2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan

NCWILDLIFE.GOV

©20 2 5 NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Recommended citation: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 20 2 5. North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan. Raleigh, NC.

An electronic version of the NC Wildlife Action Plan is available online: http://www.ncwildlife. gov /plan.

This program receives Federal financial assistance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disabil-ity, age or sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information please write to: Equal Employment Officer, 1703 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Tel. (919) 707-0101.

Cover design by Bryant Cole, NCWRC Photographs (clockwise, from left and background ) by NCWRC Staff :

Spotted Turtle ( Clemmys guttata ) WRC biologists conducting stream surveys for freshwater mussels WRC land management biologists using prescribed fire as a management tool on game lands Coastal habitat and various shorebirds

C opies of this public document were printed for State Library archives

North Carolina 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan

FOREWORD:

Since the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was created in 1947, our state has seen its wild turkey populations restored, the return of bald eagles to the skies, the Roanoke Logperch delisted, more than two million acres of wildlife habitat conserved, and opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife-watching expanded across the state. Tasked with conservation of North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats in the midst of rapid human population growth, the Commission has accepted meeting this challenge in both rural and urban settings. New research, new technology, and new management principles and philosophies are being deployed to ensure the sustainability of all our state’s wildlife resources. However, conservation challenges remain, and so I am honored to introduce the Commission’s latest effort to serve as responsible stewards of our state’s wildlife resources: the 2025 revision of the North Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP, Plan). Developed in compliance with a Congressional mandate, the Plan is the Commission’s blueprint for fish and wildlife conservation statewide for the next decade and will guide our work moving forward. The updated SWAP provides agencies, organizations, industries, academics, and individuals a blueprint to help us meet our conservation mission. The Plan builds on the successes of the past and is strengthened by concurrent conservation strategies being implemented by other states across the nation. The Plan proposes a cost-effective, proactive approach to the conservation of entire communities, including those often-overlooked fish and wildlife species in critical need of conservation action.

It is an ambitious Plan, calling for the conservation of a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial species and their associated habitats.

It is a forward-looking Plan, anticipating new management strategies yet to be developed to meet new and emerging conservation challenges.

It is a comprehensive Plan for fish and wildlife, whose success will not be measured by population estimates or growth rates, but by the cultivation of lasting conservation partnerships and by the promise of fish and wildlife resources for future North Carolinians.

M. Kyle Briggs, Executive Director North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

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Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 The Origin of State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPS)---------------------------------- 1-1 1.2 State Wildlife Grants Eligibility and Requirements---------------------------------- 1-2 1.3 From 2015 to 2025—Revision of North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan ------- 1-2 1.3.1 Revision Approach and Methods -------------------------------------------------------------- 1-3 1.3.2 Report Organization and Format -------------------------------------------------------------- 1-3 1.4 Potential SWG Program Changes ------------------------------------------------------- 1-6 Chapter 2 The Need for Conservation 2.1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-1 2.2 Human Population Changes -------------------------------------------------------------- 2-1 • Figure 2-1. Projected population growth by county, 2030—2040 ---------------------- 2-2 2.3 Natural Resources Changes -------------------------------------------------------------- 2-3 • Table 2.3-1. Surface area of non-federal and federal-owned land and water areas in North Carolina --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-3 2.3.1 Land Use and Land Cover Changes ---------------------------------------------------------- 2-3 • Table 2.3-2. Land use types, in millions of acres -------------------------------------------- 2-4 • Figure 2-2 Land use types, by percentage of cover ----------------------------------------- 2-5 • Figure 2-3 Comparison of land use changes, 2001 to 2016------------------------------- 2-5 2.3.2 Protecting Land-- 2-6 2.3.3 Protecting Endangered Ecosystems ----------------------------------------------------------- 2-6 2.3.4 Critical Areas for Freshwater Conservation -------------------------------------------------- 2-8 2.4 Uncertainty and Future Conditions----------------------------------------------------- 2-9 2.5 Conclusion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-9 • Figure 2-4 Urban growth probabilities (percent increase) for the period 2010—2020 compared to 2010—2050 -----------------------------------------------------------------------2-11

Chapter 3. North Carolina Species (Required Element 1)

