Chapter 4 Habitats
Impacts to the non-riverine swamps and hardwood stands in the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula, which includes the largest blocks of habitats of this ecosystem group in the state, are likely to be catastrophic. These stands are unlikely to be replaced by the development of new stands located farther inland. Table 4.3.9-1 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats. Table 4.3.9-1 Climate change compared to other threats to nonalluvial mineral wetlands. Threat Rank Order Comments
1 Much of the protected acreage is in low elevation areas that are particularly threatened by rising sea level. Areas in Dare and Tyrrell counties are already being converted to tidal communities, and this effect is likely to accelerate. 1 Hydrological alteration, in the form of ditches, increases the threat of rising sea level. Ditches bring tidal water into low- lying examples, causing it to penetrate inland into the nonalluvial wetlands.
Climate Change
Flood Regime Alteration
Nonalluvial mineral wetlands tend to be converted for forestry and agriculture more readily since the mineral soils can support heavy equipment better than organic soils, and they are more fertile. The condition of nonalluvial mineral wetlands is generally poor due to alternation of hydrology (primarily from draining for farmland and conversion to Loblolly Pine plantation) and is rather fragmented. Nonnative plant species (e.g., Chinese Privet, Japanese Stiltgrass) are also competing with native vegetation in many areas, especially those frequently disturbed. Several potential threats, including Chinese Tallow Tree and Gypsy Moth, may become significant even if the climate does not change. Invasive species are currently a significant problem only in the rarer community types. Wet marl forest is highly threatened by invasive plants.
Conversion to agriculture/silviculture
1
Invasive Species
2
4.3.9.5 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 nonalluvial mineral wetlands. These sites are important for a variety of neotropical migrants during the breeding season and migration periods ( Hunter et al. 2000b; Johns 2004 ), and several reptiles of conservation concern. Wayne’s Black-throated Green Warbler is nearly confined to non-riverine swamp forests
4 - 184
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator