Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.2.4-1 Climate change compared to other threats to coolwater systems.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
riparian vegetation or inadequate width of forested buffer can cause streambank erosion and sedimentation. 2 Loss of forest cover can cause increased erosion and sedimentation and negatively impact aquatic systems. Poorly constructed and maintained timber roads are another source of erosion. 2 Irrigation and water supply withdrawals pose a threat to flow regime. Water withdrawals can be problematic, particularly in streams with already low 7Q10 flows, because they may reduce available habitat for aquatic species. Decreased groundwater recharge between storms due to impervious surfaces leads to a decrease in stream baseflow. 2 Many rivers that were once free flowing are now flooded by reservoirs, severely fragmenting habitat and often isolating populations of species above and below the impoundment. Floodplains and wetlands are natural features designed for flood control through attenuation and dissipation of floodwaters. Development and other impacts can reduce this service. 3 Climate change is predicted to decrease rainfall and therefore, limit water supply. Effects will likely compound with other threats to increase the severity of several threats to aquatic systems. 4 Invasive plants in the riparian area can have negative impacts on stream systems by creating a monoculture (such as Japanese Knotweed) with poor nutrient inputs, reducing bank stability, and allowing too much sunlight to infiltrate, resulting in warmer stream temperatures. Invasive aquatic species, like the Basket (Asian) Clam or Rusty Crayfish, may have negative effects on native species, such as competition for space and resources.
Conversion to agriculture/ silviculture
Water Withdrawals
Flood Regime Alteration
Climate Change
Invasive Species
4.2.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 contains several tables listing SGCN and other species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concern priorities. Specifically, Table 3-18 identifies SGCN that use coolwater streams. The temperature tolerance range of aquatic species can be specific, and the availability of cool waters can be a limiting factor in determining where species can find appropriate habitat that does not exceed temperature tolerances, especially as average water temperatures experience warming trends (DeWan et al. 2010) . Appalachian Elktoe is a freshwater mussel species that requires cool, clean, well-oxygenated waters, but appropriate aquatic habitat in its range is generally fragmented. Habitat fragmentation can disrupt life-cycle relationships of SGCN priority mussel
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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