Reference Document 6-1
Southeast Conservation Blueprint Summary for North Carolina
turtle. The limestone valleys and coves area is the smallest subregion in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee, but contains one of the most diverse and ecologically important habitats–bogs. Threats to these species and the bogs and surrounding habitats within this PARCA include sedimentation, water pollution, woody succession, hydrology changes in bogs, dams and impoundments, and illegal poaching. Recent conservation efforts of bogs and focal species have focused on improving habitat through removal of invasive species and halting the encroachment of woody succession to keep these bogs open. Northern Sandhills This region comprises much of the Fall Line sandhill habitat in South Carolina between the Wateree River and the North Carolina state line. This area is characterized by deep, droughty sands dissected by small blackwater streams that typically support pocosin habitats along their margins. Historically, the uplands would have supported longleaf pine, and periodic fire would have played a role in maintaining this forest. Within the existing forest, there are areas of bare sand in addition to sandstone and ironstone outcrops. This region contains many threatened and endangered sandhill species. Pam Albemarle The Pam Albemarle PARCA is situated between the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, at the outlet of the Neuse and Tar Rivers. These two long rivers make up the entire known range of the Neuse River waterdog, a salamander endemic to North Carolina. Other priority species found within this PARCA include the lesser siren and rainbow snake. National wildlife refuges make up a good portion of the Pam Albemarle; however, habitat is still fragmented and impacted by human use. Conservation efforts should focus on streambank stabilization, restricting recreational access to sensitive habitats, reducing sedimentation and water pollution, and restoring natural streamflow conditions. Pamlico Outerbanks The Pamlico Outerbanks PARCA covers a very large area of the Pamlico Sound along with a large landmass in the Alligator River area. This PARCA is especially important for both fresh and saltwater turtles. The barrier islands and beaches provide nesting habitat for many sea turtle species, while the creeks support populations of diamondback terrapins. Spotted turtles can also be found in freshwater ecosystems inland of the sound. Cooler temperatures in this region may produce the least female-biased sex ratio of hatchlings. This, in turn, may become increasingly important in the face of climate change and projected warming in the region. Sea-level rise, more intense storms, and coastal erosion are all predicted to negatively affect the Pamlico Outerbanks. Protecting turtle nests, restoring coastal habitat, and incorporating turtle-friendly fishing gear will help mediate the negative effects of climate change and human impacts on this PARCA. Sandhills The Sandhills PARCA was once a fire-maintained longleaf pine-wiregrass community that supported an incredible diversity of unique plant and animal species. It still supports the largest and most intact remnants of the longleaf pine ecosystem in North Carolina. However, due to historic fire suppression and habitat loss, it is now just a small fragment of what once was. Located in south-central North Carolina, the Sandhills PARCA is characterized by unique topographical features like hillside seeps, dry sandy ridges, and coarse, well-draining soils. Priority conservation species, including the southern hognose snake, northern pine snake, eastern chicken turtle, eastern tiger salamander, pine barrens tree frog, and gopher
Created 11/20/2024 using the Southeast Conservation Blueprint Explorer
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