Chapter 4 Habitats
mapping, with locations mapped as palustrine emergent freshwater wetlands (PEM) as defined in the national classification of wetlands ( FGDC 2013) . However, aerial photos must be checked to identify that marshes are herbaceous and do not have a significant component of wood shrubs or trees. One of the few good examples of this habitat type exists along Bell Island Road in Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge. 4.3.8.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Fire Suppression. It is likely that freshwater herbaceous marshes existed in areas now covered by forest or that have a tree and shrub component that would not exist under a natural fire regime (Noss 2012) . Historically there may have been more freshwater herbaceous marshes due to frequent fires that were able to reach intense heat conditions and knock back shrub and tree succession on hydric soils. Land Use . Development of farming and agricultural activities, logging of nearby forests, conversion to pine plantation, and stormwater runoff contribute to losses. Some freshwater herbaceous wetlands have been degraded by excessive deposits of nutrients and sediment from construction and farming related erosion. Such environmental problems prove the vital roles these wetlands play (USEPA 2024) . Development Freshwater marshes have suffered major acreage losses to residential and commercial development. Additional threats associated with development include new roads and crossing structures, utilities and utility maintenance activities, and land use changes to surrounding landscapes. Flooding. Coastal locations will be subject to flooding associated with storm surge which can introduce saltwater to these freshwater systems. Freshwater marsh destruction and degradation in other locations statewide that are subject to flooding events can result in nutrient deposition to downstream waters. When it rains, water runs across hard surfaces like parking lots and roofs and flows into wetlands. This stormwater may carry pollutants (e.g., fertilizer, gasoline, oils, sediment, litter). Wetlands help filter this stormwater to keep our water clean, but too many pollutants in the stormwater may overwhelm wetlands (NCDWR 2024b) . Drought. Low rain levels during extremely dry (drought) conditions can decrease, and sometimes completely remove, the amount of water on the surface and/or in the soils of wetlands. The lack of water can cause changes in soil chemistry and affect the plants and animals that live there. To conserve secretive marsh bird species such as the Black Rail, it is necessary to create and restore moist soil or very shallow herbaceous freshwater marshes to move populations out of areas that will receive frequent tidal flooding. Invasive Species. Invasive species are nonnative species that grow aggressively and displace native species. Invasive plants decrease biodiversity and degrade habitat by outcompeting native plants that wetland animals rely on for food and shelter. Invasive animals, like Nutria,
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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