3.1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-1 3.1.1 Regulatory Authority for Plants and Wildlife ----------------------------------------------- 3-2 3.1.1.1 Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-4 3.1.1.2 Plants ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-4 3.1.2 Definitions ------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-5 3.1.3 Permit Requirements----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-6 3.1.4 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)--------------------------------------------- 3-7

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3.1.4.1 Cherokee Species of Concern -------------------------------------------------------- 3-8 3.1.4.2 Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need (RSGCN)-------------------- 3-9 3.1.5 Taxa Team SGCN Evaluation Process --------------------------------------------------------- 3-10 3.1.6 Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs -------------------------------------------------------3-11 3.1.7 Management Needs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-12 3.1.8 Species and Habitat Associations -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-13 3.1.9 Population Objectives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-14 3.1.10 Statewide Priority Recommendations for All Species -----------------------------------3-15 3.1.10.1 Surveys ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-15 3.1.10.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-16 3.1.10.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-16 3.1.10.4 Management Practices--------------------------------------------------------------- 3-17 3.1.10.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ---------------------------------------3-17 3.2 Amphibians ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-18 3.2.1 Introduction ----- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-18 3.2.1.1 Salamanders ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-19 3.2.1.2 Frogs and Toads ------------------------------------------------------------------------3-20 3.2.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species --------------------------------------------3-21 3.2.3 Conservation Concerns ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-22 3.2.4 Knowledge Gaps ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-23 3.2.5 Management Needs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-24 3.2.6 Threats and Problems ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-25 3.2.7 Additional Information--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-26 3.2.8 Recommendations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-27 3.2.8.1 Surveys ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-27 3.2.8.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-28 3.2.8.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-29 3.2.8.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------------------3-30 3.2.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships --------------------------------------3-31 3.3 Birds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-33 3.3.1 Introduction ------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-33 3.3.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species --------------------------------------------3-33 3.3.3 Conservation Concerns -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-34 3.3.3.1 Shorebirds --------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-34 3.3.3.2 Colonial Waterbirds --------------------------------------------------------------------3-35 3.3.3.3 Marsh Birds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-36 3.3.3.4 Songbirds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-37 3.3.3.5 Other Land Birds ------------------------------------------------------------------------3-40 3.3.3.6 Birds of Prey------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-40 3.3.4 Knowledge Gaps- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-41 3.3.5 Management Needs------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-43 3.3.6 Threats and Problems----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-46 3.3.7 Additional Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-48

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3.3.7.1 North Carolina ---------------------------------------------------------------------------3-48 3.3.7.2 National ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-49 3.3.7.3 International -----------------------------------------------------------------------------3-51 3.3.8 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-51 3.3.8.1 Surveys -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-52 3.3.8.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-55 3.3.8.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-58 3.3.8.4 Management Practices ----------------------------------------------------------------3-64 3.3.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships-----------------------------------------3-66 3.4 Crayfishes-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-69 3.4.1 Introduction ------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-69 3.4.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ---------------------------------------------3-70 3.4.3 Conservation Concerns --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-71 3.4.4 Knowledge Gaps- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-72 3.4.5 Management Needs------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-73 3.4.6 Threats and Problems----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-74 3.4.7 Additional Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-76 3.4.8 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-76 3.4.8.1 Surveys ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-76 3.4.8.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-77 3.4.8.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-77 3.4.8.4 Management Practices ----------------------------------------------------------------3-78 3.4.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships-----------------------------------------3-79 3.5 Freshwater Fishes --------------------------------------------------------------------------3-80 3.5.1 Introduction ------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-80 3.5.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ---------------------------------------------3-81 3.5.3 Conservation Concerns --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-82 3.5.4 Knowledge Gaps- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-84 3.5.5 Management Needs------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-84 3.5.6 Threats and Problems----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-86 3.5.7 Additional Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-87 3.5.8 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-87 3.5.8.1 Surveys ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-88 3.5.8.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-88 3.5.8.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-88 3.5.8.4 Management Practices ----------------------------------------------------------------3-89 3.5.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships-----------------------------------------3-90 3.6 Freshwater Mussels------------------------------------------------------------------------3-92 3.6.1 Introduction ------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-92 3.6.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ---------------------------------------------3-92 3.6.3 Conservation Concerns --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-93 3.6.4 Knowledge Gaps- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-94

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3.6.5 Management Needs------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-95 3.6.6 Threats and Problems----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-96 3.6.7 Additional Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-98 3.6.8 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-99 3.6.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-100 3.6.8.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-100 3.6.8.3 Research ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-101 3.6.8.4 Management Practices -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-103 3.6.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships--------------------------------------- 3-103 3.7 Mammals ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-105 3.7.1 Introduction ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-105 3.7.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ------------------------------------------- 3-105 3.7.3 Conservation Concerns ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-106 3.7.4 Knowledge Gaps- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-106 3.7.5 Management Needs----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-107 3.7.6 Threats and Problems--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-107 3.7.7 Additional Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-109 3.7.8 Recommendations------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-109 3.7.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-110 3.7.8.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-111 3.7.8.3 Research ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-112 3.7.8.4 Management Practices -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-112 3.7.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships -------------------------------------- 3-113 3.8 Reptiles-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-115 3.8.1 Introduction ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-115 3.8.1.1 Crocodiles------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-116 3.8.1.2 Lizards ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-116 3.8.1.3 Snakes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-117 3.8.1.4 Turtles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-117 3.8.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ------------------------------------------- 3-119 3.8.3 Conservation Concerns ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-120 3.8.4 Knowledge Gaps- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-122 3.8.5 Management Needs----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-123 3.8.6 Threats and Problems--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-124 3.8.7 Additional Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-125 3.8.8 Recommendations------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-127 3.8.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-127 3.8.8.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-128 3.8.8.3 Research ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-129 3.8.8.4 Management Practices -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-130 3.8.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships--------------------------------------- 3-131

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3.9 Snails----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-133 3.9.1 Introduction ------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-133 3.9.1.1 Freshwater Snails --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-133 3.9.1.2 Land Snails------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-134 3.9.2 Comparison of 2015 and 2025 Priority Species ------------------------------------------ 3-135 3.9.3 Conservation Concerns ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-136 3.9.4 Knowledge Gaps- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-137 3.9.5 Management Needs---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-138 3.9.6 Threats and Problems-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-138 3.9.7 Additional Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-140 3.9.8 Recommendations------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-141 3.9.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-141 3.9.8.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-142 3.9.8.3 Research ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-143 3.9.8.4 Management Practices -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-144 3.9.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships--------------------------------------- 3-144 3.10 Insects ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-147 3.10.1 Introduction ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-147 3.10.1.1 Aquatic Insects----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-149 3.10.1.2 Terrestrial Insects ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-149 3.10.2 Conservation Concerns ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-149 3.10.3 Knowledge Gaps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-151 3.10.4 Management Needs -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-152 3.10.5 Threats and Problems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-184 3.10.6 Additional Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-155 3.10.7 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-155 3.10.7.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-155 3.10.7.2 Monitoring ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-156 3.10.7.3 Research------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-156 3.10.7.4 Management Practices ------------------------------------------------------------ 3-157 3.10.7.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ------------------------------------- 3-158 3.11 Pelagic Seabirds ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-160 3.11.1 Introduction ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-160 3.11.2 Conservation Concerns ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-161 3.11.3 Knowledge Gaps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-162 3.11.4 Management Concerns ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-163 3.11.5 Threats and Problems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-163 3.11.6 Additional Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-165 3.11.7 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-165 3.11.7.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-165 3.11.7.2 Monitoring ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-166 3.11.7.3 Research------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-167

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3.11.7.4 Management Practices ------------------------------------------------------------ 3-168 3.11.7.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ------------------------------------- 3-169 3.12 Marine Species -----------------------------------------------------------------------------170 3.12.1 Introduction ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-170 3.12.2 Regulations ----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-170 3.12.2.1 Federal Regulations----------------------------------------------------------------- 3-170 3.12.2.2 State Regulations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-171 3.12.3 Conservation Concerns ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-172 3.12.4 Knowledge Gaps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-173 3.12.5 Management Needs -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-173 3.12.6 Threats and Problems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-174 3.12.6.1 Nesting Threats (Terrestrial Habitats) ------------------------------------------ 3-174 3.12.6.2 Marine Threats (Essential Fish Habitats)--------------------------------------- 3-175 3.12.7 Additional Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-177 3.12.8 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-178 3.12.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-179 3.12.8.2 Monitoring ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-179 3.12.8.3 Research------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-179 3.12.8.4 Management Practices ------------------------------------------------------------ 3-181 3.12.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ------------------------------------- 3-181 3.13 Plants -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-183 3.13.1 Introduction ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-183 3.13.1.1 Federal Regulations----------------------------------------------------------------- 3-184 3.13.1.2 State Regulations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-185 3.13.2 Evaluation and Identification of Plant SGCN -------------------------------------------- 3-185 3.13.3 Conservation Concerns ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-185 3.13.4 Knowledge Gaps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-186 3.13.5 Management Needs -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-187 3.13.6 Threats and Problems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-188 3.13.7 Additional Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-190 3.13.8 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-190 3.13.8.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-191 3.13.8.2 Monitoring ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-192 3.13.8.3 Research------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-192 3.13.8.4 Management Practices ------------------------------------------------------------ 3-193 3.13.8.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ------------------------------------- 3-194

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Chapter 4. Habitats (Required Element 2) 4.1 Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-1 • Figure 4-1. North Carolina ecoregions --------------------------------------------------------- 4-2 4.1.1 Natural Community Descriptions--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-3 4.1.2 Natural Community Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-5 • Table 4.1-5. Priority natural community types and their ecoregion associations.--- 4-6 4.1.3 Species and Habitat Associations--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6 4.2 Aquatic Communities ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-8 4.2.1 Problems Affecting Aquatic Communities---------------------------------------------------4-10 4.2.2 Statewide Aquatic Community Recommendations ---------------------------------------4-15 4.2.2.1 Surveys -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-15 4.2.2.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-15 4.2.2.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-15 4.2.2.4 Management Practices ----------------------------------------------------------------4-18 4.2.2.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships-----------------------------------------4-19 4.2.3 Coldwater Systems -------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-22 4.2.3.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-22 • Table 4.2.3-1. Aquatic natural communities containing coldwater habitats---4-22 4.2.3.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-23 4.2.3.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-23 • Figure 4.2.3-1. Location of coldwater habitats---------------------------------------4-24 4.2.3.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-25 • Table 4.2.3-2. Climate change compared to other threats to coldwater systems ------------------------------------------------------------------------4-25 4.2.3.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-26 4.2.3.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-27 4.2.3.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-27 4.2.3.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-28 4.2.3.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-28 4.2.3.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-29 4.2.3.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-30 4.2.4 Coolwater Aquatic Communities --------------------------------------------------------------4-31 4.2.4.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-31 4.2.4.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-31 4.2.4.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-31 4.2.4.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-33

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• Table 4.2.4-1. Comparison of climate change with other threats to

coolwater systems------------------------------------------------------------------------4-33 4.2.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-34 4.2.4.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-35 4.2.4.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-35 4.2.4.6.2 Monitoring--------------------------------------------------------------------4-36 4.2.4.6.3 Research-----------------------------------------------------------------------4-36 4.2.4.6.4 Management Practices ----------------------------------------------------4-36 4.2.4.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships -----------------------------4-37 4.2.5 Warmwater Aquatic Communities------------------------------------------------------------4-38 4.2.5.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-38 4.2.5.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-38 4.2.5.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-38 4.2.5.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-39 4.2.5.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-40 4.2.5.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-40 4.2.5.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-41 4.2.5.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-41 4.2.5.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-41 4.2.5.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-42 4.2.5.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-42 4.2.6 Groundwater, Springs, and Subterranean Water Systems ------------------------------4-43 4.2.6.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-44 4.2.6.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-44 4.2.6.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-44 4.2.6.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-45 4.2.6.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-45 4.2.6.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-46 4.2.6.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-46 4.2.6.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-47 4.2.6.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-47 4.2.6.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-47 4.2.6.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-47 4.2.7 Headwater Streams/Small Creeks-------------------------------------------------------------4-48 4.2.7.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-48 4.2.7.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-48

