[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]











































































              QL
              698.9
              .D45
              1992









          DELAWARE EXEMPLARY NATURAL HABITATS

                           f  NA Z RfP OR T.- TA 5,< 3























               NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY SONGBIRD REGIONAL
                            COASTAL CORRIDOR STUDY

                                       Prepared by:

                          Delaware Natural Heritage tnventory
              Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control


                                      June 1992








                 A report of the Virginia Council on the Environment to the
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pursUant to
                              NOAA Award No. NA90AA-H-CZ839

















                         DELAWARE EXEMPLARY ]NATURAL HABITATS



                                     A SECTION OF:


                     A REGIONAL STUDY OF THE COASTAL ZONE HABITATS
                     OF CRITICAL INPORTANCE AS CONCENTRATION AREAS
                             FOR NEOTROPICAL AVIAN MIGRANTS





                                     Submitted to:

                     Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program
                               Council on the Environment
                            903 Ninth Street Office Building
                               Richmond, Virginia 23219


                                      Prepared by:

                           Keith Clancy, Community Ecologist
                          Delaware Natural Heritage Inventory
               Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
                            Division of Parks and Recreation
                                    89 Kings Highway
                                 Dover, Delaware 19903



                                       June 1992


                                                    U . SDEPARTMENT.OF COMMERCE NOAA
                                                    COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                                                    2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                                    CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413



                A7%40

                         This paper is funded in part by a grant from the
                         National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
                         The views expressed herein are those of the
                         author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views
                         of NOAA or any of its sub-agencie  s..
                  OF




      QQ                                   Property of COC Library


       Q!r









                          DELAWARE EXEMPLARY NATURAL HABITATS*
                           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD STUDY


              Sites that are located within the study area.

            The following exemplary sites were identified, within the study
            area, during the course of the neotropical migratory bird study
            (or were identified previously and additional data were collected
            during the past year).    These sites are deemed to be exemplary
            because of particular attributes (e.g. relatively pristine,
            excellent examples of particular communities, assemblages of
            species, structural components, presence of rare species, large
            contiguous habitat, etc.). Several of these exemplary natural
            habitats also contained migratory bird sampling sites (these will
            be noted below).

            ASSAWOMAN BAY WILDLIFE AREA (ABWA)

            This natural area consists of a mosaic of natural habitats.
            Extensive pine-hardwood palustrine and terrestrial forests are
            predominantly composed of sweet gum (Liquidambar sytraciflua),
            red maple (Acer rubrum), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda); the
            canopy height ranges from 60-90 feet. Common understory trees and
            shrubs include black gum (Nvssa sylvatica), American holly (Ilex
            americna), several oaks including white (Quercus, alba) and
            southern red (P. falcata), black cherry (Prunus serotina),
            sassafras (Sassafras albidum), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana),
            bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and
            highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), among others. overall
            the herbaceous strata (where surveyed) was relatively sparse with
            cinnamon-fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (Osmunda regalis),
            netted-chain fern (Woodwardia areolata), marsh fern (Thelypteris
            palustris), clubmosses (Lycopodium spp.), partridge berry
            (Mitchella repens) and moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule) well
            represented.

            In addition to the forested habitats, the natural area includes
            numerous small seasonal ponds, as well as several larger
            impoundments. Some of the smaller and larger ponds have been
            ditched to allow a tidal exchange and thus have resulted in
            brackish waters and an overall decline in species diversity.
            However, those ponds that are natural and have been least
            impacted  (i.e. no ditching or dredging) are highly diverse and
            are home to a suite of rare species, including several that are
            globally rare. The awned meadowbeauty (Rhexia aristosa.) and
            Hirst's panic grass (Panicum hirstii) are found in one of these
            ponds; both are Federal Candidates for Listing as Endangered or
            Threatened. Overall there are more than 15 rare species found in
            these ponds, or utilize the ponds during a portion of the year
            (e.g. spotted turtle).

            Extensive salt marsh also occurs in the ABWA.           The marsh
            community has a relatively low diversity with only a few species
            able to cope with its harsh environment and is primarily composed
            of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), salthay (Spartina patens),







           big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) , spike grass (Distichlis
           spicata), saltwort (Salicornia spp.), high-tide bush (Iva
           frutecens), groundsel tree (Baccharis halamifolia) and reed grass
           (Phragmites australis). Phragmites may become a pest in disturbed
           areas. Nevertheless this is one of the most productive habitats
           known. It is important as spawning grounds for fish, provides
           large quantities of phytoplankton that are the basis to the
           foodweb, are important feeding areas for wading birds and
           migratory waterfowl (e.g. blackduck, goose, rails etc.).
           Unfortunately, much of the marsh was ditched in the past, in an
           effort to reduce mosquito populations, and therefore is less
           pristine.

           The ABWA is bounded on the north by RD. 363, on the south by
           Dirickson Creek, on the east by Little Assawoman Bay and on the
           west by RD. 364 and RD. 363.


           SIZE


           2812.6 acres (1139 hectares)


           LOCATION


           Sussex CO., Assawoman Bay/Bethany Beach Quadrangles. Several
           access points: Jct RT. 26 and RD. 361 (at Bethany Beach); south
           on 361 to Rd. 363. Turn left onto Rd. 363 (heading south) and
           proceed ca. 1. 1 mile to dirt access road on south side of road.
           Site extends to Miller Creek. To reach southern portion of ABWA
           proceed south on RD. 363 to RD. 364, turn east onto Rd. 364 and
           follow to ABWA.


           OWNERSHIP


           State of Delaware, Division of Fish and Wildlife and Private.

           PROTECTION STATUS

           Much of the ABWA is protected by the State, but there is a need
           for development of a management plan that addresses the natural
           resources, rare species, and the unique natural community. Areas
           in private ownership should be considered for acquisition, or as
           possible management agreements/conservation easements with the
           landowner(s).


           THREATS


           Non-point pollution from adjacent agricultural lands; changes in
           groundwater levels which may adversely impact the ponds; ditching
           and dredging of ponds.

           MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

           Determine hydrologic regimes of the ponds (i.e. how important is
           the groundwater in recharge/ discharge of the ponds and how far
           does water travel to the ponds?) ; monitor and removal of woody


                                       2







           plants from ponds; may be necessary to plug some ditches.



           BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


           The boundary is drawn to include all forested tracts and marshes
           of the ABWA and adjacent lands. The site contains numerous
           freshwater Coastal Plain ponds that are dependent on groundwater
           recharge and thus the necessary buffer to protect these systems
           is not accurately known.

           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           Several survey sites were contained within this natural area.











































                                      3




                        Assawo.man Bay
                                 0
                                 1 - i e Area
                                      2812.6 Acres
                    Assawoman Bay Quadrangle
                     Bethany Beach Quadrangle


                             368

















                            Rd  5b
                             W idt f






















                     M NWI
                            LEGEND             I A- i, 6 @jd
                       Site
                       Boundary



  M&     A,
                                                                                       -v
                                                                                                                                                                       A.                   )0   ke/'

                _N1



                                                                                                                          40.







      1,4




                                                                                                                      A IN%.











                                                                                        40k.

                            la,
                                                                      T-2                                                                                                                           f';






                   ej.,





                                                 A




                                                                                  REA
                        ASSAW014AN               BAY      WILDLIFE              A
                        ASSAWOMAN                BAY/BETHANY                  BEACH         QUADRANGLE
                                                                                                                                          "'.. WN








