Compensation for an Endangered Ecosystem: Restoring and Monitoring Structural Replacement of Atlantic White Cedar Swamps.
Authors: Robert B. Atkinson, Christopher Newport University, Center for Wetland Conservation; Robert T. Belcher, Malcolm Pirnie Engineering and Consulting; Jeff DeBerry, Geomarine; Jolie M. Harrison, National Marine Fisheries Service; William M. Hester, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Darren T. Loomis, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; Kristen M. Shacochis, Kerr Environmental Services Corp.

Restoration and monitoring wetland compensation sites typically focuses on structural parameters that are a subset of those used in delineation. As a globally threatened ecosystem with concern for its disappearance dating to 1748, Atlantic White Cedar (cedar) swamps are structurally unique and poorly studied. As such, their restoration may require a more specialized mitigation plan and compliance monitoring scheme than routinely performed at compensation sites. Here we report hydrologic, edaphic, floristic and faunal (mammal, herptile and avifauna) parameters measured at two cedar mitigation sites and six reference sites spanning three age classes. Results suggest that for several parameters, compensation sites did not adequately approximate structure of naturally-regenerated cedar swamps. Similar trends appear among many parameters, and depth and duration of saturation, as well as topography, were identified as important variables that should guide restoration and should be a component for compliance monitoring for this ecosystem. In addition, colonizing vegetation was found to closely predict water table position and may be used to confirm site conditions prior to planting. Attempts to restore cedar provide a valuable opportunity to compensate for historic wetland losses and to improve the science, but there is a need to closely mimic the long duration of saturation and the mound and pool topography that is common in naturally-regenerating cedar swamps.

Preliminary evaluation of Atlantic White Cedar in a Wastewater Land Treatment System in Onslow County, North Carolina.
Author: Robert T. Belcher, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.; L. Eric Hinesley, North Carolina State University; Tony R. Rooks, City of Jacksonville, NC; David A. Swain, City of Jacksonville, NC.

Acreage of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) (AWC) acreage has declined drastically since European colonization. Re-establishment activities to date have focused on systems known to once support AWC ecosystems including but not limited to peatlands, pocosins, Carolina bays, bogs. The objective of this range finding study was to evaluate the growth and survival of AWC in a Wastewater Land Treatment System in Onslow County, NC. This 2,549-ha (6,300 ac) system, with 913 ha (2,255 ac) under irrigation, is one of the largest of its type in the United States. Historically, AWC was not present within the well drained soils in the irrigation spray fields.

In 2008, 1-year-old containerized AWC (cell volume = 260 cm3 = 16 in3) and bare-root 1-0 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedlings were planted at 2-m (6.6-ft) intervals within four 10 x 10 m (33 x 33 ft) plots at each of three locations. All plots were located within non-jurisdictional uplands but within the wetted area of a sprinkler that sprayed treated wastewater effluent. After one complete growing season, survival for AWC and loblolly pine seedlings was 82% and 70%, respectively. Growth of surviving seedlings was 18.1 cm (7.1 in) for AWC and 8.6 cm (3.4 in) for loblolly pine. Both species were damaged by deer and rabbits (40% for AWC).

This range-finding study suggests that AWC can survive within the Land Treatment System and even potentially outgrow loblolly pine seedlings. A multiple-year study to evaluate survival, growth and confirm the results of this study is recommended.

Compatible Taper and Volume Models for Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides L.) in Eastern North Carolina.
Author: Matthew Cuneo, North Carolina State University; Dr. Bronson Bullock, NC State University, Dept. of Forestry.

Efforts to restore Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides L.) over parts of its historical range have led to an increased interest in the species for commercial logging. With this interest comes the need to develop equations to estimate the taper and volume of Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) stems. A total of 210 stems were selected from three different regions of North Carolina for the development of taper and volume models. Diameters at approximately 5 foot height intervals were measured from each selected tree. Several previously developed taper models were tested for their fit to this data using mixed modeling techniques. Of these examined candidate models the Demaerschalk (1972) model had the best fit, though a common trend was noted in the residuals of several of the candidate models. A new taper model, termed LES, was derived in order to account for this common trend in the residuals and achieved an improved fit to the Atlantic White Cedar diameter data. Though significant differences between the three measured AWC regions of North Carolina were identified by the LES taper model at an alpha level of 0.05, these differences did not translate into any practical differences. Integration of the taper model created an associated volume model for AWC. Calculated volumes estimated from this new volume model were compared to total stem volume values calculated with Smalian's volume equation. The new volume model had an R2 of 0.9883 when regressed to the Smalian volumes. The models presented in this research should help land managers more accurately assess their AWC stands.

