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4-1977

City of Newport News and Tidal Marsh Inventory

Kenneth A. Moore Institute of Marine Science

Gene M. Silberhorn Virginia Institute of Marine Science

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Recommended Citation Moore, K. A., & Silberhorn, G. M. (1977) City of Newport News and Fort Eustis Tidal Marsh Inventory. Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 137. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. https://doi.org/10.21220/V5SB0Z

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 [email protected]. CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS and FORT EUSTIS TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY Special Report No. 137 in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Kenneth A. Moore

Gene M. Silberhorn, Project Leader

VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062

Dr. William J. Hargis, Jr., Director APRIL 1977 ACK:Na-JLEDGEMEN

Funds for the publication and distribution of this report have been provided by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Coastal Zone Management, Grant Number 04-6-158-44037. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Arthur Harris and Mr. Mark Zeigler for their field assistance. Thanks also to Maj. Gen. Alton G. Poit, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Transportation Center, Ft. Eustis, and to Mr. Tony Rizzio of that command for their help in mapping the tidal wetlands located within that military facility. For assistance in the preparation of this report I am indebted to Mr. Joseph Gilley for cover design and map illustrations and Mr. William Jenkins for photographic work. Also Mr. Fred Biggs for publication pr~cedures. I wish also to thank Mr. John Pleasants, Col. George Dawes, Mr. Thomas Barnard and Dr. Gene Silberhorn for their constructive criticism and review of this manuscript. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Carole Knox, Mrs. Janet Primm and Ms. Nancy Hudgins for the typing of the various drafts and the final manuscript.

ii CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS AND FORT EUSTIS TIDAL MARSH INVENTORY TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Acknowledgements...... ii Introduction...... 1 Methods...... 3 Marsh Types and Evaluation ...... 4 Marsh Types and Their Environmental Contributions ...... 6 Evaluation of Wetland Types ...... 9 Marsh Plants...... 13 Glossary of Descriptive Terms ...... 16 Reference Map of Wetland Sections ...... 19 Section I. Skiffes Creek and Fort Eustis ...... 20 Section II. Mulbery Island...... 26 Section III. Mulbery Island and ...... 31 Section IV. Warwick River and Stoney Run ...... 37 Section V. Lukas Creek and Warwick River ...... 44 Section VI. Deep Creek and Fishers Creek ...... 49 Section VII. and ...... 55 Index to Marsh Locations ...... 59

Cover: Creek marsh area which is dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass. Located on .

iii INTRODUCTION

This publication is the eleventh in a series of marsh inventory reports compiled by the Wetlands Research Section, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The nine previous reports that have been published are: Lancaster County Prince William County Northumberland County King George County Mathews County City of Hampton York County and Fairfax County the Town of Poquoson Gloucester County Stafford County This report is presented in much the same format as the preceeding reports. Under section 62.1-13.4 of the Virginia Wetlands Act, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is obligated to inventory the tidal wetlands of the Commonwealth. The inventory program is designed to assist wetland boards, cities, counties, planning districts and other local, state and federal agencies as well as the general public and private industry. This document, along with its companion, the Shoreline Literation Re~ort, Ne~ort News, Va., 1974, VIMS SRAMSOE No. 55 is an essentialocument or those wno are participating in the Commonwealth's ongoing Coastal Resources Management Planning Program. A previously published study, Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia Wetlands, Silberhorn, Dawes and Barnar"

1 The wetlands found within the City of Newport News and the Ft. Eustis Military Reservation total 2883 acres. Of this number ppproximately 70 percent or 2029 acres are located within the boundaries of Ft. Eustis, while the remaining 30 percent or 854 acres are found in Newport News. The vast majority of marshes described in this report are dominated by salt tolerant plants. These include such species as saltmarsh cordgrass, saltmeadow grasses, black needlerush, salt­ bushes and big cordgrass. Generally, freshwater marsh species are found only at the heads of tidal creeks such as Stoney Run, Skiffes Creek and the Warwick River. This report is organized into seven sectiora each of which attempts to describe a significant length of shoreline. Section I describes those marshes found in the vicinity of Skiffes Creek and Goose Island. Sections II and III include the marshes located on the Mulberry Island portion of Ft. Eustis. The marshes found along the Warwick River shoreline and it's tributaries are described in Sections III, IV, V, and VI. Finally, Section VII describes most of the .Newport News shoreline south of the Warwick River. The majority of marsh areas included in this inventory report continue to remain in a natural state. This is due in part to the fact that a large portion of these wetlands occur in relatively remote sectiora of Ft. Eustis. Recent degradation of marsh areas within the military reservation appear minimal, but have been noted where appropriate. Unfortunately many marsh areas located in the City of Newport News have been spoiled through dredging and filling activities. Most of these areas occur along urbanized section of Lukas and Deep Creeks (Sections V and VI). Hopefully, more careful planning and strict controls by the City will help prevent further impacts on this valuable natural resource.

2 METHODS

Aerial photographs and topographic maps (U.S.G.S) were utilized to obtain wetland locations, wetland boundaries and patterns of marsh vegetation. Acreages and wetland boundaries were substantiated by observations on foot, by boat and by low level overflights. Individual plant species percentages are quantitative estimates of coverage based on visual field inspections of every marsh. In some instances, especially in tidal freshwater areas, these percentages are subject to seasonal bias. Marshes one quarter of an acre or larger are designated by number. Many marshes smaller than one quarter acre (usually narrow fringing marshes) are designated by the same symbol (shpded) as the larger marshes on the section maps but assigned no number. Small marshes (less than one acre) are exaggerated and are not indicated to scale. Information such as individual marsh acreage, plant species percentage and acreage, marsh type, and other observations are recorded in tabular form. Plant species percentages are recorded to the nearest percent, one acre, the species are recorded to the nearest hundredth of an acre. In those instances where an individual plant species is estimated to amount to less than 0.5 percent, the symbol (-) is used to indicate a trace amount. In unusual situations where an individual marsh is estimated to contain 50 percent or more of a species that is not listed as a marsh type, the closest applicable marsh type is used. For example, a marsh which is judged to contain 60 percent wild rice would be listed as Type XI (Freshwater Mixed).

3 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 Research Section have classified twelve different corrnnon marsh types in Virginia, 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 homogenously vegetated. Most marshes are, however, dominated by a major plant. By providing the manager with the primary values of each corrnnunity type and the means of identification he then has a useful and convenient tool for weighing the relative importance of each marsh parcel. In Virginia, many wetlands management problems involve only a few acres or a fraction of an acre. The identification of plant corrnnunities · 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 VIMS 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. Vegetative 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.

4 "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. "3. Erosion buffer. Erosion is a common 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 and thus protecting shellfish beds and navigation channels from siltation. Marshes c:an 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 grows. It can also kill shellfish by clogging their gills. Additionally marshes can assimilate and degrade pollutants through complex chemical processes, a discussion of which is beyond the scope of this paper .... " "5. 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.

5 "Research and marsh inventory work accomplished by VIMS 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 50% 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." Marsh Types and Their Environment Contributions (Edited from Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia 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. Effect:ve erosion deterrent. d. Assimilates flood waters. e. Filters sediments and waste material. Type III Black Needlerush Community a. 3-5 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 IV 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. Type V 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 VI Cattail Community a. 2-4 tons per acre per annum. b. Habitat for birds and utilized by muskrats. c. Traps upland sediments. Type VII 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.

7 Type VIII Reed Grass Community a. 4-6 tons per acre per annum. b. Little value to wildlife except for cover. c. Tnvades 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. Type X Saltwort Community a. Less than 0.5 tons per acre per annum. b. Little value to aquatic or marsh animals. Type XI Freshwater Mixed Community a. 3-5 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 XII 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.

8 EVALUATION OF WETLAND TYPES (From Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia 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 VII) Freshwater Mixed (Type XI) Brackish Water Mixed (Type XII) Group One marshes have the highest values in productivity and wild­ fowl 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 valued as natural shoreline stabilizers. Group One marshes should be preserved. Group Two: Big Cordgrass (Type V) Saltmeadow (Type II) Cattail (Type VI) 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.

9 Group Three: Yellow Pond Lily (Type IX) Black Needlerush (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 IV) 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 VIII) 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.

10 For a better understanding of Virginia's Wetlands in general, the Wetlands Act of 1972 and marsh types and their evaluation, the following publications are recommended: Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report No. 3 Guidelines for Activities Affecting Virginia's Wetlands Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 46 Gene M. Silberhorn, George M. Dawes, Thomas A. Barnard, Jr., June 1974 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Local Management of Wetlands Environmental Considerations Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 35 Kenneth Marcellus, George M. Dawes, Gene Silberhorn, June 1973 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report No. 2 Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 27 Kenneth Marcellus, July 1972 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062

11 Coastal Wetlands of Virginia Interim Report Special Report in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering No. 10 Marvin Wass and Thomas Wright, December 1969 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062 Laws of Virginia Relating to Wetlands and Subaqueous Waters Virginia Marine Resources Corrnnission 2401 West Avenue Newport News, Virginia 23607 Wetlands Guidelines Virginia Marine Resources Corrnnission 2401 West Avenue Newport News, Virginia 23607 Tidal Wetland Plants of Virginia Educational Series No. 19 Gene M. Silberhorn, illustrated by Mary Warriner, Aug. 1976 Virginia Institute of Marine Science Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062

12 MARSH PLANTS Common and Scientific Names as found in the Data Tables

Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia willd. Arrow Arum Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth Big Cordgrass Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth Black Needlerush Juncus roemerianus Scheele Cardinal Flower* Lobelia cardinalis L. Cattails Common Typna latifolia L. Narrow-leaved yp angustifolia L. Common Threesquare Scirpus americanus Persoon. Cutgrass Leersia oryzoides (L.) Swartz Giant Bulrush Scirpus validus Vahl. Jewel-weed* Impatiens capensis Meerb. Marsh Hibiscus Hibiscus moscheutos L. Marsh Mallow* Kostelelzkya virginica (L.) Presl. Marsh Pennywort* Hydorcolyle umbellata L. Mock Bishop-weed* Ptilimnium capillaceum (Michaux) Raf. Olney Threesquare Scirpus olneyi Gray Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata L.

*Marsh species not included in Virginia's Wetlands Act of 1972.

13 MARSH PLANTS (cont.)

Reed Grass Phragmites australis (CAV.) Trin ex Steud. Saltbushes Groundsel Tree Baccharis halimifolia L. Marsh Elder Iva frustescens L. Saltmarsh Aster* Aster tenufolius L. Saltmarsh Bufrush Scirpus robustus Pursh. Saltmarsh Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Saltmarsh Fimbristylis* Fimbristylis spadicea (L.) Vahl. Saltmarsh Fleabane Pluchea purpurascens (Swartz) DC. Saltmarsh Loosestrife* Lythrum lineare L. Saltmeadow Grasses Saltgrass Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl Saltmeadow Hay Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene Sea Lavender Limonium carolinianum (Walter) Britton Sea Oxeye Borrichia frustescens (L.) DC. Smartweed Polygonum spp. Swamp Milkweed* Asclepias incarnata L. Water Dock Rumex verticillatus L. Water Hemlocki-" Cicuta maculata L. Water-Hemp Amaranthus cannabina (L.) J.D. Sauer

*Marsh species not included in Virginia's Wetlands Act of 1972.

14 MARSH PLANTS (cont.)

Water Parsnip* Sium suave Walter Wild Rice Zizania aquatica L.

