Chapter 4 Habitats
species from the lower parts of their elevational range (DeWan et al. 2010) or hybridization in the case of flying squirrels (Garroway et al. 2010) .
The fact that these habitats are so small and isolated from each other could have a negative impact upon genetic health of individual populations, as well as demographic effects upon populations. Table 4.4.3-1 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats.
Table 4.4.3-1. Comparison of climate change with other threats to Spruce − Fir forests.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
This ecosystem is among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change of any in the state. Warmer winters will result in reduced snowfall and less snowpack, which in turn affect soil moisture gradients. Extreme storms have already caused blowdowns and landslides. During periods of extreme drought, the spruce zone, which is normally too moist to carry fire, has burned.
Climate Change
1
1 The Balsam Woolly Adelgid is the most severe threat to Fraser fir forests. Insect outbreaks have occurred in several areas, including Roan Mountain, the Black Mountains, and the Great Balsam Mountains. Changes in seasonal temperatures may allow pest species to survive during warmer winters and thus exacerbate the threat of insect outbreaks ( Logan et al. 2003 ). 1 Air pollution (including acid rain, ozone, and lead deposition) generated in other areas is carried by prevailing winds and deposited through precipitation. Acid rain kills or stunts new growth and contributes to heavy metal toxicity in soils. 2 The natural vegetation virtually never burns under the current climate, and the biota are not adapted to fire. Spruce − Fir habitats in North Carolina are now found within a narrow range of suitable conditions, isolated from each other and the rest of their range. This condition alone makes them more susceptible to perturbation and catastrophic events. The Parkway and its associated developments (the motor road, vistas, and visitor facilities) have had a significant impact on the amount of Spruce−Fir habitats available (NCWRC 2005). Residential development (e.g., second homes)
Invasive Species
Air Pollution
Wildfire
continues in parts of the Spruce-Fir zone, particularly in the Plott Balsams, Great Balsams, and Black Mountains. While wind turbine farms are unlikely to be built where stands of Spruce−Fir forests are still present, there is some potential for them to be sited on ridge-tops where Spruce−Fir once occurred and could be potentially restored.
Development
3
4 Much of the spruce was logged in the early 20 th century and in some areas (notably the Great Balsams), slash fires burned not only the coarse woody debris, but also the organic soil, which has subsequently inhibited the redevelopment of Spruce−Fir forests over large areas ( Schafale and Weakley 1990 ).
Logging/ Exploitation
4 - 235
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator