4.5 River Basins
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 development and associated erosion and sedimentation, secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality, riparian vegetation restoration and conservation, point sources of pollution, water supply watershed protec- tion, and headwaters protection.
• Support conservation and restoration of streams and riparian zones in priority areas.
• Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and enhancement planning for Sandymush and Cold Mountain Game Lands.
• Continue current species restoration eforts in the Pigeon River and reintroduce extir- pated species in restored or improved habitats as opportunity allows.
• Continue restoration and augmentation of Appalachian Elktoe in the Cane River.
• Prioritize education and other measures to prevent the introduction or spread of inva- sive nonnative species, especially crayfshes. 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 applica- ble. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of antic- ipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. Many overlapping priorities and common objectives, readily available support, and many willing partners provide abundant opportunities in the French Broad River Basin. See NCDWR Basin Plan, Chapters 9 and 10, for more information: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/ frenchbroad/2011. • Support NCDMS’s Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) and River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) for the French Broad River Basin, and several Local Watershed Plans (LWP) and Project Atlases, including Mud Creek, Bald Creek, South Hominy Creek sub- basins (NCWRP 2001b; NCEEP 2003, 2005, 2006) . Available online: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/ eep/rbrps/french-broad. • Work with multiple agency and non-governmental partners and potential partners to share common goals and objectives, and take advantage of the many opportunities for cooperation throughout the basin. Tese partners include: USFWS, NCDWR, Haywood Waterways Association, North Toe Partnership and Toe River Watch, RiverLink, French Broad Riverkeeper, Te Pigeon River Fund, and many others.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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