*Marsh species not included in Virginia's Wetlands Act of 1972.

15 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 permit­ ted through an inlet.

creek or a marsh occupying a drowned creek embayed marsh valley; in many large creek marshes the salinity decreases headward; 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 found 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.

16 Glossary of Descriptive Terms 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 along a section of shoreline and generally has a much greater length than width or depth. high 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.

17 Glossary of Descriptive Terms 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 a marsh which extends from the marsh 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. /////

18 I REFERENCE MAP WETLANDS SECTIONS

CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS

.\· •

INDEX TO COUNTY LOCATION

19 SECTION I. SKIFFES CREEK AND FORT EUSTIS

The tidal marshes of the eastern side of Skiffes Creek and those of Bailey's Creek dominate this section of shoreline. Both creeks are dominated by Type I, brackish water marshes and are characterized in down­ stream section by saltmarsh cordgrass, with saltmeadow grasses and big cordgrass at areas of higher elevation within each marsh. Cattails, marsh hibiscus and.other species which tolerate only low salinity water are found along the upland-marsh boundary and at the heads of small pocket areas. Proceeding upstream in both creeks, plant species associated with freshwater conditions such as pickerelweed, water dock and smartweed increase in abundance. Although saltmarsh cordgrass can grow well in freshwater areas it can not successfully compete with species that are adapted to only fresh water. This is evident at the head of Skiffes Creek where saltmarsh cordgrass, although present, is greatly reduced in abundance when compared to the downstream marsh areas. The marsh area (#22) extending between Goose Island and the mainland has apparently become recently established. It is a diverse, brackish marsh area that grades from saltmarsh cordgrass at lowest elevations to saltmeadow grass, big cordgrass and other species in interior sections of higher·elevation. An adjacent pocket marsh area formed along the down­ stream edge of the Eustis Lake dam is somewhat restricted to tidal flushing by a·narrow channel. The marsh itself is a viable brackish water area (Type XII) with abundant cattails, saltmarsh bulrush, and marsh mallow. It is an excellent wildlife habitat. The two creek marsh areas, which include Milstead Island Creek, are experiencing reduced tidal flushing due to narrow culverts at their mouths. The marshes within the creeks themselves are diverse, brackish water areas with abundant saltmarsh cordgrass. The upstream section of one creek marsh (#25) grades to large stands of cattails that border a large, diked dredge disposal area.

20 SECTION I. SKIFFES CREEK and FORT EUSTIS \

~

·+·• SCALE 1 : 24,000

0 1000 2000 FEET

..

FORT EUSTIS MILITARY RESERVATION Section I. Skiffes Creek and Ft. Eustis

QJ .!: .!: "' ~ '- '- "' 2 C, QJ QJ 2 "':, '- . QJ "' :, (.) ;;: QJ in 'O .!: ;;: ;;: co Q. ..Q "'QJ ~ .:,t. 'O <{ QJ ..Q QJ ~ "'~ QJ (.) QJ QJ E "' QJ E "' ro C :, 'O "' LL Q. ~ .!: "' 0 0) .!: , .c ~ .!: .!: QJ 2 >, (.) 'O QJ "'QJ QJ :e "'ro .!: :, 0 QJ QJ ;;: '- .!: 'O :r: :lE C C, QJ 0 QJ :, - <{ '- ro ro z "' :r: f- 0 X "''- > ~ C ~ ai <{ ro f- "'"'ro '- QJ "'QJ ro !!2 c'.5 men ro ro ro ro co :, 0 '- .!: .!: >, QJ 0 _J l .£ .!: .:,t. "' QJ 'O E "' ai E .o ai ;;: ro "' (.) u QJ E ~ .:,t. 0 ai Ef gj g :§ ~ ~ ~ QJ . E ~ ro :!:: 0 ro - ro .s ro c 1' ~ ro 0) (.) '- ('j .!: Marsh 0 o "''- ro ro ro ro QJ .Sc QJ ro QJ ro ro f- ro ro ro ro ro 0 .!: ro o ro -3! ro ·- '- E # Location CfJU (f) (.'.) a5 Cf) ai Cf) ~ u :lE :lE a: 0 u f- Cf) ~ (f) _J Cf) (f) LL Cf) a.<{ Cf) i3 u 0 Observations :lE Upper section of tidal Skiffes % 40 - - - - - 5 - 45 10 - Skiffes Creek; pocket marsh areas domi- 6.0 1 Creek nated by pickerelweed; large XI acres 2 .4 - -- - - 0.3 - 2.7 0.6 - patch of saltmarsh cordgrass in ci;,nter of creek.

% 35 10 - - - - 15 5 - 20 15 - Marsh island with diverse mix- Skiffes 2 3.7 tm;e of fresh and brackish XI' Creek acres water species. 1.3 0.4 -- - - 0.6 0.2 - o. 7 0.6 -

% 40 - 5 - 5 - 15 15 - - 20 - - Fringe marsh extends back to Skiffes 3 2.2 gravel loading dock; partially XII Creek filled; invasion by Reed grass. acres 0.9 - 0.1 .. 0.1 - 0.3 0.3 - - 0.4 - -

% 65 20 - - - 10 - - 5 - - Creek marsh; small areas of 4 Skiff es 6.9 pickerelw ee d but mostly salt- I Creek marsh cordgrass and big cord- acres 1.4 0.7 0.3 4.5 ------grass. Small pocket marsh; dominated % 55 10 - 5 10 - 20 Skiffes - - by saltmarsh cordgrass; interwr 5 Creek 0. 60 section mostly pickerelweed, I acres 0. 31 0.06 - 0.0' 0.06 - 0.12 - - hibiscus and cattail.

% 75 - 25 ------Creek marsh dominated by salt- Skiffes marsh cordgrass with big cord- 6 5.5 I Creek grass; scattered cattails along acres 4.1 - 1.4 ------upland edge.

% 60 35 3 - 2 - - Creek marsh dominated by salt- - - - marsh cordgrass with big cord- Skiffes 5.0 I 7 Creek grass; interior pocket area acres 3.0 - 1.8 - 0.2 - - 0.1 - - with pickerelwa..d and cattails Creek marsh dominated by salt- % 70 5 25 - - - - - . - Skiffes marsh cordgrass with big cord- 8 Creek 11.3 grass; pickerelweed and cattaiu I acres 7.9 0.6 2.8 ------in pockets along uplands.

a = Salt.mar~h Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

22 Section I. Skiffes Creek and Ft. Eustis

Q) .c .c ro "' ::, "'2 2 ::, O" Q) ::, "' ~ u Q) .c "' Q) Q) 'o "' co a. "' .>t:. "O Q) Q) ~ E "' Q) u Q) C "O "' .c "' ~ Q) O> .c :c "' ~ ro >, ..c !:: a. Q) "' Q) C ::, 0 Q) Q) .f >, ~ Ol "O"' .c "O "'~ .c Q) Q) ::, Ol Q) r I i: D "'~ > Ol"'"' ~ z I­ 0 O" X 1- ::, 0 Ol .c CJ ~ U) Ol co Ol Q) "' .>t:. "' 0 >, E gi 0 _J .c E"' u g § "O Q) E ~ ! Marsh s"E ::: Ol r Q) E ~ Ol ::: 0 Ol Ol c 0 Ol ~ Ol O> Ol C Ol I- ca o Ol ca Q) 0 .c Q) Ol 0 Q) E "' # Location (/)0 (/) CJ (/) (/) ro iii i:ii ~ a: 0 0 I- (/) (/) _J (/) (/) a Observations ~

% 65 15 15 5 Pocket marsh dominated by salt­ Skiffes marsh cordgraas; meadow grasses 9 Creek 2.9 t----+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---t----,t---t----,t---+----,t---1 and cattails at head of pocket; I acres 1. 9 0.4 0.4 0.1 scattered big cordgrass.

% 90 5 5 Skiffes Saltmarsh cordgrass dominated t----+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+---+---+--+---+---t---+--+---+--t---+----,t---+----,t---1pocket marsh; scattered big 10 Creek 2.6 I acres 2. 3 0.1 0.1 cordgrsss and meadow grasses.

% 90 5 5 Skiffes Saltmarsh cordgrass dominated 11 Creek 1.2 t----+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--t---+--t---1pocket marsh; some cattails I acres 1.1 0.1 0.1 at head of pocket.

% 60 15 20 Large pocket marsh; saltmarsh Skiffes 12 18. 3 t----+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--t---+--t---+--t---+--1----1cordgrass predominates in Creek I acres ll. l lower portion; some cattails at 2.7 0.9 3.7 head. Creek marsh section dominated % 85 5 5 Baileys 5 by saltmarsh cordgrass; 13 Creek 2 0. 0 t---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--t---+--t--+--t--+--1----l needlerush in pockets a long I acres 17 .o 1.0 1.0 1.0 uplands.

% 60 5 - 20 - - - 10 5 _ _ Creek marsh section dominated Baileys 1 14 Creek 5.3 l---+--t---!---+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+---+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---1 ~ru~~!:;a~~: ~~::::::: ;~!~:t- 1 I acres 3. 2 0. 3 - 1.1 - - - 0. 5 0. 3 - - tered hibiscus; muskrat lodges. ., ,o 80 15 5 Creek marsh section dominated I Baileys 15 by saltmarsh cordgrass; scat- Creek 11. 3t--+--f---+--t---+--l---+--+--+--f--+--+--+--+--+--f--+--f--+--1f--+---1f--+·--1f---l tered big cordgrass and marsh 1I acres 9.0 1. 7 0.6 hibiscus. l---+------·-+--+---+--+---+---1----+---1----+----t--+--·-t---+----t-·--+----t--+---t--+---+--·--+---"---+---+---+-----1---+------% 30 5 45 Baileys 5 5 5 Marsh section at head of creek; t----+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---t---t---+--t---+---+--t---+---t---+----1 dominated by big cordgras s but 16 Creek 0.8 XII acres 3.2 0.5 4.9 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 grades upstream to fresh­ water species.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort Cutqrass

23 Section I. Skiffes Creek and Ft. Eustis

l Q) ,:: ,:: (/) (/) ~ (/) ::, 2 (/) ~ ::, cr ai ai (/) ... Q) (/) ::, (.) ;;:: Q) "O' ,:: ;;:: (/) Q) Q) in (/) al C. (/) .,£ "O <( Q) Q) ;;:: '5 -~ .Q Q) Q) E .Q ,:: (/) Q) (/) ~ E (/) (.) C: Q) ::, "O C. ~ 0 Q) Cl) ,:: .0 , .c.~ ,:: ,:: Q) 2 u.. (.) (/) (/) "O Q) (/) Q) Cll ,:: ::, 0 Q) Q) ;;:: ... >, ... Cll (/) ,:: "O :i: :;E C: Q) Q (/) ... (/) Q) ::, - <( Cll (/) I I- cr > r C: ai <( Cll I- Cll ... Q) z C, 0 (/) X Q) ::, 0 ~ !!1 ,:: ,:: ro w Cll Cll Cll ;;:: al (/) .,£ ... >, Q) 0 _J ~ .!: ,::

Creek marsh section dominated % 65 5 25 5 Baileys - - - - - by saltmarsh cordgrass; stands 17 Creek 8.9 of big cordgrass and scattered I acres 5.8 0.4 - 2.2 - - - - 0.4 hibiscus.