            MARSHTOWN UPLAND WOODS


            This relatively large contiguous tract consists of a mature
            upland mesophytic forest of mixed pines and hardwoods. The 80-90
            foot canopy species are comprised of tulip poplar (Liriodendron
            tulipif era) , white oak (Quercus alba) , scarlet oak (Quercus
            coccinea), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer
            rubrum), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and loblolly pine
            (Pinus taeda) .    Black walnut (Juglans cinerea) occurs as
            scattered individuals.   Important species in the subcanopy tree
            and shrub strata include dogwood (Cornus florida), American holly
            (Ilex opaca) , blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) , spicebush (Lindera
            benzoin) , honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) , and virginia creeper
            (Parthenocissus quinquefolius) .    Herbs were relatively sparse
            where sampled but included may apple (Podophyllum peltatum),
            bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata) , colic root (Dioscorea villosa) ,
            enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) and Solomon's seal
            (Polygonatum biflorum).     To the southwest the upland woods
            narrows to a moderately sloped floodplain and marshy area of
            Sarah Run (a tributary of Herring Creek) .      A portion of the
            uplands were recently logged and are now comprised of a dense
            thicket of hercules club (Aralia spinosa) and red maple saplings.
            At RD 279 the forest tract constricts and then continues on the
            east side of the road towards marsh and Rehoboth Bay. Several
            trailer parks occur along RD. 279. Additional survey work should
            be done throughout this site (including the extensive contiguous
            habitat east of RD. 279) as the potential for rare species is
            high.

            size


            388.4 acres (157 hectares)

            Location

            Sussex CO. , Fairmount Quadrangle. From Marshtown Jct. of RD. 279
            and RD. 289 go west on RD. 289 to ca. 100 meters east of RT. 24.
            Park on shoulder and proceed into site on south side of road.
            Site extends south and then east to RD. 279.


            OWNERSHIP


            Private.


            PROTECTION STATUS


            No portion of the site is currently protected.

            THREATS


            Primary threats include logging; agriculture runoff; housing
            development.






                                        4









            MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


            No active management is anticipated. Allow forest to develop into
            old growth stand.    Recent clear cut may require some form of
            management.


            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


            Boundary was drawn to capture entire forested area, adjacent land
            may be considered for acquisition and then allowed to succeed
            naturally.   Large tracts of contiguous habitat are vanishing in
            Delaware at a rapid pace.


            NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


            No survey sites were contained in this natural area.









































                                        5




                       Marshtown Uptand
                                        Woods
                                        388.4 Acres
                           Fairmount Quadrangle


















                        M NWI    LEGEND                              N
                        VV Site
                          Boundary




                                                                                                                                        2zt
                                32,





                                                             4.




                                                                                                                       W P7
                                                                              5


















                                                                                                                            MARSHTOWN              UPLAND           WOODS
                    J                                                                                                       FAIRMOUNT              QUADRANGLE





                                                                                                               11111"I"re 11


                                                                                                                  1-0 rml

                                                                                                         @44





                                                                                                                                                                    2.4k,







            WOLFE NECK FOREST/WOLFE GLADE MARSH

            This natural area contains diverse habitats, including an
            excellent mature upland      forest, adjacent palustrine wetlands
            with several bog-like habitats, and brackish marshes.              The
            mesophytic forest is comprised of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and
            southern red oak (Quercus falcata) as codominants in several
            areas, with lesser amounts of willow oak (Ouercus phellos),
            scarlet oak         coccinea.), red maple (Acer rubrum), swamp
            chestnut oak       michauxii, in lower spots), and virginia pine
            (Pinus virginiana) .    The subcanopy consists of american holly
            (Ilex opaca) , wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) , dogwood (Cornus
            f lorida) , sassafras (Sassafras albidum) , highbush blueberry
            (Vaccinium corymbosum), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), black cherry
            (Prunus serotina) and greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia).            The
            herbaceous layer is relatively sparse and consists of scattered
            patches of cinnamon (Osmunda cinnamomea) and netted chain
            (Woodwardia areolata) ferns. A survey of this site for herbs
            should be undertaken in the spring and early summer.

