Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.4.9-1 Climate change compared to other threats to low-elevation flatrocks, cliffs, and rock outcrops. Threat Rank Order Comments
Cliffs and rock outcrops have some problems with invasive plants, which can invade edge zones and more favorable soil pockets. Cogongrass may not already be present but is likely to increase with climate change. If climate change increases disturbance of adjacent forests, it may allow invasive plant seed sources to develop closer to rock outcrops that are now remote from them. 2 Development on granitic flatrock communities may involve blasting or other fracturing methods to remove rock. Development of adjacent landscapes is likely to introduce pollution and sediment through stormwater runoff. There may also be increased opportunity for invasive species to disperse into this habitat. Development can have both direct and indirect impacts that severely threaten many unprotected examples. Improved access may increase recreational use that leads to trampling and poaching of rare plants. 2 Trampling from hiking and recreation activities, trash dumping, and other damage could occur from human disturbance. Where granitic flatrocks occur within forested habitats, timber removal can disturb vegetation on flatrocks.
Development
Human Disturbance
These species tolerate drought at present or grow in the moist early growing season. It is unclear if they are at the margin of their tolerance, or whether they could withstand longer or more severe droughts. More southerly flatrock species could find their way to our flatrocks.
Climate Change
3
3 It is unclear how much climate change will change fire frequency in the fragmented landscapes of the Piedmont and lower Mountains. Fire suppression has been a major factor degrading some of these communities. Fire may allow dry rock outcrops to expand, while mesic cliff and heath bluff communities could be harmed by intense fires. Fires during severe drought may be too intense and may cause damage to the characteristic plants and the shallow soils as well. 4 Land ownership patterns, proximity to markets, accessibility, and other factors influence short-term habitat alterations like forestry operations.
Fire
Logging/ Exploitation
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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