CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^178PRIORITY 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 Discourage/limit human access in highly critical areas and special habitats, when possible.
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 Maintain/improve/restore hydrologic (depth, hydroperiod, flow) and geomorphic (channel
sinuosity, floodplain, microtopography) integrity.
A Discourage incompatible forestry practices such as bedding as a method of site preparation and
planting extremely high stocking densities.
A Encourage buffers and improve land use practices adjacent to streams (SMZs) and other aquatic/
wetland habitats.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Monitor/limit commercial/residential/industrial point source erosion and sedimentation or
pollution into streams/atmosphere.
A Develop/improve urban/suburban/infrastructure land use development planning/zoning to
address SGCN habitats.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing
regulations in important habitats/populations.
A Reduce wetland filling and ensure/encourage local, comparable mitigation for wetland loss and
maintain updated flood zone maps.
A Limit/discourage surface and ground water withdrawals that are not sustainable and significantly
alter flow, depth or salt intrusion.
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.
A Encourage appreciation of SGCN and their habitats by providing public access and compatible
recreational activities.