1- Site Information Point of Contact(s)
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
Coastal Preserves Program
Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR)
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
(228) 374-5000
2- Geographic Information
Narrative Description of the Site:
This bioreserve is contained in Mississippi and Alabama. The boundary line for this
26,900-acre preserve is drawn open ended going across the state line. The southern
boundary follows the outermost extent of the salt and brackish marsh communities. The
northern and western boundaries follow the Escatawpa River and portions of the abandoned
course of the Escatawpa River. The acreage sited is an estimated figure.
This preserve is one of the largest expanses of Gulf Coastal Savanna remaining in
relatively undisturbed condition. There are open herbaceous communities dominated by
grasses and sedges with scattered/clumped shrubs and trees. During the wet season the
water table is at or near the surface and during the dry season natural wild fires occur.
The mesohaline area of the Bangs Lake Estuary consists of a mosaic of low, mid-level, and
high marsh, including salt pans. The low marsh is dominated by smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) that may occur as narrow bands along creeks and channels and
as larger patches of tall (1 m) and short (20-30 cm) plants. The mid-level marsh is
composed primarily of needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) mixed with saltgrass (Distichlis
spicata) and dominates the area. The upper portion of Bangs Lake consists primarily of
oligohaline mid-level needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) dominated marshes. Narrow
disjunct bands of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occur along the
creeks and channels.
The mesohaline area of West Bangs Lake estuary consist of a mosaic of low, mid-level,
and high marsh, including salt pans. The low marsh is dominated by smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) that may occur as narrow bands along creeks and channels and
as larger patches of tall (1 m high) and short (20-30 cm) plants. The mid-level marsh is
composed primarily of needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) mixed with saltgrass (Distichlis
spicata) and dominates the area. Pure stands of Distichlis may be found
scattered across the marsh along with narrow salt pans associated with "high
spots" in the marsh. Gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae) is commonly
found along the edges of these pans.
The oligohaline, Upper Bangs Lake/Grand Bay area consists primarily of mid-level needle
rush (Juncus roemerianus) dominated marshes. Narrow, disjunct bands of smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) occur along the creeks and channels. High marsh salt pans are
also present and include rush (Juncus), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), and
gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae).
This is a high priority site. It supports numerous orchids and
insectivorous plants and
has high species diversity having 20-25 (36) species in .25 square meters.
Date When Information Last Updated: March, 1998
Location: Jackson County
Area of Influence: Salt marsh, coastal plain, and pine savanna
3- Ecological and Cultural Characteristics
Habitat type:
The following ecological communities are expected or known to occur: estuarine
subtidal, 1) small tidal creek 2) muddy sand embayment 3) Mississippi sound mollusk reef;
estuarine intertidal, 1) mesohaline marsh 2) oligohaline marsh 3) tidal fresh water marsh
4) salt flat 5) supratidal coastal meadows; and others, 1) wet pine savanna 2) pine
savanna 3) pond cypress 4) shell midden 5) pitcher plant flat 6) pitcher plant bog 7)
bottomland hardwood forest 8) pocosin-like wetland scrub.
Rare/Endangered Species:
Aimorhila aestivallis Bachman’s Sparrow
Enneacanthus gloriosus Bluespotted Sunfish
Malaclemys terrapin pilea Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin
Alligator mississippiensis American Alligator
Nerodia clarkii clarkii Gulf Salt Marsh Snake
Cambarellus dinimutus Least Crayfish
Ilex myrtifolia Myrtle Holly
Coreopsis nudata Georgia Tickseed
Marshallia tenuifolia Narrow-Leaf Barbara’s But
Pieris phyllyreifolia Climbing Fetter-Bush
Hypericum myrtifolium Myrtle-Leaved St. Johnswort
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak*
Pinguicula planifolia Chapman’s Butterwort
Sageretia minutiflora Tiny-Leaved Buckthorn
Sarracenia leucophylla Crimson Pitcher-Plant
Sarracenia purpurea Side-Saddle Pitcher-Plant*
Agalinis aphylla Coastal Plain False-Foxglove
Agalinis filicaulis Thin Stemmed False-Foxglove
Lycium carolinianum Carolina Wolf-Berry*
Sapindus marginatus Florida Soapberry*
Carex striata Walter’s Sedge*
Rhynchospora tracyi Tracy’s Beakrush*
Eriocaulon texense Texas Pipewort
Cleistes divaricata Spreading Pogonia
Platanthera blephariglott Large White Fringed Orchid
Platanthera integra Yellow Fringeless Orchid
Spiranthes longilabris Giant Spiral Ladies’-Tresses
Ophioglossum petiolatum Stalked Adders-Tongue
Uniqueness of Natural Community: This is a high priority site. It
supports numerous orchids and
insectivorous plants and has high species diversity having
20-25 (36) species in .25 square meters.
Archaeological Features: Indian shell middens
4- Current and Potential Educational
Existing or Potential Interpretive Use: Site for the
Grand Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve (GNDNERR).
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.
Management Status: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources along with
the GNDNERR partners are currently developing the management plans.
Existing Monitoring Activities: The Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources along with the GNDNERR partners will monitor this site.
Acquisition Potential: Currently active
Management Needs: The DMR will have direct responsibility and manage the area
as a coastal preserve. However, intergovernmental and private cooperation is essential to
manage this unique ecosystem.
6- Site Viability
Threats to Ecological Integrity: Poorly working septic systems and
encroaching construction.
7- Comments and/or Additional Information on the Grand Bay Savanna Preserve:
Email Coastal Preserves Manager
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