Whooping Cranes Again Winter in the ACE Three whooping cranes spent a third winter in the

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1 Newsretter of the Ashepoo, Combahee, Edisto Basin South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Vol. 16, No.1, Spring 2007 z - Whooping Cranes Again Winter in the ACE Three whooping cranes spent a third winter in the ACE Basin, rno, tly at DonneLley WMA and the ACE National Wildlife Refuge but on occasion visiting neighboring properties. The birds, part of the new Eastern experimental flock established several years ago were raised on a historical crane breeding ground at Necedah National Wildlife refuge in Wisconsin. Born in 2003, these birds were initially shown the way to wintering grounds in Florida by ultra light aircraft. They made a successful return migration to Wisconsin in the spring of 2004, but strayed to South Carolina when they migrated on their own in the fall of ~004. They have returned to the ACE Basin every year since then. The mated pair on Donnelley WMA arrived on December 10, 2006 and left on their northward migration on March 24, They arrived on their breeding territory at Necedah NWR on March 29, almost identical to their migration timing last season. Biologists have high hopes that this pair and other members of the population will start to breed successfullyon a routine basis. Last spring was the first successful natural reproduction by the Eastern experimental flock. Historically, this endangered species regularly wintered on the East Coast as far north as New Jersey. Jl!!e This mated pair of whooping cranes spent the winter for a third year in the ACE Basin. They stayed mostly in the wetlands on Donnelley WMA, but moved back and forth to private 'antations on tjccasion.

2 New Boardwalk Offers Excellent Viewing of Wood Storks at Dungannon Heritage Preserve A new boardwalk at the popular Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve near Hollywood will put visitors within good viewing range of a wood stork rookery just as the endangered birds are starting to nest. The 300-foot boardwalk with an observation platform at the end extends across part of the preserve's 320-acre swamp, allowing close up viewing of some of the nearly 150 pairs of wood storks which nest annually on the preserve. The five-foot tall birds seem less disturbed by human activity than many other species, according to preserve manager Seabrook Platt. A dozen or more pairs may nest in the same tree, usually a cypress, in close proximity to each other. "Wood storks seem focused on their eggs and chicks, and are not near as skittish as many of the other water birds that nest here, including anhingas as well as severai species of herons and egrets," Platt said. Dungannon is about 17 miles south of Charleston on Hwy. 162 four miles from the turn off from U. S. Hwy. 17. Reaching the new boardwalk requires a hike of about 1.5 miles from the parking area. The well marked trails and roads offer easy walking through open hardwood forest. No motorized vehicles are allowed but bicycles are welcome. About 1400 visitors enjoyed the preserve last year with spring and fall the most popular seasons. The preserve is open seven days a week during daylight hours. Five miles of trails, along with another five miles of roads and fire breaks wind through the wooded areas and along the edges of the extensive narrow swamp. Dungannon offers excellent habitat for many migrating and breeding song birds and a variety of native wildflowers including large stands of wild Easter lily and five species of orchids. "We get visitors with a wide range of interests," Platt said. "Most just want to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise." Funding for the new boardwalk was provided by the state's Heritage Land Trust Fund, which has preserved 81,409 acres across the state since its inception in ;;e (r--. Seabrook Platt, manager of Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve, checks for wood storks from the preserve s new 300- foot boardwalk. Critical Habitat Protected In Headwaters of the ACE The Nalure Conservancy and ational Audubon recently added acre of cri tical habitat to the Francis Beidlel' Fore tin Dorcbester County. The preserve, a sub-basin of the Edisto River watershed, includes 1,800 acres of old growth cypress/tupelo forest with many trees more than 1,000 years old. It is the largest and best old growth stand of blackwater cypress/tupelo forest on Earth, unaltered by human activity. The dramatically increased forest habitat benefits the water quality of the entire Edisto Basin watershed. Tract A, 1674 acres, has a strategic position between the two existing section of Beidler Forest. The tract is hydrologically intact, its streams unchannelized and unimpounded e~

