4.5 River Basins
are also problems in the Tuckasegee River watershed, especially in the larger tributaries between Cullowhee and Bryson City (Savannah and Scott creeks).
Invasive, nonnative species are a potential problem. Te Yellowfn Shiner has apparently been introduced to the upper Little Tennessee River and is expanding downstream from Franklin. Other nonnative fsh species (e.g., Flat Bullhead, Bluehead Chub, and Yellow Perch) also inhabit portions of the basin. Te Asian Clam is established in the Little Tennessee and Tuckasegee rivers. Chinese Mystery Snails have been found in Cowee Creek and Little Tennessee River. Te Rusty Crayfsh was previously thought to be established in the basin (Cooper 2005; Simmons and Fraley 2010) , but recent molecular studies have identifed these nonnatives as Kentucky River Crayfsh (Kessler et al., forthcoming) . Zebra Mussels are not yet known to be established in North Carolina waters, but are known to exist in the Tellico Reservoir (Little Tennessee River) downstream, in Tennessee. Nonnative vegetation can also negatively impact native aquatic animal communities. Tis includes both nonnative aquatic and riparian plant species and nonnative plant pathogens that can alter riparian vegetation and afect aquatic habitats (e.g., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid). Monoecious Hydrilla has invaded the Santeetlah Reservoir, Cheoah River, and Little Tennessee River since 2005. 4.5.10.5 Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3. Priorities identifed in the Little Tennessee River Basin are shown in Figure 4.20 and a list of the priority 12-digit HUCs is included in Appendix J.
Basin Specifc Recommendations
Surveys. General surveys are needed to complete primary distributional status for SGCN and other priority species General surveys are still needed to complete distributional status for some priority species (see Table 4.63).
• Snails—complete primary distribution inventories; determine potential habitats and distribution surveys for hydrobiids.
• Sicklefn Redhorse—identify important spawning areas and early juvenile habitats.
• Smoky Dace—complete primary distribution inventories.
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.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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