Chapter 4 Habitats
4.2.11 Stream Swamp Systems 4.2.11.1 Ecosystem Description
Small stream swamp communities are found in the lower Coastal Plain ecoregion and represent aquatic habitats of small-to-medium streams, larger swamp systems, and artificial ditches that are not included in the large river community description. Due to the lack of elevation change, floodwaters generally drain slower in these systems, thereby increasing the duration and extent of interface between the aquatic habitat and adjacent land as compared to floodplain communities that are found in other ecoregions. Substrate in these systems is typically sand or organic matter, and many waters have high quantities of tannins. Although ditches are artificial habitats, they are included in this theme because they frequently have hydrologic connection to natural streams and, over time, the aquatic communities resemble these natural systems. 4.2.11.2 Location of Habitat Examples of this community type include Town Creek, Great Coharie Creek, and Juniper Creek in the Coastal Plain. Priority habitats similar to this community include the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Riverine Aquatic Communities and Tidal Swamp Forest and Wetlands (see Chapter 5). 4.2.11.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Land Use. Aquatic systems in North Carolina have been threatened by a variety of perturbations in the past and many of those same threats continue today. For example, ditches used to drain stream swamp communities will alter local hydrology, eliminate aquatic habitats and alter terrestrial communities that depend on hydrologic input from the swamp, and can be a conduit for saltwater intrusion, depending on landscape position. Converting land uses from natural forest to agriculture or silviculture production and residential and commercial development continue to threaten stream integrity. The threat comes from related increases in sediment, bank erosion, and stormwater runoff containing sediment and other potentially toxic materials. Floodplains and wetlands associated with stream swamp communities are natural features designed for flood control and dissipating floodwaters. Floodplain development interferes with this natural capacity and worsens downstream flooding, scour, and erosion. Riparian vegetation is critical to the overall stream and streambank stability and moderation of water temperatures. Riparian areas include land adjacent to water bodies (e.g., floodplains) and are critical to the overall stream and streambank stability. In addition to erosion control, riparian areas allow for sediment and pollutant deposition (by dissipating energy from runoff and allowing for filtration); infiltration of water runoff to allow for groundwater recharge; regulation of stream temperature by providing shade; attenuation of storm flows (flood control); carbon sequestration by mature woody vegetation; and increased stream habitat complexity by contributing woody debris. They also provide habitat for terrestrial wildlife species and serve as corridors for movement of terrestrial wildlife species (Seavy et al. 2009; NCWRC 2002; Wenger 1999) .
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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