City of Suffolk Tidal Marsh Inventory

Transcription

1 College of William and Mary W&M ScholarWorks Reports City of Suffolk Tidal Marsh Inventory Kenneth A. Moore irginia Institute of Marine Science Sharon Dewing irginia Institute of Marine Science irginia Institute of Marine Science, Wetlands Program Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons Recommended Citation Moore, K. A., Dewing, S., & irginia Institute of Marine Science, Wetlands Program. (1991) City of Suffolk Tidal Marsh Inventory. Special Reports in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No irginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. This Report is brought to you for free and open access by W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Reports by an authorized administrator of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact

2 CITY OF SUFFOLK TIDAL MARSH INENTORY Special Report No. 311 in Applied Marine. Science and Ocean Engineering Kenneth A. Moore and Sharon Dewing WETLANDS PROGRAM IRGINIA INSTITUfE OF MARINE SCIENCE SCHOOL OF MARINE SCIENCE THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY Gloucester Point, irginia MAY1991

3 CITY OF SUFFOLK TIDAL. MARSH INENTORY Special Report No. 311 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Kenneth A. Moore and Sharon Dewing WETLANDS PROGRAM IRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE School of Marine Science The College of William and Mary Gloucester Point, irginia Dr. Carl Hershner, Program Director Dr. Frank 0. Perkins, Dean/Director MAY1991

4

5 Preface This publication is one of a series of county and city tidal marsh inventories prepared by the Wetlands Advisory Group of the irginia Institute of Marine Science. The previously published reports include: Lancaster County Northumberland County Mathews County York County and the Town of Poquoson Stafford County Prince William County King George County City of Hampton Fairfax County Gloucester County City of irginia Beach ol. 1 and 2 City of Newport News and Fort Eustis Accomack County Northampton County Westmoreland County James City County and the City of Williamsburg Surry County Spotsylvania and Caroline Counties and the City of Fredericksburg New Kent County Essex County Isle of Wight County Middlesex County City of Norfolk King William County and Town of West Point King and Queen County Prince George County and City of Hopewell City of Portsmouth City of irginia Beach ol. 3 Richmond County Charles City County Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Petersburg and the City of Richmond Under Section of the irginia Wetlands Act, the irginia Institute of Marine Science is obligated to inventory the tidal wetlands of the Commonwealth. This inventory program is designed to aid the local wetlands boards, the state and federal regulatory agencies, and regional planning districts in making informed rational decisions on the uses of these valuable resources. They are also intended for use by the general public as a natural history guide and the scientific community as a research data source. The reader is referred to the Shoreline Situation Report, City of Suffolk, SRAMSOE No. 116, irginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, irginia This report focuses on various shoreline characteristics including areas of erosion and accretion, beaches, marshes, artificially stabilized areas, and fastland types and uses. Also of interest may be a booklet, Wetlands Guidelines, available from the Marine Resources Commission, Newport News, irginia, which describes the wetlands types and the types of shoreline activities which affect wetlands and what these effects are. ii

6

7 Acknowledgements report. We would like to thank Col. Joe Mizell for his invaluable field assistance in gathering the data for this We would especially like to thank Berch Smithson for his programming expertise, Anna K. Kenne, Paula Hill and Martha Craig for digital cartography, Julie G. Bradshaw for the cover photograph, William Jenkins for the cover photograph line conversion and Janet Walker for tables and typography. The field work for this inventory was funded in part by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Coastal Zone Management, grant number , and in part by the irginia Council on the Environment's Coastal Resources Management Program through grant number NA90AA-H-CZ796 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as amended. iii

8

9 Table of Contents Preface.. Acknowledgements Introduction Methods Marsh Types and Evaluation Marsh Types and Their Environmental Contributions Evaluation of Wetland Types Marsh Plants Glossary of Descriptive Terms Reference Map to Marsh Sections Section I Chuckatuck Section II N ansemond River. Section III and Knotts Section N West, Sheeter and Hoffler s Suffolk County: Others List Index to Marsh Locations iv

10

11 Introduction Tidal marshes in the City of Suffolk are located principally along the shorelines of Chuckatuck and creeks and the Nansemond River. Because of the low to moderate salinities of the tidal waters here, most of the marshes are dominated by salt-tolerant plant communities such as saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I), saltmeadow (Type II), and brackish water mixed (Type ). In many upstream areas of reduced salinities, big cordgrass (Type ) communities dominate. Most of the marshes that currently exist in the city are healthy and productive with only a few instances of invasion by noxious and environmentally less valuable species such as reedgrass. In this region the presence of reedgrass indicates a wetland area that sometime in the past has been disturbed by man's activities. There is, however, ample evidence that man has impacted many existing and former marsh areas within the city. Formerly low salinity and freshwater areas have been lost through the creation of reservoirs. Other areas have been dredged by sand mining operations, while still others have been used as disposal areas for sediments dredged from river channels. Indirect impacts can also be observed as sediments trapped naturally from runoff due to farming and land clearing activities have rasied the elevation of many marshes. Only through careful planning and strict controls can additional impacts to the remaining marsh areas be avoided. It is our desire that this inventory will be helpful in assisting in the wise management of these valuable wetland resources. 1

12

13 Methods Wetland locations and wetland boundaries were obtained by consulting USGS topographic maps and aerial photographs. The configuration and areal extent of each marsh was confirmed by observations by boat, on foot or by low level overflights. Individual plant species percentages are quantitative estimates of coverage based on visual inspections of every marsh. Percent cover estimates are subject to a seasonal bias depending on the time of the year the estimates are made. In the winter, for example, most brackish water marshes, such as found in this city, contain only standing remnants of the previous summer's growth. Abundance and diversity estimates made during this time period would be underestimates of the actual amounts. During the spring most species are found to be rapidly sprouting from extensive below rhizome networks. Those species with the greatest stored reserves sprout first. Therefore, it is not until mid summer that maximum abundance and diversity are reached. This inventory was conducted during August and September of 1977; therefore, the plant community compositions reported here reflect maximum levels of abundance and diversity for the marsh areas. The outline of each marsh as depicted on the topographic map was planimetered to determine its acreage. Marshes 0.2 acres or larger are designated by number. The acreage, plant species percentage and acreage, marsh type and other observations are recorded in tabular form for each of these marshes. Marshes less than 0.2 acres (usually narrow fringing marshes and very small pocket marshes) are indicated by the same shaded symbol as the numbered marshes but are not included in the tabulations. The size of the small marshes (less than one acre) is exaggerated on the maps for clarity and is not always to scale. Plant species percentages are recorded to the nearest percent and acreages to the nearest 0.1 acre in the larger marshes. In those instances where an individual plant species is estimated to amount to less than 0. percent or 0.0 acre, the symbol (-) is used to indicate a trace amount. 3

14

15 Marsh Types and Evaluation For a better understanding of what is meant by marsh types, some background information is required. The personnel of the Wetland Advisory Group have classified twelve different, common marsh types in irginia, based on vegetational composition. These marsh types have been evaluated according to certain values and are recorded in the Guidelines report. The following is a brief outline of the wetland types and their evaluation as found in that publication: It is recognized that most wetlands areas, with the exception of the relatively monospecific cordgrass marshes of the Eastern Shore, are not homogeneously vegetated. Most marshes are, however, dominated by a major plant. By providing the manager with the primary values of each community type and the means of identification, he then has a useful and convenient tool for weighing the relative importance of each marsh parcel. In irginia, many wetlands management problems involve only a few acres or a fraction of an acre. The identification of plant communities permits the manager to evaluate both complete marshes and subareas within a marsh. Each marsh type may be evaluated in accordance with five general values. These are: 1. Production and detritus availability. Previous IMS reports have discussed the details of marsh production and the role of detritus which results when the plant material is washed into the water column. The term "detritus" refers to plant material which decays in the aquatic system and forms the basis of a major marine food web. The term "production" refers to the amount of plant material which is produced by the various types of marsh plants. egetative production of the major species has been measured, and marshes have been rated in accordance with their average levels of productivity. If the production is readily available to the marine food web as detritus, a wetlands system is even more important than one of equal productivity where little detritus results. Availability of detritus is generally a function of marsh elevation and total flushing, with detritus more available to the aquatic environment in the lower, well-flushed marshes. 2. Waterfowl and wildlife utilization. Long before marshes were discovered to be detritus producers, they were known as habitats for various mammals and marsh birds and as food sources for migratory waterfowl. Some marsh types, especially mixed freshwater marshes, are more valuable because of diversity of the vegetation found there.

16 3. Erosion buffer. Erosion is a common coastal problem. Marshes can be eroded, but some, particularly the more saline types, are eroded much more slowly than adjacent shores which are unprotected by marsh. This buffering quality is derived from the ability of the vegetation to absorb or dissipate wave energy by establishing a dense root system which stabilizes the substrate. Generally, freshwater species are less effective than saltwater plants in this regard. 4. Water quality control. The dense growth of some marshes acts as a filter, trapping upland sediment before it reaches waterways, thus protecting shellfish beds and navigation channels from siltation. Marshes can also filter out sediments that are already in the water column. The ability of marshes to filter sediments and maintain water clarity is of particular importance to the maintenance of clam and oyster production. Excessive sedimentation can reduce the basic food supply of shellfish through reduction of the photic zone where algae grow. It can also kill shellfish by clogging their gills. Additionally, marshes can assimilate and degrade pollutants through complex chemical processes, a discussion which is beyond the scope of this paper.. Flood buffer. The peat substratum of some marshes acts as a giant sponge in receiving and releasing water. This characteristic is an effective buffer against coastal flooding, the effectiveness of which is a function of marsh type and size. Research and marsh inventory work accomplished by IMS personnel indicate that 10 species of marsh vegetation tend to dominate many marshes, the dominant plant depending on water salinity, marsh elevation, soil type, and other factors. The term "dominant" is construed to mean that at least 0% of the vegetated surface of a marsh is covered by a single species. Brackish and freshwater marshes often have no clearly dominant species of vegetation. These marshes are considered to be highly valuable in environmental terms. 6

17 Marsh Types and Their Environmental Contributions (Edited from Guidelines for Activities Affecting irginia Wetlands) Type I Saltmarsh Cordgrass Community a. Average yield 4 tons per acre per annum. (Optimum growth up to 10 tons per acre.) b. Optimum availability of detritus to the marine environment. c. Roots and rhizomes eaten by waterfowl and stems used in muskrat lodge construction. Also serves as nesting material for various birds. d. Deterrent to shoreline erosion. e. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. Type II Saltmeadow Community a. 1-3 tons per acre per annum. b. Food (seeds) and nesting areas for birds. c. Effective erosion deterrent. d. Assimilates flood waters. e. Filters sediments and waste material. Type III Black N eedlerush Community a. 3- tons per acre per annum. b. Highly resistant to erosion. c. Traps suspended sediments but not as effective as Type II. d. Somewhat effective in absorbing flood waters. Type I Saltbush Community a. 2 tons per acre per annum or less. b. Nesting area for small birds and habitat for a variety of wildlife. c. Effective trap for flotsam. 7

18 Type Big Cordgrass Community a. 3-6 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus less available than from Type I. c. Habitat for small animals and used for muskrat lodges. d. Effective erosion buffer. e. Flood water assimilation. Type I Cattail Community a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Habitat for birds and utilized by muskrats. c. Traps upland sediments. Type II Arrow Arum-Pickerel Weed Community a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Detritus readily available to marine environment. c. Seeds eaten by wood ducks. d. Susceptible to erosion from wave action and boat wakes, particularly in winter months. Type III Reed Grass Community a. 4-6 tons per acre per annum. b. Little value to wildlife except for cover. c. Invades marshes and competes with more desirable species. d. Deters erosion on disturbed sites. Type IX Yellow Pond Lily Community a. Less than 1 ton per acre per annum. b. Cover and attachment site for aquatic animals and algae. c. Feeding territory for fish. 8

19 Type X Saltwort Community a. Less than 0. tons per acre per annum. b. Little value to aquatic or marsh animals. Type XI Freshwater Mixed Community a. 3- tons per acre per annum. b. High diversity of wildlife. c. High diversity of wildlife foods. d. Often associated with fish spawning and nursery grounds. e. Ranks high as a sediment trap and nursery grounds. Type Brackish Water Mixed Community a. 3-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Wide variety of wildlife foods and habitat. c. Deterrent to shoreline erosion. d. Serves as sediment trap and assimilates flood waters. e. Known spawning and nursery grounds for fish. 9

20

21 Evaluation of Wetland Types (From Guidelines for Activities Affecting irginia Wetlands) For management purposes, the twelve types of wetlands identified above are grouped into five classifications based on the estimated total environmental value of an acre of each type. Group One: Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Type I) Arrow Arum-Pickerel Weed (Type II) Freshwater Mixed (Type XI) Brackish Water Mixed (Type ) Group One marshes have the highest values in productivity and wildfowl and wildlife utility and are closely associated with fish spawning and nursery areas. They also have high value as erosion inhibitors, are important to the shellfish industry, and are valued as natural shoreline stabilizers. Group One marshes should be preserved. Group Two: Big Cordgrass (Type ) Sal tmeadow (Type II) Cattail (Type I) Group Two marshes are of only slightly lesser value than Group One marshes. The major difference is that detritus produced in these marshes is less readily available to the marine environment due to higher elevations and consequently less tidal action to flush the detritus into adjacent waterways. Group Two marshes have very high values in protecting water quality and acting as buffers against coastal flooding. These marshes should also be preserved; but if development in wetlands is considered to be justified, it would be better to alter Group Two marshes than Group One marshes. 11

22 Group Three: Yellow Pond Lily (Type IX) Black N eedlerush (Type III) The two marshes in the Group Three category are quite dissimilar in properties. The yellow pond lily marsh is not a significant contributor to the food web, but it does have high values to wildlife and waterfowl. Black needlerush has little wildlife value, but it ranks high as an erosion flood buffer. Group Three marshes are important, though their total values are less than Group One and Two marshes. If development in wetlands is considered necessary, it would be better to alter Group Three marshes than Groups One or Two. Group Four: Saltbush (Type I) The saltbush community is valued primarily for the diversity and bird nesting area it adds to the marsh ecosystem. To a lesser extent it acts as an erosion buffer. Group Four marshes should not be unnecessarily disturbed, but it would be better to concentrate necessary development in these marshes rather than disturb any of the marshes in the preceding groups. Group Five: Saltwort (Type X) Reedgrass (Type III) Based on present information, Group Five marshes have few values of any significance. While Group Five marshes should not be unreasonably disturbed, it is preferable to develop in these marshes than in any other types. 12

23 Marsh Plants Common names and scientific names as found in the data tables of this report. Arrow Arum* Arrowhead* Big Cordgrass* Black Grass Black Needlerush* Black Willow Cardinal Flower Cattails* Clearweed Common Threesquare* Cypress* Dodder Giant Bulrush*. Jewelweed Marsh Fleabane* Marsh Hibiscus* Marsh Mallow Olney Threesquare* Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth Sagittaria latifolia Willd. Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth Juncus gerardi Loisel Juncus roemerianus Scheele Salix nigra Marshall Lobelia cardinalis L. Typha augustifolia L. Typha latifolia L. Pilea sp. Scirpus americanus Pers. Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard Cuscuta sp. Scirpus validus ahl. Impatiens capensis Meerb. Pluchea purpurascens (Swartz) DC Hibiscus moscheutos L. Kosteletskya virginica Presl. Scirpus olneyi Gray Orach Pickerelweed* Reedgrass* Saltbushes* Atriplex patula L. Pontedaria cordata L. Calamagrostis cinnoides (Muhl.) Barton Baccharis halimifolia L. Iva frutescens L. Aster vimineus Lam. Scirpus robustus Pursh Spartina alterniflora Loisel Saltmarsh Aster Saltmarsh Bulrush Saltmarsh Cordgrass* Saltmarsh Fimbristylis Fimbristylis spadicea (L.) ahl. Saltmeadow Grass* Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene Saltwort* Sea Lavender* SeaOxeye* Smartweed* Water Dock* Water Hemp* Wild Rice* Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl. Salicornia sp. Limonium carolinianum (Walter) Britton Borrichia frutescens (L.) DC Polygonum sp. Rumex verticillatus L. Amaranthus cannabinus (L.) J.D. Sauer Zizania aquatica L. *Species included in the Wetlands Act of

