Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Continue research on topics including efficient and effective means to manage and improve the quality and quantity of dry coniferous forest, with a particular eye toward techniques that are applicable in our developing landscape. In the absence of fire, either as a natural event or as a management tool, research other means available to sustain this habitat across the landscape.
• Research how the loss of hemlock affects salamander habitat use and microclimate. Salamanders Hemlock
4.4.11.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Determine impacts of prescribed fire on these communities and the resulting effects on wildlife communities.
• Develop logistically and economically effective control strategies for controlling outbreaks of the most damaging insect pests and diseases.
• Regulate human activities on steep slopes that may cause excessive erosion or mud slides and develop and implement BMPs to mitigate erosion.
• Conduct prescribed burns and control invasive species, as these are the most important conservation actions to take to restore degraded sites and allow these communities to be more stable and resilient in the face of climate change.
4.4.11.6.5 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
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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