            The upland forest grades into palustrine forested wetlands to the
            west (several wet seeps are adjacent to Wolfe Glade Marsh) which
            contain several state rare plant species, and to the north and
            east the forest is replaced by open marsh habitat.         The state
            rare species include ten-angle pipewort (Eriocaulon decangulare),
            purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea) , arrowhead (Sagittaria
            engelmanniana) , roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) , laurel-
            leaf greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), and a violet (Viola
            brittoniana).    There is a high potential for the discovery of
            additional rare species; including several significant historical
            species (e.g. bog asphodel, Narthecium americanum; and false
            asphodel, Tofieldia racemosa; last collected in Delaware in 1895
            and 1937 respectively).

            SIZE


            470.3 acres (190 hectares)


            LOCATION


            Sussex CO. , Rehoboth Beach/Cape Henlopen Quadrangles. Jct. RT. 1
            and RD. 270 (just south of RT. 24) go east on RD. 270 to the end
            (there will be a gate at end of road), park on side of road and
            continue on foot to old RR bed. Proceed along RR in nw
            direction for 200 yds. , then walk in ne direction into woods;
            site includes all of the forested habitat ne of the RR.


            OWNERSHIP


            Private.


            PROTECTION STATUS


            No portion of the site is currently protected.



                                         6









          THREATS


          Logging; agriculture run-off; development; saltwater intrusion
          are all potential threats to natural area.


          MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

          No active management is anticipated; allow for natural succession
          of forest community to take place.

          BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


          All of the upland forest is included within the boundary.
          Boundary may need to be redrawn to north and east after
          additional survey work is completed.

          NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


          One survey site was contained in this natural area.





































                                  7




                      Wolf e Neck Forest
                      Wolf e Glade Marsh
                                      470.3 Acres
                      Rehoboth Beach/Fairmount
                Cape Henlopen/Lewes Quadrangles

















                    E NWI
                            LEGEND
                    R Site
                       Boundary



























                                                                                          vi@



















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Art




                                                                                                                                                                ", IV,
                                                                                                                                                                                               N N
                                                                                                                                                                                                         R,,U,
                                                                                                                                                                   ilk,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               A



                                                                                                                          1,4
                                                                                                                                        WOLFE            NECK          FOREST/WOLFE GLADE                                    MARSH
                                                                                                                                        REHOBOTH BEACH/CAPE                                      HENLOPEN/FAIRMOUN







                                                                                                                                                                4









            PHILLIPS BRANCH FRESHWATER ACIDIC FEN


            This site encompasses three small     wetland areas dominated by
            twigrush (Cladium mariscoides) . The vegetation occurs on peaty-
            mucky sediments in embayments along   the Phillips Branch near its
            confluence with Unity Branch. This    community has been described
            as an "acidic fen" (T. Rawinski, Delaware Natural Heritage
            Inventory database).   The community  is influenced by groundwater
            seepage from adjacent uplands and probably also by fresh tidal
            hydrology.    State rare species found in these freshwater
            herbaceous wetlands include the ten-angle and flattened pipeworts
            (Eriocaulon decangulare and E. compressum), white buttons
            (Eriocaulon septangulare), robbin's spikerush (Eleocharis
            robbinsii), Mitchell's sedge (Carex mitchelliana) and seaside
            alder (Alnus maritima).   Additional survey work at this site is
            likely to result in discovery of other rare species. on the west
            side of the site is a large campground which has had a negative
            impact on the upland forest buffer zone; a new dirt road has been
            built and has resulted in destruction of some of the wetlands.
            East of the site the Phillips Branch flows into Herring Creek
            and then into Rehoboth Bay.


            SIZE


            89.2 acres (36 hectares)


            LOCATION


            Sussex CO., Fairmount Quadrangle. Jct. RT 24 and RD 48; south on
            RT 24 to Phillips Branch (access is either from RT 24 or nearby
            campground).  Three small wetland communities west of Rt 24 near
            confluence of Unity Branch.


            OWNERSHIP


            Private.


            PROTECTION STATUS


            Currently no portion of the site is protected.

            THREATS


            Logging; wetland destruction, development, agriculture run-off.

            MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

            May have to actively manage site due to gradual negative impact
            of site from adjacent land practices.

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


            Boundary includes all wetlands and any adjacent upland forest
            buffers; critical to continued existence of site.



                                        8









           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           No survey sites were contained in this natural area.
 0














 0














 0

                                       9




                      P"hI'ItI'ps Branch
            Freshwater AcI'dI'c Fen
                                    89.2 Acres
                      Fairmount Quadrangle




                   Rd, 48


















                                                                 N
                 01 NWI
                         LEGEND
                 W Site
                   Boundary














                                                                Ai; 4'.





                          Y

                  j                                                .4 4e
                                                                                1A, V,




























                                                                   --qbk


                                                                       wi










                          PHILLIPS BRANCH FRESHWATER ACIDIC FEN
                          FAIRMOUNT QUADRANGLE

















                                  .4N









           OLD MILL CREEK WOODS


           A small, but significant, tract of relatively mature upland
           mesophytic forest on moderate slopes. The overstory consists of a
           mixture of oaks (southern red, Quercus falcata; red, p. rubra;
           and white, Q. alba), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and
           several hickories (Carya glabra and C. tomentosa).     The canopy
           reaches 90 feet in height. Important subcanopy trees and shrubs
           include dogwood (Cornus florida), american holly (Ilex opaca),
           black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), black
           cherry (Prunus serotina), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium
           corymbosum), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), and swamp azalea
           (Rhododendron viscosum). Herbs are relatively sparse but include
           cranefly orchid (Tipularia discolor), cinnamon (Osminda
           cinnamomea), virginia chain Woodwardia virgi ica) and new york
           (Thelypteris novaboracensis) ferns, partridge berry (Mitchella
           repens), solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum) and forest
           bedstraw (Galium circaezans).   It is anticipated that additional
           species will be recorded for this site after subsequent surveys.
           Several recently built homes border the site on the east and
           agricultural fields are found on the north, west and south sides.
           A small unnamed tributary of Old Mill Creek, bisects the site and
           a small impoundment occurs on the east end of the site.

           SIZE


           34.9 acres (14 hectares)


           LOCATION


           Sussex County. Lewes Quadrangle. Jct RT. 9 and RT 1, N on RT 1 to
           Willow Creek Road to first bend in road. Park on shoulder and
           walk into woods in a northeast direction.


           OWNERSHIP


           Private.


           PROTECTION STATUS


           No portion of site is currently protected.

           THREATS


           Logging of mature hardwoods; agricultural runoff; housing
           developments.


           MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


           Allow forest to remain intact and to continue to develop.

           BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION

           Boundary includes all forested habitat that is still present;
           some of this habitat consists of immature trees and several



                                       10







           exotic species (e.g. tree of heaven, honeysuckle, perilla mint).
           Younger growth forest is necessary as a buffer to mature forest.

           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           Two survey sites were contained within this natural area.




                    Otd MI'It Creek Woods

                                          34.9 Acres

                                 Lewes Quadrangle

















                      10 NWI    LEGEND
                      9V Site
                         Boundary


















                        Ask
                                              jl.;@ 7















                                                                                                                                    OLD MILL              CREEK          WOODS
                                                                                                                                                   QUADRANGLE









            RED MILL POND WOODS


            This relatively large mesophytic forest tract consists of a
            mixture of oaks (white, Quercus alba, southern red, P. falcata,
            and red, _Q. rubra), hickories (Carya spp.) and virginia pine
            (Pinus virginiana).       The lower tree and shrub strata are
            dominated by dogwood (Cornus florida.),       american holly (Ilex
            opaca), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and red maple (Acer
            rubrum). Less common species include         persimmon (Diospyros
            virginiana), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and black
            cherry (Prunus serotina).    The herb layer is relatively sparse.
            The canopy height is about 70 feet and dbhs for the largest trees
            are upto 20 inches. The forest tract has had limited disturbance
            over the past several decades and if allowed to continue to
            develop should only improve in quality. More survey work is
            needed.   To the north side of site the community changes into a
            predominantly pine forest, while to the southwest the forest was
            recently logged.