3 .. Value Class 1- Highly Significanl Wildlire Habital ~ NAS and TNC Project Tracts o Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest ~ Federal Prolected Lands r-- ~ Four Holes Watershed of Edisto Rrver BaSIn a Miles Class 1 Wildlife Habitat in Four Holes Walershed Edisto River Basin LOLl Protection Updates A total of 314 acres on three properties were protected in 2006 by the Lowcountry Open Land Trust: Hickory Bluff - This 29-acre property with 800 feet of Edisto River frontage contains a variety of habitats and has been used for agriculture, horseback riding and other minimal impact activities. It is adjacent to a cypress swamp preserve. Indigo Oaks - On the edge of Four Hole Swamp just outside the town of Ridgeville, the 176 acres is composed of forested wetlands, open fields, planted pine and open water. It was once used to grow indigo and the current owner has re-introduced indigo to preserve the agricultural heritage of the property. Gun Bluff - Situated on a bluff overlooking Milton Creek, this 109-acre property contains open fields, isolated wetlands, oak groves and mixed upland forest. It is hoped that protection of this property will encourage nearby landowners to protect other properties in this area of increasing development. Fe Key additions to the Francis Beidler Forest in Dorchester County will help protect the head waters of the ACE Basin. " Tract B, 769 acres located at an 1-26 interchange, i~ad the potential for intensive commercial development. Portions of the uplands on this tract will be targeted for native grassland restoration to provided habitat for increasingly rare grassland birds. National Audubon is also working to educate owners of neighboring properties of the value of their lands for conservation. Protection of habitat upstream from the core of the ACE Basin helps protect the long-term viability of the entire Basin. Fe Ducks Unlimited Easements Tanglwood Plantation - An 82-acre tract with 13 acres of wetlands, Tanglwood contains swamp forest formerly used for inland rice culture and a green tree reservoir along with stands of hardwoods. Mark Purcell was named manager of the Ernest F Bluff Plantation - This major easement, consisting of 538 acres of wetlands and 400 acres of uplands Mark started his career as the manager of an ACE Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge in May, includes spruce pine mixed hardwoods, bottomland Basin plantation over 25 years ago. He mostly recently \.'.ardwoods and freshwater impoundments along with was manager of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. agricultural fields. Fe e

4 ACE Basin Federal, State, and Private Protected Lands The Nature L';:i Conservancy ';:J UI"W"\'"1M" f\acudi I,.,,, The ACE Basin Focus Area boundaries were expanded in 2005 to enhance protection efforts of the inland river corridors of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers. The ACE Basin Focus Area operates under the umbrella of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Over 165,000 acres have been protected in the ACE Basin Focus Area through the cooperative efforts of private landowners, state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations. LEGEND - Rivers - SC Highways - US Highways - Interstates D Privately Protected o Slate Protected _ Federally Protected w I-' O//d~l~'-~ -V a' 'L ==- 5 _KIO=::::i Kilollletm ~1III!!I;===!I ~=====iil/vfiles County Boundaries t Area Enlarged

5 DNR Continues Experimental Stocking of Red Drum in ACE During the past year 7,100 juvenile red drum have been stocked in the ACE Basin as part of a SCDNR research project to learn more about this popular sport fish. In May of2006 biologists released 4,000 five-inch long red drum into the Combahee River at Fields Point. This May another 1,000 fish of the same size were released at Fields Point. In the fall of 2006, DNR released 1,000 red drum 12 inches long, half at Fields Point, the other half at Bennett's Point. Fish from all these releases differ from wild fish in their genetic "fingerprints." The objective of the study is to determine the growth, survival and movement of these fish from the release site, and their relative contribution to the wild population based on the size at release. The spawning success of red drum fluctuates annually with both 2004 and 2005 being years of below average. By sampling fish populations and analyzing genetic samples collected by volunteer anglers, biologists can determine the value of release programs. Similar red drum releases have been conducted in other state estuaries as part of the overall program which utilizes stocking as a research tool to better understand the dynamics of the red drum population. In another DNR fisheries project, biologists are trying to characterize cobia in the ACE Basin and compare the results to fish caught offshore and in the Port Royal Sound estuary. The study will also look at the diet of local cobia and if cobia spawn in the ACE Basin. The information will help determine whether these recreationally important fish should continue to managed as a unit, or whether additional protection should be given to spawning habitat in St. Helena and Port Royal. Anglers can assist by donating carcasses of cobia as well as genetic samples they collect. Freezers have been placed at the Bennett's Pt. Field Station and on Edisto Island. Contact Karl Brenkert at or Darin Jones at for genetic tissue sample kits. _ ~ ) 4, 000 5" long juvenile red drum jump for freedom as they are released by DNR biologists at Fields Point landing into the Combahee River. o~