Forest Metrics of Four Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Sites Managed in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Author: Jeffrey DeBerry, Geo-Marine, Inc.; Robert B. Atkinson, Christopher Newport University.

Extensive logging, ditching and agricultural conversion of Atlantic white cedar (cedar) swamps has led to a dramatic decline in acreage across its range and increased focus upon management of existing stands. In this study, an intermediate (20-35 years) and mature (60-70 years) stand from Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge were selected for comparison of common forest metrics. Diameter at breast height (dbh), stem density, canopy closure, canopy height and depth to water table were measured in randomly located plots at each site in 1999. Aboveground biomass, basal area, density and other forest metrics were extrapolated to the hectare basis for comparison among sites and to other published estimates. Growing season mean water table levels were at or near the surface at AR sites but were greater than 30 cm below the soil surface at DS sites. Total aboveground biomass was similar within age classes, but was distri! buted differently. Mean cedar dbh and canopy height was greater at DS sites, while live stem density and canopy closure was greater for AR sites. Acer rubrum L. comprised a greater relative percent biomass and basal area at DS sites, which were partially drained in comparison to AR sites. Though drainage can generate higher timber yield, increased competition from other species may lead to eventual conversion of cedar stands. Management efforts should focus upon reversing historic drainage and fostering sufficiently high cedar stem densities during cedar stand re-establishment to improve success.

Pelletizing Seed of Atlantic White-Cedar.
Authors: Eric Hinesley and Frank A. Blazich, NC State University; Mike Wicker, US. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Toxic and Medicinal Potential in Atlantic White Cedar Wetland Forests.
Author: Aimlee Laderman and Pamela Polloni, Marine Biological Laboratory.

Toxic and Medicinal Potential in Atlantic White Cedar Wetland Forests Abstract: Plants and animals surviving in extreme environments, such as cedar swamps, have developed adaptations to particular stringent conditions. Poisonous components, such as alkaloids and resins, are among the adaptations found in extremophiles. Many effective drugs are derived from chemical components that are poisonous at higher doses, or in modified forms. This study aims to determine which plants associated with Atlantic white cedar (AWC) (Chamaecyparis thyoides, L.BSP) are in families with known medicinal or toxic properties, for species within a family share a significant number of genes and characteristics. Four of the families in cedar swamps are known to have poisonous or pharmaceutical components.1) Ericaceae (heaths): Some parts of all Ericaceae may cause severe problems to man and animals when ingested, although many of their fruits are edible (e.g., blueberries, cranberries), and some are ancient herbal remedies. Forty-four spp. in 16 genera co-occur with A! WC, distributed in all the 15 states where cedar swamps are found. Ericaceae are often the most diverse and abundant family in an AWC wetland forest. 2) Araceae (aroids, calla): Six spp. and 2 subspp. in 5 genera are found in 11 states, e.g., Jack-in-the-pulpit, Arrow-arum. All 8 spp. cause problems when ingested e.g., allergic anaphylaxis, itching. 3) Liliaceae (lilies): Nineteen spp in 16 genera are found in 12 states. One genus, Zigadenus, in Western FL,is extremely toxic. 4)Solanaceae (potato): The sole species, Solanum dulcamara (False Bittersweet), in NJ, is highly poisonous. Liliaceae and Solanaceae may contain both toxins and teratogens. Seventy-three species associated with C. thyoides are in families with known toxic or pharmaceutical properties. This medicinal potential is worth exploring.