24

25 Glossary of Descriptive Terms Cove Marsh A marsh contained within a concavity or recessed area on a shoreline. The marsh vegetation is usually found surrounding a central, open-water pond, and tidal flushing is permitted through an inlet. or Embayed Marsh A marsh occupying a drowned creek valley. In many large creek marshes the salinity decreases head ward; this type of marsh may be divided for inventory purposes into sections if significant changes in the plant community occur along its length.,. Delta Marsh A marsh growing on sediment deposited at the mouth of a tidal creek. Tidal exchange through the creek mouth is usually restricted to narrow channels by the marsh. c~ 1!., - ~ - ~-~~!- 1

26 Extensive Marsh A large marsh where the length and depth or width are roughly comparable. Most extensive marshes are drained by many tidal channels and creeks which have little freshwater input. Fringe Marsh A marsh which borders a section of shoreline and generally has a much greater length than width or depth. We:b Marsh The marsh surface is at an elevation of mean high water or above; it is usually inundated less than twice daily by tidal action. Low Marsh The marsh surface is at an elevation below mean high water; it is usually inundated twice daily by tidal action. 16

27 Marsh Island An isolated marsh surrounded on all sides by open water. Interior portions of the marsh may contain trees scattered at highest elevations. Pocket Marsh A marsh contained within a small, essentially semi-circular area on a shoreline. Point or Spit Marsh A marsh which extends from the uplands in the form of a point or spit. Its development is usually influenced by tidal currents that form a sand berm behind which the marsh forms. 17

28

29 IA 1 REFERENCE MAP WETLAND SECTIONS CITY OF SUFFOLK I IIF IID

30

31 Section I Chuckatuck This section of shoreline includes the marshes of the Chuckatuck area located within the city limits of Suffolk. Wetland areas principally consist of creek, pocket and fringing marshes. Channel ward marsh areas of lower elevation are dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass, while interior areas of higher elevation are dominated by saltmeadow grasses and saltbushes. Upstream marshes in Chuckatuck, where salinities are lower, are vegetated with an abundance of big cordgrass. Most marshes in the lower reaches ofchuckatuck are relatively unimpacted; however, headwater areas contain extensive sand mining pits which have displaced many acres of marsh. 21

32 \ 1 METERS

33 METERS 00 23

34 24

35 . I. Brewers to Nix Cove... ai.:..,.z: = ;,: :,. I.... at I.. ' ' at. L I. Q. I 2., I., 1.. E. i "?'{'. :: ~: ii. :; Q..z:., 0 "'., I <> I,,.,:;., 1.J:: Marsh: Total ~ ~.. i :; f!i_.e qf"~- ::s. f:: #! J-., :;.!. :I :z:.,.. "' "' QI Cl :.;: S O> Others O.bservations "' :, ~ l;,, lit; I. J:: 0 QI, t;ocat1.:>n Acres J:: >' J:: E,, E ~:.- I C 1..c: "" :; E e,.a " -s o '.<:1 I t,0 :::W QI~ " "'.,,, _ i. u Ii i:. o :: "' CII a, a: -. ~ ;e. :; ;;;.=. ~ c;:::. ~;!!i. I. a,:. ~ "' ":;; Ii co _,,a, "' k "' 'i :i 4) - 0 '!l> O (/) (!), I (I) al'z 0 1 (/) (I). -I (IID. :.0. 1 'a:io ::s:z: ::s. 3: 0< 0 u. 0 I- a::.. :E ~J:: "' Green Head of creek, SA % Swamp fringe along 6.1 channels, interior I A mostly SB with SM Green SA fringe, scattered % Swamp SM, SB and BN A Green SA fringe, interior % Swamp SM and SB A Green Swamp 4.6 % A Pocket marsh, cattail at head Green Swamp.7 % A.6. 1 Small pocket marsh, cattail at head Green SA fringe, SB at % Swamp head of pocket, interior of SM and A BN Brewers % SA along channel, cattails along upland, interior of A SM and BN Brewers % SA along creek, interior BN with SM, pocket of SB, SC A and cattail 2 Ill

36 # 9 Marsh Total, i Location Acres, Brewers Chuckatuck ' I.., I. ~.. \ ~ i< <I> >,,:; I G. <I>. )( 1.?-:C 1. :::. OS CJ 0 E :, I\,:, Cl. J:. Others (.)., -.. ell Q) 'iij.~ :..(/). fl).cll cc.. oi : 1. :. :.:.:- Observations % 80 1 Fringe and pocket marsh dominated t t t tf lby SA, cattails in A pocket, SM, BN along upland % 3 A SA grades to SM, cattail along upland Chuckatuck 11 Fringe and % embayed marsh, SA 13. t t il ~l lalong water, interior A of BN and SM XI I Chuckatuck % SA grades to BN, cattail along upland A Chuckatuck Pocket marsh % BO 10 dominated by SA, t lt t ~bn and cattail along A upland I Chuckatuck C- Embayed marsh, % broad area of SA t il il l , lalong creek, interior A BN XI I Chuckatuck 1 Chuckatuck % B-,D-,0- Head of embayed marsh, cattail along t lupland, SA along A channels grade to BN Q- SA along creeks, SM % and BN interior, SC t t t---t lf labundant at head A B

37 #. :... Marsh Total Location Acres ':: ' ' Chuckatuck , / :.. i, J 1, -;f \:.. S: e.., J:: 0. iv! IIJ.. IIJ.w Cl> E.g'..;:s.. '.::.:/- ~.9 o/v i ==.-:_.:o!!:' 111,,«>.. Jto -.. w IIJ 0(!): (I) m/% % ;{... ;}i \?:'. <I>, >,i )(. o; C Cl> 0: :.:.~,i. I/ i,.; ;:s :., s:. 0, «t :: :r.! ::E'i:t:' I I I I O. E :i:., \/. i,. ;.,.. \: Cl.t:... "' '.,.,-, observations -: u,,, < / ~./. (.,.,.,a:.., O,.,,.,,.... SA grades back to large areas SM and l-+--;.+----l----l ,----.,---t tbn, scattered SB A Cl> :. o: ~: 1-.t: :; '"' :E Chuckatuck % 4 40 Interior dominated by SM and BN, scattered SB A Chuckatuck % A Q- Interior dominated by SM, SC, BN and SB, SA fringe, cattail along upland Chuckatuck % 2 30 A C-,0-,Q- marsh, SC 40 mixed with SM and SB, cattails at head.4 of branches Chuckatuck % Q- SA mixed with SC, abundant SB A Chuckatuck % 40 A Q- marsh 0 dominated by SC --t----t----t---, tmixed with SA, interior SM and olneyii Chuckatuck % 2 Q- Fringe marsh, SA 0 20 and SC mix, interior --t----t----t---, tstand of olneyii A Chuckatuck % 10 2 A Q- marsh 70 dominated by SC, --~ leo---~--.f linterior SM, SB and olneyii 27

38 .c: # i:". fl 0 "' l.c: e Ii ; :: 1, ~.g' g =, riiio f., :;; _.. [: td:'~ "' I.. I :,... ; ii.. I I,. Q. 3:.2 "lii E :ii Q. e., = &:. = = "' Marsh Total '! :, = " ::: :::, :k: :. I ~ f J:: "' ::. Iii~ ::, >,. e f. :x:: "' er I-.!!!, :::,.., :::, >t ;;;, ~ \!'! Cl "' Others Observations Location Acres., "',. a J::: 0 '.,c - >"' ;e. "lii 0 C J:: E.,.:::t. 1.. Gi ::1 ~; e "' 0 " <is,..~ w"'.:.q ~ :c "' ~.:i! " ~ "' = I, ii.'; iq, iii8 - :.~ I; "'., 1,.'i! --..c: I Ii, :ii 'i -.G> ; <1) ;0 (1)'(!1. (/), aiz 0 (I). (/).;.I (/).CIJ ::.:i:: 3: (I)< (/) I.I. 0;1- a: 0 h ::e Chuck- C-,E1,01 marsh % atuck section, dominated by SC, scattered E-, wdock, SB and A water hemp Chuck- A-,C1,D-,F-, marsh, SC % atuck E2,G-,H-,03 mixed with PW and cattail, FW species C2.4,E.3,0. A increase at head Chuck- A-,C-,D-,F-,0 Pocket marsh % 90.. atuck dominated by SC, PW towards head, 0.. scattered SB A 8.8 Chuck- C-,D-,0 marsh % 8 atuck section, dominated by SC, interior SM 0.3 A and BN Chuck- A-,B-,C-,D-,E- Small fringe marsh % 90 atuck,0- dominated by SC 29.9 A.8 Chuck- A-,B-,C-,D-,E- Fringe marsh, SC % atuck,f-,0- mixed with SA A Chuck- A-, C2, D-, E, Head of creek % 60.. atuck G-,l-,J-,010 dominated by SC; PW, AA, hemp and C7.2,E1.4, A 17.3 dock throughout 02.9 Chuck- A-,C30,D-,E, Head of creek, SC % 0 atuck G-,l-,J-,010 mixed with PW, large stand cattails C.3, E.9, along upland A 28

39 #. :; Marsh Total Location Acres. Chuckatuck '...c.,. w; «I, tic,::::.q E "' r i :o avo % A.3 0..c.:,::. -~: (I) BO <,;I:.-. C,l-,Q C.3,Q.3 ' marsh dominated by SC, cattail along upland Chuckatuck % C-,Q- Dominated by SC, cattail in interior A Chuckatuck % C-,Q- Pocket marsh dominated by SC A Chuckatuck % 1 2 marsh, SA fringe, interior SM, SC and BN A Chuckatuck % SA fringe mixed with SC and SM, cattail along upland A Chuckatuck % SA fringe grades to SM and SC A Chuckatuck % B- Pocket marsh, interior dominated t-t---t t---t t----t t ~by SM, SC and SB A XI I Chuckatuck 40.2 % t-r--"t""--"t""--+---t----,---,---,.---, t---t---t---t and B N A 2.1.B Q- SA along creek, interior of SM, SC

40 # Marsh Chuckatuck 41 Total 2.6.!.1 " I ;.: 1-:-: % A c:. :i: >( 0: E "' ~ ::,!,0., li0 < 1.4 E Q. I. e.: Others " I Observations I f O.<.., Pocket marsh dominated by SA.c:. ~. of :e Chuckatuck Pocket marsh, SA % with interior SM and t i ,i i i bn, olneyii and A s.bul. Chuckatuck Q- Upstream % dominated by SB, t lf---lf fsm. with SC A Chuckatuck % 90 2 Fringe and pocket marsh dominated i , ,1----i by SA; SM,.s.bul., A SC, SB along upland Chuckatuck 4.0 Large embayed % marsh, SA along t ,t ,t llower portion A Chuck atuck Head of creek SB, % SC and SM, mixed t ,t ,t '---l cattail pockets A Chuckatuck 47 Dominated by SA, % 7 20 SB and cattail in 12. t ,~ lupland, areas of SM A I Chuckatuck SA dominated % fringe, 20' wide; SB t t t ,~ land SM along A.9. 1 upland 30

41 . Marsh # Location. >.. C,huck atuck % 8 A i : : :. ; : :..,:... :. ).:.,.. i. Pocket marsh dominated by SA; tscattered BN,. cattails along upland. ; :.. :., \?.; <<<., <> x./ Chuck atuck % A SA dominated fringe 2 marsh, scattered --1, t ,~ t B N; SM, SC and SB.8 along upland Chuck atuck 1 6. % 70 A SA dominated embayed marsh ,-----with dredged.3.3 channels, cattails along upland Critten den % 6 10 SA fringe grades to 20 SB, BN, SM around --lt t, lt t lcove; cattail pockets A Chuck atuck % 90 SA fringe grades to BN, SM and cattail; --ll if i lt i irg in pockets A Chuck atuck Chuck atuck 2. % 9 A 11.3 % 7 A 1.9 Pocket marsh dominated by SA, t, tf---l l------~cattail pockets along SA fringe, grades to 10 BN and SM, average --lt if i ll lwidth 1', cattails at.3 head upland Hampto n Roads Intermittent fringe % marsh, SA grades to t t----,t if i ll ism, erosion evident A

42 . [ 1-. 3:. I,. 1.,. Q; I S!., ;i:.c I. [. I Ill., 0 "'., ai E i::.r::.~.\ :; F 0.r: I.r:.t: "" ::, 1. I ~.., ~ ~ t?:..c I f "' ::.,n :-~ ::, >, "' I ::, J: <I C1' I- Ill ~ )( "O Cl "' i a, Others Observations. - Q s. ' ' C' E ::,.c 0.r:. k. ;;; E "'. >- :: I.t:.c 'E! 1.:. (,)-::_.,,., "O E -<> - -.,::.,!., e.,:, I 0 [., f I >i! :a "' 0 - Ql Ql QI.,_ - 0 -:. "'., "O Marsh Total <tt # :; "'., ;;; "' Location Acres ;;i E I = iii!! I iii c,j., 3 "' "' > Ol "- ii:; ~: ~ d.; : E i:: (/) (!J. '1) CIJ. Z '1) '1) J tl>.,.cll m O ::.:i: ::. i: '1l< (/) LI 01- Q ::. Bleak- marsh, SB % horn and SM along dredged channels, A RG at creek mouth Nanse- Fringe marsh, SA % mond along water, interior 8 River 3. of SM, s.bul., reed I A and SB Nanse- Embayed marsh, % mond mostly SA with 9 River 4.3 areas of SM, cattails I A along upland Nix Cove marsh % 90 dominated by SA, dredged channel I A Nix Cove Pocket marsh % dominated by SA, dredged channel I A Total Section T I % A % A % A 32

43 Section II Nansemond River The lower half of the Nansemond River is characterized by broad open water with fungi and pocket marsh areas along the east and west shorelines. The upper half is dominated by extensive creek marsh areas of brackish water species. The upper tidal reaches of both the Nansemond and the Western Branch have been removed from the estuarine system and replaced by freshwater impoundments. Of the remaining marsh areas, only a few appear to have been significantly impacted by man's activities. In a number oflocations sediments dredged from the river channel have been placed on the adjacent marsh. Most of these sites are characterized by stands of reedgrass. In a few other areas, such as Harbor, channels have been dredged through the marsh to provide access to the river. The marsh areas of this section are, for the most part, characterized as Group One or Group Two wetlands. As such, they have very high environmental values in productivity, wildlife and waterfowl habitats, erosion buffers and filters of upland runoff. They should be preserved. 33