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4.2.7.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-49 4.2.7.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-52 • Table 4.2.7-1. Comparison of climate change with other threats to headwater streams/small creeks -------------------------------------------------------4-52 4.2.7.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-53 4.2.7.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-54 4.2.7.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-54 4.2.7.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-55 4.2.7.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-55 4.2.7.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-56 4.2.7.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-56 4.2.8 Large Creeks/Small Rivers-----------------------------------------------------------------------4-57 4.2.8.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-57 4.2.8.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-57 4.2.8.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-57 4.2.8.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-60 • Table 4.2.8-1. Comparison of climate change with other threats to large creeks/small rivers -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-60 4.2.8.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-61 4.2.8.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-62 4.2.8.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-62 4.2.8.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-63 4.2.8.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-63 4.2.8.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-64 4.2.8.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-65 4.2.9 Medium River Communities--------------------------------------------------------------------4-66 4.2.9.1 Ecosystem Description-----------------------------------------------------------------4-66 4.2.9.2 Location of Habitat ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-66 4.2.9.3 Problems Affecting Habitats----------------------------------------------------------4-66 4.2.9.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats-------------------------------------4-69 • Table 4.2.9-1. Climate change compared to other threats to medium river communities---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-69 4.2.9.5 Impacts to Wildlife ---------------------------------------------------------------------4-71 4.2.9.6 Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-72 4.2.9.6.1 Surveys -------------------------------------------------------------------------4-72 4.2.9.6.2 Monitoring --------------------------------------------------------------------4-72 4.2.9.6.3 Research -----------------------------------------------------------------------4-73

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4.2.9.6.4 Management Practices -----------------------------------------------------4-73 4.2.9.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships------------------------------4-73 4.2.10 Large River Communities ----------------------------------------------------------------------4-74 4.2.10.1 Ecosystem Description ---------------------------------------------------------------4-74 4.2.10.2 Location of Habitat -------------------------------------------------------------------4-74 4.2.10.3 Problems Affecting Habitats --------------------------------------------------------4-74 4.2.10.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats -----------------------------------4-77 • Table 4.2.10-1. Climate change compared to other threats to large river communities --------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-77 4.2.10.5 Impacts to Wildlife --------------------------------------------------------------------4-78 4.2.10.6 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------4-80 4.2.10.6.1 Surveys------------------------------------------------------------------------4-80 4.2.10.6.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------4-81 4.2.10.6.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-81 4.2.10.6.4 Management Practices----------------------------------------------------4-82 4.2.10.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ----------------------------4-82 4.2.11 Stream Swamp Systems------------------------------------------------------------------------4-84 4.2.11.1 Ecosystem Description ---------------------------------------------------------------4-84 4.2.11.2 Location of Habitat -------------------------------------------------------------------4-84 4.2.11.3 Problems Affecting Habitats --------------------------------------------------------4-84 4.2.11.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats -----------------------------------4-87 • Table 4.2.11-1. Climate change compared to other threats to stream swamp systems -----------------------------------------------------------------------------4-87 4.2.11.5 Impacts to Wildlife --------------------------------------------------------------------4-88 4.2.11.6 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------4-89 4.2.11.6.1 Surveys------------------------------------------------------------------------4-90 4.2.11.6.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------4-91 4.2.11.6.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-91 4.2.11.6.4 Management Practices----------------------------------------------------4-92 4.2.11.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships ----------------------------4-93 4.2.12 Natural Lakes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4-94 4.2.12.1 Ecosystem Description ---------------------------------------------------------------4-94 4.2.12.2 Location of Habitat -------------------------------------------------------------------4-94 4.2.12.3 Problems Affecting Habitats --------------------------------------------------------4-94 4.2.12.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats -----------------------------------4-95 • Table 4.2.12-1. Climate change compared to other threats to natural lakes-4-96 4.2.12.5 Impacts to Wildlife --------------------------------------------------------------------4-97

