Chapter 3 Species
Addendum 2
• At the site or population level, monitoring activities should include annual (or regular) observations of area of occupancy with an emphasis on changes in this area (both contractions and expansions), relative vigor (often recorded as the reproductive proportion of the population), and notable concerns such as disease or other impacts. • At the species level, monitoring activities should help describe or calculate short-term trends for several populations. This level of monitoring often involves demographic data collection and can be very time and resource intensive. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include natural community preferences, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, propagation and transplant methods for the most imperiled species, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and population statuses helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, maintaining and restoring natural processes such as fire and natural flood regimes, and improving degraded habitats. There is a need for more understanding of how management practices conducted at varying scales impact plant populations. For instance, some practices should be employed in very controlled and isolated applications (i.e., herbicide treatments), whereas other practices are more effective if applied across a larger landscape (i.e., prescribed burns). Factoring in the feasibility of employing the best management practices at the most appropriate scale is a critical component in management planning, especially for rare plant species and sensitive habitats. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be utilized to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. North Carolina benefits from a robust conservation community and network of organizations involved in plant conservation. Some partners include N orth Carolina’s Plant Conservation Program and Friends of Plant Conservation, Natural Heritage Program, Botanical Garden,
2022 Addendum 2 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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