44 WLLS ISlAtO ~ \!lll.s C0\1

45

46 SECTION II. C. WILROY METERS '-c

47

48

49

50

51 :. II. Nansemond River.,'' ','... ','.. :t 0.,, :!,, ~ :t.s: "' E ~ ;c.,. 0 0.c "ij...s:.c ;.::: "'. y ',',., i' " ""'. ::, >, Marsh Total f ~. ff!.s: ::,.; ~ r:. ff! :!:., >< :x:.!'.! I- ff!., ::, X 'O Others I Observations "' "' a I "' >.X. - ~ o ' C E :,.c. 0 ;c 0) ; g. E'" i:. Cl.,.c::.s:.. () " ',.,, vf: 0.,!. :.,1ii.. - ~ ".a =.~ ::::.!:.; 0 -- lo- 1!.,.., 01:~ :ti.~ "' >f. "ij 0 'i. io - m-., ~ 'iij :i.~ 0 i "ij., "' ~ \.o t:. f ~.. fll.0 q) (!) f/l. CD: Z O (fl f/),;;j {/).CD; ai.o :i:::i:. 3: f fll< f/l.l;.. a: 0.,'. :.. :!: # "'.;. :, ~<i er Location Acres E. ;g' "' Nanse- Fringe SA and BN, % 2 mond pocket SC and 62 River 3.1 cattails, SB along A upland Nanse- SA along water, % mond interior dominated 63 River 14.1 by SM, cattail along II A upland Nanse- C- Embayed marsh, S/l % mond along channel, 64 River 31.8 grades to SM, large A sections SB and trees A A Nanse- SA fringe, grades to % mond BN and SB, average 6 River 4.2 width 20' Camp- marsh % bell section, dominated by SA; cattail, SM A and BN towards upland Camp- Dominated by SA, % 8 10 bell cattails at heads of pockets Camp- Dominated by SA % 7 20 bell with patches of BN and SM, cattails A along upland Camp- SA dominated creek % bell marsh, SB along upland, olneyii in A interior 41

52 I :::..c "' 0 Marsh Tota~ :!!., #.; :, <T "' C, "' ::, k!!! )( 'O :0 ~- ;!! Location Acres g.,. E :.; e 0 C E.::, iii 0 ::: "'!!! ll> 1ii IY"' > "i :i. -..c "' >JLt:: /.,. (/). 0 (I)'(!) (I) m z 0 I (/1 (I) J fl).a:t a:to :::. :c :::. 3:. {/) < 0 1- cc 0 Nanse- SA dominated fringe % mond and pocket marsh, 70 River 7.0 cattails at head I A A interior dominated by reed Nanse- L- Marsh fringe ' % mond wide, SA along 72 River 9.6 water, large stands A reed in interior Nanse- Q- Large embayed % mond marsh, SA along 73 River 80.2 channel, SM interior II A ,. 3:: IC. '.c o; IC 3::..,.c.2 E,. f "' "' "'. I.,: iii L.c r=;,:: "' a. "O >,., :, >,.c :, "' "' "' z f :: c l! "' :::. tn' ~ ::t "' J- >, C, Others Observations a,.r:: 0.t:. "' "'.; g.t:.c "O J:t.., <:> "O "' E~ I "' ~.:.!: "O (J. :!. -- ~.,;:,;. 1 :o :a..;; s iii ::: E aj "" <II ll> "' l! :ii - 0 al -. "' "' C Nansemond fringe along river, Pocket marsh, SA % River 3.2 SB berm behind, III Nanse- Fringe with pocket, % mond SA grades to SB, 74 River 11.8 SM and RG A Cedar SA grades to BN % and SC, cattails and reed along upland A Cedar SA grades to BN, % reedgrass along upland I A Cedar B- Pocket marsh % dominated by SA, scattered s.bul., I A patches of BN

53 # ::.. 78 Cedar ;r:.,!'!:... 2 ii.,;. (l)lll % t,i. ~ Other&.....Observations SA grades to interior of SM and SB; reed , land cattail along A upland 79 Cedar 2.2 marsh % section, SA and SM il lm ix A Cedar 23.2 % marsh section, reedgrass, , tSB, SM mix; A dredged areas 81 Cedar 23.4 % 90 B- Head of creek, dominated by SA A Cedar 8.2 % marsh section, SA grades t--t----t t----t----t----t----t---t---t---t1----, lto SM and SB A Cedar 8.6 % 8 10 marsh section, dominated l-t---t l l ~by SA, stands of SM A and s.bul. 84 Cedar.8 % SA along channel, grades to SM, reed t--t----t---t il----t----t land cattail along A Cl upland C2 Nansemond Marsh fringe, SA % 8 grades to BN, SM t--t t----1t----t t land SB; reed along A upland 43

54 I #..C 0 Marsh lotar ~ : Location Acres. ~..g Nansemond I 1 :t.. e, 0.,,.,. I I.,!I: "' I ~ I r _._: ~-- ::.!!_ I:_..::-. =. Id~. i.:8,. Q) ::E::c... I Others.. Observations Pocket marsh, SA % dominated grades l f----f---l~--<l , lto SM, SB and BN A Q. >, I ~ :;; ::E Nansemond 87 L-,Q- Embayed marsh, SJI % along water, grades 86.1 t f---l---, , lto SM I A Shackley Island 1.0 % 6 2 Marsh island dominated by SA, l l l f linterior of BN, SB A and SM 89 Shackley Island % t------il-----l'-----f ,t---<~ '------lby SA A L-,0- Large embayed marsh dominated Nansemond SA dominated with % SC, SM, BN and t t ll----f----l i cattails along A upland Nansemond 91 Nansemond 92 % Large embayed marsh, SA along t , l----f----l~ i river with stands of A SC; interior BN and SM % 7 2 SA dominated with interior of SM 16.2 A Nansemond SA along water, BN, % SB, SM, cattails l t---t t i.-----, l------~along upland, A dredged channel I 44

55 #. 94 Marsh Total i Location Acres " Western Branch. ~. ~ Q. ai E ::::.. :t.. :.. Others Cl) ~ Observat.ions SA along creeks, % interior of SM and l ~~ ~~ t ~~ ibn, sections grazed A by cattle 9 Western Branch 78.3 marsh section % dominated by SC, l ~~ ~ t , sa fringe along A channels 96 Western Branch 1.6 Small pocket and % 2 10 fringe marsh t i i t ,i idominated by SC, A SA along river 97 Western Branch. C-,H- Small pocket marsh % 10 8 dominated by SC, l , , t twild rice at head of A.1.4 pockets 98 Western Branch 1.0 Marsh fringe mostly % SA and SB, cattails t , , t tin pocket A Western Branch 8.6 B- marsh % adjacent to dam, SC t-+----t----t---,i t---,t t talong water, interior X 11 A SM, BN and SB 100 Western Branch 1. C- Pocket marsh, SC % 10 7 with SB and SA, t t t---,t , t finterior of reedgrass A Western Branch 1.1 % 2 6 B- SA along creek, interior of SC with t t t , t tsm, stands of A reedgrass grade to fill 4

56 I ~ I. 3!.c Marsh lotal I "' =.,.g m. Location Acre~..E "E.E fl, ~ a ~ 102 Western Branch 66.4 ai O iu 0 0 cn ". "'. ( !!! >< Others Observations ;;. 0. : 0., " ij.. :. t!. 0. % <h 4 l , , fand SM A marsh dominated by SC 103 Western Branch 67.4 B- SA, SC along creek, % interior SM with lstand olneyii A II 104 Western Branch 6.0 A-,B- SA, SC along creek, % interior SM, cattails t it t talong upland A Nansemond A-,B- Dominated by SC, % SA along channels, lcattails along A upland Nansemond 106 River 17.8 A-,B- Dominated by SC, % SA along river, tinterior patches of A SM Nansemond 107 River B- Extensive marsh % dominated by SC, t t , fSA fringe along A water Nansemond 108 River 23.1 A-, B-, C-, E-, F- marsh % G-,Q- dominated by SC, , , tcattails in pockets A along upland Nansemond 109 River 7. % B- Pocket marsh adjacent to l , , thighway, dominated A by SC with scattered trees and s. bushes 46

