lumber river basin t - Environmental Education

LUMBER
T
RIVER
BASIN
he Lumber River Basin is a rich ecological expanse of flat land, gently rolling hills
and swamp waters. Part Sandhills but mostly Coastal Plain, the basin is a flatwater
paddler’s dream and a naturalist’s wonderland.
SC
KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC
Even though it is named for the Lumber River,
the Lumber River Basin is actually four distinct
river systems that include the Lumber River,
the Waccamaw River, the headwaters of the
Little Pee Dee River and a system of small
coastal rivers that empty into the Atlantic.
The Lumber River is one of the state’s four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and an 81-mile portion
of the river is designated a National Wild and
Scenic River. In bestowing the federal designation, the National Park Service determined
the Lumber River has “outstandingly remarkable” resources, which include recreation, fish,
wildlife, scenery and botany. The wildness
of the Lumber and Waccamaw rivers draws
canoeists and other paddlers by the thousands.
Lumber River,
Robeson County
The Waccamaw River flows from Lake Waccamaw, the most biologically diverse lake in North
Carolina and one of the most species-rich lakes
in the Western hemisphere. It has 52 fish species, 11 species of snails and 15 species of mussels and clams, many of them rare and endemic
to the lake, meaning they have been found nowhere else on earth. The
Waccamaw’s watershed also includes a large portion of the Green Swamp.
In wet savannas of this swamp, scientists have recorded the highest
density of small-scale plant diversity in North America — more than
40 species in a single square meter. Some of these intriguing plants
include insect-eaters such as flytraps, pitcher plants and sundews,
plus an array of orchids.
profile:
Total miles of
streams and rivers:
2,247
Total acres of lakes:
9,865
Total acres of
estuary: 4,848
Municipalities
within basin: 51
Counties
within basin: 9
Size: 3,329
square miles
Population:
472,276
(2010 U.S. Census)
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to
all of the organisms
(plants, animals, fungi,
bacteria, etc.) and
ecosystems that can
be found in a region.
A high level of biodiversity indicates that natural systems are in
balance and that the
environment is healthy.
We depend on biodiversity for many natural
goods and services,
such as the pollination
of crops and wild plants,
MELISSA MCGAW, NCWRC
the cycling of air and
water, the regeneration
of soil and the development of new foods and
medicines.
THOSE
Mysterious
CAROLINA BAYS
A
bout the time scientists started studying craters
on the moon, the public began debating the
earthly mystery of the Carolina bays. Captured in a
1930s aerial photograph, these oval-shaped depressions were curious repeating patterns scattered along
the East Coast and concentrated in the Carolinas.
Wild theories of their origins abounded. Were they
dinosaur footprints? Prehistoric whale wallows? Spaceship landing pads? Today, the most widely accepted
theory is that prevailing Ice Age winds reshaped existing bodies of water into elliptical pools. These unique
wetlands are important breeding grounds for frogs
and salamanders. They range in size from 45 feet to 7
miles long (Lake Waccamaw).
Horseshoe Lake, Bladen County
Oh, Blackwater
Tributaries and smaller
streams that form within
Coastal Plain swamps
receive lots of decaying organic material.
Tannins from this material impart a dark color
to the water. These
tannin-tinted waters
are known as “blackwater” streams.
MELISSA MCGAW, NCWRC
KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC
Lake Waccamaw is a special kind of wetland known as a Carolina bay. Of puzzling origin, Carolina bays are elliptical depressions that collect rainwater throughout the year. Concentrated
in the Carolinas, many of these bays are scattered throughout the Lumber River Basin. Lake
Waccamaw is the largest permanently water-filled Carolina bay in North Carolina. The degree
of aquatic diversity is unusual for a Carolina bay, most of which are highly acidic and therefore
inhospitable to many plants and animals. Outcrops of limestone on the northeast shore of Lake
Waccamaw lower the acidity of the water to a neutral pH, allowing diversity to thrive. Two fish,
the federally threatened Waccamaw silverside and the Waccamaw darter, are endemic. Two
mussels, the Waccamaw spike and the Waccamaw fatmucket, are also found nowhere else
in the world. Even though an estimated 778 million spike mussels live on the lake bottom,
ecologists warn that just one catastrophic event could have an irreversible effect on a
species with such a limited distribution.
