Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 4.4
Wrack deposited along Huntington Beach as a result of inlet excavation and mobilization
of Sandpiper Pond detritus
numbers of people utilize the beach for passive recreational activities. Fortunately, sub-
sequent high tides eventually broke up and transported the wrack off site.
In 2006, sea-beach amaranth (
Amaranthus pumilus
), a federally threatened and
endangered plant species, was found growing in the excavated inlet. Presumably
excavation activities stimulated germination of dormant seeds. The emergence of
A. pumilus
quickly ended any further attempts to excavate the inlet and plants were
flagged while human traffic was restricted in the areas around the plants.
During 2006/2007 park personnel redirected their activities to the opposite side of
Sandpiper Pond to increase tidal exchange between the pond and the salt marsh.
Efforts focused on a small culvert and tidal creek connecting Sandpiper Pond to the
salt marsh on the backside of the barrier beach. The small culvert eventually was
replaced with a larger culvert and at present allows tidal exchange during high tides.
4.2.5 Monitoring Efforts
Additional funding through South Carolina's Sea Grant Program was obtained to
monitor the effects of the restoration and control efforts. Permanent vegetation
and soil monitoring stations were established at Sandpiper Pond (
n
= 12), Jetty
Pond (
n
= 6), and Huntington Marsh (
n
= 4). At each monitoring station, samples
were collected from 3 to 4 elevations above, at, and below the terrestrial-marsh
boundary. Stations were monitored twice yearly, once during the winter or dor-
mant growing season (November to January) and once during the summer or
active growing season (May to July). Plant species richness and cover were
