Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.3.4-1 Comparison of climate change with other threats to blackwater floodplains.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
Pollution/siltation
2
In particular, nutrient loads have the potential to greatly increase with the construction of new poultry processing facilities in coastal counties. Untreated stormwater runoff from large cities and towns is a major problem that impacts both aquatic life and terrestrial wildlife associated with floodplain forests. Increased frequency of intense rainfall and flood events will contribute to an increase in pollution and sedimentation. Increased drought may lead to demand for more water withdrawal. Chinese Privet , Japanese Stiltgrass , Japanese Honeysuckle, and Asian Dayflower are already problems and are expected to increase with climate change. If not controlled, these species will greatly expand the acreage severely affected, regardless of climate. Canopy gaps could allow invasive species to become established, especially Japanese Stiltgrass. The effects of rising sea level would be felt only in the lower reaches of the rivers. Large expanses in these areas would shift to tidal swamps. Saltwater intrusion could occur during floods or high storm surge.
Groundwater Depletion Invasive Species
2
2
Climate Change
3
4.3.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concerns. Appendix 3-17 identifies SGCN that depend on or are associated with this habitat type. Loss of old growth characteristics (canopy gaps, vine tangles, hollow trees, dead and downed woody material) and fragmentation of stands are major concerns. A lack of standing dead or older trees has impacted the availability of quality bat and Chimney Swift roosting and breeding sites and nesting productivity for species such as the Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser. Removing woody debris from streams after storms has influenced in-stream habitat structure and food webs. Lack of downed woody debris has impacted a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Fragmentation of floodplain forest stands has contributed to the loss of intact large riparian corridors, and the width of many riparian corridors has been greatly reduced. Breeding area- sensitive bottomland-hardwood birds have likely been impacted by the loss of intact woodland systems. Large patches of floodplain habitat are lacking in much of the Coastal Plain. High-
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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