LAND USE INTERPRETATIONS


1. Environmental Value as a Natural System

 Seepage water from the higher elevated and better drained areas is the
 controlling factor of the Cutthroat Seep ecological community.
 Development in and around.this site causes changes in water quality and
 quantity which usually result in wide changes of plant composition.

 These areas are not generally used for woodlands due to wetness, plant
 composition and difficulty of harvest. They are sometimes used for
 woodland if part of a larger flatwoods area. Native forage production is
 very good with proper management. Rangeland use has only a slight effect
 on the community. Range practices will'result in an increase of grasses
 and reduction of shrubs. Wildlife values are good, especially with
 improved wildlife management practices. Its different plant composition
 from surrounding communities offers good cover and food for wildlife.

 Environmental values are especially important. Water from better drained
 areas "seeps" out to the ground surface at these communities. They then
 serve as natural drainageways and help to improve water quality by
 the filtering action and nutrient uptake of plants.

2. Rangeland

 This ecological community has the potential for producing significant
 amounts of good quality forage. For sites in excellent condition, the
 average annual production of air dry plant materials varies from 3,000 to
 5,500 pounds per acre. This variation depends on plant growth conditions.
 From 4 to 16+ acres are usually needed per animal unit depending upon
 amount and type of forages available. The relative percentage of annual
 vegetative production by weight is 75 percent grasses and grasslike
 plants, 10 percent trees and shrubs, and 15 percent herbaceous plants.

3. Wildlifeland

 Cutthroat seeps are well suited for deer, turkey, and songbirds. They are
 fair for quail and good for many mammals, such as skunks, opossums, and
 raccoons. Reptiles such as ratsnakes and rattlesnakes find suitable
 habitat in the community. It is poorly suited for squirrel and dove.

4. Woodland

 This community has a moderate potential productivity for commercial
 woodland production. There are severe equipment limitations and seedling
 mortality due to wet soil conditions. There are no commercial species
 suitable for planting. Potential annual growth of existing slash and pond
 pine is at 0.4 cords per acre.

5. Urbanland

 This community is subject to high water tables and has limitations for
 urban development. Intensive water management systems are required for
 urban uses. It is often difficult to establish vegetation on steep
 channel side slopes and infertile spoil. Special techniques are usually