1-Site Information Point(s) of Contact
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
Coastal Preserves Program
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
(228) 374-5000
2-Geographic Information
Narrative Description of the Site:
The primary boundary of this 1,137-acre preserve follows the edge of this estuarine
marsh located along Bayou Portage. The marsh is dominated by needle rush (Juncus
roemerianus) with a mixture of duck-potato (Sagittaria latifolia) and
big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides). A narrow (1-2 m) fringe of smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) occurs along the edges of the creeks. This area of marsh is
similar to all of those along the margins of St. Louis Bay, including those along the NE
and NW shores and the lower reaches of the Jourdan River. A low marsh fringe of smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) occurs along the creeks. A relatively wide band of high marsh
can be found along the upland border and consist of a mixture of salt-meadow grass
(Spartina patens), gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae)and short needle
rush (Juncus roemerianus). The gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae)
occurs as nearly pure stands (70 % +) in places mixed with Juncus.
There is a residential area to the east of the marsh with open septic systems that
impact the integrity of the environment.
Date When Information Last Updated: March, 1998
Location: Harrison County
Area of Influence: Pine/oak uplands.
3- Ecological/Cultural Characteristics
Habitat type:
This is an estuarine marsh that is expected or known to include the following
ecological communities: estuarine subtidal 1) muddy sand embayment 2) small tidal creek;
estuarine intertidal 1) mesohaline marsh 2) oligohaline marsh.
4- Current and Potential Use of the Site:
Recreational Use: Boaters and anglers use the area on occasional and
seasonal basis for waterfowl hunting (sparingly) and fishing.
5- Management Status
Land Ownership: Lands adjacent to this Coastal Preserve are either
privately, locally, state or federally owned or administered.
Existing Designations: Mississippi Coastal Preserve
Management Status: Managed by the Department of Marine Resources Coastal
Preserves Program
Existing Monitoring Activities: Monitored by the Department of Marine
Resources Coastal Preserves Program
Acquisition Potential: Currently active.
Management Needs: The State will manage the area as a coastal
preserve. The DMR will have direct responsibility. Much of the property considered tidal
wetlands, already owned by the State.
6- Site Viability
Threats to Ecological Integrity: There is a residential area to the east
with open septic systems.
7- Comments and/or Additional Information on Bayou Portage Preserve:
Email Coastal Preserves Manager
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