-hay cordgrass, salt grass, marsh elder and fimbristylis. More than 300 acres of brackish marsh also occur within this system and the dominant vegetation includes needlerush, cat- tails, salt marsh bulrush and giant cordgrass. System 2. Myrtle Beach The Myrtle Beach system is the smallest estuarine system inventoried in this study and is composed mainly of the marshes of two tidal swashes, Singleton Swash and White Point Swash. These swashes are connected to the Atlantic Ocean by small tidal creeks. There is very little freshwater inflow into these areas and the dominant influence of the marine environment is evidenced by the plant composition of these marshes. These marshes are considered salt marshes, since the predominant vegetation is composed of halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), mainly smooth cordgrass. Sixty-one acres of low salt marsh and fourteen acres of high salt marsh make up the Myrtle Beach system, while forty-three acres of impoundments are also present. The vegetation of the high salt marsh is varied with several common plants observed: needlerush, sea ox-eye, marsh-hay cordgrass, salt grass, glasswort, marsh elder, etc.; while low marsh area were dominated by a single spe- cies - smooth cordgrass. In certain localities fringing the upland, cattails flou- rished, apparently associated with freshwater runoff from adjacent highland areas. - 12 - System 3. Murrells Inlet Murrells Inlet is a comparatively small (1,760 acres) high salinity estuarine system which contains 64 acres of impoundments. Plant composition of these marshes reflects the overwhelming marine influence on the system, in which freshwater inflow is negligible. These wetlands are, therefore, classified as salt marshes. The low marsh occupies 1,561 acres, while high marsh plants occupy 135 acres of this system. A single species - smooth cordgrass - dominates the low marsh, whereas several plants are common in the high marsh, including needle- rush, sea ox-eye, saltgrass, fimbristylis, marsh-hay cordgrass, glassworts, marsh elder and sea lavender. Cattails and yellow-pond lily flourish in the large im- poundment bordering the entrance road to Huntington Beach State Park. System 4. Pawleys Island Similar to Murrells Inlet, the Pawleys Island system is a rather small - (1,268 acres) high salinity estuary in which marine influence predominates, due to little freshwater inflow. Plant composition of these marshes is also similar to that of Murrells Inlet and typical of salt marshes. Over eighty-percent (or 721 acres) of these salt marshes is designated as low marsh and is dominated by a single plant-smooth cordgrass. Less than 200 acres of high marsh are present within this system. These areas are characterized by a diverse plant community, including needlerush, sea ox-eye, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, glassworts, marsh elder, and others. System 5. North Inlet North Inlet is, like systems 3 and 4, a relatively small (5,688 acres) high salinity estuary with little freshwater inf!c.J. This system contains 5,640 acres of salt marsh, of which 4,906 acres are classified as low marsh and 734 acres are designated high marsh. Low marsh areas are characterized as extensive stands of one species - smooth cordgrass, while the plant community of the high marsh is relatively diverse with needlerush, sea ox-eye, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, glassworts, marsh elder, and others. System 6. Winyah Bay The Winyah Bay system is a large estuarine system (31,867 acres) in which strong freshwater influence arising from four major rivers (Sampit, Black, PeeDee and Waccamaw) results in an extremely diverse plant ccomunityparticularly in the freshwater areas. Consequently, freshwater marshes dominate the region, totaling 22,649 acres (81% of the Winyah Bay marshes), while brackish marshes cover about 18% (or 4,915 acres) of this system's wetlands. On the other hand, salt marshes occupy only 204 acres and comprise less than one percent of the Winyah Bay marshes. Smooth cordgrass dominates the salt marshes, particularly the lower eleva- tions (low marsh), while a number of plants, including sea ox-eye, needlerush, marsh-hay cordgrass, salt grass, fimbristylis, sea lavender, glassworts and marsh elder, abound at higher elevations. Several species flourish in the brack- ish marshes including giant cordgrass, black needlerush, salt marsh bulrush, ame- rican three-square, soft-stem bulrush, cattails, pickerel-weed, arrowhead, spider- lily and arrow arum. Giant cutgrass, which occurs less abundantly in slightly brackish marshes, is a common plant of the freshwater marshes, along with others which include pickerel-weed, jewel-weed, water parsnip, smartweeds, yellow pond- lily, water hemlock, arrowhead, rose mallow, soft-stem bulrush, giant cordgrass, cattails, loosestrife, white water-lily and alligator-weed. Tree species, such as tag elder, bald cypress, ironwood, water locust, tupelo and black gums, button- bush and viburnum, also appear in these marshes. System 7. Santee River The coastal marshes of the Santee River occupy 48,172 acres which include - 14 - 19,837 acres of managed impoundments. Freshwater influence of the river is evi- denced by a significant amount (3,964 acres) of freshwater marsh in this region. This freshwater inflow, however, has been previously reduced by the Santee-Cooper Diversion Project, which diverted most of the flow of the Santee River to the Cooper River to fulfill hydroelectric power needs. This, in turn, has resulted in an increase of marine influence upon this system. Most of the unmanaged marshes (63% or 17,847 acres) are classified as salt marshes, with smooth cordgrass dominating low marsh areas and a mixed plant community of needlerush, marsh-hay cordgrass, sea ox-eye, saltgrass and other typical high marsh species representing high marsh areas. The brackish marshes (6,524 acres) are comprised of several common plants, especially giant cordgrass, saltmarsh bulrush, soft-stem bulrush, american threesquare and cattails. Other plants occurring in these marshes include pickerel-weed, sedges, rose mallow, spike rush, aster, arrowhead, goldenrod, sea myrtle, marsh elder and occasionally wildrice and giant cutgrass. Fresh-water marshes of the Delta generally exhibit a dominance of giant cutgrass with other species present as associates: giant cordgrass, soft-stem bulrush, wild rice, saw-grass, cattails, sedges, alligator-weed, water primrose, beggar-ticks, water parsnip, arrow arum, dock, aster, foxtail grass, pickerel-weed, smartweeds, rose mallow and others. System 8. Bulls Bay The Bulls Bay estuarine system is composed mainly of salt marshes located between the mainland and barrier islands, such as Cape Is., Bull Is., Dewees Is., Isle of Palms and Sullivans Is., yet also includes brackish marshes associated with large tidal creeks (Awendaw, Tibwin and Jeremy) that drain upland areas. Over 45,000 acres (or 94%) of salt marsh are dominated by smooth cordgrass, whereas a host of plants characterize the system's 2,742 acres of high marsh, including needlerush, marsh-hay cordgrass, saltgrass, fimbristylis, sea lavender, glasswort, sea ox-eye and marsh elder. Needlerush forms vast stands in the brackish marshes - 15 - bordering Awendaw Creek and other large tidal creeks of this system. Other plants occupy marginal positions along the upland edges of these marshes, particularly in AAwendaw Creek, and inc-ude giant cordgrass, sawgrass, smartweeds, and rushes. System 9. Charleston Harbor The Charleston Haybor system primarily consists of tidal marshes associated with three major rivers -Cooper, Wando and Ashley. The Wando and Ashley Rivers are tidal rivers with a moderate to small amount of freshwater influence, whereas the Cooper River is characterized by a large volume of freshwater diverted from the Santee River basin through Lake Moultrie into the river. The marshes related with the Cooper River reflect this strong freshwater influence as flooded rice fields are observed in the East and West Branches, while plant composition of the Ashley and Wando marshes is generally representative of the dominant marine (salt-water) influence upon these regions. Over 50,000 acres of coastal marshes are present in the Charleston Harbor system, including 5,111 acres of impoundments. Salt marshes comprise slightly more than 53% (24,710 acres) of this figure, while freshwater marshes cover approxi- mately 40% (18,425 acres) and brackish marshes make up the remaining 7% (3,329 acres). Smooth cordgrass dominates the 20,103 acres of low salt marsh in this system, whereas a variety of plants thrive in the system's 4,607 acres of high marsh, in- cluding needlerush, sea ox-eye, fimbristylis, marsh-hay cordgrass, saltgrass, glass- worts, marsh elder and other typical high marsh species. Needlerush also dominates the system's brackish marshes, while smooth cordgrass occurs here as the primary associate. Other plants, such as saltmarsh bulrush, soft-stem bulrush, cattails, giant cordgrass, marsh elder, american threesquare, pickerel-weed, arrowhead and sea myrtle, are also present, but not in great abundance. The vegetation of the fresh-water marshes is more diverse, with many common species, including cat- - 16 - tails, giant cordgrass, soft-stem bulrush, Olynei's threesquare, sawgrass, wild rice, giant cutgrass, pickerel-weed, arrowhead spider-lily, arrow arum, water parsnip, sedges, rushes, alligator weed, water hemlock, marsh fleabane, mock bishop-weed, jewel-weed, rose mallow, dock, bald cypress, button bush, elderberry, sea myrtle butterweed, american threesquare, and bladderwort. Giant cordgrass, giant cutgrass, pickerel-weed, soft-stem bulrush, sawgrass, cattails and american threesquare are locally dominant in these marshes. Remnant stands of needlerush are present in the fresh marshes of the Cooper River, giving testimony of previous (pre-Santee Diversion) brackish-water conditions. System 10. Stono-Kiawah The Stono-Kiawah system is chiefly composed of the coastal marshes bordering two rivers, Stono and Kiawah Rivers. The marine influence on this region is de- picted by the plant composition of this attendant wetlands. Over 18,000 acres of salt marsh are inventoried, with nearly eighty-percent of this total designated as low salt marsh and dominated by a single species - smooth cordgrass. The remain- ing salt marsh acreage (3,228 acres) is classified as high marsh, which is charac- terized by a mixed plant community of needlerush, aster, glassworts, sea ox-eye, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, marsh elder and others. Brackish marshes cover 2,665 acres with needlerush predominating in these marshes. Other plants such as giant cordgrass, smooth cordgrass, marsh elder, aster, and smartweeds are com- monly associated with those needlerush dominated wetlands. Fresh-water marshes within this area are rather limited (21 acres) and are dominated by cattails. System 11. North Edisto The North Edisto System, like System 10, is under strong marine influence, as only a small amount of freshwater enters the system, principally the result of upland runoff. Over 23,000 acres of salt marshes and only 385 acres of brackish marshes comprise this system. Smooth cordgrass dominates the low salt marsh,- - 17- which occupies about 84% of this region's marshes,while the high marsh and brackish-water marsh make up only 94% and 2%,respectively. Both the high marsh and brackish-water marshes are largely dominated by black needlerush, while common associates in the high