Chapter 4 Habitats
Tr Waters (NCDEQ)
Units
TOTAL 14,066
HQW 1,389
ORW
NSW
Freshwater Acres Freshwater Miles
756
3,982
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344
33
20
218
6,735
6,735
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Special Management Areas
There are more than 1,389 freshwater acres of HQW Special Management Strategy Areas in the basin for several streams: Alarka Creek, Dednan Branch, Flat Branch, Jenkins Branch, Long Branch, Long Creek, Oconaluftee River, Twentymile Creek, Whiterock Creek, and Wolf Creek. These areas require site-specific provisions to protect resource values (e.g., no new discharges or expansion of existing discharges) (see 15A NCAC 02B.0225) (NCDEQ 2025 f,g) . In addition to the best-use classifications, the NCDEQ also monitors waters in the state to determine if they are supporting their use classification(s) and assigned use-support ratings. These ratings are published in the most recent 303(d) impaired waterbodies list (NCDEQ 2025h) . The 24-mile-long reach of the Little Tennessee River between Franklin and Fontana Reservoir supports the greatest diversity and abundance of native aquatic species in the region. Strong populations of Spotfin Chub, Sicklefin Redhorse, and many other priority species generally thrive in the high-quality habitat conditions. However, some historically abundant mussel species, including Appalachian Elktoe, have declined precipitously throughout the reach. Good habitat conditions and native aquatic communities, including many priority species, also exist in sections of the Tuckasegee River. 4.5.10.3 Aquatic Species Appendix 3 provides lists of aquatic SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix 3, Table 3-18 identifies aquatic SGCN associated with the 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 Little Tennessee River Basin.
Federal Status
State Status
Common Name
Scientific Name
AMPHIBIANS
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis
PE
SC
Eastern Hellbender
Eurycea longicauda longicauda
T
Eastern Long-tailed Salamander
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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