LUMBER RIVER. profile: Total miles of streams and rivers: 2,233

Transcription

1 LUMBER RIVER BASIN The 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. KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC Even though it is named for the Lumber River, the Lumber River Basin is actually four dis tinct 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 Nat - ural and Scenic Rivers, and an 81-mile portion of the river is designated a National Wild and Scenic River. In bestowing the fed eral designa - tion, the National Park Service determined the Lumber River has outstand ingly remark - able resources, which include recreation, fish, wildlife, scenery and botany. The wildness of the Lumber and Waccamaw rivers draws canoe ists and other paddlers by the thousands. profile: Total miles of streams and rivers: 2,233 Total acres of lakes: 8,966 Total acres of estuary: 4,306 Municipalities within basin: 51 Counties within basin: 9 Size: 3,336 square miles Population: 304,579 (2000 U.S. Census) Lumber River, Robeson County The Waccamaw River flows from Lake Wacca - maw, the most biologically diverse lake in North Carolina and one of the most species-rich lakes in the Western hemi sphere. It has 52 fish spe - cies, 11 species of snails and 15 species of mus - sels 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. 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 biodiver - sity indicates that nat - ural systems are in balance and that the environment is healthy. We depend on biodi - ver sity for many natural goods and services, such as the pollination of crops and wild plants, the cycling of air and water, the regeneration of soil and the devel op - ment of new foods and medicines.

2 THOSE Mysterious CAROLINA BAYS About 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 depres - sions were curious repeating patterns scattered along the East Coast and con centrated in the Carolinas. Wild theories of their origins abounded. Were they dino saur footprints? Pre historic whale wallows? Space - ship land ing pads? Today, the most widely accepted theory is that prevailing Ice Age winds reshaped exist - ing bodies of water into elliptical pools. These unique wet lands are important breeding grounds for frogs and sal aman ders. They range in size from 45 feet to 7 miles long (Lake Waccamaw). Horseshoe Lake, Bladen County KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC Oh, Blackwater Tributaries and smaller streams that form within Coastal Plain swamps receive lots of decay - ing organic material. Tannins from this mate - rial impart a dark color to the water. These tannin-tinted waters are known as black- water streams. Lake Waccamaw is a special kind of wetland known as a Carolina bay. Of puzzling origin, Caro - lina 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 endangered 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 com munities, 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

3 KEN TAYLOR, NCWRC River Basin also contains three animals on the Endan gered Species List the yellow lampmussel and Savannah lilliput, both freshwater mussels, and the West Indian manatee, a visitor to coastal estuaries. 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 For now, the water quality in the basin s streams and rivers is good enough to support swim - ming 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. You may have noticed Lumber River Basin signs posted along highways. These were created through a partnership between the Office of Environmental Edu - ca tion and the N.C. Depart ment of Trans - portation with funding from the Federal Trans - portation Enhance - ment Program. Signs in each of the state s 17 river basins call atten - tion to basin boundaries and promote steward - ship of public waters. Since some of these pollution sources involve leaked household chemicals and household solid waste, the actions of each individual 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 waste - water 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 plants and flytraps are intriguing plants that thrive in the Green Swamp.

4 HIKING & BIKING MOORE 1 RICHMOND 7 HOKE SCOTLAND in the Lumber River Basin Laurinburg 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. HIKING 1 Aberdeen Lake Park recreation_lake_park.htm 87.5 acres 1.5- mile lake trail. 2 Bird Island Coastal Reserve Bird_Island/bird_island.html 1,200 acres 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. 3 Fair Bluff Riverwalk 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through wetlands and along the Lumber River. 4 Green Swamp Preserve northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/ art5606.html 15,907 acres Primitive trails through longleaf pine savannas. 5 Lake Waccamaw State Park lawa/home.html 1,734 acres 9.25 miles of trails, including a 700-foot boardwalk bordering the lake; wheelchair-accessible. 6 Lumber River State Park home.html 7,929 acres.75-mile loop along highest bank of the river, 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 northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/ art10775.html 50,120 acres Lumber ROBESON hiking hiking and biking 8 Lumberton 3 River 6 BLADEN Whiteville Lake Waccamaw COLUMBUS Waccamaw River 5 Green Swamp BRUNSWICK 4 2 HIKING and BIKING 8 Luther Britt Park acres ~4 miles of trails around the park s two ponds and wooded areas. = some trails designated as wheelchair accessible

