4.5 River Basins
Basin Specifc Recommendations
Surveys. Primary distributional surveys for most priority species have been completed; however, more detailed data are needed. • Snails—inventory primary distribution; determine potential habitats and distribution surveys for hydrobiids.
• Crayfshes—complete primary inventories and determine status of endemic species.
• Survey seasonal occurrence of potamodromous, or migratory riverine fshes in the lower reaches of French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky rivers.
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies should include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation and development activities and invasive species. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites have been established and baseline data gathered in most areas of the basin for fshes, crayfshes, and mussels, and monitoring strategies have been developed for many priority species, includ- ing Appalachian Elktoe. Periodic sampling of species and habitat condition should con- tinue and be guided by potential for change. More frequent monitoring may be required for specifc project assessment. • Conduct special purpose monitoring to assess performance of specifc conservation actions, such as Pigeon River species restoration and Appalachian Elktoe restoration in Cane River.
• Monitor distribution and status of nonnative species (e.g., nonnative catfshes and crayfshes).
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 determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Long-term habi- tat improvement trends in the basin may present more opportunities for reintroduction of native species. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investi- gations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed.
• Support research projects on improving the success and efciency of Pigeon River spe- cies restoration projects and other species restoration projects in the basin.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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