Chapter 4 Habitats
list of all SGCN species can be found in Appendix 3. Aquatic SGCN species associated with aquatic habitats in each river basin are listed in Appendix 3-18. 4.5.3.1 Aquatic Conservation Priorities Conservation priorities have been identified for each river basin at the 12-digit HUC cataloging unit or stream reach scale and were categorized using two tiers to indicate relative importance when considering the limited resources available for conservation initiatives. The recommendations were developed by NCWRC biologists through review of their field data as well as data from several agencies and research organizations. The review considered a combination of factors such as the presence of federal- or state-listed species; distribution of SGCN and priority species; high species diversity; unique habitats, or high-quality habitats in the subbasin; and the importance of the watershed to downstream populations. Priority areas identified in this chapter are represented by HUC watershed boundaries and 1-km mainstem river riparian corridors and are part of the 2025 COAs. These priority areas are characterized as either Tier 1 (highest priority, presence of SGCN populations) and Tier 2 (high priority, protection of habitat) recommendations for conservation. Figures depicting the locations of priority areas are provided in each river basin description. In addition to recommendations provided for each river basin, general recommendations applicable statewide in all river basins are provided in Section 4.5.3.3. ArcGIS shapefile data of the 2025 COA priorities is available to download from the 2025 SWAP website https://www.ncwildlife.gov/plan. 4.5.3.2 Conservation Strategies Historically, aquatic conservation and management strategies have typically focused on a few commercially or recreationally significant game fish species, with stock enhancement as a primary goal. The passage of the 1973 ESA and the 1972 Clean Water Act (with amendments) stressed ecosystem protection and allowed for focused attention on all species and their habitats. Ecosystem management is likely the most effective strategy for conserving rare aquatic species because it factors in ecological relationships, land-use patterns, and threats to habitat and water quality. It is a complicated and often costly approach and relies heavily on cooperation among federal and state agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individual citizens. However, its holistic approach can benefit all species within the watershed. The USFWS has led in the development of detailed conservation strategies for freshwater mussels in the United States (Biggins et al. 1997) and fishes in the Southeast (Bibb et al. 2002) . Both of these important documents identify specific goals and detailed strategies for achieving them. Jenkinson and Todd (1997) provided a historical perspective of mollusk management in the United States and proposed general strategic guidance for habitat protection, population enhancement, harvest controls, public appreciation, and invasive species control and prevention. Some regional-scale strategies have been developed and are identified in the applicable river basin descriptions (NCDEQ 2025e) . Conservation efforts have recently increased for
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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