Chapter 4 Habitats
4.5.8.5.4 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. In addition, education about, and regulation and prevention of, the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital. Specific issues in this basin include high rates of development and associated erosion and sedimentation, secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality, riparian vegetation restoration and conservation, point sources of pollution, water supply watershed protection, and headwaters protection.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Support conservation and restoration of streams and riparian zones in priority areas.
• Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and enhancement planning for Sandy Mush and Cold Mountain game lands. Sandy Mush Game Land Cold Mountain Game Land • Continue current species restoration efforts in the Pigeon River and reintroduce extirpated species in restored or improved habitats as opportunity allows. Pigeon River • Continue restoration and augmentation of Appalachian Elktoe and other priority species throughout the basin. Appalachian Elktoe • Prioritize education and other measures to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive nonnative species, especially crayfishes.
• Support removal of relict dams and enhancement of aquatic organism passage at other barriers.
4.5.8.5.5 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 incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. Many overlapping priorities and common objectives, readily available support, and many willing partners provide abundant opportunities in the French Broad River Basin.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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