Chapter 4 Habitats
4.2.3.2 Location of Habitat Coldwater aquatic communities can be found in the Broad, Catawba, French Broad, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New, Savannah, Watauga, and upper Yadkin River basins. A review of US Geological Survey (USGS) real-time stream gauge data for water temperatures shows that Cataloochee Creek (near Cataloochee, NC), Mills River (near Mills River, NC), Pigeon River (near Canton, NC), Yadkin River (near Patterson, NC), and Catawba River (near Pleasant Gardens, NC) historically have persistent cold waters during the summer (USGS 2014a) . Examples of other locations where coldwater habitats occur in at least a portion of the stream, and where brook trout and other coldwater fish species have been detected during field surveys, include Big Laurel Creek, Brasstown Creek, Cane River, Cove Creek, Mitchell River, Nolichucky River, and the Nantahala River. These locations represent only a few of the coldwater habitats found in the state. Figure 4.2.3-1 indicates the approximate location where coldwater habitats occur within the river basins of western North Carolina. The presence or absence of riparian buffers, discharge into the waters, or other local landscape conditions will influence water temperatures and aquatic communities. It is important to understand that not all streams, rivers, and impoundments that occur within the shaded area of Figure 4.2.3-1 are coldwater habitats nor have trout or other coldwater species present in the community. 4.2.3.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Chapter 5 Threats provides more information about 11 categories of threats most likely to impact North Carolina’s wildlife and natural communities. The list of threats is based on definitions and classifications published by Salafsky et al. (2008, 2024) . The following information focuses on current and anticipated threats for this habitat. Water Quality . As with coolwater streams, erosion and the resultant sedimentation are the largest sources of nonpoint source pollution in most aquatic systems. Sources of erosion include disturbance from development activities and agriculture. Residential development, particularly in steep slope areas, is of particular concern because of increased erosion. Livestock access to streams contributes heavily to bank erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient input. Timber harvests and poorly constructed and maintained timber roads are additional sources of erosion if proper controls are not used and maintained. Many of the water quality and water quantity impacts resulting from climate change are analogous to impacts from economic development and population growth in North Carolina. Climate change is predicted to decrease rainfall and therefore, limit water supply, while growth and development have been increasing and continue to increase water supply demands. Historical stream flow patterns are projected to be altered due to climate change impacts; however, these are already being altered due to rapid urbanization.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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