Environmental Sciences Commons^™

Community Structure Of The Macrobenthos In Back Bay, Virginia, Michael F. Lane

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A study of the subtidal macrobenthos in Back Bay, Virginia was conducted to examine community structure in relation to sedimentary and water quality characteristics. Samples were collected in August and November of 1987 and February and May of 1988 at ten stations.

Three site groups and three temporal groups were identified by cluster analyses of species abundance. Species composition between site groups was relatively homogeneous and eight species accounted for most of the variation between site groups. A comparison of plots of the biological and physical data in discriminant space suggested that variations in the biological data between site groups …

The Identification, Distribution, And Status Of The Threatened Dismal Swamp Shrew (Sorex Longirostris Fisheri), Thomas M. Padgett

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Southeastern shrews (Sorex longirostris) were trapped throughout southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina to determine if any morphological characters could

be identified that would aid in the identification and distribution of the threatened subspecies Sorex l._ fisheri, endemic to the Great Dismal Swamp, the more upland nominate subspecies Sorex l. longirostris, and possible intergrades between the two subspecies. Animals were classified a priori into three groups, based on their location of capture. Animals collected from the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR) and associated bottomland habitats were designated as "fisheri", animals collected farthest from the Swamp as "longirostris", and …

Rx For Success At Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Take Two Committed Partners-Add Water, Janet Taylor, Julia Herrick, Ben Mathias

V. Poster Abstracts

As part of a major effort to improve habitats for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is contributing $187,500 in matching funds to help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rehabilitate wetland impoundments at Back Bay NWR.

The three-year project will increase Refuge management capabilities on existing wetland areas, create 300 acres of new marsh habitat and increase water management flexibility throughout the impoundment system. Components of the project include:

• Raising and re-sloping 8 miles of existing dikes
• Installing 13 new water control structures
• Constructing 6,000 feet of new dikes
• Creating two storage pools totalling 53 acres and …

Assessment Of Organic And Metal Contaminants In Lower Back Bay And Upper Currituck Sound, Kate Benkert

V. Poster Abstracts

Studies were conducted at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in 1988 and 1989 to provide baseline data for an assessment of organic chemicals and metal contaminants in the aquatic ecosystem. Longnose gar, gizzard shad, snapping turtles, common rangia clams and sediments were collected from sites in lower Back Bay and upper Currituck Sound for contaminant analyses.

Composite sediment samples were analyzed for the presence of metals, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Organochlorine pesticides were not detected in the sediments. Various PAH compounds were detected in the sediments, although at trace concentrations which just exceeded the analytical detection limit …

Refuge Land Acquisition: Helping Preserve Back Bay's Wildlife Heritage, Julia Herrick, Ben Mathias, Janet Taylor

V. Poster Abstracts

The once-renowned waterfowl populations and bass fishery of Back Bay, Virginia have declined dramatically in recent years. Lands surrounding Back Bay are increasingly threatened by on-going and potential land development. These lands serve as an important filter for pollutant and sediment-laden runoff from adjacent areas. The boundary of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was expanded in 1989 to include an additional 6,340 acres of brackish marsh, forested swamp, and "critical edge" upland habitat, important to a variety of wildlife species and for its natural filtering effect. Within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's policy of working with willing sellers, …

Environmental Education: A Chance For The Future, Ben Mathias

V. Poster Abstracts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing environmental education opportunities for the Nation's student body. Local, regional and national educators are invited to investigate and utilize the resources of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge with their colleagues and students. Teacher workshops at the Refuge provide orientation to Refuge lands, outdoor classroom sites, trails, interpretive facilities and equipment, and potential field activities. Refuge staff members are available to assist with: • Preliminary planning • Group scheduling • Library research • Workshop registration • Trip logistics and • On-site group orientation. Most classroom sites, associated trails/boardwalks, and Visitor Contact …