CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^142THREATS TO COTTONWOOD/BLACK WILLOW/RIVER BIRCH WOODLAND
COMMUNITIES
Channel Modification high
Invasive Species high
Operation of Dams/Impoundments high
Recreation Activities high
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices medium
Groundwater and Surface Water Withdrawal low
Industrial Development low
Incompatible Grazing Practices low
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture low
Second Home/Vacation Home Development low
Urban/Suburban Development low
PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS
A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.
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 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 Prohibit gravel mining in stream channels, discourage gravel mining in floodplains and improve
oversight and planning for such mines on upland sites.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing
regulations in important habitats/populations.
A Limit/discourage surface and ground water withdrawals that are not sustainable and significantly
alter flow, depth or salt intrusion.