Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Investigate how reduction in freshwater marsh and increases in higher salinity areas affect American Alligators.
• Conduct research on fire management in marsh habitats to determine optimal frequency, timing, and firing techniques (e.g., flanking fire, back fire) to benefit priority birds.
• Investigate population densities, population growth rates, dispersal range, and extent of property damage from Nutria burrowing and herbivory.
4.3.8.6.4 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
• Use prescribed fire to burn portions of freshwater marshes to eliminate or set back competing woody species. Mechanical cutting of woody vegetation may be more feasible in areas that cannot be burned.
• The use of shoreline hardening should be discouraged when other possibilities are available.
• Manage for moist soils, very shallow water levels (<1.5 in) and very dense herbaceous vegetation in appropriate impoundments, or old waterfowl impoundments near the coast, for Black Rail and other birds that rely on herbaceous freshwater marsh. Black Rail 4.3.8.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be fully used to preserve high- quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that use existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. Work with land
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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