Chapter 4 Habitats
have been classified by NCDEQ for best intended uses (NCDEQ 2025e) . The NCDHHS has issued a statewide fish consumption advisory for certain species due to high levels of mercury contamination (NCDHHS 2025) . Some waterbodies in the basin have supplemental classifications such as HQW or ORW because they either have excellent water quality or they are a significant resource to humans or wildlife (NCDEQ 2025f,g) . The requirements for classification as an ORW are more stringent than those for a HQW and in some circumstances, the unique characteristics of the water and resource require that a specialized management strategy be developed (NCDEQ 2025f,g) . Another supplemental classification is NCDEQ’s trout water (Tr) designation, which protects freshwaters for natural propagation of trout and survival of stocked trout on a year-round basis (NCDEQ 2025f,g) . This is not the same as the NCWRC’s designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, which are waters that support trout and are open to public fishing.
The following table summarizes the most recent totals for freshwater supplemental classifications in the basin.
Tr Waters (NCDEQ)
Units
TOTAL 10,375
HQW
ORW
NSW
Freshwater Acres Freshwater Miles
--
--
--
-- -- --
925
61
55
353
36,537
19,985
16,551
--
Special Management Areas
There are four ORW or HQW Special Management Strategy Areas in the basin for Britton Creek (425 acres); Fires Creek area (14,858 acres); Gipp Creek area (1,693 acres); and Tusquitee Creek area (19,561 acres) (NCDEQ 2025f,g) . These areas require site-specific provisions to protect resources (e.g., no new discharges or expansion of existing discharges) (see 15A NCAC 02B.0225). 4.5.9.3 Aquatic Species Appendix 3 provides lists of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix 3, Table 3-18 identifies aquatic SGCN associated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. In addition to the crayfish, freshwater fish and mussels, and aquatic snails found in the basin, there are also species that have both aquatic and terrestrial stages to their life history. The following list of SGCN is also associated with the aquatic communities in the Hiwassee River Basin.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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