90 5 5 % ------Pocket marsh of mostly salt- 18 Baileys 2.6 Creek marsh cordgrass; some pickerel- I acres 2.3 0.1 - - 0.1 - - - - weed in interior sections.

% 90 5 5 - - - - Baileys - - - - Pocketmarsh of saltmarsh cord- 19 Creek 1.6 grass; scattered big cordgrass I acres 1.4 0.1 - 0.1 - - " - - - - and hibiscus.

Pocket marsh dominated by salt- % 70 - 15 - - 5 - 5 5 Baileys - - - marsh cordgrass; stands of 20 Creek 4.5 needlerush with other species I acres 3.2 - 0.7 - - - - 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.2 scattered throughout. Pocketmarsh near mouth of creek· % 80 - 5 - 5 - - 10 Baileys - - - - mostly saltmarsh cordgrass with 21 Creek 4.4 abundant smartweed. I acres 3.5 - - 0.2 - - - 0.2 - - - 0.4

Extensive marsh % 55 15 10 5 15 - - - formed between Goose - island and mainland; saltmarsh 22 Island 30.9 cordgrass grades to interior of I acres 17.C 4.6 3.1 1.5 4.6 - - - - high marsh species. Pocket marsh completely enclooec % - - 5 20 - 35 - 5 15 5 - 15 Eustis except for narrow tidal open.~ 23 6.9 Lake ing; mostly cattails with XII acres - - 0.3 1.4 - 2.4 - 0.3 1.0 0.3 - 1.0 stands of reed grass, big cord- -· ·- -- 2:rsss, and bulrush. --- High diversity brackish marsh; Milstead % 55 10 - 25 10 ------grades upstream to areas demi- 24 27.7 I Island nated by saltbushes and salt- Creek acres 15.2 2.8 - 6.9 2.8 ------meadow greases.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

24 Section I, Skiffes Creek and Ft. Eustis

.c Q) .c (/J (/J ~ (/J :, 2 (/J ~ :, cr - .c ~ .c .c Q) U:: -0 (/J Ol .c :, 0 (/J ... Q) (/J Q) ;: ... ~ ... Ol Ol .c -0 I ~ C Q) Q) :, >- '- C I- Q) Ol 0 (/J X ... (/J r ai E (/J (.) - E 0 ...J

% 15 10 15 15 35 -- 10 - Creek marsh with abundant big Ft. Eustis - - - - 25 cordgrass; cattails border 16.4 XII acres dredge disposal areas in up- 2.5 1.6 2.5 2.5 5.7 - - 1.6 - - - - - stream sections of creek.

% 50 10 5 5 30 - Ft. Eustis Intermittent marsh fringe along 26 2.1 I acres high energy shoreline; erosion 1.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.6 - evident.

% 57 7 4 5 17 1 2 1 1 Total - - 1 1 - 2 2 - Section I 219.6 acres 125.l 14.4 8.3 11.0 36.4 1.5 - 4.5 3.2 0.3 1.3 1.6 1.8 4.8 4.7 -

--~·-

I

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed t = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

25 SECTION II. MULBERRY ISLAND

This section of shoreline includes the marsh found along the tidal creeks which are located in the northern half of Mulberry Island. Most of the marshes are dominated by broad areas of black needlerush (Type III) with abundant saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I) at lower elevations, especially along the creek channels. In the upstream creek sections one finds such marsh species as hibiscus and cattails. These plants generally occur in areas where salinities are very low. One of the important values of a black needlerush marsh is its ability to resist erosion. This value is especially appropriate along this section of the James River where these marshes help to protect the shoreline from the erosive action of storm waves and currents. The marshes also serve as important wildlife habitat and, although there has been some fill in areas, as a whole one finds them relatively undisturbed by man's activities. One branch of Morrisons Creek is periodically dammed to control the water level. Although this serves to improve the habitat for waterfowl utilization, it inhibits the beneficial exchange that would occur between the marsh and the creek were tidal flushing unimpeded.

26 SECTION II. MULBERRY ISLAND

FORT EUSTIS MILITARY RESERVATION f

(:'"'. MULBERRY ISLAND N -....J ~~81

~ 45~

·+·• SCALE 1 , 24,000

1000 0 1000 2000 FEET Section II. !lilberry Island

.c a, .c Cl) Cl) lU::, ::, 2 Cl) ~ Cl) ::, cr ai a, ~ Cl) (.) ,: Cl) Cl) ai "3 a, .c ,: C. Cl) a, iii -6 ,: i5 cc .Q Cl) ~ -0 a, E Cl) a, Cl) ~ ~ a, (.) a, , 0 .c ~ (I) .c .c ~ a, -0 Cl) Cl) .c Cl)~ (I) ,: .s >, ~ ~ C ~ , (I) Cl) (.) iii Cl) E 0 ..J ai ,: .!: .c lq E (.) .0 .§ ai -0 (I) ai E ~ E .o Cl) sf :!::

% 20 20 30 5 20 3 - - 2 Creek marsh with broad areas of Blows -- - - big cordgraaa, needlerush and 27 Creek 63.3 meadow grasses; sa ltmarsh cord- XII acres 12.7 12.7 19.0 3.2 12.7 1.9 - - 1.3 - - - - grass along areas of lowest elevation. % 5 15 40 - 40 - - Creek marsh dominated by areas Morley's - - of needlerush and big cordgras~ 28 Gut 26.0 upstream boundary formed by XII acres 1.3 3.9 10.4 - 10.1 - - - - road.

% 20 5 60 - 15 -- - Extensive marsh dominated by Fo~t - stands of needlerush; 29 salt- 135.0 bushes growing on berm along III Creek acres 27.0 6.8 81.0 - 20.2 - - - - river shoreline; big cordgrass & reed grass dominate north end % 15 - 85 - - - - Creek marsh dominated by large 'fulberry stands of needlerush; saltmarsh 30 Island 56.0 cordgrass along creek channels; III acres 8.4 - 47.6 - - - - marsh extends between ridges of 11n1 ...... ;i

% 5 5 90 - - Upper section of creek marsh; Mulberry - - - - almost completely black needle- 31 Island 29.0 rush with some saltmarsh cord- III acres 1.4 1.4 26.l ------grass and meadow grasses; scat- tered cattails alon~ unlands. I % 25 70 5 - Creek marsh dominated by black I Mulberry - - - needlerush; cordgrasses along 32 39.2 Island creek channels; berm with salt- III acres 9.8 - 27.4 - 2.0 - - bushes along river shoreline.

% 20 - 80 Long, narrow pocket marsh bor- Mulberry - - dered by ridge of upland; most- 33 17.5 Island ly needlerush with saltmarsh III acres 3.5 - 14.0 - - cordgrass along creek channels.

% 20 5 75 - - - 11::,rrisons - Creek marsh section dominated 34 Creek 12.5 by needlerush; surrounds small III acres 2.5 0.6 9.4 - - - - wooded upland area.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

28 Section II. :llilberry Island

.s::. a, .s::. ~ "':J "' :J ... Q) ~ "':J C7 ... ~ Q) :J (.) 3: a, 1J .s::. 3: "' [Xl C. Q) a, 0 a, 3: i5 "' .Q "' ~ a, a, "O <("' E "' a, ~ E "' ""(.) C a, :J "O "' C. ~ .s::."' 0 a, Ol .s::. a, ii iii "' ~ >, .c ~ .s::. a, LL (.) "O Q) "' "' .s::. :J 0 a, a, .s::. 3: ... .f >, .s::. "O C "' a, ._ C a, :J - <( I i' ~ "' f- C7 )( 0 "' ... > ~ ai <( f- "'"'... "' a, "'a, z "'~ .!!:. (5 0 ... - "' 3: [Xl "' ... "' "':J 0 .s::. .s::. >, a, 0 Q) ..J "' .s::. E.g' E 0 Q) 'iii "O E "' E "' E .o Q) 3: t: -~ Q) ~ "' ""(.) B .§ a, a, "'"':Jl "'"' .§"' c "O Marsh "' .; "' "' C E ~ .; ::: 0 ""(.) 0 .s::. "' 0 =: 0 ::: "' Ol ~ ~ a, 0 a, Q) 'iii a, ... ~ f- "' ... "' 'iii 'iii ~ .s::. "' "'0 "' - "' 'iii ·- ... "'E ~ # Location ~o en C!l co en m en ~ 0 ~ ~ a: 6 Of- en ~ en ..J en en LL en Q. <( en a"' 0 6 Observations ~

% 20 - 80 - -- Creek marsh dominated by needle M:>rrisons rush; saltmarsh cordgrass in 35 7.3 III Creek low areas along channels. acres 1.5 - 5.8 -- - Pocket marsh dominated by % 20 - 80 - - needlerush; some saltmarsh llirrisons 36 1.1 cordgrass in areas of lowest III Creek elevations. acres 0.2 - 0.9 - - Upper section of creek branch % 98 -- 2 - - - llirrisons - - - - above dirt road; irregularly 37 Creek 85.0 flooded through weir under III acres - 83.3 - - - 1. 7 - - - - - road; waterfowl management area.

% 20 - 80 - furrisons - - Creek marsh section dominated 38 Creek 7.9 by needlerush; saltmarsh cord- III acres 1. 6 - 6.3 -- - grass along creek channels. Creek marsh above railroad % 15 10 65 - 5 - - 2 3 - llirrisons crossing; lower portion dominat 39 Creek 123.0 ed by black needlerush; cattail.! III acres 18, I 12.3 80.0 - 6.2 - - 2.5 3.7 - and hibiscus in most upstream section. Extensive creek marsh area; % 30 3 65 1 1 - - - dominated by needlerush with Mulberry saltmarsh cordgrass along drain 40 Island 91.0 III acres 27.1 2.7 59.2 0.9 o. 9 - -- age creeks; scattered big cord- grass. Upper section of creek marsh; % 15 5 70 - 10 -- - - Mulberry -- dominated by needlerush with 41 Island 38.5 cordgrass along channels; cat- III tails, hibiscus, three squares acres 5.8 1. 9 27.0 - 3.8 ------in most upstream areas. i Broad pocket marsh; mostly I % 10 85 3 2 - needlerush with saltmarsh cord· I Mulberry - I 42 Island 18.1 grass along channels and in III I acres 1. 8 - 15.4 0.5 0.4 - fringe across front of marsh. I i I a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywo, I Cutgrass I

I 29 j Section II. Mulberry Island

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% 65 5 25 - 5 - - Creek marsh dominated by salt- 1-rulberry marsh cordgraes with stands of 43 Island 22.5 needlerush; big cordgrass along I acres 14.6 1.1 5.6 - 1.1 - - upland edges and scattered throughout marsh.

% 30 5 60 - 5 - Upstream section of creek marsh Mulberry - - 44 24.0 dominated by needlerush with III Island saltmarsh cordgrass along creek acre~ 7.2 1.2 14.4 - 1.2 -- - channels.

% 20 20 30 30 - Swash Hole - - - Marsh island dominated by high 45 3.1 Island marsh species; some erosion XII acres 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 -- - - evident.

% 40 20 10 30 - - Marsh is land; saltbushes around Swash Hole - - perimeter , interior mostly 46 I•land 2.2 saltmeadow grasses and salt- XII acres 0.9 0.4 0.2 o. 7 -- - - marsh cordgrass.

% 30 10 '30 30 -- - - Marsh island; interior dominat- Swash Hole ed by saltbushes and needle- ' 47 Island 4.1 acres rush; fringed by saltmarsh XII 1.2 0.4 1.2 1.2 -- - - cordgrass.

% 18 6 66 1 7 1 1 Total ------Section II 806.3 acres 147. 46.0 535.l 7.4 58.9 1.9 - 4.2 5.0 ------

------~

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

30 SECTION III MULBERY ISLAND AND WARWICK RIVER

The remainder of the tidal marshes found along the James River shoreline of Mulberry Island are included in this section. Most of these creeks marsh areas are dominated by either saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I) or black needlerush (Type III). Scattered throughout areas of higher elevation are saltmeadow grasses (Type II) as well as other high marsh species. These marshes, as well as helping to protect this section of shoreline from erosion, are an important waterfowl and wildlife habitat. They also are an important source of organic material for the James River estuary. A large marsh area at the southern tip of Mulberry Island apparently had been previously diked and used as a disposal area for dredged sediments. Natural erosive forces have breached the dikes in many places and have allowed the interior to be recolonized with marsh plants. The resultant increase in elevation, however, has resulted in a change in the plant species composition from that found in adjacent areas. Big cordgrass (Type V) which is generally found at elevations of mean high water and above covers a large portion of this marsh. Less desirable species such as reed grass (Type VIII) and saltbushes (Type IV) have also invaded certain areas including the remnants of the old dikes. Those marshes found along the Warwick River shoreline include a variety of species such as: saltmarsh cordgrass, black needlerush, big cordgrass, saltmeadow grasses and saltbushes. They are found in both fringe and pocket marsh areas as well as in one large, extensive marsh (#75). These marshes have remained relatively undisturbed by man's activities and in such a state help to maintain the high productivity of the Warwick River.

31 w N

~

~

·+·• SCALE 1 , 2,.000

1000 0 1000 2000 FEET

SECTION Ill. MULBERRY ISLAND and WARWICK RIVER Section III. Mulberry Island and Warwick River

.c Q) .c U) :;; U) ::, 2 U) ai ai 2 U) ::, er ~ U) U) ::, t) ;;: Q) iii "O' .c ;;: U) ~ 0. U) Q) Q) (1) U) (1) ;;: "O CD .Q U) .:.:. "O <{ E 0 U) ~ (1) t) (1) Q) "O .c U) 0 (1) E U) :;; C ::, U:: 0. ~ (1) Cl .c ii cii ~ L:.~ .c (1) t) U) U) (1) (1) ::, >- 0 (1) (1) .c ;;: ~ .f >- "O U) "O U) ~ .c C Q) U) ~ (1) ::, <{ ~ l1l l1l .c I i: ~ er Cl > r C ~ ai <{ cii .... l1l ~ Q) z (/) (!J .... 0 U) X U) CD (1) 0 :;; !!! ~ l1l l1l l1l l1l U) ::, .c .c .!: ~ .c .:.:. >- E (1) 0 ..J E .o ai ;;: i E.g' E U) t) u § ai "O (1) ai E ~ § :;; "O (1) ~ -B ~ r r (1) l1l .:.:. 0 c r ""'l1l E ~ l1l ""'0 - l1l t) ~ .c Marsh 0 :!:= 0 l1l Cl cii l1l l1l C (1) cii (1) l1l :;; l1l l1l ~ cii cii cii (1) 0 .c l1l 0 cii~ cii ·- ~ E # Location .... ~u (/) (!J cii (/) iii (/) 3: u ~ ~ ex: 6 Ut- (/) 3: (/)..J (/) (/) u. (/) a. <{ en a u 0 Observations ~

Marsh island; interior of salt- % 30 20 20 30 - - - - Swash Hole bushes, needlerush and meadow 48 Island 1.4 grasses; fringed by saltmarsh XII acres cordgrass. 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 -- - - Creek marsh branch; berm with % 70 5 20 5 --- Mulberry saltbushes formed along James 49 Island 7.1 River shoreline; interior of I acres 5.0 0.4 1.4 0.4 -- - marsh mostly saltmarsh cord- 112:rass. Pocket marsh; dominated by % 5 15 50 30 -- - high marsh species; large stands Mulberry 50 Island 6.8 of needlerush predominate. III acres 0.3 1.0 3.4 2.0 -- - Creek marsh dominated by needle % 20 20 60 -- - - rush with saltmarsh cordgrass Mulberry along channels; areas of meadow 51 63.7 III Island grasses extend to river between I acres 12.7 12.7 38.2 -- - - pine woods. Creek marsh section dominated % 30 20 50 ·Mulberry --- - by needlerush; saltmarsh cord- 52 Island 35.5 grass along drainage creeks; III acres 10.6 7.1 17.8 - -- - other species scattered through out. Upper section of creek marsh; % 20 15 60 5 -- Mulberry -- - dominated by needlerush with 53 Island 38.1 saltmarsh cordgrass and meadow III acres 7.6 5.7 22.9 1.9 - - -- - areas; grades upstream to high marsh of saltbushes & meadow. Upper section of creek marsh; % 20 ' 25 45 2 5 3 lfulberry ------dominated by needlerush with 54 Island 73.4 saltmarsh cordgrass along creeks XII acres 14. 7 18.4 33.0 1.5 ---- 3.7 - 2.2 threesquare in pockets along - uplands. Extensive marsh area drained by % 40 5 50 5 -- - -- two creeks; mixture of salt· Jail marsh cordgrass and needlerush 55 Creek 81.5 III acres 32.6 4.1 40.8 (1.1 - - - -- areas; other species scattered throughout.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

33 Section III. Mulberry Island and w~n,ick River

Q) £ £ (/) (/) oi (/) ::, 2 (/) f ::, er ai I ai ~ (/) ::, (.) (/) (/) ~ 3 Q)' "O £ 3 C. Q) Q) iii (/) "O CD ..Q (/) "O Q) ..Q 3 (/) ~ -~ Q) -"' ~ E Q) ~ £ (/) 0 Q) E .0 (/) (.) Q) C Q) ::, "O Q) 0) £ ~ oi >, .c ~ £ u. C. (.) (/) (/) "O Q) (/) Q) co ::, 0 Q) £ Q) f ~ Q) ~ >, (/) £ "O £ C Q) (/) (/) 3 Q) ::, ~ Q) (/) J: i: ::!! "' er Cl > ~ C - ~"' Q) z (5 ..... 0 (/) X r ai~ ..... (/) ::, 0 oi !!2 ni en CD "'~ "' £ £ >, Q) _J .!: (/) -"' "iii (/) (/) E 0 "' 3 "' £ co E (.) u § ai "O Q) ai E 3l E .o "' ai ~ (/) sf fl Q) "'"' § -"' 0 "E ai Marsh 0) ::::: E ~ :, 0 "E 0 :,

% Jail 50 5 40 5 - - - - Extensive creek marsh area; ex- tends south to diked marsh area 58 Creek 42.6 I acras and west to small upland ridges 21. 1 2.1 17.0 2.1 - - - -

Creek marsh branch; % 10 15 60 15 dominated Jail - - - - by needlerush with saltbushes 59 Creek 42.5 and meadow grasses more abun- III acres 4. 2 6.4 25.5 6.4 - - - - dant in upstream portion.

% 50 5 35 5 5 - Lower section of creek marsh Jail branch; dominated by saltmarsh 60 Creek 11. 2 cordgrsss with large stands of I acres 5.6 0.6 3.9 0.6 0.6 - needleruah; partially crossed l'hu -~---+-c nf' nlrl rli'lri:> . Upper section of creek marsh % 20 25 35 20 -- - Jail - branch; dominated by high marsh 61 18.3 Creek species of needlerush, saltbushEB XII acres 3.7 4.6 6.5 3.7 -- -- meadow grasses; saltmarsh cord- !grass along creek channels. % 60 10 30 - - - - Long pocket marsh extends,be- Jail 62 hind area of upland woods; open Creek 11. 3 I acres to tidal flushing at both ends. I 6.8 1.1 3.4 - - - - % Spit marsh dominated by high Curtis 20 15 20 40 5 - - - 63 ·1.9 marsh species; saltmarsh cord- Point grass fringe along river and XII acres 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.8 0.1 - -- in small interior section.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

34 Section III. Mulberry Island and Warwick River

Q) .c. .c. VI VI :v _g VI ::> 2 VI ::> CT ... cii cii Q) VI ::> u ;;: VI Q) -;;; -0' .c. ;;: VI Q) Q) CD 0. VI .Q VI <( Q) VI 0 Q) ;;: 'ti Q) -" -0 E .C. VI Q) VI ~ VI u Q) C: Q) -0 ~ 0 Cl .c. E :0 ~ :v >, ::> 0. VI VI Q) Q) Q) iii ell 0 .c ~ Q) .c. .c. ;;: Q) 2 u: u -0 -0 VI .c. ::> Q) VI._ VI Q) ... >, <( ... ell ell VI .c. I i: :E C: Cl > Q) ::> ell ... Q) z VI C, I- 0 CT X ... C: ~ ~<( iii I- Q) 0 :v !!2 VI ro en ell ell ell ell ;;: CD VI ::> .c. .c. >, Q) ...J .!: .c. iii E.g> VI -" () cii "iii VI E 0 cii E .c ai ;;: E u :9 -0 Q) E ~ -0 ai Marsh ... ::: ell .s ~ Q) E ~ ell ::: 0 ell - ell .s -" 0 ~ c ~ 0 iii- 0 ell ... ell Cl cii Q) C: Q) cii Q) u ... ell .c. iii iii ~ :v 0 .c. iii~ iii E I- (/) () "'0 ·- ... :v # Location (/) (!) ai (/) iii (/) s: () :E :E"' a: 0 () I- (/) s: (/) ...J (/) (/) u. (/) a.. <( (/) a () 0 Observations :E"'

Marsh % 40 10 30 15 5 - fringe along section of Warwick shoreline; average width 20 ft; 64 River 0.60 predominately saltmarsh cord- XII acres 0.24 0.06 0.18 0.09 0.03 - grass and black needlerush.

% Large pocket marsh dominated Warwick 15 20 55 5 5 - - - by needlerush; surrounds River small 65 30.0 upland area of pine. III acres 4.5 6.0 16.5 1.5 1.5 - - - Marsh fringe dominated by % 25 10 40 20 5 Warwick - - needlerush and saltmarsh cord- 66 River 0.80 grass; saltbushes and meadow- XII acres 0.20 0.08 0.32 0.16 0.04 - - grasses along upland edge.

Pocket marsh of saltmarsh cord- % 45 10 40 2 2 - - 1 Warwick grass and black needlerush; 67 River 5.8 other species mostly along up- XII acres 2.6 0.6 2.3 0.1 0.1 - - 0.1 land edge.

% 40 10 25 5 15 5 Pocket marsh with saltmarsh cor< Warwick - 68 0.90 grass and needlerush most abund River ant; interior of marsh mostly XII acres 0.36 0.09 0.22 0.04 0.14 - 0.04 big cordgrass and saltbushes.

