4.5 River Basins
Location of the Watauga River Basin
F IGURE 4.35
aquatic communities found in this river basin. Table 4.86 identifes the SGCN found in the Watauga River Basin.
4.5.18.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species While water quality conditions are generally very good at present, past pollution events may have had a profound efect on the extant aquatic fauna in the Watauga River Basin. A tannery near Valle Crucis caused severe pollution in the early 20th century and may have led to the extirpation of many native species. Apparently, no extensive surveys for aquatic species were made prior to this period of degradation and the extent of species loss is unknown. Presently, excessive erosion and sedimentation from nonpoint sources are the primary problems afecting species and habitats. Most development and agricultural activities are located in the valleys due to abundance of steep slopes within the watershed. Narrow ripar- ian corridors or total lack of riparian vegetation along portions of the Watauga River and many tributaries have led to excessive stream bank erosion and loss of habitat due to sed- iment deposition and over-widening of channels. Impacts from row-crop agriculture and
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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