Example 2: How to Use Information in the NC Wildlife Action Plan
Projects that are designed to collect distributional information, to detect presence/absence, and/or to monitor known populations over time would implement survey and monitoring objectives and strategies recommended in both Chapter 3 for mammals (Section 3.5) and in Chapter 4 for low- to high-elevation communities that include dry coniferous wood- lands, especially where rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, or other dense, tall shrub layers are present (Section 4.4). Project goals and objectives developed following the recommendations outlined in Chapter 6 will support WAP Goal 1 objectives (1.A and 1.B) to expand the information base for prior- ity species and improve our knowledge about long-term trends (see Table 6.1, Appendix K). Collaborating with partners that manage large tracts of land in the Mountain ecoregion (USFS, NCFS, and NCDPR) to coordinate and conduct distribution surveys or to manage habitat for Eastern Spotted Skunk will support WAP Goals 1 and 2 objectives (1.D, 2.A, 2.B, 2.D). Using the results of project data to set bag limits for trapping of Eastern Spotted Skunk will support WAP Goal objectives 1.E and 2.E. Example 2: How to Use Information in the NC Wildlife Action Plan Chapter 4 notes that riparian vegetation is critical to the overall stream and stream- bank stability and moderation of water temperatures for all aquatic habitats. Lack of riparian vegetation or inadequate forested bufer widths can cause streambank erosion and sedimentation. In addition to stabiliz- ing streambanks, riparian vegetation serves as nutrient input to the stream community, flters pollutants, and helps regulate stream
temperature by providing shade. Lack of sufcient vegetation cover contributes to rising water temperatures, especially where
Piedmont stream with riparian bufer (NCWRC)
water depths are shallow enough that the entire water column is subject to solar heating. Lack of riparian bufers is ranked as one of the greatest threats to cold- and coolwater aquatic communities (see 4.2.3.4) and is a high threat to headwater and small stream communities (see 4.2.7). Headwater and small stream systems are described as important aquatic habitats that are vulnerable to impacts from land use changes because they are less likely to be protected by regulatory requirements such as avoidance and minimization measures and conservation of riparian bufers.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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