marsh include sea ox-eye, sea lavender, salt grass, smooth cordgrass, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis and marsh elder, whereas cormon brackish marsh associates include giant cordgrass, smooth cordgrass, aster and cattails. System 12. St. Helena Sound The St. Helena Sound estuarine system contains tidal marshes primarily associated with South Edisto, Ashepoo, Combahee, Morgan and Coosaw Rivers, as well as the Sound itself. Over 117,000 acres of coastal marshes, including 25,843 acres of impoundments, are inventoried. Most (72%) of the unmanaged marshes are classified as salt marshes, with 60,434 acres designated as low marsh and 5,148 acres of high marsh. Brackish water and fresh-water marshes occur in nearly equal amounts (3,596 acres and 12,148 acres respectively)and comprise roughly thirty percent of the system's tidal marshes. Smooth cordgrass forms extensive stands which dominate the low marsh areas, while the high marsh is characterized by a mixed plant community which includes needlerush, sea ox-eye, glassworts, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, saltgrass, aster, marsh elder and sea lavender. Brackish marshes of this system may be either dominated by needlerush or typified by a mixed community of marsh plants. In the needlerush-dominated marshes, smooth cordgrass occurs as an associate species, while other plants frequently observed include saltmarsh bulrush, giant cordgrass, marsh elder, sea ox-eye and sea myrtle. Dominant plants of the mixed brackish marshes are giant cordgrass, salt marsh bulrush, and soft-stem bulrush, with other species also present including pickerel-weed 3.I� �~~~~ - 18 - and arrowhead. The freshwater marsh community is extremely diverse and contains a host of wetland plants: giant cordgrass, giant cutgrass, cattails, pickerel- weed, alligator-weed, water parsnip, arrow arum, sawgrass, soft-stem bulrush, jewel-weed, loosestrife, water primrose, mock bishop-weed, swamp rose, tag elder, smartweeds, marsh fleabane, buttonbush, wild rice, arrowhead, sedges, iris, rushes, pennyworts, parrots-feather, beggar-tick, spike rushes, butter-weed, dock, american frogbit, rose mallow, royal fern, golden club, bladderworts, mosquito fern, asters, goldenrod, bald cypress, american threesquare and others. System 13. Fripp-Trenchards The Fripp-Trenchards estuarine system is a high salinity area similar to Systems 3, 4 and 5, where little freshwater inflow occurs. The marsh vegetation is dominated by halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) which reflects the apparent marine (saltwater) influences on the region. This system's 21,770 wetland acres are, therefore, classified as salt marshes. Smooth cordgrass dominates the ma- jor portion (17,890 acres or 82%) of these marshes, while a diverse plant commu- nity exists at higher elevations (high marsh) in the salt marshes. Plants such as needlerush, sea ox-eye, saltgrass, glasswort, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristy- lis and marsh elder are carmon in those high marshes. System 14. Port Royal Sound The Port Royal Sound estuarine system encompasses the tidal marshes border- ing the Broad, Beaufort, Chechessee River, Colleton River as well as other smaller rivers and creeks such as Euhaw Creek, Pocataligo Creek, and Whale Branch. A total of 70,953 acres of coastal marsh, including 1,329 acres of impoundments, is present within this system. All of these marshes with the exception of impounded wetlands are classified as salt marshes. The low marsh is characterized by extensive monospecific stands of smooth cordgrass, whereas the high marsh vegetation is relatively diverse with several comon species, including needlerush, sea ox-eye, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, glasswort, sea lavender and marsh elder. Under brackish conditions, needlerush commonly dominates large areas of high marsh in this system. In these marshes, associate species include smooth cordgrass, marsh elder, giant cordgrass, sea myrtle, panic grass and broom-sedge. System 15. Calibogue Sound The Calibogue Sound estuarine system includes the tidal marshes of Broad Creek, May River, Bull Creek, Cooper River and part of Mackay Creek. The marine environment dominates this area where little freshwater inflow exists. Characte- ristic marsh plants of this region arehalophytes (salt-tolerant) typical of salt and brackish marshes. More than 16,000 acres of salt marsh are inventoried (13,437 acres of low marsh and 3,064 acres of high marsh). Smooth cordgrass forms monospecific stands in the low marsh, whereas the high marsh plant comnunity is relatively diverse with several common species: needlerush, sea ox-eye, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, glasswort, marsh elder, sea lavender, and salt marsh aster. System 16. New-Wright The New-Wright system is composed of the marshes bordering two rivers, New and Wright Rivers. There is a moderate amount of freshwater flowing into this system as evidenced by the 1,786 acres of freshwater marsh inventoried. Most of the marshes, however, are salt marshes (15,988 acres), with low marsh areas predominating. Smooth cordgrass dominates 13,917 acres of low marsh, while several plants are common in the 2,071 acres of high marsh: needlerush, sea- ox-eye, glasswort, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, fimbristylis, sea lavender, aster, marsh elder, salt marsh bulrush and others. Brackish marshes total - 20 - 3,072 acres and are represented by several common species: giant cordgrass, needle- rush, pickerel-weed, soft-stem bulrush, arrowhead, etc. Plant composition of fresh-water marshes is extremely diverse with cattails, sawgrass, water parsnip, pickerel-weed, iris, arrowhead, rose mallow, arrow arum, alligator-weed, rushes, spikerushes, mock bishop-weed, swamp rose, dodder, Olynei's threesquare and royal fern, as well as woody species - button-bush, sweet gum and sea myrtle. System 17. Savannah The Savannah system is composed of 7,651 acres of tidal marshes which occur along the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River. The effect of the Savannah River upon the associated marshes is apparent, since the majority (72% or 5,538 acres) of these wetlands is classified as fresh-water marsh. Much of the system's wetlands have been previously altered or manipulated by man, such as 4,321 acres of managed impoundments and 3,102 acres of spoil areas (former marshlands). Also, only a small amount (113 acres) of low salt marsh remains while 2,000 acres of high marsh exists, with the majority of high marsh acreage resulting from open marsh disposal practices in low marsh areas. No brackish marsh is inventoried, since all of this marsh type is currently used for disposal of dredged material and is, therefore, included within designated spoil areas. Smooth cordgrass dominates the remaining low marshes, whereas a number of plants commonly represent the high salt marsh, including needlerush, sea ox-eye, salt grass, marsh-hay cordgrass, glasswort, marsh elder and sea lavender. Fresh- water marshes are characterized by a mixed plant community of giant cordgrass, giant cutgrass, cattails, wild rice, saw-grass, water parsnip, arrowhead, pickerel- weed, rose mallow, soft-stem bulrush, beggar-ticks, alligator-weed and others. Priority Classification of Tidal Marshes A series of priorities based on overall value would be of great benefit - 21 - as guidelines in future coastal zone planning and management activities. Since all marshes generally play important roles in erosion control, flood control and water storage, water quality control and aesthetics, these factors were not con- sidered of prime importance in formulating a priority classification. Instead, emphasis was placed upon ecological values which vary considerably between tidal marshes. Three general ecological values were evaluated: 1) marsh production and detritus availability, 2) fish and invertebrate utilization, and 3) waterfowl and wildlife utilization, and the following priority classification was devised: Class I. Class I marshes are most important to fisheries, waterfowl, and wildlife resources and exhibit the highest productivity values. These marshes with their tidal streams and channels, serve as nursery and spawning grounds for many fish and invertebrates. They are also important as shell-fish growing areas. Class I marshes should be preserved based on ecological importance. These marshes include: 1) low salt marsh, 2) brackish-water marsh (mixed plant carmunity) and 3) freshwater marsh. Class II. Class II marshes are less important to fisheries, waterfowl, and wildlife resources than Class I marshes. These marshes are generally less produc- tive than the Class I marshes. Since they are usually located above the mean high water mark, less tidal flushing results, therefore, the organic matter (detritus) that is produced is not readily available to the estuarine environment. Class II marshes should also be preserved, but if development in wetlands can be justified based on public need, it would be preferable to alter Class II marshes rather than Class I marshes. These marshes include: 1) high salt marsh and 2) brackish-water marsh (needlerush-dominated community). Class III. Class III marshes have little value to fisheries, waterfowl, and wildlife when compared with the previous classes. These marshes, however, serve important value in erosion control, flood control and water storage, and water quality control. These marshes appear less aesthetically-pleasing than Class I and Class II marshes. While Class III marshes should not be unreasonably - 22 - disturbed, development in these marshes is preferred to altering any of the marshes of the preceding classes. Class III marshes include: sand barrens or sand flats of the high salt marsh and areas significantly altered by develop- ment (outer margins of diked spoil areas, undiked spoil areas and areas fouled by industrial, municipal or other wastes). SUMMARY An inventory of South Carolina's tidal marshes including coastal impoundments, spoil areas and beaches, has been completed by the Marine Resources Division of the S. C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. This survey, based on aerial photo- interpretation and field investigations, revealed a total of 433,994 acres of tidal marsh for South Carolina. This figure, however, does not include 68,844 acres of coastal impoundments, which are considered coastal marshes. Also identified in the inventory were 10,790 acres of spoil areas and 10,701 acres of beaches. Plant composition of the four general marsh types (salt marsh, brackish-water marsh, fresh-water marsh and coastal impoundments), as well as species composition of specific estuarine marshes (Little River, etc.) were determined. Salt marshes comprised more than seventy-seven percent of the State's tidal marshes, while brackish marshes and fresh-water marshes made up only eight and fif- teen percent, respectively. Three priority classes of marshlands were established by appraising the overall value of these wetlands to marine resources, waterfowl and wildlife. The low salt marsh, brackish-water marsh (mixed plant community) and fresh-water marsh were regarded as the highest priority marshes (Class I), while sand barrens in the high marsh and areas significantly altered by development (outer margins of diked spoil areas, undiked spoil areas and areas fouled by industrial, municipal or other wastes) represented the lowest priority marshes (Class III). The needlerush-domi- nated brackish marsh and high salt marsh were ranked as Class II marshes. BIBLIOGRAPHY The following works were used in the preparation of this report or have been extensively used in the survey. Baden, J. III, W. T. Batson and R. Stalter. 1975. Factors affecting the distribution of vegetation of abandoned rice fields, Georgetown Co., South Carolina. Castanea 40:171-184. Conrad, W. B., Jr.. 1975. A food habits study of ducks wintering on the lower Pee Dee and Waccamaw River, Georgetown, South Carolina. Proc. 19th Ann. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Game and Fish Com. October 10-13, 1965; Tulsa, Oklahoma; p. 93-97. Hosier, P. E. 1975. Dune and marsh vegetation. Section D of Environmental Inventory of Kiawah Island, Environmental Research Center, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina. Hotchkiss, N. 1972. Conmmnon marsh, underwater and floating-leaved plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications, Inc., New York. Morgan, P. H. 1970. A study of tidelands and impoundments within a three-river delta system - the South Edisto, Ashepoo and Combahee Rivers of South Carolina. Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Gerogia, Athens, Georgia, 92 p. Radford, A.E., H. E. Ahles and C. R. Bell. 1973. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; 1183 p. Shriner, D. 1972. Vascular plant inventory of selected marsh transects in Port Royal Sound. Port Royal Sound Environmental Study, South Carolina Water Resources Comm.; p. 249-259. Silberhorn, G. M., G. M. Dawes and T. A. Barnard, Jr. 1974. Coastal Wetlands of Virginia. Interim Report No. 3. Guidelines for activities affecting Virginia wetlands. Spec. Rept. in App. Mar. Sci. and Ocean Eng. No. 46, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia; 52 p. Stalter, R. 1968. An ecological study of a South Carolina salt marsh. Ph.D. dissertation, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 62 p. , 1973. Factors influencing the distribution of vegetation of the Cooper River estuary. Castanea 38:18-24. Wilkinson, P. M. 1970. Vegetative succession in newly-controlled marshes. Job Completion Report for Period: April 1, 1967 to June 30, 1970. South Carolina Wildlife Resources Department, 37 p. v~~~~~~~~ ~ I;' ~%~t ~ ~ < -Z~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i -~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ ~ ?~~~~1 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. A -p- -. - ~~~ 4~~~ ~~'1' - *~~~~~~7~~~j~~;; ~~~ 5i I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~efcs TFiTrr . eralpotgrphsowngdeditc r-Lnepatr 4 2in atmrs bein Isle~~~ of Palms, Charlsto on 49~~~~~~~ I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t;~MN& ~~~2Aei a bto-ahofCmhe irccta.=hsshwnolrc- ~~~~ielsA aae monmnB bnoe rc fil. C.~~~~~~~~~~V - ~~ .~~~. �, - ~~~~~~. eg -~~~~~~0 z __ -'~~~~~.A' ~~~ I -~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ woo~~~~~~ ~ IFigure 3. Aerial photograph showing sinuous drainage pattern o-f a brackis'h-water marsh (Ch,-rch Creek) near Pierpont, Charleston County. TABLE 1. Classification of South Carolina's estuarine systenm. SYSTEM NO. SYSTEM NAME MAJOR WATERBODIES I1 TLittle River AIWW, Calabash Cr., Little River, Dunn Sound, Clayton Cr., Bonapart Cr., AIWW, Blane Cr., Bull Cr., Fox Cr., Williams Cr., Nixon Cr. 2 Myrtle Beach AIWW, Camp Branch Run, Prices Swamp Run, AIWW, Canepatch Swash, Black Cr., Deephead Swash, Withers Swash, Midway Swash, Singleton Swash, Bear Br., Black Cr., Waccamaw R., Simpson Cr., (Bear Br., Mill Br., Frank Br.), White Point Swash. 3 Murrells Inlet Murrells Inlet, Oaks Cr., Main Cr., Parsonage Cr., Allston Cr., Woodland Cr., Whale Cr., Weston Flat, The Bay 4 Pawleys Island Clubhouse Cr., Midway Inlet, Pawleys Isld. Cr., Pawleys Inlet. 5 North Inlet Debidue Cr., Crab Haul Cr., Bass Hole Bay, Cooks Cr., Sea Creek Bay, Old Man Cr., Town Cr., Clam- Bank Cr., Bly Cr., Broad and Button Cr., Jones Cr. Cutoff Cr., Mud Cr., Sawmill Cr., Oyster Bay, No Mans Friend Cr., Duck Cr., Perry Cr., Bobs Garden Cr., Little Wood Cr., Double Prong Cr., Wood Cr., Peoblossom Cr., Boor Cr., Little Jones Cr., Nancy Cr., Dividing Cr., Sign Cr., Jones Cr., Haulover Cr., Noble Slough 6 Winyah Bay Waccaraw R., Brookgreen Cr., Collins Cr., Little Bull Cr., Springfield Cr., Bull Cr., Prince Cr., Still Cr., Silver Cr., Ruinsville Cr., Fisherman Cr., Sandhole Cr., Cow House Cr., Black Cr., Whit Cr., Vaux Cr., Crane Cr., Black R., Peters Cr., Choppee Cr., Lanes Cr., Black Mingo Cr., McGinney Cr., Cold Cr., Jericho Cr., Caledonia Cr., Waverl, Cr., Butler Cr., Schooner Cr., Carr Cr., Little Carr Cr., Bullins Cr., Squirrel Cr., Middleton Cu- Oakland Cr., Sixmile Cr., Whites Cr., Ports Cr., Cottonpatch Cr., Mud Bay, Winyah Bay, Sampit R., Pennyroyal Cr., Turkey Cr., Estherville Minim Cr. Thoroughfare Cr., Chapel Cr., Guendalose Cr., Bul lins Cr., Cooter Cr. 17 Santee River Wadmacon Cr., Beach Cr., Wheeler Basin, Bird Bank Cr., North Santee Bay, Estherville Minim Creek Canal (AIWW), Mosquito Cr., AIWW, Duck Cr., Big Duck Cr.. Cane Cr., Minim Cr., Pleasant Mea- dow Cr., Bella Cr., Little Duck Cr., Cork Cr., Kinloch Cr., North Santee R., Fourmile Creek Cana SYSTEM NO. SYSTEM NAME MAJOR WATERBODIES (Cont.) 7 Santee River Atchinson Cr., Sixmile Cr., South Santee R., Pleasant Cr., Alligator Cr., Pole Branch, Wad- macon Cr., Chicken Cr., Hampton Cr., Cedar Cr., Collins Cr., Warbaw Cr. 8 Bulls Bay AIWW, Alligator Cr., Barmhorn Cr., Salt Cr., Cape Romain Harbor, Ormond Hall Cr., Mill Cr., Slack Reach, Roman River, S. Creek, Devils Den Cr., Key Inlet, Congaree Boat Cr., Skrine Cr., Casino Cr., Du Pre Cr., Club House Cr., Muddy Bat, Nellie Cr., Little Papas Cr., Oyster Bay, Papas Cr., Santee Path Cr., Key Bay, Clark Cr., Five Fathom Cr., Bull Bay, Bull R., Sett Cr., Little Sett Cr., Long Cr., Mathews Cr., Jeremy Cr., Tibwin Cr., AIWW, Harbor R., Bull R., Sandy Point Cr., Doe Hall Cr., Graham Cr., Saltpond Cr., Awendaw Cr., Steed Cr., Bell Cr., Belvedere Cr., Vanderhorst Cr., Venning Cr., Blind Cr., Anderson Cr., Bull Cr., Summerhouse Cr., Jack Cr., Back Cr., Bull Narrows, Hickory Bay, Sewee Bay, Price Cr., Schoor Cr., Santee Pass, Clauson Cr., Mark Bay, Capers Ci Whiteside Cr., Santee Pass, Toomer Cr., Capers Inlet, Price Inlet, Watermelon Cr., Bullyard Cr., Copahee Sound, Dewees Cr., Dewees Inlet, Cedar Cr. Morgan Cr., Hamlin Sound, Long Cr., Seven Reaches. Gray Bay, Hamlin Cr., Swinton Cr., Inlet Cr., Conch Cr., Sullivans Island Narrows. 9 Charleston Harbor The Cove, AIWkS, Shem Cr., Hobcaw Cr., Cathall Cr.: Boone Hall Cr., Horlbeck Cr., Wando R., Foster Cr. 1ill Cr., Wagner Cr., Toomer Cr., Darell Cr., Al- ston Cr., Deep Cr., Guerin Cr., Old House Cr., Lachicotte Cr., Fogarty Cr., Johnfield Cr., Clouter Cr., Cooper R., Beresford Cr., Ralston Cr., Yellow House Cr., Flag Cr., Grove Cr., Back R., Foster Cr., Goose Cr., Chicken Cr., Durham Cr. Prioleau Cr., West B. Cooper R., Molly Br., Mepk~i Cr., East Br. Cooper R., French Quarter Cr., Wad- boo Cr., Tailrace Canal, Biggin Cr., Huger Cr., Quinby Cr., Gough Cr., Robbins Cr., Cutoff Reach, Cole Cr., Folly R., King Flats Cr., Rat Isld. Cr. Lighthouse Cr., First Sister Cr., Second Sister Cr., Ft. Johnson Cr., Secessionville Cr., Claw Sound, Schooner Cr., Bass Cr., Parrot Point Cr., AIWW, Old Town Cr., Orangegrove Cr., Ashley R., Town Cr., Chasn. Harbor, Dill Cr., Wappoo Cr., Elliott Cut, James Isld. Cr., Mill Cr., Kushiwah Cr., Backyard Cr., Bulls Cr., Church Cr., Keiling Cr., Macbeth Cr., Dorchester Cr., Eagle Cr. SYSTEM NO. SYSTEM NAME MAJOR WATERBODIES 10 Stono-Kiawah Stono R., Holland Isld. Cr., Green Cr., Folly R., Cole Cr., Kiawah R., Bass Cr., Cinder Cr., Alligator Cr., Abbapoola Cr., Hut Cr., Pennys Cr., Chaplin Cr., Bryans Cr., Rantowles Cr., Branch Cr., Wallace R., Log Bridge Cr., Haulover Cr. 11 North Edisto Church Cr., Bohicket Cr., AIl1W, Stono R., New Cut, Wadmalaw Sound, Oyster House Cr., Wadmalaw R., Leadenwah Cr., Dawho R., Steamboat Cr., 'Westbank Cr., Russel Cr., North Cr., Watt Cut, Scott Cr., Jeremy Inlet, Ocella Cr., Sand Cr., Whooping Isld. Cr., South Cr., Townsend R., Frampton Inlet, Privateer Cr., Capt. Sams Cr., Kiawah R., Adams Cr., Fishing Cr., Tom Point Cr., Toogoodoo Cr., Swinton Cr., Lower Toogoodoo Cr. 12 St. Helena Sound South Edisto R., Big Bay Cr., Scott Cr., Mud Cr., St. Pierre Cr., Fishing Cr., Store Cr., Baile Cr., Shingle Cr., Milton Cr., AIWW, Mosquito Cr., Sampson Isld. Cr., Alligator Cr., Fernwick Cut, Musselboro Cr., Crooked Cr., Ashepoo Cr., Two Sisters Cr., Bank Cr., Long Ashepoo Cr., Jeffort Cr., Dawho R., Hope Cr., Ashe Cr., Deer Cr., Penny Cr., Coosaw R., Morgan Back Cr., Otter Cr., Morgan R., Village Cr., Coffin Cr., Ward Cr., Har- bor R., Johnson Cr., Fish Cr., Pine Isld. Cr., St. Helena Sound, Rock Cr., Combahee R., Old Che- haw, Rock Spring Cr., Warsaw Flats, Capers Cr., Lucy Point Cr., Social Hall, Williman Cr., Ashepoc R., Rock Cr., Wimbee Cr., Barnwell Cr., Cuckholds Cr., McCalleys Cr., Briars Cr., Folly Cr., SchoonE Cr., Chehaw R., New Chehaw Cr., True Blue Cr., Branford Cr., Boatswain Pond Cr., Parrot Cr., Bass Cr., Chowan Cr., Village Cr., Eddings Pt. Cr., DoE Point Cr., Jenkins Cr. 13 Fripp-Trenchards Fripps Inlet, Old House Cr., Story R., Harbor R., Skull Cr., Skull Inlet, Pritchards Inlet, Moon Cr. Turtle Cr., Club Bridge Cr., Scott Cr., Station Cr., Morse Isld. Cr., Trenchards Inlet, Capers Cr. Distant Isld. Cr. 14 Port Royal Sound Brickyard Cr., Albergottie Cr., Salt Cr., Beaufori R., Factory Cr., Broomsfield Cr., Battery Cr., Mulligan Cr., AIWW, Pigeon Point Cr., Broad R., Habersham Cr., Whale Branch, Euhaw Cr., Bird Isld. Cr., Chechessee R., Hazzard Cr., Coles Cr., Boyd Cr., E. Branch Cr., West Branch Cr., Chowan Cr., Capers Cr., Cat Isld. Cr., Ballast Cr., Archers Cr., Port Royal Sd., Coggin Cr., Colleton R., Cal- lawassie Cr., Sawmill Cr., Okatee R., Bees Cr., Boyds Cr., Cosawhatchie R., Tllifinny R., Pocota- ligo R., Haulover Cr., Hospa Cr. 15 Calibogue Sound Broad Cr., Cooper R., Hoophole Cr., Savage Cr., Bull Cr., May R., Mackay Cr., Skull Cr., Jarvis Cr., Old House Cr., Lawton Cr., Point Comfort Cr., AIWW, Rose Lew Cr., Stony Cr., Ramshorn Cr. 16 New-Wright New R., AELW, Cooper R., Walls Cut, Wright R., Ramshorn Cr. 17 Savannah Savannah R. Table 2. Species list of plants occurring within South Carolina's salt marshes. SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME LOCATION WITHIN MARSH AmpeZopsis arborea Peppervine Marsh-upland border Andropogon virginicus Broom sedge Marsh-upland border Aster subuZatus Salt marsh aster High marsh Aster tenuifolius Salt marsh aster High marsh AtripZex patula Marsh orach High marsh Baccharis angustifoZia False willow Marsh upland border Baccharis haZimifolia Groundsel tree Marsh upland border Bacopa monneri Water-hyssop High marsh Batis maritima Saltwort High marsh Borrichia frutescens Sea ox-eye High marsh Chenopodium alZbm Lamb's quarters Marsh-upland border Chloris petraea Finger grass Marsh-upland border Distichlis spicata Salt grass High marsh EZeocharis sp. Spikerush High marsh Fimbristylis spadicea Saltmarsh fimbristylis High marsh Iva frutescens Marsh elder High marsh; marsh-upland border Juncus roemerianus Black needlerush High marsh Limonium caroZinianwn Sea lavender High marsh Limonium nashii Sea lavender High marsh Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle Marsh-upland border Panicum virgdtum Panic grass Marsh upland border PZuchea purpurascens Marsh fleabane High marsh PortuZaca pilosa Marsh-upland border Ruppia maritima Widgeon-grass Marsh ponds Sabatia dodecandra Sea pink Marsh-upland border Sabatia steZllaris Sea pink Marsh-upland border SaZicornia bigeZovii Glasswort High marsh SaZicornia europaea Glasswort High marsh SaZicornia virginiea Glasswort High marsh SoZidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod Marsh-upland border Scirpus americanus Common threesquare High marsh Scirpus robustus Salt marsh bulrush High marsh Sesuvium maritimum Sea purslane High marsh Sesuvium portuZacastrum Sea purslane High marsh Table 2 (Cont'd.) SCIENTIFIC NAKE COMMON NAME LOCATION WITH MARSH Spartina aZterniflora Smooth cordgrass Low marsh; high marsh Spartina cynosuroides Giant cordgrass High marsh Spartina patens Marsh-hay cordgrass High marsh Spergularia marina Sand spurrey High marsh SporoboZus virginicus Coastal dropseed High marsh Suaeda Zinearis Sea blite High marsh Typha sp. Cattail High marsh Table 3. Species list of plants characteristic of South Carolina's brackish- water marshes. SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME AZternanthera phiZoxeroides Alligator weed Amaranthus cannabinus Water and hemp Ammanea teres Apios americana Aster tenuifoZius Salt marsh aster Bacopa monneri Water-hyssop Bidens spp. Beggar-ticks Borrichia frutescens Sea ox-eye Cicuta macuZata Water hemlock CZadium jamaicense Sawgrass Cyperus spp. Sedges Dichromena co lorata DistichZis spicata Salt grass EchinochZoa walteri Wild millet EZeocharis spp. Spikerush Hibiscus moscheutos. Rose mallow HymenocaZZis crassifoZia Spider lily Iva frutescens Marsh elder Juncus roemerianus Black needlerush KosteZetskya virginica Seashore mallow LiZiaeopsis chinensis Lythmrm lZineare Loosestrife PeZtandra virginica Arrow-arum PZuchea purpurascens Marsh fleabane PoZygonwn spp. Smartweed Pontedaria cordata Pickerel weed PtiZimnium capilZaceum Mock bishop weed Rosa paZustris Swamp rose Ruppia maritima Widgeon grass Sagittaria spp. Arrowhead SoZidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod Scirpus americanus Common threesquare Scirpus olynei Olynei threesquare Scirpus robustus Saltmarsh bulrush Scirpus validus Soft-stem bulrush Sesbania exaZtata Coffee-weed Setaria magna/geniculata Foxtail grass I� Table 3(Cont.) SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Spartina alterniflora Smzoth cordgrass Spartina cynoroides Giant cordgrass 6partina patens Marsh-hay cordgrass Sium suave Water parsnip Typha spp. Cattail Zizania aquatica Wild rice Zizaniopsis miliacea Giant cutgrass 'Table 4. Species list of characteristic plants of South Carolina's tidal freshwater marshes. SCIEFTIFIC NAME C(X{4N ,NAIE AZnus serrulata tag elder AZternanthera philoxeroides alligator weed Amaranthus cannabinus water hemp Amorpha fruticosa false indigo Aneilema keisak asiatic dayflower Arundo donax giant reed Aster spp. asters AzoZZa caroliniana mosquito fern Baccharis haLimifolia sea myrtle Bidens spp. begger-ticks Carex= spp. sedges Carpinus caroliniana ironwood Cassia fascicuZata partridge pea CephaZanthus occidentalis button-bush Chenopodium album lafrb's quarters Cicuta maculata water henlock Cinna arundinacca wood reed CZadium jamnaicense sawgrass CZematis crispa leather-flower Cuscuta sp. dodder Cyperus spp. sedges Dichromena colorata EchinochZoa crusgaZli millet Eeocharis spp. spike rushes Eupatoriwzn ccpi1lifoZium dog-fennel Eiodea densa Erianthus giganteus plume grass Eryngiwn aquaticum GZeditsia aquatica water locust Hibiscus miZitaris ha-lberd-leaved maarsh mallow Hibiscus moscheutos rose mallow Hydrocotyle rannunculoides & spp. pennywort Rymenocallis crassifolia spider lily Impatiens capensis jewel weed Iris virginica blue flag Juncus spp. rushes Leersia s1p. cutgrasses Lemna spp. duck-weeds Lilaeopsis chinensis Limiobiui spongia american frogbit Liquidanbar styraciflua sweet gum TobeZia cardenalis cardinal flower -7udwigia spp. water primrose LYthrv7n s7pp *-loosestrife Table 4 (Cont.) SCIENTIFIC URGE Ca'ION NAME Mikania scandens climbing hempnweed jyr~ca cerizfra wax myrtle 14 'yriophyllwn sp. parrots-feather Nuphar luteum yellow pond-lily i.ymphaea odorata white water-lily Nyssa aquatica tupelo gun ffissa sy~vatica black gum Orontiwn aquaticum golden club Osmunda regalis royal fern Panicum spp. panic grasses PaspaZwn distichwz PeZtandra virginica arrow arum Pluchea spp. marsh fleabane Polygon=m spp. smIartweeds Pontedaria cordata pickerel weed Potamogeton spp. pondweed Ptilimnziwn capilZaceum nmck bishopweed Rhynchospora sp. beak rush Rosa palustris swamp rose Rwnex verticitZatus dock Sacciolepsis striate Sagittaria spp. arrowheads SaZix caroZiniana swamp willow Sambucus canadensis elderberry Saururu~s cer=,us lizard's tail Scirpus ainericanus ccanmon threesquare Scirpus cyperinus bulrush Scirpus olynei olyrei threesquare Sczrpus robustus saltmarsh bulrush Scirpus vaZidus soft-stem bulrush Senecio sp. butterweed Setaria magna foxtail grass Siwn suave water parsnip So idago sempervirens seaside goldenrod Sparganiwn~ spp. burreeds Spartina cynosuroides giant cordgrass Spirodela spp. cluckweeds Taxodiwn distichum bald cypress Tripsacwn dacty oides ganna grass Typha. spp. cattails Uniola latifolia Uniola laxa Utricularia sp. bladderwor-t Verbesina occidentotis Vernon-ia sp. ironweed Vibu2-num dentatwum Zizania aquatica wild rice Zizaniopsis niZiacea giant cutgrass LOW HIGH TOTAL BRACKISH FRESH DIKED SALT SALT SALT WATER WATER IMPOUND- SPOIL TOTAL MARSH AND COUNTY MARSH MARSH MARSH MARSH MARSH MENTS AREAS BEACHES MARSH IMPOUNDMENTS Horry 1,697 152 1,849 312 727 75 51 1,567 2,888 2,963 Georgetown 11,100 1,178 12,278 8,262 23,764 11,940 775 1,959 44,304 56,244 Charleston 117,989 13,569 131,558 10,843 5,000 22,999 3,058 5,272 147,401 170,400 Berkeley 4,260 1,714 5,974 1,278 17,511 4,294 3,588 0 24,763 29,057 Dorchester 0 0 0 439 862 45 0 0 1,301 1,346 Colleton 19,285 1,186 20,471 10,170 8,608 