4.2 Aquatic Communities
Location of coldwater habitats
F IGURE 4.2
4.2.3.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Water Quality. As with coolwater streams, erosion and the resultant sedimentation are the largest sources of nonpoint source pollution in most aquatic systems. Sources of erosion include disturbance from development activities and agriculture. Residential development, particularly in steep slope areas, is of particular concern because of increased erosion. Livestock access to streams contributes heavily to bank erosion, sedimentation, and nutri- ent input. Timber harvests and poorly constructed and maintained timber roads are addi- tional sources of erosion if proper controls are not used and maintained. Many of the water quality and water quantity impacts resulting from climate change are analogous to impacts from economic development and population growth in North Carolina. Climate change is predicted to decrease rainfall and therefore, limit water supply, while growth and development have been increasing and continue to increase water supply demands. Historical stream fow patterns are projected to be altered due to climate change impacts; however, these are already being altered due to rapid urbanization.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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