Cover

CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^239

13.3 Barrier Island Wetlands

„ Value to SGCN - 106

„ Rank - 2nd of 17 Marine, Estuarine and

Estuarine Fringe Systems

DESCRIPTION
Wet habitats of the barrier island chain include a
variety of low flats, linear depressions, swales, ponds
and intertidal zones. They occur along the seashore
or at slightly higher elevations. Linear-ridged sand
dunes form the depressions in which the wetlands
occur. Associated wetland communities are
freshwater marshes, saltmarshes, salt meadows, estuarine shrublands and slash pine woodlands. They
receive freshwater drainage from uplands and/or ocean processes. Smooth cordgrass and black
needlerush are found in brackish areas.

Slightly elevated above brackish marshes are the salt meadow habitats, which are dominated by salt
meadow cordgrass and torpedo grass. Saltmarsh morning glory, dotted smartweed, umbrellasedge,
bushy goldentop and poorjoe are common forbs. The estuarine shrublands contain an abundance of
eastern baccharis, southern bayberry and yaupon, which range in height from three to eight feet tall.
Saltmarsh cordgrass and torpedo grass form a rather continuous ground cover within these
shrublands. The island's pinelands are found on low flats, along pond shores and within swales of the
linear dune systems. They are composed of dense to open stands of slash pine and often contain an
abundance of shrubs such as yaupon, saw palmetto, southern bayberry and occasionally, sand live
oak. Herbs include bushy goldentop, erect centella, manyflower marsh pennywort, seaside
primrosewillow, saltmarsh morning glory and Maryland meadowbeauty.

LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
NGM

The wetlands, estimated to cover about 4,000 acres, are found
throughout the islands and cover nearly half of the island. The
wetland complexes probably range from about 50 to 1,000 acres
each in size.

Barrier island wetlands remain in good condition because they are
under public ownership and are not threatened by development
initiatives. Unfortunately the exotic weed, torpedo grass, has
become well established. The wetlands are being threatened by natural forces, especially hurricane

13.3 Barrier Island WetlandsRange of Barrier Island Wetlands