How Management Strategies Have Affected Atlantic White-Cedar Forest Recovery After Massive Wind Damage in the Great Dismal Swamp.
Authors: Joelle Laing, NC State University MS Candidate; Ted Shear, NC State University, Associate Professor of Forestry

The 2003 Hurricane Isabel resulted in severe wind damage to Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) stands at the Dismal Swamp State Park and in the adjacent Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Because Atlantic White Cedar communities are typically dependent on irregular, large-scale disturbances, the hurricane event can be viewed as an opportunity for perpetuating AWC populations in the Great Dismal Swamp. However, differing post-storm management practices at the State Park and the Wildlife Refuge have influenced the success of AWC regeneration following the storm at each site. In this study we investigated the regeneration success of AWC at the State Park five years following Hurricane Isabel by sampling five stands in the park withstanding varying impact from the storm. In order to determine the feasibility of future AWC restoration management options in the park stands, we sampled the available seed bank to estimate the current viability of AWC seed and the pot! ential for continued germination. We found that regeneration at the State Park was limited (less than 200 seedlings per acre), but that viable AWC seed was still present in the seed bank. By contrasting the success of AWC reestablishment at the State Park with that of the National Wildlife Refuge, we hope to generate useful recommendations for appropriate AWC management activities following major disturbance events.

Relationships of Atlantic White Cedar with precipitation, temperature, and drought intensity assessed through tree ring analysis.
Author: Catey Lavagnino, Christopher Newport University Center for Wetland Conservation; Craig Patterson, Christopher Newport University Center for Wetland Conservation; Robert B. Atkinson, Christopher Newport University Center for Wetland Conservation.

Ditching, over-harvesting, and other anthropomorphic influences have adversely affected Atlantic White Cedar swamps, a globally-threatened ecosystem. The evergreen conifer, Chamaecyparis thyoides (cedar), is highly sensitive to water table conditions and becomes stressed under drought or flooding events. Ditches in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR) in Virginia and North Carolina have altered the water table and represent a challenge to selecting water table targets for restoration. This study aimed to better understand chronology of cedar stands and the relationship between climate and radial growth of cedar. Tree cookies were obtained from ten salvage-logged cedar stands in the GDSNWR and compared with Lake Drummond water levels as well as regional precipitation, temperature, and drought intensity (Palmer Drought Severity Index, PDSI) over a 20-month period to evaluate both preceding and current growing season correlations (p < 0.05). P! DSI was the strongest predictor of ring width for both growing seasons of the 20-month model. In the preceding growing season, there were 7 consecutive months (May through November) of significant negative relationships of precipitation and ring width; and, in the current growing season, there were 6 consecutive months of significant positive relationships (June through November). Additional significant relationships were apparent between tree ring width and water levels, drought levels, and precipitation, but there was no significant relationship between ring width and temperature. Through an improved understanding of the historical climate and stressors of the cedar stands, the conservation efforts of these species may be enhanced.

This presentation will provide an update on an Atlantic white cedar (AWC) restoration project following Hurricane Isabel. We will also describe initial impacts of a recent wildfire, and the challenges to restoration.

On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel inflicted severe damage to mature stands of Atlantic white cedar in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). Refuge staff realized the thick layer of downed and damaged trees would prohibit the natural regeneration of cedar, and represented a severe fuel loading situation. From September 2004 to June 2008, the Refuge conducted AWC salvage and restoration efforts. Initial techniques included logging, herbicide application, and some planting of seedlings. Annual natural regeneration of AWC is occurring at varying densities, proving these techniques can help restore the species.

In June 2008, with approximately two weeks remaining to complete salvage activities, the largest, longest and most expensive wildfire in Refuge history occurred. The South One fire burned 781 acres of the 1,100-acre restoration area. Fire severity varied greatly, burning only the duff layer in some areas to 4 feet of peat loss, which significantly altered the landscape. In areas where fire severity was low, a few AWC seedlings survived and some new sprouts were observed within the ashes. However, most naturally regenerated AWC seedlings and seed trees were killed, and isolated areas may be left unsuitable for AWC restoration. The Refuge received federal funds to survey and replant the area. Planting areas and density will be prioritized based on results of natural regeneration rates.

Planning for large scale Atlantic White Cedar Restoration, The Eel River case study.
Authors: Marty Melchior and Keith Underwood, Inter-Fluve, Inc.

The Eel River restoration project (Plymouth, MA) represents one of the largest Atlantic White Cedar restoration projects attempted. The project, set to begin construction in June 2009, involves the conversion of 40 acres of cranberry bog to cedar swamp, dam removal and the construction of over a mile of stream. This presentation will review the planning and decision making process that led to AWC restoration inclusion, and will detail the methods used for propogation, growth and the timely delivery of healthy trees.

Sea Level Rise Risk Assessment for the Dare County Peninsula.
Author: Robert Mickler, Alion Science and Technology; David Welch, Alion Science and Technology; Kevin Bigsby, North Carolina State University; Heather Cheshire, North Carolina State University.

