Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.2.8-1. Climate change compared to other threats to large creeks/small rivers. Threat Rank Order Comments Water Withdrawals 2 Irrigation and water supply withdrawals pose a threat to flow regime. Flood Regime Alteration 2 High and low flow extremes pose a threat.
3 Livestock access to streams contributes heavily to bank erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient input. 3 Clearing of riparian areas is problematic. Timber harvesting can increase erosion if proper controls are not used and maintained, in addition to damage caused by poorly constructed and maintained timber roads. 4 Climate change-related challenges to water quality and quantity are similar to those being caused by growth and development. Climate change effects will likely amplify other threats and increase their severity in aquatic systems. 4 Loss of forest cover can increase erosion and sedimentation, as well as negatively impact aquatic systems. 5 Invasive plants in the riparian area can have negative impacts on stream systems by creating a monoculture with poor nutrient inputs that reduces bank stability, thereby allowing too much sunlight and warmer stream temperatures. Invasive aquatic species, like the Basket (Asian) Clam, may have negative effects on native species due to competition for space and resources. Specific interactions are unknown. 6 Water supply needs could increase the number of impoundments and their disruptions to flow regime and aquatic habitat.
Livestock
Logging/ Exploitation
Climate Change
Conversion to agriculture/ silviculture
Invasive Species
Impoundments
4.2.8.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 provides lists of SGCN and other priority species. Table 3-18 in Appendix 3 provides a list of species associated with this aquatic habitat. Small river communities provide a number of important habitats, life cycles, or prey components to a vast assemblage of terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic wildlife. Wetlands associated with riverine systems can be important breeding sites for some amphibian and crayfish species. Birds may use riverine and adjacent terrestrial communities for nesting and feeding areas.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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