20,596 216 321 39,249 59,845 Beaufort- 109,691t 18,96G1 128,658 1,357 1,523 4,278 0 1,582 131,538 135,816 Jasper 20,227 13,486 33,713 2,301 6,536 6,2211 3,102 0 42,550 48,774 TOTAL 284,252 50,249 334,501 34,962 64,531 70,451 10,790 10,701 433,994 504,445 Table 5.' Acreage of each habitat types associated with South Carolina's eight coastal counties; state-wide totals are also designated. LOW SALT HIGH SALT SALT BRACKISH FRESH HIGH SALT MARSH SPOIL AREAS MARSH VS. MARSH VS. MARSH VS. MARSH VS. MARSH VS, VS, VS, COUNTY TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH LOW SALT MARSH MARSH IMPOUNDMENTS (%) (%) (%) (%) C%) (%) (%) Houry 58.76 5.26 64.02 10.80 25.17 8,96 1,72 Georgetown 25.06 2.49 27.56 18.69 53.76 9.92 1.38 Charleston 80.05 9.21 89.25 7.36 3.39 11.50 1.79 Berkeley 17.20 6.92 24.12 5.16 70.71 40.23 12.35 Dorchester 0 0 0 33.74 66.26 0 0 Colleton 49.14 3.02 52.16 25.91 21.93 6.15 0.36 Beaufort 83.39 14.42 97.81 1.03 1.16 17.29 0 Jasper 47.54 31.69 79.23 5.41 15.36 66.67 6.36 TOTAL 65.50 11.58 77.08 8.06 14.87 17.68 2.14 Table 6. Percentage ratios for marsh types, impoundments, and diked spoil areas within South Carolina's coastal counties; state percentage ratios are also indicated. m~. -� m. ---- - m . - Table 7. Acreage-figures of each inventoried category for South Carolina's seventeen estuarine systims. Also included are state-wide totals for each category. Lod HIGH ThAL 13RACKlSH FiWESH- 1jiPOUND- SFOIL BF7ACH TriAL ~IARSH AND SYSTEi 4\1. SYSTM "%z SALT SALT SALT WATER WATER MENS A.REAS ZONrES MARSH L'VPOU1a TS t!ARSH MARSH MARSH MARSH MARSH (DIKED) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) %acmrs) I. Little River 1,527 217 1,744 312 0 32 51 643 2,056 2,088 2 Myrtle Beach 61 14 75 0 0 43 0 859 75 118 3 furrells Inlet 1,561 '135 1,696 0 0 64 0 330 1,696 1,760 4 Pawleys Island 721 165 886 0 0 382 0 363 886 1,260 S North Inlet 4,906 734 5,640 0 0. 44 0 378 5,640 5,686 6 Winyah Bay 204 0 204 4,915 22,649 4,055 898 582 27,768 "31,823 7 Santee River 17,174 6 73 17,847 6,524 3,964 19,837 224 577 28,335 48,172 8 Bulls Bay 45,697 2,742 40,439 164 0 2,493 1,005 2,336 .48,603 51,096 9 Charleston Hbr. 20,103 4,607 24,710 3,329 18,425 5,111 5,066 415 46,464 51,575 10 Stono-Kiawah 15,133 3,228 18,361 2,665 21 2,285 52 950 21,047 23,332 11 North Edisto 19,968 3,371 23,339 385 0 2,132 38 1,201 23,724 248956 12 St. Helena Sd. 60,434 5,1'48 65,582 13,596 12,148 25,843 354 614 91,326 117,169 13 Fripp-Trenchards 17,890 3,880 21,770 0 0 72 0 650 21,770 21,842 14 Pt. Royal Sd. 51,406 18,218 69,624 0 0 1,329 0 103 69,6214 70,953 15 Calibogue Sd. 13,437 3,046 16,483 0 0 113 0 693 16,483 16,595 16 New-wright 13,917 2,071 15,988 3,072 1,786 1,688 0 7 20,846 22,534 17 Savannh 113 2,000 2,133 0 5,538 4,321 3,102 0 7,651 11,972 TOTAL ALL SYS=I$IS 284,252 50,249 334,501 34,962 GI;, 31 70,151. 10,790 10,701 433,994 5011,11,15 Table 8. Percentage ratios of inventoried 2marsh types, inpoundments, and spoil areas within South Carolina s estuaries. WOW SALT MIARSH HIGH SALT VIARSH SALT IMARSH BRACKISH M'ARSH FRESH MARSH HIGH SALT MARSH SPOIL ARiAS VS. VS. VS. VS. VS. VS. VS. VS. SYSTM SYSTEM TOTAL MAPRSH TOTAL VARSH TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH TOTAL MARSH LOW SALT MARSH TOTAL MAJRSH MARSH & IM- 1 ~ Little River 74.27 10.55 84.82 15.18 0 14.21 1.56 2.44 2 Myrtle Icach 81.33 18.67 100.00 0 0 22.95 57.33 0 3 - murrmlls Inlet 92.04 7.96 100.00 0 0 8.65 3.77 0 4 Pawleys Island 81.38 18,62 100.00 0 0 22.88 43.12 0 6 North Inlet 86.99 13.01 100.00 0 0 14.96 0.78 0 6 Winyah Day 0.73 0 0.73 17.70 81.57 0 2'4.6O 2.82 7 Santee River 60.61 2.38 62.99 23.02 13.99 3.92 70.01 0.47 8 Bulls Ray 94.02 5.64 99.66 0.34 0 6.00 5.13 1.97 9 Charleston Hbr. 43.27 9.92 53.18 7.16 39.65 22.92 11.00 9.82 10 Stonc-Kiawah 71.90 15.34 87.24 12.66 1.00 21.33 10.86 0.22 11 North Edisto 84.17 14.21 98.38 1.62 0 16.88 .4,77 0.15 12 St. Helena Sd. 66.17 5.64 71.81 14.89 13.30 8.52 28.30 0.30 13 Fripp-Trenchard 82.18 17.82 100.00 0 0 21.69 0.33 0 14 Pt. Royal Sound 73.83 26.17 100.00 0 0 35.44 1.91 0 15 Calibogue Sound 81.52 18.48 100.00 0 0 22.67 0.69 0 16 New-Wright Rivers 66.76 9.93 76.70 14.74 8.57 14.88 8.10 0 17 Savannah River 1.48 26.14 27.62 0 72.38 56.48 25.91 TOTAL ALL SYSTIX3 65.50 11.58 77.08 8.06 114.87 17.68 15.26 2.15 Appendix TI. Letter questionnaire sent to knowledgeable individuals to obtain supplemental data on plant composition of water fowl impoundments. So/lit Cnao/i/a James A. Timnmerman, Jr., Ph.D. JJ7- i/n/fe te AIn ll- Edwin B. Joseph, PhD. ttQC~ ~ so~~~~lri~~~~~s DPP(II1IIIPf -Director of ResomIrs Dep/atmem't Marine Resources Center Dear Personnel of this department are, at present, conducting an inventory of the wetlands of South Carolina. In hopes of getting the most precise estimates of wetland coverage and types for the state we would greatly appreciate your assistance in answering some pertinent questions listed below: 1. At present, how many acres of impoundments do you have available to waterfowl? Acres. 2. What type of plant ccmnmunity are you attempting to grow in these impoundments? Fresh or Brackish . 3. Please list the more ccrmmon plants growing in these impoundments (common names, please and scientific names if known). Thank you for your cooperation and interest in wetland management for South Carolina. Sincerely, Ralph Tiner, Section Leader Environmental Evaluations Section RT/pgr P. O. Box 12559 a Charleston, South Carolina 29412 3 Te!ephone (803) 795-6350 IN I ! ~~~I ~EVALUATION OF SEAWEED MARICULTURE POTENTIAL ON GUAM: I. AMMONIUM UPTAKE BY, AND GROWTH OF TWO SPECIES OF GRACILARIA (RHODOPHYTA) I I I | by Stephen G. Nelson I-- Roy N. Tsutsui xj~~~~~~ ~~~and Bruce R. Best University of Guam Marine Laboratory |I~~~~ ~~Technical Report No. 61 1[~~~~~~ ~~January 1980