Chapter 3 North Carolina’s Species
3.13.7 Additional Information There has been a longstanding disconnect between the documented conservation needs for plant species and the disproportionately low funding and support for the recovery of rare, at- risk, and imperiled species. In a review of species listed under the Endangered Species Act, plants vastly exceed all other taxonomic groups in number of species listed but represent the lowest investment per species compared to all other taxonomic groups (Negron-Ortiz 2014) . Making additional resources available for conserving these unique and foundational components of our natural world should be a higher priority. With the increase in North Carolina’s human population and the rapid pace of land use change over the past 20 years often resulting in habitat destruction and degradation, the need for plant and wildlife habitat conservation and management is more urgent than ever. The need for funding, staff, and public support cannot be overstated. North Carolina benefits from a robust conservation community and network of organizations involved in plant conservation. Some partners include North Carolina’s Plant Conservation Program and Friends of Plant Conservation, NC Natural Heritage Program, Botanical Garden, Division of Parks and Recreation, Forest Service, and NCWRC, as well as federal partners such as the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Coastal Reserve Program. Universities also collaborate for research and education, especially the University of North Carolina system (Chapel Hill, Asheville, Appalachian State, NC State, Western Carolina, Wilmington), Duke University, and Catawba College. In addition, many land trusts and local governments monitor preserves for rare species and incorporate prescribed fire and wetland restoration into their practices. Groups such as the Plant Conservation Alliance and the Rare Flora Discussion Group play a role in fostering communication and collaboration among these many partners. 3.13.8 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas under undisturbed conditions are the best ways sustain ecosystems and ecosystem services. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of community components are the best way to ensure that species are able to survive future stressors and adapt to changing climate conditions. The following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement for all plant SGCN. Other conservation recommendations for the habitats associated with these species have been incorporated into the natural community descriptions provided in Chapter 4 Habitats.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
3 - 188
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator