CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^265Groundwater and Surface Water Withdrawal: Ground and Surface Water Withdrawal low
Operation of Dams/Impoundments: Including Construction low
Recreation Activities: Bank Erosion From Wake low
Industrial 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 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 Limit bulk-heading along coastal drainages.
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 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 Discourage incompatible recreational uses.
A Improve enforcement of existing species protection regulations.
A Encourage appreciation of SGCN and their habitats by providing public access and compatible
recreational activities.
A Encourage proper disposal and cleanup of waste and litter.