Appendix 6
Reference Document 6-1
Southeast Conservation Blueprint Summary for North Carolina
concentration of unique Carolina Bay wetlands. The bays in this PARCA are known to have supported exceptionally large numbers of rare pond-breeding amphibians. Though some species have likely been lost from this area, priority species known to remain include the eastern tiger salamander, oak toad, dwarf salamander, eastern chicken turtle, southern chorus frog and Mabee's salamander. Only very small areas of the PARCA are currently managed as natural habitat, though a high potential for conservation exists with future habitat restoration and management. Croatan The Croatan PARCA is a hotspot for amphibian and reptile diversity. Dominated by the Croatan National Forest, multiple ecoregions, including Carolinian barrier islands, coastal marshes, Chesapeake-Pamlico lowlands, tidal marshes, nonriverine swamps, and peatlands, provide habitat for rare species such as the pygmy rattlesnake, gopher frog, and many others. Fire during drought periods, logging, and construction of drainage ditches have affected natural vegetation patterns, and several areas of mineral and shallow organic soils have been drained and cultivated for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. Conservation measures should focus on reducing maritime forest conversion, preserving natural hydrology in estuaries and bays, and restoring floodplain, wetland, pine, and wiregrass native vegetation. French Broad The French Broad PARCA follows the flow and floodplain of the French Broad River for 218 miles from Rosman, North Carolina to Tennessee. As one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad is valued for its cultural and economic importance. Several species of ambystomatid salamanders and aquatic turtles are found throughout the floodplain and river. By far the largest threat to this PARCA is pollution via stormwater runoff, which can cause sedimentation, increased pathogen levels, and streambank erosion. To reduce runoff and water quality decline, practices such as septic tank repairs, stormwater management, agricultural best management practices, and streambank stabilization should be put in place to minimize impacts to sensitive species. Grandfather Unaka The Grandfather Unaka PARCA is characterized by high-elevation spruce-fir forests and northern hardwood habitats, located on the border of Tennessee and northwest North Carolina. Once dominated by giant American chestnuts, invasive blight wiped out these massive trees, dramatically changing the forest composition and associated species. The tall mountain peaks in this PARCA may be considered "sky islands" that lead the way to disjunct populations of rare species like the Weller's salamander and northern pygmy salamander. There is a large risk of extirpation and local extinction for these species as temperatures are predicted to increase at higher elevations due to climate change. Additionally, impacts of heavy recreation may be playing a role in habitat degradation and species declines. More research is needed to determine thermal tolerances and range-wide effects of climate change on these species. Great Dismal Swamp South The Great Dismal Swamp South PARCA consists of the North Carolina portion of the Great Dismal Swamp. This area is the last remaining intact tract of what was once one million acres of forested wetland, and it holds immense cultural value. Extensive efforts were made from the late 1700's to mid 1900's to drain the swamp and much of the forest was clearcut for timber. The now-protected area is a refuge for remnant populations of priority species such as the timber rattlesnake and pine barrens tree frog. This PARCA is
Created 11/20/2024 using the Southeast Conservation Blueprint Explorer
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