4.4 Terrestrial Communities
for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed. • Conduct studies to explore the degree of endemism of southern Appalachian pop- ulations (e.g., Pine Siskins, Red Crossbills, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Black-capped Chickadees, etc.). • Conduct studies to explore the degree of genetic isolation of species restricted to high elevations (e.g., Carolina Northern Flying Squirrels, Rock Voles, Rock Shrews, Weller’s Salamanders, Northern Saw-whet Owls, etc.). • Conduct research on population demographics including trends, population struc- ture, survivorship, reproduction, and population viability for all spruce–fr associated species/groups.
• Species phenology needs to be investigated, especially where there are endemic populations.
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. • Develop and/or implement techniques for managing pure spruce stands to include hab- itat components of the entire spruce–fr/northern hardwood community (i.e., thinning). • Test silvicultural techniques to reintroduce spruce into formerly disturbed areas that have regenerated in northern hardwood or Northern Red Oak communities (i.e., thin- ning and underplanting). • Protect spruce–fr communities from wildfre, as this is an important action that can be taken to save the remnants of these communities. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and part- nerships should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regu- latory 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.
• Eliminate or minimize negative efects of future development in state and federal gov- ernment holdings (state and federal parks, US Forest Service recreation developments).
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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