Chapter 4 Habitats
4.2.12 Natural Lakes 4.2.12.1 Ecosystem Description
Natural lakes include Carolina bays and depressions in peatlands that may have been created by deep peat burns or some other cause. Most are oval in shape, but a few are elongate and appear to be simply wide places along creeks. This ecosystem group also includes deeper water systems that lack vegetation as well as the vegetated natural shoreline communities. Most have tannin-stained water and have low productivity. Algae, primarily green algae or diatoms, are the primary plants, although a variety of aquatic vascular plants can be present. Fish abundance and diversity are typically low. A variety of insects and other invertebrate animals spend some or all of their life cycle in the water. The natural lake shoreline community type includes areas of emergent aquatic plants along lake margins and in wetland areas affected by changes in the lake’s hydrology. It is a heterogeneous type with much variation. Most shorelines are marshy, dominated by emergent plants such as Maidencane. A few examples are well-developed swamp forests, dominated by Sweetgum, cypress, or a mixture of trees. The forested shorelines of several lakes are important nesting sites for colonial waterbirds such as herons. While most lakes are naturally very acidic, Lake Waccamaw has limestone outcrops within the lake that give the water a neutral pH and high calcium content. A much higher diversity of animals is present, including many more fish species and a diverse mollusk fauna. Seven species of mussels, snails, and fish are endemic to this one lake, or to the lake and the upper Waccamaw river system. 4.2.12.2 Location of Habitat Natural lakes are found only in the Coastal Plain ecoregion. There are 22 natural lakes and examples of systems that provide important wildlife habitat, including Lake Mattamuskeet (Hyde County), Lake Ellis Simon (Craven County), and Lake Waccamaw (Columbus County). 4.2.12.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Development. Development and loss of associated riparian habitats are primary concerns. Shorelines are often trampled and shoreline erosion and mowing are concerns in many areas. Point and non-point source pollution sources from residential areas and other sources (e.g., watercraft engines) are prevalent, and non-point source pollution from agriculture and logging is possible, potentially leading to algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen events. Disturbance by boats and personal watercraft creates wakes and associated noise pollution that disturb water birds and waterfowl. Lake Mattamuskeet has experienced declines in water quality as a result of agriculture practices within the watershed and introduced fish species.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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