CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^115THREATS TO OLD FIELDS AND YOUNG HARDWOOD (SHRUBLANDS)
Altered Fire Regime high
Forestry Conversion high
Invasive Species high
Urban/Suburban Development medium
Agricultural Conversion low
Industrial Development low
Road Construction/Management low
PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS
A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.
A Encourage and improve management of habitat by controlled burning at necessary frequencies
and seasons.
A Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Encourage and improve agricultural/forestry/watershed land-use planning and BMPs to address
nonpoint pollution, erosion and water quality issues.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).
A Enhance viability of SGCN by providing habitat corridors between disjunct populations or
subpopulations.
A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Promote and develop landowner incentive and assistance programs for conservation of SGCN
and their habitats.
2.6 Agriculture Fields
Value to SGCN - 45
Rank - 20th of 29 Inland Terrestrial Complexes
(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic)DESCRIPTION
According to the National Agriculture Statistical Service, in
2002 Mississippi had over 11 million acres of land in
farms, about 33 percent of the total land area of