CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSSERVATION ACTIONS^211THREATS TO BIG BLACK RIVER DRAINAGE
Agricultural Conversion high
Channel Modification high
Incompatible Agricultural Practices high
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Incompatible Water Quality high
Headcutting high
Incompatible Grazing Practices medium
Urban/Suburban Development medium
Groundwater and Surface Water Withdrawal low
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices low
Industrial Development low
Road Construction/Management low
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture low
Recreation Activities 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 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.
A Limit/discourage surface and ground water withdrawals that are not sustainable and significantly
alter flow, depth or salt intrusion.