Appendix 1-5
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Attention: Ms. Cindy Simpson 1721 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 September 5, 2025
Dear Ms. Simpson On behalf of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (NCAFS) I am writing to express our full support for the 2025 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan Revision (SWAP). The NCAFS is a 101-member society of scientists representing state and federal resource agencies, academic institutions, and private institutions. As an organization dedicated to advancing the science and sustainable management of our aquatic resources, we recognize the critical role that the SWAP plays in guiding conservation efforts across our state. The 2025 revision of the SWAP demonstrates a strong, science-based approach to identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), prioritizing habitat conservation, and supporting landscape-level strategies that protect the integrity of North Carolina's diverse ecosystems. Importantly, the plan integrates adaptive management, cross-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement—principles we value deeply within our professional community. North Carolina’s rivers, estuaries, lakes, and coastal waters are home to a rich array of native fish and aquatic species, many of which face mounting threats from habitat fragmentation, water pollution, climate change, and invasive species. The SWAP provides a roadmap for addressing these challenges by promoting proactive, conservation measures that benefit both wildlife and local communities. As fisheries professionals, we particularly commend the plan’s attention to aquatic habitats and the inclusion of strategic actions that support the health of fish and freshwater mussel populations across the state. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also sustain the ecological services and recreational opportunities that North Carolinians value. The plan provides a roadmap to keep common species common, to prevent their listing under the Endangered Species Act, and also provides strategies to recover federally protected species with the goal to either downlist or delist species. The conservation strategies outlined and implemented in the 2015 SWAP played a large role and directly contributed to the removal of the previously Endangered Roanoke Logperch from the Endangered Species List in 2025. We look forward to continued collaboration with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and other partners in implementing this vital plan. The NCAFS remains committed to supporting evidence- based conservation practices and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the full spectrum of our state’s natural heritage. Sincerely, Tom Fox, President
The North Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society trfox2@ncdot.gov (919) 707-6116
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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