Wildlife Action Plan 2015 Revision Process White Paper
bird watching as an industry has an economic infuence as demonstrated by revenues that are tracked and reported by several diferent interest groups. Other economic infuences that may be difcult to measure include the ecosystem services provided by wildlife spe- cies, such as water fltering by mussel species that contributes to higher surface water qual- ity thereby reducing regulatory requirements associated with impaired waters. Depredation of crops by a pest species may have a negative economic infuence on a land- owner or the agriculture industry, but the need to control the pest species creates a posi- tive economic infuence on the wildlife damage control industry and may create hunting opportunities. Vehicle collisions with wildlife may be a negative economic infuence on vehicle owners and insurance companies, but the need to repair or purchase a replacement vehicle contributes positively to auto towing and repair businesses and dealerships. Te presence of a rare or listed species may trigger a requirement for additional environmental coordination and more stringent design standards for a construction project, which may be viewed as a negative economic infuence, but the requirements support an environmental and engineering design consulting services industry. Scores for this metric are assigned based on best professional judgment about the highest level of economic infuence of the species (either individually or as part of a group) without regard to whether it is positive, negative, or both.
What is the highest level of economic infuence of the species in North Carolina?
(a) Tis species individually has a high economic infuence in North Carolina.
(b) Tis species is part of a group that collectively has a high economic infuence in North Carolina.
(c) Tis species (individually or as part of a group) has a moderate economic infuence in North Carolina.
(d) Unknown.
(e) Tis species (individually or as part of a group) has a low to no economic infuence in North Carolina.
18. Cultural Value. While somewhat subjective, wildlife species can have important cul- tural values that may be difcult to measure, such as those associated with watchable wild- life activities, depiction in art, or cultural signifcance. Knowledge that a species exists and is viable or that future generations will be able to enjoy a species is a value. Another exam- ple would be of the ecosystem services wildlife can provide because they are an integral part of biological communities and ecosystems (e.g., contribution to clean water, provide pest control). Tey can be culturally signifcant because of their iconic nature, a value they
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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