4.4 Terrestrial Communities
for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed.
• Study population responses to a prescribed fre regime.
• Study the impact of various management scenarios on the habitat and associated species.
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.
• Initiate a prescribed fre regime to prevent invasive plants and prevent habitat conversion.
• Protect this habitat through active management to remove invasive species.
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.
• Close sites to stop direct (trampling, loss of habitat to recreation developments such as trails, vistas, etc.) and indirect (disturbance) human impacts.
• Use easements and land acquisition to protect from long-term impacts such as housing development.
4.4.6 Grass and Heath Balds 4.4.6.1 Ecosystem Description
Balds are treeless shrub- or herb-dominated communities of the high Mountains. Te tree- less areas do not represent a climatic timberline, and often occur near higher peaks that are forested. Te ecological factors creating balds are not well understood. Harsh climate and shallow soil seem to be a factor in some, particularly heath balds, but many exam- ples of both community types are being invaded by trees and, in the case of grassy balds, shrubs. Fire may have been a factor, but many bald sites do not appear prone to fre, and are surrounded by vegetation that apparently did not burn. Tere are two community types in this ecosystem:
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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