6 Public Lands in the ACE Basin Bear Island WMA Hunting - Archery and gun hunts for deer; waterfowl hunting by drawing; dove and small game hunts also scheduled.* Fishing - Fish and blue crabs can be harvested from impoundments from April I to Sept. 30. Camping - Primitive facilities available fo r deer hunters and conservation groups by appointment. General Public Use - Designated areas open for bird watching, photography and wildlife observation from Feb. I through Oct. 14. Mon.-Sat. Donnelley WMA Hunting - Archery and gun hunts (drawing only) for deer; waterfowl and turkey hunts by drawing; dove and small game hunts scheduled. * General Public Use - Designated trails; Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed on Sunday and during special hunts. For more information on Bear Island WMA and Donnelley WMA call (843) ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve Research - Support and facilities are provided for qualified scientists to study estuaries and coastal ecosystems. Education - Education cruises, marsh classroom adventures, workshops and training sessions provided to organized groups. General Public Use - Accessible by boat; primitive camping in specified areas; some restrictions. For more Information call (843) ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge Hunting - Archery, primitive weapons hunts for deer. Waterfowl hunts in designated areas. General Public Use - Open for public use except during scheduled hunts. For more information call (843) Office hours - 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (* See SCDNR cunent Hunting and Fishing Rules and Regulations) Coastal Training Program The Coa ta l Training Program provide sciencebased training and information to government official, land u e planners, developers, engineers, -and business and community leaders., Sponsored by National Estuarine Research System, this national program has conducted a number of training sessions for decision makers in the ACE Basin. "Historically people who make official decisions about out coastal resources have not had access to science-based information and training," said Phil Maier of the ACE Basin NEER. "This has often resulted in dire environmental consequences because coastal issues are complex." CTP provides relevant training to address gaps in knowledge, and supplies technical information and assistance to decision makers. Two recent workshops, one at Edisto Beach, the other at Hilton Head, focused on dune restoration. Participants learned why beach erosion occurs, how dunes help eroding beaches and what permits are required to restore dunes. They also received plants and fertilizer to plant dunes. A seminar in Bluffton helped developers and planners choose appropriate habitats to leave as open space. Another seminar on Edisto provided advice to the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance to plan for, rather that react to, growth. For more information, contact Rebekah Szivak at , or WalkerR@dnr.sc.gov. Ji!S Participants in a Coastal Training Program on Hilton Head Island plant dune grass after a morning session on the importance of dunes. ~

7 Conservation Sites Public Sites Bear [sland Wildlife Management Area (est. 1953) Springfield Marsh (1987), Sampson Island (1988), Cut Marsh (1989) Donnellcy Wildlife Management Area (1992) ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge Bonny Hall Club (1990), Grove Plantation (1991), Bonny Hall Plantation (1992), Combahee Fields (1993), Jehossee Island (1991, 1999), Auldbrass Tract (1995), Adams Run Tract (2002) ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve Warren Island (1988), Big Island (1988), Ashe Island (1989), Beet Island (1989), Otter Island (1993), South Williman Island (1994), Morgan Island (2002), Pine Island (2002), Old Combahee Island (2005), North Williman (2005), Buzzard Island (2005) Edisto Beach State Park (est. 1936) Hunting Island State Park (est. 1938) Sub-total Private Sites Conservation Easements (74) 76,970 Botany Bay Island (1987), Hope Plantation (1988), Willtown Bluff Plantation (1990), Church Tract (1990), Cheeha-Combahee Plantation (1991), Richardson Tract (1992), Godfrey Tract (1991), McMillian Tract (1991), Pan Pan Plantation (1992), Ashepoo Plantation (1993), Fenwick Island (1993), Combahee Plantation (1994), Musselboro Island (1994), Oak Island (1994), Little Palmetto Island (1994), Prospect Hill (1995), Rose Hill (1995), Plum Hill (1995), Auldbrass Plantation (1995), Parker's Ferry Plantation (1995), Tomotley Plantation (1995), Auldbrass Club (1995), Ivanhoe (1996), Shell Point (1996), Lavington Plantation (1996), Raccoon Island (1996), South Fenwick (1996), Bolders Island (1997), Paul and Dalton (1997), Great Swamp (1998), Prescott Plantation (1998), Jehossee Farms (1998), Airy Hall Plantation (1998), Slann Island Plantation (1998), Tilt Tract (1998), McCollumTract (1998), Chapel Hill LLC (1999), Prospect Hill LLC (1999), Old Dominion LLC (1999), Rose Hill (1999), Charleston County PRC (2000), William Seabrook Plantation (2000), Creek House Plantation (2000), St. Margaret's Island (2000), Laurel Hill Plantation (2000), Temple of Sport (2000), My Place (2000), Bonnie Doone Plantation (2000), Brewton Plantation (2001), Double 0 Plantation (2001), Oak Lawn Plantation (2001), Ravenwood Plantation (2001), Windsor House Plantation (2001), Big Neck Creek (2001), Bear Island Club (2001), Cockfield Plantation (2001), MeadWestvaco (2002), Great Swamp Sanctuary (2002), Wimbee Creek Farm (2002), Prospect Hill Farm (2002), Dawhoo Farm (2002), Stringfield Tract (2002), Malphrus Tract (2002), Rainey Acres Farm (2002), Anonymous (2003), Dove Field Swamp (2003). Copper Station Plantation (2003), Belfair Farms (2003), Green Tree (2004), Remley Point Plantation (2004), Truesdale Tract (2004), Wilson Tract (2004). Salt Creek (2004), Dodds Property (2004), Orange Grove Plantation (2004), Holly Bluff (2004), Crosby Tract (2004). Fogle Tract (2004) Rhodes East (2004), Rhodes West (2004), Harrelson Tract (2005), Hickory Bluff (2006). Indigo Oaks (2006), Guns Bluff (2006), Tanglwood (2006), Bluff Plantation (2006) Deed Restrictions 33 Hannahan Tract (1993) Organization OwnerShip 10,548 Nemours Plantation Wildlife Foundation (1995), Bailey Island (1997), Edisto Packers (2006) Management Agreements 13,076 MeadWestvaco (1991) Other 5,892 Botany Bay Plantation. Siann Island (1996) Sub-total 101,486 TOTAL Acres 12,055 8,048 11,762 25,724 1,255 5,000 63, ,330 S.c. Department of Natural Resources John E. Frampton, Director ACE Basin Project Coordinators Dean Harrigal, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Phil Maier, Marine Resources Division Graphic Design Karen Swanson - Marine Resources Division Editors Dean Harrigal and Pete Laurie Ducks Unlimited MeadWestvaco NJfJfe* conservancy SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER Saving the Last Great Places NEMOURS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION ACE Basin Current Events J,!S!5!; South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 585 Donnelley Drive Green Pond, S.c Privata.1 Landowners u.s. FISH AWo..oUFt!: SERVfCE ~...,-.i_''''~ Funding provided by the Harry R.E. Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, Inc. A L) Printed On Recycled Paper Total Cost - $ Total Copies - 3,000 Cost per Copy $.43 The South Carolina Department of Not ural Resources prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion or age. Direct all inquiries to the Office of Human G Resources, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, S.c