            SIZE


            73.2 acres (30 hectares)


            LOCATION


            Sussex County. Lewes Quadrangle. Jct RT 1 and RD 88; west on RD
            88 ca. 0.25 mile. Park on shoulder and enter woods on north side
            of road.


            OWNERSHIP


            Private.


            PROTECTION STATUS


            No portion of site is currently protected.

            THREATS


            Logging; agriculture runoff; development.

            MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


            Allow forest to continue to develop.

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


            All intact forest has been included within site boundary; forest
            is relatively homogenous except for recent clearcut and included
            pine stand.

            NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


            Three survey sites were contained within this natural area.



                                         12




                 Red MI'tt Pond Woods

                                       73.2 Acres
                              Lewes Quadrangle














                                                                   N
                      0 NWI    LEGEND
                      M Site
                        Boundary









                                                                                                                                                                                 Al













                                 J11









                                                                                                                                       'w










                                                            71






     Al




                                                                                                      e@-             A7






                                                                                                                                        RED      MILL        POND WOODS
                                                                                                                                        LEWES         QUADRANGLE










                                                                                                                                              '4









           HUCKLEBERRY POND AND SWAMP


           This site consists of two large coastal plain ponds (or Carolina
           Bays) . One of . the ponds is now completely forested while the
           other has a large opening with a predominantly herbaceous cover.
           These "Carolina Bays" are oval in shape, possess a se-nw
           orientation, have prominant sandy rims on their southeast ends
           and are seasonally flooded.

           Huckleberry Pond is the most pristine of the two bays and is the
           largest bay in Delaware and possibly for the whole of the
           Delmarva Peninsula. This pond has an approximately 10 acre (4
           hectare) opening that contains numerous (more than 15) state as
           well as globally rare plant species (e.g. Coelorachis rugosa,
           Coreopsis rosea, Eleocharis melanocarpa, E. quadrangulata, E.
           robbinsii, Lachnanthes carolina, and   "Scleria reticularis among
           others). Surrounding the open pond area is a mixed hardwood-pine
           forest community that on the sandy rim consists of a mixture of
           oaks (white, southern red) , tulip poplar, sweet gum, red maple,
           hickories, loblolly and virginia pine. The understory is
           comprised of dogwood, holly, arrowwood, black cherry, sassafras,
           honeysuckle, greenbrier, false solomon's seal, and jack-in-the-
           pulpit.

           The woody taxa characteristic of the pond margin include red
           maple, sweet gum, black gum, persimmon, sweet pepperbush, willow
           oak, s. red oak, high-bush blueberry, and american holly.

           Overall the Huckleberry Pond is undoubtedly one of the finest
           coastal plain ponds in Delaware.

           SIZE


           242.6 acres (98 hectares)


           LOCATION


           Sussex CO., Milton Quadrangle. Jct. Rt 1 and RD 38. Northeast on
           RD 38 to ca. 0.25 mile east of RD 222 junction. Park on shoulder
           of road just past farmhouse on south side of road. Walk north
           into woods and down to pond. Swamp forest is further north and
           east.


           OWNERSHIP


           Private. Owner is aware of high quality of habitat and has
           expressed an interest in protecting site but is not willing to
           enter into a cons ervat ion/ management agreement with The Nature
           Conservancy or the State.


           PROTECTION STATUS


           Currently site is not protected but owner is interested in its
           protection.



                                      13









           THREATS


           Primary threat is woody species encroachment (a 1930 aerial
           photograph   shows the pond opening to be twice the areal extent
           that it is in 1992). Deer hunters have access to pond and in the
           Fall of 1991 dug a large pit (ca. 4 x 4 x 4 ft) to expose water
           to attract deer (this had the immediate impact of destroying
           individual rare plants). Other threats: agriculture run-off;
           logging of upland; siltation; changes in groundwater levels thus
           impacting hydrology.

           MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


           Determine hydrologic regime of pond; woody plant control;
           possible removal of woody plants (on experimental basis) from
           Huckleberry Swamp.


           BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


           The boundary was drawn to capture all forested buffer surrounding
           the pond; this nevertheless may not be adequate as the hydrology
           of the pond is groundwater driven.

           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           One survey site was contained in this natural area.






























                                       14




                    Huckleberry Pond
                           and Swamp
                                241.6 Acres
                        Milton Quadrangle




                                     call,
















                 LEGEND                                     N
             9 NWI R Site
                      Boundary















                                                                                                                                                                  nj           @iv






                                                                                                                                     "Ap -e.















                                                                                         F16






                                                                                                                        N-VI:

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ar
















                                                                                                                  HUCKLEBERRY POND                          AND SWAMP                     4!(
                                                                                                                  MILTON           QUADRANGLE




                                                                                                                                                                                                  4rA
                                                                                                             Al







                                                                                                  J@p









           LITTLE NECK WOODS


           Terrestrial mixed mesophytic deciduous forest of excellent
           quality. Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the dominant
           tree species. Trees in less abundance include white and red oaks
           (Quercus alba and Q. rubra), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), sweet
           gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
           Hickories (Carya spp.) are also present. The shrub strata include
           abundant dogwood (Cornus florida) and american holly (Ilex opaca)
           with lesser amounts of black cherry (Prunus serotina), sassafras
           (Sassafras    albidum),    virginia    creeper     (Parthenocissus
           quinguefolius), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and poison ivy
           (Toxicodendron radicans).     The herb layer though relatively
           sparse include grapefern (Botrychium virgin     .anum), clubmoss
           (Lycopodium lucidulum), partridge berry (Mitchella repens), and
           jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). This high-quality
           forest tract is surrounded by marsh on three sides and by
           agricultural lands on the west. More survey work is-needed at
           this site and in adjacent habitats.

           SIZE


           66.9 acres (27 hectares)


           LOCATION


           Sussex CO., Milton Quadrangle. Jct RD 38 and and RT 1. East on RD
           38 to RD 223. South and then east on RD 223 to entrance to Prime
           Hook Wildlife Refuge; forest tract on north side of road.

           OWNERSHIP


           Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
           Service.


           PROTECTION STATUS


           More or less protected but may be threatened by specific
           management activities by Refuge personnel.

           THREATS


           Minimal but may include logging; creation of impoundments.

           MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


           Should leave forest as is (i.e. allow to develop naturally).

           BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


           Drawn to include all forested lands.


           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           One survey site was contained in this natural area.


                                       15




                    LI'ttte Neck Woods
                                     66,9 Acres

                            Milton Quadrangle














                                                                N
                   H NWI
                           LEGEND
                     Site
                     Boundary








    IMP=





                                                                                                                                                         JPWIll U
























                                                                                                                                     LITTLE            NECK WOODS
                                                                                                                                     MILTON            QUADRANGLE




       Q li"









            BENNETTS PIER WET WOODS


            A palustrine and terrestrial mixed hardwood-pine community that
            is in a relatively pristine condition. The predominant canopy
            species are loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), willow oak (Quercus
            phellos) and southern red oak (Q. phellos).      Some very large
            loblolly pines are present. Subcanopy tree species include red
            maple (Acer rubrum), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), white
            oak (Quercus alba), and  black gum (Nyssa sylvatica).   The shrub
            strata include abundant fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa), black
            gum, highbush blueberry  (Vaccinium corymbosum), sweet pepperbush
            (Clethra alnifolia) and lesser numbers of sweet gum, red maple,
            and greenbriars (Smilax spp.). The herbaceous layer (at time of
            sampling) was relatively sparse. This site may be more extensive
            than the 60 acres indicated; more survey work is needed.      These
            woods have been relatively undisturbed over the past several
            decades. Agricultural fields and marshes are found at the
            perimeter of the forest tract.


