Archaeological Reconnaissance of the Waccamaw Mitigation Bank, Horry County, S.C.

Abstract

This study reports on reconnaissance level investigation of a 754 acre tract intended to be used as a wetland mitigation bank and may eventually be given to the SC Department of Natural Resources to be incorporated into their Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This WMA consists of nearly 9,700 acres that consist of extensive longleaf pine savannahs and 23 Carolina bays, with dense shrub layers. Bald Cypress-Tupelo Gum Swamp and Shrub/Scrub areas are secondary habitat types. Unusual plants found in the WMA include Venus fly traps, Pogonia orchids, white-fringed orchids, pine lilies, and green pitcher plants.