4.5 River Basins
Basin Specifc Recommendations Surveys. General surveys are still needed to complete primary distributional status for SGCN and other priority species (see Table 4.81). • Aquatic Snails—complete primary distribution inventories; determine potential habi- tats and distribution surveys for hydrobiids.
• Determine distribution of nonnative species.
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 or development activities. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Continue periodic monitoring of prior- ity areas and species. 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. Formal descrip- tions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. In addition to the SGCN found in the basin (see Table 4.81), Safron Shiner is a knowledge-gap priority species in the Savannah River Basin.
• Resolve taxonomic problems with crayfshes.
• Investigate impacts of fragmentation on priority species.
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.
• Support conservation and restoration of streams and riparian zones in priority areas.
• Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and enhancement planning for Gorges State Park and Toxaway Game Lands.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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