4.5 River Basins
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. In addition, education about, and reg- ulation and prevention of the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital. Specifc issues in this basin include high rates of erosion and sedimentation, secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality, riparian vegetation restoration and conservation, water supply watershed protection, and protection of headwaters. • Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and focus on restoration and enhancement of critical habitats and communities for Green River and South Mountain Game Lands. • Reintroduce extirpated freshwater mussel and fsh species in restored or improved hab- itats as opportunities become available. • Prioritize education and other measures to prevent the introduction or spread of inva- sive nonnative crayfshes. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and part- nerships should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to conserve 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. • NC Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) has developed River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) for the Broad River Basin and Local Watershed Plans (LWP) for the Catheys and Cove Creek watersheds (NCEEP 2009a) .
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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