The N.C. Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive management tool developed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and more than 50 partners to help conserve and enhance the state’s full array of fish and wildlife species and their habitats. The Commission worked with expert biologists statewide to identify 371 priority wildlife species. These are the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks and crustaceans that are targeted for conservation action.
The Wildlife Action Plan describes 17 river basins and 23 types of habitats that are found across the state. The plan matches each priority species to the habitat type or river basin where it is found, identifies the most important threats facing each habitat, and details the critical actions required to protect and conserve these habitats. This is the basic framework underlying the Wildlife Action Plan. Priority wildlife can now be specifically targeted by carefully considering conservation or management options within essential habitats. The goal is to strategically target imperiled animals and their required habitats early, preventing them from becoming extinct.
The Wildlife Action Plans emerged from a mandate by the U.S. Congress that each state develop a comprehensive conservation strategy to be eligible for federal funding under the State Wildlife Grants program. North Carolina was the first state to submit its Action Plan in 2005. Each year, our state has received around $1.5 million to support implementation of the conservation actions laid out in the plan. In large part these funds have been used to support the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program, which implements the Wildlife Action Plan throughout North Carolina.
Teaming With Wildlife is a coalition of more than 6,100 organizations supporting increased public funding for wildlife conservation and related education and recreation. The organization’s Web site provides information about the development of the Wildlife Action Plans as well as more information about other states’ Wildlife Action Plans.
The Eight Required Elements
Congress identified eight required elements to be addressed in each state’s Wildlife Action Plan. Congress also directed that the strategies must identify and be focused on the “species in greatest need of conservation,” yet address the “full array of wildlife” and wildlife-related issues. The strategies must provide and make use of:
(1) Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the State fish and wildlife agency deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health of the State’s wildlife; and,
(2) Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species identified in (1); and,
(3) Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats; and,
(4) Descriptions of conservation actions proposed to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementing such actions; and,
(5) Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (1) and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed in (4), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or changing conditions; and,
(6) Descriptions of procedures to review the strategy at intervals not to exceed ten years; and,
(7) Plans for coordinating the development, implementation, review, and revision of the plan with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the State or administer programs that significantly affect the conservation of identified species and habitats.
(8) Congress also affirmed through this legislation that broad public participation is an essential element of developing and implementing these plans, the projects that are carried out while these plans are developed, and the Species in Greatest Need of Conservation that Congress has indicated such programs and projects are intended to emphasize.
All links below are PDFs that open to a new window. Acrobat Reader is required. You may download the complete document or sections of interest below.
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Table of Contents
Forward & Executive Summary
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Approach
Chapter 3.State of the State
Chapter 4. Statewide Conservation Strategies
(including 4A. Urban wildlife; 4B. Private lands; 4C. Land conservation; 4D. Education/outreach)
Chapter 5. Species and Habitat Conservation Strategies
(including Ch. 5A - Terrestrial Sysytems)
5B. Aquatic Systems
5C. Marine Systems
Chapter 6. Synthesis of Conservation Priorities
Chapter 7. Status and Trends Monitoring
Chapter 8. Implementation Monitoring, Adaptive Management, Review and Revision Procedures
Acknowledgements
Glossary & Key
Appendices
A. IAFWA Guiding Principles
B. Media Examples
C. Exec Summary of Stakeholder Meeting
D. Additional Species Explanations
E. Original Species Prioritization Criteria
F. Land Cover Data Crosswalk
G. Habitat Association Matrix
H. River Basin Matrix
I. Species Recovery Plans
J. Forestry Summit and Working Lands Summit Recommendations
K (partial). NC GAP Analysis Project
 | Carolina Madtom
Wildlife Diversity staff launched a project during 2007 to determine the abundance and distribution of the Carolina madtom, a very small catfish. The madtom is listed as a state-threatened fish and was once abundant in the Neuse and Tar rivers. Biologists’ surveys found the fish is still abundant in the Tar River but is nearly gone from the Neuse River. One of the reasons for the fish’s decline in the Neuse is degraded habitat due to urban development. This suggests that additional care is required if the madtom is going to survive the Tar River basin’s development.