57 / #.. ~..,:i. E... :,.,., Cl. >,. ::. :r: f:.,., ~ 3: ~....c.c 0 "'.,.. I "'.,. 1h,, c:. ';.~ Marsh rota[.c ::, >, ~.,.s. II).;.?'!. C:,s....,.; ~ x,,., :,. :; /.., ~ i >,..,,. a. Others Observations Location Acres I ' E ~ z ""' -!.::': 0 C :. 0. e ::i ~:,;\. e '". -..!!. 1.o 1!., ::-. =: ~:. : ~ ;..~.d ;. / ~ ; ; s..; 0.; I iu I.!., ':a.,..;,.&:, ~.. 11! ::,.,. I. (/j 0 ffi/(!). (D Cl z 0 th. 0 ~ w m Cl.0 ::Ei:X: :I:.. ~ th <.(/)/I.A.; "' 01-, a: o..../ "'..;.,,,. ;. II).,.,.,, w.'. ::: 'e ;:;.. ".i::..c ; :::e Nanse- B- Extensive marsh % 20 7 mond dominated by SA 110 River 82. along channel, A interior SM Nanse- Q- Pocket marsh % mond dominated by SC, 111 River 11. SA along channels A Nanse- G-,H-,0- marsh % 9 mond dominated by SC, 112 River 22.3 scattered areas of A upland A Nanse- Fringe marsh % 9 mond dominated by SC, 113 River 1. scattered Nanse- A-,B-,C-,D-, Mostly SC, scattered % mond E-,F-,G-,01 high marsh along 114 River 70.0 channel, trees on 0.7 A old spoil sites Nanse- M- SA along river, % mond interior mostly 11 River 16.8 reedgrass III A Nanse- G- SA along river, % mond interior mostly 116 River 4.1 reedgrass III A Nanse- M Dominated by SC, % 90 mond partially filled 117 River 12. M.6 A

58 #..t:.., Marsh Total f:;. i 11:J. ~. Location Acres. i i E.:_g ~:>()..:. Nansemond 118 River 20.4 :o % :i: 0.,, Ill!II E., ;!:; ti ar ' u, <, e >, : 1: 0.I <is I: (/1 90 ~ 2. ai ::..i::.. :;: ::. > :.. Others :. : Observations A-,8-,C,D,E Dominated by SC,, F-,02 old bulkhead along t t----,t t----,t t---t t river edge with filled A area behind Shingle 119. % A ,Q- Marsh fringe dominated by SC, scattered w.dock. and w.hemp Shingle % A B-,D,03 Q.3 Dominated by SC, Hemp, W. Dock throughout Shingle % E large marsh dominated by SC A Shingle % 2 A E, M20, D, N-, Open areas with AA, a 3 dominated by SC E.,M1.9,0.3 Shingle % A E,D,M10 Pocket marsh at 80 head of creek li ~---li lpartially filled E.2,D.2,M.4 3. Oak Island % A A-,C-,D-,E-,F marsh with 80 10,G-,H-,0 dredged channel t----,~ t~ ldominated by SC F2.0,Q2.0 FW species toward head Nansemond 12 River 17.0 % A A, 8-,C-,D-,E Dominated by SC, 9 3,F-,G,H,02 cattails along -t t t------upland

59 I #. Marsh Total Location Acres... I: / I>. Nansemond 126 River 10.6,:; (/) :::, :;;.JI': - - <> '.'O GI Ol m,z......c..c ". ; I e % 90 3 ' others Qb.servatio.ns f.. 0/.,,. I..,.... A-,B-,C-,D-,E- Dominated by SC, G-, 02 with SA, dredged l f f ll---l f---l fchannels with A adjacent spoil areas I Ol Q. >, f,:: ;;; :::::e Nansemond 127 River 34.3 A-,B-,C-,D-,E Dominated by SC, % ,F-,02 hemp and dock l f f ~ f.-----~throughout, high E.3,0.7 A marsh and trees along river Nansemond 128 River 67.1 % 8 A-,C-,E,G-, 0 Road across front with tidal flush, l f ~ f f.-----~dominated by SC E3.4,03.4 A Burnetts Mill Burnetts Marsh section at % 9 mouth of creek, l ll ll f---l ldominated by SC A.7 % 90 A 9.3. with SA at lower elev. D-,E-,G-,H-,0 Long pocket marsh dominated by SC Burnetts 1.4 % 30 0 A G-,0 0.1 SC mixed with hibiscus 132 Burnetts 1.9 % 2 9 E-,01 Pocket marsh dominated by SC, l ll ll f---l some fill at mouth A Burnetts 12.6 % 9 marsh section, mostly SC, l f---l t l f lsb scattered A throughout E-,0-49

60 I # Bu rnetts % 2 I.,.:::: 'a : o: : "' 9. ;; iii ~ Others.i:. u.!:':. 0 /..\..... E-,Q- Observati.ons marsh section, dominated by SC I >,..i:. "' ~ ::::;; A Burnetts 13,. 2.0 % 3 A E-,01 Q- marsh section, dominated by SC, SA along creek Burnetts % 3 A E-,01 Q.1 Dominated by SC, SB along channel edge Nansemond 137 River.0 % ,Q- Dike across front of marsh with trees and reed, interior SC A Nansemond 138 River % B- SA along channel, interior mostly SC with areas of SM A Nansemond 139 River 2.4 Nansemond 140 River 11.0 Fringe and pocket, % SA along river, t t , , lgrades to SC and A SB, cattail along B- Dredged channel % with spoil placed on t i t, t-----1, marsh A upland Nansemond 141 River 13.9 % Mostly SC with SB and cattails along upland, adjacent to A dredged channel 0

61 -g Marsh # Location!" Nansemond 142 River it. Ii. :i:. :..c = 0 Tatar..~ "' 1 Acres : > t.g _E :; 8.1.:.-. \ i./ -,.~ aio {/). 0 M.;:: w (!)...t!. ;;; :e ' 1. Others ~ f 0 Observations "' Q.,,. >, J:. fl,.. :::e.... '. ;; B- Dominated by SC, % SA along creek, t icattails along A upland Nansem o nd 143 River.7 B- marsh, upper % portion dammed, t isa along creek A channel Nansemond 144 River 73. B- SC dominated, % grades to areas of t-+-~--t~~-+~~+-~~+-~-,f--~-+~~-t-~~+-~~t-~-+~~-t-~~+-~~+-~--t~~-+~~+-~~+-~~~~~sm A Nansemond 14 River 47.9 Mostly SA with % patches of SBUL, t--t t---, , t t ,t isc along uplands A Nansemond 146 River Nansemond 147 River % B- Large embayed marsh, SA along 177. t t , '" lchannels grade to A areas of BN, SC and SM 2.3 Marsh island % 100 dominated by SA, t , ,~ '" ' lscattered SM and A 2.3 SC 148 Wilroy Swamp B- SA grades to SC % and large areas of t--t t---,t ,t t ~ ism. cattails along A upland 149 Star L-,B- SA grades to areas % of SM with SB, SC 0.9 t--t-----t t-----t t----t ,t ~along upland edge A

62 al \ ;i;. Ii. ;i; : Q. ~. I.r:.!. J::..:,n 0 "' G> iii E "' <d. Q; G>.,,.r:. c:: &: ::.. ~. 0 "Q ::,. >,., ::, >, Marsh Total al.r:. I G> ~ :! c JI).>I,:"._.OI,S. ::E l: le "' OI # 1. I- "' :;; ::, ~--.~: er OI. '" )( 'O GI 0 "'., ::, 0 GI ~: 0 Others Observations Location Acres.r: 0 12 e.g'.r:..r:..r:. g k.,. ;; ~ 0 <: E ::, -0. w.::. Q). g e 1; 0 <D t ---~. ~!! j;.. cu - ca: "'" :;; ~ :a ;.! i] " "' i;:! ~ as :;; tt l.i./ iii. 0 iii iii...!,., "' ti iii :i --0 i iii. -.S::.,. 0.0 <h (!) <h mz o <h. <h J (/).a). mo :::E" J: :::E" 3: fl)< "' <h.1/ 01- a:.. ::e. "' I Star SA grades to SB, % SC and SM A o., Star H,E Head of creek % branch dominated 11.7 by cattails I H.3,E.3 A Star E1,P marsh % dominated by SA I E1.,P. A Star E10 marsh, % mostly SC mixed with mallow XI E1.4 A Star J2, E3,02 marsh % dominated by cattails I J.1,E.2,0.1 A Star E20,Q30 Head of creek % branch mostly cattails XI E.4,0.6 A.8.2 Oyster B- SA dominating % House lower portion, SC and BN along I A upland Nanse- B- Embayed marsh, S/l % mond grades to SM, 17 River 14.8 cattails along II A upland edge 2

63 # Marsh Total..Loiiatlon Acr:es :. < '. i.. i 18 Glebe Pt SA grades to SC % and SM, patches of it it it tolneyii, stands of A reed Nansemond 19 River Marsh fringe, SA % grades to SB, SC, t ism and reed A Nansemond 160 River Embayed marsh % with diked sections, t--t----t t----t t , tsb on dikes, SA A dominating outside of dikes Nansemond 161 River ,0- Fringe and pocket % marsh, mostly SA l t ~ """"1---~------lgrading to SC and A high marsh species Nansemond 162 River 1.8 Fringe and pocket % marsh, SA along t t tl ~ """"1---~------lwater grades to BN, A SM, SC and SB Nansemond 163 River 7. % 1 1 Pocket, SA grades to BN, SB, SM and t-+----t----t t----t t fsc; cattails along A upland 8- Nansemond 164 River 16 Wills Cove Fringe and pocket % 1 1 marsh, cattails t t----t----t----t----t----t---t---t---t t ~along upland, SA A and BN grade to SC, SM and SB SA along water, % grades to BN, SB, t-1--~--11-~-+~~-t-~~+-~~t-~-t~~-t-~~-t-~~+-~--1~~-+~~-+-~~+-~~1-~-+-~~-1-~~+-~~~~~sm, SC A

64 Mar.sh. # Location ;' Wills Cove Wills Island 84.0 % ~..! ),( 0., "' (IX..., I>.e I ~.e "''"' I.s>2 'it ~ (l)illl.c 0 as o B- Others... observations :>.. SA along water, grades to large area t ll t---t ~sm, dredged 11 A % C- channels with SB on spoil SA along water, grades to SM, BN ll land SC, large area A with old dike., 0 >, 1-.c. ;;; :l!: 168 Olds Cove 28. % li li N A Embayed marsh, SA grades to SM and Nansemon d 169 River 7.9 B-,Q- SA dominated % marsh, fringe 1-0' ,t ,, twide A Nansemond 170 River 1. % Marsh fringe, SA along river with SM, t ll ~s B and BN behind XI I A T Total Section II % t---l----i l----ll---l----i A % A % A 4

65 Section III and Knotts The marshes in this section comprise over 900 acres or 16.% of the total in the city. Most are characterized as creek or pocket marsh types which are from one to 30 acres in size. An extensive marsh area at the mouth of is, however, over 200 acres in size. The marshes here are of very high value to the marine environment and serve as important buffers between upland development and the marine environment. Impacts to them will likely occur in small amounts at many locations as upland areas become increasingly urbanized. It is, therefore, important that regulations be closely observed to minimize the potentially large cumulative effect on this important resource.

66 T~ PONT ' D NANSEMOND RIER ', '~A{ 6

67 METERS SECTION Ill. B. UPPE~1'tl:I_ 7

68 Ill. and Knotts. # 171 Marsh Total Location Acres,... I.. f GS :, O' ~ : i ~. f - s:; o i-: K- SA grades to SM % then BN and SB, 18.7 l tcattail along upland A I.. Others Observations I Pocket marsh, % dominated by SA t-----t t-----t i with SM, SC, cattails I A % SA dominated with large areas of SM A L Embayed marsh, SA % grades to SM and t-----t i t-----t i sB, old dredge spoil 11 A area with SB on dike SA along creek and % 2 20 channel, interior SM, < tpatches BN I A Dominated by SA, % cattail along upland 12.8! A Spit marsh, SA % 2 7 fringe, interior SM, t t t t patches of BN II A SA along creek, % grades to SM and t t-----t t t BN, cattail and SB A along upland 8

69 # 179,:.-; : e ~ Marsh Total,.. ~!. Location Acres IJ - ~. J i J (J : ~ 'x!, 't,i. 0 Others I Observations ". J. % 7 20 Pocket marshes, SA dominant, cattails at t t---i, t----,i, t t----,i, head A SA dominant % 9 throughout, <l scattered olneyii, A s.bul. and SM marsh with % 8 large dredged t channel, mostly SA A % SA along water, interior mostly SM t t---i, t----,i, t t---i, and BN, dredge A channel along upland % 90 Marsh fringe along dredged creek A SA along creek, % grades to SM, BN t t l---f and SB, cattails in A pockets Pocket marsh, % dominated by SA; t t t t ~ lsc. cattail along A upland SA mixed with % stands of SC and t ll t ~ ibn, cattail along A upland 9

70 # 187 Marsh Location.. Total e I Acres = "' I\ t.gi ; -. 0 I. c'il 0 % [._.::.: :_ 1:.:_. ~.. : C. ~. E ::. z. -; m.. :ii I ii... ::. ;:. ';. :c.. ~.! ~.,, fh,<. I I ~ () _ I:, o., Q-.,. Others I Observations I marsh section, mostly SC A % 90 C-,D-,H-,Q- Head of creek branch, mostly SC A Quacker Neck % 10 8 Q- marsh section, mostly SC A Quacker Neck % 9 B-,C-,D-,Q- Pocket marsh dominated by SC A Quacker Neck % 8 B-,Q- Mostly SC, scattered SA and SB A Quacker Neck % 89 marsh above R.R. crossing, l ~ , l 'mostly SC A Quacker Neck % 90 Q- Dominated by SC, SA along creek A Quacker Neck % 9 Pocket marsh dominated by SC, f , f l, l cattails in pockets A.3. Q- along upland 60

71 #. Marsh Location I Quacker Neck 19 Total Acres \ % A.3.3 ',. 1/S a, -0 o,' iii :I ; ~ =:. ;e.. :E.:r:.. :.r::._: lo s <ii Q) B-,Q- Others marsh section, mostly SC % B-,Q- Dredged pocket marsh, mostly SC A % SC along channel, interior SM and BN A Nansemond 201 River Nansemond 202 River Q. Marsh fringe SA and % SC mixed, stands ot l ,f ,f t '" t n, cattails along A upland Q. SA and SC % 60 3 dominating lower t t , t portion, cattails at A..3 head B- SA along water, % interior SM and BN, t , , t l ~scattered SC A B-,Q- SA mixed with SC % grades upstream to 4.4 t-1---t--~t----t----t---t---t----t----t----t t--~t----t----t---t----t-----~b N A B-,Q- Marsh fringe % dominated by SA, t , t t lcattails along A upland 61

72 .s:. : : '.., ::., 0 fl F "' iii Q. ::, 1 Marsh. Totai., O' "' : r- "" io.., ::, :!!J )( "O 1., ~ -::-. ; i. ; "' Cl Others Obser.vations Location Acres E.g'., " 0 I C: e E.::, ~:-. e..g :.c I. k.... I 1.:: I.: '.: '.. 3:.,:;:.:. 3: I I k : I.c.c L. E i!?., :ii "O Ii "' "' I. ""...c.c.s::,.- ::, f!., ~ <U ::e qj "" # <I). ~ c. f ::, :X:. : "' I:~..~ a.&:: 0., I..c ::: o "O.,.:: as "' "' :-.!: :;_:.:~ _.c.., 0 - ;_ o '" ::,:., - - ;c;. 1:.. (/)/0 w c, ;:: (/) en z 0. (/) (/) ;,;,i ~> I (/)ial m o. ;:e :r;. ::e.: ;: :(/J < (/)1.1,j.o 0 : : :. : Deanes SA mixed with SM, % Branch cattails along upland. :...2 i 1, "O -C,,:J:.:. co., "O I ~(:.!. I iii ~ /:.;.,.; > CD: :.~ :ii ; iii - E f. ~ A "' ::e Deanes Fringe and pocket, % 90 Branch mostly SA, s.bul throughout A Deanes Q- Dominated by SA, % Branch s.bul. scattered throughout, cattails A at head Deanes Q- Pocket marsh, SA % 6 1 Branch mixed with s.bul., cattails at head A Deanes Q- Mostly SA mixed % Branch with s.bul., stands of BN A Deanes Branch marsh % 9 dominated by SA A SA along water, % 2 6 interior SM, patches BN II A marsh, % mostly SA, mixed SM A

73 I.,..c "' Marsh fotal., "' tu # Location Acres. :.:(Cl I E "O. 11,,,. i :.:. ~.8 % ;[ 0,. tu., Ii _.; tu al ~ Jl)f(!).. I. I I!i..c: gi;.;.x:.- : g.: - "' m..z. :... "' <I) )( r 0. et. fl) 10. :..: }.fi :.. i.... I :.: \.:.4' :;,. ::. 0 \.... >, I. Others :. <'.: Ji..c u.: i. ::,..~ : > > ;ii. >: ::e.:. Pocket marsh dominated by SA, cattail at head A % B SA grades to SM, scattered BN II A % 40 B Mostly SA mixed with SM and SB, cattail along upland A % 6 A.8 3. SA along channel, interior SM, scattered s.bul % 7 A Pocket marsh 1 dominated by SA, abundant s.bul.,.1.4 cattails along upland % SA along channel, interior SM and SB, cattai I along upland A % A Dominated by SM and SB, cattails and SC at head II % O SA along creek, grades to SM and SB II A

74 . # 219 Marsh Location. I I Total Acr.es.;. : I. I ;c.., ;c. I..; l. s::.2 iii -; (/)Cll al Cl "O.,. a:. I ;c.. (.) f 0.. Others. Observations SA along creek, % interior SM with SB, j jl i lsome pine on area A of dredge spoil II % SA along channel, interior SM, SB and j i j lBN, section near A highway filled with spoil % 0 3 A E10 E.1 SB with patches of cattails I Cri!ek % 0 3 E10 Head of creek marsh, SB with t t jt---.i j lpatches of cattails, I A..4.1 E.1 tidal flooding under highway 2.2 % t---t f isB A SA along creek, grades to SM and % 4 K- SA dominating interior areas of SM A Pocket marsh, % 90 mostly SA, scattered t----t----t t----l+----lt t ~sm, BN, dredge A spoil at mouth I % SA with cattails at head, channel t t----t '---t jl j dredged and A bulkheaded 64

75 . 1. I #. 227 Marsh. locatl.on. 1 Total Acresl. t 6.8 % 90 Pocket marsh mostly SA, cattail at head A % A K- SA grades to SM and BN, scattered s.bul., SB along dredged channel % A SA grades to SM and BN, cattails in pockets, upstream portions dammed % 0 4 K- SA grades to SM, SB on dredged spoil A Nansemond River 3. % 2 70 Marsh fringe mostly reedgrass III A Knotts 11.9 % 9 Spit marsh at mouth of A Knotts 1.9 % 96 2 Q- Cove with broad fringe of SA A Knotts 20.8 marsh % dominated by SA, l ,~ ,~ ~ lcattail in pockets A

76 I # 23.. Marsh Total Location Acres. 1, iii Knotts 8.3 % 98 2 s.,.. ~ X Q., "' "' 0 CfJ.... I I c: <> Others Observations Embayed marsh dominated by SA., Q, >, 1- c: :;; ::::; A Knotts.9 Mostly SA; SB, % cattail, s.bul. at t lhead of pocket A Knotts 4.0 SA mixed with % 9 s.bul., portion along t t---i t , t---,i t upland filled I A Knotts 7.4 Mostly SA with % cattails in pockets, , , 't ldredged channel A Knotts 8.1 % 90 3 Mostly SA with patches of SM; t-"1"""--+---t"----it r---t"---t, "1""" t" lcattail and SB along A upland and in pocket I 240 Knotts 4.9 % 9 3 Mostly SA, scattered s.bul. A Knotts 8.0 % 70 2 SA mixed with SM, scattered s.bul. A Knotts 4. % Pocket marsh with SA along channel A

77 .) 243 Knotts 2.6 % ( k.. < i:l:t..o. f. \. ).,.. :..c,.,. <. i...i. /. i.,... jl;.. >,. ~Jil" :: } i Ii i\'.ti'.i ;>.;. > Ii. 1-,. Ci 1:,ti : \~!.'!.. i',..r. ; :,., 0 \ ; ; ~1: x ;' (l)..l.k.. ~ i/. i,. i.:.i :!. > i' SA along creek, interior SM with s.bul. - A Knotts 1.7 % a- Fringe of SA along creek, interior SM and SB II A Knotts 27.9 % SA mixed with areas of SM, patches of BN A Knotts 23.6 % A SA mixed with areas of SM, patches of BN 247 Knotts.9 % A SA mixed with areas of SM, s.bul. throughout 248 Knotts 1.3 % SA along creek, interior SM and SB A Knotts 11.1 % A Mostly SA, interior SM and scattered s. bul. and BN 20 Knotts 33.0 % A Mostly SA, interior SM, cattail and BN 67

78 > * > ;f. > * > * > * > * > -i = (/) -i - (I) 0 ~?' n - - Q) c;- - ::, * > *,. N : N. "' "'. "' "' "' ~ a, a, "'. '!la r- 0 ;:: (') Q) Q) ::: 0 ::T :, > -i (') 0 (I) Q) - Saltmarsh Cord grass Saltmeadow Grass Saltbushes Black Needlerush Cattails SeaOxeye m 00., "' "' "' :. N "' "' $ea lavender Saltmarsh Bulrush Big Cord grass Marsh Hibi8CUS Marsh Mallow Water Hemp Saltmanih Ar;ter Saltmarsh Fimbristylis Olney Three square Reedgrass Orach 0 ; ~ 0 r:r "' (I) < e o :, "' ' Marsh Type

79 Section I West, Sheeter and Hoffler s Area The marsh areas in this section are located along three small tidal creeks. Nearly all the wetlands here are dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass. As such they are characterized as Group One marsh and are of highest value to the marine environment. Much of the river shoreline between the creeks is fringed with saltmarsh cordgrass marsh that is serving to reduce upland erosion through strong root and rhizome mats. All of these marshes are valuable and should be protected the highest degree possible. 69

80 JAM s R! R t fr;=--p I~----// ~~~(-" ~-./ 70

81 I. West to Hoffler... # 21 West 4.1. / >..., J r;.;. ;, ~>,:. ~. 0 '>; ;.:t\t..:.i mo- iie~c%1xfo\.... ~. :! },' ;...~.,..'O.!t,~i~r~la't~rwiji1cittli,ii '...; % 94 marsh dominated by SA l ; ; ; fmixed with SM and A BN 22 West 21.6 Dominated by SA; % 8 1 area of SB and SM at mouth A Nansemond River 1.3 SA dominated % marsh fringe, l ; ; , t------fgrades to SM, SB, A erosion evident 24 Nansemond River 4.3 Spit marsh, large % area RG, cattails l ; ; , t------falong upland A Hampton River 2.8 SA dominating % fringe; SB, SM t t a1ong upland A.6. 1 Streeter % marsh section, mostly SA A Streeter % 9 Mostly SA; cattails, SB along upland A Streeter % 9 Formerly a lake, mostly SA A