Chapter 4 Habitats
Most agriculture and development are concentrated in the valleys with the exception of Christmas tree farms, although development on steeper slopes is increasing. Christmas tree production is a major agricultural enterprise in the basin, and large amounts of pesticides and herbicides are used. Impacts from this on aquatic systems are largely unknown. Impoundments. Impoundment is not a significant issue in the basin. According to an NCDEQ dam inventory (NCDEMLR 2014) , there are 46 impoundments in the basin. Most are small, privately owned lakes used for recreation. There is one run-of-river hydroelectric facility at Sharpe Falls on North Fork New River, and numerous small impoundments on tributaries. Invasive Species. Numerous nonnative aquatic animal species are established in the basin. As identified in previous basin accounts, nonnative vegetation can also negatively impact native aquatic animal communities. This includes both aquatic and riparian plant species and nonnative plant pathogens that can alter riparian vegetation and affect aquatic habitats (e.g., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid). Overall, impacts of invasive species on populations of native species are unclear at present, but should be a focus of long-term monitoring and specific investigations. 4.5.13.5 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 New River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.13-2 at the end of this section. 4.5.13.5.1 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
• Aquatic Snails – complete primary distribution inventories; determine potential habitats and distribution surveys. Seep Mudalia
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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