4.2 Aquatic Communities
current and ongoing research. Developing techniques for propagation of aquatic species is critical for preserving those species and their genetic stock, particularly those that are rare, at high risk of extinction or extirpation and difcult to propagate in a laboratory setting.
• Conduct studies to determine how large riverine habitats and the species that occupy the habitat recover or change after major fooding events from hurricanes.
• Investigate the efects of large scale snagging (removal of downed trees) within the rivers after hurricanes.
• Conduct research to investigate population densities, population growth rates, disper- sal range, and extent of property damage from Nutria burrowing and herbivory. Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
• Make eforts toretain old growth foodplain forest (e.g., for Chimney Swifts, bats, and herpetofauna).
• Manage fow regimes in Coastal Plain rivers as much as possible to mirror the pre-dam hydrograph. 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 regula- tory 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. • Increase bufer widths to mitigate impacts from pollution into river systems and to maintain habitat at the edge of these aquatic communities that will provide cover and foraging areas for many wildlife species using riverine habitat. • Pursue land acquisition and easements through cooperation with land trusts in an efort to increase the width of riparian bufers and create larger patches of connected habitat.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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