Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.3.2-1. Climate change compared to other threats to mountain bogs and fens. Threat Rank Order Comments scouring, and nutrient/sediment input are threats to mountain bogs and fens.
4 Beaver control measures should be considered at sites where potential loss of rare species may occur due to the creation of impoundments or use of certain rare plants as food by the Beavers. These measures include use of pond levelers, protective screening of rare plants, or as a last resort, removal of the Beavers. Where extirpation of rare species is not expected, however, development of Beaver pond complexes should be allowed, particularly where it may lead to restoration of higher water tables or clearings that favor the regeneration of wetland herbs and shrubs 5 The level of threat posed by climate change is unclear, while the other threats are ongoing and result in more drastic effects. Drought is likely to exacerbate ongoing problems and warmer temperatures may as well. 6 Many bog sites were historically converted to pastures and farms, primarily through draining, filling, or impoundment.
Impoundments
Climate Change
Conversion to agriculture/ silviculture
Mountain bogs and fens face a number of immediate threats that can cause more drastic destruction than climate change is likely to. Climate change exacerbates many of the ongoing problems. Many examples are not protected, and ongoing residential and commercial development and conversion to pasture or agriculture continues to destroy or degrade examples, through direct and indirect effects. While less frequent, some have been destroyed by artificial ponds (NCNHP 2024) . 4.3.2.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concerns. Appendices 3-17 (wildlife) and 3-22 (plants) identify SGCN that depend on or are associated with this habitat type. Some of the wildlife species associated with mountain bogs require open, herbaceous habitat (e.g., Bog Turtles, Golden-winged Warblers, Meadow Voles, Meadow Jumping Mice, Bog Lemmings) while others prefer closed canopy wetlands (salamanders). In fact, for the Bog Turtle and the Southern Bog Lemming, bogs are the primary or sole habitat type in the state. The priority amphibians associated with mountain bogs are all salamanders, though there certainly are a much larger number of amphibians found in mountain bogs. These salamanders (Mole, Four-toed, Marbled, Three-lined, and Spotted Salamanders) for the most part require
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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