The lake and the headwaters of the Waccamaw River make up Lake Waccamaw State Park.
Just below the lake, River Swamp is the largest remaining blackwater cypress-gum swamp in the
state. The Waccamaw River is one of North Carolina’s largest blackwater rivers. Its tea-colored
waters are nearly free of sediment and would be clear if not for the stain of decayed organic
matter from surrounding swamp forests. About 90 percent of all the waters in the Lumber
River Basin are swamp waters.
The northwestern tip of the basin includes part of Sandhills Game Land and its longleaf pine
communities, another rare and diminishing habitat. The coastal part of the Lumber River Basin
includes Boiling Springs Lake and other scattered Carolina bays. The American alligator, which
inhabits Lockwoods Folly River, is state-listed as a threatened species. Coastal North Carolina,
including the Lumber River Basin, is the northernmost part of its natural range. The Lumber
KEN
TAYLOR, NCWRC
Water quality in the Lumber River Basin is generally good.
Growth in human population and animal farms, however, has
been significant. The number of people in the basin is expected
to increase 30 percent by 2020.
For now, the water quality in the basin’s streams and rivers is good enough to support swimming and boating as well as shellfish harvesting in some estuary areas. There are some fish
species, however, that have been contaminated by mercury. Power plant and incinerator
emissions are important sources of this pollutant. Certain household and medical wastes also
contain mercury. State officials advise limited consumption of largemouth bass, chain pickerel
and bowfin throughout the basin because of high levels of mercury in their flesh.
Another concern in the basin is that many shellfishing areas in coastal rivers are closed due
to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. This kind of bacteria indicates contamination from
animal, and possibly human, waste. Runoff from animal lots and outdated or malfunctioning
septic systems are potential sources of contamination.
Since some of these pollution sources involve leaked household chemicals and household solid
waste, the actions of each person in the basin can make a difference. The residents of the
Lumber River Basin have the opportunity to protect their waters as the region grows. They are
learning valuable lessons from other river basins that are now grappling with polluted wastewater and development issues. Many local citizens are working together to preserve and protect
the waters of the Lumber River Basin. See the list on the back of this brochure.
Pitcher plant
MELISSA MCGAW, NCWRC
Venus flytrap
MELISSA MCGAW, NCWRC
THE
River Basin also contains three animals on the state Endangered
Species List—the yellow lampmussel and Savannah lilliput,
both freshwater mussels, and the West Indian manatee, a
visitor to coastal estuaries.
Kudzu of the
WATER
Hydrilla, originally from
Asia, showed up in North
Carolina waters more
than 30 years ago. A
small fragment of hydrilla
can grow into a whole
colony of plants and clog
a waterway from top to
bottom in just a few years,
damaging fisheries and
vegetation by creating
a tangled web that
smothers aquatic species
and blocks sunlight. Once
the weed becomes
established in an area,
boating and water recreation becomes nearly
impossible. Though the
plant can spread by natural causes, the most common cause of spreading
is by human activities.
Signs posted on public
boat ramps advise boaters about the need to
inspect boats, trailers and
gear and to remove any
sign of the weed before
leaving the site. Eradicating the plant through the
use of herbicides or by
using a fish called grass
carp is an expensive and
lengthy process. Hydrilla
has been a serious problem in the Roanoke River
Basin since the 1990s. It is
now spreading within the
Chowan and beginning
to colonize shoreline
along the Albemarle
Sound. Biologists fear that
it could find its way into
pristine lakes such as
those in and around
Pocosin Lakes National
Wildlife Refuge.
HIKING & BIKING
MO OR E
1
R IC H M ON D
7
H OK E
SC OTLA N D
Laurinburg
in the Lumber River Basin
Lu
m
be
r
8
ROB ES ON
r
ve
Ri
The Lumber River Basin offers many opportunities to enjoy and explore
nature through walking, hiking and biking. This list includes places for
easy to moderate activity. Many sites include views of streams, rivers,
creeks, lakes and wetlands. Remember that some trails are multi-use,
serving pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians and other recreational users.
Lumber ton
BLA D EN
6
3
l HIKING l
www.townofaberdeen.net/pView.aspx?id=2173
&catid=29 l 87.5 acres l 2 mile lake trail.
www.nccoastalreserve.net l 1,481 acres l
A state preserve, the island is accessible from
Sunset Beach at low tide. It is home to a variety
of coastal birds and other wildlife.
www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/north
america/unitedstates/northcarolina/placeswe
protect/index.htm l 17,424 acres acres l
Primitive trails through longleaf pine savannas.
5 Lake Waccamaw State Park
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lawa/
main.php l 1,734 acres l 9.25 miles of trails,
including a 700-foot boardwalk bordering the
lake; wheelchair-accessible.
6 Lumber River State Park
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/luri/main.php
l 9,234 acres acres l 3 miles of trails, including a 100-foot boardwalk over a wetland. Fishing pier and turn-of-the-century millpond are
adjacent to the trail.
7 Sandhills Game Land
www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/north
america/unitedstates/northcarolina/placeswe
protect/index.htm l 58,713 acres
l HIKING and BIKING l
8 Luther Britt Park
www.ci.lumberton.nc.us/ l 142 acres l
~4 miles of trails around the park’s two
ponds and wooded areas.
= some trails designated as wheelchair accessible
5
Green
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Swamp
B RUN S W ICK
4
2
3 Fair Bluff Riverwalk
4 Green Swamp Preserve
COLU MB U S
Ri
ve
r
2 Bird Island Coastal Reserve
www.fairbluff.com/ l 1-mile, wheelchairaccessible boardwalk through wetlands and
along the Lumber River.
Lake
Waccamaw
Wacca
maw
l hiking
l hiking and biking
1 Aberdeen Lake Park
Whiteville
PADDLING
M OOR E
1
R IC H MO N D
7
H OK E
SC OT LAND
LA N D
Laurinburg
nburg
in the Lumber River Basin
Lu
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The Lumber River Basin offers many opportunities for paddling creeks,
ponds, streams, rivers and lakes. The places included here offer public
access areas maintained by state, federal or local governments. Privately
operated marinas and boat docks may also be available. These trails and
lakes are suitable for easy to moderate paddling.
Lumber
Lumbe ton
ROB ESON
BLADEN
Whiteville
3
1 Aberdeen Lake
2 Beaverdam Creek Trail
3 Fair Bluff Riverwalk
www.fairbluff.com/ l Canoe/ kayak launch on
the Lumber River near the town’s riverwalk.
4 Lake Waccamaw*
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lawa/main.php
l 9,000 acres
5 Lower Lockwoods Folly River Trail*
www.ncsu.edu/paddletrails l 2-mile trail from
Sunset Harbor to Varnamtown.
6 Luther Britt Park
www.ci.lumberton.nc.us/ l Two lakes totaling
35 acres l Rental canoes available.
Access Area
Miles to Next
Take-out***
U.S. 15-501 Bridge** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.4
SR 1414 ** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.8
U.S. 401 (Wagram)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4
SR 1404 Bridge** (River Road) . . . . . . . .12.9
N.C. 71 Bridge** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2
SR 1303 Bridge** (Red Springs Road) . . . .3.0
SR 1153 Bridge** (Alma Road) . . . . . . . .6.4
SR 1354 Bridge** (Recreation Center Road) 8.1
SR 1554Bridge** (Three Bridges Road) . .3.0
SR 1003 Bridge** (Chicken Road) . . . . . .5.5
SR 1550 Bridge** (Lowe Road) . . . . . . . .8.9
N.C. 72*(McNeill’s Bridge) . . . . . . . . . . .2.6
McMillian’s Beach (City of Lumberton) . .1.4
Stephens Park (City of Lumberton) . . . . .1.9
Noir Street Playground . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
N.C. 72 (High Hill)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.5
NC 2123 Bridge** (Matthews Bluff) . . . . .12
U.S. 74 (NC DOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.4
Princess Ann (Lumber River State Park) . .11.7
Fair Bluff/NC 904 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.0
Griffin’s Landing (just south of state line) .—
**Paddle trail maps often include points on a
river that are accessible underneath a bridge
right-of-way maintained by the Department
of Transportation. These bridges are routinely
used as informal “put-ins” and “takeouts,” but
usually lack designated parking, launches and
other facilities.
***Approximate distance
PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, AND
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
C OLUMB U S
4
8
Green
Swamp
B RU N S W ICK
Riv
er
www.ncsu.edu/paddletrails l 1.2-mile
trail near Ocean Isle.
(highlighted in yellow) The Lumber River is one
of the state’s four Natural and Scenic Rivers,
and an 81-mile stretch of its 124-mile journey
through North Carolina is designated as a
National Wild and Scenic River. The upper
portion of the river requires more skill due to
downed trees and narrow width. The lower
portion is more easily navigated. The river
flows through the Lumber River State Park,
where canoe camping is popular. For more
information about access points and river
conditions, visit www.ncparks.gov/Visit/
parks/luri/main.php.
7 Lumber River Trail
Wacca
maw
www.townofaberdeen.net/pView.aspx?id=2173
&catid=29 l 43.75 acres
Lake
Waccamaw
5
2
(highlighted in green) www.ncsu.edu/paddle
trails l The Waccamaw River spills from Lake
Waccamaw, slicing through a vast, cypress-gum
swamp. It spans about 56 miles to the state’s
border, eventually emptying into the Pee Dee
River in South Carolina.
8 Waccamaw River Canoe Trail
Access Area
Miles to Next
Take-out
Lake Waccamaw State Park . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Route 1928 bridge, east of Old Dock . . .12.9
N.C. 130 bridge* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.1
N.C. 904 bridge*19.8 (ends in South Carolina
at S.C. 9 bridge). N.C. 130 bridge is the last
public take-out point in North Carolina.
*Denotes site with public access points maintained by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. For directions to boat ramps, visit
www.ncwildlife.org and click on Boating/
Waterways, then Maps/Location.
B For information about more-challenging
paddle trips and side trips in the Lumber River
Basin, visit www.ncpaddletrails.info/.
Lake Waccamaw, Columbus County
CHARLES BRASWELL JR.
?
WHERE
SHOULD
I GO
What makes the Lumber River Basin special? See for yourself. Visit these Environmental
Education Centers to discover more about your ecological address:
l Bird Island Coastal Reserve
l Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium
l Lake Waccamaw State Park
l North Carolina Museum of Forestry
l Lumber River State Park
For more information about Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina,
check out the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ website at
www.eenorthcarolina.org.
HOW
CAN
I HELP
?
You can gain a sense of community pride by learning more and helping to protect streams, rivers
and lakes in the Lumber River Basin. The contacts listed below can help you do just that. To
find out about local river organizations and conservation groups, contact your local soil and
water conservation district. To find out about how you can get involved in local waterway and
other litter cleanups, contact North Carolina Big Sweep.
Clean Water Management Trust Fund
www.cwmtf.net/
North Carolina Big Sweep
www.ncbigsweep.org/
Lumber River Basinwide Plan*
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/
basin/lumber
North Carolina Water Science Center
http://nc.water.usgs.gov/
Division of Water Quality, Stormwater
and Runoff Pollution
www.ncstormwater.org/
North Carolina Stream Watch
www.ncwater.org/Education_and_Technical
_Assistance/Stream_Watch
North Carolina Association of Soil &
Water Conservation Districts
www.ncaswcd.org
t
*Basinwide water quality planning is a nonregulatory, watershed-based approach to restoring and protecting the
quality of North Carolina’s surface waters. The N.C. Division of Water Quality welcomes community input.
To order additional brochures on any of North Carolina’s 17 river basins, a general river basin booklet or a poster, fill out
the online order form at www.eenorthcarolina.org.
State of North Carolina: Governor Pat McCrory • North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Secretary
John E. Skvarla, III • Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs: Program Manager Lisa Tolley; Project Manager Ian Brown
• Editor Carla Burgess • Designer Kimberly KC Schott, Red Gate Design • Special Thanks North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
North Carolina Division of Water Quality and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program • Date: 2013 • 5,500 copies of this public document
were printed at a cost of $1,289.50 or $0.234 per copy. • This publication was funded through a Walmart Stormwater Compliance Grant.
Printed on recycled paper