Habitats: bottomland hardwood forest, river
The bottomland hardwood forest is extensive and is dominated by bald cypress and water tupelo along the lower reaches of the river and mixed bottomland hardwood species in other areas.

Land Use: Wildlife conservation, other conservation, recreation, hunting, fishing

Primary Threats: regulated water flow, logging

Protection Status: About 51,000 acres of the site is protected and managed by both public and private groups including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission and The Nature Conservancy.   The remaining acreage is in private ownership.

Conservation Issues: The potential impact of regulated water flows on aquatic life downriver is a significant concern, but very little is known.  Logging is also a concern as a major timber company has significant holdings in the area.  Lastly, industrial development along the river and associated activities could threaten the entire system if permitted.

Birds: With 214 bird species recorded, 88 of which are known to breed, this site is one of the most diverse in the coastal plain.  Forty-four species of neotropical migrants are known to breed within the site.  Several colonies of wading birds are present, including the Conine Island colony, which is North Carolina's largest inland colony of wading birds (Criteria 4f).  The site supports a significant diversity and abundance of Neotropical migrant songbirds (Criteria 4g), as well as a large number of breeding wood ducks. The site holds a significant diversity and abundance of species associated with bottomland hardwood forests (Criteria 3).

Key Bird Species