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 | Sicklefin Redhorse
The sicklefin redhorse is a recently discovered fish that lives exclusively in the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee river systems in western North Carolina and northwestern Georgia. Biologists are conducting research to find out more about population size, spawning migrations, habitat and food requirements, reproductive biology and early history. This research is a cooperative effort between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Roanoke College, N.C. State University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Tennessee Valley Authority and Duke Energy. Biologists are using results from the research to conserve and enhance habitat and explore expansion of populations in the Tuckaseegee River system. | N/A |
 | Colonial Waterbirds
The Wildlife Diversity Program manages colonial waterbirds on 31 Commission-owned coastal islands. These islands provide nesting habitat for many species of terns, gulls, herons, egrets and other waterbirds, which have long attracted bird enthusiasts. Wildlife Diversity personnel lead the effort to manage and protect these nesting areas and work with many partners, including other state and federal agencies, Audubon North Carolina and other landowners, to manage habitat for waterbirds along North Carolina’s coast. | Colonial waterbirds:
lo-res (pdf, 288 KB)
hi-res (pdf, 1.5 MB)
Beach-nesting birds:
lo-res (pdf, 310 KB) |
 | Robust Redhorse
Since 2002, Wildlife Diversity personnel have been principals in a cooperative project tagging and monitoring the robust redhorse, a large sucker that until very recently was thought to be extinct in North Carolina. The robust redhorse is extremely rare and, in North Carolina, is found only in the Pee DeeRiver. Human impacts, such as dam building, pollution and the introduction of exotic species, are likely causes of the fish’s decline.
| lo-res (pdf, 392 KB)
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 | Neotropical Migratory Landbirds
Neotropical migratory landbirds nest and breed here in the summer before returning south for the winter. Neotropical migrants are well-known backyard visitors and include ruby-throated hummingbirds, summer tanagers and hooded warblers. Wildlife Diversity personnel survey and monitor songbird populations through a variety of programs across the state, provide guidance to landowners on managing habitats, and conduct bird identification workshops and presentations. | lo-res (pdf, 218 KB)
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 | Peregrine Falcons
Between 1984 and 1997, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission personnel released 92 juvenile peregrines from various cliff sites in western North Carolina. In 1999, peregrines were removed from the federal list of endangered species; however, with such a small population in North Carolina (less than 15 breeding pairs), falcons remain on the state endangered species list. Wildlife Diversity staff coordinate a nest monitoring project, which continues to track the success of restoration efforts and provides guidance to cliff landowners on how to manage these important breeding sites. | lo-res (pdf, 241 KB)
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 | Bald Eagle
Wildlife Diversity staff monitor bald eagle nests each year to obtain information, such as the number of active nests, along with the number of young fledged per nest. Bald eagles are another example of a collaboration of the Commission, agencies, organizations and landowners that has led to the national recovery of an endangered species. The Wildlife Observation Site on Jordan Lake provides a tranquil location for observing our national bird in addition to year-round wildlife. Wildlife Diversity staff coordinates management of this site, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Hope Audubon Society, and helps landowners statewide with guidance and information on how to ensure the continued recovery of bald eagles in North Carolina. | lo-res (pdf, 254 KB)
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 | Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers
Wildlife Diversity staff work on Commission-owned game lands and with other state and federal agencies in North Carolina to manage public land for the red-cockaded woodpecker. In addition, the Commission has initiated a Safe Harbor Program on private lands to help landowners manage their properties in ways that benefit woodpeckers while ensuring that landowners can utilize their property in compliance with terms of the US Endangered Species Act. This small black-and-white woodpecker, perhaps the most well-known endangered species in North Carolina, uses open stands of pine forests with trees that are 30 years or older for foraging and even more mature trees for nesting.