5 PADDLING MOORE RICHMOND 1 7 HOKE SCOTLAND in the Lumber River Basin Laurinburg 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. 1 Aberdeen Lake recreation_lake_park.htm acres 2 Beaverdam Creek Trail mile trail near Ocean Isle. 3 Fair Bluff Riverwalk Canoe/kayak launch on the Lumber River near the town s riverwalk. 4 Lake Waccamaw* do.html 9,000 acres 5 Lower Lockwoods Folly River Trail* 2-mile trail from Sunset Harbor to Varnamtown. 6 Luther Britt Park Lakes Two lakes totaling 35 acres. Rental canoes available. Lum Lumber ROBESON 7 Lumber River Trail (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 7,929-acre Lumber River State Park, where canoe camping is popular. For more information about access points and river conditions, visit parkproject/visit/luri/home.html. Miles to Next Access Area Take-out*** U.S Bridge** SR 1412** Chalk Banks/Lumber River State Park U.S. 401 (Wagram)* SR 1404 Bridge** (River Road) N.C. 71 Bridge** SR 1303 Bridge** (Red Springs Road) SR 1153 Bridge** (Alma Road) SR 1354 Bridge** (Recreation Center Road) 8.1 SR 1554Bridge** (Three Bridges Road)..3.0 SR 1003 Bridge** (Chicken Road) SR 1550 Bridge** (Lowe Road) N.C. 72*(McNeill s Bridge) McMillian s Beach (City of Lumberton)..1.4 Stephens Park (City of Lumberton) Noir Street Playground N.C. 72 (High Hill)* NC 2123 Bridge** (Matthews Bluff) U.S. 74 (NC DOT) Princess Ann (Lumber River State Park) Fair Bluff/NC Griffin s Landing (just south of state line). 6 3 Lumberton River BLADEN Whiteville Lake Waccamaw COLUMBUS 4 8 Waccamaw River Green BRUNSWICK Swamp 8 Waccamaw River Canoe Trail (highlighted in yellow) wherewework/northamerica/states/north carolina/preserves/art10818.html 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. Miles to Next Access Area Take-out Lake Waccamaw State Park Route 1928 bridge, east of Old Dock N.C. 130 bridge* 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. 2 5 PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT **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 *Denotes site with public access points main - tained by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Com - mission. For directions to boat ramps, visit 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

6 Lake Waccamaw, Columbus County WHERE SHOULD I GO? CHARLES BRASWELL JR. What makes the Lumber River Basin special? See for yourself. Visit these Environmental Education Centers to discover more about your ecological address: Lake Waccamaw State Park North Carolina Coastal Reserve Program Lumber River State Park North Carolina Museum of Forestry Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium For more information about Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina, call the Office of Environmental Education at (919) , or check out the Web site at 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. Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation (252) N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Districts (919) Friends of Lake Waccamaw State Park friendslwsp2002@yahoo.com Izaak Walton League White Oak River Chapter (252) Lumber River Basinwide Plan* North Carolina Stream Watch _Assistance/Stream_Watch (919) Waccamaw Riverkeeper (843) *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, call the N.C. Office of Environmental Education at (919) , or order online at State of North Carolina: Governor Michael F. Easley North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Secretary William G. Ross Jr. Office of Environmental Education: Director Lisa Tolley, Project Manager Rachel Golden Editor Carla Burgess Designer Kimberly KC Schott, Red Gate Design Special Thanks North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Date: ,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $1,462 or $0.15 per copy. This publication was funded through the Clean Water Act s Section 319 Grant Program. In the coming years, some river basin boundaries will change if the state moves forward with plans to modify them to coincide with federal maps. The Cape Fear, White Oak, Chowan, Pasquotank, Tar-Pamlico and Neuse basins would be the most significantly altered. Printed on recycled paper