3. Animals

 The salt marshes support a variety of wildlife. Some species that occur
 are:

 MAMMALS Deer, otter, raccoon

 BIRDS Brown pelicans, coots, egrets, gulls, terns, seaside sparrow,
 many forms of waterfowl

 REPTILES Alligator, diamondback terrapin, saltmarsh snake

 Information on animals known to occur in specific ecological communities
 is in Appendix C.

LAND USE INTERPRETATIONS

1. Environmental Value as a Natural System

 The functions of salt marshes are probably the most important and least
 understood and recognized of all ecological communities. On low energy
 coastlines and estuaries, the marsh functions as a transition zone from
 terrestrial to oceanic life. Salt marshes also perform an important
 function in the stabilization and protection of shorelines, especially
 during storm tides.

 Nutrients, sediments and detritus from upland systems are redistributed by
 tidal action, making the marsh one of the most productive natural
 ecological systems. The area serves as a habitat for the early life
 stages of numerous ocean species as they feed on countless invertebrate
 organisms. Many wildlife forms overlap normal ranges at least seasonally
 to become harvesters and, in many cases, part of the natural food chain.

 2. Rangeland

 Salt marshes have a potential for producing significant amounts of
 cordgrass, saltgrass, and other grasses and forbs. For sites in excellent
 condition, the average annual production of air dry plant materials varies
 from 4,000 to 8,000 pounds per acre. The variation depends on plant
 growth conditions. From 6 to 15+ acres are usually needed per animal unit
 depending upon amount and type of forage available. The relative
 percentage of annual vegetative production by weight is 90 percent
 grasses, 5 percent shrubs and trees, and 5 percent herbaceous plants and
 vines.

 3. Wildlifeland

 Salt marshes are good habitat for a variety of wildlife. The habitat type
 is usually maintained by natural forces and influences such as tidal
 action and periodic hurricanes.

 Storms usually cause the creation of "open" water in salt and brackish
 marshes and also may change salinities. The resulting effect is that
 plant succession is set back and more favorable habitat may be created for
 waterfowl, furbearers, and some other forms of wildlife such as wading