2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan

Chapter 4 Habitats

Federal Status

State Status

Common Name

Scientific Name

Necturus maculosus

Mudpuppy

DRAGONFLIES Green-faced Clubtail

Hylogomphus viridifrons Macromia margarita

At-Risk

Mountain River Cruiser

Boyeria grafiana

Ocellated Darner

Somatochlora elongata

Ski-tipped Emerald

Neurocordulia yamaskanensis

Stygian Shadowdragon

Calopteryx amata Stylurus scudderi

Superb Jewelwing

Zebra Clubtail

REPTILES Eastern Spiny Softshell

Apalone spinifera spinifera

4.5.10.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species Impoundment. The major problems affecting species and habitats in the Little Tennessee River Basin are impoundments (dams) and their associated impacts, and excess erosion and stream sedimentation. Of the entire 144 miles of the mainstem Little Tennessee River (in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee), only 47 miles in Georgia and North Carolina remain unimpounded. The NCDEQ reports there are 143 private, local government, and utility impoundments in the basin (NCDEQ 2025i) . The National Aquatic Barrier Inventory & Prioritization Tool (SARP 2024) shows 156 dams plus numerous other types of barriers to fish passage in the basin. Habitat alteration from impoundment, coldwater releases, and peaking flow regulation from dams also substantially impair and limit native aquatic communities in the upper Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and Cheoah river systems. Pollution. Potentially high-quality habitats are further degraded from nonpoint source pollution, primarily from erosion and sedimentation from disturbance related to development and agriculture. Water and habitat quality upstream from Lake Emory at Franklin (upper Little Tennessee River, Cullasaja River, Cartoogechaye Creek, and tributaries) varies considerably NCDEQ 2025e) . Instream habitat conditions in the upper Little Tennessee River are impaired by excessive sedimentation. Habitat for sensitive aquatic species within this reach is presently marginal to totally lacking. Portions of the Cullasaja River and Cartoogechaye Creek are presently in relatively good shape. While some tributaries in this area contribute significant sediment loads, substantial amounts of sediment result from bank erosion along the upper Little Tennessee mainstem. Erosion and sedimentation are also problems in the Tuckasegee River watershed, especially in the larger tributaries between Cullowhee and Bryson City (Cullowhee, Savannah, and Scott creeks).

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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan

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