4.3 Wetland Natural Communities
4.3.7.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Te condition of nonalluvial mineral wetlands in the Coastal Plain is generally poor due to alteration of hydrology (primarily from draining for farmland and conversion to loblolly pine plantations) and is rather fragmented. Some of the best remaining examples are on public lands such as on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Nonalluvial mineral wetlands tend to be converted for forestry and agriculture more read- ily since the mineral soils can support heavy equipment better than organic soils, and they are more fertile. Much of this type existed in Beaufort and Pamlico counties until recent years; relatively little remains. A higher percentage of this habitat type has probably been destroyed than any other type in the Coastal Plain, with the exception of dry longleaf pine. Fire suppression has led to a decline in diversity of these habitats but the alteration of hydrology from ditches associated with farming and forestry practices is the biggest factor impacting this habitat type. Altered hydrology that drains these wetland types will decrease the ability to use prescribed fre as a management tool and increase the risk of catastrophic damage from wildfre. Non-native plant species (e.g., Chinese Privet, Japanese Stiltgrass) are also competing with native vegetation in many areas, especially those fre- quently disturbed. Although little of this quality habitat remains, it can be burned more safely than those sites with organic soils. Terefore, the potential still exists to reestablish some high-quality nonalluvial mineral wetlands on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, where it has not already been converted to farmland or ditched for pine plantations. 4.3.7.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help defne short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. While climate change is not the most severe threat, a combination of synergistic efects with other existing conditions could stress these systems to the point where several species are unable to persist. Climate change is a signifcant threat primarily because of the likelihood of inundation from sea level rise. Rising sea level will be more of a concern in the larger riverine wetlands at lower elevations, such as those around the Alligator River, than wetlands further inland. However, other threats such as logging and the alteration of hydrology, in the form of ditches, pose equal threats to these systems. Impacts to the non-riverine swamps and hardwood stands in the Albemarle–Pamlico Peninsula, which include the largest blocks of habitats of this ecosystem group in the state, are likely to be catastrophic. Tese stands are unlikely to be replaced by the development
352
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online