Chapter 4 Habitats
4.4.7.2 Location of Habitat Grass and Heath Balds occur only in the highest mountain ranges of western North Carolina, notably in the Great Smokies, Plott Balsams, Great Balsams, Black/Craggy Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain, and in the Amphibolite Mountains of Ashe County. According to the most recent Southeast GAP analysis, Grass and Heath Balds comprise approximately 3,884 acres (about 1,572 hectares) of land cover in North Carolina (SEGAP 2023) . This represents only 0.2% of land cover in the state. 4.4.7.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Natural System Changes. Warmer temperatures, changes in precipitation or fire regime, or climate-change induced competition from offsite plants may threaten grassy balds (Wear and Greis 2012) . Grassy Balds and some of the Heath Balds are already seriously threatened by invasion from native trees and shrubs. The current invasion of native trees and shrubs, development, and conversion to pastures or Christmas tree plantations are much greater concerns than impacts from climate change. Climate Change. Future climate conditions are expected to include warmer temperatures, longer growing season, and likely more hot spells and drought. Warmer temperatures may change the composition of these communities in uncertain ways. Some of the species of Grassy Balds are northern species that presumably would suffer. Much of the current climate in the high mountains is orographically determined and is quite different from the general regional climate. Much of the distinctive environment here depends on fog and orographic cloud cover. If these phenomena persist, they will ameliorate the effects of warming, drought, and fire. If they are disrupted, climate change effects will be much more drastic. Invasive Species. Problems with exotic species invasion in Grassy Balds may increase with warmer temperatures and increased fire, but this is not certain. The most abundant exotic species at present are grazing-tolerant grasses that are from past grazing, and they are not known to be expanding where grazing is not occurring. Heath Balds do not suffer from exotic species invasion at present. No invasive species are known that are likely to become a serious threat to them. 4.4.7.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help define short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. The effect of climate change on the species of balds is particularly uncertain. Some species are at their southern range limits and some are northern disjuncts, and these may be directly harmed by warmer temperatures. Some are dependent on seeps or wet areas and may be harmed by more frequent or more intense drought. Habitat specialists and species with restricted ranges will likely be some of the greatest affected by the combined effects of habitat loss and climate change. Such populations are more vulnerable to extinction by rare events and susceptible to additional stressors such as
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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