Pocket marsh with large stands % 40 5 45 ·5 - 5 - I Warwick of black needlerush; saltmarsh 69 River 4. 7 cordgrass along creek channels XII acres 1.9 0.2 2.1 0.2 - 0.2 - and other low areas. I

'YO\ 35 10 35 20 Warwick - -- Pocket marsh dominated by high marsh areas; saltmarsh cordgrass 70 River 2.3 acres 0.8 0.2 0.8 0.5 - - - abundant in several sections. XII

Marsh fringe (5 - 20 ft. wide) % 50 Warwick 5 30 5 10 - - - along section of shoreline; 71 River 2.0 I includes several pocket marshes I acres l,O 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.2 - - - twith high marsh species.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

35 Section III. !i!lberry Island and 'ilarwick River

.c Q) -£ rn ro rn ::, 2 2 ::, er , C C. (.) Ql O> Ql £ , ~ co rn .c "O rn I .c C Ql rn Ql ::, r C Qi, .~ ~ iii C iii co - co (.) ~ .c r I- co~ "iii co ~ ro co Ql 0 .c Ql COO Ql

% 55 - 45 - - Marsh island; Thorofare 72 a mixture of saltmarsh cord- Island 7.2 I acres 4.0 - 3.2 -- grass and black needlerush areas. Pocket marsh dominated by salt- % 60 Warwick - 35 - 5 - - - marsh cordgrass with black 73 River 10.8 needlerush; big cordgrass and I acres 6.5 - 3.8 - 0.5 - - - cattails along uplands.

% 35 20 30 10 5 - - Pocket marsh with lower portion Warwick - dominated by saltmarsh cord- 74 River 1.5 grass and black needlerush; XII acres 0.5 0,3 0.4 0.2 0.1 - - - interior grades to high marsh.

% 15 30 35 10 10 - Extensive marsh dominated by Warwick - - areas of needlerush and meadow; 75 River 232.5 saltrnarsh cordgrass along creeks XII acres 34.9 69.8 81.4 23.2 23.2 - - - and river; meadow and big cord- IPrass in nnrkPS ~lnn<> .... , ...... 1 % 28 19 42 7 4 ------Total - Section III ao3.5 acres 221.0 149. 338.4.. 55.3 33.0 0.8 - 0,04 3.7 - 2.3 - - -

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

36 SECTION IV WARWICK RIVER AND STONEY RUN

This section of shoreline includes the majority of marsh areas found along the Warwick River and its tributaries. Generally, the marshes are characterized by brackish water species with abundant saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I) and big cordgrass (Type V). Proceeding upstream however, certain species such as black needlerush and salt­ meadow grasses are replaced by species which tolerate only low salinity or freshwater. Marsh hibiscus, marsh mallow, and cattails are several of these. At the head of Stoney Run the brackish water plants have been replaced by freshwater species (Type XI). This is a particularly interesting area in that it contains a large stand of wild rice. This valuable freshwater marsh plant is found nowhere else in the city. The recent urban growth along much of this section Newport News shoreline has resulted in the destruction of small areas of marsh at many locations. Most of this destruction occurs either directly as fill or indirectly through poor containment of sediment runoff from the upland. Unfortunately, continued destruction of wetland areas can only contribute to the deterioration of water quality and productivity of the Warwick River.

37 SECTION IV. WARWICK RIVER and STONY RUN '----../

~

·+·• SCALE 1 , 24,000 93 1000 2uOO FEET I d

96 (f FORT EUSTIS MILITARY RESERVATION r;;:;::;J w co

BEECHMONT

104

BEECHWOOD

..._ ____--§----1 Section IV. Warwick River and Stony Run

.s:: Ql .s:: rJ) rJ) ni :, rJ) :, rJ) .f :, er iii iii :, rJ) ... ai rJ) u 3: Ql .s:: 3: rJ) Ql ti "O ,5 CD a. rJ) .Q rJ) "O <( Ql rJ) 0 Ql 3: rJ) ~ e Ql -" Ql E .s:: rJ) 0 Ql E rJ) u C Ql :, "O e Ql O'l .s:: ii iii ~ , ~ .s:: u::: a. u rJ) rJ) "O Ql rJ) Ql co :, 0 :: Ql .s:: Ql .f >, rJ) "O .s:: C Ql rJ) ... rJ) Ql rJ) 3: ... <( ... co .s:: :i: ~ 0 ._ C Ql :, co Ql z rJ) I (5 I- 0 er X > ai <( iii I- co ... Ql :, ni !!2 rJ) :a t, co CD rJ) 0 .s:: .s:: >, ... _J co co ni C E.g' rJ) -" ·a; E Ql 0 Ql ! .c E u ai "O Ql E ~ E .o ai 3: rJ) s :!: co u B s ~ ~ Ql -" 0 ni c ai Marsh 0 co O'l ~ C Ee co ~ :!: 0 co - co s u ... ~ .s:: I- ~o co ... iii iii ~ co co Ql 0 .s:: Ql CO 0 Ql cii.!E iii E co co ni # Location (l)U (/) (!J (/) (/) ·- ... ai iii s: u ~ ~ ex: 0 u I- (/) s: (/) _J (/) (/) LJ.. (/) c.. <( (/) c3 u 0 Observations ~

% 70 10 20 - Pocket marsh; dominated by sal~ Warwick - - - marsh cordgrass with big cord- 76 River 2.6 grass along upland; berm par- I acres 1.8 - 0.3 - 0.5 - - tially across front of marsh.

% 30 - 25 45 Warwick - - - - Pocket marsh; dike across front 77 has been broken through allow- River 0.90 XII acres 0.27 - 0.22 0.40 - - - - ing tidal flushing to interior.

% 25 10 20 - 40 2 - - 3 Pocket marsh; dominated by big Warwick cordgrass and saltmarsh cord- 78 River 8.3 grass; interior portions grade XII acres 2.1 0.8 1. 7 - 3.3 0.2 - - 0.3 to high marsh mixed with trees.

% Salt bushes form ridge along Warwick 45 5 35 5 10 - - - - - river's edge; interior of marsh 79 River 45.5 a mixture of needlerush, cord- XII acres 20.: 2.3 15.9 2.3 4.6 - -- - - grass and meadow areas.

% 20 5 35 5 35 - - Broad creek marsh; extends back Warwick - - - - around upland areas; dominated 80 River 33.6 by big cordgrass and needlerush XII acres 6.7 1. 7 11.8 1. 7 11.8 ------areas; saltmarsh cordgrass along creek channels. % 5 - 85 2 3 3 2 Interior section of creek marsh; Warwick - - - 81 almost completely black needle- River 10.3 rush which grades to uplands; III acres 0.5 - 8.8 0.2 0.3 - 0.3 - - 0.2 pocket of cattails ..

Disturbed area near mouth that % 25 25 15 Butlers 5 30 -- - - - is overgrown with saltbushes; 82 Gut 32.0 berm of saltbushes parallels XII acres 8.0 1.6 8.0 4.8 9.6 - - - - - dredged creek channel; connects ' with Milstead Is land Creek. Broad creek marsh extends back % 50 20 30 Warwick ------to several pocket areas that 83 River 39.9 are mostly needlerush; remairrler I acres 20.0 - 8.0 - 12.0 - - - - - of marsh dominated by cordgrass,

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed t = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

39 Section IV. Warwick River and Stoney Run

.c a, .c (/) (/) ~ (/) :, 2 (/) ~ :, O" .... (/) :, () a, .c 2 0. a, a, (/) "O ID (/) (/) "' .:£ "O 3: (/) a, a, 0 a, ~ E (/) () C "O a, Ol .c a, :0 ~ ro >, 0 .c. :: a, "O (/) a, (/) C1l .c C :, (/) a, ~ .c "O i: a, 0 .... a, :, C1l a, z (/) I I­ 0 O" X > C1l a, (/) :, 0 ro .c c'.5 ro en C1l ~ ID C1l .:£ (.) >, E ~ 0 ..J -'= .... E"' () "O a, E 3; a, !::: C1l £ ~ ~ a, ~ C1l C1l ro c "2 Marsh 0 C1l Ol

i,- % 65 5 5 5 5 10 Warwick 5 j,• Creek marsh dominated by 86 24,91-~-+~~1--~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~1--~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+--,-_---lsaltmarsh cordgrass; other River 1 I acres 16.2 - 1.2 - 1.2 _ 1.2 _ 1.2 2•5 _ 1.2 j,- species scattered throughout. 1,- % 65 10 5 10 5 5 _ j,- Pocket marsh dominated by salt- Warwick 0.80f-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~-+~~+-~--+~~+.:;~:..z....:-4marsh cordgrass; other species 87 River acres O.S2 0.08 _ • • • _ _ _ _ 0.0 _ j:- scattered throughout. I 0 04 0 08 0 04 4 e - i - e,- Creek marsh; mixture of % 45 10 5 10 j:- Warwick 25 f,- freshwater and brackish 88 6.2 River 1,- e,­ apecies. XII acres 2. 8 0.6 0.3 0.6 1.6 j,O. f,- j 5 e,- % 35 15 ______1;. b,- Berm with saltbushes along Warwick 5 10 10 20 89 l-~--+~~+-~-+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+-~--+~~+.:f"'""-~lfl.L~--1- channel edge; interior of River 11. 3 j ,0.6 ~, marsh largely sal tmarsh XII acres 4. 0 1. 7 - O. 6 1. 1 1. 1 - - 2. 3 - - - _ _ i, - e, - cordgras s mixed with f - b,- freshwater snecies. b, - I j • l: Creek marsh at head of Warwick t--"'~1-1_0--t~~+-~--+~3-5-+~--tr-~+-~---+~5--1r--l0-+~5~+-~-+~--1r-----t~~+---~+--l-O-+-~-+~-~+-----lr-~+---~+---~1-----1~~~·~~-0+,---.-....,.., river; dominated by ~o River 17.8 b,- j,2.7 saltbushes with other acres 1.8 6.2 - 0.9 1.8 0.9 _ _ 1, _ _ _ _ _ h,1.8 species scattered XII 8 i,- throughout. J,5 Creek marsh section; berm with % 45 5 20 15 Warwick 5 5 saltbushes along channel edge; 91 1.3 1---+--+--+---+-~--,f--+--+--+--+--+--+-~--~-+---+--+---+---+---+-...... j.-~--~-+.:-~t:: River _j ,0.1 interior mostly saltmarsh cord- XII acres o. 6 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 1, - grass and big cordgrass. 0.1 f,-

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

40 Section IV. Warwick River and Stony Run

.c a, .c Cl) Cl) :u ::, ~ ::, Cl) Q) a, Cl) .f ::, C1 , 0 .c:~ .c .c a, 2 u:: >, l) Cl) Cl) -0 a, Cl) a, C\l ::, Cl)~ a, Cl) Ql 3: ~ Cl) -0 ::,;; .c C a, Ql ::, <{ ~ C\l C\l .c I :i: C1 Q > ~ C ~ Q) <{ cii I- C\l ~ a, z Cl) I- 0 X Ql ::, 0 :u .!!J. 0 Cl) «i en C\l C\l C\l C\l co C Cl) .c .c >, Ql 0 ....I ! .c Cl) -"' <.) Q) E

b,- Pocket marsh; interior area % 45 - 5 - 5 10 30 - 5 Warwick - i,- mostly hibiscus and marsh XII 95 River 0.05 b,- mallow; cordgrasses dominate acres 0.22 - 0.02 - 0.02 0.05 0.15 - 0.02 - i,- lower portion.

% 55 - 30 - 5 - - - - 5 5 - i,- Extensive creek marsh dominated Warwick by cordgrass and big cordgrass; 96 29.5 I I River water hemp scattered throughout acres 16.2 - 8.8 - 1.5 - - -- 1.5 1.5 - i,-

Creek marsh along both Stony % 75 5 15 --- - - 5 - - - Warwick Run and Warwick River; interior 97 River 11.5 section partially filled; reed I acres 8.6 0.'6 1. 7 --- - - 0.6 - - - grasses along upland,

' Creek marsh dominated by salt- % 80 15 - 5 Stony - -- - - marsh cordgrass with stands of 98 Run 3.1 big cordgrass; hibiscus and I acres 2.5 - 0.5 - - - - 0.2 - mallow scattered throughout.

% 55 5 - - I 35 - - - 5 ------Pocket marsh dominated by big Stony cordgrass and saltmarsh cord- 99 5.6 I Run grass; scattered hibiscus with acres 3.1 0.3 - - 2.0 - - - 0.3 ------patches of reed grass. -- a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weeq f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort - Cc-tg~a<;S

41 Section IV, Warwick River and Stony Run

.s:: Q) .s:: rn rn rn I ~ 2 rn .f ::, er cii cii J!/ rn ::, (.) rn cii iii -6 .s:: rn a. Q) ~ Q) "O Cll aJ rn .Q== rn ~ "O <( rn 0== Q) rn Q) (.) Q) Q) E::, "O ~ .s:: rn 0 Q) .s:: E ii rn ~ Cll >, C 2 a. (.) == Q) Q) Ol Q) iii Cll ::, 0 .c '.': Q) .s:: .s:: Q) u:: rn rn "O rn .s:: Q) rn ~ Q) >, <( ~ Cll rn .s:: "O I ~ C Cl == ~ Q) ::, Cll Q) I I- er X > ~ C Q) <( iii I- Cll ~ Q) z rn !E. C, 0 Cll~- rn Cll r aJ ::, 0 ro .s:: rn ~ Cll Cll Cll rn .s:: ~ ~ iii ~ "cij >, E Q) 0 Q) E ai ...J .s .s:: E rn (.) u .§ cii rn rn "O Q) E .o Q) E°E !: Cll £ Q) ~ Cll .§ ~ocii == ro c Marsh 0 Cll 0) iii C E iii :!::: ~ Cll - Cll Cll "2 .s:: ~ iii 0 Cll ~ iii iii ~ ro ~ Q) 0 .s:: Q) Cll 0 Q) iiiJ!! iii -~ t:: E Cll Cll # I- (f)U (/) I.!) (/) (/) Location co ai :s: u ~ ~ a: 0 Ut- (/) :s: (/) ...J (/) (/) u. (/) c.. <( (/) a u 0 Observations ~

% 45 - 40 10 5 - - Creek marsh section dominated Stony - - by saltmarsh cordgrass and 100 Run 1.9 big cordgrass; hibiscus and acres XII 0.9 - 0.8 - 0.2 0.1 - - - mallow scattered throughout. Creek marsh dominated by % 6-5 - 30 -- - 5 - - Stony • saltmarsh cordgrass; big 101 1.8 cordgrass along upland; Run hibis - I acres 1.2 0.5 0.1 cus and mallow scattered . ------throughout, Creek marsh dominated by a % 65 -- - 30 - - - 5 - - Stony - mixture of saltmarsh cordgrass 102 Run 5.0 and big cordgrass; interior I acres 3.2 1.5 0.2 section along upland has been ------filled. Creek marsh dominated by % 80 - 20 Stony - - - - - saltmarsh cordgrass; marsh 103 Run 1.9 has been dredged in several acres 1.5 - 0.4 - - - - - places to provide small boat I slips, '-- Branch of creek where main % 40 60 -- - - - Stony - channel has been altered by 104 20 Run highway construction; marsh V acres 0.8 1.2 extends to pocket area above ------road, Creek marsh section; saltmarsh % 20 35 25 10 105 Stony - - - 10 - - c,- and big cordgrass as well as 13.0 XII Run hibiscus are most abundant; acres 2.6 4.6 -- 3.2 - 1.3 1,3 - - c,- pickerelweed and threesquare in upstream portion only. 25 40 35 % - - - - - C - - Stony 106 10.3 ' Creek marsh section; includes Run mixture of brackish and XII 11 acres 2.6 4.1 - 3.6 - - - - c,- freshwater species.

% Stony - - - 5 15 - 5 20 5 1::,50 Upstream portion of creek; 107 Run freshwater species, especially 9.5 XI acres - - - 0.5 1.4 - 0.5 1.9 0.5 1::,4.8 wild rice, dominate.

a = Saltryi,arsh, Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp MiJkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

42 Section IV, Warwick River and Stony Run

.c ~ .c ca "' ::, "'2 _g ::, l» l» ::, "' cr ~ "' 0 3: ui -b .c 3: IXl a. Q) ai Q) 3: "O "' .Q "' ~ .OL "O <( E 0 Q) "'~ 0 Q) ~ E "' Q) 0 Q) C Q) ::, "O "' .c "' Q) 0) .c Q) i5 iii "' ~ ca >, .c Q) _g u::: a. 0 "O Q) "' ca ::, 0 .c = Q) Q) .c 3: ... >, ... ca .c "O "' .c C Q) Q) ::, <( ca Q) I :i: ::E cr 0 "' ... > ~ C <( I- "'"'ca ... Q) "' z "' C, I- 0 X ai IXl iii ::, 0 :0 !!2 .c .c :u en ca ca ca "'~ C .OL "' () ·@ >, E "'Q) 0 ..J 3: .c yg E "' 0 l» "O Q) ai E ~ E.O ai ~ s~ B s ~ ~ Q) .OL 0 ca c ai Marsh 0 == "'ca ca 0) iii C E ~ ca iii 0 ca - ca s 0 ... ~ .c ~ iii 0 ca ... iii iii ~ ca ca Q) 0 .c Q) ==ca o Q) iii~ E ca ca ca # Location I- (/) () (/) (!) (/) (/) iii ·- ... co in s:: () ::E ::E a: 0 () I- (/) s:: (/)..J (/) (/)U.. (/) a. <( (/) a () 6 Observations ::E

% 50 - 5 35 - 5 5 Creek marsh with wide channel Warwick - - - - - 108 16.5 extending across marsh; open River to river at both ends. I acres 8.2 - 0.8 5.8 - -- - 0.8 - 0.8 -

% 95 5 Warwick - - - Small pocket marsh dominated 109 River 0,50 by saltmarsh cordgrass; big I acres 0.41 0.02 -- - cordgrass along upland edge,

Extensive % 35 5 30 30 creek marsh; dominat- Warwick ------ed by big cordgrass and salt- 110 River 48.3 marsh cordgrass; several large XII acres 16,< 2.4 14.5 - 14.5 ------areas of needlerush.

Extensive creek marsh; large % 30 20 15 5 30 Warwick ------areas of meadow grasses, big 111 River 98.4 cordgrass, saltmarsh cordgrass XII acres 29.' 19.7 14.8 4.9 29.5 ------and black needlerush.

% 10 35 30 10 15 Includes area of high marsh Hoopes - - - fringe along river; extends 112 Landing 2.0 back to pocket marsh area dom- XII acres 0.2 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.3 - - - inated by needlerush. b,- e,- g,- i,- % 38 6 17 4 25 3 1 1 ------3 - - 1 1 c,1 f,- Total 582.9 h,- j,l Section IV b,- e,- g,- i,- acres 220.' I 32.8 96.2 24.4 ~44.1 o. 7 2.9 2.5 15.9 4.8 0.6 0.5 4.7 - 15.4 -- 3.2 3.2 c,4.8 f,- h, 1.8 j,3.9

·--.__

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristyl1s C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

43 SECTION V LUKAS CREEK AND WARWICK RIVER

The tidal marshes found along this section of Warwick River shore­ line are predominately of saltmarsh cordgrass with areas of black needle­ rush and saltmeadow grasses. As such, they would be Type I or Type XII marsh communities and are considered of highest value to the marine environment. Much of the marsh remains relatively undisturbed. However, several creek marsh areas have been dammed to form non-tidal lakes. Other areas a~jacent to residential developments have been filled. Those marsh areas found along portions of Lukas Creek have fared less well than those along the Warwick River. Several marsh areas at the mouth of the creek have apparently been used as a dump for trash and other refuse. Other areas along the lower half of the creek have been used as disposal areas for dredged spoil. The effects of this destruction are very evident, with areas of unvegetated sand covering what was once saltmarsh cordgrass (Type I) dominated wetlands. Areas which were not completely destroyed have managed natural recolonization and are now vegetated with high marsh species such as saltbushes (Type III). Those marsh areas found along the upper portion of Lukas Creek are largely undisturbed. Big cordgrass is very abundant, along with other species such as marsh hibiscus and marsh mallow which tolerate only low salinities. Some freshwater species including pickerelweed are found at the head of the creek. If left alone, these marshes will continue to provide excellent waterfowl and wildlife habitats.

44 - SECTION V. LUKAS CREEK and WARWICK RIVER

PT.

THOROFARE IS. OLD ORCHARD

124 I BOXLEY HILLS

~

NEWPORT NEWS ·+·• 1, 24,000 ~

1000 2000 FEET Section V, Lukas Creek and Warwick River

,:: ,:: ~ (/) (/) , C: ,:: E u.. a. Q) Q) O> Q) , ,:: "O I i: Q) 0 > Q) :, , E [fl 0 ....I Q) :s: .!: .c <) u § "O Q) E E .o ~ Q) (/) :!::E "' C:

% 15 50 is s 15 Creek marsh section dominated Lukas by big cordgrass; saltmarsh Creek 122 3 l----+--+----+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+----+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+----+--1----+--+----lcordgrass only as fringe along l0, acres 1.5 - 5.2 - - 1,5 0.5 1,5 channels; hibiscus scattered V throu2hout. % 5 40 25 5 25 f,- 1'k>st upstream section of Lukas Lukas b,- Creek marsh; dominated by 123 Creek ll. l t----+--l----+--+----+--+----+--+----+---,t----+--+----+--+----+--t----+--+----+--,t----+----11---+--l----ihibiscus and mallow with fresh­ £, - XI acres - 0.6 4,4 2.8 0.6 2.8 b,- water species evident,

% 85 5 5 5 Lukas Pocket marsh dominated by salt­ 124 Creek 1.7 l----+--l----+--+----+--+----+--+----+--t----+--+----+--+----+--+----+--+----+---,t----+-----11---+---,t----imarsh cordgrass; cattails in acres 1.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 interior section. I

% 85 5 10 Creek marsh dominated by salt­ Warwick marsh cordgrass with scattered 125 River 10. 8 t---+--t---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+-'---+--+---+--t---+---,1---+--1---1patches of needlrush; upstream acres 9.2 0.5 1,1 ------portion of creek daumed to I form lake. % 65 10 25 Pocket marsh; narrow upland bem Warwick with trees along river shorelire 126 River 14.01---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--t---+--,1---+--t---1marsh grades from saltmarsh acres 9.1 l,4 3.5 ------, cordgrass back to stands of I needlerush and meadow 2rasses. %' 80 5 15 Warwick Pocket marsh; dominated by 127 2.2 .,_---+--+----+--+----+--+----+--+----+--+---+--+----+--+---+--+----+--+----+--+---+--+---+--+---,saltmarsh cordgrass with River acres 1. 7 0.1 0.3 scattered patches of needlerush I

% 85 10 5 Pocket marsh with several Warwick I branches; several areas filled 128 12. 2 1----b.l--+---+-_--+----'-l--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--1--+--+----11--+---+---il--+---+----ll--+--+----ladjacent to residential River acres 0.4 1.2 0.6 ------development. I

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed I = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass

47 Section Y. Lukas Creek and Warwick River

.c ~ .c (/) (/) C!I :::, 2 (/) :::, (/) :::, er ai ai (/) :::, (/) (/) ai u s: cii "O' .c s: a. (/) Q) ai (/) s: 'ti C!I CD .Q (/) ~ "O <( a> E 0 Q) (/) (/) Q) u Q) "O ~ .c (/) 0 Q) .c E :c ~ C!I >, "" C: Q) :::, u::: a. (/) (/) Q) Q) Cl Q) , (/) .c Q) s: <( ~ C!I C!I .c "O ~ C: rt) Q) :::, Q) rt) I i: I- er X 0 > ~ C: ai <( I- C!I ~ Q) z !!2 C, 0 rt) C!I rt) C!I CD , Q) ro ~ .c C: ~o ~ ~ .c

I

~ ------·-~-

48 SECTION VI DEEP CREEK AND FISHERS CREEK

Deep Creek includes some of the most heavily impacted wetland areas within the City of Newport News. Much of this destruction has been caused by the City itself, where uncontained spoil from its landfill has been pushed out over several acres of Type I wetlands (#136). Only the ability of the remaining marsh to act as a filter and trap these uplcnld sediments is preventing the direct contamination and siltation of the creek channel. The marshes found along one branch of Deep Creek (#150) have been smothered by spoil deposition as a result of channel dredging. Besides leaving large areas of unvegetated sand on previously productive salt­ marshes, much of the material has eroded back into the dred~ed channels, thus accelerating their resiltation and contributing to demands for maintenance dredging. Those marshes found at the head of Deep Creek have remained relatively undisturbed in contrast to those along the rest of the creek. Most areas are dominated by either saltmarsh cordgrass or big cordgrass while some freshwater species such as pickerelweed are able to exist in the most upstream sections. These marshes produce abundant organic material which is of importance to the rest of the creek system. At the same time they are valuable habitats for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. The marshes found within Fishers Creek have also remained undisturbed in spite of surrounding urban development. Saltmarsh cordgrass dominates this creek marsh system and as such the wetlands would be consider Type I, of highest value to the marine environment.

49 MENCHVILLE \ 134 \

V1 0

EDGEWOOD

~

·+·• SCALE 1 , 24,0GO

1000 0 .1000 2000 FEET

BLUNT PT. SECTION VI. DEEP CREEK and FISHERS CREEK Section VI, Deep Creek and Fishers Creek

.c ~ .c Cl) Cl) C1l :, 2 Cl) :, Cl) :, cr ... Cl) :, Cl) Cl) ai u Q) .c Q) Cl) co a. Cl) Cl) .:.: -0 Q) 3: 'o Cl) ~ ~ Q) Q) ~ .c Cl) 0 Q) E :.0 Cl) C1l u C -0 Cl) Cl) Q) 01 .c Q) ~ >, J::.~ Q) a. u -0 Cl) Q) Cl) C1l .c C :, 0 Cl) ... Q) .f >, <( ... C1l .c -0 £ Q) Q Q) :, C1l ... C1l Q) z Cl) I I­ o cr X > 1- Q) Cl) :, 0 oi .c c'.3 ~ t5 C1l co .:.: <.) >, E ~ 0 ....J i .c ro E Cl) § -0 Q) E ~ s~ ::, C1l u B ~ Q) oi ai Marsh 0 C1l 01 C E ~ C1l ::, 0 C1l .c ~ I- ro o C1l ... ro ro C1l Q) 0 .c u, C1l 0 Q) E C1l # Location (l)U (/) (.!) (/) (/) ii'i cii ~ a: 0 u I- (/) (/) ....J (/) (/) 6 Observations ~

% 10 10 5 35 30 10 Pocket marsh; saltmarsh cord­ grass and black needlerush at Warwick 1-~-+~~.._~-+~~+-~-+~~+-~-+~-+---+--.._--+~-+---+--+---+--+-~-+--+---+~~.._~-+-~.._~-+~~.._~-lmouth of marsh; interior 131 River 3.0 XII acres 0.3 0.3 0.2 1.0 0.9 0.3 dominated by cattails and hibiscus. Berm across tront of marsh % 90 5 5 covered with saltbushes and 132 Warwick 7.4 1--~-1-~~1----1--~+-~-+--+---+--+---l---l----l---+---l---+---l---+---l---+---l---l----l---l----l---l-----tmeadow grasses; saltmarsh cord­ River 6.7 0.4 0.4 grass dominates interior with I acres cattails and big cordgrass along uplands. % 10 10 80 Pocket marsh partially behind sand beach; slowly being Deep o. 80 1---+--.._--+--+---+--+----+--+----+--+---+--+---+---+----+--+----+--+----+--+---+--.._--+--.._--l destroyed by dirt fill, auto- 133 Creek V acres 0.08 O.Ol 0.64 - - mobile parking, trash dumping.

% 90 5 ~ringe and pocket marsh areas along section of shoreline; 134 Deep -- -- - +---+--+---l--+---+--+---+--+---+--+----ta•ominated by saltmarsh cord- Creek 1.0 acres 0.9 I 0.05 0.05 - I I grass with other species along unland border. % 99 -~l~__ --_1T;l Pocket marsh almost entirely of Deep -_ -t---- r-i __ -----f--~·-f---__ saltmarsh cordgrass; upper por- 135 Creek 1.8 t---+--t---+--t---+--+-- ---·-;----,--·- ---+--+---+--+---+--+--~tion has been filled by exten- I acres 1. s - - I - ! - sion of Newport News City , , L dump. % 90 i 5 -+-_--+--5·-+------j-~T-1- -r-r-~ -1-----~ ·---I --~ I :~:~i~:t~!r:~i:y~:~1 ~::: Deep 136 Creek 7. 7 , 1 1 _ --+-_- ~· -·-1----1 : adjacent cit1 dump; runoff I acres 6. 9 0.4 - 0.4 - - I from dump is still destroying ~ 11 -+ 1 marsh. 1 1--- - -1----~-r-:-~-k--+--.--+a-c-~-~-s+-:-~--+--~-:-+--~-:-+-_-_--+--~---+-:-+-~-+ ~--· _-- -~-.-_ i _ 137 8 3 ~ 1~-- .1-.- ..... ·--· ::: ~;it~l\~j:/:fci:II:' ~ 2 1 1 0 4

>----+------+·--- -- ··-· - --- ·-· ,____ p----1---- .------T- --~------Creek marsh section; cordgrasses4"- % 35 30 5 - 30 ------dominate along creek channels t----+--+---+--+---+---+--+--+--+---+--+----+--+----+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---1---+---+---tand other low areas; interior 138 Deep 7.6 XII Creek acres 2. 7 2.3 0.4 2 •. 3 0-4 of marsh contains large areas of meadow grasses.

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort i = Cutgrass

51 I J Section VI. Deep Creek and Fishers Creek

.c .c Q) r/l ~ :, r/l :, ~ 2 :, Q) r/l :, CT cii I cii r/l u ~ r/l "O .c r/l Q) cii iii ~ ~ Cll a. r/l r/l <( r/l =o r/l ~ .2 ~ Q) -"' "O E .2 Q) ~ .c r/l 0 Q) E i.i r/l Ctl u lll C Q) :, "O r/l r/l Q) oi .c Q) ni ~ >, .J::.~ .c Q) 2 u. a. u "O Q) Ctl :, 0 Q) Q) .c ~ ~ >, <( ~ Ctl Ctl r/l .c "O :::E .c C Q) r/l ~ r/l r/l Q) :, Q) ~ I i CT Cl > ~ C Ctl ~ Q) z r/l C, I- 0 X ai <( ni I- :, 0 Ctl .!!2 r/l ~u.i Ctl Ctl Ctl Cll r/l .c .c >, Q) ~ .!: E r/l -"' () cii r/l "O E 0 cii E Q) ...J cii ~ .c ~ u fl 2 ~ Q) E .o ~ "O r/l Marsh 0 sE' :::: Ctl Ctl ~ -; Q) E ~ Ctl -; .:!= Ctl s -"' 0 Ctl c cii 0 Ctl ~ Cl Ctl C ~ - Ctl ~ .c I- ni ni Ctl -; oi Q) 0 .c Q) Ctl O Q) u Ctl # Location (/) () (/)('.) (/) ni .!£ ni ·- ~ E oi oi a:i ixi (/) 3:: () :::E :::E a: 0 () I- (/) 3:: (/) ...J (/) (/) u. (/) n. <( (/) a () 0 Observations :::E Deep % 40 5 - 55 -- - - Creek . Small creek marsh section; 139 0.40 dominated by big cordgrass with acres 0.11 0.02 - 0.22 -- - abundant saltmarsh cordgrass. V

% 15 35 5 45 - Creek marsh section; interior Deep -- - area of saltmarsh grasses; 140 Creek 1.5 - big cordgrass dominates along acres 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.7 - - . - creek channel. XII

Creek marsh section dominated % 5 5 70 - 5 5 10 Deep - - by big cordgrass; smartweed 141 Creek 7 .4 • and hemp increase proceeding 0.4 acres 0.4 5.2 - 0,4 0.4 - 0.7 - upstream while saltmarsh V cordgrass decreases. % - 65 - 5 - 15 5 10 - e,- Creek marsh section at head of Deep d - creek; dominated by big cord- Creek . 142 6.4 grass but significant amounts V acres - 4.2 - 0.3 - 1.0 0.3 0.6 e,- of freshwater species, d,- Deep % 85 5 5 - 5 -- - Cr~ek marsh section formed Creek between two branches of creek; 143 3.8 dominated by saltmarsh cord- I acres 3.2 0.2 0.2 - 0.2 -- - grass with other species . scattered throughout, Deep % 70 5 15 - 5 5 - - - Marsh section dominated by Creek . saltmarsh cordgrass with 144 5.6 . several areas of big cord- I acres 3.9 0.3 0.8 0."3 - 0.3 - - - grass and needlerush; cattails • in oockets alone uolands. % 55 15 15 15 Deep - - - - Creek marsh section dominated Creek - by saltmarsh cordgrass but 145 1.6 with scattered areas of needle- acres 0.9 0.2 0.2 0.2 I - - - - rush, meadow grasses and big cord2:rass. -----~ % 40 10 10 - 35 5 - - - This creek marsh section has Deep increased abundance of big 146 Creek 5.9 cordg~ass over downstream XII acres 2.4 0.6 0.6 - 2.1 0.3 - - - sections of creek. - a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

52 Section VI, Deep Creek and Fishers Creek

.s::. (I) .s::. (/) (/) :;; (/) ::, 2 (/) .f ::, c:r cii cii (J) ::, (.) 3 (/) ui -6 .s::. 3 (/) ..9! Q. (I) (I) cii (I) (/) "O C\l Ill .'!? .Q (/) "O <{ 0 (I) 3 (/) (I) (.) (I) E "O ~ .s::. (/) 0 Ql E .0 (/) :;; "" C Ql ::, Q. Ql Ol .s::. oi ~ ::, >, 0 .c~ .s::. .s::. Ql .f u: >, (.) (/) (/) Ql Ql C\l (/) ~ Ql Ql 3 ~ "O (/) "O (J) .s::. C Ql (/) Ql ::, <{ ~ C\l C\l .s::. J: i: ~ 0 > ~ C <{ I- Ql z (/) I- 0 c:r )( ai oi C\l ~ Ql :;; !!2 c.'5 (/) «; en C\l C\l C\l :;; Ill (/) ::, 0 "cij .s::. .s::. >, E Ql 0 ....I ~ -~ .s::. oi E .g' (/) (/) cii E .o ai 3 E (.) u cii "O Ql E ~ :;; "O cii :, C\l "" £ .s ~ Ql ~ C\l ::, 0 C\l - C\l .s c ~ Marsh C\l -:;; C E -:;; ""(.) 0~ C\l .s::. 0 C\l ~ Cl :;; C\l Ql Ql :;; C\l I- ~o oi oi ~ Ql 0 .s::. C\l 0 oi ..9! oi ·- ~ E # Location C/JU Cf)(.!) iii Cf) iii Cf) ~ u ~ ~ a: 0 u I- Cf) ~ Cf) ....I Cf) (/JU. Cf) c.. <{ Cf) a u 0 Observations ~ e,- Upstream section of creek marsh % 15 - 65 5 15 - - d,- Deep - marsh branch; dominated through 147 Creek 11.0 e,- out by big cordgrass with V acres d,- hibiscus more abundant toward 1.6 - 7.2 0.6 - 1.6 - - head, % 98 - 2 -- -- - Creek marsh section almost en- Deep tirely of saltmarsh cordgrass.; 148 Creek 13.5 other species along upland I acres 13.2 - 0.3 --- - - border.

% 45 5 - 5 45 - - - Marsh at mouth of creek branch; Deep adjacent spoil areas from 149 Creek 1.3 dredging operations remain as XII acres 0.6 0.1 - 0.1 0.6 - - - unvegetated bare sand,

a - fuch of marsh in this section % 45 15 5 10 15 - - - 10 - - Deep d:- has been smothered by uncont- 150 Creek 11.5 ained spoil deposition; large XII acres 5.2 1. 7 0.6 1.2 1.7 - - - 1,2 - - unvegetated areas of bare sand, ~·=' % 45 - 10 - 5 - -- 20 - 5 - 10 - d,5 Pocket marsh at head of creek Deep branch above road; grades from 151 Creek 2.1 saltmarsh cordgrass to marsh XII acres 0.9 - 0.2 - 0.1 --- 0.4 - 0.1 - 0,2 - 40.1 hibiscus and cattails,

f % 40 5 5 10 40 --- - - Marsh fringe of saltmarsh cord- Deep grass and big cordgrasa; 152 sev- Creek eral pocket marsh areas of XII 11.1 acres 0.44 o.q6 0.06 0.11 0.44 - - - - - big cordgrass, Small marsh fringe and pocket % 55 10 5 5 25 - Deep -- - -- marsh area adjacent to Marina; 153 Creek 1. 7 mixed areas of saltmarsh cord- I acres 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.4 ------grass and big cordgrass. ---- % 45 10 5 10 30 --- Marsh formed behind sand spit Deep - - - at mouth of creek; largely 154 Creek 5.9 saltmarsh cordgrass with in- XII acres 2.6 0.6 0.3 0.6 1.8 ------terior dominated by bigcordgrass

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed. g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

53 Section VI, Deep Creek and Fishers Creek

Q) .s::. .s::. rJl rJl ro ::, rJl ::, ~ ::, r::r cii Q) rJl .s::, ~ cii rJl (J 3: rJl Q) "O .s::. 3: rJl Q) Cl) :,,:. iii ' , .c ~ .s::. Q) 2 u. C. (J rJl rJl "O Q) Cl Q) , rJl .s::. "O rJl .s::. C Q) rJl ~ rJl rJl Q) ::, ~ ~ C - , Q) 0 ...J ro .E .c rJ> <.) Q) "

% 98 2 Marsh along lower half of creek Fishers - - -- - 155 21;8 almost entirely saltmarsh cord- Creek grass with scattered waterhemp I acres 21.l - 0.4 - --- and needlerush.

% 95 - 5 ----- Marsh along upstream half of Fishers creek; increased abundance of . 156 Creek 22.5 needlerush,big cordgrass, bul- I acres 21.1 - 1.1 -- - -- • rush over downstream portion in<' ----•- Pocket marsh at head of creek; % 85 5 - - 5 - - 5 Fishers construction of upland dike 157 Creek 3.5 partially separates marsh from I acres 3.0 0.2 - - 0.2 - - 0.2 downstream areas; tidal flush- in2 oermitted. Benn across front of marsh with % 20 10 60 5 5 Merry - - - saltbushes and big cordgrass; 158 Point 4.9 interior dominated by needle- III acres 1.0 0,5 2.9 - 0.2 0.2 - rush; upper portion damned - forminQ lake. Pocket marsh with berm of salt- % 90 5 5 Riverside ------bushes around mouth; interior of 159 10.2 marsh dominated by saltmarsh I acres 9.2 0.5 - 0.5 ------cordgrass. a - % 64 6 6 2 16 1 1 1 2 - 1 - - 1 Total -- - -- d:- 181.2 e,- Section VI a - acres 116.1 11.0 10.3 3.1 2 9. 8 1,2 1.3 1.2 4.3 1.2 0.1 1.5 d:- o.:r - - - - 0.3 -- e,-

~ -·------·------

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h Marsh Pennywort Cutgrass

54 SECTION VII JAMES RIVER AND HAMPTON ROADS

Although this section includes a significant length of shoreline there are few tidal marsh areas to be found. This is not only because of the high energy nature of the shoreline but also because of the high degree of industrialization which long ago dredged or filled any then existing fringe or pocket marsh areas. The first significant marsh area is found at the mouth of Lake Maury (#160). This fringing marsh has formed on sediments which have been deposited adjacent to the spillway culverts. The perimeter of the marsh has an elevated berm of saltbushes, while the interior is inter­ tidal and dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass. The second marsh area found in this section is located along Salters Creek (#161). The lower half of this creek has been dredged and bulk­ headed and is used as a boat basin. The bulkhead is in need of repair, and as a result sediments have eroded from the upland and into the creek. Fringing saltmarsh cordgrass has, however, become re-established along much of this shoreline. Besides serving as a valuable habitat for small fishes and crabs, the marsh also helps to prevent further erosion from the upland. The main portion of Salters Creek is a large,·creek marsh area of approximately 17 acres which is dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass. Although surrounded by a highly urbanized area this marsh section is doing quite well. One section of the marsh is enclosed by an old dike which is presently vegetated with saltbushes. The berm has been breached in several places and tidal flushing is permitted to the interior. The marsh has also been filled in several areas with the result being an invasion by reed grass onto these spoiled sections. Tidal action in Salters Creek extends upstream for quite a distance. For most of this length the creek has been reduced through fill to a narrow channel with a fringe of saltmarsh cordgrass. In several areas the creek widens and the saltmarsh cordgrass is found mixed with stands of cattail, marsh hibiscus and reed grass.

55 SEDGEFIELD

I I

\ '

HILTON VILLAGE '\ ~ I ·+· I SCALE 1 : 2~,000 \ 1000 0 1000 2000 FEET

SECTION VII -A. JAMES RIVER and HAMPTON ROADS

HUNTINGTON

56 NEWPORT NEWS

~

·+·• SCALE 1 : 2',000

IOOO 0 1000 2000 FEET

57 Section VII, James River and Hampton Roads

.c Cl) .c (/) (/) ro :::, 2 (/) ~ 2 (/) :::, O" Cl) OJ :::, (/) ~ (/) (.) ;,: Cl) .c ;,: (/) 2 Q. Cl) ui -0 ;,: "O co (/) .:,(_ <( Cl) (/) (/) ~ ., .c '.':::: .c :::, u. Q. (.) (/) (/) "O Cl) (/) (1) :::, 0 Cl) .c Cl) 2 (/) "O .c Cl) (/) ~ Cl) ;,: ~ >, <( ~ (1) (1) .c ::iE C: Cl) :::, (1) (/) I 'i Cl" 0 > ~ C: <( ~ Cl) Cl) z (3 I- 0 (/) X (1) ~ ai ""iii I- ro ~ :!2 ro oo (1) (1) (/) :::, 0 ~ (1) co - .:,(_ .c .c >, Cl) (1) (/) Cl) E 0 Cl) ...J OJ ;,: ~ -~ ~ .c E (.) u § "O Cl) E ~ E .o §~ :: (1) £ g ~ ~ § "O Cl) Marsh (1) 0) Cl) E ~ (1) :: 0 (1) - (1) .:,(_ 0 ro c 0 0 (1) ~ (1) iii (1) (1) iii (.) ~ (1) .c ~ I- ""iii ""iii iii Cl) E 0 .c Cl) (1) 0 Cl) ""iii2 (1) # Location Cl)U Cl)(.'.) Cl) Cl) ""iii E ro ai i:ii ~ u ::iE ::iE CI: 0 UI-- Cl) ~ Cl) ...J Cl) Cl) u. Cl) c..·- <(~ Cl) 0 u 6 Observations ::iE % 40 15 30 is - - - - Broad fringing marsh south of Lake spillway culverts; saltbushes 160 . Maury 0.60 around perimeter; interior XII acres o. 2~ 0.09 0.18 0.09 - - - - mostly saltmarsh cordgrass.

% 80 15 5 ------Fringe of saltmarsb cordgrass Salters - •· - - - - and saltbushes around shoreline 161 Creek 2 0 .0 of dredged boat basin; upper I acres 16.0 3.0 1.0 ------section dominated by cordgrass & oatches of saltmeadow grasses % 79 15 6 - - Total ------Section VII 20 .6 acres 16.2 3 .1 1.2 0.1 ------..iotal % 32 11 36 4 12 -- 1 -- - - - 1 1 a,- c,- e,- g,- i,- City of ------b,- d,- f,- h,- j,- Newport News f2882,5 and Ft. Eustis acres a,- c,4,f 929.4 314,1 1050 118.3 332.9 6.1 4.2 13.1 40.l 9.9 3.1 2.8 6.4 1.8 15.4 8.9 14.5 e,- g, i,------b - d - f,- h,1.8 j,3.9

a = Saltmarsh Fimbristylis C = Wild Rice e = Mock Bishop-weed g = Water Hemlock i = Arrowhead b = Swamp Milkweed d = Jewel Weed f = Water Parsnip h = Marsh Pennywort j = Cutgrass I 58 I j INDEX TO MARSH LOCATIONS

Page Bailey Creek ...... 20,21,23,24

Blows Creek...... 2 7, 28

Bul ters Gut...... 38, 39 Curtis Point...... 32, 34

Deep Creek ...... 49-53

Eustis Lake...... 20, 21 Fishers Creek...... 49, 50, 54

Fort Creek...... 2 7, 28 Ft. Eustis ...... 20,21,25 Goose Island ...... 20,21.24 Hoopes Landing...... 38, 43 Jail Creek...... 32-34 Jail Point...... 32, 34 Lake Maury ...... 55, 56, 58

Lukas Creek ...... 44-47

Merry Point ...... 50, 54 Milstead Island Creek ...... 20,21,24

59 Page Morley's Gut...... 27, 28 Morrisons Creek...... 27-29 Mulbery Is land...... 26-33 Riverside...... 50, 54 Salters Creek...... 55,57 ,58 Skiffes Creek...... 20-23 Stony Run...... 37 ,38,41,42 Swash Hole Island...... 27, 30, 32, 33 Thorofare Island...... 32,36 Thorofare Point...... 45, 46 Warwick River ...... 31,32,35-41 43-48,50,51

60