The Coastal North Carolina has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the US. More than 2,000 square miles of North Carolina's coastal ecosystems and urban areas are below one-meter elevation. The Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model (SLAMM) was used to generate a range of best to worst case sea level rise predictions for the Dare County peninsula and surrounding areas at 10 year intervals from 1982 to 2100. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data was obtained from the NC Floodplain Mapping Program to produce a digital elevation model (DEM) and the National Wetlands Inventory was used to determine the type and extent of initial vegetation classes. Sea level rise scenarios from the IPCC, 2007 report were used to generate a range of sea level rise predictions to 2100. SLAMM was used to simulate the dominant processes involved in wetland conversions and shoreline modification during long-term sea level rise. Model processes include: inundation (based on the minimum elevation and slope), erosion (based on maximum fetch threshold and proximity of the marsh to estuarine water or open ocean), overwash (at a fixed storm intervals to estimate beach migration and transport of sediments), saturation (migration of coastal swamps and fresh marshes onto adjacent uplands), and accretion (vertical rise of marsh due to buildup of organic and inorganic matter on the marsh surface). The sea level rise scenarios will be used to produce GIS maps of area inundated and natural and cultural resources affected by inundation. Maps and tabular data have been constructed at ten year time intervals for the Dare County Peninsula and surrounding area to 2100. Each area has been assessed for proposed land and vegetation management recommendations to mitigate for sea level rise.

Performance of Atlantic white cedar seedlings and rooted cuttings after 20 years in the field.
Author: Bill Pickens, NC Division of Forest Resources; Eric Hinesley, NC State University: Kenneth O. Summerville, NC Division of Forest Resources - Retired.

Containerized Atlantic white cedar rooted cuttings (Weyerheauser Corporation) and bare-root seedlings(North Carolina Forest Service) were planted on a peat soil (Croatan series) in Hoffman Forest in Onslow County, NC in 1989 and 1990 (spacing 6 x 9 ft; 1.8 x 2.7 m)). Seedlings had a small height advantage over cuttings after 2 to 3 years in the field. In April 2009, after 20 years, average height of dominant and co-dominant trees in the 1989 planting was 34 ft (10.4 m) both for cuttings and seedlings; in the 1990 planting, seedlings were taller (33.7 vs. 29.3 ft)(10.3 vs. 8.9 m) (P ≤ 0.01). Multiple stems were common, but there was no clear difference between cuttings and seedlings. In the 1990 planting, average stem diameter at 4.5 ft (1.3 m) was largest for seedlings (5.7 vs. 4.9 inches) (14.4 vs. 12.5 cm)(not significant (P ≤ 0.05). The largest tree had a single stem 9.2 inches (23.4 cm) in diameter. Bedding (1989) did not affect height or diameter. Total cross-sectional area of stems at 4.5 ft (1.3 m) was greater for seedlings in 1990 P ≤ 0.01), but not 1989. Survival was 70% to 87% for seedlings; 80% to 90% for cuttings. Although cuttings and seedlings grew similarly in this study, a series of similar experiments would be needed over a period of years to firmly ascertain the long-term performance of seedlings and cuttings. This approach would more adequately sample the year-to-year range in initial plant quality for seedlings as well as cuttings.

Browsing trends of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and effectiveness of exclusion fencing in Atlantic White Cedar restoration
Author: Jacqueline Roquemore, Christopher Newport University; Dr. Robert B. Atkinson, Christopher Newport University; David Norris, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishers

Stands of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) were once widely distributed throughout the Atlantic costal plain but historical and existing impacts on this ecosystem have created an urgent need for restoration. Tree mortality and growth impairment due to of herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can impede restoration. The purpose of this study is to identify seasonal trends in deer browse and examine the effectiveness of deer exclusion fencing. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries planted 165,000 Atlantic White Cedar seedlings in 48.6 ha of former cut over forest land east of the Dismal Swamp Canal in Chesapeake, Virginia. Deer exclusion structures constructed from wire fencing were placed around 25 seedlings and a tree of similar initial condition and height near each fenced tree was tagged and monitored. Tree height, width, and browse intensity were recorded in May, November, October and January. Mortality of seedlings without exclusion fencing (48%) was greater than mortality of seedlings with exclusion fencing (24%). In May, median height of both fenced and unfenced seedlings was 30.5 cm and in October, mean height of fenced seedlings (55.0 cm) was greater than unfenced seedling (40.5 cm, p=0.035). Greatest browse was recorded in January and was less on fenced trees (p=0.002). Identification of trends in timing and intensity of herbivory coupled with an assessment of fencing techniques may help conservation organizations allocate resources effectively.

Over the past 14,000 years, peatlands have accumulated an estimated 455 Pg (15 g) C, or approximately one-third of the global soil C pool because plant production is greater than decomposition due to water logging, low soil pH, and the low C-quality of peat. On a per-area basis the rate of peat accumulation initially appears relatively modest in terms of a C sink, with an average of 20-30 g m-2 yr-1; yet on a global basis peatland soils sequester approximately 76 Tg (12 g) C yr-1. However, with their large soil C reserves, peatlands typically have been viewed as having a potential large net negative impact on atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions through increased fluxes of CO2 and/or CH4 under an altered future climate, drainage or farming. In the southeastern United States, significant areas of peatlands exist in the Everglades, and as pocosin ecosystems, evergreen shrub bogs distributed within the coastal plain from Virginia to Georgia. The conversion of peatlands to agriculture and development has resulted in both a loss of carbon storage capacity and a net contribution to atmospheric CO2 due to peat oxidation under ditched and drained conditions. The importance of C sequestration in restored peatlands in the southeast will be discussed along with an estimate of potential climate effects.

Carbon Sequestration Benefits of Peatland Restoration: Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Cooperative Restoration Project.
Author: Sara Ward, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Tom Augspurger, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Mike Wicker, US Fish and Wildlife Service; David Kitts, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Eric Hinesley, NC State University.

As pocosins southeast of Lake Phelps, North Carolina were drained for farming and peat mining, oxidation of peat led to accelerated release of carbon and nitrogen to the atmosphere and adjacent waters. When these lands became part of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, managers began restoration. Carbon and nitrogen retention can attract new partners (such as those interested in sequestering pollutants associated with climate change) to expand restoration of ecosystems that historically supported Atlantic white cedar. We synthesized primary literature and location-specific research to estimate carbon and nitrogen sequestration on restored peatlands. The total retention potential is estimated as approximately 200 pounds [90 kg] of nitrogen/acre/yr and 6500 pounds [2900 kg] of carbon/acre/yr. For carbon, our estimate includes the amount of soil carbon retained following re-saturation that otherwise would be lost by oxidation (6100 pounds carbon/acre/yr), the carbon retained in peat as soil genesis is re-established (230 pounds carbon/acre/yr), and the amount in the aboveground biomass (140 pounds carbon/acre/yr). About 7500 acres [3000 hectares] have been restored to date which will result in retention of about 48 million pounds [22,000 metric tons] of carbon and 1.5 million pounds [700 metric tons] of nitrogen per year. From our experience, restoration projects can be achieved at a cost of $130/acre and would be equivalent to $11/ton of CO2. There are additional restoration needs on and adjacent to the refuge as well as in altered peatlands throughout North America. A three-year verification study of our estimates will begin in summer 2009.

Implications of the data from long-term research on Atlantic white-cedar restoration sites in New Jersey.
Author: George Zimmermann, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Caroline DiGiovanni, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Stephen Mason, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

In 1989/90 a series of long-term experiments were started in central and southern New Jersey to study the effects of various treatments to restore Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) and quantify impacts of deer browsing , control of competing vegetation, logging slash loads, and use of various types of propagules of white-cedar. Four of the original seven sites have continued to be studied after the first five years, with the first full remeasurements of permanent plots since 2000, done this past summer of 2008.

The effect of deer is complex. For instance, there are now more plant species usually found in the treatments with less protection from deer than the most effective deer-excluding treatments (woven and electric fences). The greater horizontal spatial heterogeneity on a number of treatments from deer browsing is producing a wider variety of habitats for more plant species than where cedars are the densest. Also the ‘most successful’ treatments (electric or woven fence) are in a stand exclusion phase and understory diversity is lower there now due to shading and probably underground competition. These fenced treatment sites had however, the highest cedar height growth reaching into the over 7 meter height class (i.e. Penn Swamp site: 8833 to 10500 stems per hectare over 7m in height depending on the slash treatment). Wildfire partially burned the Bass River site in 2000, and the Stafford Forge site in 2007 giving additional insights into allogenic forces not planned in the original study.