4.4 Terrestrial Communities
present in sub-dominant numbers within northern hardwood communities, and increase in dominance along the elevation gradient to a point where spruce–fr becomes the domi- nant community. Te 2005 WAP described Southern Blue Ridge Mountain northern hardwoods as a priority habitat (see Chapter 5) (NCWRC 2005) . 4.4.3.2 Location of Habitat Northern hardwood forests are found throughout western North Carolina on high-elevation sites with abundant rainfall and a cool climate. Generally these conditions occur above 4,000 feet, but more often it is above 4,500 feet. Te majority of northern hard- wood forests are on public lands and many are in protected status. Signifcant amounts of northern hardwood forest occur on federally owned lands including US Forest Service (Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests) and National Park Service lands (Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park), in the Great Smoky Mountains, Great Balsams, Plott Balsams, Black/Craggy Mountains, Unicoi Mountains, and in the vicinities of Roan Mountain and Grandfather Mountain. While most of the available northern hard- wood forest is associated with these high-elevation mountain ranges, signifcant amounts are present in other areas of suitable elevation throughout the region, such as in the Amphibolite Mountains in Ashe and Watauga counties. A small percentage does occur on state-owned lands, and other conservation ownerships (e.g., Te Nature Conservancy, local land trusts, etc.). 4.4.3.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Development pressure includes threats from a large increase in second homes and rec- reation facilities. Many nonnative pathogens are a potential problem for several tree spe- cies in this ecosystem, including the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and beech scale. Te isolated nature of several popula- tions of wildlife, such as the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-capped Chickadee and Weller’s Salamander, is likely detrimental to the genetic fow and overall long-range health of the species. Many of the former fr forests and logged or grazed areas are regenerating into northern hardwood stands, without a conifer component (spruce or fr). Development on private lands, and logging on private and some public lands remain threats, and are likely the most immediate and greatest threats to a signifcant number of good examples. Climate change, particularly associated drought and wildfre, is the greatest threat to protected examples. However, the threat of climate change is less severe than in spruce–fr forests and the threat of logging and development are relatively greater.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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