4.4 Terrestrial Communities
for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed.
• Investigate the feasibility of using some form of controlled grazing regime to control invasive plants.
• Study Timber Rattlesnake movements, use of hibernacula, and reproductive success at gestation sites. 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 control invasive plants and prevent habitat conversion.
• Control invasive species and protect or restore areas, as this is critical to protect these habitats against threats. 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.
• Collaborate with partners to develop a management plan for high-elevation communities.
4.4.7 High-Elevation Cliffs and Rock Outcrops 4.4.7.1 Ecosystem Description
High-elevation rock outcrops are extremely rare, have a very restricted range, and are sub- ject to extreme environmental conditions. Tese communities occur on ridge tops, peaks, and upper slopes where soils are thin and discontinuous and rock dominates the surface. Even in the most rugged high Mountains they represent only a small minority of the land- scape, generally at 4,000 feet in elevation and higher. In contrast, mid-elevations range from 2,000 to 4,000 feet and low elevations are below 2,000 feet. Te vegetation is likely to be very patchy, refecting the variability of the soil. Two community types are part of this ecosystem: high-elevation granitic domes and high-elevation rocky summits.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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