CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSSERVATION ACTIONS^196THREATS TO MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Channel Modification high
Incompatible Agricultural Practices high
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices high
Incompatible Water Quality high
Invasive Species high
Headcutting high
Incompatible Forestry Practices medium
Industrial Development medium
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture medium
Incompatible Grazing Practices low
Operation of Dams/Impoundments 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 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 Monitor/address SGCN harvest/over harvest issues (including bycatch or incidental take).
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 Reduce wetland filling and ensure/encourage local, comparable mitigation for wetland loss and
maintain updated flood zone maps.