Learn about the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program:
Safe Harbor Program Questions and Answers (PDF)
Information for Landowners. Is it right for you? (PDF) | lo-res (pdf, 162 KB)
hi-res (pdf, 675 KB) |
 | Green Salamanders
Wildlife Diversity staff survey and monitor green salamanders in western North Carolina to help determine the status of green salamander populations in the state and direct conservation action. | lo-res (pdf, 480 KB)
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 | Northern Flying Squirrels
Wildlife Diversity personnel in the mountains conduct research involving trapping, nest box surveys and radio-telemetry of northern flying squirrels to help determine the range of this endangered species. This information will help ensure that our forests are managed in a manner that protects and enhances northern flying squirrel habitat. | lo-res (pdf, 320 KB)
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 | Bats
Wildlife Diversity staff conduct monitoring studies throughout the state to determine bat distribution and hibernation sites. They use a variety of methods, such as mist netting, trapping, banding and telemetry, to survey and band hundreds of bats. They also work to conserve important roost sites such as caves and mines. | lo-res (pdf, 267 KB)
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 | Bog Turtles
The Commission began surveys for bog turtles in North Carolina in the 1980s to determine the status of populations. Since then, Wildlife Diversity biologists and partners have conducted surveys every year and recorded important information on each captured bog turtle, such as gender, age and shell length. They are working to conserve the rare wetland habitats in the upper Piedmont and mountains that these turtles call home. | lo-res (pdf, 217 KB)
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 | Urban Wildlife
Begun in 2004, the Urban Wildlife Project works to promote open space conservation through land use planning and land conservation in the Triangle Region. This proactive approach steers development away from sensitive wildlife habitat and encourages compact communities with associated connected open spaces. | lo-res (pdf, 288 KC)
hi-res (pdf, 3.56 MB ) |
 | NC Birding Trail
The NC Birding Trail was created "to conserve and enhance North Carolina's bird habitat by promoting sustainable bird watching activities, economic opportunities and conservation education." | N/A |
 | Sea Turtle Recovery
Sea turtle nests are often threatened by beach development, heavy beach traffic, artificial lighting, and various beach re-nourishment activities. Wildlife Diversity staff coordinates the efforts of hundreds of volunteers from individual beach projects along approximately 300 miles of North Carolina's coastal barrier islands. These volunteers monitor nesting activity and report sea turtle strandings.
Learn more at seaturtle.org
Learn about the satellite tracking at Bald Head Island, NC | lo-res (pdf, 181 KB)
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 | Native Species Restoration in Western Rivers
Pigeon River. The Pigeon River was severely polluted by a paper mill for nearly a century. Cleanup efforts reversed much of the damage, but many native fish species had disappeared with no route to recolonize naturally. Since 2003, biologists have been working with partners Blue Ridge Paper, University of Tennessee, N.C. Division of Water Quality and others to restore some of these populations. So far, six fish species —silver, mirror, telescope, striped and Tennessee shiners, and gilt darters — are being reintroduced to their native water.
Cheoah River. The Cheoah River had most of its water diverted for hydropower production for more than 70 years. Flow now has been restored but the river is isolated from potential source populations of missing species. Biologists are working now with partners Alcoa, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Tech and others to restore habitat and species. In 2007, wavy-rayed lampmussels were the first to be reintroduced. A cooperative effort is under way now to restore the spotfin chub, a federal threatened species. | See Wildlife in North Carolina article, “Pigeon River Revival.” |
 | Aquatic Species Population Monitoring
Many (144 species) freshwater mussels, fishes and crayfishes in North Carolina are listed as threatened or endangered or were identified as priorities for conservation in North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan. Surveys to monitor these species and their habitats, as well as searches for new or undiscovered populations, are conducted by biologists throughout the state. Information from these studies is used to guide habitat conservation and enhancement, update the status of imperiled species, revise conservation priorities, and assess the effectiveness of conservation actions. |
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 | Rare Aquatic Species Propagation
North Carolina has a new tool for conserving rare and endangered freshwater mussels and fishes! Wildlife Diversity is partnering with the Commission’s Table Rock and Marion fish hatcheries, N.C. State University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the N.C. Department of Transportation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Conservation Fisheries, Inc., to develop facilities, techniques and the expertise needed to reproduce rare species in captivity. Following successful experiments to hold and propagate mussels, plans are now under way to expand culture facilities for them and rare fishes at the Marion hatchery. This expansion will enable biologists to provide safe refuge for critically endangered mussels during short-term habitat problems (like drought). It also will allow for the production of juvenile mussels and fishes for restoring populations in North Carolina streams and rivers and will support further research to improve and expand these efforts. | See Wildlife in North Carolina article, “Living with Mussels”. |
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2011 Spring Regional Workshops
- Provide information about the Wildlife Action Plan revision process
- Develop interest in participation on an ad hoc Stakeholder Advisory Committee
2010 September Workshop
- Engage stakeholders on the issue of climate change and wildlife.