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4.2.12.6 Recommendations --------------------------------------------------------------------4-98 4.2.12.6.1 Surveys ------------------------------------------------------------------------4-98 4.2.12.6.2 Monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------4-98 4.2.12.6.3 Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-99 4.2.12.6.4 Management Practices----------------------------------------------------4-99 4.2.12.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships -------------------------- 4-100 4.2.13 Reservoirs & Impoundments --------------------------------------------------------------- 4-101 4.2.13.1 Ecosystem Description ------------------------------------------------------------- 4-101 4.2.13.2 Location of Habitat ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-101 4.2.13.3 Problems Affecting Habitats ------------------------------------------------------ 4-101 4.2.13.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats --------------------------------- 4-104 4.2.13.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-104 4.2.13.6 Recommendations ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-105 4.2.13.6.1 Surveys---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-105 4.2.13.6.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-106 4.2.13.6.3 Research-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-107 4.2.13.6.4 Management Practices-------------------------------------------------- 4-107 4.2.13.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships -------------------------- 4-108 4.2.14 Estuarine Aquatic Communities------------------------------------------------------------ 4-109 4.2.14.1 Ecosystem Description ------------------------------------------------------------- 4-109 4.2.14.2 Location of Habitat ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-110 • Figure 4.2.14-1. Location of the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary System (APNEP)----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-111 4.2.14.3 Problems Affecting Habitats ------------------------------------------------------ 4-111 4.2.14.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats --------------------------------- 4-114 • Table 4.2.14-1. Climate change compared to other threats to estuarine aquatic communities -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-114 4.2.14.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-115 4.2.14.6 Recommendations ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-116 4.2.14.6.1 Surveys---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-116 4.2.14.6.2 Monitoring ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-117 4.2.14.6.3 Research-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-118 4.2.14.6.4 Management Practices-------------------------------------------------- 4-119 4.2.14.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships -------------------------- 4-119 4.3 Wetland Natural Communities ------------------------------------------------------- 4-121 4.3.1 Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-121 4.3.2 Bogs and Fens ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-123 4.3.2.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-123 4.3.2.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-124

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4.3.2.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-124 4.3.2.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-125 • Table 4.3.2-1. Climate change compared to other threats to mountain bogs and fens ---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-125 4.3.2.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-126 4.3.2.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-127 4.3.2.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-124 4.3.2.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-128 4.3.2.6.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-128 4.3.2.6.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------- 4-129 4.3.2.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships---------------------------- 4-130 4.3.3 Estuarine Wetland Communities ------------------------------------------------------------ 4-132 4.3.3.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-132 4.3.3.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-133 4.3.3.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-133 4.3.3.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-134 • Table 4.3.3-1. Climate change compared to other threats to estuarine wetland communities ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-134 4.3.3.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-135 4.3.3.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-137 4.3.3.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-137 4.3.3.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-137 4.3.3.6.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-138 4.3.3.6.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------- 4-139 4.3.3.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships---------------------------- 4-140 4.3.4 Floodplains – Blackwater Systems ---------------------------------------------------------- 4-142 4.3.4.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-143 4.3.4.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-143 4.3.4.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-143 4.3.4.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-144 • Table 4.3.4-1. Climate change compared to other threats to blackwater floodplain -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-144 4.3.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-145 4.3.4.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-146 4.3.4.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-146 4.3.4.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-147 4.3.4.6.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-148 4.3.4.6.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------- 4-149 4.3.4.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships---------------------------- 4-149

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4.3.5 Floodplains – Brownwater Systems--------------------------------------------------------- 4-151 4.3.5.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-151 4.3.5.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-151 4.3.5.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-151 4.3.5.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-153 • Table 4.3.5-1. Climate change compared to other threats to brownwater floodplains - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-153 4.3.5.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-154 4.3.5.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-154 4.3.5.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-155 4.3.5.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-155 4.3.5.6.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-156 4.3.5.6.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------- 4-156 4.3.5.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships---------------------------- 4-157 4.3.6 Floodplains – Inland Systems----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-158 4.3.6.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-158 4.3.6.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-158 4.3.6.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-159 4.3.6.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-160 • Table 4.3.6-1. Climate change compared to other threats to inland floodplains -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-161 4.3.6.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-161 4.3.6.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-162 4.3.6.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-162 4.3.6.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-163 4.3.6.6.3 Research --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-164 4.3.6.6.4 Management Practices --------------------------------------------------- 4-166 4.3.6.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships---------------------------- 4-166 4.3.7 Freshwater Tidal Wetlands ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-168 4.3.7.1 Ecosystem Description--------------------------------------------------------------- 4-168 4.3.7.2 Location of Habitat ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-168 4.3.7.3 Problems Affecting Habitats-------------------------------------------------------- 4-168 4.3.7.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats----------------------------------- 4-169 • Table 4.3.7-1. Climate change compared to other threats to freshwater tidal wetlands ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-169 4.3.7.5 Impacts to Wildlife ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-170 4.3.7.6 Recommendations-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-171 4.3.7.6.1 Surveys ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-172 4.3.7.6.2 Monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-172

2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan

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