            SIZE


            60.3 acres (24 hectares)


            LOCATION


            Kent CO., Bennetts Pier Quadrangle. Jct. Rd 121 and Rd 122 (at
            Thompsonville) ; north on Rd 122 past RD 418 (proceed past
            French's Mobile Home Park and Red Barn on right). Look for posted
            preserve sign on east side of road, park on shoulder. Proceed on
            foot into woods on east side of road.


            OWNERSHIP


            Delaware Wildlands Conservation organization.

            PROTECTION STATUS


            Site is protected by Delaware Wildlands.


            THREATS


            Non-point pollution; agriculture run-off; logging of adjacent
            non-protected lands.


            MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


            Allow forest to develop naturally (i.e. no logging).

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


            Primary boundary drawn to include all of the wet woods; secondary
            boundary drawn to encompass all terrestrial woods.





                                       16









           NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT


           One survey site was contained within this natural area.
 I*














  0














  0

                                       17







                        T-)             @ 11      T--"*" ,
                        uennetts Fier
                            Wet Woods
                                 - 60.3 Acres
                   Bennetts Pier Quadrangle





















                     LEGEND                                    N
                       M Site
                M NWI
                                 y
                          Boundar





























    JON.





                      1-kY.



                                       V11










                                                     BENNETTS PIER WET WOODS
                                                     BENNETTS PIER QUADRANGLE









 t1w.
                                                                 77


                                                       'loot









                                          4-0


           7oj









            WHITEHALL CROSSROADS WOODS


            Large and relatively intact hardwood forest. Canopy approaches
            100 feet in height; largest trees near 4011 dbh.    Oaks (Quercus
          .palustris, 0. michauxii, and p. alba), sweet gum (Licruidambar
            styraciflua), and red maple (Acer rubrum) are the predominant
            tree species. Common shrubs include holly (Ilex opaca), highbush
            blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum),
            black cherry (Prunus serotina) and saplings of the tree taxa.
            The herb strata are sparse with club moss (Lycopodium obscurum),
            partridge berry (Mitchella repens), new york fern (Thelypteris
            novaboracensis) and pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata) present.
            This is a high quality, mature hardwood forest (probably +100
            years old).  Additional survey work shoul be undertaken as the
            potential for rare species is high. The site is bounded by
            agricultural fields and a small amount of wetlands.

            SIZE


            69 acres (28 hectares)


            LOCATION


            Kent CO., Smyrna Quadrangle. Jct. RT 9 and Rd 84. North on RT 9
            to first drive on east side of road; proceed up drive to end (ask
            permission to access site). Walk to woodlot on northeast side of
            house.


            OWNERSHIP


            Private.


            PROTECTION STATUS


            No portion of site is currently protected.

            THREATS


            Logging (especially since there are many large trees);
            agriculture run-off.

            MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS


            Allow forest to continue to develop and mature.

            BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION


            All forested lands are included in boundary; some of the forest
            at the perimeter is "edge" habitat of younger trees and less
            pristine habitat.   The border is needed as buf f er to the more
            interior high quality forest community.

            NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SITES PRESENT

            Three survey sites were contained within this natural area.


                                       18




                 Whi'tehatt Crossroads
                                   Woods

                                    69 Acres
                         Smyrna Quadrangle



                         C-0
                         Eli


























                                                C-0



                                                      3,26






                    H NWI LEGEND                               N
                    W Site
                      Boundary































































                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -af




















                                                                                                   . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          WHITEHALL                                                                                                                                                                                                               CROSSROADS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                WOODS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             SMYRNA                                                                                                                                               QUADRANGLE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ik
                                                                                                                                                                                 -9k,






























                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Z                                                                                             ik.































                                                                                     DATE DUE























                                                                       -,;,Y@QRDINO `333









                                                                                        111111111@llf lill 1@1 111@11
                                                                                     3 6668 14107 7174