4.2 Aquatic Communities
• Examine the extent and impact of exotic species introductions; conduct research on efective control measures for the most problematic exotics. • Conduct research on fre management in marsh habitats to determine optimal fre- quency, timing, and fring techniques (e.g., fanking fre, back fre) to beneft priority birds.
• Conduct a systematics study to diferentiate between the two subspecies of Least Shrew.
• Examine habitat use and conduct nesting habitat research on the Black Rail and then on other marshbirds using telemetry (Bogner and Baldassarre 2002) .
• Investigate the past, current, and potential future impact of Nutria.
• Investigate the efect of Beaver ponds on downstream movement of pollutants (toxins and sediment). 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.
• Te best beneft for Coastal Plain riverine aquatic communities would be to maintain and enhance riparian bufers.
• Determine the impacts of snagging (removing woody debris after storms) on wildlife populations.
• Explore techniques for restoration of tidal swamp forest and wetlands.
• Explore the biological controls recommended for some aquatic plants species, as they can be a problem, particularly in impounded waters and in slower moving waters. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be utilized to the greatest extent possible 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.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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