- Garner stakeholder support for and input on using North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan as a framework for addressing climate change as it relates to wildlife.
Reptile and Amphibian Day
 This annual event highlights the biology, ecology and conservation needs of reptiles and amphibians around the world. With live animal and educational exhibits, the event offers much to see and learn for people of all ages.
Wildlife Resources Commission staff work cooperatively with many different partners and stakeholders to conserve North Carolina’s natural resources. Some of these working relationships span years and involve multiple project efforts, while others represent single or unique opportunities. These descriptions represent only a few of the partnerships Commission staff have been involved with over the years. A broader list is available for download in Adobe PDF format; Click here for a copy of the list.
Albermarle Pamlico Community Conservation Collaboration
The Albermarle Pamlico Community Conservation Collaboration got underway in 2007 when an extensive group of professionals gathered to share concerns for the natural resources and important wildlife habitats of the Albermarle Pamlico peninsula, especially in light of global climate change. This group intends to explore opportunities to manage lands, restore habitats, and protect lands and waters for the benefit of species native to the region.
Cape Fear Arch
The Cape Fear Arch includes the watersheds of the lower Cape Fear and the Waccamaw Rivers. The area is under great development pressure, which requires infrastructure that often eliminates habitat for important wildlife species. Since forming in 2006, the mission has been to develop a community conservation vision that provides protection and stewardship of the important natural resources and raises conservation awareness for the area.
Chatham Conservation Partnership
Numerous state and federal agencies, local land trusts, local conservation organization, county officials, commissioners, planners, and landowners have the common interest of developing a sustainable county focused on the preservation of its natural resources and rural and agricultural heritage.
Conservation Trust for North Carolina
The Conservation Trust for North Carolina protects land and water through direct efforts with willing landowners and in partnership with our state's local and regional land trusts. As a land trust, their protection efforts are focused on mountain streams, forests, and scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture
A collaboration between state fish and wildlife agencies, federal resource agencies, academic institutions and private sector conservation organizations working under a Memorandum of Understanding to conserve native Eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and their habitats. The long-term goals of the joint venture are to implement a comprehensive conservation strategy to improve aquatic habitat, raise public awareness, and prioritize the use of federal, state and local funds for brook trout conservation.
Greater Uwharrie Conservation Partnership
This partnership centers around the southern, central Piedmont of North Carolina that contains the Uwharries, an ancient mountain range, a series of lakes along the Yadkin-Pee Dee watershed, nationally significant aquatic habitats, rare wetlands, Uwharrie National Forest, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, farmlands, and Piedmont prairie remnants. The mission is to work for the long-term conservation and enhancement of biological diversity and ecosystem sustainability throughout the Greater Uwharries landscape compatible with the land use, conservation, and management objectives of the participating organizations and agencies.
Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition
A conservation organization whose mission is to facilitate water quality improvements in lakes and streams throughout the upper Hiwassee River watershed within Cherokee and Clay counties in NC. The coalition supports water quality education, watershed restoration projects, watershed planning, and opportunities for citizens to volunteer.
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
The Coastal Land Trust works to protect land, water, and air quality in the Coastal Plain through the acquisition of open space and natural areas, conservation education, and the promotion of good land stewardship.
NC Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NCPARC) is North Carolina’s own chapter of the successful world-wide organization Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Like its parent organization, NCPARC unifies members from all walks of life under one banner; that of the conservation of amphibians and reptiles and their habitats. The program hopes to make a difference for the persistence of healthy amphibian and reptile populations in our state.
