4.3 Wetland Natural Communities
• Study amphibian movements to and from breeding habitats and examine upland hab- itat use (e.g., Ambystomatid Salamanders, Junaluska Salamander, Mountain Chorus Frog). • Investigate minimum hydroperiods needed by priority amphibian species that utilize ephemeral pools and wetlands. Results can be used to determine when supplemental or interventive measures are needed to support breeding periods and metamorphosis during drought periods. • Establish a captive breeding program for Bog Turtles and work with land conservation partners to identify sites for population augmentation. 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. • Specifc bog management needs to include the control of woody encroachment and succession, the maintenance (and where necessary, restoration) of natural surface water and groundwater hydrology (using ditch plugs, temporary dams, level spreaders, or other engineering devices), the restoration of herbaceous vegetation, and the prohibi- tion of taking rare bog-related species (e.g., Bog Turtle). • Use clearing methods that create the least impacts; avoid use of chemicals. Where appropriate, use prescribed burning to control encroachment by hardwoods. If mowing, limit to once a year or less and set blade height between 1 and 2 feet to avoid destroying nesting bird and small mammal habitat. If using heavy equipment, disturb only one patch of the site at a time and minimize ruts and compaction of soils and vege- tation to the extent possible (Somers et al. 2000) .
• If livestock grazing is allowed, limit number of animals to one per acre and allow light to moderate seasonal (winter only) grazing where possible (Somers et al. 2000) .
• Provide native vegetation bufers around wetlands to flter pollutants and beneft wild- life (Somers et al. 2000) .
• Limit application of fertilizers and lime to lawns and felds surrounding wetlands (Somers et al. 2000) . 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
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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