Southern Forests Project: Ecological Importance

The conservation tracts selected from the extensive IP holdings in North Carolina are chosen on the basis of field investigations conducted by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).  Many of the these areas have been recognized as Significant Natural Heritage Areas for more than 25 years and have been included on the DENR Registry of Natural Heritage Areas.

The comprehensive inventory for rare species and natural areas on International Paper lands in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina was completed by the Natural Heritage Program in 2000.  Many of the areas identified during that study will be conserved as a result of this project.  Not just the scale but the diversity in this conservation opportunity is striking; for instance, all examples of each of North Carolina’s river types – brownwater, blackwater, and tidal rivers as well as fall line and Coastal Plain tributary creeks – are included in this significant conservation initiative. 

Roanoke River
The Roanoke River is well known as one of the best remaining examples of southern brownwater river systems along the Atlantic slope.  The Roanoke floodplain includes large expanses of mature bottomland hardwood and cypress–gum swamp communities, diverse natural levee forests with rare plants, and rich bluff forests.  Rare animals include the cerulean warbler in the vast forests, the bald eagle and the rare southeastern bat along the river.  The 16 tracts in this area contribute to existing game lands and National Wildlife Refuge lands, making this one of the largest areas of conservation land in the Coastal Plain.

Tar River Tributaries
The upper Tar River and its tributaries are a major center for Atlantic Coast mussel diversity; protection of these waters contributes to survival of the dwarf wedgemussel and the Tar River spinymussel, both  federally endangered species, as well as numerous state listed mussel species.  The 34 tracts in this area provide important buffers to protect water quality and aquatic habitats.  IP had previously protected these creek buffers through a Memorandum of Understanding with DENR, USFWS, TNC, Partners in Flight, and WRC.

Chowan River
The Chowan River is one of North Carolina’s premier wind tidal rivers.  The river supports a distinct suite of six rare mussels, as well as the federally endangered short-nose sturgeon.  Vast tidal swamps lining the river are some of the most extensive wild lands in northeastern North Carolina; nearby lie northern remnants of longleaf pine woodlands.  The seven IP tracts protect buffers along miles of the Chowan and its tributaries, the Meherrin and Wiccacon rivers. 

Juniper Creek
Juniper Creek is a  major component of the Waccamaw River system, one of the most significant blackwater rivers in North Carolina.  It is home to the Carolina pygmy sunfish, known only from the Waccamaw system.  The floodplain supports extensive cypress–gum swamp, while small upland patches on the edges contain remnant longleaf pine savannas and significant upland habitat for rare plants, butterflies and birds.  One large tract contains good examples of these communities and supports a large and varied collection of rare species, including a number of plants, butterflies, and several birds.