NC Partners In Flight
This initiative, coordinated by Wildlife Resources Commission nongame staff, brings together government, private and public organizations and individuals in an effort to further migratory bird conservation throughout the Americas. Through habitat protection, management, monitoring, professional training and education, this program strives to maintain both bird species and habitats.
North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership
This Partnership was formed to facilitate collaboration between various federal, state, and non-profit conservation groups for the purpose of conserving the vanishing longleaf pine ecosystem and recovering the federally-listed endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the North Carolina Sandhills.
Onslow Bight Conservation Forum
The goals of this conservation forum include promoting conservation, restoration, health and sustainable use of the landscape and the native terrestrial and aquatic communities that depend, in whole or in part, on the lands and waters of the Onslow Bight area. This regional collaboration works toward conserving saltwater marshes, riverine wetlands, pocosins, longleaf pine savannahs, and other coastal plain ecosystems located between Cape Lookout and the Cape Fear River. The area also encompasses several large protected areas, including Cape Lejune and Croatan National Forest.
NC Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NCPARC) is North Carolina’s own chapter of the successful world-wide organization Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. The members of NCPARC hail from academia, state and federal agencies, research facilities, nature education centers, land trusts, municipalities, zoos, veterinary fields, forest products industries, energy cooperatives, conservation organizations, herpetological societies, pet trade industries, museums, and even your own neighborhoods. The program hopes to make a difference for the persistence of healthy amphibian and reptile populations in our state.
NC Partners In Flight
This initiative, coordinated by Wildlife Resources Commission nongame staff, brings together government, private and public organizations and individuals in an effort to further migratory bird conservation throughout the Americas. Through habitat protection, management, monitoring, professional training and education, this program strives to maintain both bird species and habitats
Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee
A voluntary stakeholder partnership established in 1995 and charged with the overall responsibility for directing the recovery of the robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum). The partnership is a pioneering effort to recover a species proactively, without federal listing. The partnership operates under a Memorandum of Understanding between state and federal resource agencies, private industry, and the conservation community in lieu of listing this species under the Endangered Species Act.
Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership
A regional collaboration of natural resource and science agencies, conservation organizations, and private interests developed to strengthen the management and conservation of aquatic resources in the southeastern United States. The mission of this partnership is to protect, conserve, and restore aquatic resources including habitats throughout the Southeast.
State-wide Amphibian Survey
If you are familiar with frog calls, you can volunteer for a route with the Calling Amphibian Survey Program. This is a night survey where you listen for frog calls. The program requires being able to identify frogs by sound, but training sessions are available. To find out more, go to the N.C. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation website or contact Jeff Hall at jeff.hall@ncwildlife.org for more information or to choose a route. |
Breeding Bird Surveys
 Survey songbird populations by joining the North America Breeding Bird Survey. Coordinators and observers work to identify all breeding birds in their area by sight and sound. Surveys are conducted annually during the peak of breeding season. Contact scott.anderson@ncwildlife.org for more information.
There are numerous opportunities for people across the country to engage in numerous citizen science opportunities including Project FeederWatch, the Great Backyard Bird Count, eBird and many others through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (www.birds.cornell.edu/citsci/). |
 Peregrine Falcons
Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs in western North Carolina. Volunteers can help by monitoring cliff sites to document nesting attempts and whether mated pairs produce offspring. Contact Christine.kelly@ncwildlife.org for more information. |
Monitoring Song Birds
 The Wildlife Diversity Program conducts songbird banding in conjunction with the Institute for Bird Populations’ Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program in Brunswick County in Southeastern North Carolina. Volunteers should have experience handling birds, removing birds from mist nests, or have knowledge of aging and sexing techniques for birds. Contact john.carpenter@ncwildlife.org for more information. |
U.S. Nightjar Survey Network
T he Wildlife Diversity Program collaborates with the Center for Conservation Biology’s United States Nightjar Survey Network to monitor populations of whip-poor-will, chuck-wills-widow, and common nighthawk. To find out more go to the US Nightjar Survey Network website (http://ccb-wm.org/nightjars.htm) or for routes in the mountain region, contact Christine.kelly@ncwildlife.org. |
Track Reptile and Amphibian Populations
 Help NCWRC biologists track reptile and amphibian populations by registering with the Carolina Herp Atlas and reporting your observations. |
Bog Turtle Monitoring
 The Wildlife Diversity Program also works closely with volunteers from the N.C. Herpetological Society to survey, monitor, and conserve bog turtle habitat in North Carolina. Contact gabrielle.graeter@ncwildlife.org for more information about bog turtle monitoring and management in North Carolina.
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Sea Turtle Projects
 There are 22 active sea turtle beach projects along North Carolina’s coastline that monitor sea turtle nesting and stranding in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. For information about sea turtle volunteering opportunities at a specific beach or island, contact matt.godfrey@ncwildlife.org. |
Monitoring Projects for Amphibians
 Western North Carolina is home to an incredible diversity of amphibians. In addition to numerous statewide monitoring projects for amphibians, the Wildlife Diversity Program conducts targeted surveys and monitoring for numerous species including green salamander, hellbender, mudpuppy, and mountain chorus frog. Contact lori.williams@ncwildlife.org to find out if you can help in your area of western North Carolina. |
Coastal Waterbird Projects
 Coastal North Carolina is home to many species of marsh-, shore-, sea-, and wading birds. To keep these species common along our coast, and to monitor rare species closely, the Wildlife Diversity Program conducts seasonal surveys and research, and protects important habitat. If you are interested in assisting with surveys of Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, colonial-nesting waterbirds, or other species; ongoing research projects; or habitat protection activities, contact sara.schweitzer@ncwildlife.org for more information.
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Jordan Eagle Observation Area
 Folks in the Chatham County area can volunteer to be stewards of the Jordan Lake eagle observation area off Martha’s Chapel Road. We need people willing to help pick up trash, develop educational signs, maintain trails, and monitor the area. Interested parties can get in touch with jeff.marcus@ncwildlife.org, or the New Hope Audubon Society (Bo Howes, rhowes@triangleland.org).
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Monitor Bat Populations
 The Wildlife Diversity Program has several efforts underway to monitor North Carolina’s bats (most in the mountains of N.C.), including winter surveys of hibernating bats, surveillance for White Nose Syndrome (a deadly bat disease), long term monitoring at summer habitats, and bat acoustic surveys (NC BAMP – Bat Acoustic Monitoring Program) . Contact gabrielle.graeter@ncwildlife.org to find out about volunteer opportunities with bats.
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The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission held five one-day workshops in regional settings as a follow-up to the September 2010 “Incorporating Climate Change Into North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan” workshop held in Raleigh.
The workshop goals were to provide information about the Wildlife Action (Plan) revision process to a wide range of stakeholder groups and develop interest in participation on an ad hoc Stakeholder Advisory Committee that will help review of the revised Plan.
Presentations included information about implementation of the current Wildlife Action Plan; the Plan revision process; climate change impacts on North Carolina’s fish and wildlife species; Natural Heritage Program’s habitat vulnerability assessments; strategies that will assist habitats in adapting to climate change impacts; and the Wildlife Resources Commission's new portal on the Conservation Registry.
Next Steps
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- Review the priority species lists and evaluate the priority habitats identified in the current Plan. Commission biologists and taxa experts will determine changes to the priority species list, if any, based on current scientific knowledge and anticipated impacts from climate change.
- Evaluate the habitat vulnerability assessments compiled by The Natural Heritage Program to update the priority habitats identified in the current Wildlife Action Plan.
- Consider how best to incorporate game species and their habitats in the state’s conservation efforts to make the Wildlife Action Plan more comprehensive for all fish and wildlife in the state .
- Convene an ad hoc Stakeholder Advisory Committee to review draft materials as they are prepared.
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| There are no current plans for additional workshops; however, we encourage stakeholders and partners to participate in the revision process by: |
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- providing comments on the current Plan;
- reviewing draft materials as they are prepared for the revised Plan through participation on an ad hoc Stakeholder Advisory Committee;
- integrating information on the anticipated impacts from climate change to fish and wildlife species; and
- lending expertise in evaluating priority species and habitats.
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If you are interested in participating in the Wildlife Action Plan revision process or would like to provide comments about the current Plan, contact Cindy Carr.
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