Addendum 2
Chapter 4 Habitats
Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps assess the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment. It also aids in identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation.
• Study population responses of plant and wildlife species to habitat restoration and management (large scale prescribed burning, woodland/savanna restoration, etc.).
• Study population responses of plant and wildlife species to habitat fragmentation and degradation to better inform managers and plans.
Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically 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. • Foster efforts to understand and implement appropriate management techniques (e.g., prescribed fire or thinning) for the benefit of the broadest array of oak forest- dependent wildlife while considering specific needs of wildlife with more restrictive requirements (Artman and Downhower 2003; Ford et al. 2000). • Manage existing conservation lands by using prescribed burning to diversify structure and composition of forest understory. Protect older trees, which may become increasingly scarce with increased wind disturbance. Provide an array of age classes by managing for uneven-aged stands rather than a patchwork of even-aged stands. Conservation Programs and Partnerships . Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be fully utilized to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory 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.
• Work with partners including the NC Prescribed Fire Council, the Fire Learning Network, and NC Forest Service to reinstate and increase prescribed burning.
2022 Addendum 2
4A2- 10
NC Wildlife Action Plan
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