Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Study past and predicted changes in coastal bird habitats, especially relative to sea level rise and storm events, including natural barrier islands, marsh islands, and dredged-material islands. Use models to provide guidance for long-term habitat restoration and management for continued population viability.
• Assess changes in the quantity and quality of coastal wetlands from sea level rise, wetland migration, and other impacts (NCDEQ 2021) .
• Research successful shoreline stabilization alternatives, with an emphasis on living shorelines (NCDEQ 2021) .
• Conduct pilot studies to better understand the use of thin-layer placement of sediment as a tool to restore salt marsh habitats.
4.3.3.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Allow barrier islands to migrate, as it increases their chance of survival and reduces the chance of sudden and drastic changes in tidal regime in the estuaries.
• Where practical, restore marsh habitat by filling drainage ditches, install ditch plugs and water control structures. Ditches may accelerate erosion and the effects of rising sea level such as saltwater intrusion.
• Continue implementation of Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations (NCDEQ 2025d) .
• For locations at risk of future shoreline hardening, protect suitable nesting habitat for sea turtles and beach-nesting birds to maintain robust populations as disturbance and sea level rise issues mount.
4 - 139
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator