Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.2.10-1 Climate change compared to other threats to large river communities. Threat Rank Order Comments
3 Irrigation, water supply, and energy development withdrawals pose threats to flow regime. Streamflow is likely to be reduced during droughts, and recharge of groundwater will decline as the temperature and spacing between rainfall events increase. Increased demands for drinking water supply will further stress or deplete aquifers and place increasing strain on surface water resources. Increasing evaporation and plant water loss rates alter the balance of runoff and groundwater recharge, which is likely to lead to saltwater intrusion into shallow aquifers. Water withdrawals can be problematic, particularly in streams with already low 7Q10 flows, because they may reduce available habitat for aquatic species. 3 Loss of riparian vegetation causes numerous problems that are outlined throughout this Plan. Of particular concern is the loss of shading and a source of detritus for food webs, the increased potential for runoff of sediments into stream channels, and increased potential for bank erosion.
Water Withdrawals
Lack of riparian vegetation
Invasive plants in the riparian area can have negative impacts on stream systems by creating a monoculture with poor nutrient inputs, reducing bank stability, and reducing shading (warmer stream temperatures). Alligator Weed creates floating mats that disrupt DO levels. Asian Dayflower, Hydrilla, Water Hyacinth, and Giant Salvinia could pose more of a threat to these systems with a warm climate. Invasive aquatic animal species, such as the Flathead Catfish, Basket (Asian) Clam, Red Swamp Crayfish, and Nutria may have negative effects on native species, such as competition for space and resources.
Invasive Species
3
4 Hydropower impoundments could become more prevalent as population growth exerts higher demands for energy resources. Impoundments contribute to fragmentation and loss of important stream habitats (e.g., riffles, runs).
Energy development
4.2.10.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 includes a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gap and management concern priorities. Appendix 3-18 identifies SGCN that use large river communities. Weather extremes (such as drought, floods, tropical depressions, hurricanes) that are expected to be amplified by climate change can have profound effects on fishery production in large Coastal Plain rivers.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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