Chapter 4 Habitats
Impoundments. According to a NCDNCR dam inventory (NCDEMLR 2014) , there are at least 145 impoundments in the basin, most of which are small impoundments. The consequences of these dams include blocked migration routes for diadromous and resident native species, and reduced recolonization and dispersal potential for multiple aquatic taxa (Williams et al. 1993; Etnier 1997; Neves et al. 1997; Warren et al. 2000; NCWRC 2005). Water withdrawals for irrigation and similar uses further change flow patterns and reduce the quality/quantity of available habitat for aquatic species (NCDWQ 2010b). Invasive species (e.g., Flathead Catfish and Red Swamp Crayfish) are established in the Lumber River Basin and continue to negatively impact native species populations (Fuller et al. 1999; Cooper 2005) via predation and competition. 4.5.11.5 Basin Specific Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3. Priority 12-digit HUCs identified in the Lumber River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.11-2 at the end of this section. 4.5.11.5.1 Surveys Surveys are systematic and scientific methods of collecting information about the distribution, abundance, and ecology of wildlife or their habitats in a specific area at a specific time. A habitat survey is a method of gathering information about the ecology of a site. The results of a habitat survey provide basic ecological information that can be used for biodiversity conservation, planning and/or management, including targeting of more detailed botanical or zoological investigations (Smith et al. 2011) . Repeated surveys using the same methods can provide information about conditions and changes to species assemblages and habitat composition over time. Priorities for conducting distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Conduct distributional and status surveys on basin-specific priorities. Coastal Plain crayfishes Pygmy Sunfish species Broadtail Madtom Sandhills Chub
Banded Sunfish Ironcolor Shiner
4.5.11.5.2 Monitoring Monitoring involves repeated observation and recording of specific parameters to show trends over time. Long-term monitoring that includes statistical and quantitative analysis in the design is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to changing conditions (Gitzen et al. 2012, Lindenmayer and Likens 2009) . Monitoring efforts should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified, and monitoring protocols developed for all
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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