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 4,020-acre preserve follows the edge of the marsh
along the Biloxi River, Tchoutacabouffa River, Bernard Bayou, and includes the portions of
marsh that is non-forested. The oligohaline marshes in this area are similar to those
found in the nearby lower Tchoutacabouffa River area to the east. The marsh is commonly
dominated by needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) with duck-potato (Sagittaria
latifolia). Narrow disjunct bands of smooth cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora) occur along the creeks with bands of high-level salt-meadow grass
(Spartina patens) occurring along the upland borders. The lower reaches of Parker
Creek consist of fringing tidal freshwater marsh, water lily beds (Nymphaea odorata),
and submerged beds of coontail (Ceratophyllum). The marsh is a mixture of
freshwater and brackish species, including needle rush (Juncus roemerianus), duck-potato
(Sagittaria latifolia), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and a variety of
other grassed and sedges. Needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and duck-potato (Sagittaria
latifolia) also dominate the lower portions of the Tchoutacabouffa River.
This unique location provides excellent feeding, resting, and wintering habitat for
numerous types of migratory bird species, such as the Brown Pelican, White Pelican,
Ospreys and cormorants. This area is also known to be an Osprey rookery.
Date When Information Last Updated: March, 1998
Location: Harrison County
Area of Influence: Coastal plain
3- Ecological and Cultural Characteristics
Habitat type:
The following ecological communities are expected or known to occur: estuarine subtidal
1) muddy sand embayment 2) embayment widgeon grass bed 3) large tidal creek; estuarine
intertidal 1) mesohaline marsh 2) oligohaline marsh 3) tidal freshwater marsh.
Rare/Endangered Species:
Anas fulvigula Mottled Duck
Notropis petersoni Coastal Shiner
Malaclemys terrapin pilea
Breeding/Nursery Area: Osprey Rookery
Migratory Species:
This unique location provides excellent feeding, resting, and wintering habitat for
numerous types of migratory bird species, such as the Brown Pelican, White Pelican,
Ospreys and cormorants.
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 within this Coastal Preserve are either privately,
locally, state or federally owned. Much of the property is considered tidal wetlands and
is already owned by the state.
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: Active
Management Needs: The State will manage the area as a coastal preserve. The
DMR will have direct responsibility. Some of the property considered tidal wetlands,
already owned by the State.
6- Site Viability
Threats to Ecological Integrity: Residences with open septic systems.
7- Comments and/or Additional Information on Biloxi River Marshes Preserves:
Email Coastal Preserves
Manager
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