6/9/25, 10:59 AM
Wildlife Commission seeks public comment for draft 2025 Wildlife Act...
The draft plan includes updates from the 2015 plan with new research, biological knowledge and survey ndings, plus improved conservation actions targeted at resiliency and a stronger understanding of impacts from changing weather patterns. The combination of more historical weather events (such as Hurricane Helene) and the increase of the human population along with continued growth patterns has a compounding impact on wildlife resources, which are captured in Chapter 5-Threats as well as other chapters. Information from a regional climate assessment for North Carolina included in the draft 2025 Plan was developed by the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) and notes that changing climate patterns in the state will include continued increases in extreme heat and number of hot days, extreme weather and precipitation events that result in more frequent ooding, further sea level rise and associated saltwater intrusion into freshwater and inland habitats. “We are seeing an increase in climate-related impacts to aquatic species that require cold-water habitats,” said Simpson. “Helene devastated extensive acres of forested habitats, including riparian areas that provide shade for cold-water streams. Storm debris added additional barriers for aquatic species to be able to move upstream as previously cold waters are now warming. Our coastal regions are also at a high risk of habitat loss due to climate change, characterized by intensi ed storms that lead to increased saltwater intrusion, resulting in the emergence of ghost forests.” The NCWRC is responsible for managing and coordinating the SWAP in accordance with the federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program, managed through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). To be eligible for federal matching grants, states are required to create a SWAP and to conduct a 10-year mandatory comprehensive review and update to their Plan. NCWRC published North Carolina’s rst SWAP in 2005. North Carolina’s SWAP also includes updates and information about the numerous programs and efforts by partners and collaborators who support North Carolina’s conservation priorities. The NCWRC is working collaboratively with various partners, organizations, stakeholders and interested citizens who are providing input during the revision process. “I cannot say enough about the amount of work our partners, especially USFWS and SECAS, have done to help us develop this revision of our Wildlife Action Plan,” said Executive Director Kyle Briggs. “Now we need your assistance to make sure we have comprehensively addressed the conservation priorities for species of greatest
https://www.wakeweekly.com/news/wildlife-commission-seeks-public-comment-for-draft-2025-wildlife-action-plan-827a93d0
2/3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator