4.3 Wetland Natural Communities
• Research the genetic makeup of the coastal population of the Black-throated Green Warbler.
• Research the genetic relationships among foodplain salamanders.
• Determine the conservation and restoration eforts needed for priority species in this habitat. 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. • Wherever possible, maintain or restore foodplain forest connectivity, as foodplain forests are important distribution and dispersal corridors for many species (Bailey et al. 2004) . Tis would beneft foodplain forest species such as the Northern Parula, Yellow-Troated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Trush, Swainson’s Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher, as well as amphibians, Timber Rattlesnakes, and forest bats.
• Ensure foodplain bufers of 300 to 600 feet in as many areas as possible. Where possi- ble, forest patches should be connected along river systems to provide connectivity.
• Make an attempt to protect waterbird nesting colonies.
• Further expand the Forest Landbird Legacy Program (a cooperative efort between the Commission, the USFWS, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service) to infuence habitat for birds and other wildlife in mature foodplain forests through canopy gap management and other options. 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.
• Initiate partnerships with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to begin cane restoration projects and research.
• Continue cooperative eforts with colonial waterbird (wading bird) working groups and follow future management recommendations from the North American Waterbird Management Plan (Kushlan et al. 2002) .
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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