Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Restore hydrology by reversing the effects of artificial drainage, as this is probably the most important action to protect pocosins.
• Institute a prescribed fire regime, especially on conserved lands. Burning can often be accomplished on uplands without the use of fire-lines in transition zones between upland sites and pocosin habitats (especially in winter). This promotes a healthy transition zone between the two habitats that is critical for many plant species and allows for nutrient flow to some pocosin habitats. 4.3.10.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be used to the fullest extent 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.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Focus land acquisition on consolidating these areas into larger holdings so that they may be managed through fire.
• Discern and offer increased protection to specialized pocosin types. Though extensive amounts of pocosin lands are already protected, some require more protection, such as Carolina bays (Bladen Lakes area) and white cedar stands. Carolina bays
References are located at the end of this document.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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