Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • The NCDMS has identified targeted local watersheds as restoration priorities in most river basins using 14-digit HUCs. Information about these priorities in the Hiwassee River Basin is available online: https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/mitigation-services/dms- planning/watershed-planning-documents/hiwassee-river-basin-documents. 4.5.9.5.5 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. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Continue to cooperate with conservation organizations, resource agencies, and other partners to implement watershed restoration efforts outlined in the Restoration Plan for the Hiwassee River Basin (NCWRP 2001c; NCEEP 2008a, NCDWR 2018) and the Peachtree-Martins Creek Local Watershed Plan (NCEEP 2009c, NCDWR 2018) . Hiwassee River Peachtree-Martins Creek • Partner with Soil and Water Conservation District programs, such as the Agriculture Cost Share Program, as they are also effective partners for conservation in priority areas. They can provide technical guidance and assistance to agricultural landowners for planting and maintaining native woody species where fields (e.g., crops, hay, pasture) border riparian corridors (e.g., the Brasstown Creek and Valley River drainage areas) (NCDWQ 2012b) . Brasstown Creek Valley River • Work with partner programs to assist homeowners who have failed to replace septic systems with a new treatment system (a septic tank, dual or recirculation sand filters, disinfection, and step aeration) (NCDEQ 2025e) . • Support watershed restoration and action plans developed for the Valley River and Lake Chatuge (HRWC 2007) . Valley River Lake Chatuge • Continue to work cooperatively as a member of the Candidate Conservation Agreement for Sicklefin Redhorse.
References are located at the end of this document.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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